Bath and Body

Soap Making, Oils and Recipes

Book Review And Giveaway – Give Yourself Margin

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“Give yourself margin” is a sewing maxim about leaving enough excess fabric to account for potential mistakes. This book is about giving yourself space—the mental margin—to reconnect with your creative self by trying new things and, yes, even by failing sometimes. With lush illustrations, empowering interactive prompts, and inspiring personal stories, Give Yourself Margin is the perfect gift for anyone who is looking to rediscover their spark.

This book is a guide to self-love and asks you all the right questions, but I have to say the illustrations alone are breathtaking, this book is a book or art.

The perfect book for the creative soul. Each page a gentle push into the right direction of finding yourself and taking a moment to think, thinking of your answers alone is a moment in time when your brain settles from the everyday dust and you become selfish in your own thoughts to consider the answers. A selfishness that is needed, required and should be praised, without these moments of selfishness we loose ourself to everyone around us.

We love this book so much we are giving 5 copies away to CraftGossip.com readers.  For your chance to win, simply comment below and tell us one thing you did for yourself today. Open to US addresses only, this giveaway closes on the 31st of October when winners will be randomly drawn from the comments below.

 

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Comments

  1. Looks like great advice for all of us. Paper crafting is my go to stress reducer and being a scientist, the creative aspects helps to balance the logical mindset. Looking forward to reading this book.

  2. I took a walk in the meadow this morning and didn’t think about anything, just purposefully taking each step and listening to the sounds ofnature around me and looking at the vegetation.

  3. When I was working on site, I did a lot of adult coloring to stave off boredom during my job at a call center. Since I’ve been working from home, I haven’t been doing that. I’ve started again and I’m working on a lovely autumn design. I had forgotten what a difference that little bit of creative output makes in an otherwise tedious day!

  4. I am recovering from back surgery and REALLY miss crafting! Before my surgery I put together Craft Ziplock Bags containing EVERYTHING needed for a particular small project. Example: Fall Angel with leaf wings, Altered Tin Halloween/Christmas Scenes. And every day I do one ~ I feel so accomplished and my creative heart is full…
    Thank you so much,
    Gail Holden
    28A Apple Tree Drive
    Goffstown, NH 03045

  8. Let’s see, today I ordered Vitamin D3 for myself. My neighbors, friends, and relatives were concerned about me not taking care of myself so I “allowed myself to let them in” by following their suggestion and doing something about it. I was waiting for my husband to confer with me on this, but he recently passed away. Now I need to allow other people close to me to be my confidantes.

  9. For the past few weeks I have become a homeschool teacher to my two granddaughters, ages 8 and 11, as well as caring for their 3-month-old brother while their mom goes to work. I have been retired for the past two years, enjoying my freedom to come and go as I pleased. Today, I called off school and I went to my sewing room and spent some time doing what I love-quilting. Would LOVE to have a copy of this book to reignite that spark of creativity I used to have.

Have you read?

DIY Sore Muscle Relief Balm with Essential Oils – Natural Comfort in a Jar

When your back’s tight, your shoulders are screaming, and even stretching feels like too much effort—sometimes, you just need a little help in a jar.

Enter this soothing DIY Sore Muscle Relief Balm. It’s warming, nourishing, and infused with essential oils known for easing tension and boosting circulation. Whether you’re dealing with post-gardening aches, a long day on your feet, or that stubborn neck kink from sleeping funny (again), this balm is a natural way to say goodbye to muscle misery.

I keep a tin of this on my bedside table and another in the kitchen drawer. It’s a go-to remedy in our house for everything from growing pains to post-walk stiffness—and trust me, with a big dog like Aloo dragging me around, I know sore calves!

Why Make Your Own Muscle Balm?

Commercial rubs often contain synthetic fragrances, petroleum byproducts, or ingredients that can be too harsh on sensitive skin. When you make your own, you’re in full control—and it doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

This DIY balm is:

  • Petroleum-free and non-toxic 
  • Packed with anti-inflammatory oils 
  • Warming without the burn 
  • Gentle on sensitive or mature skin 
  • Perfect for gifting 

Ingredients You’ll Need

Base Oils & Butters:

  • ¼ cup shea butter – rich in vitamins and helps deeply hydrate skin 
  • 2 tbsp beeswax pellets – thickens the balm and adds a protective barrier 
  • ¼ cup coconut oil – light carrier oil with natural anti-inflammatory properties 
  • 2 tbsp magnesium oil (optional but recommended for extra relief) 

Essential Oils Blend:

  • 10 drops peppermint essential oil – cooling and refreshing 
  • 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil – helps reduce inflammation 
  • 6 drops rosemary essential oil – boosts circulation 
  • 5 drops lavender essential oil – calming and soothing 
  • 4 drops ginger essential oil – gentle warming effect (skip if sensitive to heat) 

Note: Always do a patch test before slathering it on.

How to Make It – Step-by-Step

  1. Melt Your Base
     In a double boiler (or a heat-safe bowl over simmering water), melt together the shea butter, beeswax, and coconut oil until fully liquified. 
  2. Add Magnesium Oil (Optional)
     Remove from heat and stir in magnesium oil if using. This may cause some bubbling—that’s normal! 
  3. Cool Slightly
     Let the mixture cool for a couple of minutes. You want it warm but not hot to avoid damaging the essential oils. 
  4. Stir in Essential Oils
     Add your essential oils and mix thoroughly with a wooden stick or glass stirrer. 
  5. Pour into Tins or Jars
     Carefully pour the balm intometal balm tins or glass jars. Let cool uncovered until set. 
  6. Label & Store
     Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight. It should last 6–12 months. 

How to Use Your Homemade Muscle Rub

  • Massage a small amount into sore muscles after a shower or bath. 
  • Use it before bed to help loosen tight areas and promote deeper sleep. 
  • Rub into feet and calves after long days of standing or walking. 
  • Warm it between your hands for easier spreading on cold days. 

Bonus tip: Rub a bit onto temples and neck during tension headaches—peppermint works wonders.

Customize Your Balm

Want to make it your own? Here are a few add-ins:

  • Arnica oil – great for bruises and swelling 
  • Cayenne pepper oil – for extra heat (only a drop or two!) 
  • Menthol crystals – adds a deep cooling sensation, use sparingly 
  • Comfrey-infused oil – old-school remedy for joint pain and strains 

Gift It!

This balm makes a thoughtful gift for:

  • Gym-goers 
  • Gardeners 
  • Grandparents 
  • Stressed-out teachers 
  • Care packages for new mums or anyone in recovery 

Pair it with a cozy pair of socks or a DIY rice heat pack for a full self-care bundle.

Making your own sore muscle balm isn’t just about saving money or going natural—it’s about putting a little love and intention into your self-care. This balm smells divine, feels luxurious, and actually works. No mystery ingredients. No overpriced tubes. Just natural, handmade relief whenever you need it.

 

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