Soap Making, Oils and Recipes
I am giving away a brand new copy of Dorm Decor: Remake Your Space with More than 325 Projects by Theresa Gonzalez and Nicole Smith!
To enter, simply leave a comment on this post only letting me know what your favorite bath & body product is to make. Comments must be posted by 9 pm PST, Friday, October 2nd. One entry per person only. Winner will be drawn randomly October 3rd and notified via email, so make sure it’s included in your comment.
See my review of Dorm Decor here.
As someone who’s been navigating the tumultuous waters of perimenopause, I can honestly say that finding a resource like The New Menopause by Dr. Mary Claire Haver has been nothing short of a lifeline. It’s often said that knowledge is power, and this book does exactly that—empowering women to take charge of their health during a time when our bodies are changing in ways that can feel overwhelming and frustrating.
In my own experience with perimenopause, I’ve struggled with symptoms like irregular sleep patterns, mood swings, and weight gain that seemed to come out of nowhere. The feeling of loss of control over my body was not only physical but emotional. Dr. Haver’s approach to menopause is refreshingly holistic—she not only presents scientific facts but also provides real-life, relatable advice to help women thrive through this stage of life, not just survive.
The book covers everything from physical symptoms, like changes in skin and sleep patterns, to neurological, psychological, and even sexual health concerns. Dr. Haver also does a fantastic job of addressing the long-term health risks that come with the drop in estrogen levels, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease. For women like myself who want to be proactive, her science-backed toolkit on what steps to take is both comprehensive and actionable.
One of the most helpful sections for me was about advocating for myself during doctor visits. I’ve often felt like my concerns were brushed aside or minimized, and Dr. Haver empowers readers with practical questions to ask their doctors and the tools to secure comprehensive care—something I desperately needed.
In addition to all the invaluable health insights, the book also touches on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), explaining the latest research and balancing both the benefits and potential side effects, which gave me the confidence to make informed decisions about my own treatment options.
Essential Oils for Menopause Relief:
For those of us trying to manage symptoms naturally, essential oils can be an incredible tool. In addition to Dr. Haver’s advice, I’ve found that certain essential oils have helped me feel more balanced during perimenopause:
Clary Sage – Known for its calming effects, it helps with mood swings and hot flashes.
Peppermint – Excellent for headaches and nausea, common issues during hormonal fluctuations.
Lavender – Great for sleep support, especially if your sleep is disrupted due to night sweats or anxiety.
Geranium – Supports hormonal balance and can alleviate feelings of irritability.
Frankincense – Can help with anxiety and stress, grounding your mind and body.
Ylang Ylang – A sweet floral oil that can boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Rose – Known for supporting emotional well-being and can help with feelings of sadness or low self-esteem.
I use a few drops of these oils in a diffuser before bed, or dilute them with a carrier oil for a soothing massage, especially on areas like my neck and shoulders when I feel tension or discomfort.
The New Menopause is not just a guide—it’s a celebration of empowerment, helping women reclaim their vitality during a period of change. Dr. Haver provides a comprehensive blueprint for not only surviving menopause but thriving through it, arming us with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to take control of our health at this pivotal stage in our lives. This book is an essential read for any woman going through this transition, and it’s sure to become a trusted companion in your menopause journey.
If you’re feeling lost or unsure, I highly recommend picking up The New Menopause. It’s time to embrace this phase of life with purpose, power, and—most importantly—self-care.
Updated to add, I have just purchased this Menopause blend of hormone balance drops and will update with my review shortly.
My favorite bath products to make are bath bombs! They require only a few common ingredients, are infinitely customizable and they are lots of fun to use!
I like to make recycled face scrubbies from old nylon loofahs. That’s a bath and body product right?
Bath bombs! They are so much fun and kids go crazy for them.
Can I be entered if I’ve never made a bath and body product? I’m really interested in making lip balm, but haven’t gotten the supplies yet, so I can’t yet say I’ve made anything. 🙁
Ohhh great book giveaway!
My fave b&b item to make would be lip balm! The variety of “flavors” and organic ingredients rock!
Woot! My favorite bath and body product to make would be face wash. My husband has very oily skin and so we use special herbal remedies to help with acne.
Brown sugar scrub!
Ooh, I always used to make lip balms as a kid! I got a kit for Christmas and since I’ve discovered the world of natural products I’ve been dying to try to make some new balms as gifts.
Does making candles count? I’m a little obsessed with candles, especially in my bathroom!
I’m in college, so I would love to have a copy of this book!
My email is apaschal25@neo.tamu.edu
Oooh, body scrubs. And bath bombs. So fun!
Bath salts. Love ’em.
I think some face scrubs would be fun. Thanks.
I would like to learn to make soap.
Scrubs… even I can do those lol! But would love to try my hand at making some soaps.
I like to make melt & pour soap.
I love making brown sugar or coffee body scrubs! Thanks for the giveaway!
I love making fresh and fruity face cleansers and moisturizers…it’s fun teaching the girls in my dorm all about making handmade body products! 🙂 Thanks!
Definitely lavender & chamomile bath salts! Thank you for entering me in the drawing.
sugar and salt body scrubs are what we make and give for holiday gifts
love some new homemade gift ideas from you
thanks
I want to learn to make bath bombs and lip balm!
I love a sugar scrub for my hands – makes them soooo soft!
I love making goldfish in a bag soap and milk bath salts. Thanks!
My favorite to make is an easy body/foot scrub! My feet always need it!
I also have never made a bath & body product, but I’m very interested in learning to make fun soaps & loofas!
Hi….I like to make candles and scrubs. Great book!
Hey! I would love to be entered, and my favorite product to make is definitely a great exfoliator out of coarse sugar and honey…yummy. 🙂
I loooove making sugar and salt scrubs! & I love them even more when my husband uses them. 🙂
Thanks for the giveaway!
I love making simple scrubs and loofas. And hair towels out of pretty fabric. The book looks gorgeous.
tea tree bath salt – so calming after a rough day!
I’ve never made any bath & body products, but I’m an avid learner!
Body scrubs and bath bombs!
bath bomb with lovely essential oils and rose pedals..
My daughter and I love to make soap. We’ve tried lip balm too. Thanks for the chance to win such a fabulous book.
I love making candles, and crocheting scrubbies from mesh materials. It is awesome to make them multiple colors!
I love making bath scrubbies from yarn,wool, fabric etc…
Bath Salts are easy to make and fun to give as gifts in pretty jars.
I can’t say that I often make bath and body products, but I like a good face mask when I do!
I love to make lavender spray for my pillow and car
I think this counts as a body product… I love making rice bags(heating pads) for gifts. I have made them as eye masks with lavendar in them and they are wonderful! So soothing and relaxing (the eye mask shaped ones are great for sinus headaches, too). Thanks for the chance at your giveaway!
OH I’m so excited about the new book~ I make homemade lip gloss and it’s awesome… watermelon flavor!
-Sarah from Create Studio
createstudioblog@gmail.com