Lotion bottles come in a large variety of colors, shapes and designs. What do you do with them once they are empty? After you wash them thoroughly here are ten great ways to re-purpose them.
Plant Pots and Make Up or Pencil Cups
Cut the Lotion bottle’s bottom off about four or five inches from the bottom end forming a cup. This can be decorated with decoupage, or painted.
This same design can be used hold make up brushes or eyeliner pencils. It would also be a great way for kids to make a pencil cup as a teacher gift
Phone Charger Holder
This personable phone charger holder enables you to hang your phone around your charger so it is not left on a floor or in an area where you are not able to leave it safely on a table.
http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2011/12/holder-for-charging-cell-phone-made-from-lotion-bottle.html
Bird feeder
Birds will really enjoy visiting your back yard or patio when you put out these cute lotion bottle bird feeders. Easy to make and decorate these bird feeders will be an eclectic addition to your home.
First remove the pump and tube from the cap on the bottle leaving a hole in the lid. Use string or thin rope to run through the hole and tie a knot under the cap creating a loop to hang over a tree limb or hook.
Second simply cut an oval shaped hole in the front of the bottle approximately two inches from the bottom as an opening for the birds to get to the seeds. Paint, fill with bird seed and hang.
Plastic Mini Purse
These mini purses are adorable and make great gifts. Every little purse will be unique and can even be used as a gift bag for smaller gifts or gift cards.
http://www.instructables.com/id/FUN-LITTLE-PURSE-recycle-crafting/
Over the Sink Sponge Caddy
By cutting the lotion bottle and bending it over your sink this craft will give you a caddy so you never have to search for your soap and sponge again.
http://eveofreduction.com/how-to-repurpose-shampoo-bottle/
Sink Extender
This is a great way to help kids who can’t quite reach the sink yet. It extends the water to where they can wash their hands comfortably.
http://lifehacker.com/repurpose-a-lotion-bottle-into-a-faucet-extender-for-ki-1532436589
Water Balloon Pump
This will work with any lotion bottles that have a pump. First be sure the lip of the balloon will fit over the end of the pump. In some pump bottles you may need to cut away part of the pump so the balloon will fit. Thoroughly wash out the bottles and fill with water. Kids can then use the bottle to fill up water balloons.
Plant Label Stakes
The plastic used to make your lotion bottles makes a perfect weatherproof stake to label the plants in your garden. Simply use a sharpie to draw out long rectangle, then cut. Once you have the stake cut out, make one end pointed by cutting into a triangle point. Use sharpie to write the name of plant and then it is ready for the garden or potted plant you would like to label.
Outdoor or Indoor Lighting Covers
Using the tops of lotion bottles as light covers you will give a new look to old holiday lights. These can be used to light up any outdoor party.
http://familycrafts.about.com/od/gardendecor/ss/Patio_Light_Cover_Craft.htm
Paint Brush Cups
After you are done painting all of your new re-purposed lotion bottles use one to soak your paint brushes in.
10 Creative Ways to Pay for Massage School
In the age of connectivity and information, many industries have experienced unexpected expansion into non-traditional avenues of alternative technologies and methods. The medical field in particular has been propelled towards progressive advancement thanks to the widespread popularity of alternative medicines and treatment programs. No longer is the medical field confined to the narrow view of western medicine, or enslaved to the endless cycle of pill mills. Fields like massage therapy, acupuncture, natural/holistic medicine, etc. are finding official recognition in the field of medical sciences. But how does one become a part of this relatively new and expanding field?
Non-traditional education institutions and training academies, as well as officially accredited programs at colleges and universities, have been popping up all over the world, offering hands-on, practical and theoretical training in alternative medicine fields. Massage therapy is probably one of the most popular of these. There is bound to be a massage school local to where you live. Some of these schools offer financial aid, but what funding options are available to you if you can’t get approved for financial aid or if federal aid is simply not available at the institution you wish to attend?
Here are a few non-traditional and unusual methods of finding education funding open to prospective massage school students (and other types of alternative medicine training institutions):
- Scholarships and Grants– Perhaps the most obvious and easily accessible option open to students who need financial assistance to receive an education, scholarships and grants are available to those who meet certain criteria (grades, volunteer work, essay writing, ethnic background, and more!)
- Employer Funding– If you already work for an employer that has an interest in maintaining a staff trained in massage therapy, they may offer to cover your massage school tuition costs, or offer a tuition reimbursement program. This is beneficial to both you, the employee and the employer, who will gain a highly skilled worker who has already proven their dedication to their job.
- Negotiating with your School of Choice– Educational institutes and colleges will often offer their own discounts, installment plans, and even scholarships to students who demonstrate an intense desire and aptitude to learn. Many times, a massage school will have different tuition rates and schedules for those who are paying out-of-pocket.
- Crowd-funding– Many students have taken to crowd-funding campaigns in order to pay for their massage school education expenses. A few of these companies offer an arrangement whereby you can offer a small percentage of your future income to pay off your debt (with a small interest rate, of course).
- Tuition-Free School– It sounds too good to be true, but there are a number of educational institutes that offer a “free” education in exchange for part-time work on campus. Essentially, they will train you for no-charge and give you job experience in the field for which you’re training.
As you can see, there are several options available outside of traditional federal and state financial aid for receiving an education. The fields of massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga, holistic medicine, and other alternative therapies are expanding at an incredibly fast rate, and schools are struggling to produce candidates to meet the ever-increasing demand for these professionals. So, if you are looking to rise above your current station in life… to start a career rather than just another job… there are many, many feasible options which are open to you right now!
A Compassionate Career | Massage Therapy is Heath-Centered Health Care
A massage is no longer just a luxury for the uber-rich to enjoy at an exclusive spa. Massage is now becoming a common way of dealing with stress, enhancing health, and living a good life. As a massage therapist, you have the opportunity to really help people improve their lives. Massage is part of a new and more compassionate trend in health care. It really is health care with a heart. If you are not satisfied with your current job and are looking for a more fulfilling career, then massage therapy might be for you.
A New Kind of Health Care
One could say that most traditional medicine treats diseases and not people. You go to the doctor’s office because you are sick. Doctors and nurses are trained to deal with medical problems. That is not to say that there are not a lot of caring and compassionate doctors and nurses. It is simply to say that the goal of medical treatment seems to be curing a disease.
There is an alternative to this approach to medicine. Some doctors are trying to take a more holistic approach to medicine that deals with the overall wellness of the person. Rather than just treating diseases, medical practitioners try to help their patients lead better, healthier lives. The focus is on creating health and preventing disease rather than waiting until a disease happens and curing it.
This new way of health care opens the door for many different kinds of health care practitioners. Acupuncture, yoga, nutrition, herbalism are all field that promote the overall health and wellness of the person. Another possible field to look at is massage therapy.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Massage involves applying pressure to a person’s skin, muscles, ligaments and tendons. This can be in the form of light stroking or deep pressure. Massage offers many benefits:
- The most commonly documented beneficial aspect of massage is stress relief. Massage reduces muscle tension, pain and stress.
- It can improve a person’s range of motion and reduce back pain. Enhancing overall muscle flexibility as well.
- Massage reduces anxiety and increases energy. It helps people feel more confident about themselves.
- It enhances the quality of sleep and improves concentration.
- It can also help to reduce or control the symptoms of many diseases.
As a massage therapist, your work will help patients improve their overall sense of health and well-being. They will improve the quality of their lives because of your treatments.
How to Become a Massage Therapist
Standards and requirements vary by state, so be sure you check out the requirements where you live. Training to become a licensed massage therapist often involves 500 or more hours of instruction and practice. You can research local training programs and find the one that is right for you. You want to make sure that the program offers the kind of massage you want to specialize in and has options that meet your schedule and financial budget.
A Compassionate Career
Massage is a way to form deep connections with people. As a massage therapist, you will be in a trusted position to care for your clients bodies and souls. Your empathy and compassion will help people to be healthier, more in touch with their bodies and to enhance their quality of life. If you are looking for a career that helps and serves other people, massage therapy is a great choice.
Learn More About Massage School Here
Massage School Points to Self Discovery
The idea of going back to school as a mature adult can be a bit daunting; you have responsibilities that still need to be fulfilled and a life that still needs to be lived.
But one of the nice things about going when you’re older is you know how to work for what you want. Failure isn’t an option, and since you’re not worrying about your ability to be successful, you can simply enjoy the experience, with confidence.
With an education choice like massage school, not only will you be going down a new career path, you will be embarking on journey of self-discovery.
Every massage school curriculum includes basic, core courses, and while you learn, you are also really learning about yourself.
Anatomy is the study of the human body. You will learn not only about muscles, but every single part that makes you up.
Kinesiology is the study of human movement. It is understanding how muscles and tendons and joints need to work in harmony to benefit the body.
Physiology is the study of how the body parts function and how they work in conjunction with one another.
Pathology, the study of disease, is also important. This knowledge will aid the massage therapist in deciding a course of treatment as well as knowing when it is time for other health care practitioners to assume a role in the patient’s overall care.
Nutrition, and the study of nutrients and how the body uses those nutrients, is an extremely useful and important course. So much of the things called food today really aren’t. The soil is depleted; fruits and vegetables are grown with pesticides and herbicides, and allergies and intolerances are common. Massage therapists are not nutritionists, but a basic understanding of the role nutrition plays in the body is key, for both clients and yourself.
Massage Techniques, of course, is formal instruction on exactly how to use your body effectively to help someone else’s body. It is using your fingers and hands, or even feet or elbows, to provide a therapeutic experience. You’ll also learn how to prevent injury to yourself while practicing massage.
Additionally, you’ll learn things like the history of massage, the ethical practices expected of the profession, and the basic business skills needed to be an independent massage therapist.
Good massage schools will place a high emphasis on taking proper care of yourself. Many healthcare-related professionals have a high level of burnout, but then so does any profession if you aren’t practicing mindful self-care. Take advantage of additional learning experiences that may be offered to you. Many schools provide basic introductions to other alternative therapies, like yoga, foot reflexology, or acupressure.
Learning from other students also aids in self-development. Everyone in life has something to offer. Oftentimes, like-minded individuals enjoy similar lifestyles and hobbies, like gardening or hiking, and enjoy sharing their knowledge and passions.
Choosing to start over and head down a new career path doesn’t have to be filled with anxiety. Like anything in life, viewing it as an adventure and as an investment in you will offer the best chance of success.
How to Make Good Grades in Massage School
For many people the idea of going back to school can be extremely intimidating. School is a vastly different environment than the workforce and it takes a very different mindset. There are a variety of factors that can make the difference between a successful course of study and failure but the number one factor will always be choosing the career path that appeals the most to you. For many that answer lies with a degree or certificate in health and wellness, more specifically in massage therapy. Not only is it a booming career field but it is also a field that offers several options. So is going back to school right for you? Yes but that is just the beginning.
Deciding to go back to school is the easy part. You now have to select the school where you will eventually earn your degree or certificate. When selecting your massage school you will want to select a field of study that appeals the most to you and offers you the most options. You will also want to consider cost and financial aid. The schools should have financial aid counselors to help you but more than that they should also offer counselors to help you understand what the coursework will be so you can plan ahead. After all…you do not want to waste time and money only to fail the courses because you did not apply yourself and you received poor grades. Getting good grades is the key to success.
The process of getting good grades is basically the same regardless of the course of study. The fundamentals are always going to be: listening skills, note taking, memorization, practice and test taking. Each of these are vital in massage school if you want to make good grades. Good grades mean you will excel and learn valuable skills. Learning valuable skills leads to better paying jobs which leads to a better lifestyle for you and your family. Let’s get started on your fundamentals.
Active listening skills are probably one of the most understated and under utilized skills anyone can ever possess. It is easy to say that you can listen to someone but are you actively listening or are you simply waiting for a chance to respond or, in the case of listening to a lecture, are you waiting for the lecturer to be finished speaking so the class will be over? Active listening involves opening your ears and your mind. It is leaning in and engaging with the speaker and really hearing what he, or she, has to tell you about the subject. When you actively listen then you are naturally going to start taking good notes because you are paying attention. The most effective students start out taking too much notes and learn to whittle them down after they have taken a few tests. This way they know how much they retain from listening alone.
Massage school is more than just listening, note taking, and tests though. It also will involve hands on practice and education. That is where your family and friends come in to play. Get a study group together and recruit volunteers so you can practice the skills you have been taught in your classes. The more you practice the better you will become. Learning how to study and retain information may take time but you can master these skills, and in the course of mastering these habits you will begin getting great grades. Before you know it you will have completed massage school with flying colors and will be a practicing massage therapist.
Learn more about being successful in massage therapy school by clicking here
