Herbal Remedies, Aromatherapy, Bath and Body Products

I am hosting a giveaway - AGAIN....be your own boss now of the prize you get

2010-04-28T16:27:00.003-04:00

Yeah, yeah....now I havent hosted my own giveaway in such a long time, I thought it was about time. And really, there is no better way to do it than Youtube, so I can at least say what I want to say :-)

You would be able to choose your own prize here. At least you dont get what someone else decided to throw your way...lol....My creams have all stayed the same, they are my signature product and what I am known best for.

I did experiment with soap recipes though. All of my cold process soaps are awesome, but my personal favorites are the ones with olive oil/shea and olive oil/lard combination.

option of how you can enter:

Mandatory:

1. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel

Optional:

2. Become a fan of my Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/MeaCulpaBodya...

3. Go to my stores and write down under the video which item you like the best:
http://meaculpabodyandbath.artfire.com
http://meaculpabodyandbath.esty.com

4. Subscribe to my newsletter:

5. Twitter about it

6. Facebook it.

Write down each entry separately under the video. Contest ends in 2 weeks - May 11th

Giveaway....AGAIN...win 3 Goats Milk Soaps

2010-04-10T13:14:00.003-04:00

Here we go again....this time I have 3 Goats Milk Soaps up for grabs - Grapefruit Essential Oil, Golden Goddess (Baby Phat) and PS I Love You (Bath and Body Works). Hop on to ByHandGiveAways and see the simples details of how to enter.

http://byhandgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/04/sponsored-enter-here-win-soap-mea-culpa.html

How to make all natural sunscreen cream

2010-04-06T20:13:00.005-04:00

I finally made a video. But with this, new challenges came...lol.....I could not, for the life of me, find a program to crop the inside of the video so I can make it only 10 min long. So, you will have to suffer through all the mixing with the hand blender :-(

There are 11 parts, they are not very long (thank you Gods!) and if you only click on my username there - it will take you to my channel where you can see all of them. I really doubt that you want me to embed all 11 here on my blog :-)

Enjoy:

Etsy
Buy Handmade
MeaCulpaBodyandBath

Giveaway Alert - Karma Bites (Lush Type Karma) Goats Milk Soap

2010-03-27T13:02:00.003-04:00

Alright Folks, I am giving away one 3oz bar of the intoxicating Karma Bites fragranced goats milk soap. This is the last one left in my store and there will be more to come.

There is no need to purchase anything, you dont have fill in all requirements that are listed. Do only what you feel comfortable doing. Its nothing really, few of the things that Traci at Sampler Village (in which I contribute with samples in her boxes) are: to go to my store and write down your fav item, to become a fan of my Facebook Fan Page etc....

Hop on over to:

http://samplervillage.blogspot.com/2010/03/giveaway-mea-culpa-body-and-bath-goats.html

and enter to win this luscious soft soap!

Giveaway ends April 2nd.

What Lush scents would you like to see in my store?

2010-03-23T17:43:00.006-04:00

So....I've been gone, I know....I had a lot going on in my life - store was busy, we were looking for a new house, moving, settling in etc.....I am not completely all unpacked and all, we just moved in 2 weeks ago. Taking it slowly....

I have gotten few Lush scents and I was really wondering which ones are popular and which ones you would like to see. I investigated Lush's ingredients and honestly, as much as they tout natural and all - oh, they are not. Probably the worst ingredient in their products is SLS.

In my store, you can find a lot of the amazing scents of Lush (with changed names, of course) with my REALLY all natural products.

The ones that I have for now are:

Karma

Honey, I washed the kids

American Cream

Rock Star

Uluru

Alkmaar

Champagne Snow Flurries

Jungle

I am really looking forward to finding and buying more, so your help would be very appreciated.

Etsy
Buy Handmade
MeaCulpaBodyandBath

Receive free 3oz Goats Milk Soap Coupon

2009-11-19T13:02:00.003-05:00

I have decided to award the people that shop with me by giving them a free gift. From now until Dec 3rd orders over 15$ (before shipping) will be able to get a free soap. If you dont like surprises, just leave me a note at checkout saying what scent you would like.

Here is the coupon you can use:

Visit MeaCulpaBodyandBath's Studio

Receive a free gift with Order Total (orders above $15.00)

Use Coupon Code:

FREESOAP

during checkout.

Handmade Musical Instruments

Was it Halloween?

2009-11-05T08:57:00.006-05:00

well....thats it :-) My older one was a vampire, my younger a Native Indian and me....well, I was SUPPOSE to be a vampire, but my teeth just didnt work out. I think I look more like a witch...lol

See how you can win free Goats Milk Soap with Shea Butter Cream

2009-10-29T10:58:00.007-04:00

I am going to offer a free 3oz Goats Milk Soap, accompanied by a 2oz Shea Butter Cream - your choice of scent of course, for the 100th subscriber to my newsletter. If by any chance more people enter, I will do the same for the 150th and 200th and so on for every 50th person.

All you have to do is click on the blue box on the left and enter your name and email. If at any time you want to unsubscribe - thats very easy to do.

I just want to tell you that you can be at peace - I dont overwhelm the people with emails all the time. I start with

myself, knowing that I wouldnt like that.

The prize is worth 9.50$

Thank You.

I have over 115 different scents to choose from. You can see them here:

http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=6254361

and here:

http://www.artfire.com/users/meaculpabodyandbath/blog/c/my-list-of-scents-available

Getting personal with soap...no, not THAT way!

2009-10-23T10:47:00.004-04:00

So, I started making soaps and my biggest challenge so far has been matching colors to the scent. Yeap - it takes some creativity to do that successfully.....and honestly, I dont think I have been all that successful with it.

One scent just sent a lightening bolt through my head and I had the colors pink-gray in my head. That scent was Very Sexy from Victorias Secret. I dont know why, it somehow reminded me of my days when I used to work as a customer service at a

n international phone company. It was elegant, sensual and sexy in such a subtle way - just like the ladies that worked at the office with me.

In a tribute to our inner sensuality - I matched Very Sexy with the soft look of pink shirt and gray pants :-)

Right now I am running specials on my soaps - all my 3oz soaps are marked down to 2.50$

MeaCulpaBodyandBath

Sell Handmade

Some cute jewelery finds :-)

2009-10-22T16:06:00.002-04:00

I was browsing ArtFire and came up to M2bC's Studio - amazing pieces! Here I am sharing some that I liked a LOT!

Kumihimo Necklace with Aventurine

Necklace and Earring Set - Larvikite and Labradorite

Quartz Crystal Point Pendant

Pumpkin picking with a friend

2009-10-21T09:36:00.004-04:00

"But mommy, why do they hate Santa?"

2009-10-19T09:46:00.005-04:00

I just want to start by saying that I dont judge anyone by their spiritual beliefs - it if it works for you and makes you happy, go for it - who am I to criticize? I am a pagan and have a collection of beliefs from around the world and I hope nobody would judge me for it either - nor feel sorry for me.

I celebrate all holidays as the other kids in school do, because I don't want my child to feel left behind. I cant be happy forcing or forbidding things that other kids do. If my daughter is not happy - I am not either.

Now, on to the topic that I wanted to share :-)

My older daughter who is 7 years old now has gone to the Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall with her auntie and grandma. I don't mind. To me, the backbone of any religion and belief is love. I have always told my daughter not to believe everything she hears. Question everything. Seek answers. And seek them everywhere - not just in one book or in one school of thought. She understands that and she always has something to say.

Yesterday she came back from a sleep over (and a Kingdom Hall outing) a little bit upset. I asked her to talk to me and tell me what is bothering her. She started talking and, oh boy, did I hear a lot!

"Mom, they told me that we shouldn't celebrate Christmas. Why not? They said that Santa is bad, that he is evil. Why do they hate Santa? They talk that we should love everyone and here they don't. They don't love everyone, mom. They HATE Santa...Santa is not evil - they are! How can they hate? Oh...oh...and you know what? They also said that Halloween is evil. That Halloween is from the Devil....how can it be from the Devil? The Devil doesn't exist! Momma, I told you I don't want to go to those churches, then I will have all these church stuff in my head!" (I don't know how to explain to her the difference between a Kingdom Hall and a Church).

And I just sat there and listened, listened, listened....it was not like she was asking me questions - she

was venting. Didn't know what to say. Finally I just uttered:

"Well, you know Mia, they have their own things they believe in. You don't have to if you don't like it, you know that

right? You don't have to worry, we will still celebrate Christmas and Halloween and Santa will be here for you.".

To me it was a pleasant shock to hear her think like that. I thought that at her age she would believe everything she hears as the truth. I just want to say how happy I was to see my daughter brainstorming.

I want to share the new product line in my store - goats mik soaps!!!

2009-10-15T09:09:00.008-04:00

I have been a busy bee lately. You know, its so awesome when you do something you love - you dont mind not knowing where your head is, you are actually happy!

Through this year since I have been selling online, people kept asking me if I do soaps.....at that time, I did not. I was a bit unsure if I ever wanted to offer soaps. That was out of my comfort zone.

Well, that changed! I finally plunged into it! My first dilemma (and it still is as I am still filling up the store) was wha

t scent should I make first? Would it be something for the season and the holiday or something that I actually enjoy smelling. I decided to mix them up and start with a small selection, while slowly adding more scent choices of soap.

The first one I made was a soap for my husband. He wanted something exfoliating so he would be able to use it as a scrubbing soap. I added some pumice stone and loofah and

voila! He loves it! This coming from a guy that is addicted to body wash and doesnt want to ever use a bar of soap. That actually gave me the encouragement to make more and add them to my store.

For now, I have these scents in my store:

Oakmoss Sandalwood, Iced Pumpkin, Birthday Cake, Lilac in Bloom, Nutcracker and a Cucumber Mint exfoliating Goats Milk Soap. I am in the process to add Pink Sugar, Violet Shea and Cupcake - for now.....way more to come in the upcoming days.

I really like having nice pictures of the products too and I have never in my life took a picture of soap - I am so used to photographing jars and bottles. I would really appreciate any input you got to share about my photos :-)

The ingredients are:

coconut oil, palm oil, castor oil, safflower oil, glycerin, water, goat milk, sorbitol, sorbitan oleate, fragrance oil, soybean protein, titanium dioxide

Castor oil adds moisturizing;

Safflower Oil is a highly moisturizing oil with an exceptionally high amount of Oleic acids, deeply soothing and one of the best choices for skin moisturizing;

Glycerin is a humectant, drawing moisture to your skin, allowing it to remain hydrated and soft. Beyond hydrating your skin, glycerin is also known to be a natural remedy for yeast and fungal infections, such as eczema and psoriasis. It is especially good for sensitive skin. Glycerin soap does not contain synthetic ingredients that will cause skin irritations. It keeps your skin looking AND feeling healthy and soft.

The low pH level of goat milk is close to our skin’s own pH. Goat milk also contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which are known for their restorative and rejuvenating qualities.

I love the way the Universe works!

2009-10-09T11:02:00.006-04:00

Do you want the nitty griddy details?

Ok. So, I dont know how many of you know that I came to USA from Macedonia. A

wesome country, but I have to say that the people are a little more closed minded. Just now they are starting to open up to tattoing and even that is more in the context of - macedonian pride (which I am fine with) or nice pictures of animals, flowers etc. They are not familiar with tribal tattoos and them being hard core orthodox - they have a picture in their head that henna tattoos are only for muslims.

That said, I had a henna design done on my hand and then up to my elbow, crowned with a Black Widow Spider (which all still have to be finished). My friend is still back home. I l

ove her, I grew up with her....but she has a different taste and world views than me.

She noticed the pictures of my tattoos on Facebook and let me know of her thoughts. Well....that was something....lol.....I was told that my tribal/henna tattoos look like a kid scribbled them and that I should fire my artist. And that my spider is creepy and so not tasteful. I have to express that I told her everyone has their own taste buds and all this is relative - nobody can find the same one thing attractive. And thats a good thing though. BUT she insisted that the artist is no good.....ok....

Today I receive a forwarded e-mail from her. You know, one of those that tell you to send them to xxxx people. This e-mail was about the Goddess Lakshmi and was asking to send to people for prosperity.....HA!!!!! I got ya now!!!! The same tattoos that she was trashing are a "prayer" to Lakshmi for luck and prosperity.....

I just love when the circle closes like this. I did make sure I e-mailed her back to let her know.

Yeah....I was too geeked about this and HAD to blog about it. Dont judge me!

Another gentle and all natural hair aid - Natural Hair Detangler

2009-10-08T09:35:00.003-04:00

Soooo, how did it start? My daughters always, ALWAYS woke up with some messed up hair, totally in knots and it was painful to brush that! I did use store bought sprays to detangle it, but the thing that I hated the most was that it left their hair soapy! Yeap, every single time I gave them a bath and got their hair wet - it already had slippery soapy like thing in it, way before I even applied shampoo.

Decided to play with what I had at home and get this done and over with. First thing that I thought was - jojoba oil. Its a wax, not an oil and its been known as a good hair aid - it gives shine, it nourishes it, it repairs it. Didnt want to put any essential oils - I was dealing with kid after all and I was not sure how their scalp and hair would take that, so I added just a tad bit of rosemary extract. That would help with the knots and add shine and silkiness. At last, I added phytokeratin (carrot product) which is THE best for hair detangling and making it manageable again. And then, I mixed this all with distilled water :-)

I have used this with my girls for few months now and I have given one to my sister. I am so happy with the results!!! No more soapy hair! Whats best, it leaves the locks shiny and silky and even takes care of the frizziness!

I just wanted to share my little discovery, my little all natural hair spray for tangles, knots and shine :-)

If you would like to purchase it, you can do it here (without even opening an acoount):

MeaCulpaBodyandBath

Buy Handmade

So, it HAS been forver since I blogged, huh?

2009-10-08T08:45:00.002-04:00

Yeah.....everything was getting to me back in May. I didnt have any time for my family, I was way too busy working on my stores, promoting, visiting social networking sites, researching, blogging, visiting blogs etc.....I really, really burned out! I needed this break so much!

Now I'm back and I need to take things easy. I heard that Entrecard is not really working the way it used to, so I might use it only to browse blogs the easier way :-)

Talk later people!

:-)

Jasmina

Got myself a tattoo - finally!!!!

2009-05-20T10:00:00.003-04:00

I have been tempted to go get a tattoo every time I see my husband and every time I see someone having something nice and meaningful done....months back, when we searched for something for my husband - I came across a picture of a mandala that just took my breath away and since then it has been in my head and wouldnt leave me alone....so I decided to do it!

Because I was scared of the pain, I told my dear husband to find someone to do it for me - NOW...lol....Honestly, I could have changed my mind in no time.

Well...talking about a pain. It did hurt - but only when he was drawing the lines over my spine. I thought that I can bite through metal, thats how bad it was. Luckily, it didnt last long and the rest was a piece of cake!

Here is my tat, pic taken the same day when it was done:

I want to appologize to everyone

2009-05-08T09:19:00.001-04:00

From the last virus attack I wrote about earlier, I am not able to leave comments on blogs....weird, I know....I cant even open my own posts here - it shuts off my Mozilla right away.....so if you leave a comment in the shout box, I will be able to visit back

This sucks big time :-(

Four Ways to Sooth Your Eyes - Naturally

2009-05-05T09:40:00.006-04:00

CHAMOMILE EYE SOOTHER

1/8 Chamomile Tea Bags
1 cup Distilled Water

Heat the distilled water to a point of boiling and remove from heat after it comes to a full rolling boil. Add the tea bags and let them sit there until the water is lukewarm. Remove them and squeeze out the excess liquid. Place the tea bags on your closed eyes for 15 minutes. Remove and discard. The infusion can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and used as hair or facial rinse.

CALENDULA EYE SOOTHER

2 Tbsps dried calendula blossoms
1/3 cup distilled water

Add the calendula blossoms to the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for 10 minutes. Strain the blossoms and let the infusion to cool. Soak gauze squares or cotton pads in the infusion, squeeze out excess liquid and place on the eyes for about 15 minutes. The infusion can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and used as hair rinse.

FENNEL EYE SOOTHER

3 Tbsps crushed fennel seeds
1/3 cup distilled water

Follow instructions as with the calendula infusion. Leftovers can be stored in frudge for up to 3 days and used as skin rinse.

TIRED EYE RELIEF

1/2 cup dried lavender buds
1/2 cup distilled water

Follow instructions as with the Fennel infusion.

Viruses from visiting way too many blogs?

2009-04-22T08:49:00.003-04:00

Since I started using Entrecard a LOT and visiting every blog possible, my computer started acting funny and hubby found 45 funky little things.....this is making me re-think using this venue as means of traffic...

Has this happened to anyone?

Bags full with Bath and Body products from different sellers! Grab yours now!

2009-04-15T12:49:00.003-04:00

What IS EGCG Swag Bags?
The Swag bags are a collection of 18 generous sample-sized products from different Bath & Body shops - all members of EGCG ( Etsy Green & Clean Guild!) It's a great way to try different products from different shops at the same time. It's also a great Mother's Day gift idea!
Another awesome feature is that your EGCG Swag Bag is a special reusable, eco-friendly shopping bag! So make sure you put it to good use long after you use the products.

What's IN it?
This round, we have a variarity of handmade bath soaps, lip balms, lotions, facial soaps, laundry soap, candles, bath fizzy, body mist, sugar cube scrub....wonderful goodies!

Where to get them?
Swag Bags will be available on April 15th on EGCG Etsy's shop.

Participating shops:

Morgan Street.
Bunny Butt Apothecary.
Spa Therapy Works.
Right As Rain Creations.
The Bath Project
DressGreen
Jadewicks
You Stink Soap
Shower Treat Soap
Sweet Creek Herbs
Farnham Soaps
Kelle's Kitchen
Mea Culpa Body and Bath
Inseine Creations
Rachel Rene
Grumpy Girl
SudzNThings
Mirasolfarm

A big thanks to Shannon of The Bath Project who originally authored this post

Dyed my hair and I hate it! Now what?

2009-04-14T10:15:00.004-04:00

Well....first to say that I am a natural (very dark) redhead and I wanted change...usually I get some highlights and looks good, but I wanted something little darker.

Sooooo.....here I go at the store looking at the hair dyes and mulling over which one to get. My hair is not very good at accepting color.....I liked the look of the Medium Golden Brown and picked that.

Well....nope, it was not bad, but I couldnt SEE any change! It was darker just for a little tone and thats it!

Back at the store.....I picked the color that almost everyone (except 1) is putting an X on as a No-No for me - I get Soft Black.

Couple hours later and here I am, with black hair, white face and looking like something is sitting on top of my head - its sooooo not natural and sooo not fitting :-(

Can I go with a light brown now to lighten it up? Will it take the dye? I am desperate, I dont even wanna leave the house looking like this! My husband LOVES it because it gives him the whole "different person" outlook to me (you know what I mean), but IMO, its just way too dark

Here are some pix for some visual aid...lol.....I know they are of bad quality, but my bathroom lights are the worst lights to use! They would make ANYONE look like they just rose from the dead! Hate them! So, I didnt use them

More jewelery porn!!!

2009-04-12T11:23:00.006-04:00

Oh...how I wish I had all the money in the world!!!! I would buy all these precious pieces of gems, all the tribal chokers and cuffs and pendants and dream catchers and...and....and.....everything!!!!

Next find is Alisuns at ArtFire..yeah, yeah, ArtFire again! When I opened her store and took a look inside...wow.....my jaw dropped and my eyes jumped out of my eye sockets!!! Dont laugh at me for trying to fit in macedonian words translated in english and then fit into a sentence - I know it sounds silly, but it makes perfect sense to me.......lol

Today I present you with these few drooling worthy items (if you want, you can click on the picture to be taken straight to the listing):

Moss Agate, Jasper and Jade Choker!!!! It looks so perfect, soooo earthy and calm and peacefull....I gotta stop before I go and buy it ona whim!!!

Isnt it pretty? I havent seen a necklace like this

Agate freeform Arrow Shaped pendant on sterling ..............do I need utter a word? I like the cut and how I can see the gem just as if you are looking at the precious trunk of tree with all those....eh.....how do you call them? My loss of words is sometimes killing the magic I wanna make!!!!

Budha Resin silver plated necklace - nope, this is not a gem nor a crystal....but I picked it as a favorite becuase it feautures His Holyness Budha and I would loe to have this around to remind me to be patient, to love everyone and everything and to work on myself!!!!

I am a Queen of the Blog!!!! Imagine THAT!

2009-04-11T11:35:00.003-04:00

My awesome blog-friend Duni, from Lovely Purses has passed on yet another award for me! This time I am a Queen of the Blog! Thank you so much Duni! Make sure you visit her colorful blog! She makes the cutest little purses and pouches with nice, calming and vivid pastel colors and prints.....you WILL fall in love with them!

Now.....I have to pass this award to some other Queens:

A Pagan Tapestry

An Ultraviolet Wind

Confessions of a Kitchen Witch

Shi Jewels

What made me laugh yesterday......these magnets!

2009-04-10T09:12:00.006-04:00

PicardCreative at ArtFire has these magnets that every time I look at them, they crack me up! She is using recycled materials to create something planet friendly AND amusing!

Tell me what you think of these magnets of hers that made me crack a smile:

Ha ha!!! Domestically challenged! Just looking at her pose and sly smile then reading the words makes me say - hell yeah!!!

lol

lol.....aint this the truth?

Teeeee heeeeee!!!! LOL

Click on the pix so you an be taken straight in her store! You will have a blast!

The road leads to The Jewelery Shop!

2009-04-08T16:23:00.004-04:00

Oh, how I like this kind of jewelery! Love to wear those gems that actually have some energy to share with us!

The Jewelery Shop at ArtFire has these beautiful pieces that I want to steal from her so bad!

This is her Howlite and Sterling bracelet. Do you know the properties of howlite?

The stone of emotional expression, howlite can be used to facilitate awareness, encourage calm communication by combining reason with patience and observation. Howlite gently absorbs and uplifts stress, tension, anxiety and emotional intensity due to emotional imbalance. Howlite works by helping one to build decency of character. It shows us how to be less selfish, confrontational and less critical. This is a good stone to help eliminate rage and anger. Howlite increases action, dissolves hesitation as it encourages ambition towards one's goals. Although this stone in white in pure form, Howlite is most effective on the HeartChakra center, bringing greater gentleness, patience and tact. Howlite has been used in the past for astral traveling and accessing past lives. It has a strong spiritual connection to the past, as it can lead you to a stronger spiritual future. This can be done by placing the stone at the Third EyeChakra. It therefore makes for a wonderful meditation stone.

Folk Remedies: This crystal is a recommended stone for bones, teeth, and other calcium aspects of the body. It has been known to treat soft tissue injuries such as strains, sprains and contusions, while helping with pain management. Use Howlite as an elixir or essence for insomnia. The stone can be placed under your pillow as well. Use howlite in a grid around your bed to also help with poor sleep issues, especially those caused by over thinking.

Feng Shui: Howlite is used primarily anywhere to help bring change. Used in the Southeast direction, in the Center for balance and spirituality and in the Northeast for wisdom.

http://www.peacefulmind.com/stones.htm#H

This is her Green Jadeite and Sterling Pendant. OMG, how I love these deep greens! It makes me feel calm and content with myself...huh....now that I think of it, I might have to start wearing mine again.

Wanna know a bit more about what green jade can do for you?

The ancient Chinese culture has revered Jade for centuries. Jade is considered the health, wealth and longevity stone. used also for courage, wisdom, justice, mercy, emotional balance, stamina, love, fidelity, humility, generosity, peace, harmony. Jade is known as androgynous, therefore it is considered having a gentle, steady pulse of healing energy. Jade is found in different colors and can be used on the appropriate Chakra based on its color. Properties common to all colors of Jade include its ability to mellow one's existence. Helps one rid themselves of negative thoughts and energy. Very beneficial to the heart in both physical and spiritual senses. It is a very protective stone and will keep its wearer out of harm's way. Jade bounds us to our earth energies and physical instincts. Jade is a humbling stone.

Folk Remedies: Jade works with the lungs, heart, thymus, immune, kidney and blood detoxification, nervous system. While all Jade has some healing influence, each color relates more specifically to certain ailments or organs. Strengthens the body's filtration and cleansing systems and assists in the removal of toxins.

Feng Shui: Jade is used in positive directions for longevity and a good life. Used in the Center area for harmony and balance, in the Northeast area for wisdom and in the Southwest area for love and partnership. (Be sure to use two stones together in this area, never one or three).

Green Jade: Most common. Very calming to the nervous system. The color green is representative of life or growth. Helps one channel passions in a constructive way, making expressions of love easier.

Inroducing new scents:

2009-04-08T08:20:00.009-04:00

I am so happy to announce the newest additions to my scent choices, look for them either in my etsy or artfire store:

Etsy
Buy Handmade
MeaCulpaBodyandBath

MeaCulpaBodyandBath

Buy Handmade

JASMINE CASSIS - Cassis, Black Currant, Valencia, Jasmine, Muguet Petals, Peppermint, Rosewood, Amber, Musk

RAINFOREST - Jasmine, Florals, Citrus, Light Woods

RAINFLOWERS - Heliotrope, Rain, Cashmere Musk

PEACE AND LOVE - Valencia, Rice Flower, Star Jasmine, Oak Moss, Ylang-Ylang

COOKIE AND CREAM PIE - Brown Sugar, Cookie Dough, Chocolate Chip, Vanilla, Rum

CASHMERE AND COTTON - Pomelo, Bergamot, Light Milk, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Musk, Patchouli

PINK SUGAR - Blend of Cotton Candy, Musk, Jasmine
Compared to: Aqualina

GRAPEFRUIT PETITGRAIN - Grapefruit Nectar, Tangerine, Petitgrain, Lily, Citrus

GUAVA FIG - Apple, Cassis, Pear, Guava

GOJI BERRY BLISS - Blackberry, Goji Berry, Sweet Valencia, Pomegranate, Loganberry, Gooseberry, Vanilla Cream, Sugar Musk, Musk

ABALONE AND SEA - Daylily, Sea Shell Abalone, Lime, Ozonic, Sea Spray Accord, Rose, Jasmine, Freesia, Lily, Beach Daisy, Woods, Musk, Marine

MEDITERANIAN FIG Blend of Fig, Amber, Sandalwood, Lemon

LOLITA Blend of Lemon, Orange, Cashmere, Sandalwood

SENDERO for men - Yankee Midsummernight Type

CHERRY BLOSSOM - BBW Type

VANILLA HAZELNUT

GINGER PEACH - Pier1 Type

MOROCCAN SANDS Blend of Carnation, Sandalwood, and Musk

STRAWBERRY JAM

ACAI BERRY & SATIN Blend of Aci Berries, Lemon, Strawberry, Lily, Rose

BEACH Blend of Sand, Sea Spray, Salt, Jasmine, Mandrin

SEX ON MY MIND - Very Sexy for Men VS Type

SWEET PEAR

MARGARITA LIME

BENEATH THE STARS Grape, Peach, Citrus, Plum, Rose and Musk.

MANGO SORBET Blend of Mango, Raspberry, Lemon

POMEGRANATE BENDEL Blend of Pomegranate, Pineapple, Guava, Musk

BLUE RASPBERRY

PAPAYA

ROSE GARDEN

GREEN APPLE

CUCUMBER

DESERT ROSE Blend of roses and sandalwood

MIDNIGHT POMEGRANATE Blend of Pomegranate, Orange, Cinnamon, Vanilla

BETWEEN THE SHEETS Blend of Lily of the Valley, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Light Musk

RASPBERRY CREAM

BLACK RASPBERRY VANILLA Blend of Raspberry, Plum, Vanilla

JUNIPER BREEZE

We have a winner for the bi-monthly sweepstakes!!!

2009-04-07T13:09:00.004-04:00

So....two months worth of purchases and working my butt off....it was time to award some of the people that stopped by my store to shop!

I decided to give away a 2oz Body Icing scented with the unique scent of Pomegranate. This is truly one of kind, I have bought pomegranate from different people and this one just sticks out as the best one!

I hope I am going to hear from Brenda about this. I sure hope she is not gonna take my email as a spam and just delete it without reading or maybe she will read and think its a scam :-(

If this happens, I will just have to draw the names again

Who hides behind CaterpillarPeacock?

2009-04-05T11:39:00.006-04:00

Sooo....who is behind this cute shop on ArtFire? Her name is Lindsey and she is making these cute hats and needle felted jewelery - like Ivy and Calla Lilies.....she also does custom work, so whatver idea you have in your head, she can put it in material form!

Your name:

Lindsey

Where in the world are you?

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Your website/blog/shop link

http://caterpillarpeacock.artfire.com http://caterpillarpeacock.blogspot.com

Briefly describe yourself and what you make:

I'm a big weirdo, through and through. I like strange things that make me laugh. If you've ever seen the show Clone High, I like to think that it's my EXACT sense of humour. Funny and ironic, and kinda off kilter. This helps explain what I make, teeny tiny hats. I crochet them first and then felt them in my washing machine until they're just right and finally I block them to just the right shape. I make all sorts of hats: berets, fedoras, top hats, you name I can crochet it. Well, that's what I make to sell, mostly. I've been expanding out into other things as well, like jewelry, but not your run of the mill jewelry, it's soft and made of wool too. Right now because of spring I've been working on making plant inspired stuff, like ivy vines and calla lillies. It's been a lot of fun.

Who or what inspires you?

I'm inspired by so many things: colour, nature, my mom, funny things on the internet, old school games, comic books, anything from the 50's through the 70's, Alphonse Mucha... The list just goes on and on.

When / how did you learn?

I've been crafting for as long as I can remember. My mom taught me how to crochet when I was 8. We made bracelets for my softball team in just chain stitches and it was awesome. I knew then that I would never put down a crochet hook.

Why do you 'bother' to make things by hand?

It's not that I bother, it's that I have to. It's just been a happy byproduct that I can make stuff and actually sell it. I make stuff because if I don't see all these crazy ideas in my head through I would be a sad, sad, panda.

What is your craft ”philosophy”?

It was said best in handmade nation: There are two types of people in this world, those who make stuff and those who don't.

Have you always made 'stuff'?

Yes! I used to make clothes for my dolls out of kleenex by tearing it into skirts and ponchos and the like. Then I took a fashion class in highschool and that's when I knew that I would forever and ever be making stuff. When I went to university for fashion I KNEW that I would one day be selling my wares somewhere or another.

Can you reveal a little about your creative process?

I don't really know what to say here, I get an idea somehow, they just sort of float by and I grab them...

How do you motivate yourself?

My boyfriend is my motivator. There are some days that I might not even be able to get out of bed without him.

How do you deal with crafty mistakes?

A lot of the time they get thrown into the WIPs pile. Sometimes they turn out to be better than what I started out with.

Favourite craftbook(s)?

Creative Hands. There's like 30 of 'em. From the 1970s. They are so amazing.

Do you have a designated craft space? What does it mean to you?

I have a CRAFT ROOM. It was the best thing that ever happened to me. I have a cutting table and a place for my FOUR sewing machines, all my wool/yarn stash. It's great. Life has been ever so much more productive since it happened.

Do you use a sketchbook or journal?

I have about a billion sketchbooks that also serve as journals. I tend to have two on the go at all times, a purse sketchbook and a house sketchbook. That way I always have something around for when a good idea strikes.

Which picture is an attention grabber?

2009-04-03T14:58:00.007-04:00

As every other person that takes their own pictures of the goods they sell - me too, I agonize over how my photos work....

Tell me know, work with me here (or you are here only to drop your entrecard?)....which one of these pix would grab you attention? Which one would make you want the item? If there is none, dont be shy - say so! Constructive criticism can only make one be better!

I am asking this, because - unlike soap - I dont have to make the product ahead of time to sell it. And honestly, I would rather make it fresh and when ordered. So, that means that I need a good stock photo.

a:)

b:)

c:)

d:)

ArtFire Find - Pirate Pixie Crew

2009-04-03T13:19:00.005-04:00

As you know, I have a shop on ArtFire too. Its a very young community of artists and crafters and they are all so nice and all about helping each other to succeed! Now thats what I call a team work!

One of the good things about ArtFire is that you dont have to open an account to buy! Nope, nope! You can securely purchase without one!

Today I have been looking at Prate Pixie Crews items. I LOVE a good hat, especially one that is not gonna have me scratching my forehead as if I had lice...lol. This scull hat that I saw has the prettiest blue color. Its just perfect for those spring chili mornings when you are headed to work:

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=61211

To match this awesome hat, she has these fingerless gloves that have the most beautiful and vibrant blue color! I always have been a fan of fingerless gloves. Hey, I wont be as warm, but being beautiful sometimes means we have to suffer...lol

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=162621

And, wadda ya think of her Pirate Pixie Booty Pouch, huh? I think its sooooo cool!!!!!

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=61232

HUGE ECO FRIENDLY giveaway! Green Inspired awesome basket full with all kinds of goodies!

2009-04-01T21:17:00.008-04:00

This is Aprils giveaway hosted at Risky Beads Blog . She is so awesome! Every month she collects items from us volunteers, organizes the giveaway and takes care of the winner. Not a lot of people would do that! On top of that - OMG, does she have some good jewelery!

Here is a little intro into this green inspired giveaway:

It's time for the April ArtFire Giveaway!! It's your chance to win a bunch of eco-friendly girly goodness from a bunch of awesome ArtFire sellers! This giveaway will run from today, Wed. April 1st - Tues., April 7th at midnight. There are 11 sellers participating in this giveaway, so please read the entry rules them carefully! Our theme this month is Eco-friendly/Earth Day products, so on to the loot!

This month's prize consists of a Love Your Mama tote bag by NotMoira, an Antique Doll Part by CobWebPalace, a Vegan Trio of Unscented, Lavender, and Oatmeal Guest Soaps from Green Hill Soap Co., Brennan the Friendly Bath Monster by the Shine Your Hiney Soap Co., Scrubbies by leahMarie, Unscented Body Yogurt with Goats Milk from MeaCulpaBodyandBath, Pom-Great-Nate 90z Palm Wax Candle from Jennuine Candles, Earth Day Glow-in-the-Dark Ornament from BAKidagain, Handpainted Key Hanger from ChelseaLynnDesigns, an Earth Day Upcycled Scrabble Tile Pendant from NinjaJenn, and an Upcycled Pendant 'Peaceful Times' from Campgirldesigns. These products retail for $91.00!

But, wait, it gets better!!

Each owner of these shops has volunteered one of their products because they want to promote their shops but also ArtFire as a venue so we are all offering 10% off in our shops during this giveaway! Use this code when purchasing: RBAPRAF10P** ArtFire is a relatively new site in the grand scheme of the online handmade market scene, but we like it because it's very open and has a fee structure that allows us to put our money into our product. If you've been considering giving ArtFire a try, I encourage you to do so as the shops offered at the discounted rate are going fast!

The winner of the contest will be chosen by the random number generator at r andom.org, so each comment is one entry unless it's incomplete, in which case it will be skipped. To enter the contest, you must visit at least 6 of our 11 shops listed above, come back, and leave 1 comment that mentions your favorite item from all 6 shops, not 6 separate comments. After completing your main entry, you can earn extra entries by doing any or all of the following, putting each one in a separate comment:

--visit the other 5 shops you didn't visit in your first comment and mention your favorite item in one comment for all 5 shops

--blog about the giveaway and link back in your comment

--tweet about the giveaway and link back in your comment

Want automatic entries in this giveaway? Well, then all you have to do is:

--purchase from any Artfire shop from April 1-April 7 and link back with your order #. Your seller will give it to you or ask for it.

--purchase from any of our 11 shops and receive 2 extra entries per shop and link back with your order #. Your seller will give it to you or ask for it.

Please remember to leave your contact information in your comment. We can't contact you if we can't find you!!! Anonymous entries with no email address will be deleted.

-Lori

DONT LEAVE COMMENTS ON MY BLOG. IF YOU WANT TO ENTER GO OVER LORI' S BLOG AND ENTER THERE:

http://riskybeads.blogspot.com/2009/04/april-2009-artfire-giveaway.html

My daughter is getting obsessed about churches and God

2009-04-01T10:38:00.004-04:00

This has been very irritating to me. I am a very spiritual person, but I do NOT believe that kids need to know all this at 7 years old.

I am a pagan, I left christianity like 3 years ago. I have a different picture in my head of God/Goddess or Gods are/is or whatever and however.....I dont mind churches, but I think that a person should be educated in ALL beliefs before accepting one.

So, my 7 year old daughter has been best friends with a church going girl and obviously she talks about that a lot to her. I think this is so because I have not heard my baby ask or say anything on this subject before this.

One day while driving in the car, she asked me:

- "Mom, I want to go to church"

I was like "Mia, do you know what church is?"

- "Yes, its a tall building where you sit and talk about God" (shock!!!!!)

- "Mia, we dont go to church"

- "Why not?"

- "Because mama doesnt believe in that, mama thinks that churches dont let people think" (I know, I know...I overdid it)

- "I will tell Kara what you just said"

- "If you do, her grandma wont let her play with you anymore"

Today she goes again about doing something and then she wanted to tell God about it. I'm like:

- "Do you know what God is?"

- "Yes, a man that lives up there", and she hows up in the sky

- "Who told you this?"

- "My teacher"

- "Oh, really?"

- "No........me, myself....I just know"

Arrghhhhhh..............when I was that age (my parents and my whole family is russian orthodox) I never even knew what church is or what God is and all that!

I believe in personal freedom, but I still would not like my kid to go down the road of being christian (please my christian friends, dont be mad at me - its nothing personal). My pagan self doesnt let me interfere, its her choice. The mom in me protests....

What would you do? No, really? I am dumbfounded about how to go around this whole God issue.....she does have mythology books and we read them and she knows that there is a lot of Gods and Goddesses and she has been asking questions - I always try to envelop all that as in stories, not as the TRUTH, cuz to me there is no ONE truth....but as soon as she started hanging out with this girl.....its all about churches.

Am I getting annoying yet with the giveaways?

2009-03-25T09:20:00.003-04:00

Well, I didnt know that this one started running too :-)

Sooo......I am being hosted over 10oneworld and I am offering two 4oz bottles of lotion - your scent choice!!! This should be good for you though - double chance to win something!!!

The rules are simple again and you can see them at:

Having a Contest

2009-03-24T12:40:00.004-04:00

Sooo.........I am having a contest hosted at Confessions of a Stay at Home Mom.....Jami is sooo cool and nice, I love her blog, her writing reminds me of a quirky little birdy that is standing at a branch and tweeting...I dont know, dont laugh at me! Its how I feel, damn it!!!!!!

:-)

I am giving away a 2oz lotion OR a 2oz yogurt - the choice is yours. Go over Jami's blog and take a look at the rules - they are pretty simple....the least you can do is look at my store and leave a comment on her blog about what do you like the most.

Here is the link and dont be shy!!!!

http://confessions-stayathomemom.blogspot.com/2009/03/mea-culpa-bath-and-body-review-and.html

Oils and extracts that work as wrinkle prevenatives and line smoothers

2009-03-18T09:09:00.005-04:00

I have been researching quiet a lot on this subject. Thats how I came about to buy custard apple and papaya extracts and thats how I started making creams with milk. I want to offer people natural alternative to the commercial creams, which dont put enough of the active ingredients for them to have a big impact.

Essential oils that are combating wrinkles are:

Violet Leaf, Frankincense, Clary Sage
Myrrh, Fennel, Lemon
Neroli, Hyssop, Rose
Carrot, Galbanum, Oregano
Lavender, Orange, Thyme
Vervaine, Patchouli, Rosemary
Yarrow, Palma Rosa, Chamomile German
Lime

Some of these oils dont really literally work on the lines, but we all know that by feeling happy and good about ourselves - we look younger. They do just that - lift up our spirits and wake up our minds.

Its my opinion that its better to prevent something by moisturizing every day than to cure it. But even if you think its too late - its really not. Its just going to take longer time and not so high expectations - dont expect Botox results :-)

So, here is the short description of the extracts:

- Custard Apple Extract is rich in alpha-hydroxy acid, which refines and rejuvenates the skin. It is best known for it’s moisturizing and anti-aging properties, making it perfect for dry or mature skin. It also has exceptional elastase inhibition activity, making it suitable for treatments aimed at maintaining the skin’s youthful elasticity.

- Papaya Extract is excellent in stabilizing oily skin & working as an exfoliant on dry areas. Papaya also is often used in skin products for the purpose of a natural lift & rejuvenation of the skin. Papaya contains Vitamin A, a property that benefits skin repair through increasing the rate of new cell formation. Vitamin C is also an anti-oxidant with wonderful proteins for smoother, softer skin.

- An excellent exfoliant, milk contains natural alpha hydroxy acids, which help to gently slough off dead skin cells. In addition, milk helps to reduce redness and soothe irritated skin.

- The cucumber peel extract and green tea extract are both natural sunscreens and give the skin a little cool feeling while nourishing it with vitamins and anti-oxidants. It is also said that green tea can help with minor cuts, burns and wounds.

I decided to place them in groups of 20, 30, 40.....for now, I have creams for over 20 and for over 30:

Etsy:

over 20

over 30

ArtFire:

MeaCulpaBodyandBath

Buy Handmade

Sale today until March 20th

2009-03-13T09:38:00.005-04:00

Spend 35$ and get 5$ refund

Spend 75$ and get 10$ refund

Buy any 3 lotions (4oz or 8oz sizes) and get a 2oz lotion for free

Just write down SALE TODAY at Notes to Seller (or convo me) and go ahead with payment. I will refund via Pay Pal

Sale ends March 20th

If you are buying from my Artfire store, place the message in Notes at PayPal or send me a message

Etsy Store

ArtFire Store

The monthly sweepstakes are gonna be bi-monthly

2009-03-11T11:47:00.003-04:00

I am sad to say this - but I have to do it this way. Sales have slowed down and what kind of choices would I have to give a prize to? Its more fun with more entries, more people....

Sooooo......the April drawing is going to be held on the 6th and the prize is going to be a 2oz jar of Body Yogurt with your choice of scent. Talking about scents, I just added more choices:

Mango Sorbet

Pomegranate Bendel

Pomegranate Cherry

Midnight Pomegranate

Raspberry Cream

Between the sheets

Cucumber

Green Apple

Juniper Breeze

Lolita

Ginger peach

Cherry Blossom

Margarita Lime

Juicy Pear

Mediterranean Fig

Beach

and many, many more!!!!

In case you dont remember the rules for the sweepstakes, here they are:

.

1. Every other month on the 6th I will be drawing names of the people that have purchased from me to win a prize.

2. The more items bought - that many times your name is going to be counted for.

3. If you recommend someone to my store, let me know about the username and if they purchased - your name will be added for each person you bring to me.

4. If you liked my product and wrote a review either on your blog or at www.makeupalley.com your name will be counted extra again

5. I will have all the names on a piece of paper, fold them, place them all in a container, shake it and draw one out of there.

6. You will be emailed and asked if you want the prize or not. If declined, I'll be drawing another name.

Every time its going to be a different prize!

I forgot my court jury duty thingie!!!

2009-03-06T21:53:00.002-05:00

Wow......my head have been sooo wrapped around these creams and my store and what not, that I totally forgot that last Wednesday I was suppose o show up at the county's court building for that jury summoning! Damn it!

Now first thing Monday I have to call and explain myself and hopefully I am not in trouble :-(

Another dumb thing - I didnt even need to make all those creams ahead of time!!!! Duuuhhhhh! I could have just made the base I needed, take some interesting pix and list them that way...then add fragrance as they are ordered. Now I am almost out of 50 jars and had to order more...yikes!!!

Enough of bad luck things...lol....my brain is really empty this week :-(

Just sharing some pictures of what is about to come in my shop

2009-02-28T09:12:00.011-05:00

Yesterday I spent all day doing this and I was royally pooped. I had 12 oz of goats milk and wanted to use it. I made 2 of these creams the other day - and the rest 5 scents yesterday.

I made the cream with shea butter, goats milk, zinc oxide, cucumber peel extract and green tea extract.

My next project would be to use my new fruit extracts - custard apple (rich in natural AHA) and papaya extract....let the creations begin! I just dont know which butter to use with them - shea, mango or mowrah....I like them all :-)

ACCAI BERRY & SATIN Body Yogurt

STRAWBERRY JAM Body Yogurt

PAPAYA PASSION Body Yogurt

BLUE RASPBERRY Body Yogurt

PINEAPPLE SLICES Body Yogurt

LEMON BLOSSOM Body Yogurt

MOROCCAN SANDS Body Yogurt

Weekend time now, hopefully wont have to do anything and will be able just to relax :-) Happy weekend everyone!!!!

MeaCulpaBodyandBath.etsy.com

Whipped Body Icing with Shea Butter

2009-02-26T17:50:00.011-05:00

I am so sorry that I havent been around much lately. I see that I lost followers too...:-( I got new fragrances and new extracts - papaya and custard apple...so I was in the kitchen formulating new things. This is one of the new formulas I came up with.

The whipped body icing is light and creamy. I made it this way so its easy for me to add scents to it. The thicker and greasier ones - like the Vanilla Hazelnut with Mango I got, are hard to add fragrances to because of their velocity.

The main ingredients in this one are Grapeseed Oil and Shea Butter with the mineral Zinc Oxide. I just love it when something is so beneficial for your skin, without the harsh additives as the commercial creams have, and it smells divine!

Shea Butter has been used for generations in African cultures as a moisturizer, health aid, and healing balm. In its purest forms, it is a solid fat with a high skin absorption rate. This makes Shea Butter a high ly val ued product for almost all skin types. It does not have a scent or smell, but today’s products offer a variety of aromatic scents and fragrances added to it. This high-fat butter is choc k full of naturally occurring Vitamin A, E, an d F. Many women can apply megadoses of Vitamin E to reduce stretch marks, wrinkles, and skin cracks.

Shea butter w ill p revent bumps from shaving, razor irritation, rashes, and even eczema. Use it sparingly during the summer months as it is very high in moisture; however, winter calls for a different regiment in most states! Shea Butter is a fantastic moisturizer for the outdoor enthusiast who suffers from chapped and cracked skin. Even sunburn in the summer can be soothed and reduced considerably with regular shea butter application. Shea butter has a high level of cinnamic acid, which is a naturally occurring sun screen; it will absorb easily into the skin and pores without clogging.

Grape seed oil is high in procyanidolic oligomers (PCOs); the same antioxidants found in berries, green and black teas, and red wine. According to some experts, PCOs are more powerful antioxidants than vitamins C and E. In fact, berries, green and black teas and red wine are known for their health-giving properties.

Using the grapeseed oil in skin care products, helps to tone and tighten the skin. Grapeseed oil contains a high amount of linoleic acid, which is a fatty acid essential for the health of the skin and cell membranes, and is the reason it makes such a wonderful moisturizer, as it truly nourishes your skin.

It is known for its ability to lock in moisture, leaving your skin feeling more supple and smooth, and it does not leave a greasy feeling, which makes it ideal to use on all skin types.

So, now that we know what each ingredient do....look at the pics to see what fragrances I have made with this formula for now....there will be many more to come!

You can find these and more at the DEEP MOISTURZIERS Section at Etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6254361&section_id=5928068

In awe with the goodies I recieved in mail last week :-)

2009-02-24T10:51:00.005-05:00

Well, we usually play games of giveaways at Etsy and we trade goods for goods :-)

From a recent giveaway - to which I was late to offer my products for free and couldnt participate - Laura from lauraly send me a nice print of an oak tree. The awesome thing is that me and her talked about it months ago and I told her that in my country the oak is sacred. Its a place where the Samovila's live and people used to bring offerings there for their mercy. Laura is a wonderful artist and a most amazing person that glorifies nature in her art. She remembered what I have said about the tree and send me the print. I was sooooo happy and a huge smile showed on my face when I opened the envelope. Placed it right at my computer desk, so I can look at it at all times!

From the recent trading game, I got some soy tarts from Luanne, an etsy artist that makes some strong scented candles, tarts...she send me blackberry, mullberry soy tarts and a goodie bag that she chose the scents and now I cant wait to burn them!

Klamathriverfinest is another favourite of mine! She makes some awesome soaps and she send me some tarts too! Her Mayan Gold and Sedona tarts blew me away and my husband fell in love with the Sandalwood and Vanilla scent...her lip balms are also one of a kind. Dont miss out on checking her out!

Results of the hair and scalp serum for dry, frizzy and out of control hair

2009-02-20T15:21:00.005-05:00

How do I start this story?

My husband took the Morning Dew body butter with him at work, because (silly him) he got sick and tired of borrowing other peoples creams so he can apply it on his elbows and dry spots. This lady tried it, loved it and gave me a call so I can send her some via hubby...wait, the story is not about the cream :-)

For the purpose of having a visual of the type of hair and skin I am trying to figure out a treatment - I will say that she is African American. As far as I know all my friends have a problem with extreme dryness and ashiness of the skin AND with managing their hair.

So....Angie asked if I can mix something up so she can apply it to her scalp and hair, because they are way too dry and out of control. She said that she usually wears her hair in a wrap and she would love to have something to keep it manageable.

Well, right away I thought of the Jojoba Oil and how it has always been used in hair treatment, such as dandruff, split ends, conditioning the hair and skin - because its not really an oil, its a liquid wax that is comes closest to our skins sebum! I put some peppermint essential oil to give it cooling effect AND some green tea extract to aid the peppermint in fighting dandruff and dry skin.

She called me yesterday and she was ecstatic! She let me know that her hair now is soft, silky, shiny and not at all greasy! Its easier to manage it and she loves the feeling of the peppermint! Wow...I was so happy to hear her say that!Its always a good feeling to hear how you helped someone :-)Angie even said that she wants to take the serum to her beauticians and let her use it. If she likes it, most likely I will supply her with some more. I made her 2oz and she said that thats a LOT and its gonna last her forever!

I hope good things are gonna keep coming for this serum. If you wanna see what I got her, its right here:

HAIR and SCALP SERUM for damaged and coarse hair

Women...we are some weird creatures....we would do anything to look good and a good looking hair is the first thing that we need to have! Its our pride, its our everything! Take care of it! Stop and think what are you doing to it with all those expensive perms, dies, relaxing it etc....stop and make it healthy again so you could be the eye stopper. Dont let your hair start looking like a broom's end with a bow on it. The bow is not gonna make it all better! This serum can be the start. Its all natural, so there is no danger of chemicals in your precious mane and there is no animal products or byproducts!

Benefits of Witch Hazel for the skin and general health

2009-02-17T10:04:00.009-05:00

I wanted to talk a little bit about Witch Hazel. As some of you know, I use Witch Hazel in all my skin cleansing mixes and aftershaves, together with the floral waters, about which I wrote earlier.

Native Americans introduced witch hazel to early European settlers. They applied a strained decoction of the leaves and twigs to small wounds, insect bites, sore muscles and joints. They also sipped witch hazel tea to treat bleeding, inflammation, and hemorrhoids.

Witch Hazel is a valuable cooling topical astrigent for various ailments, including varicose veins, hemorrhoids, abrasions, bruises and other skin irritations. It is also good for clearing out the redness produced by eczema and smoothing wrinkles. Witch hazel is used in pads to help smooth discomfort from rectal and vaginal surgery and stitches. The bark decoction also is useful as a gargle in releiving sore throat.

Benefits of witch hazel for specific conditions include the following:

Burns, cold sores, cuts and scrapes, insect bites and stings - witch hazel helps to releive the itching of insects and poison ivy and helps to dry out cold sores. A prominent tannin found in witch hazel, hamamelitannin, has been shown to constrict blood vessels and stem bleeding from abrasions due to shaving nicks. Other tannins in witch hazel help to keep wounds clean, prevent swelling and combat infection. Witch Hazel can cool sunburns and other minor burns.

Eczema - a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical test found that witch hazel cream offered a mild, anti inflammatory effect effect for eczema without the side effects of prednisone.

Diarrhea - both witch hazel bark and witch hazel leaf teas are effective against diarrhea, but the gentler witch hazel bark tea is better for use in treating diarrhea (and stomach upset) in children.

Periodontal disease - witch hazel leaf gargles and mouthwashes form a protective lining over the mucous membranes of the gums and the mouth. These products are particularly useful for sore gums that are accompanied by sore throat.

Now that we had a little intro into witch hazel, let me say this:

Witch hazel bark teas are intended for treatment of acute rather than chronic diarrhea. If diarrhea persists, contact a doctor.

Do not use the commonly available witch hazel water. While it has been approved by the FDA, its healing benefits derive from the alcohol rather than the witch hazel itself. Do NOT use commercially prepared witch hazel water internally!!!

Distilled Witch Hazel sold in drug stores and pharmacies typically contains no tannin (which is useful). Essential oil of witch hazel is not sold separately as a consumer product. The plant does not produce enough essential oil to make production viable. However, there are various distillates of witch hazel (called hydrosols or hydrolats) that are gentler than the "drug store" witch hazel, which contains alcohol.

You can find my products with witch hazel here:

Etsy witch h azel section

Artfire witch h azel section

LIMITED TIME SALE

2009-02-14T16:17:00.002-05:00

SPEND 30$ AND GET 5$ OFF

SPEND 75$ AND GET 10$ OFF

GO THROUGH WITH PAYMENT AND I WILL REFUND VIA PAY PAL

THANK YOU FOR LOOKING AND HAPPY SHOPPING

****************************************************************

Sale is good Monday Feb 16th till Friday Feb 20th midnight

Etsy

ArtFire

Get ready for summer and for the UV Rays by moisturizing with natural products!

2009-02-12T18:37:00.006-05:00

The sun is one of the factors for pre mature aging, for nasty looking skin...yeah, I said it! All that tanning might look good now, but imagine what your skin is going to look like down the road! You know, sometimes I think that the arabic women have a lot to teach us! The covering of the face and head has a practical reason too - they protect their skin from the sun, they use floral waters and they take care of themselves. They do!

Yesterday I spent all day making this cream and I was way too exhausted to write about it even today!

I packaged it in a jar and in a bottle - just for convenience. Some people dont like getting their fingers in a pool of cream....lol

Some of the natural UV ray protectors are Green Tea, Cucumber, Zinc Oxide and Rose Floral Water. To aid these ingredients I added Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Sesame Seed Oil, Safflower Oil, Coconut Oil, Orange Blossom Floral Water, Colloidal Oatmeal and Milk.

There is NO bad natural ingredient. All these work together to keep the skin moist, so it doesnt get THAT damaged from the suns rays. That way you can avoid a bad sunburn. It can help with a relief of a mild sunburn, but dont expect a miracle! The oatmeal and shea butter can sooth, and the cucumber peel and green tea extract can cool it off and aid it with vitamins and anti oxidants.

Zinc Oxide is also here and I havent been stingy with the ingredients - its a mineral that the body requires for the synthesis of collagen, which is a requirement for the healing of skin wounds. Zinc is also a component in the proper functioning of enzymes that are required by the body to repair skin wounds. Another benefit of zinc for proper skin care is that it is a natural insect repellent and a natural sunscreen (zinc oxide effectively blocks the sun’s ultraviolet rays).

Shea butter is extremely therapeutic, helping to heal cracked, aged and damaged skin. Shea butter penetrates the skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth. It has vitamin A, E and is highly compatible with skin. Shea butter has antimicrobial and moisturizing properties and provide protection from the UV rays of the sun while repairing cellular degeneration.Using Shea Butter is a great way to prevent your skin from sagging by using this natural oil to keep it moisturized. Shea Butter can help prevent the formation of free radicals as well as keep the skin's connective tissues supple and strong. It can also help bring back a youthful appearance by dissolving dead cells on the skin's surfaces

Coconut Oil is widely used in Indonesia for its moisturizing properties and keeping the skin look young.

Scheherazade was the first person to give the sesame superhuman powers when she held her Arabian caliph spellbound for one thousand and one nights with her tales of intrigue and adventure. Because sesame pods readily burst open at the slightest touch when they are ripe, Scheherazade provided Ali Baba with the magic words, "Open Sesame" to instantly open the cave, a robber's den, in her exciting story about "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves." Sesame oil rubbed on the skin may soothe a minor burn or sunburn as well as help in the healing process.

Orange Blossom water helps inhibit sebum production in oily skins, making this an especially useful skin care product for teenagers who often have an excess of skin oils. Great for use on all skin types, especially for oily and mature skin types as a balancing and toning facial mist. Its regenerative properties promote the production of collagen and discourage dry, wrinkled skin while stimulating the replacement of old cells and balancing the skin's natural acid. It also stimulates the circulation of lymphatic fluid to reduce puffiness, and relieve swelling in the facial area.

Rose Water is a gently cleansing and toning product for all skin types. Maintains the pH balance, stimulates regeneration processes, has a calming effect in acne and sunburns. As a result the skin texture becomes even and elastic.

Safflower Oil serves as a botanical alternative to mineral oil and other synthetic ester emollients. It is high in Linoleic acid, which is beneficial for the treatment of dry skin

Colloidal Oatmeal Colloidal oatmeal works great to help relieve dry, skin patches (Eczema), psoriasis, acne, bug bites, sunburns, and other minor skin irritations. It also helps relieve chicken pox, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and other itching and scratching rashes.

An excellent exfoliant, milk contains natural alpha hydroxy acids, which help to gently slough off dead skin cells. In addition, milk helps to reduce redness and soothe irritated skin.

It is best to combine green tea with zinc oxide-based sunscreens because zinc oxide is chemically inert and should not react with green tea (which some chemical sunscreens might do, especially in sunlight).

Recent research has shown that topical application of green tea extract can protect you from the damaging effects of the sun and prevent, or even reverse the skin damage that can lead to aging, wrinkles, spots and skin cancer.Green tea extract can be added to sunscreen to expand protection before sun exposure. It has also been shown to be beneficial when applied after sun exposure. So even if you have already suffered sunburn green tea extract can help to reverse the damage.

Cucumber is rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes essential for strong cell growth and repair. In addition, cucumber peel offers a natural source for a fresh, powerful antioxidant.Cucumber Peel extract can be used to keep the facial skin soft while providing a natural sunscreen. It also acts as a skin toner and can be used in astringent. Revitalize stressed and tired skin, leaving calm, cool and radiant.

So, moisturize, moisturize and moisturize....did I say that enough? :-)

Etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20954977

Artfire:

Bottle

Jar

Help me name the new cream I am about to make!

2009-02-10T20:07:00.003-05:00

So, tomorrow I will put my new ingredient to use - cucumber peel extract and I will make a cream with that one and green tea extract.

I would like some catchy name and so far we got this:

Morning Dew

Cuke T

Cucumber Smoothie

Cu-Tea Cream

Any more ideas are more than welcome! Help a girl out please!

Benefits of Floral Waters aka Hydrosols

2009-02-08T11:54:00.006-05:00

Hydrosols can come from any plant that is distilled. They can be Floral Waters IF they have been distilled from flowers such as Rose, Orange Blossom (Nerolli) or Lavender.

Water is a vital component for healthy skin tissue, and hydrosols are water with power! They are useful in all manner of skin and body care. Floral Waters are a powerful therapeutic agent in their own right and are valuable for skin and health particularly for babies, invalids, elderly persons and people with sensitive skin. They are cooling, anti-inflamatory, stimulating or relaxing, gentle and selective antiseptics with qualities that can be uplifting, soothing to irritated skin, gentle and balancing. Hydrosols are nearly free of all irritating components and as such are well suited for very sensitive skin.

Aromatic hydrosols can be used alone as toners or added to other toner ingredients, such as aloe vera. They are wonderful in masks and lotions.

Here are examples of hydrosols with cosmetic applications:

German Chamomile - for sensitive skin and inflamation

Lavender - balances all kinds of skin types. Soothes sunburns, irritations, psoriasis and eczema

Lemon Verbena - lemon scented and mildly astrigent for oily skin

Melissa - very gentle on sensitive skin

Myrtle - soothing and gentle, its used as an eyewash for irritations and alergic reactions

Orange Blossom - good for couperose skin, but suitable for all skin types, the delicate fragramce soothes and calms

Rose - mildly astrigent for couperose skin, but suitable for all skin types, good on cotton pads for irritated eyes

Rosemary - for sluggish, sallow, devitalized skin that needs stimulation and regeneration
Witch Hazel - astrigent for oily or couperose skin, good as an aftershave tonic

Yarrow - mildly scented antiseptic, astrigent for problem or oily skin

Help me here, lets talk - Lets pick together what the next months prize should be

2009-02-06T15:49:00.002-05:00

I cant decide on anything, really......so lets talk!

It can be:

1. A 2oz bottle of shampoo and 2oz conditioner

2. 2oz lotion with Jojoba

3. 2oz lotion with Shea Butter, Mowrah Butter, Orange Blossom Floral Water and natural teas

4. 2oz of my Tea Souffle

5. 2oz Facial Moisturizer with Witch Hazel

6. Anything facial care with Witch Hazel

7. Something for the guys

Any other suggestions?

We have a winner for the first of many monthly drawings!!!!

2009-02-06T11:10:00.003-05:00

First, i want to say THANK YOU to everyone that reads my blog and participates with comments! THANK YOU to all that stopped by my store and purchased some of my products, I do hope you like them!

Today is the 6th of February. As I announced a month ago - I am doing a monthly drawings for prizes each 6th day of the month. Here is a reminder of the rules:

1. Every 6th of the months (because today is the 6th) I will be drawing names of the people that have purchased from me to win a prize.

2. The more items bought - that many times your name is going to be counted for.

3. If you recommend someone to my store, let me know about the username and if they purchased - your name will be added for each person you bring to me.

4. If you liked my product and wrote a review either on your blog or at www.makeupalley.com your name will be counted extra again

5. I will have all the names on a piece of paper, fold them, place them all in a container, shake it and draw one out of there.

6. You will be emailed and asked if you want the prize or not. If declined, I'll be drawing another name.

Every months its going to be a different prize!

The prize for this month was a light lotion made with unrefined shea butter (which is superior because it retains its natural vitamins like A and E), Mango Butter, Mowrah Butter, Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Colloidal Oatmeal, Powdered Milk Bergamot Essential Oil and Rose Floral Water. Its very moisturizing and nourishing. It smells very fresh and citrusy - just like Bergamot!

Sooo......I had my daughter pick a little raffle thingy and the winner is.....ta da daaaaaa GYPSY!!!! She is a wonderful person and the Creator of Ye Olde Witches Brew Magazine and The Black Hat Society Network! You can follow her on her blog here:

http://wyldwytchcraft.blogspot.com

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS ABOUT WHAT NEXT MONTHS PRIZE CAN BE?

I am a featured blon on Writing Divas

2009-02-05T15:25:00.002-05:00

This was a nice surprise for sure!

I am subscribed to Google Alerts and every time my business name pops anywhere on th enet, I get notified. Thats a nice thing, because I can pay respect to the person that thought of me.

So, today I open my mail and get a link to Writing Divas a web site that writes about anything you want to know - bargains, fitness, healthy living, recipies, cooking tips.....even celebrity gossip for just relaxing your brain and maybe have a laugh.

Check them out:

http://writingdivas.com

Pay attention to the labels of Anti Aging Cosmetics

2009-02-04T14:56:00.010-05:00

Have you ever read the ingredients of the expensive anti aging creams and serums? I bet you never paid attention at the order of ingredients though! Those products do offer a solution - a temporary one....and it comes costly and with side effects. First of all - its gonna hurt your wallet, second - the active ingredients are so far down the line on the list, that they are not really having any lasting impact AND they are full of chemicals....

Natural homemade products put quality first. There is no mass production and paying off your ass for their marketing people, designers, lab technicians etc. We make the products, we test them, most of us design our our labels and market our products on our own. We care for our customers, because our products are not on every single shelf in the stores so we can afford oopsies! There is 0% of ooopsies allowed!

The big companies marketing strategies are very strong and effective. People believe that cosmetic company of that magnitude will not lie...well, they DONT, but they do mislead.

For example, L'Oreals anti aging Collagen filler is everything but helpful! Their main ingredients are Shark Liver Oil, Boswellia, Vitamin E and Collagen BioSpheres. The last is a good ingredient, but that on its own is NOT gonna make this effective! Shark Liver Oil? Really? Do we need to kill more animals for our beauty products? It is beneficial for the skin, but its far from anti aging agent! This ingredient only would make turn around and run!

Estee Lauder's Nutriv Intensive Lifting Cream doesnt even release ALL ingredients! Now how is THAT for a peace of mind for the paying customer, huh? It has more than 54 ingredients and that doesnt mean that its better. Especially when they would not disclose all of them!

Clinique's Total Turnaround....Clinique does offer a premium make up, but c'mon! Does everyone have to jump on the wrinkle fighting bandwagon? ntiAging-Reviews.com team found that Total Turnaround contains Salicylic Acid, which is an ingredient found in some of the most effective acne formula, but not one usually included in wrinkle formulas.

Dior's Capture too, it does not provide a specific list of ingredients. It lists them in a very vague way.

All this reminds me of the dog food industry. The biggest companies like Purina, Eucanuba, Iams, Science Diet....they all do not specify ingredients. They would place "animal fat" as an ingredient...well, which animal? Or fish meal. Which fish? Or they would market the food as protein high, but the protein comes from corn....hummmm...corn is a filler, meat is a protein source.

Do you get my drift?

In contrast to this, the homemade anti aging creams are nothing but natural and safe! The ingredients are all disclosed and they do NOT come from questionable source. Usually we dont even label our products with anti-aging! Why? Because almost 90% of the ingredients we use for anything - lotions, moisturizers etc are already having these properties and why jump on the "fight the wrinkles" bandwagon? Our creams have multiple benefits and no side effects. We all use Shea Butter as one of the ingredients, or Mowrah Butter...and to top it off, we use a big quantity of them so you would feel the benefits of these amazing butters! We do NOT place them at the middle or the bottom of the ingredients list. And, we use what we sell too!

Once I received a comment like this - your lotions are a little more expensive than the ones I can buy from the grocerie store. I'll tell you why its like that too. Because the cheap St Ives, Jergens etc or Avenoo, Bath and Body Works etc....they all use way too much water! Yeap, you heard me right! The beneficial ingredients are in such small percentage that they can afford to sell them for that price! Thats an IF they have beneficial ingredients - not all do.

Ok, done bitching! Maybe....

Some of the information gotten from:
http://antiaging-reviews.com

Visit to read more.

Results of the aftershave for men

2009-02-03T09:12:00.007-05:00

Yeap, I have used my husband as a guinea pig more than one time...lol

I made my husband an aftershave with Witch Hazel, Almond Oil and some fragrance oil. I was torn between Happy Men and Bamboo and Teak. Chose the second though. The first will be next :-) He started using it in October 2008.

After he shaved he used to have very bad red bumps all over his face and neck. I really thought nothing of it. It was not until our friend noticed that his face and neck are very clean. I sure didnt pay attention to anything. Had a better look at hubbies face and sure enough - there really were not any red bumps anywhere!!! Our friend right away asked if I can make one for him too....lol....the weird thing is that I have offered many, many times to give him something for free, which he ignored in a nice way. Well, I aint gonna hold that against him, I am always ecstatic to help someone when they ask for help...lol

Probably what helped is the combination of witch hazel and almond oil. Witch hazel helps a lot with razor burns and oily skin. The almond oil is perfect for soothing irritated skin and is full of vitamin D and proteins, which is very nourishing.

I am very happy with the unexpected results of this. I sure didnt have him use it to help anything - I just wanted him to use something natural. The end result was very pleasant :-)

I am including a pic of his red bumps, I dont know if you can see them. Its just a picture that I took of him, not with the intention of following an experiment. It was taken somewhere in November. I can see the bumps, but they were worse before he started using my aftershave. Now they are non-existing.

You can find them here:

Etsy Store for Men Section

ArtFire Store for Men Section

Commercial Lotions dont work for me any more

2009-02-02T13:32:00.004-05:00

I just wanted to share an experience with you all...

I used to buy a lot of Victoria's Secret lotions. I usually stacked them up, buying them at the huge Christmas sale. I had one left in my medicine mirror thing, just poking my eyes. I felt bad to just throw it out - I paid money for it, ya know....so, I was getting ready for the shower and shaving and all that. Walked out of the bath tub and thought to apply that little left of that lotion....oh, wow, did I ever regret it!!!! That damn thing started burning my legs so bad, that I could not bare the pain anymore and had to wipe it off really quick and use one of my creations.....it felt like applying a honey to a wound....

Why are people willing to shell out money for products full of chemicals? And no, I am not talking about the emulsifiers and preservatives! They are paying for the big name and for the marketing and they are not really getting all that good of a product. Why would you want to put that on your skin? And spend 70$ for some things too?

Our ancestors were very, very smart people and used what they had around them for everything! Coconut oil was used in Indonesia for its anti aging properties. Yarrow was used in my country on the Balkan for healing wounds. My grandma used St Johns Wort infused oil for wounds and burns, she used calendula infused oil for ear infections etc....since when did we go so far away from nature, from our own, from us?

The homemade creams and lotions would never hurt you! They are natural and in most cases even edible! You can cook with Coconut Oil for Gods sake! You can drink chamomile tea AND it can do good for you topically too - just place a tea bag on your puffed up eyes...the natural butters and oils nourish your skin and until one tries it - one wont believe it.

I will never, ever use anything commercially done and sold. I started buying soap from the wonderful soapers on Etsy and ArtFire, I am trying to buy whatever possible from people that make it themselves.

What Tarot Card are you?

2009-01-28T12:53:00.003-05:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah....I am posting again, so what! :-)

I was blog hoppin, droppin Entrecards and on the blog MY HEART VOICE I found a test to see what Tarot card are you at this moment. Well.....I happened to be my ultimate favorite Tarot Card - The High Priestess!!!!

It is soooo me its unbelievable. I am like a sponge when it comes to learning. I stopped reading regular literature years ago and concentrated on other things....spiritual knowledge, ancient secrets, archeology, evolution, myths...there is a plethora of knowledge there and it all comes together and fits perfectly!

You are The High Priestess

Science, Wisdom, Knowledge, Education.

The High Priestess is the card of knowledge, instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge. She holds scrolls of arcane information that she might, or might not reveal to you. The moon crown on her head as well as the crescent by her foot indicates her willingness to illuminate what you otherwise might not see, reveal the secrets you need to know. The High Priestess is also associated with the moon however and can also indicate change or fluxuation, particularily when it comes to your moods.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Do you ever feel tired of everything?

2009-01-28T08:52:00.002-05:00

I was laying in bed last night and thought how worn out I am since I started selling online. Nope, not complaining, just relieving myself of the thoughts. I dont want any negative thoughts to be bringing me down, so I am releasing them.....

I have no time to meditate anymore. That saddens me. Yes, I know that if you want something so bad you can make it happen, but I dont want to fall a sleep while trying to relax and get into the meditative state of mind.

I have not healed myself with Reiki since last summer. I do send it out to people that request it, but have failed to do so for myself. My hands tingle every time I think of it and I think that it flows into my creams and lotions every time I make them - cuz I am so focused and doing it with huge love.

I just need a break from all the promoting, bookmarking, forums activites, marketing.....I grew so tired of ALL social networks. I rarely go on Twitter, I dont feel like I have anything to say in the forums of Etsy, ArtFire or any of my soap groups that I belong to.....I feel bad about the soapgroups though, because I am there and its like a free advertisement and I am doing nothing. Same thing about my Pagans of Etsy group. I love my pagan friends, LOVE them - but I find myself with less and less time to pay attention to all.

Why cant someone else do all of this for me? Since when are the artists holding the jobs that maybe 2 other people would fill in for? Market, promote, design of labels....I mean, c'mon! Why cant I just stay in my kitchen and cook up the creams and lotions, huh?

Ok, done for now.....Listen to me Universe, I do see myself happy, healthy and succesful! Bring it down on me!

Tattoo Care....Gentle Natural Cleanser

2009-01-26T18:10:00.007-05:00

So....yeah, I am obsessed with creating products to treat a new, fresh tattoo. But dont worry, I already have a cream in the works for already existing and older tattoos - for optimum enhancement and gentle moisturizing.

This thing that I researched is a cleanser with Witch Hazel and Rose Floral Water. The two of the best put together. I was so happy when I found out that my husbands tattoo artist used Witch Hazel to clean while tattooing (instead of alcohol) that I wanted to jump!

The rose floral water nourishes & Moisturizes skin, hair, body; naturally regulates skin's oil production; balances skin Ph balance; heals irritated area. It is said that its a gently cleansing and toning product for all skin types. Stimulates regeneration processes, has a calming effect in acne and sunburns. As a result the skin texture becomes even and elastic.

And the good old Witch Hazel...I cant do without it! And I cant recommend it enough. It never burns any kind of irritated skin, nor a burn or scared tissues....and the tattoo is a wound....you wont feel a thing! And it has a cool touch which is just so soothing for the tattoo. I dont even wanna mention how good it is at cleaning the skin! Also, it still helps with the healing.

I used this and the KISS MY TATTOO BALM on my husband and he had no scabbing, his ink is still there and vibrant and his tattoo healed within days, no weeks! He had no problems with the skin drying and itching either. These two worked so good in combination!

TRIPLE AWARDS

2009-01-26T10:24:00.003-05:00

I was awarded a Triple Award from Gypsy on one of her blog Barefoot in the Sand....a wonderful blog that empowers you, I like following her thoughts and experiences and her collages are taking me to another world. Her other blog Confessions of a Kitchen Witch is full of recepies, info on the herbs, fruit, incense etc

Here are the rules for the recipients:

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.

2. Nominate at least 10 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!

3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.

4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

And the nominations are:

(she already stole all my pagan nominatees...lol...I have to search harder now)

Curious Curandera

Infinite Reiki

The Kitchen Grimoire

Voodoo Who Do

The Paranormal Dimension

Magic Stones

Riding the Astral Plane

Pagan Witch

Pagan Dad

Incursions Into Otherworld

I have dedicated this to the people that write about my beliefs. Enjoy.

Tag! You are it!

2009-01-22T10:12:00.004-05:00

Well, there ya go.....I was tagged again...lol....this time by the environmentally aware bloggerista ecogeneration...

These are the seemingly simple rules:

Mention the person who tagged you and link the person.
Post the Rules in your blog.
Write 7 random things about yourself.
Tag 7 people at the end of your post and link to them
Let each person know they've been tagged.

I say seemingly cuz...I just dont know how many different things I can say about myself *shrugs* But, here we go:

1. The only part of my job that I do not enjoy is making labels for my bottles. Its a pain in the butt!

2. I miss being a kid....we used to go on vacation every summer....now, I havent been anywhere to relax for almost 10 years!

3. I miss mountains...I grew up in a country that all you see is huge peaks and hills....Metro Detroit Michigan is just sooooo flat!

4. I still hold hopes that I will get to go to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I have seen pictures and it looks breathtaking.

5. I am 100% hooked to watching LOST....ha....add me to the other million people....lol

6. I am talkative and friendly, but not very social...does that make any sense?

7. I hate the cold and I hate the heat....would rather have a fall weather all year around - without the rain drenching

Now, for the blogs that I will tag:

bejeweledbycandi

diarlyofaneccentric

indiesistas

lovelypurses

shopaholcsnightingale

studioartfire

witchymama

Now I am off to let these ladies know what just happened to them - they got TAGGED!

What is good for ingrown hair and for your skin? Whipped Orange Slices body butter and Orange Slice Brown sugar scrub

2009-01-20T14:10:00.010-05:00

Well, last Saturday I started the base for a sugar scrub that I wanted to make since....forever! I wanted something that is going to hug the skin and moisturize it, as well as exfoliate.

So, I started melting the shea and mango butters, added the coconut and grapeseed oil....aside I warmed up the rose floral water. When I started mixing, the e-wax was not really emulsifying the mixture as it was suppose to, so I thought - oh, well, I'll just add polysorbate 20 to emulsify it....

Ummmm.....oooops! The bottles looking similar, I added sweet almond oil instead...lol....so, I ended up with some greasy mixture that I had to remelt to fix it :-)

The almond oil is actually very good, so I dont feel bad about adding it, but it wasnt planned, thats all. In the case of the sugar scrub, this oil is actually recomended. I guess it was ment to be - like something was guiding my hand to add the ingredient that was needed.

I got tired of the girly girly scents, so I wanted to add something sweet and citrusy - a ripe orange. Yeap - Sweet Orange and Lemon essential oils are in this mix and they are awesome for oily skin.

Well, the whole thing looked so white and fluffy and OMG just amazing that I had to package it all on its own, before I even started adding the sugars and the colloidal oatmeal.

Now, brown sugar and sweet almond is said to help with ingrown hair. Its gentle and wont hurt the skin. One can rub it in with circular motions and rinse.

The way to prevent ingrown hair is to apply antiseptic lotion (like something with Tea Tree Oil) after shaving or waxing - this prevents the open pores to get infected. 5 days later you should start exfoliating every second day and until the hair start being visible again.

Ok....so ingrown hair aside :-) This sugar scrub is awesome just for any use - shred those dead skin cells and moisturize your healthy skin! Enjoy the benefits of the soothing colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, mango butter, rose floral water, coconut oil and grapeseed oil....with the added benefit of Orange and Lemon essential Oils

Whipped Orange Slices:

Etsy Listing

ArtFire Listing

Orange Slice Scrub:

Etsy Listing

ArtFire Listing

My salt water aquarium saga

2009-01-19T12:11:00.006-05:00

We have had fish tanks since I remember. First we started out with a small 20 gallon fresh water tank with gold fish. My mother in law got herself a little pond, so I gave her the fish for the pond and they grew HUGE!!!!

So, since my goldfish were gone, my husband wanted something more aggressive. We got some oscars and fed them small goldfish.....wow.....how my heart broke seeing the little things being eaten, but I guess thats the cycle of life....I also feel bad when I see the little white mice in the pet stores waiting to be snake food....

I forgot what happened to the Oscars....all I remember is that next we set up a salt water tank. Oh, damn, the difference!!!! The salt water tanks looked wayyyy better and it was way easier to clean and maintain! There was no more so frequent water changes, no more dull look!

It does take patience when you first set up a salt water tank. You need to check your salt levels, Ph level, amonia levels.....then you have to let it cycle for about 2 weeks. Only then can you add some fish - and you cant add right away that Yellow Tang or Shark or whatever....you add fish that help with more cyclening - damsels! They are cute though...we usually get the blue ones with yellow tales and they look so cute under that neon light we got :-)

I have had some sad stories :-(

We got a baby snowflake eel just to find it dead on the floor the next morning.

We got a puffer fish and somehow it was dieing and we had to flush it down the toilet bowl, because when they die - they release poison and they can ruin the whole tank - sand, water, rocks - everything!

We had a Lion Fish and it died...why? Because we were putting way too many guppies in the salt water tank and them, as fresh water fish, screwed up something in the water.

And then it was our beloved sharks turn - we got a Leaopard Shark - the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. It was fine until our friend asked us to keep his 3 foot long Green Morray Eel that looked so creepy and scary! We were suppose to keep it only for few days, but the dang thing stayed with us for couple years! It started taking chunks out of our shark - killing it slowly. One day we found our beloved shark on the carpet. I think it jumped out of the tank on purpose...what else could have happened?

So, now after 3 years of not having the tank set up, we did it again. We cycled it, left the damsels there for another few weeks, bought live rock and coral started growing on it....its so beautiful!

AND, the other day my husband brough home the amazing lion fish! Now this time, I am feeding it one guppie at a time, I dont want nothing to go wrong! The damsels are pretty stressed out and I think that they might die from it.

Ok, so....sharing few pix from the new set up, hope you like'em.

Boriska the Boy from Mars

2009-01-18T18:55:00.007-05:00

I am gonna stear away a little bit and post this article that my sister send me. I thought it was an interesting read for the people that want to know more about Indigo Children.

Boriska—boy from Mars

Sometimes, some children are born with quite fascinating talents, unusual abilities. I was told the story of an unusual boy named Boriska from members of an expedition to the anomaly zone located in the north of the Volgograd region, most commonly referred to as “Medvedetskaya gryada”…

“Can you imagine, while everyone was sitting around the campfire at night, some little boy (about 7 years of age) suddenly asked everyone’s attention. Turned out, he wanted to tell them all about life on Mars, about its inhabitants and their flights to earth,” shares one of the witnesses. Silence followed. It was incredible! The little boy with gigantic lively eyes was about to tell a magnificent story about the Martian civilization, about megalithic cities, their spaceships and flights to various planets, about a wonderful country Lemuria, life of which he knew in details since he happened to descend there from Mars, had friends there… Logs were cracking, night's fog enveloped the area and the immense dark sky with myriads of brightly lit stars seemed to conceal some sort of a mystery. His story lasted for about an hour and a half. One guy was smart enough to tape the entire narration.

Many were stunned by the two distinctive factors. First of all, the boy possessed exceptionally profound knowledge. His intellect was obviously far from that of a typical 7-year-old. Not every professor is capable of narrating the entire history of Lemuria and Lemurians and its inhabitants in such details. You will be unable to find any mentioning of this country in school textbooks. Modern science has not yet proved existence of other civilizations. Second of all, we were all amazed by the actual speech of this young boy. It was far from the kind kids his age usually use. His knowledge of specific terminology, details and facts from Mars' and Earth’s past fascinated everyone.

“Why did he start the conversation in the first place,” said my interlocutor.

“Perhaps, he was simply touched by the overall atmosphere of our camp with many knowledgeable and open-minded people,” continued he.

“Could he make this all up?”

“Doubtful”, objected my friend”.

“To me this looks more like the boy was sharing his personal memories from past births. It is virtually impossible to make up such stories; one really had to know them.”

Today, after meeting with Boris' parents and getting to know the boy better, I begin to carefully sort out all the information obtained around that campfire. He was born in Volzhskii town in a suburban hospital, even though officially, based on the paperwork, his birthplace is the town of Zhirnovsk of Volgograd region. His birthday is January 11th, 1996. (Perhaps it will be helpful for astrologers). His parents seem to be wonderful people. Nadezhda, Boriska's mother, is a dermatologist in a public clinic. She graduated from Volgograd medical institute not so long ago in 1991. The boy’s father is a retired officer. Both of them would be happy if someone could shed the light onto the mystery behind their child. In the meantime, they simply observe him and watch him grow.

-After Boriska was born, I noticed he was able to hold his head in 15 days, recalls Nadezhda. His first word “baba” he uttered when he was 4 months old and very soon afterward started talking. At age 7, he constructed his first sentence,

“I want a nail.” He said this particular phrase after noticing a nail stuck in the wall. Most notably, his intellectual abilities surpassed his physical ones.

-How did those abilities manifest themselves?

-When Boris was just one year old, I started giving him letters (based on the Nikitin’s system) and guess what, at 1,5 he was able to read large newspaper print. It didn’t take long for him to get acquainted with colors and their shades. He began to paint at 2. Then, soon after he turned 2, we took him to the children day care center. Teachers were all stunned by his talents and his unusual way of thinking. The boy possesses exceptional memory and an unbelievable ability to grasp new information. However, his parents soon noticed that their child had been acquiring information in his own unique way, from some place else…

-No one has ever taught him that, recalls Nadya. But sometimes, he would sit in a lotus position and start all these talks. He would talk about Mars, about planetary systems, distant civilizations…we couldn’t believe our own ears. How can a kid know all this? Cosmos, never-ending stories of other worlds and the immense skies, are like daily mantras for him since he was 2. It was then that Boriska told us about his previous life on Mars, about the fact that the planet was in fact inhabited, but as a result of the most powerful and destructive catastrophe had lost its atmosphere and that nowadays all its inhabitants have to live in underground cities. Back then, he used to fly to earth quite often for trade and other research purposes. It seems that Boriska piloted his spaceship himself. This was during the times of the Lemurian civilizations. He had a Lemurian friend who had been killed right before his own eyes…

-A major catastrophe took place on earth. A gigantic continent was consumed by stormy waters. Then suddenly, a massive rock fell on a construction…by friend was there…, tells Boriska. I could not safe him. We are destined to meet some time in this life. The boy envisions the entire picture of the fall of Lemuria as though it happened yesterday. He grieves the death of his best friend as though it was his fault. One day, he noticed a book in his mother’s bag entitled “Where do we come from?” by Ernst Muldashev. One should have seen the kind of happiness and fascination this discovery triggered in the little boy. He’s been flipping through pages for hours, looking at sketches of Lemurians, photos of Tibet. He then started talking about high intellect of the Lemurians…

-But Lemuria ceased to exist minimum 800 000 years ago…, I uttered in response to his statements. Lemurians were 9 meters tall! Is that so? How can you remember all this? -I do remember, replied the boy. Later, he began recalling another book by Muldashev entitled “In Search of the City of Gods.” The book is mainly devoted to ancient tombs and pyramids. Boriska firmly stated that people will find knowledge under one of the pyramids (not the pyramid of Heops). It hasn’t been discovered yet.

“Life will change once the Sphinx will be opened,” said he and added that the great Sphinx has an opening mechanism somewhere behind his ear (but he does not remember where exactly). The boy also talks with great passion and enthusiasm about the Mayan civilization. According to him, we know very little about this great civilization and its people. Most interestingly, Boriska thinks that nowadays the time has finally come for the “special ones” to be born on earth. Planet’s rebirth is approaching. New knowledge will be in great demand, a different mentality of earthlings.

-How do you know about these gifted kids and why this is happening? Are you aware that they are called “indigo” kids?

-I know that they are being born. However, I haven't met anyone in my town yet. Perhaps may be this one girl named Yulia Petrova. She is the only one who believes me. Others simply laugh at my stories. Something is going to happen on earth; that is why these kids are of importance. They will be able to help people. The Poles will shift. The first major catastrophe with one of the continents will happen in 2009. Next one will take place in 2013; it will be even more devastating.

-Aren't you scared that your life may also going to end as a result of that catastrophe?

-No. I’m not afraid. I have lived through one catastrophe on Mars already. There still live people like us out there. But after the nuclear war, everything has burnt down. Some of those people managed to survive. They built shelters, new weaponry. There was also a shift of continents there, although the continent was not as large. Martians breathe gas. In case they arrived to our planet, they would have been all standing next to pipes and breathing in fumes.

-Do you prefer breathing oxygen?

-Once you are in this body, you have to breathe oxygen. However, Martians dislike this air, earth’s air, because it causes aging. Martians are all relatively young, about 30-35 years old. The amount of such Martian children will increase annually.

-Boris, why do our space stations crash before they reach Mars?

-Mars transmits special signals aimed at destroying them. Those stations contain harmful radiation.

I was amazed by his knowledge of this sort of radiation “Fabos”. This is absolutely true. Back in 1988 resident of Volzhsky Yuri Lushnichenko, a man with extrasensory powers attempted to warn Soviet leaders about the inevitable crash of the first Soviet space stations “Fobos 1” and “Fobos-2”. He also mentioned this sort of an “unfamiliar” and harmful for the planet radiation. Obviously, no one believed him then.

-What do you know about multiple dimensions? Do you know that one must fly not on straight trajectories, but maneuvering through the multi-dimensional space?

Boriska immediately rose to his feet and started to pour all the facts about UFOs. “We took off and landed on Earth almost momentarily!” The boy takes a chalk and begins drawing an oval object on a blackboard. “It consists of six layers,” he says. 25%--outer layer, made of durable metal, 30%-second layer made of something similar to rubber, the third layer comprises 30%--once again metal. The final 4% is composed of a special magnetic layer.“If we are to charge this magnetic layer with energy, those machines will be able to fly anywhere in the Universe.”

-Does Boriska have a special mission to fulfill? Is he aware of it?- I pose these questions to his parents and the boy himself.

-He says he can guess,- says his mother. He says he knows something about the future of Earth. He says information will play the most significant role in the future…

-Boris, how do you know all this?

-It is inside of me.

-Boris, tell us why do people get sick?

-Sickness comes from people's inability to live properly and be happy… You must wait for you cosmic half. One should never get involve and mess up other peoples’ destinies. People should not suffer because of their past mistakes, but get in touch with what’s been predestined for them and try to reach those heights and move on to conquer their dreams. (These are the exact words he was using). You have to be more sympathetic and warmhearted. In case someone strikes you, hug your enemy, apologize yourself and kneel before him. In case someone hates you, love him with all your love and devotion and ask for forgiveness. These are the rules of love and humbleness. Do you know why the Lemurians died? I am also partially at blame. They did not wish to develop spiritually any more. They went astray from the predestined path thus destructing the overall wholeness of the planet. The Magic’s Path leads to dead end. Love is a True Magic!

-How do you know all this???

-I know…Kailis…

-What did you say?

-I said “hello!” This is the language of my planet.

Gennady Belimov “NGN”

http://www.scribd.com/doc/440463/Boriska-the-Boy-from-Mars

Results of the tattoo healing balm

2009-01-17T12:28:00.011-05:00

So....you know how I was talking that my husband got himself a new tattoo. This happened last Saturday, a week ago. He had an old one that the new artist touched up a little bit because it looked so bad...

I want to share some pictures of how his new work looks like now. The pics were taken at day 5 after the tattoo was done.

At day 3 he woke up with a lot of pealing things on the tattoo (dont mind my descriptive words, I am not an english native talker, speaker or whatever you call it...lol). After few applications of my balm the pealing things were all but non-existent. The next day there was NO peeling at all.

He was at ease with the itching problems....because they were almost not even there. The balm soothed his tattoo and he had no discomfort what-so-ever.

The new tattoo is the names. The cross was done by someone else. I dont
know if anyone can see the difference, but I do :-) The bumpy things are
his zits...well, I am working on getting rid of that too :-)

YOU CAN FIND MY NATURAL, GENTLE TATTOO HEALING BALM HERE:

Tattoo healing balm

American Cars ARE of better quality!

2009-01-14T13:15:00.003-05:00

I gotta kill the myth here that started in the 70's....AMERICAN BUILD VEHICLES ARE OF BETTER QUALITY THAN ASIAN ONES!!!!!

Ok...How powerful can this be coming from someone that is not even born in USA, huh? I am very upset that japanese vehicles are not in the news every day saying how they suck! And they do! And what kind of people live here that would rather put their money in a foreigners hand by buying foreign, huh? I know, I know....these days its hard to pin point what is and what is not 100% american made, but look at it this way:

Ok, I make homemade bath and body stuff, right? I get my supplies from everywhere. My butters are from Africa, Asia...some essential oils are from Europe etc....now, I get all this at my house and from all these small parts I make something. Is it homemade or not?

The same applies to the cars build here. They are put together by Americans in America! If we dont buy things made in the country we live at - where is our economy gonna go? Europe supports buying made in Europe. My small little country supports buying from their own too. What have become with the people in USA?

Ok....back to the quality of the vehicles.....Mike from "Dirty Jobs" went straight here, in Michigan to test the trucks from the Big Three and Toyota....please take a look:

And I just have to share the sticker that I have on my american made truck:

OUT OF A JOB YET? KEEP BUYING FOREIGN!

Tattoo Healing Balm.....continued.....

2009-01-13T16:54:00.007-05:00

Ok....I present to everyone my first of the newest line of products - KISS MY TATTOO healing balm :-) I am very, very nervous and anxious about how this is going to develop...but hey...without risk there is nothing!!!

As I said, my husband is a tattoo freak! His first tattoo didnt go that well and I think thats because he was using Triple Ointment on it to heal. This is the deal with the commercial ointments - they contain petroleum and lanolin and BOTH clog the pores and dont let the skin to take a breath! Why do this to your brand new tattoo after hours on that chair and taking the pain in? Why not use something natural, light and moisturizing that is going to help you keep those vibrant colors that your artist drew on you?

Here is down low on this balm:

I used Unrefined Shea Butter, Mango Butter, Hemp Seed Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil, Carrot Seed Essential Oil, Rose Absolute Morroc Essential Oil, Calendula Herbal Oil and a little Beeswax.

The butters help to prevent the itching and help with the scuffing.

Hemp Seed Oil has the perfect balance of Omega Acids - PERFECT for the people that are allergic to any fish oil, this is a way to get the necessary nutrients for the skin.

Carrot Seed has the necessary vitamins to help for returning the skin to a healthy state.

Grapeseed Oil is naturally full of Vitamin E

Rose Absolute preserves the clarity and boldness of your tattoos and brightens colors.

Calendula is very gentle and perfect for soothing and healing.

Coconut Oil is awesome for the dry skin and it soaks in very quick.

Beeswax on its own is very pharmaceutical.

Mango butter is rich in vitamin A, E and beta carotene

Unrefined Shea butter will speed healing while reducing or eliminating pain and itch associated with the healing process after receiving a tattoo. Using Shea butter will also help reduce scaring.

Treat the tattoo as a huge wound, because thats what it is - you really should to avoid hot tubs, swimming pools and soaking in bathubs of water during the healing period. Before the surface heals, the skin is susceptible to infection and public pools and water are easy sources of bacteria. Also, the soaking can cause the scab to come off too soon, which can also hurt your new tattoo.

Wash your tattoo gently with unscented and natural soap, dont let it sit under the hot shower for too long, dont pick at the scabs....place a thin layer of the balm and massage it well in the skin

You can find it here:

My Etsy Store

My ArtFire Store

ANY SUGGESTIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME!!! I LOVE HEARING WHAT PEOPLE LIKE

I was presented a Blog Award

2009-01-13T09:44:00.005-05:00

I log in today on my blog to see that lovely Duni from http://lovelypurses.blogspot.com/
has presented me with a beautiful Blog Award! Not one, but two of them :-) I have to give a little shot out to her - she is quirky, sweet and a talented artist. I LOVE visiting her blog and giggling at her Full Moon sleepless nights...lol....sorry girl, you may be suffering, but I think its kinda cute :-)

Is it time now for me to award these 2 to blogs that I enjoy reading? Sure it is!

Here is few blogs that I visit very often and I think they are oh-so-awesome!!!

Confessions of a Kitchen Witch

Life Earth Sky

Simply Sentimental

Stumbling upon the path of the Goddess

Ultraviolet Wind

Gotta go have some breakfast now.....and you know what else? I have bough bunch of homemade lip balms and commercial ones too....but my tattoo balm oopsie works the best on my lips!!!! Go ooooopsie!!!!!

A little something from my old country

2009-01-09T10:43:00.003-05:00

I dont know if anyone knows, but.....I was born in Europe, on the beautiful mountainous Balkan in what used to be Yugoslavia.....nostalgia hits guys, dont mind me writing this, I feel like crying as I am listening to songs from there right at this moment....

So.....this part of Europe is just full of heart and full of soul, their songs are heartbreaking and alive....now its all in pieces...6 different pieces....My part of the country now is Macedonia. How I miss the mountains, how I miss the music blasting from every window of the buildings, how I miss just having everything I need right next me....

Well...enough of the whining here...I wanted to share a song with you that lately has taken me away:

Hari Mata Hari's representative song for Bosnia at Eurovision :

Zeljko Joksimovic's representative song for Yugoslavia at Eurovision:

They are not brand new, but love the mix of traditional instruments with moderns sounds

My dog just put a hole through my wall

2009-01-08T14:09:00.008-05:00

Ahhhh.....the joy of having dogs, two of them! Pit Bulls too! I love them to death, but they are just such rascals and when they play its like a tornado going through my house. Both are about year old - and still puppies full of energy. Now that they are both well over 60lbs, I avoid playing with them in the house. But because of the nasty weather I cant let them play outside - they are gonna get all muddy and honestly, I dont feel like cleaning them before they enter the house.

So, my 3 year old daughter is at grandmas, my 6 year old is sitting nicely at the table and I said....maybe I can play some ball with them. I ordered one of them to stay away while I played with the other. The only reason I did this is because he is just clueless and doesnt know how to play - he gets the ball and just flops at the spot without bringing it back to me. And I did teach him to bring it back.....he just doesnt get it :-(

Everything is going fine and dandy, we are playing and having fun until......Blue slid on the carpet getting the ball, slammed into the wall with the ball in his mouth and put a hole through it! When I sighed at that, poor thing thought he is in trouble....awwwww, I felt so bad. My daughter was asking me if he is hurt and if his head hurts....lol.....I explained to her how Pit Bulls are very resistant to pain and he is not really hurt, how Pit Bulls are such a great dogs that in some other country called England they are called the Nanny Dogs. She was melting that she has a strong and gentle dog at the same time :-)

Soooo.....wanna see the hole?

And here he is, the Tornado Monster Blue, tired after playing ball:

and....this is Vuk, the one that has no clue how to play ball:

I am happy to announce that I have been featured at Simpy Sentimentals Blog

2009-01-08T12:30:00.003-05:00

Well...yeah..I just love her little space, its so neat and clean and she is such a sweet person with a LOT of cute items, I mean a LOT....she is unselfish and shares her blogspot with other artists, giving them a little spotlight.

Check it out:

I am starting a monthy drawing giveaways for all purchases!

2009-01-06T10:44:00.005-05:00

I have been reading about this a lot and I finally decided to do this. This is what is going to be happening:

1. Every 6th of the months (because today is the 6th) I will be drawing names of the people that have purchased from me to win a prize.

2. The more items bought - that many times your name is going to be counted for.

3. If you recommend someone to my store, let me know about the username and if they purchased - your name will be added for each person you bring to me.

4. If you liked my product and wrote a review either on your blog or at www.makeupalley.com
your name will be counted extra again

5. I will have all the names on a piece of paper, fold them, place them all in a container, shake it and draw one out of there.

6. You will be emailed and asked if you want the prize or not. If declined, I'll be drawing another name.

Sooooo.....to kick start this, the first prize is going to be an 8oz bottle of moisturizer. To be honest, it was suppose to be a cream, but I made it too liquid. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with this product. It is made with unrefined shea butter (which is superior because it retains its natural vitamins like A and E), Mango Butter, Mowrah Butter, Coconut Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Colloidal Oatmeal, Powdered Milk Bergamot Essential Oil and Rose Floral Water. Its very moisturizing and nourishing. It smells very fresh and citrusy - just like Bergamot!

You can purchase from any of my stores to be counted in:

www.MeaCulpaBodyandBath.etsy.com

or

www.MeaCulpaBodyandBath.artfire.com

The benefits of teas for the skin

2009-01-02T17:28:00.009-05:00

I always wanted to make something really herbal - not something that is with essential oils (I could though) and finally did it. I made a tea from chamomile, lavender and raspberry leaf and mixed it with jojoba oil, shea butter, mowrah butter and cocoa butter. I was really curious how its gonna turn out and how its gonna feel on the skin.

I decided to NOT put any beeswax and just go with the flow and see what happens. Well, what happened was a nice fluffy, whipped and light mixture of the butters and teas! The natural scent of the tea was still there - an amazing aroma of chamomile, lavender and raspberry leaf! If I added any essential or fragrance oil it just wouldnt be the same - it would have ruined it! So, I am sacrificing it having any sensual, enticing scent and going for the healing powers of our herbs and butters.

The cream is so light that its perfect for moisturizing the face. When you put any heavy cream, lotion or oil on your face and around the eyes - it makes those dark circles and bags under the eyes pop even more. So, aside from this light - it has the chamomile tea to help with that too. Chamomile is known to help with dark circles, do you remember you grandma ever telling you to place a teabag of chamomile on your eyes? Because its containing Mowrah Butter - it helps with the elasticity of skin and helps prevents wrinkles.

Chamomile tea is rich in an essential oil called azulene which has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to relieve skin irritation and itching. Together with Shea Butter, this works perfectly for skin conditions such as itchiness, rashes, psoriasis, eczema, very dry skin etc. My next project would be making an exfoliate paste of chamomile tea and powdered milk for sensitive skin.

Lavender tea tones the skin and we all know that lavender has a wide use for skin care - psoriasis, eczema, bug bites, acne, burns, chaffed and irritated skin etc.

Raspberry leaf tea acts as an astrigent on irritated skin, it tightens the top layer of the skin amd improves tissue firmness - thus is perfect for applications on face or hands. A raspberry leaf decoction is a home remedy for inflamed or oozing skin. The tannins in the leaves can shrink blood vessels and stimulate skin regeneration. Because the decoction is a mild disinfectant, it can help prevent bacterial infections.

So, all these together work in perfect harmony! When I apply it to my face it stays soft as never before the whole day! Not one commercial cream has done that for me!

You can find it here:
www.MeaCulpaBodyandBath.artfire.com
and here:
www.MeaCulpaBodyandBath.etsy.com

Do you have any ideas or suggestions of other tea combinations that can be made into a cream?

I've been tagged

2008-12-24T12:29:00.003-05:00

There is a tagging game going on here among art and craft bloggers and I've been tagged by The Blue Cat

The rules:

1. Place a link to the person that tagged you

2. List seven unusual things about yourself

3. Tag (and link to) seven other artists at the end of your post, and post on their blogs to let them know they’ve been tagged.

Wow, I have to list 7 unusual things about me? 7?! I think someone else is better fit to say that for me, cuz I dont think I have anything unusual about me...lol

1. I have come to USA from Macedonia 10 years ago. Weird as it is, I still forget some words in english even though I have been studying it at home for 10 years + my 10 years of living here

2. I cant live without an SUV anymore :-( I know, maybe its a spoiled thing, but in MI I dont know what I would do without one.

3. I am a book worm. Geeky? Yeap, maybe :-(

4. A lot of times I am perfectly fine being by myself, for days

5. I get hurt by massages....yeap, I feel like I have bruises on my spine when my husband massages me

6. I dont like wearing earings or any kind of gold or silver....also, not crazy for diamonds either. I would rather wear a stone on a leather rope.

7. I hate, hate my red hair. Its not really bad though - its more brown than red, but growing up in a country where its 99% dark and blonde people, it didnt feel good to jump out with the looks like that

This is the blogs that I liked and tagged:

Mommy Melee
LeelaBijou
Anitassweettreatcrafts
Busymommy
VeraLevi
Plaidfuzz
Pitbullladydesigns

The ULTIMATE healing cream!!!

2008-12-21T23:31:00.005-05:00

I felt like creating something new. Seeing how many people around me have all kinds of combinations of skin problems, I decided to do a little research and come up with a cream that can be ALL-IN-ONE. Plus, I was bored!

I know that most healing creams are actually more like salves - greasy! I wanted something with enough greasiness so it can hold moisture throughout the day AND silky smooth and soaking into the skin within seconds.

This is what I came up with:

Shea butter has been used to help heal burns, sores, scars, dermatitis, psoriasis, dandruff, and stretch marks. It may also help diminish wrinkles by moisturizing the skin, promoting cell renewal. Shea butter is a particularly effective moisturizer because contains so many fatty acids, which are needed to retain skin moisture and elasticity.

Mango Butter helps with the elasticity of the skin thus preventing wrinkles and stretch marks; it helps with psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema; its extremely moisturizing; rejuvenates skin; helps with blemishes and rashes, wounds, cracks from dryness, scar reduction.

Mowrah Butter is known to reduce the degeneration of skin cells, prevent wrinkles and restore skin flexibility and prevents dryness.

Coconut oil's ability to nourish and heal the skin has been known in the tropics for hundreds of years. It has been used for centuries in Polynesia and by our ancestors to retain soft and wrinkle free skin.

Grapeseed Oil is a great moisturizer and contains a very high percentage of vitamin E.

Colloidal Oatmeal Colloidal oatmeal works great to help relieve dry, skin patches (Eczema), psoriasis, acne, bug bites, sunburns, and other minor skin irritations. It also helps relieve chicken pox, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and other itching and scratching rashes.

An excellent exfoliant, milk contains natural alpha hydroxy acids, which help to gently slough off dead skin cells. In addition, milk helps to reduce redness and soothe irritated skin.

Rose Floral Water maintains the pH balance, stimulates regeneration processes, has a calming effect in acne and sunburns. As a result the skin texture becomes even and elastic.

Bergamot essential oil is know to help with all skin conditions - including psoriasis, dermatitis and eczema

I fell in LOVE with this cream and so did everyone that tried it! My skin has never felt so smooth and soft.

The secret is always in the photo!

2008-12-18T17:19:00.008-05:00

I have been obsessing about my photos since I started selling online. How are you to deliver the effect via the internet if not through a good photo? The people are not next to you so they can touch, smell, see. We shop with our eyes, even more so when we shop online. So, I just want to share the difference between a stock photo and the "prettyfied" one that I just listed today.

Here we go:

Before

After

Now tell me, which one of these would you be more inclined to buy? The after one, I think.

One more set:

Before

After

101 for the Sacral Chakra

2008-12-05T20:25:00.007-05:00

Whew....a little time to breathe :-)

So, lets continue with the basic info on the chakras

SACRAL (SPLEEN)CHAKRA

Location:

Lower abdomen to navel area.

Function:

Energy center through which we perceive other peoples's emotions (clairsentience);
- Concerned with day-to-day physical aspects of living; also with the people to whom we relate and with the quality of our relationships
- Concerned with sexual energy and its point from which we send and receive sexual feelings
- Also concerened with creativity
- Sometimes refereed to as the "low heart" chakra in women

Cords:

Cord in 2nd means either, "I am interested in you sexually", or "Give me your emotional support, pay attention to my emotions".
- Sex cord can be left in depending upon whether or not you are enjoying it
- Best to remove an emotion cord because it is a potential energy drain for you and is often accompanied by a "needy" vibration. (Its easier to respond to someone's emotional needs from your heart chakra than from your second chakra)

Mental, Emotional Issues:

Problems with money; sex and control issues with other people; blame and guilt; power or control in the physical world; emotional upset; fear of abandonment; sexual, emotional abuse/incest

Health Issues:

Sexual dysfunctions; reproductive disorders; fibroid tumors; allergies; skin disorders; hemorrhoids; prostate and bladder problems; pelvic/lower back pain; over-indulgence in food or sex.

CHAKRA THERAPIES FOR THE SECOND CHAKRA

Nature Therapy:

Relax in a body of water, feeling the water soothe you and lift you as it flows around your body; washing away any tension or negativity. As you look into the night sky, notice the glowing moonlight as it reflects of the water. Let the moons nurturing beam of light help balance the feminine energies of the second chakra. Oftentimes emotions are symbolically represented by water, so it is only appropriate that water would be one of the forms of relaxing and healing the emotional center, the 2nd chakra.

Sound Therapy:

Similar to the concept of flowing water, to relax the 2nd chakra you want to listen to music that seems to flow, is harmonious and soothing. There are a number of CD's that combine this soothing type of music with the sounds of ocean surf, waterfalls, rainfall, and running water to produce a very powerful sound therapy tool for this chakra.
Vocally you can chant the vowel "o" spoken as in "November", or you can sing it in the key of D.

Color Therapy:

For the 2nd chakra, clear orange is used to stimulate and renew your energy. It facilitates your letting go of rigid emotional patterns and lifts your self esteem.

Aromatherapy:

A few scents can be used to balance the emotions, improve digestion (the ability to "let go" and release) and ease stress are bergamot, vanilla, bitter almond and sandalwood. Ylang Ylang stimulates sensuality and is often used to help "set the mood" for a romantic encounter with your loved one.

Reflexology:

Locate the pressure point immediately above the inside heel, but not yet at the arch of the foot. Massage, applying gentle, steady pressure to the point to release blocked energies in the 2nd chakra.

Gemstones and Crystals:

Amber, Carnelian, Citrine, Coral, Moonstone, Gold Calcite, Gold Topaz, Peach Aventurine

101 for the Root Chakra

2008-12-04T09:29:00.004-05:00

Lets do a little basic info on the 7 main chakras. They are all important and its very important that ALL of them are balanced and clear from all clogs that dont let the life energy within usu to flow freely.

So, I'll start with the basic, first, the chakra of primal instinct - the Root Chakra:

Location:

Base of spine in men and between the ovaries in women.

Function:

Sometimes called the "survival" chakra.
- Concerned with those mechanisms which keep the physical body alive: money, food, shelter;
- Family scars and social and familial information that form a persons idea of reality:
- Includes immediate and extended family, race, social status, educatial level, family legacy and family expectations as handed down through generations;
- "Tribal mind" ; concerned with loyalty - not love, kindness or tenderness. "Love" being confused with obligations to the tribe: "If you really loved me, you'd come visit your family and me more often."

Cords:

Cord in 1st chakra means "I want you to help me survive".

Mental, Emotional Issues:

Inability to keep a job or permanent living situation; lack of commitment; operating out of fear; need for safety/security in the world; not able to stand up for Self or to provide for life's necessities; unfinished business with parents; abuse or neglect in childhood; limiting psychological programming ("You are stupid", "You are a bad person").

Health Issues:

Sciatica; varicose veins; chronic low back pain; rectal tumors or cancer.

CHAKRA THERAPY FOR THE ROOT CHAKRA

Nature Therapy:

Sit on the ground with your legs crossed in the lotus position. This position brings the 1st chakra in direct contact with Earth and thus provides a grounding effect. Look at or imagine the beautiful red and orange colors that appear in the sky at sunset and at sunrise. Let the beauty and harmony of this natural display of color bring rejuvenation into your 1st chakra. Feel it spread warmth throughout the entire chakra system and body. The beautiful red and orange colors gently stimulate your senses, awaken the fire, the passion inside of you for life.

Sound Therapy:

Listening to music that contains a steady, driving and forceful rhythm awakens the primal energy forces of the 1st chakra. Drumming raises this energy throughout, at times leading to a ritualistic, ecstatic dance as the energy surges. You can even witness this on the dance floor in music clubs when the music has a driving bass or drumbeat. To relax the 1st chakra, listen to sounds of nature - birds singing, crickets chirping, frogs croaking in a rhythm attuned to nature.
Vocally you can chant the vowel "u" spoken as "ooh" or you can sing it in the key of lower C.

Color Therapy:

Clear bright red is used for this chakra. The red color warms, revitalizes and awakens the life force energy. I suggest the lighter, brighter end of the red color spectrum rather than bluish reds, as the darker reds are often associated with depression and unexpressed anger. As always, check it out for yourself.

Aromatherapy:

A few of the scents that can be used to activate the 1st chakra, reduce depression, stimulate circulation, and generate warmth are rose, jasmine, patchouli and sandalwood. To improve your connection with Earth, you could try cedar. Clove is wonderful for dissolving blocked energies.

Reflexology:

Locate the pressure point on your heel and slightly to the inside. Gently massage. Apply steady pressure to the spot to stimulate the chakra and release energy blocks.

Gemstones and Crystals:

Agate, Bloodstone, Black Tourmaline, Garnet, Hematite, Obsidian, Pyrite, Red Coral, Red Jasper, Ruby, Smoky Quartz, Snowflake Obsidian

Thats the Root Chakra basic info. If you guys are interested to read more about chakras, let me know....the next 6 will come later :-)

Came out with some new items

2008-11-18T21:15:00.007-05:00

I have been so lazy lately. I am sitting here, on the computer - but doing actually NOTHING. My daughter was sick and waking up at night way too many times, then waking up way too early in the mornings. I was royally pooped! Wouldnt you be?

So, I got off my lazy butt and made some new things for my virtual store.

I love, just LOVE Almond Biscotti....oh, they are so good, crunchy and a bit bitter and they go so good with a cup of tea or coffee. So, I just had to make this Almond Biscotti Lotion for all those biscotti crazies out there. Yeah, yeah, I'm talking to YOU! LOL

Another thing that I have been hearing lately was this white tea and ginger scent. Hmmmm....is it really that popular? Well? Is it? Anyways.....I decided to give it a try and just do it. Make the darn thing and see for yourself. It DOES smell good though. Fresh, a little bit spicy, a bit of exotic tea.....ah, if I could just be somewhere else :-)

What do you think of a scent with apples, pears and melons? All the juiciness in one bottle. How about the name for it. BUTT NAKED. Yeap! You heard it right. Dare to bare!

I am looking for testers for my products

2008-11-15T13:58:00.001-05:00

I need testers for my aftershaves, scents for lotions, shampoos or conditioners and sometimes for my skin care products. If you want to participate, can you please sign up? The sign up box is on the right.

I want to see how many people are interested so I can know a round number of sample bottles to buy. Thank you :-)

I am gonna send you e-mail asking you what you prefer to test and I am going to wait for a honest feedback.

Thank you :-)

What can girls do at a slumber party? DIY lotions, potions, mists, perfumes and bath salts projects!

2008-11-10T21:49:00.008-05:00

They can play with essential and fragrance oils and make their own lotions and potions!!! They can create their own perfume oils! Their own bath salts and body mists!

I was thinking a lot while watching my 6 year old all in my stash of bottles, oils, lotions, shampoos, conditioners. We have made few mists together and I've seen her enjoy every second of it. Most importantly - she is so content and happy after she has done her own masterpiece :-)

So, I have created a DIY kit for girls. I have also given you your own choice of fragrances so its more personalized.

8 oz of unscented lotion
2 2oz empty lotion bottles
1 oz of your choice carrier oil
6 vials of 4ml fragrance and/or essential oil
1 1/2oz empty roll on perfume bottle
1 dropper

Choice of fragrance and essential oils:

Champa fragrance oil
Cinnamon fragrance oil
Juniper fragrance oil
Green tea fragrance oil
Lotus fragrance oil
Mandarin fragrance oil
Mimosa fragrance oil
Nerolli fragrance oil
Spearmint fragrance oil
Verbena fragrance oil
Water lilly fragrance oil
Water lotus fragrance oil
Wintergreen fragrance oil
Yuzu fragrance oil
Jasmine fragrance oil
Pineapple fragrance oil
Lilly of the valley fragrance oil
Sensual amber fragrance oil
Sandalwood FO
Musk FO
Lemon blossom FO
Vanilla FO
Coconut cream FO
Pomegranate FO
Mango madness FO
Chocolate FO

Peppermint Supreme essential oil
Sweet orange 5 fold EO
Lime EO
Eucalyptus EO
Anise EO
Lemon EO

Choice of carrier oil:

Jojoba oil
Sweet Almond oil
Grapeseed oil
Olive oil
Sunflower oil
Apricot Kernel oil
Hemp Seed oil

If you prefer already mixed fragrances, the choices are:

RED CURRANT & THYME TEA - FO

PINA COLADA - FO

CUCUMBER AND GREEN TEA - FO

ANGELICA - FO (A light and airy blend of aquatic notes, delicate citruses balanced with soft rose, soft sandalwoods and musks. )

MEDITATION KRISHNA - FO (Strong robust woods infused with spices, spiritual nag champa and frankincense)

ORIENTAL - FO (Asian blend of ylang ylang, cherry blossoms and vanilla secured patchoulis, sandalwoods, vetiver)

ABSINTHE - FO (Anise, sugar, juniper, spices and citruses leading to a unique version of this legendary underground favorite)

ANOMALY - FO (Sexy and complex, this fragrance is beguiling, with notes of white florals, musks, sandalwoods, and grapefruit)

LOVELY - FO (Light musks to sandalwoods, delicately mixed with earthy champa and vetiver)

MOONLIGHT PATH (TYPE) - FO (The scent is the familiar one of lavender, mandarin, bergamot with the invigorating florals like rose, jasmine, violet, ylang, lily of the valley....all of it held together with mysterious and enticing sandalwood, vetiver, oakmoss, vanilla, amber and musk)

ALMOND BISCOTTI - FO (a delicate biscuit with hints of toasted sweet almonds)

BUTT NAKED - FO (fresh green apples perfectly harmonized with refreshing melons and juicy pears)

DRAGONS BLOOD - FO (warm, woody and earthy scent, with notes of amber, vanilla, sandalwood, light tones of powdery musks and hints of asian florals to bring out subtle spice undertones)

JAMAICAN ME CRAZY - FO (Think fun, fruity, fresh and edgy with a sly kick, an original of passion fruit, mangoes, citrus and SSHHH...secretly introduced splash of cannabis)

WHITE TEA AND GINGER - FO (Fresh and slightly spiced, this fragrance is invigorating with subtle notes of exotic tea. Its Refreshing to the senses while evoking a warm feeling timelessness.

ZEN GARDEN - FO (Aquatic water lily, green tea and osmanthus grounded with sweet sandalwood)

I am working on making a kit that would include bath salts, mist bottles, mesh pouches and again - your choice of 6 oils! And for the ones that want it all - I will have a DELUXE kit that includes all of the above! Isnt that great?!

YOU CAN GET IT HERE:

Creme for psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, dry itchy skin

2008-11-06T22:28:00.005-05:00

Eczema is usually a very persistent, itchy skin condition consisting of skin dryness and inflammation manifested by redness of the skin, crusting and thickening of the skin. Eczema is an inflammation of the skin and may be associated with an allergic reaction, although the cause is not always known.

In adults, eczema is commonly found on the inner elbow or behind the knee. If you also have acne, this will treat acne too and is better than most chemical acne products. Once skin is exposed to a trigger, it releases chemicals to the surface of the skin, which causes a patient to itch.

To get control of your skin condition it does take time and energy to follow a successful skin care routine. Serious types of eczema include nummular, discoid and dyshidrotic. We know that when someone is experiencing stress they are more likely to feel itchy and then start scratching the skin.

I am using an extra thick lotion (creme) with Jojoba Oil and Coconut Oil. I added my most precious absolutes and essential oils for this one, just so every single one can add to the fullest effect of giving relief to eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Violet Leaf Absolute - is very good for the skin. It opens up the pores, , it soothes red, irritated, dry, itchy and sensitive skin. It helps A LOT with psoriasis, eczema and dermatitis. Used it with Rose Morroc, they become powerful antioxidants known to help, clean, detoxify and sooth the skin while assisting in the prevention of free radical damage.

Rose Morocc is especially good for dry or sensitive skin. Used routinely it provides a soothing and healing effect on Dry Skin, Atopic Eczema, Irritant Contact Dermatitis, Infantile Seborrheic Eczema, Varicose Eczema, Discoid Eczema.

Carrot Seed Oil has been used to treat psoriasis, skin ulcers, acne, eczema and other skin problems. It is good for general skin health and may reduce wrinkles while improving elasticity and tone.

Patchouli Essential Oil is used in aromatherapy to treat skin complaints. It is thought to have a regenerative effect on skin tone and to help clear conditions such as eczema and acne.

Coconut Oil - An emollient pressed from coconuts. It is frequently used for its lathering and moisturizing properties. Unprocessed organic virgin coconut oil soothes the area immediately and goes to work on healing eczema, dermatitis or just about any skin condition.

Bergamot oil, expressed from the peel, assists in avoiding infectious diseases, it is used in preventing oily skin, Psoriasis and acne.

In case of skin irritations or chronic conditions like eczema, soreness, itchiness, dryness and inflammation, almond oil is the best carrier for medicines. It absorbs quickly leaving the skin soft and toned, hence is ideal massage oil.

This is perfect for ANY skin condition. If you prefer this mix in a carrier oil, please contact me at MeaCulpaBodyandBath.etsy.com . The best carrier oil would be Sweet Almond.

Essential Oils and the eyes area

2008-11-05T21:18:00.010-05:00

The eyes are said to be the seat of the soul. We spend enough making them look attractive, but no amounts of mascara or eyeliner can hide the problems that afflict the very delicate skin that surrounds the eye, the crow's feet wrinkles, creased skin, bags under the eyes and darkening around the whole area can depress even the brightest of souls!

With regular use, the essential oils applied around the eyes can diminish the creasing and smooth out the tiny cracks and crevices. The skin around the eyes, however, is extremely fragile and it is important only to use the lightest of base oils and the minimum of essential oils. If any oil gets into the eye, flush it out immediately with water.

Use the oil relevant to your age group.

OILS FOR AROUND THE EYES

18 TO 25 YEARS

2 teaspoons Hazelnut Oil
2 drops Borage Seed Oil
1 drop Chamomile German
1 drop Carrot Oil

25 TO 40 YEARS

2 teaspoons Hazulnut Oil
2 drops Botage Seed
3 drops Evening Primrose
2 drops Lavender
1 drop Lemon
1 capsule Vitamin E
2 drops Carrot

40 TO 45 YEARS

2 teaspoons Hazelnut Oil
6 drops Evening Primrose
2 drops Borage Seed
2 drops Palmarosa
2 drops Lavender
1 capsule Vitamin E
3 drops Carrot

MATURE YEARS

2 teaspoons Hazulnut Oil
5 drops Jojoba Oil
2 capsules Vitamin E
1 drop Lavender
1 drop Lemon
1 drop Bois de rose
3 drops Carrot

* 1 capsule Vitamin E = 250 IUs

Mix the ingredients together well and use the lightest amount around the eye area. Weight around th eye area causes it to sag - and that applies to all oils and creams. Leave the oil for a few minutes and then gently wipe off the excess. Apply th eoil every night.

To treat puffy eyes and dark shadows around the eyes, these are the ingredients you need:

2 teaspoons Hazelnut oil
1 tablespoon Witch Hazel
2 drops Fennel
2 drops Chamomile German

First, dissolve the oils as far as possible in ice cold witch hazel, and place it in the fridge. Wrap an ice cube in a cotton-wool ball, dip it in the essential oil and witch hazel mixture and place it over your closed eye and the puffy area. Leave it in place for a few seconds and then, while the skin is still wet, apply a small quantity of hazelnut oil to the area.

Tired eyes benefit from dabbing with a cold rosehip or green tea. Make up the tea and keep it in the fridge and just dab it around the eyes when they feel that they need it.

You can make up your own eye oil, using the following . It would be ideal to use this while g yourself a face k reatment, for your eyes will be closed and relaxing , and you can lie down and take it completely easy for 5 minutes or so. Apply the oil around the eye area, not on the eyelids.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR AROUND THE EYE AREA

Chamomile German
Lavender
Fennel
Carrot
Lemon
Palmarosa
Rose

BASE OILS

Hazelnut
Almond

ADDITIONS TO BASE

Jojoba
Evening Primrose
Borage Seed

If you would like anything done, you can contact me at www.MeaCulpaBodyandBath.etsy.com

If you would want to use the info for DIY, have fun creating and playing with the oils, you will enjoy it!

Lavender

2008-11-03T09:08:00.001-05:00

Lavender is best known and loved for its fragrance.
The herb has been used since ancient times in perfumery.
As an aromatic plant, lavender lifts the spirits and chases
melancholy. Taking just a few whiffs of this sweetsmelling
herb is said to dispel dizziness. Traditionally,
women in labor clutched sprigs of lavender to bring
added courage and strength to the task of childbearing. A
decoction of the flower may be used as a feminine
douche for leucorrhoea. The dried blossoms, sewn into
sachets, may be used to repel moths and to scent clothing,
or may be lit like incense to scent a room. Because
of its fumigant properties, the herb was hung in the home
to repel flies and mosquitoes, and strewn about to sanitize
the floors. Lavender essential oil was a component
of smelling salts in Victorian times.
The essential oil of certain lavender species has a
sedative, antispasmodic, and tranquilizing effect. Lavender
has been long valued as a headache remedy. It can be
taken in a mild infusion, or can be rubbed on the temples,
or sniffed like smelling salts to provide relief from
headaches caused by stress. Lavender oil is antiseptic, and
has been used as a topical disinfectant for wounds. In high
doses, it can kill many common bacteria such as typhoid,
diphtheria, streptococcus, and pneumococcus, according to
some research. The essential oil has also been used as a
folk treatment for the bite of some venomous snakes.
When used in hydrotherapy as part of an aromatic,
Epsom salt bath, the essential oils of some species will
soothe tired nerves and relieve the pain of neuralgia. They
are also used topically on burns and have been shown to
speed healing. It is also a fine addition to a foot bath for
sore feet. Lavender essence makes a pleasant massage oil
for kneading sore muscles and joints. Acting internally,
lavender’s chemical properties increase the flow of bile
into the intestines, relieving indigestion. Its carminative
properties help expel intestinal gas. Lavender is an adjuvant
and may be used in combination with other herbs to
make a tonic cordial to strengthen the nervous system.
A 2002 report from Korea showed that aromatherapy
massage with lavender oil and tea tree oil on patients
undergoing hemodialysis for kidney failure received
relief from the itching the treatment often causes.

Preparations

The medicinal properties of lavender are extracted
primarily from the oil glands in the leaf and blossom. The
plant contains volatile oil, tannins, coumarins, flavonoids,
and triterpenoids as active chemical components. These
phytochemicals are the plant constituents responsible for
the medicinal properties. Lavender’s volatile oil is best
when extracted from flowers picked before they reach
maximum bloom and following a long period of hot and
dry temperatures. The flower spikes dry quickly when
spread on a mat in an airy place away from direct sun.

Distilled oil: The essential oil of lavender is extracted
by steam distillation. Just a few drops of this essential
oil are effective for topical applications. Commercial distillations
of this essential oil are readily available.

Lavender tea: An infusion of the fresh or dried flowers
and leaf can be made by pouring a pint of boiling
water over one ounce of the dry leaf and flower, or two
ounces fresh herb, in a non-metallic pot. It can be
steeped (covered) for about ten minutes, strained and
sweetened to taste. It should be drunk while still warm.
Lavender tea may be taken throughout the day, a mouthful
at a time, or warm, by the cup, up to three cups per
day. Lavender works well in combination with other
medicinal herbs in infusion.

Lavender oil extract: In a glass container, one ounce
of freshly harvested lavender flowers can be combined
with 1-1/2 pints of olive oil, sufficient to cover the herb.
It should be placed in a sunny windowsill for about three
days and shaken daily. After three days, the mixture
should be strained through muslin or cheesecloth. More
fresh flowers should be added and the process repeated
until the oil has the desired aromatic strength. Lavender
extract can be safely used internally to treat migraines,
and nervous indigestion. A few drops on a sugar cube
can speed headache relief. Externally, a small amount of
lavender oil, rubbed on sore joints, can relieve rheumatism.
The essential oil has also been used to minimize
scar tissue when applied to burned skin.

Lavender sachet: Dried lavender blossoms and
leaves can be sewn into a small cloth bag to scent linens
and deter insects. The bag may be placed beneath the pillow
as an aromatherapy.

Lavender vinegar: Fresh leaves and blossoms may
be steeped in white vinegar for seven days, then strained
and stored in a tightly capped bottle.

Precautions

Lavender has a long history of use as an essential oil
and as a mildly sedative tea. When taken in moderation
the tea is safe. It is important to note that, as with all essential
oils, high or chronic doses of lavender essential
oil are toxic to the kidney and liver. Infants are even
more easily overdosed than adults.
Interestingly, lavenderís relaxant effects were put to
the test in a 2002 study on aromatherapyís effects on improved
mental or physical performance. It seems that
study subjects who smelled lavender actually did worse
on mental tests than those who smelled nothing at all. So
those choosing to use lavenderís soothing effects should
perhaps choose the timing carefully.

Side effects

No known side effects.

Interactions

As an adjuvant, lavender can enhance the helpful
properties of other herbs when used in combination.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) leaves can be combined
with lavender as a headache infusion. For cramping, an infusion
of lavender and valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
makes a soothing tea. Lavender’s pleasant scent works
well to cover disagreeable odors of other herbs in medicinal
combinations. A tonic cordial can be made by combining
fresh rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaves, cinnamon,
nutmeg, and sandlewood with the lavender blossoms
and steeping the mixture in brandy for about a week

Floral Waters

2008-10-29T18:34:00.004-04:00

I read this about floral waters on the internet:

Briefly stated, a hydrosol is the aromatic water that remains after producing an essential oil via steam or water distillation. Hydrosols are sometimes also referred to as a floral water or distillate water.
The plant matter used in essential oil distillation imparts a wonderful aroma to the water. This hydrosol offers therapeutic benefit, and some plants are specifically distilled for the resulting hydrosol instead of the hydrosol being simply a byproduct of the distillation.

Unlike essential oils that should be deluted prior to application to the skin, hydrosols are water soluble, are much more gentle than their essential oil counterparts and can be used directly on the skin without further dilution.

Hydrosols can be used in place of water in creating natural fragrances, lotions, creams, facial toners and other skin care products. They can also be added to the bath, and used on their own as a light cologne or body spray. Hydrosol can be added to finger bowls for elegant, romantic dinners. Examples of commonly available hydrosols are rose, roman chamomile, neroli and lavender.

It kept giving me ideas about what to do with my floral waters. I have arabic friend that I remember his mom was using Orange Blossom Floral Water when his kids were having an upset stomach. Now, I cant do THAT. But I can use them in my facial treatments.

I made an astrigent with Orange Blossom Floral Water, Witch Hazel, Lime and Grapefruit Essential Oils.

Orange Blossom water helps inhibit sebum production in oily skins, making this an especially useful skin care product for teenagers who often have an excess of skin oils. Regenerative properties promotes the production of collagen and fights wrinkles by helping old cells to shred off. Purifying, cleansing and moisturizing.

Witch Hazel is one of nature's best astringents, there is probably no better tonic or toner for skin care preparations. In skin care Witch Hazel can be used as toner or in place of a cleanser. It is particularly beneficial for oil and problem skin through its more gentle properties.

Used in a base cream, lotion or as a wash, grapefruit oil can help to clear a greasy, congested and acne skin, while also helping the tissue get rid of cellulite and drain any excess retained water.

Lime has an astringent and toning action to clear oily skin and acne, and also helps with herpes, insect bites and cuts.

Rose Floral Water...wow....this is one of the best tonics in the world. Tonics stimulate the circulation, reduce oiliness, and help refine open pores and unevenly textured skin. They are usually applied after cleansing to ensure complete removal of any residue left from creams and lotions.

I made Tonic with Rose Water and Palmarosa Essential Oil.

Palmarosa oil moisturizes the skin, while balancing the hydration levels and stimulating cell regeneration. It balances production of sebum, to keep the skin supple and elastic and is valuable for use with acne, dermatitis, preventing scarring, rejuvenating and regenerating the skin, as well as fighting minor skin infections, sore tired feet and athlete's foot.

Rose Water is a gently cleansing and toning product for all skin types. Maintains the pH balance, stimulates regeneration processes, has a calming effect in acne and sunburns. As a result the skin texture becomes even and elastic.

This can be used by people with mature AND young skin!

Now I am even thinking of adding them maybe to my lotions, making some mists with them....the opportunities are endless!

Grab some before my sale ends OCTOBER 31!