Happy Spring!

Happy Spring My Beautiful Butterflies! I hope you are all finally breaking free of those dark dreary cocoons?! I know the largest organ of your bodies are begging for soul nourishing sunshine and plenty of TLC from you. And besides, we're coming up on skin bearing sundress and sandal season!!( LET THE CHOIR SANG!!!) So first of all, make sure you're getting your insides nice and clean by eating plenty of fresh fruits and veggies and staying hydrated with lots and lots of water. Now that that's in check... Get your exfoliating on so all that new beauty shines through. Finish it all off by applying EM-7 Balancing Tonic daily! Now that your skin is moisturized, toned, balanced and glowing... Fly Butterfly... Set the skies on fire! Make sure you take time for yourself and by all means... In~Joy the season

Love... Fearlessly!

Emerson once said... Beauty Is It's Own Excuse For Being. I agree. But I'd also like to add that Love also needs no excuse for being. It just Is! To give love to another you are in fact giving love to self. We are all reflections... each a different prism of light from The Whole. We are vehicles of this light. It infuses us daily with nourishing inner G.

When we re~member to remain aware in each moment we are balanced, we are grounded. Our bodies will instinctively only take what is needed... Our gift is to pass along what light, love, inner~G is left over. Love Fearlessly! The ability to allow oneself to be vulnerable is to be fearless... When we are fearless that our reserves of light will never diminish fully, we are able to give freely. We ebb and we flow... We gift ... We take... We love! And so this dance continues... We gift... We take... We Love... We are Fearless! What could be more beautiful than that?! No excuses! Shine On and Love Fearlessly!

Moisture...The Cure for What Ails You.

I've recently had a lot of questions from people about how to deal with overly dry skin this time of year. The dry air inside and the harsh winter winds blowing outside can wreak havoc on our skin and hair. My suggestion is always to look closely at the products you are using, the way you are using them and also to consider switching up your routine as the seasons change. Also, something else to consider is... just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you need to stop hydrating inside by continuing to drink enough water daily. Our skin and hair can get pretty parched in the winter months and needs just as much if not more hydration than ever.

Be gentle to your skin and hair. Use products that have more natural based ingredients and stay away from as many chemically based products as you can. Here is a regimen that I use, especially when I feel my skin is letting me know I need to take a break. I make chamomile tea! Now chamomile is great to drink but this regime calls for putting it on your face! Bring a cup of distilled water to boil as you would if you were making a cup of tea. You can use loose tea and a strainer if you'd like, but I use organic tea bags. After your water boils, add your tea bag and let it steep for a few minutes. Remove bag and let the tea cool. Pour cooled chamomile in a clean bottle large enough to hold 40z. of liquid or more. Next, mix about a 1/4 teaspoon of jojoba oil (which is closest to our own sebum)with 6 drops of lavender, 4 drops of tea tree and 3 drops of rosemary essential oils. Shake well. Instead of washing your face in the morning, add a few drops of your chamomile toner to a cotton ball and apply to your face. This is a great cleanser and toner in one. The jojoba oil helps to cleanse and moisturize, the essentials impart their amazing astringent and antiseptic and calming benefits, and chamomile has been said to reduce inflammation, help fight acne and other blemishes

and calm the skin as well. Use this in the morning instead of soap (Ugggg... hope you're not using soap!) or whatever you've been using. Because skin gets more abuse from being outdoors and all the other things it goes through during the day use your regular cleanser before bed but after, follow up with a wipe of your chamomile solution before you moisturize. Hey... It works for me! Here's hoping it works for you as well! Let me know. Till next time as always and in always... Be You... Do You... Love You!

Happy 2013!

Happy New Year! Make it a natually beautiful one. May this be your most authentic year yet! As always..

Be You... Live You... Love You!

Never be afraid to try something new if it speaks to your heart ~

This morning I tried Aerial yoga for the first time and loved it! It was like being a child again. It was a little scary at times hanging upside down while being held by fabric hanging from the ceiling. But among other things, it was a lesson in trusting in myself and my abilities. There was an inner knowing that I would catch my own self should I fall. I was able to let go of the earth for a while and those things that can weigh me down at times. This made me feel both empowered and vulnerable all at the same time, much like a child does. And at the end of the class, lying suspended in air, wrapped in the strong soft cocoon of fabric and listening to classical music playing I was transported back to before... Fear... Misunderstanding... Hurt... Judgement and all those other things that hold us back from truly living as as our own authentic selves... I was an embryo awaiting birth into the next moment. As Always and In always... Be You... Live You... Love You.

Beauty~Fall

My niece Erika posted a picture online this morning that made me really miss experiencing the spectacular colors of Autumn. Growing up in Ohio I have always loved this time of year! I call it "Sweater Weather!" The air is crisp and clean and feels so refreshing and new after coming off the humidity of summers in Cincinnati. Though living on a small island in the Caribbean is a beautiful thing (which is where I've lived mostly for the past 17 years). We do not get the in your face beauty of seasonal change like those of you in other parts of the world. You have to truly tune into the subtle feeling inside to remember sometimes that the seasons are changing here. But Nature is such a beautiful thing! And she is a constant reminder of change and the beauty that can come along with it if we are open enough to accept it... see it for what it is... GROWTH! Let the beauty of this season as well as the beauty in All seasons remind us to embrace change which is the only true constant in life. As Always and in All Ways... Be You ... Do You... Love You!

Nurture Your Inner Beauty...

True Outer Beauty is to be Nurtured Inside Daily.

What are you doing to nurture your inner beauty?

Go on Ms. Scott!

"Hair is a an accoutrement... Hair is jewelry. It's an accessory. Tomorrow I may want a wig down to my butt and I'm gonna rock it, and the next day I may want a big Afro and I'm gonna rock that too." ~ Jill Scott Love it Jill... I feel ya girl! Be You... Do You... Love You ♥

What Is Generated Inside Radiates Outward...

True Outer Beauty...

Should Be Nurtured Inside Daily ~

As Always and In All Ways... Be You... Live You... Love You!

Forever in Lavender Love!

Have I ever mentioned how much I love me some essential oils? Well... I love me some essential oils! And one of my favorites in case you don't know me is... drum roll... LAVENDER!! More and more I am so blown away by the benefits of this particular oil! Just a little while ago, I was taking something out of the oven and burned the tip of my thumb... Ouch! It hurt like a mug! Anyway, I quickly and instinctively... as I do more and more these days... thought about trying one of my essentials to see it will help in whatever I'm going through... In this case help to stop my thumb from hurting ...like a mug :) Let me tell you. I ran to the bathroom... for real ya'll I ran! I dabbed a small amount, not even a full drop on the tip of my thumb. And within 30 seconds, guess what?? The pain went away... Almost instantly! Do I need to say my love affair with lavender is alive and well? And my thumb no longer hurts like a mug! Listen, I don't know (yes I do) what that term means (hurting like a "mug") It's just a carry over from my neighborhood... Sigh...you figure it out! At any rate... don't sleep on the essential oils... Well actually that is another one of lavender oils benefits... It relaxes you and helps you to fall asleep! But that aside, give essentials a try... you wont be disappointed. Until next time, Be You... Do You... Love You!

Natural vs Chemical

There are so many products that we may be using... products that are touted as antibacterial... that may in fact be causing more harm in the long run, than good. Not to mention...we have become a society of quick fixes. We want everything right now! And if we don't see positive results instantaneously... then we say that whatever it was didn't work for us and we move on to the next "quick fix".

Although we can probably never be free of all harmful chemicals, we can be informed and try to minimize some of the potential risks' that we are bombarded with on a daily basis.
We can reduce some of those risks' by researching and learning more about natural alternatives to products that although may be ingrained in us as the thing to use because... well that's what our parents may have used or it's just what we're used to reaching for it in the local drugstore or grocery isle... (name brand recognition does work!). 

While some natural remedies and or ingredients may not give you the quickest solution... given the chance they may be just what was needed and without the adverse side effects. That's not to say that we should not be cautious when using natural herbs, essential oils and the likes. Sometimes we may be sensitive to certain plants and essences. It's important to learn your body and those things that it may have a sensitivity to. the key is being aware!

Here's a great article about the dangers of chemicals used today in "antibacterial" personal care and hygiene products. Products which have been reported as toxic to the human body...

'Perhaps the most toxic is one named triclosan. Triclosan is a controversial chemical linked to hormonal disruption and various types of cancer....' To read more click on the following link.
http://www.naturalnews.com/036215_triclosan_antibacterial_alternatives.html As Always, Be You... Do You... Love You!

Aromatherapy and Astrology

Aquarius
January 20-February 18
Aquarius Characteristics¹: Cerebral, Altruistic, Egalitarian, Friendly, Philanthropic, Eccentric, Perceptive, Detached, Innovative, Progressive, Rebellious, Independent
Essential Oil of Choice for Aquarius²: Neroli

Pisces
February 19-March 20
Pisces Characteristics¹: Empathetic, Idealistic, Psychic, Selfless, Poetic, Absentminded, Spiritual, Impressionable, Forgiving, Addiction Prone, Imaginative, Romantic
Essential Oil of Choice for Pisces²: Melissa

Aries
March 21-April 19
Aries Characteristics¹: Willful, Enterprising, Assertive, Pioneering, Energetic, Impulsive, Impatient, Brave, Carefree, Hot-tempered, Direct, Individualistic
Essential Oil of Choice for Aries²: Rosemary

Taurus
April 20-May 20
Taurus Characteristics¹: Sensual, Grounded, Patient, Steadfast, Stubborn, Predictable, Creative, Self-indulgent, Practical, Kindhearted, Serene, Security Oriented
Essential Oil of Choice for Taurus²: Rose

Gemini
May 21-June 21
Gemini Characteristics¹: Curious, Dual-natured, Talkative, Adaptable, Quick-witted, Youthful, Mercurial, Fickle, Cunning, Spontaneous, Observant, Informative
Essential Oil of Choice for Gemini²: Basil

Cancer
June 22-July 22
Cancer Characteristics¹: Nurturing, Sensitive, Hospitable, Sympathetic, Indirect, Defensive, Nostalgic, Protective, Moody, Traditional, Unpredictable, Sentimental
Essential Oil of Choice for Cancer²: Blue Chamomile

Leo
July 23-August 22
Leo Characteristics¹: Self-expressive, Magnanimous, Proud, Self-focused, Faithful, Forthright, Charismatic, Courageous, Cheerful, Dignified, Winsome, Dramatic
Essential Oil of Choice for Leo²: Jasmine

Virgo
August 23-September 22
Virgo Characteristics¹: Analytical, Skeptical, Productive, Perfectionistic, Detailed, Rational, Critical, Methodical, Anxious, Insightful, Obsessive, Service Oriented
Essential Oil of Choice for Virgo²: Lavender

Libra
September 23-October 22
Libra Characteristics¹: Diplomatic, Poised, Equitable, Judicious, Indecisive, Sociable, Stylish, Strong Willed, Charming, Orderly, Gracious, Frivolous
Essential Oil of Choice for Libra²: Geranium

Scorpio
October 23 - November 21
Scorpio Characteristics¹: Passionate, Forceful, Intense, Determined, Brooding, Resilient, Probing, Regenerative, Emotional, Combative, Resourceful, Secretive
Essential Oil of Choice for Scorpio²: Patchouli

Sagittarius
November 22-December 21
Sagittarius Characteristics¹: Adventurous, Optimistic, Versatile, Zealous, Moral, Wise, Exuberant, Jovial, Capricious, Dogmatic, Philosophical, Inspired
Essential Oil of Choice for Sagittarius²: Black Pepper

Capricorn
December 22-January 19
Capricorn Characteristics¹: Loyal, Hardworking, Pragmatic, Structured, Ambitious, Classy, Frugal, Disciplined, Committed, Persistent, Sarcastic, Conservative
Essential Oil of Choice for Capricorn²: Vetivert

Be You... Do You... Love You!

 content courtesy of...

 http://www.aromaweb.com/aromatherapyspirituality/astrologyaromatherapy.asp

Lavender Rosemary Shampoo

Now you know I love all things lavender and definitely don't mind giving credit where it's due. All that being said... Here is a recipe on this blog

http://babydustdiaries.com/2012/01/lavender-rosemary-shampoo-recipe/

for Lavender Rosemary Shampoo... I will definitely be giving this a try!

Ingredients:

• dried lavender flowers 2 heaping tablespoons-full (more or less is fine)
• 2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary or 2 tablespoons dried rosemary (fresh really works better if you can find it)
• 2 cups Boiling water
• 1 cup Pure liquid castile soap
• 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil, avocado oil, or jojoba oil
• 10+ drops lavender essential oil
• funnel
• stainer
• old shampoo bottle washed out well

How to:

1. place lavender and torn up rosemary (stems and all just roughly torn to release the oils) in a large mug or bowl
2. Boil your water as if you were going to make tea.  Pour over lavender and rosemary and allow to steep for 30 minutes
3. In the meantime, combine 1 c castile soap (I used lavender because that’s what I had on hand but unscented is fine) with 1 Tbls grapeseed oil and 10 or more drops of lavender essential oil
4. Pour via funnel into your shampoo bottle.
5. After steeping, strain still warm lavender/rosemary tea into the bottle via funnel.
6. Shake up and allow to cool completely before use

To use:

1. squirt directly onto your scalp (it is very runny) and work into a lather.
2. rinse and enjoy the scent!

You can also use this a s a body wash... Yummy! I can't wait to try it... I'm sure it smalls divine!

As Always...


Be You... Live You... Love You!

#7

Keep those annoying bugs at bay with this recipe featuring Geranium Essential.

It's finally time to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible! Here’s a recipe for a lightly textured oil to smooth over your exposed skin while you're outside, featuring this month's oil, geranium. It's a variation on a typical citronella-based product, but every bit as effective.
4 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil
4 drops geranium essential oil
4 drops sandalwood or cedarwood essential oil
1 ounce grapeseed oil
Combine essential oils with grapeseed oil and smooth over exposed skin.

Aura Cacia Aromatherapy's

We Are Born to Inspire

I am constantly amazed by the strength of  people that I know and even those whom I meet briefly along the way. The things that we go through on a daily basis, be they small annoyances or major life quaking events, all shape us individually.  But the way in which we carry ourselves through life's challenges have the ability to inspire those around us in ways that we may never know... and that too also amazes me. The thought that our actions, be they negative or positive may touch someone and we never have the opportunity of knowing.
The strength of this realization hits me at times and almost makes me light headed with its weight. It grounds me in the knowing that I am not an island! What I do and say... my reactions to whatever I encounter carry great responsibility and also great consequence.

We all are Essential. It is as the subtitle of this blog states... the definition of  Essential:  Constituting or being part of the essence of something; inherent. Let us remember that we are all members of the same body. We all have the ability to inspire. We are born to create and inspire creativity in others. It is not only about creating that which is physical but also the intangible... We inspire thought and action... a new way of Being as well as Doing. Inspiration is the spark that lights the flame of thought. Creativity is thought in motion. Let us re~member this in every moment. 


As Always,
Be You... Live You... Love you!

Essential of the Day... Clary Sage

Countries of Origin: America, England, France, Morocco, Russia.



Characteristics: It has sweet, musky, herbaceous top notes and nutty almost floral undertones. It blends well with citruses, and also with lavender, coriander, cardamom, frankincense, jasmine, pine, geranium, cedarwood palmarosa.  



Main Therapeutic Properties: Anti-convulsive, anti-depressive, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, carminative, digestive, sedative, and numerous others.



According to The Aromatherapy Bible by Gill Farrer-Halls..."Clary sage is the most euphoric of the essential oils, and it can produce an almost drug like narcotic "high". Combined with it's pronounced antidepressant qualities, this euphoria makes it a powerful aid to easing depression, melancholia, anxiety, stress and chronic general dissatisfaction. Overall, Clary sage is intoxicating, sensuous and uplifting.  

Trust me, I can attest to the above statements truth! Just the other night I inhaled a mixture of Clary sage and Rosemary before I went to bed(Rosemary is supposed to aid in meditation and clearing the mind... More about Rosemary in a later post.) Not more than a minute with my eyes closed did I begin to feel really relaxed! And then in the next minute... Well...Let me say... between you and me... I felt something in places that I will not mention here. Needless to say... I am a believer! 


One of the most valuable essential oils for treating menstrual cramps, clary sage in baths or hot compresses on the abdomen relaxes mind and body, eases pain and it's estrogenic action helps to bring on and regulate menstruation.

Clary sage also helps to treat menopausal symptoms, and can be used, in childbirth in a massage oil during early labor. It is an aphrodisiac, especially good for those who are so stressed that their sexuality has diminished." (What I tell you!)


It is said that it also relieves asthma when massaged over the chest and back, and added to shampoo or massaged into the scalp, it can prevent dandruff and balance sebum levels... beneficial to all skin and hair types. It can also reduce excessive sweating when used in a foot bath or bath. 


Gill-Farrer goes on to write: "Psychologically, clary sage is deeply relaxing, euphoric and revitalizing. Used in small quantities, it is a useful aid in meditation, and facilitates dream work by encouraging powerful and vivid dreams. Clary sage helps strengthen subtle energies and divine inspiration."  


Contraindications: Avoid throughout pregnancy. Do not use before or after drinking alcohol.



Who needs Viagra and whatever that other artificial female stimulant when you can take a few whiffs of Clary Sage to get your Mojo back? ;) 

As Always, Be You... Live You... Love You!

Essential of the Day... Frankincense

The rich, woodsy smell of frankincense always takes me back to when I was a child and had to attend mass at my catholic elementary school church. Although I'm no longer a practicing catholic or prescribe to any other organized religion for that matter, the smell of frankincense will probably always summon for me, memories of the ritual of mass, especially at Christmas or funerals. I always felt the smell was one the evoked a sense of mystery and wonder.

Lately, as I research different essential oils and their many benefits I am learning that the tranquil and contemplative feelings I was having at that time and still do at the smell of frankincense are very valid.

According to Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit ~ Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils by Gabriel Mojay:


Frankincense played a role in the religious and domestic life of ancient Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, Hebrew, Greek and Roman civilizations. It has been perhaps the most important aromatic incense ingredient since history began. This is reflected in the fact that it's English name is derived from the medieval French word franc, meaning "pure" or "free", and the Latin incensium, "to smoke".

As for frankincense's healing properties..."Frankincense oil's most important sphere of action must be the nervous system. Here it's ability to relax yet revitalize make it excellent for treating both nervous tension and nervous exhaustion. It soothes the flow of stagnant Qi~energy whenever an accumulation of stress has led to irritability, restlessness and insomnia. As a mild tonic, it can also help to uplift, and so it is an important anti-depressive essential oil."

It is also helpful for bronchitis and asthma and relieves tightness in the chest and a has a host of other uses. It is said to have profound psychological and spiritual benefits... relieves mental agitation and worry, distraction or feelings of being overwhelmed.

Now tell me who doesn't at least get overwhelmed at some time during a work week... Guess who'll be ordering more frankincense?

As Always... Be You... Live You... Love You!

The Most Astounding Fact (Neil DeGrasse Tyson)

You are far more than you think you are... Own it!
Be You... Live You... Love You!

Amel Larrieux - Get Up

Time To Get Up Ya'll! When ya gon get up?

Essential of the Day... Lavender

Lavender: (Lavandula vera, Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula officinalis)

http://www.jarrodcastaing.com




Taken from: The Aromatherapy Bible written by Gill Farrer Halls


Decription: Lavender is a perennial, bushy shrub with silver, gray or green linear leaves and purple, violet flowers. The essential oil is steam-distilled from the flowering tips.

Countries of Origin: France, Bulgaria, England, Morocco, Australia, Hungary, Spain, Tasmania.


Characteristics: Lavender has clean, fresh floral top notes and subtle green herbaceous undertones. It blends well with most other essential oils, especially other florals, citruces and herbs.

Main Therapeutic Properties: Analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, antiviral, cytophylactic, decongestant, deodorant, emmenagogue, hypotensive, nervine, sedative, tonic....

(WHEW!!! That was a mouthful! I don't even know what some of those words mean but will definitely be looking them up.)

"Lavender is by far the most popular, versatile and widely used of all the essential oils." ~ Gill Farrer Halls.

I love lavender! It is by far one of my favorite essentials and I use it almost daily. I also include it in all my products. It has a soothing, calming relaxing effect that balances ( and you know I love that word!) and normalizes the body functions and emotions. It's cure-all reputation has stood for thousands of years!

It is used in massage and bath oils for muscle aches and pain. A drop or two your pillow can relax and help with insomnia. It is also used for treating colds and flu. It counteracts the viruses causing the infection and also relieves many symptoms brought on by the cold or flu.

Mr. Farrer Hall also writes... "Psychologically,lavender is soothing, balancing and calming, helping with mood swings, depression and PMS. It's calming, relaxing effect can be used to facilitate meditation. Lavender's balancing qualities can restore harmony to the aura and help to balance the chakras."
I concur!! Not to mention the calming effect it has on your skin when used in facial cleansers and tonics! I use it with a mixture of camomile tea and distilled water as a toner after cleansing my face.

So next time you're having problems catching some z's feeling a bit overwhelmed, battling PMS, you're feeling off balanced or you feel a cold, the flu or even a headache coming on before you reach for a bottle of pills, try using some pure lavender essential oil first. It's even good for repelling insects and relieves the sting from their bites! Give it a try and let me know what you think.

Contraindications: avoid in early pregnancies, especially if there is a history of miscarriages.



As Always... Be You... Live You... Love You!