New Herb Companion Blog Post!

Check out my blog post for February at Herb Companion Online! Learn how one little avocado can help winter-worn skin!

This post was also featured recently on my new blog - Spaaah! - that I author for my moonlight job at The Traveling Spa!

Guest Product Review: Eve Organics Clarity Line

The Skin Care for Your Soul product review panel is underway! Several folks have volunteered to rub, scrub and slather themselves with different products and give their unbiased thoughts on how the products worked for them.We kick things off with a review of Eve Organics Clarity line of products, reviewed by my dear friend, Jennifer Sartell, a hobby farm diva, amazing cook, yarn spinner and writer of the Iron Oaks Farm blog.


Eve Organics is a local Michigan skin care line that focuses on natural and ethical ingredients. All of their products are made by hand in their Chesterfield Township location. Eve's is very big on educating consumers about avoiding toxic ingredients in cosmetics and also supports community by giving back 10% of their product sales to support different causes. Their Clarity line of products includes therapeutic grade essential oils with antimicrobial properties to help clear skin problems, while also protecting the skin.

Here is what Jennifer had to say...


Upon starting the products:


My skin is about as bad as it can be. I have 3 large deep cystic pimples starting in the “ouch if I even gently touch them phase,” two on the heal process and a scattering of blackheads, bumps and lovelies throughout. Most of my breakouts are on my jaw-line, but I have a couple of small ones on my forehead and an annoying blackhead on my upper left brow, and my right cheek, driving me a little more mad each day.  My skin tends to have two phases, dry, uncomfortable and clear or moisturized, irritated and broken out. I never really deal with a lot of excess oils, but I break out all the time on my chin, like pimple upon pimple. Yay! Before starting this product my skin care routine was as follows:


Morning:
Avalon Organic’s Vitamin C Cleanser
The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Toner
The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Moisturizer with Light Reflecting Pigment


Night:
Avalon Organic’s Vitamin C Cleanser
The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Toner
The Body Shop’s Vitamin C Intense Night Treatment
Neutrogena Fight and Fade (on blemishes)


I use Bare Mineral makeup, maybe 3 times a week. I don’t really wear makeup everyday.


I’ve never used a cream cleanser, but it applied wonderfully smooth and rinsed off completely, but didn’t feel like it was stripping mt skin and making it tight. Getting over the “suds equals clean” thing is kinda weird, it makes me feel like I’m not getting all my makeup off, but I feel like this is a mental thing. It was really creamy and smelled really fresh. I noticed that some of the heavy, dry skin that had built up around my blemishes (because I was using the Neutrogena product), just softly flaked off and revealed soft fresh skin underneath. I applied the toner, which duh? Why aren’t more toners in a spray bottle? This product smells like heaven. It smells like roses, literally roses, like rose oil or something wonderful. The moisturizer is pretty light maybe a little heavy on my nose and eyes. The best part is that my skin feels balanced for once, not tight and dry, not oily, or overly moisturized. Also nothing stung, which is a total first. Usually my skin will burn or sting the first time using anything, especially a toner. I would describe my skin tonight as dewy and balanced and on the heal. I have to tell myself to stop touching it!


Two weeks into using the products:


My skin seems to be more plump in the morning. The blackhead above my brow is gone. My skin got a little oily/shiny by the end of the day. Used the kaolin mask. My pores seem to be much smaller on my nose and cheeks, and my fine line on my forehead seem to be smaller. I notice it right after I use the product. I have red marks where I scratched all the bumps that seem to be coming to a head. Skin is a little pink from the kaolin.


Several weeks after using the products:
The things I love!

I’ve been using the products for over a month and I have to say that it really improves the skin on my face. My cheeks, forehead, and nose are softer and fresher, and my pores are much smaller. I’ve noticed that many of the fine lines on my forehead and under eye are gone! I’ve not had one stray breakout on these areas since using the product.

The things I didn’t love so much.

Towards the middle of the day, I noticed my skin was much shinier than usual. This wasn’t really that big of a problem, I would use some rice paper and it did the trick. This also seemed to fluctuate with the humidity that day.

It has only helped the blemishes on my chin slightly, but in defense of the product, I feel like this is more of a lifestyle issue, stress, hormones, poor eating, etc. I’ve started taking a supplement of fish oil and biotin, and in combination with the products, I’ve seen a bit more of an  improvement. I have no new pimples on the rise, just ones that are healing, so that's good. 

Some Extra Cold and Flu Help from Mountain Rose Herbs

A warm cup of tea with lemon and honey can give some sweet relief from colds and flus. But if you need a little extra love, check out these great cold and flu care recipes from Mountain Rose Herbs. They include handmade osha pastilles (lozenges), an herbal steam inhilation to combat congestion and their version of an herbal vapor, like the "Sicky Rub" we use here at home.

Be well!!!

A Great New Spa Lifestyle Blog

In addition to my personal skin care practice, I also service clients in the local Oakland County area with my sister company, The Traveling Spa, owned by my dear friend Amanda Schehr. We offer a full-service day spa experience in the comfort of your own home or business, providing massages, facials, manicures and pedicures performed by some of the best therapists in the area.

We recently launched our new weekly blog - Spaaah! - devoted to helping you to create the spa lifestyle at home. Spaaah!  will cover ways to create a spa ambiance, healthy spa cuisine, DIY home spa bodycare and wellness.

Sign up today and you will be on your way to creating your own personal oasis at home! Plus we will be doing periodic giveaways of services and products, so you won't want to miss that! :)

Time to Get Sproutin'!

The past few days we have seen a thaw around these parts and the snow has melted to reveal that we do, in fact, still have earth underneath all that snow. A pleasant reminder that Spring really is on its way. Time to get plantin' and I just placed a seed order with Mountain Rose Herbs. Woohoo!

My focus this summer is expanding my skin care garden to allow for new and different herbal experiences for my skin care clients and to also further my own experiences with some certain herbs that I can share. We already have a thriving herb garden (including, sage, oregano and mint) and many native plants (including, nettle, plantain,catnip and yellow dock)  on our property that are well-suited to body care applications, but there have been a few plants that I have felt missing over the past summers - chamomile, calendula, yarrow and lemon balm - to name a few. While these are easily purchased as dried herbs year-round, sprouting and planting them yourself gives you a true connection to them and infuses the plants with an energy that you just can't buy.

So this season's journey begins with the first seeds on the way! I will keep you posted in the coming weeks on their arrival, details on the garden's progress and what the heck I'm going to do with these beautiful plants when they grow up!

Plant along with me and please keep me posted on the progress of your gardens!

Mask of the Month: Augustus Gloop!

In honor of the famous chocolate eating boy, this month's mask is Augustus Gloop! Augustus was indulgently covering himself in chocolate before it was even cool. Thank you for your pioneering spirit, Augustus!

Chocolate is actually a wonderful ingredient to apply to your skin. It is loaded with antioxidants (the darker the chocolate the more health benefits). And we know that antioxidants fight off free radicals that cause our skin to age. The cream in this mask gives it wonderful moisturizing properties. Together, they are just yummy, so smear it on and HAVE A HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!! XOXO

Augustus Gloop

1T cocoa powder (regular or dark chocolate)
3t heavy cream

Mix cocoa and cream together in a small bowl and apply to freshly cleansed skin. Leave on for 15 minutes while nibbling on a chocolate. Follow with your favorite toner and moisturizer.

Love from Mountain Rose Herbs

Check out these indulgent Valentine's offerings from Mountain Rose Herbs. Delightful products include natural perfumes, aroma sprays and massage oils - including one called "Autumn Moon" that I will surely be trying in the near future! Love to all and have a blessed weekend!

Aromatherapy for Lovers

One of my all-time favorite aromatherapy books is Aromantics: Enhancing Romance, Love and Sex with Nature's Essential Oils by Valerie Ann Worwood. In fact, this was the first aromatherapy book that I ever purchased. I bought it back in my Junior year of college and it continues to be a constant reference now, nearly 20 years later (Oh, my, has it really been that long!). Definitely a testament to the book's contents and a perfect read for Valentine's Day!

This book is full of information on the qualities of individual oils, blending techniques and various application methods (baths, massage oil, inhalation, etc.), for both couples and individuals. What I love most within the book are the very specific recommendations for subtle energetic uses of the oils. Very specific blends are recommended for one's current emotional or physical state. For example, are ya too tired to get your freak on? Try a blend of neroli, rosemary and cumin. Is your moon cycle bringing you down? Try a blend of rosemary, lavender and geranium. Is your man to stressed out for lovin'? Try cedarwood and bergamot. And Worwood covers all of these topics with a very professional approach.

Checking on Amazon, it looks like you will probably want to buy this one used. New copies are going for over $100! Yikes! I'm assuming that it must be out of print.

Also included are some great romantic massage techniques, recipes for sensual foods and wines and even a section on the lost art of creating ambiance with candles, scented linens and love letters. Ahhh...romance!

VaJayJay Talk (Part III): Razzle, Dazzle...Vajazzle!

OK, so you've waxed and trimmed, you've shaped and colored (see VaJayJay Talk I & II). What else could possibly be left to adorn your "area" this Valentine's Day? Why add a little VAJAZZLE, of course! It's like bedazzling for your betty! Bling for your bush!

Vajazzling is the art of applying sparkling body crystals to your downstairs. I believe the term "vajazzle" was coined by Jennifer Love Hewitt on an Oprah show (she had the service done on herself). While vajazzling has not really taken off here in the suburbs of Detroit, I am now on a personal mission to see that it does, because how fun would that be?!?

To vajazzle yourself:

1. Purchase body crystals in either single gems or premade crystal patterns. Swarovski crystals are the purists way to vajazzle, but regular body crystals work, too.  Crystal Body Tattoos  has a great selection of both. For our European friends, check out Vajazzle.me.uk.
2. Make sure the area you are applying them to is smooth, free of hair and freshly cleaned with an alcohol pad (to remove any body oils and ensure a good adhesion of the crystal).
3. When skin is clean and totally dry, apply crystals one-by-one in your desired design using tweezers for best control. Many crystals will come with adhesive already on them, but, if not, you can also dip them in a dot of eyelash adhesive before applying, allowing the adhesive to then dry thoroughly.
4. Enjoy your vajazzle! It should last a few days without falling off as long as you are not scrubbing or picking at it. You can always reapply crystals with more eyelash adhesive to freshen up your design.

If you are looking for vajazzling inspiration, do an internet search for images. There are some really beautiful pieces of art out there. Probably not a search to do at work, though! ;)

So, that concludes our VaJayJay Talk for this Valentine's Day! It has been fun and I hope that you feel empowered to create your own uniquely lovely lotus! Until we chat again - May you have a shiny, happy VaJay!

Rub Them the Right Way: 14 Valentines

 

Photo from dreamstime.

It just wouldn't be Valentine's Day without massage oil. Here is a recipe that my husband, Jim, and I just created together, using some of each of our favorite essential oils blended together to make a totally unique aroma.

Patchouli and vanilla are known aphrodisiac oils. Patchouli is very grounding and soothing, allowing you to relax and get in touch with your physical body. Vanilla has been used as an aphrodisiac since the Aztecs (who mixed it with chocolate to drive themselves crazy). Bergamot is a personal favorite of mine and I am convinced it is tied into the DNA of either my French or Italian ancestry. It was used in Italy as folk medicine and also became a main ingredient in some of the first French perfumes (and is still used frequently in them today). It is a mood elevator, bringing on feelings of joy and euphoria.

This will be our 14th Valentine's Day as each others ball and chain, thus the name for this massage oil.

14 Valentines

33 drops bergamot essential oil
30 drops patchouli essential oil
15 drops vanilla absolute oil (a bit pricey, but sooooo worth it!)
4 oz. carrier oil (apricot kernel, grapeseed, jojoba or oil of your choice)

In a 4oz glass or plastic squeeze bottle, mix the essential oils. Cap the bottle and shake it for 1 minute to allow the oils to blend together. Add the carrier oil to the top of the bottle and shake again for 1 minute. Rub away!!! This oil can also be used in the bath - simply pour a bit into a warm tub and enjoy!

VaJayJay Talk (Part II): Does the Carpet Match the Drapes?

I must confess, the answer here is "No," thanks to Betty Beauty's Bikini Hair Dye Kit. Betty™ has a variety of 7 different "colors" for the hair down there" to help cover grays, match your hair up top or to just have a little fun - great for Valentine's Day!

The product is super simple to mix and apply. It even has a nice fragrance, which most hair dyes don't. I chose the Sexy Betty™, which is a lilac shade, but other fun colors include Fun Betty™ (hot pink) and Malibu Betty™ (blue). The application is a two-step process of bleaching, then adding the color, so set aside about an hour to do both steps and don't plan on moving around much. Grab a good book and relax!

Betty™ products are formulated to be non-irritating (there was no burning or stinging at all) and contain natural ingredients such as elderflower, cherry bark, chamomile, comfrey, rosemary and aloe. They also DO NOT contain ammonia or parabens and one package can get you up to two applications.

Betty™ also offers Charmcils™, which are stick on stencils to assist you in shaping your bush into fun shapes like a flower, peace sign or butterfly (see the previous VaJayJay Talk: Trimming the Bush for more hair removal info). Although, if you are crafty you could easily create these yourself with cardboard and doublesided tape (hmmm...this may be another future VaJayJay Talk post...).

As a super-fun touch, the contents of the package even include a temporary tattoo that reads "My Betty is Ready!" so you can announce it to the world, or just that special someone ;)

Wordless Weekend: Buddha in a Snowfort

Photo by Jim Leinbach

DIY Edible Chocolate Body Paint

Here is a quick, easy recipe that I recently developed for chocolate body paint that turns your Valentine into an edible work of art! They sell this stuff prepackaged and loaded with chemicals for close to $20! You can make it yourself for pennies.

Apply the "paint" with a soft-bristled paintbrush while still warm (but not hot - please test it on your wrist first to make sure). For extra variety, mix up a batch each of white, milk and dark chocolate.

This is also a fun sensory paint for kids to use and they can just lick it off their hands if they get messy!

DIY Edible Chocolate Body Paint

1oz chocolate (white, milk or dark to allow for different colors - you can just eyeball the amount based on the weight of the entire chocolate bar)

1t food-grade coconut oil (found in the natural foods section of your local supermarket)

Place chocolate and coconut oil in a bowl and warm in the microwave in 30 second increments until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is just warm (but not hot). Stir and use immediately. You can double the recipe for more paint and any extra can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator and rewarmed for later use.

VaJayJay Talk (Part I): Trimming the Bush

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, I will be doing a three part post called "VaJayJay Talk." While the subject of discussing one's "hair down there" may make some squeamish, for me, it's like talking about what kind of toothpaste you use or your favorite movie. Bikini line maintenance is part of my job and I have been waxing client's body hair for over 10 years.

While a nicely groomed bikini area can be an exciting surprise for a partner on Valentine's Day, I think that keeping yourself tidy year-round is a great way to boost your own self esteem and celebrate your own femininity. Girl power!

If you are new to bikini grooming, the easiest and least expensive way to start is with a regular old disposable razor. Be sure it is brand new and of a good quality or else you risk razor burn. I find the razors with a triple blade do a nice job. While it is tempting to use soap and water to shave with, you will get a much smoother and irritation-free shave if you use a product created especially for shaving. One of my favorites is the Moisture Shave line from Kiss My Face. While they have many yummy fragrances available, I prefer the Fragrance Free since it is best for sensitive skin and lessening irritation.

It is best to shave your bikini line a few minutes after getting into the shower or bath. Moisten the area and apply the shaving product. allow it to sit for a few minutes to soften the hairs and surrounding skin. Using short, smooth strokes, gently shave the hair, being sure to rinse the razor frequently with warm water. If necessary, you can reapply the shaving product, but try not to shave twice in the same area. After shaving, rinse the area with cool water and gently pat dry (be sure not to rub as this can cause immediate razor burn). If you are prone to razor irritation, a great product to try is Tend Skin. While it is not a natural product, it is the best that I have found for quickly resolving irritation from shaving and ingrown hairs. If your hair is on the longer side, it helps to trim it to a shorter length first before shaving to get a nice clean shave. To easily maintain your shave regularly, it is also helpful to have a bikini shaving tool.

If you are just not down with the razor, then waxing might be the thing for you. Once I started waxing my bikini line, I vowed never to go back to shaving. Waxing gives longer results, and I believe, much less irritation that shaving. The only drawbacks are that it is uncomfortable for some (mostly because you are ripping your hair out from the root!) and it does make you more prone to ingrown hairs. However, the pain is short-lived and exfoliating with textured body washing gloves regularly in the shower after a wax can keep ingrown hairs at bay.

If you decide to wax, it is best to see a licensed esthetician to do it for you because there are many areas you just can't get to yourself (although I gave myself a complete Brazilian wax while 9 months pregnant with my first daughter! I was determined to be groomed while giving birth!) . While there are several at-home bikini waxing kits, I have found the quality of the wax to be poor, which can lead to not only irritation later, but problems with the wax not working properly during the treatment (not pulling out hair effectively, getting stuck on skin, etc.). Find a therapist that uses quality professional wax, like Cirepil (in my opinion, one of the best waxes in the world). Also ensure that the therapist is using clean, sanitary practices such as single use disposable applicators, disposable gloves and a skin cleanser/disinfectant before and after the service. Ask around for references for a good therapist before having this delicate procedure!

The question always comes up - How much should I shave or wax off? My answer is always: It is totally up to you. If you are new to this, maybe just try a bit off "the sides and top" to start and see how it goes. If you are ready to strip the whole thing - go for it! As we have seen throughout the decades, the popularity of pubic hair has waxed and waned (no pun intended). Follow whatever shape or amount of hair you are comfy with and, most importantly, have fun!!! Sport a classic triangle. Or how about a landing strip? Shape it into a heart or a butterfly using a bikini stencil. Color it purple (more on that in my next post!). Or...ya know what? If you want to go au natural and rock it 70s style - more power to ya!!!

Until next VaJayJay Talk...