Have a Headache?

I started off my day with a headache. I hate them, they make me nauseated in addition to the pain in the head. I can't work or think straight when I have a headache.

Rather than reaching for the bottle of asprin or other chemical remedies I have a couple of natural solutions for you to consider when you have your next headache.

Two of my favorite essential oils, lavender and peppermint, blended together with a bit of oil will help rid you of that nasty headache.

Recipe:

1 tbs of vegetable oil (olive oil is okay too)

10 drops of lavender essential oil

5 drops of peppermint essential oil

Mix together in a amber glass bottle or another dark colored bottle. Shake well to combine the ingredients, then label your bottle.

Use:

Warm a few drops of your headache oil and apply to your temples and go just beyond the hairline. Gently massage this area with light pressure. Cup your hands and inhale the essences of the headache oil. Breathe slowly and concentrate on your breathing....slow it down. You should start to have relief in just a few short minutes.

Another remedy for headaches is a cold foot bath. Brrrr.....it works! Did you know that soaking your feet in cold water will actually draw blood from your head, giving you immediate relief from your headache? Its true!

Recipe for cold foot bath:

2 tbs olive oil

4 drops lavender essential oil

2 drops peppermint essential oil

Tub or other basin large enough for your feet

Cold water

bath towel or hand towel

Fill your tub half full with cold water, enough to cover your feet. Mix up your recipe really well to blend all the ingredients. Add to your water and stir with your hands. Soak both your feet in the aromatic water for 15 or 20 minutes. Make sure to sit comfortably and concentrate on taking slow deep breaths. Relax!

You can purchase essential oils online or I think in some health food stores. Check around your area for a brick and morter store, or hop online. There are many places to purchase essential oils. Just start with a small size bottle. 1-2 ounces is perfect to get started. Make sure to purchase an amber glass bottle and store your essential oils in a cool dark room.

If you are interested in more information on treating headaches with essential oils, let me know and I can expand this a bit more.

Five Free Ways to Express Love to Your Husband

Husbands need love, too. They work hard for their families and deserve to have a little appreciation. As wives, we know all about the need for appreciation. Here are some ways that you can show that love and affection to your significant other without spending a dime.

1. Tell him that you love him. We don’t say it near enough to each other. For most, the words are “understood.” The flaw in that train of thinking is that the understanding can get confusing as time goes on and there is no communication. Tell him when he leaves and when he returns home. End your emails and calls with a special I Love You! Even write a note for him only.

2.Send him off properly. Have his work items next to the door so he won’t have to go searching for them. If your husband is anything like mine, he makes a wide grid search for his keys every morning. Help him out by having his briefcase, keys, and cell phone next to the door and ready to go. You will be helping him get out of the house and on his way to work on time without the stress of forgetting something.

3. Fix him breakfast in bed. This is something we see on television but many don’t even think to do. If you have kids to get ready in the morning, then do this on the weekend. You can surprise him with a simple breakfast of cereal (cold or hot) and juice on one day during the week. Rotate the schedule so that he doesn’t get used to your breakfast treats on any certain day.

4. Meet him at work for lunch. If your husband works close by and your schedule allows for it, have lunch together. This requires a bit of forethought since most people’s work schedules don’t mesh without some finagling. Fix a picnic lunch that can be eaten outside at a picnic table or on the grassy knoll. Choosing a few of his favorites gives him something to look forward to besides your bright shining face. And since its Winter, try to find a quiet spot indoor where you can enjoy your picnic lunch. Think about small tablecloth and a candle to add ambience.

5. How about a foot massage? Feet have a hard time. They take on the pressure of our entire bodies on a daily basis without any thanks. Give his tired feet a well deserved rest with a foot rub. Use a lotion or massage oil to compliment the massage. Contrary to popular opinion, men like that spa-like attention. For women who are squeamish about touching or handling feet, soak his feet in some warm water before beginning the massage. You can do it before bed or while you talk about each other’s day. A hand massage
is equally pleasing too. If your husband works with his hands, or on a computer all day, he will sigh with pleasure if you give him a hand massage. Make sure to massage the fingers too.

Love doesn’t have to be expensive to have meaning. Sometimes, the simplest things have the most lasting effects. Trying even just one of these suggestions to sure to help your husband feel more appreciated and loved. Who knows he might just start returning the favor if you’re lucky too.

What is Gotu Kola and Why Is It In My Shower Gel?

I get asked this question alot because Gotu Kola is not a ingredient you see often. Gotu Kola has been used as a medicinal herb in China, India and Indonesia. It is a perennial plant native to Japan, China, and India.


In ancient China, Gotu Kola was the principle ingredient in a famous elixir called Fo Ti Tieng, a brew that had an astounding reputation as “Fountain of Youth”. Gotu Kola works specifically to stimulate the production of collagen in the skin, as well as the manufacture of new skin cells. This translates into beautiful, renewed, supple skin.


Gotu Kola greatly enhances the integrity and vascularization of connective tisue and skin, hastens wound healing, improves elasticity and rejuvenates blood vessels for improved circulation to the skin. It is also the first ingredient in our organic shower gels. Need I say more?

What are Parabens and Why We Should Avoid Them

Have you noticed an increasing number of labels on personal care products with the words "paraben-free"? Parabens are synthetic chemicals used as an antimicrobial preservative and are found in a staggering array of products, from hand soap to toothpaste. They are known hormone disruptors and have been found in the tissue of breast cancer tumors, but the FDA and mainstream cosmetics industry maintain that they are safe. We set out to get a handle on the paraben puzzle and offer you the following explanations:


The definition of Parabens:


Parabens, short for "para-hydroxybenzoate," are a class of preservatives widely used in cosmetics and personal care products (as well as pharmaceuticals and food)—they are used to prevent bacteria, yeast and mold. There are six types of parabens most commonly used in personal care products: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben, butylparaben and benzylparaben. Unlike some complicated chemical names, parabens are easy to spot on product labels because they end in "paraben."

What is a Hormone Disrupter?


In the 1990s the scientific community became increasingly aware that some synthetic chemicals are able to interfere with the function of our hormones—these chemicals are called hormone disruptors (also called endocrine disruptors). With this discovery, many ingredients previously considered safe, such as parabens, were now being considered for their hormone disrupting potential. Hormone disruptors act by mimicking our natural hormones. Our bodies are "fooled" by these imitation hormones, which results in the corruption of our natural hormonal processes. Within the category of hormone disruptors are xenoestrogens, synthetic chemicals that mimic estrogen. A number of studies have shown that parabens fall into the xenoestrogens' group; xenoestrogens may be linked to high rates of breast cancer, and reproductive problems in women and decreased sperm counts, prostate and testicular cancer in men. The FDA acknowledges that estrogenic activity in the body is associated with certain forms of breast cancer.

The Paraben Link to Breast Cancer:

A study published in 2004 in the Journal of Applied Toxicology that detected five types of intact parabens in 18 of 20 samples of breast tumors. The study discusses this finding in the context of the estrogen-like properties of parabens and the influence of estrogen on breast cancer.

According to the lead researcher, Philippa Darbre, the chemical form of the parabens found indicated that they had been absorbed through the skin (via deodorants, lotion, and other personal care products). The presence of intact parabens in tumor tissue shows not only that these chemicals are absorbed through the skin, but that they also persist and accumulate in breast cancer tissue without? degradation. This is the study that most likely started the "deodorants cause breast cancer" scare—and while we take that risk very seriously, the study didn't draw a firm connection between breast cancer and personal care products.

Should we be Concerned or Not?

Both the FDA and the European Union have revisited the safety issue of parabens and have deemed them safe for consumers, but many people agree that more research needs to be conducted. Many people believe that there is enough evidence to warrant caution in the use of products containing parabens.

EclipseSpa's Philosophy:



The level of parabens in one lotion may (or may not) be okay—but consider this: Parabens are found in shampoos, moisturizers, shaving gels, cleansing gels, sunscreens, topical pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, and many more personal care items. In fact, parabens are found in tens of thousands of personal care products. Parabens are just one type of xenoestrogen to which women are exposed, so we can only imagine both the cumulative effect and the interaction of parabens with other xenoestrogens, and with the body's own estrogens – all of which affect endocrine function.

Because of the uncertainity of parabens, Eclipsespa opted not to create any products that contained them and will continue to be a paraben free company.

With so many questions about parabens left unanswered, why not compare labels next time you're shopping for personal care products? The paraben names are easy to spot, and a good ingredient to avoid.

Foot Massage

The feet are often the most neglected or ignored part of the body. Hutched up in socks and shoes all day, the feet rarely get the chance to be out in the open. And, being ignored, small twinges and discomforts on the feet often go unheeded. With this, it’s no doubt that the feet need to be treated, and perhaps a real treat for someone close to you is the gift of a foot massage. My husband and I will frequently give each other foot massages in the evening after dinner while sitting on the couch relaxing.

What is Foot Massage?

The theory of foot massage is plainly simple, but the practice is far more complex than the other therapeutic techniques. It is commonly associated with the concept of reflexology, which is pressure therapy that involves applying a focused pressure to the particularly known reflex points in the foot to cure any form of discomfort. However, it is important to note that foot massage is different from foot reflexology. In reflexology, some of its benefits will happen automatically by virtue of massaging the feet, while on foot massage, the main aim is to help the tired feet feel better.

How to Give a Foot Massage

Generally, the foot massage techniques do not claim to have any documented medical benefits. Nevertheless, when the massage is applied correctly and properly, chances are the receiver can walk away with a feeling of well-being and peace.

Now to begin with, it is very important to make sure that you have the right supplies. Typically, what you will need are two or three big towels and some form of lubricant. For many, a rich cream works better for the tough calluses and the hardened skin of the feet than the hand lotion or oil. But, if you don’t have a rich cream, you can use the lotion or the oil for any of these will work.

Wash thoroughly the feet of the receiver, and anoint it with a skin lotion for lubrication when carrying out the foot massage. Start rubbing the sole of their foot with your thumbs. You can do this by simply working your thumbs in a circular motion all the way from the heel to the base of the toes. However, we can’t escape the fact that most people are sensitive and ticklish on their feet. So if this is the case, reassure the receiver that you will use firm, slow strokes rather than light and quick ones. Make him or her comfortable if possible.

Take each toe individually and place it between your thumb and forefinger. Then, gently manipulate it and give it a slight tug at the end. Gently press your fingers into the person’s foot all along the sole. At the end of the foot massage, gently run your fingers along the top of the foot to provide a relaxing feeling. And, remember to do the massage on each foot.

It is important to note, however, that when applying the foot massage, you should use more oils as needed, but do not use to much of it for this will only cause your hands to slide, making the receiver feel uncomfortable.

This is a low-cost idea for gift-giving this holiday season. If you are accustomed to giving gifts for your children's teachers, dance instructors, the women that share car-pooling duty with you, a hostess gift and more......then consider this option for your holiday gift giving.

Anne

Healthy, Natural Ways to Look 10 Years Younger

You don't have to go under the knife or spend money on botox treatments in order to look ten years younger. Instead, make a few lifestyle changes and start treating yourself with a little TLC and you will be amazed at the results. Things such as sleep, diet, exercise and more play a huge role in your appearance.

Getting a good night's sleep is a sure-fire way to not only look younger, but to feel great as well. This is because while you sleep, cells go through a repair process and your body releases the hormone melatonin. This hormone has very positive effects on the skin. The result is radiant and youthful looking skin, fewer lines and less puffiness around the eyes. So do yourself a favor and get your z’s.

Be sure to eat a balanced diet, including lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Not only will this regimen help you to maintain a healthy weight, the vitamins and anti-oxidants in the fruit and veggies nourish your skin and hair. Having healthy skin and shiny hair is a definite recipe for a more youthful look.

While you're at it, drink lots of water each day. Water cleanses your body of toxins and hydrates your skin. Hydrated skin just plain looks younger. While we’re talking about skin, don’t forget to protect your nicely hydrated skin by wearing sun screen. The damaging effects of the sun, including skin cancer, have been well documented and should be taken very seriously. Excessive exposure dries the skin and will eventually give it a leathery appearance at the least.

It's important to use a good cleanser on your face each day to unclog pores and keep your skin from looking dry and dull. Don't forget to moisturize after washing and this includes your entire body, not just your face. Your hands take a beating in the course of daily life and are exposed to the sun while driving in the car. Treat your hands to a rich lotion, nightly, to have soft, younger looking hands.

Exercise increases bone density and muscle tone. So get regular exercise, including a routine like Pilates or Yoga, to tighten sagging muscles. A fit, trim body looks younger. Not only will you be healthier and more energized on the outside, you'll feel younger too. I fell in love with Pilates and took 2 classes a week for 2 years.

Updating a haircut can cut years from a woman's appearance.Consider highlights rather than simply dying your hair to soften your look. Find a cut that accentuates your best facial features and your lifestyle. Talk with your stylist about what type of cut and color will look best on you and try it, you never know you might just fall in love with your hair again.


Your lifestyle choices greatly affect whether you look ten years younger or ten years older. Smoking and drinking both negatively affect the aging process by blocking the absorption of necessary nutrients and over time cause damage to the major organs of the body. So, if you smoke or drink more than “moderate” amounts of alcohol (I won't give up my wine!) quit and soon you'll begin to look and feel younger.

There are so many easy, natural ways to become a younger you. Once you’ve applied some of the tips above and started seeing a difference in yourself, try not to look too smug when people find out your true age.

Stress and Exercise

If you are a mom then you’ve dealt with stress at some point. The problem with stress is how to make it go away. Maybe exercise is the answer to your stress problem.

Exercise and stress are related. Exercise can reduce the amount of stress in your life. Lets take a look on how it works.

When we are under stress, the body secretes a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol has been shown to help the body store fat and not let it go. As we worry, we get bigger. Lack of sleep has the same effect. Stress busters inhibit this hormone from being secreted.

One such stress buster is exercise. Exercise keeps the body running like a well-oiled machine. Doing it daily helps our bodies to age slower than the biological clock. We look and feel younger despite our busy schedules. Moms everywhere would love that.

Exercise release endorphins. Endorphins make you feel good. The more you exercise, the more your mood will lighten. Blood pressure lowers and more oxygen reaches the brain. Some people find better solutions to their stressful situations while walking on the treadmill or using the elliptical trainer. If you can get outdoors to hike or bicycle, not only will your mood lighten, but you’ll be breathing fresh air too.

These are byproducts of exercise that are sometimes more beneficial than the reasons we were exercising in the first place. Exercise decreases incidence of depression without medication. Working out with a partner doubles the benefits. Not only do you get in shape but you can share a laugh with someone else who understands you. I am sure you can find another mom, sister, or friend to work out with you. My husband happens to be my workout partner.

Our bodies become stronger and fit. When I lost 14 lb.’s a few years ago and was able to fit into size 6 pants and in some cases size 4, not only was I ecstatic, but my stress level went down too. Here is the fun part….exercise is not limited to the gym…..Yeah! Romantic aerobics can benefit the body and combat stress. Sex releases endorphins throughout the body without having to drive across town to the gym. How fun is that?

Exercising with your kids can help everyone’s stress level. Use a walk around the neighborhood to discuss issues that are on your child’s mind. Working through his/her problem won’t leave room for you to think about yours. It may even give you a few ideas about how to deal with your own stress. Helping others does put our situations in perspective.

Confidence is a part of a healthy mind and body. When moms are confident in themselves they cope with stress better because they believe that they can. Exercise increases confidence. Health improves, disease is curtailed, and your outlook changes.

There is a connection between stress and exercise. The latter can bring down the levels of the former. Put on those sneakers and get moving girlfriend! And after you’ve worked out, take a hot shower or bath with some uplifting and refreshing soap and treat your skin to some fabulous lemongrass Sage energizing lotion.

Create an Oasis at Home to Combat Stress in Fifteen Minutes or Less

Stress is no stranger to the average mom. Day in and day out it tries to enter our lives through busy schedules, a messy home, and screaming children. Here are a few ways that moms can reduce their stress levels fast.

Remember that commercial for Calgon bath soap? Calgon would seem to whisk women everywhere off to exotic locales. Too bad that that can’t actually happen—or can it? Light some scented candles and climb into a nice hot tub filled with lavender bubble bath, and try this quick visualization technique while you enjoy a spa experience at home.

Imagine the place you would most want to be if you could. See the sights. Smell the air. Feel the breeze. Let the scene take you away along with the stress. It’s simple but effective. You can do it anywhere and at anytime.

Do you own an IPOD or MP3 player? If not, get one. You can load music, videos, and pictures on them. My IPOD has a great selection of relaxation music that I listen to in the tub or while flying on an airplane. I also created a CD full of relaxation music for EclipseSpa that has received wonderful reviews.

Music that reminds us of happier times is a stress reliever. The memories that are conjured up relax our mind and return us to more peaceful times. Concentrating on these things leaves no room in our mind for stressful thoughts.

Laughter truly is the best medicine. Watch a comedy on television or rent a comedy movie if you have more than 15 minutes to spare. Alternatively, you can read the comics in the newspaper or check out YouTube clips of political comedy and such. A good laugh works your abdominal muscles. You can get in shape and have a good time while doing it.

Maybe your stress is a result of low blood flow to the brain. You just aren’t thinking clearly. The quickest way to return that mental clarity is to stand on your head. I’m not advocating torture here. This can be as simple as laying on the couch with your head hanging off the side or bending over with your hands on the floor.

More blood to the head means more oxygen also. After a minute or two of this you’ll feel silly and more alert. The thoughts of a few minutes ago will fade away. Don’t turn right side up too fast or you’ll be popping a few aspirin for a headache. Oh well.

Have a drink to relieve your stressful situation. I’m not referring to Jack Daniels or a Grey Goose Martini (although they are great, too), but Earl Grey. Tea seems to have a calming effect on the mind. My favorite tea is a lemon zest or a peppermint tea. Taking a few minutes to relax over a good cup of tea can lower your heart rate and your anxiety level.

Any one of these things can be done in fifteen minutes or less. It doesn’t take much—just a willingness to get centered.

When to Seek Help For Stress

For some of us, stress is a condition that we cannot tackle alone. If you are a mom who has tried to manage your stress alone but to no avail, it may be time to seek help from an outside source. Here are a few suggestions to help with that decision.

Stress can affect our physical body. Too much stress can lead to symptoms like hair loss, headaches, weight loss or weight gain, ulcers, and depressive disorders. All of these symptoms can be signs of conditions other than stress, but if you have been in otherwise good health before they showed up, there is a good chance that stress may be the cause.

Examine your daily life. What are the pressures you face each day? Stress on the job can spill over into family life. The threat of downsizing or loss of a job due to poor economic conditions can cause problems at home to get blown out of proportion. Financial losses in the stock market combined with decreasing home values are wreaking havoc with our emotions.

See a medical doctor if your physical body has shown signs of stress overload. Be sure to tell your doctor when the symptoms started and their intensity. The more information you can provide to your doctor, the better chance of an accurate diagnosis. Holding back anything because of embarrassment is not wise.

Get a full physical exam each year. This will give your doctor a baseline to work from when assessing new problems. Whatever his diagnosis, comply as fully as you can. It’s the difference between getting well or getting worse.

Stress builds up when there is no outlet for the pressure. Moms that have no one to confide in about things going on in their lives could use the help of a professional counselor. A counselor will listen as you speak and offer coping suggestions and solutions.

Many employers offer employee assistance programs (EAP) that allow employees to see counselors for little or no cost. The human resources officer would have information about that. These programs are confidential.

There are clinical psychiatrists and psychologists who can help, whether the problem is related to a mental or chemical breakdown in the brain or situations outside your control. Marriage counseling can help you and your spouse if this is the source of your stress. Group counseling can help moms whose stress has led to unhealthy addictions like smoking, drinking, or overeating.

If your weight is causing stress, join a fitness center and sign up with a personal trainer – someone who will hold you accountable. Sometimes just having an appointment to work out will get you to the gym. And, of course, getting regular exercise can be enough to combat your high levels of stress. Either way, it sure can’t hurt!

I have turned to exercise during times of extreme stress. When I went through a divorce in my first marriage, I turned to riding my bike, which then turned into many years of riding with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Cycling, literally saved me from depths of depression. Being physically active got me in better shape, which in turn gave me better self-esteem and confidence in myself again.

Getting help is nothing to be ashamed of, I sought professional help when I needed to, and would do it again in a heartbeat if needed. Moms are always helping others, but sometimes they are the ones in need. Doing nothing is the worst solution to the problem of stress.

Being a Great Mom and Coping With Stress

Into every life a little stress must fall. When the stress reaches higher than normal levels on a regular basis, your health can start to be affected. Moms may look invincible or even think they are invincible but it’s not true. Stress and good health don’t mix.

Stress is our body’s response to outside stimuli. Sure that sounds good, but it doesn’t mean very much. When you come home from a hard day at work and the sink is full of dishes, the laundry room is piled high with clothing, and the sink in the bathroom has been dripping all day, your blood pressure begins to rise.

The first person who says something to you usually gets to hear about your frustration. Or, they get to see you run bawling to the bedroom and shut the door. This is stress.

Moms, you have to protect your health. If the above scenario is typical of your daily life, watch out. You need to cease and desist before you end up in bed or the loony bin. Popping pills is not a long-term solution to the side effects you are experiencing from your stress. Antacids and headache medication is not the answer.

Did you know that too much pain medication can irritate your digestive system? Your body will fight back with bowel trouble or worse. There’s a reason that labels tell you not to exceed a specified dose in twenty-four hours. We’ve go to stop abusing our bodies.

Are you a stress eater – increasing your caloric intake as your stress increases? I am. I didn’t know it until I had gained about fourteen pounds. Stress can lead to some unhealthy ways of coping. My fix was mint chip ice cream. Do you know how many calories are in ice cream?

Stress can lead to poor eating habits. Overeating or eating the wrong things can lead to obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. These illnesses can lead to heart disease and stroke. Basically, we’re talking about a premature death. That is not an option for you, mom.

Stress can also cause ulcers, migraine headaches, and depression. These conditions can be avoided when we take better care of ourselves. Enlist the aid of your spouse, parents, sisters, brothers, and friends. You are not the first one to suffer stress and you will not be the last. Living with it is not an option.

As a mom, your children can even help you. How can that purple-faced person with jam all over himself or herself help you? Kiss his/her jam stained face until all the jam is gone. Jump on the bed with him. Snuggle together with some books and let all the day’s worries stay outside that door.

Then, after the children are in bed, draw a hot tub filled with lavender bubble bath. You may want to light a candle or two for ambiance. Turn off the lights and let the glow and scent of the candles be your beacon. Just 15 minutes in a hot bath where you can turn off the day is a renewing and relaxing experience and will likely guarantee a better nights sleep too. Even a long hot shower will do the trick. You owe it to yourself and to your family to take a slice for time for yourself.

Scared to Fly

Why is it every time I am about to go on vacation planes starting falling out of the sky? Ever since 9/11 I have been terrified of flying. I was nervous before, but it got much worse after 9/11. It seems as if a month before I have to fly, planes start having all sorts of problems such as engine malfunctions, smoke in the cabin, landing gear tires blowing out upon take-off, and much, much worse.

I also hate turbulence and tend to look at the turbulence map 24 hours before I have to fly. I want to see how bad it is going to be flying across the United States. Years ago when we flew to London from San Francisco, the turbulence was so bad. I swear we had 9 straight hours of turbulence. I finally stopped one of the flight attendants and asked him how long the turbulence was going to last and in his British accent he replied "ages". I am certain I turned all shades of pale and green as he went on to say that we had a tail wind and it was causing a really bumpy ride, but nothing to worry about...yeah right! Have you ever noticed that the turbulence starts when they hand you a beverage? As soon as you have your drink or food on your tray, the shaking begins. I can almost count on it.

My doctor was kind enough to prescribe a teeny bit of medication for flying. It doesn't always help as my fears can get the best of me. I worry about who will take care of our dog Macualy and two kitty cats, Petals and Priscilla if something happens to us. I worry the entire way there and back..... I am making deals with God and making promises to do better in life If I make it off this plane alive. (Is anyone laughing yet?) As I am writing this, I think I sound like a whack job....but this is a real fear for me, and not much fun for my husband to experience right along with me.

I would love to hear about what others do to stay calm and not white knuckled while flying. I have 8 days to go before I have to walk down that jet way to find my seat on the airplane.

National Buy a Bar of Natural Soap Day!

EclipseSpa declares today to be "National Buy a Bar of Natural Soap Day". Lets all celebrate the fact that there is good, healthy, and great smelling bars of soap that you can use in your bath and shower. EclipseSpa's soaps are naturally scented with essential oils. Our soaps contain wild herbs for natural skin exfoliation and organic oils to soften your skin. Your bathroom will smell like a spa and your skin will be softer and more irresistible after using our soaps. We have soaps for women and men too!

Any soap purchases today will get a free wooden soap dish to display your soap. These soap dishes are perfect for letting your soaps dry naturally and not get mushy like other soaps can.

Happy Soap Day!

Anne

This could save your life..................

I found this information on Alpha Women today and wanted to pass this along to everyone that reads my blog.

What are you to do if you have a heart attack while you are alone!!

Read This...It could save your life!

Let's say it's 6:15 p.m. and you're driving home (alone of course), after an usually hard day on the job. You're really tired, upset and frustrated. Suddenly you start experiencing severe pain in your chest that starts to radiate out into your arm and up into your jaw. You are only about five miles from the hospital nearest your home.

Unfortunately you don't know if you'll be able to make it that far.

What can you do? You've been trained in CPR but the guy that taught the course, didn't tell you what to do if it happened to yourself.

Without help, the person whose heart is beating improperly and who begins to feel faint, has only about 10 seconds left before losing consciousness.

However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest. A breath and a cough must be repeated about very two seconds without let up until help arrives, or until the heart is felt to be beating normally again

Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital.

Thought this was an interesting read... just wanted to share!

Natural Healing Spray for Sun Burns

I remember as a child and as a teenager being out in the sun all day long and crying all night because of sunburned skin. There just wasn't enough information on sunscreen or after sun care when I was growing up. I grew up with suntan lotion, not sunscreen!

Olive oil is excellent to use to heal burns and historically has been used this way for centuries. Extra virgin olive oil is high in vitamins and minerals too. The following is a recipe that you can make at home in a 8 oz or larger spray bottle. The dosage of the recipe is designed for children. Please double the amounts for essential oils for adults.

1/2 cup distilled water
1/4 witch hazel lotion
1/4 cup aloe vera gel or aloe vera juice**
2 drops of Chamomile essential oil
1 drop Geranium essential oil
1 tsp. honey

In your 8 oz spray bottle add the water, witch hazel and aloe. Combine your essential oils and honey, and mix very well with the end of a spoon. Add this mixture to the 8 oz spray bottle. Shake very well to mix. Label your contents. Shake well before applying avoiding the eye area.

**can be found at Walgreens or the Vitamin Shoppe

Jet Off to a Spacatin at Home

With the high cost of gas coupled with the downturn of the stock market, more and more Americans are vacationing at home this summer. Sure cleaning out the garage and getting caught up on chores is great. But don’t forget to plan for the season’s most important home improvement project – you.

With everything you need to turn this summer’s staycation into a spacation, EclipsaSpa’s all organic, paraben free line of bath and body products can turn any bath into an organic spa. The Spa Ritual Package contains wildcrafted shea sugar scrubs for both men and women. Filled with ingredients designed to renew skin by eliminating dead skin cells, men will enjoy the exotic scent of the bamboo body polish while women will love the calming scent of lavender on her skin. Both will enjoy two of EclipseSpa’s favorite handcrafted soaps that are included in the package: lemongrass sage and eucalyptus sandalwood.

Follow up your day skin improvement with a lavender scented bubble bath using EclipseSpa’s Organic Sugar Soy and Tea bubble bath or add Fizzing Bath Salts to your water and enjoy a hot soak. For centuries, an evening bath infused with lavender has been the preferred method of relaxation. It’s guaranteed to calm your mind and soul allowing the body to relax so you can experience a good night’s sleep.

Dim the lights, Tune to EclipseSpa’s Escape Collection of spa music while you soak in the tub and light a soy candle tin or two to complete the transformation of your bath into a spa.

No spacation would be complete without a massage. EclipseSpa’s Grapeseed Massage Oil blend of lavender and vanilla essential oils is a wonderful anti-aging treatment for your skin that will enhance every massage experience. Grab your partner and give each other a relaxing massage at the end of the day. Grape seeds are highly antioxidant making this oil a natural anti-aging treatment that can also be used as a bath and body oil. Bottled in a vintage green container made from recycled glass completes the look for gift giving.

This summer, make sure to take time to relax by turning do-it-yourself into do-it-for-yourself.

Use Water Temperature to Heal

Did you know that you can use water temperature to heal?

The term "Hydrotherapy" literally means "water healing".

This type of therapy involves the extended use of baths or showers in the home using hot or cold temperatures.

There is documentation showing how hydrotherapy is a very powerful tool that can relieve muscle soreness, help with relaxation, increase oxygen, nutrients and lymphatic flow.

It is important to know how water temperature affects your body. Here are a couple of tips before you get into your bathtub or enjoy a foot bath.

** practice safety by checking the water temperature with a thermometer
** never get to the point where you have the chills or experience fatigue

A Hot Bath (99-108 degrees) is good for insomnia, to relieve pain, increase circulation and eliminate toxins. Your heart rate can increase by as much as 4x the normal rate for the first 5 minutes, then will normalize. Recommended time: 20 minutes or less. Follow with cool water.

A Warm Bath (97-101degrees) is the most common temperature for the average bath. Spending 20 minutes to an hour is optimal for relaxation.

A Tepid Bath (92-97 degrees) is really good for when you want to rejuvenate or have inflammation conditions such as hives, itching, or skin rashes. Recommended time is up to 1 hour.

A Cold Bath (59-68 degrees) is recommended for short periods of time and are most common in foot and hand baths. Recommended time is just a few seconds.

A Natural Healing Ritual--The Bath

Imagine at the end of a long day or week, relaxing and rejuvenating oneself in a bath.

Learning how to incorporate the use of aromatherapy with the basic bathing techniques (such as water temperature) you'll enjoy the many benefits that bathing offers. Baths and essential oils have synergistic effects.

Hippocrates noted in 500 B.C. that "the way to health is to have an aromatic bath and scented massage every day".

We can thank the Greeks and the Roman cultures for their experience in combining oils and bathing. We can take their experience and apply it to our every day rituals ourselves. Creating your own personal spa experience with a therapeutic bath is not only easy but a total relaxing experience.

You can choose to purchase a single essential oil or a combination of oils to blend yourself to achieve your desired results. Or for some of us it may be easier to purchase products that have the essential oils already prepared in a bath treatment such as a bubble bath or massage/bath oil. Essential oils in the bath also affect our moods, because as they evaporate we inhale them. Lavender, for example, is found in relaxation blends designed to relieve stress, anxiety and insomnia.

Stay Tuned for information on using water temperature to heal.

History of Bathing (Part I)

The Romans were famous for their baths. They included hot and cold rooms, and medium temperature lounging rooms with a variety of extra services such as food, wine exercise and/or personal training being offered. At different points in history, baths were segregated by gender, while at other times the bathing was mixed.

It was so interesting to read that people used to visit the thermal baths not only for medicinal purposes, but to "flee from gloom, to seek amusement and to think of nothing except how to live happily and enjoy their pleasures."

This then led me to find out more about where the word "Spa" comes from. Apparently there are 2 theories: One is that "spa" is an acronym for the Latin phrase "salus per aquae" or "health through water". The second theory is that the word "spa" comes from the Belgian town of "Spa" known since Roman times for its baths which is also synonymous in the English language with a "place to be restored and pampered".

So, it guess its safe to surmise that people were stressed out back before the 1600's and had their version of our modern day spa retreats.

To "take the waters" and restore your health, create a spa experience at home using what may have been used in Roman Baths.....Lavender Enjoy Either a lavender bubble bath or lavender bath oil.

Dove Soap isn't too clean

Amazing 60 second campaign ad turning Dove's "onslaught" ad around against the company -- the biggest buyer of palm oil in the world (which is the biggest cause of forest destruction in Indonesia).

read more | digg story

Is Today Someone's Birthday?

Today is someone's birthday, anniversary, baby shower, or bridal shower. Someone may be feeling depressed, or stressed out , and you want to get them a gift. I created Eclipsespa because the rejuvenating benefits of spa treatments inspire natural health. Eclipsespa has the first ever complete product line for your spa experience at home.

read more | digg story

The History of Our Ingredients

People on all continents have used hundreds to thousands of indigenous plants for treatment of ailments and healing wounds since prehistoric times.

Eclipsespa’s key organic ingredients date back centuries and have been used to protect the structural integrity of our skin. As the intensity of the suns’ rays interact with our exposed skin cells, many issues come to surface. We need to protect the integrity of our skin, enhance rejuvenation of our skin, and minimize cellular damage to the skin while outdoors.

Because of our intimate knowledge with plants, you will find key ingredients in almost all of our products. The combined synergistic effect of these ingredients addresses all of these dermal issues related to sun damage and aging-skin.

We believe in the restorative powers of plants to enhance your beauty and health.

Green Gifting: Mothers Day Gift Idea

Green Gifting: Mothers Day Gift Idea

Olive, Rosemary, and Onion Focaccia

This is a really easy recipe to make and perfect for company. I wanted to share it with everyone because my previous post had to do with Rosemary.



Ingredients
1-1/4-ounce package (2-1/2 teaspoons) active dry yeast
1 teaspoon sugar
4-1/2 to 5 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/4 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves plus whole rosemary leaves
1/4 cup minced onion
1/2 pound Kalamata, Niçoise, or green Greek olives or a combination, pitted and cut into slivers (about 1 cup)
1-1/2 teaspoons coarse salt, or to taste

Instructions

In the large bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the dough hook stir together the yeast, the sugar, and 1-3/4 cups lukewarm water and proof the yeast mixture for 5 minutes, or until it is foamy . Stir in 4-1/2 cups of the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of the oil and knead the dough, scraping down the dough hook occasionally and adding as much of the remaining 1/2 cup flour as necessary to form a soft, slightly sticky dough, for 3 minutes. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turn it to coat it with the oil, and let it rise, covered, in a warm place for 1 hour, or until it is double in bulk. Knead in the chopped rosemary, press the dough with lightly oiled hands into a well-oiled 15-1/2-by 10-1/2-inch jelly-roll pan, and let it rise, covered loosely, for 30 minutes. The dough may be made 8 hours in advance and kept covered and chilled.
Dimple the dough with your fingertips, making 1/4-inch-deep indentations, brush it with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, and top it with the onion, the olives, the salt, and the whole rosemary leaves. Bake the focaccia in the bottom third of a preheated 400 degree F. oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until it is golden and cooked through. Transfer the focaccia to a rack, let it cool for 10 minutes, and serve it, cut into squares, warm or at room temperature.

Credits
From: Best of Gourmet - 1992 (Condé Nast)

Tranquil Places: 9 Easy Steps to a Spa Pedicure

Tranquil Places: 9 Easy Steps to a Spa Pedicure

Aromatherapy: Rosemary

Rosemary, also known as Rosemarinus officinalis is native to the Mediterranean area.

The name of the oil is derived from the Latin words for “dew of the sea”, a reference to its pale blue dew-like flowers. Rosemary is often found growing near the sea and has a reputation for improving memory. Wedding traditionalists have added sprigs of rosemary to wedding bouquets as symbols of love and loyalty.

Rosemary is an attractive evergreen shrub with pine needle-like leaves. Its blue flowers last through spring and summer in warm, humid climates. In a warm climate it can remain in the same location for up to 30 years! In climates where freezing temperatures are expected it is best to grow in pots that can be taken indoors during winter.

Recently, rosemary has been the object of laboratory and animal studies investigating its potential in the prevention of cancer and its antibacterial properties. Both lab and animal studies suggest that rosemary’s antioxidant properties may have activity against colon, breast, stomach, lung, and skin cancer cells. Much more research in this area, including trials involving people must be conducted before conclusions are drawn about the value of rosemary for cancer.

Rosemary’s aromatherapy benefits include improved mental clarity, alertness, memory, mood uplifting and the relief of mental fatigue. Rosemary also helps to relax tight muscles, improves digestion, clears breathing, purifying, and is one of nature’s most powerful antioxidant that fights aging. You’ll find rosemary to be a popular scent used in our products such as our very popular Rosemary Lavender Soap.

In the kitchen, rosemary is a very popular herb for cooking. It is used in a wide variety of dishes including soups, vegetables, meats, fish, potatoes and some desserts.

Warning: Essential, distilled rosemary oil, (not to be confused with flavored cooking oils), should never be taken internally. It is poisonous in strong doses. Be sure to consult your physician before attempting any medicinal use of any herb, spice or other home remedy.

Read this before you light your next candle!

Each time you light a soy candle, you not only create a beautiful atmosphere, you also light a candle that is better for you and the environment.

In the candle industry, paraffin candles have been around a very long time and are a byproduct of crude oil. Did you know that burning a paraffin candle creates the same air quality as sitting behind a diesel truck inhaling exhaust fumes?

A few chemicals normally found in paraffin candles include formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, ethanol, and acetone. Add petroleum based fragrances and you got a toxic cocktail burning in your home.

High levels of indoor pollutants are a major problem considering that airborne soot can penetrate the deepest areas of the lungs and the lower respiratory tract. Emissions in the home are estimated to stay around for up to 10 hours after extinguishing a paraffin candle.

Paraffin candles also burn more quickly and much hotter than soy wax candles which increases a concern for fire hazards. Environmentally, paraffin is a non-renewable resource, where soy can be grown easily by US farmers and is a renewable source.

Have you ever notices black soot around your candle when it burns? Do you have soot on your walls or drapery near candles that have burned? Pure Soy wax candles do not create soot.


EclipseSpa candles are hand-poured and made from 100% soybean wax. They are non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and contain no lead or petroleum.

Lavender to Calm and Soothe Your Soul

Lavender, also known as Lavandula angustifolia is better known for its aromatherapy benefits, soothing, calming, relaxing, and stimulating. Medicinally, Lavender is an antitumoral, an analgesic, an anti-inflammatory and prevents the build-up of sebum, a skin oil that bacteria feed on. The French Scientist Rene Gatefosse was the first to discover lavender’s ability to promote tissue regeneration and speed wound healing when he severely burned his arm in a laboratory accident. Today, Lavender is still one of the few essential oils to still be listed in the British Pharmacopeia. Lavender is one of the few floras that is the least allergenic, yet so versatile that it can be used in body moisturizers, candles, and soaps. It is most certainly a spa favorite and commonly used during aromatherapy massages.

Lavender angustifolia is also known as Lavender, English Lavender, or True Lavender. It is a small, herbaceous to semi-woody, semi-evergreen perennial or perennial herb that you might see along walkways, raised walls, or borders. It is also often referred to as the “queen of herbs” for gardens.

Lavandula translates as “to wash” referring to an extract of Lavender being used as an oil in the bath. Angustifolia translates as “narrow-leaved”.

In the kitchen, Lavender is an incredibly versatile herb for cooking. English Lavender (lavandula angustifolia) has the sweetest fragrance of all the lavenders and is one most commonly used in cooking. For salads, the lavender flowers add a beautiful color. The spikes and leaves of lavender can be used in most dishes in place of rosemary in most recipes. Use the spikes or stems for making fruit or shrimp kabobs. Just place your favorite fruit on the stems and grill.

Take a look at our selection of Lavender products, and our featured spa recipe this month which is Seared Scallops with Lavender, Lime and Champagne. Enjoy!

Doing it Green

As a business owner I had to decide philosophically how to run my business, making choices not only about what is important to me, but also to what my customers, and prospective customers, need and expect from a company. With the heightened media coverage on Global Warming, the Live Earth Day Concert, and everyone making adjustments, on both a corporate level as well as individuals committing to sustainable practices everyday at home, I feel that we can no longer deny that there is a long-term problem. If each person doesn’t do their part, we will experience devastating consequences. With this in mind, I made the decision that EclipseSpa would be a green company, one that people could trust to have high regard for both its customers and the planet.

Committing to being a green company was a full-time job. In addition to creating a compelling product line that’s made from natural ingredients that are free from known toxins, I had to source materials such as recyclable containers, business cards, stationary and gift packaging made from environmentally friendly materials. I spent hours of research online in order to make good, sustainable choices for every aspect of my business. Initially, I was worried about the quality of my stationary when considering green printers for my brochure and business cards. Would they look cheap if I had them printed on recyclable material? I haven’t seen a quality difference at all. In fact, they look better than the chemical based products. And the process of using recycled paper and soy-vegetable inks is much less harmful to the environment than their petroleum based counterparts. My stationary is made from tree-less materials, which I find far more interesting than stationary printed on ordinary paper.

The decision to invest a considerable amount of money on environmentally friendly gift packaging was a hard, but necessary decision. I could have stayed with ordinary white gift boxes, which would have been a lot less expensive, but I felt I would be cheating my customers if I did so. So with careful research and the help of a great green business organization called Coop America I found the most amazing gift packaging for my organic bath & body products. They have become the gateway to my products, adding drama and elegance to every package. And the purchase of the gift packaging was made using Fair Trade Practices, with the money going back to help provide livelihood and education to economically disadvantaged artisans.

It’s going to take a global effort to sustain our planet, and if each one of us can do our part personally and professionally, I believe we can make a difference. Giving a “green” gifts this year may be your first step in going “green”.

49 million people can't sleep!

I was stunned to find out that doctors wrote prescriptions to 49 million people last year who complained that they couldn't sleep. That is 1 out of every 7 people with a sleep disorder.

Whether it is stress from work, home, finances, or whatever else is bothering you, lets look at some more natural ways to improve your sleep:

1. Avoid caffeine, especially in the afternoon. Get your decaf on at Starbucks instead!

2. Do not work out 2 hours before going to bed

3. Avoid a heavy meal 2 hours before going to bed

4. Try taking a hot bath using lavender scented products such as our organic sugar, soy & tea bubble bath, lavender bath salts, lavender & vanilla massage oil which can be used as a bath oil and body moisturizer too. While in your bath, imagine being somewhere happy, perhaps Hawaii, or Mexico on a deserted beach with someone you love. Fantasize about something you want to do..............

5. Turn off the TV when you are in bed so you won't be tempted to stay up and watch a TV show

6. Do not check your work email before going to bed. Leave work-related thoughts out of the bedroom.

7. Drink warm milk before bedtime

8. Have Sex!

9. Treat yourself to some really luxurious pillows

10. If you are a light sleeper then you might need to invest in ear plugs or a "white noise" maker


Sleep is necessary to function properly, allowing the brain and body to recover from the day's events. The ideal amount of sleep needed per researchers is between 7-8 hour of sleep every night. The more rested you are the better you will function.

Remember our core message at EclipseSpa...Spa at Home Tonight. Taking a hot bath or shower before bed will make a difference in your sleep.


zzzzzzzzzzz,

Anne

9 Easy Steps to a Spa Pedicure

Before putting on those sexy, comfortable open toe shoes make sure your feet skin is in good condition. With these easy nine steps you too will have silky feet. So go ahead get ready to do your own pedicure.soak your feet for 10-15 minutes in warm water containing bath salts or a foot soak.

Use a pumice stone, exfoliating scrub to gently scrub the soles of your all over your feet and heel to remove dead skin.

Dry your feet.

Trim your toenails and push back cuticles.

Rinse feet once again and pat dry.

Massage feet with plenty of lotion. Body lotion, or a foot cream can be used.

Wrap feet on plastic bags and cover for at least 15 minutes.

Paint toe nails. Make sure to apply at least to coats of nail polish and a top coat of clear nail polish to give it more shine. Give it enough time to dry, before putting on any shoes. If you put on shoes too soon your pedicure will get ruin.

Enjoy your self given & low cost pedicure!

About The Author

Kenia Morales is the owner and publisher of online magazine " For Every Aspect Of Today's Woman". To find more beauty tips and other women related issues and topics visit her site at http://www.kpatra.com