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).

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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.

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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.