Author: Essentially savvy

Foot Cleansing Ritual

Posted on by Essentially savvy
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Our feet are our primary means of connecting with the earth but remain so neglected being confined to shoes. In most contemporary cultures, where there are not many opportunities to go barefoot, few acts are as intimate as touching the feet of another person. Our feet are our primary means of connecting with the earth, yet they usually remain confined in shoes or sandals. Cleansing of the feet can be a relaxing interlude that can help you feel refreshed and has also has become a popular stress reliever and beautification ritual, ie getting a pedicure. "Ritual foot cleansing has a long and intricate history involving many methods and motivations.  It has been used as an initiation, a welcoming gesture, a purification ceremony, and as a means to demonstrate humbleness. Cleansing ceremonies involving the feet are performed in many different parts of the world. In many cases, the meaning of the ritual...
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Natural skincare~know the labeling regulations!

Posted on by Essentially savvy
In your quest to develop a new natural skincare line, the first thing you MUST do is read the FDA labeling regulations.  Too often people are not informed about this before selling these products to the public. There is a fine line between a cosmetic and a drug when making claims of curing or preventing a disease.  Be aware that promoting a product with claims that it treats or prevents disease or otherwise affects the structure or any function of the body may cause the product to be considered a drug.  The labeling for cosmetics is pretty easy to follow and does not require that your product pass FDA approval. The cosmetic requirements are mostly related to what is included on the label and the size of the print. However, once a claim is made, for example, repairs wrinkles, you have now entered the area of a drug.  The requirements for a drug are much more stringent and must be approved by the FDA first.  So be careful in the statements made promoting  your products.  Even...
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Why Jojoba Oil is so beneficial

Posted on by Essentially savvy
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The word oil tends to have a negative connotation when it comes to skin care, due to the fear of break outs!  However, not all oils are created equally. Some oils can have amazing benefits for the skin and my personal favorite is Jojoba oil.  Jojoba oil is expeller pressed from the Jojoba bean producing a waxy substance that mimics collagen. Jojoba Oil acts as;
  •  an anti-bacterial
  •  an anti-inflammatory
  •  a moisturizer
  • And as an acne treatment.
What makes jojoba oil so great is its similarity to the oil that our own skin produces, called sebum. This means that our skin knows exactly how to deal with it, absorbing it quickly and easily, and using it to create a powerful barrier against moisture loss.  Jojoba oil also has a natural SPF of 4 giving you some sun protection in addition to the moisturizing benefits. Jojoba oil is a natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory and has been us...
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Feng Shui Tips For The Home

Posted on by Essentially savvy
I have studied Feng Shui for years and have learned a lot along the way. But some of the most basic and useful tools I use have really increased the positive energy flow (Chi) within my home. Tip #1  WEALTH  to find your wealth area in your home stand at your front door facing in.  The Farthest left hand corner is your wealth area (this area can sometimes be outside of your home depending on your structure). If you have an upstairs this area is a wealth area too. MOST important  is to keep this area free of clutter. So before anything clean this area if it needs it. To enhance this area for positive energy flow add green plants, crystals, the colors red and purple and display anything here that represents wealth ie; coins, collections,expensive china ect... Open blinds or windows and let in natural light and keep this area clean and free of dust and keep plants watered and healthy. Tip #2 LOVE  to find your love/relationship area in your home stand at your front door facin...
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Essential Oil Storage Ideas

Posted on by Essentially savvy
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Storing essential oils can be challenging at times because oils need to be stored in a cool, dark place and kept away from children and animals. Along with the fact that the oils come in glass containers also posses the problem of accidental spillage or breakage. I search many places, mostly online trying to find the best storage ideas for essential oils. There are many places that sell wooden boxes that hold many oils.  I love these boxes however, they do get pricey.  I have also found wooden shelves (ie.. spice shelves) that look beautiful when displaying the oils, however, these could cause exposure to light and heat. In my quest I came up with a great alternative.  I purchased plastic storage containers from Target called Caboodles. (see picture)  These boxes are large enough to store many oils, I fit 27 bottles in one.  The oil sizes range from 5 ml to 15 ml. The containers are the perfe...
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Recipe of the Week

Posted on by Essentially savvy
PEPPERMINT FOAMING HAND SOAP Ingredients; You will need an 8 oz foaming hand soap bottle, (preferred PET plastic or glass). Fill the bottle to about 2  inches from the top with purified water, add 2 tbsp of liquid castile soap, add 10 drops of peppermint essential oil.  Put on top and shake up. I like to add a water proof label, you can purchase and design these online. Enjoy~
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Natural Skincare Recipes

Posted on by Essentially savvy
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Room Freshener This works great in a small bathroom. To begin you will need the following;
  •  An 8 oz. glass Mason jar.
  • 1/2 cup of baking soda
  • 20-30 drops of essential oils of your choosing. (I chose spearmint & lime.)
Mix the ingredients well in a bowl and then spoon into your jar, fill about 3/4 full. Use either tulle, burlap or a lightweight piece of fabric. Cut the fabric to fit over the top of the jar ( you can use scallop scissors for the edges to make it pretty) and then screw the ring back on to hold it in place.  Whenever you feel the scent is fading just shake the jar a little or add a few more drops of essential oils. Enjoy~   NATURAL MULTI- PURPOSE CLEANER
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Aromatherapy News

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What is Aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials, known as essential oils, and other aromatic compounds for the purpose of altering a person's mind, mood, cognitive function or health. Aromatherapy originated in Europe in the early 1900s and has been widely used since this time. With many people concerned about their health and looking for alternatives to western medicine, aromatherapy is becoming a popular form of healing. Essential oils are extracted from a plant's flowers, leaves, bark, or roots from a complex extraction process. The oils are mixed with carrier oils and then applied to the skin by massage or rubbed on the bottom of the feet. Essential oils can also be inhaled directly or through a diffuser or mixed with pure alcohol (I use vodka) and sprayed in a room. Essential oils are now being used in many skincare products, perfumes an...
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