Revitalize with Essential Oils

Our state of health and level of vitality are closely linked. Our lifestyle and diet are reflected in our energy levels, our attitude and sense of self also play an important role. Many of us constantly feel tired - mentally, physically, or emotionally or we feel spiritually drained and depleted.

Essential oils can be used to alleviate stress, tension and anxiety - all of which deplete our energy levels. Many of the most revitalizing essential oils initiate a sense of harmony and promote many aspects of physical balance to promote peace.

A demanding lifestyle and heavy workload can leave us feeling exhausted; essential oils can enliven the part of us that is in need of refreshment. Stimulating essential oils when inhaled, used in the bath or in a massage can invigorate and re-energize us. As mental clarity is restored and concentration is enhanced, the day suddenly becomes more positive than it appeared earlier.

Restoring harmony enables our vitality to find our true expression and help our lives flow smoothly.

Stimulating Essential Oils:

Bergamot (citrus bergamia) – Fresh, sweet. Blends well with Cypress, Ginger, Geranium. Refreshing, harmonizing, antidepressant.

Geranium (pelagonium graveolens) – Strong, sweet, slightly floral. Blends with Bergamot, Lime, Juniper, Rosemary. Balancing, refreshing.

Peppermint (mentha piperita) – Refreshing, minty. Blends with Eucalyptus, Lemon, Geranium, Rosemary and Tea Tree. Strong stimulant, anti-inflammatory.

Lime (citrus aurantiifolia) – Fresh citrus scent. Blends with other citrus essential oils, floral oils and Rosemary. Stimulant, antidepressant.

Lemon (citrus limonum) – Fresh sharp scent. Blends with other citrus oils, floral oils especially Bergamot and Juniper. Detoxifying, astringent.

Juniper (juniperus communis) – Clean, fresh and mildly spicy. Blends with citrus oils, Cypress, Bergamot, Geranium and Rosemary. Detoxifying, antiseptic.

Cleansing and Revitalizing:

Aromatic baths are an effective way to use essential oils at home and pampering yourself is a revitalizing experience.

Use one of the following blends to refresh, reawaken and revitalize the system in the morning:

4 drops Geranium essential oil
2 drops Lime essential oil
2 drops Rosemary essential oil

Add this blend to 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil or milk to running bath water. Relax for at least 20 minutes; breathe deeply to inhale the vapours.

To relax, release tension and aid recuperation after a long day try:

5 drops Bergamot essential oil
2 drops Pine essential oil
1 drop Ginger essential oil

Add this blend to 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil or milk to running bath water. Relax for at least 20 minutes; breathe deeply to inhale the vapours.

Vaporize one of the following blends for an invigorating atmosphere:

6 drops Bergamot essential oil
3 drops Cedarwood essential oil
3 drops Rosemary essential

OR

4 drops Geranium essential oil
2 drops Rosemary essential oil
2 drops Juniper essential oil

To enhance efficiency at your desk vaporize the following blend to help maintain perspective when pressure is on and tempers are frayed and to invigorate the office:

5 drops Lime essential oil
3 drops Lemon essential oil
1 drop Peppermint essential oil

For clean, calm aromas to encourage both inner and outer beauty, serenity and grace, visit http://www.bellybuttonsandbabies.com/ for the ultimate in revitalizing scents.

Perfume - The accessory that goes with any outfit.

Get the most out of your fragrance purchase with these tips:

Don't apply fragrance directly from the bottle with your fingers. Oil from your skin will enter the bottle and adversely affect the fragrance. Use an atomizer or apply fragrance to a cotton ball and then apply to your skin.

When applying fragrance, spray fragrance from the ankles up. Remember, fragrance always rises! Also remember the golden rule of perfume – spray sparingly. You can always add more, but if you go overboard and spray too much a shower is just about the only thing that will get rid of it.

Try to keep your perfume off your clothing. Apply the perfume only on the skin where it has a chance to develop and mellow. Also, bear in mind that perfume can stain some delicate fabrics, especially silk, so it's best to apply your perfume before you dress.

Don't buy a fragrance just because it smells good on a friend. A fragrance is as individual as you are and will smell differently as it reacts with your own chemistry.

When shopping for a fragrance try not to sample more than three fragrances at a time, after that your nose can no longer distinguish the scents. Try smelling the coffee beans that are on the fragrance counter in most department stores between samplings. The beans help to "cleanse the palate" and will allow you to try more perfumes (that's what they're there for).

Protect your fragrance from heat and light to prolong its scent -- store it in the bathroom cupboard, not on the counter with your blow dryer and curling iron.

Useful Fragranced Items for Your Home

Potpourri and Sachets

Do you think that making potpourri is to just take some dry flowers, toss them together and you have potpourri? It actually takes a few more ingredients and some technique to make good potpourri.

You need to begin with flowers that are dried or freeze-dried. Using fresh flowers will only produce mold and mildew smell and the whole batch will have to be disposed of. Dried flower petals from roses, hydrangea, lavender, marigold, baby’s breath – in fact every flower, pod and leaf you can think of can be dried and mixed together to make a beautiful combination of colored potpourri. Since most flowers have no scent when dried out you will need to add your favourite essential oil and a fixative when blending your ingredients. Remember you are the designer – choose flowers for color, texture and season appeal. Once they are all dried thoroughly you are ready to start.

Orris Root (available at most health food stores) works as the fixative for the fragrance and will make the fragrance last. Orrisroot binds itself to the flowers and when you need to refresh your potpourri, it will reactivate when you add a few drops of the essential oil and mix together. It will be ready to use as soon as you add the extra oils.

Try this recipe:
3 cups of dried botanicals (flower petals, leaves, mixed)
2 tablespoons orris root powder
12 drops of your favourite essential oil

Gentle blend the dried botanicals. In a small pan, spread out the botanicals in a layer that is about ¼ inch deep. With a cheese shaker, shake a small amount of the orrisroot powder over the botanicals. Then add one drop of essential oil in about four different spots. Do this until you’ve used up the 12 drops of essential oil.

Place the mixture into a large bowl. Put on plastic gloves and toss gently. Place the mixture into a large container and let sit, airtight (and covered) for about 1½ to 2 weeks. Remove the cover and toss again.

Let the potpourri sit out in bowls around the house. Pack the potpourri in pretty bags, tie with ribbon to give as gifts.

Potpourri Closet Freshener – Citrus and Spice

1 small orange
Full box of cloves
1 to 3 small cinnamon sticks
Approximately 1 foot of ribbon

Poke cloves into the orange in a pattern you like. Using the crossover method with ribbon (crossed at one end and then the other to secure the orange), make a hanging holder for the orange. At the top, tie one or more cinnamon sticks on top. Use the rest of the ribbon to tie into a hanger. Hang in any closet. Lasts approximately 1 to 3 months.

Linen and Sweater and Cedar Chest Revitalizer

1 cup of white rice
6 drops of Cedarwood essential oil
1 drop of Orange essential oil

Blend the essential oils with the rice with a spoon for approximately 30 seconds.

This mixture may be tied up in pretty hankies and tied with ribbon to be given as gifts. You could also use old nylon stockings – simply cut a strip from one leg, stuff the rice mixture in the centre and tie both ends with ribbon or yarn.

Approximate shelf life is 6 to 8 months – then simply re-fragrance and you’re ready to use it again!

Bring the Outdoors Indoors

We all know how smelling beautiful fragrances such as an ocean breeze; the forest after a rainfall, a crisp winter morning uplifts our moods. Living in a big city we are sometimes deprived of these scents as well as being vulnerable to airborne viruses. With essential oils you can bring the outside in or even disinfect a room while we keep our windows closed during the cold weather.

Fill a 4-ounce mist spray bottle with purified water and add the essential oils. Tighten the cap, shake well and spray the mist into the air. The longer the mist ages in the bottle, the scent improves and becomes stronger.

Sunshine
50 drops Lime essential oil
50 drops Grapefruit essential oil
10 drops Orange essential oil
10 drops Patchouli essential oil
4 ounces pure water

Flower Garden
75 drops Ylang-Ylang essential oil
25 drops Orange essential oil
20 drops Clove essential oil
4 ounces pure water

Rain Forest
40 drops Pine essential oil
40 drops Cajeput essential oil
20 drops Cypress essential oil
20 drops Sandalwood essential oil
4 ounces pure water

Spice Up Your Life
25 drops Marjoram essential oil
25 drops Sage essential oil
25 drops Spearmint or Peppermint essential oil
25 drops Clove essential oil
20 drops Patchouli essential oil
4 ounces pure water

Room Disinfectant
65 drops Tea Tree essential oil
50 drops Thyme essential oil
35 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
4 ounces pure water

Place the following blended oils into an aroma lamp and add a little water. Inhale the vapours deeply for best results.

Breathe Easy
5 drops Lemon essential oil
5 drops Pine essential oil
5 drops Lavender essential oil
5 drops Peppermint essential oil

Room Disinfectant
5 drops Lemon essential oil
5 drops Tea Tree essential oil
5 drops Sage essential oil
5 drops Cajeput essential oil

Carpet Freshener

Mix the following blends into a wide mouthed glass jar, tighten cap. Let sit for at least 24 hours. Sprinkle over carpeting, leave for 10 minutes, then vacuum.

50 drops Lime essential oil
30 drops Orange essential oil
20 drops Patchouli oil
½ cup baking soda
OR
30 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
30 drops Cinnamon essential oil
30 drops Lemongrass essential oil
10 drops Clove essential oil
½ cup baking soda

Furniture Polish

You’ll get a beautiful shine using this furniture polish! Combine ingredients and gently polish.

10 drops Ylang-Ylang essential oil
1 ounce Jojoba carrier oil

Gift Giving for Men and Women

Why not make your own Gift Basket and watch the joy of those lucky people receiving one.

Spa, bath, and pamper gifts are the perfect choice for birthdays, retirement, anniversaries, weddings, thank you, sympathy, or for no reason at all! When a trip to the Day Spa just doesn't fit in the schedule, spa gift baskets, pamper gift baskets, and bath gift baskets provide a relaxing Day Spa indulgence without ever leaving the house!

Next time you’re about to settle on a spa set, stop shopping and create your own instead. Your recipient will appreciate your originality and they’ll get even more relaxation out of the contents because you haven’t just given them new beauty products, you’ve given them the fun of making them too! As an added bonus, they’ll feel great knowing the products are all natural and environmentally friendly.

Revive and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit with a soothing selection of spa and pamper products. Indulge his or her senses with nourishing lotions, relaxing bath salts, hydrating body scrubs and much more. Now anyone can have a relaxing day at the spa, in the comfort of his or her own home. So why not give someone the ultimate pamper gift they’ve been dreaming of?

Additions to gift baskets can also include a lovely mug, some dried herbs (from your garden) for tea, a picture frame, a soft, plush stuffed toy – the list is endless and adds an extra special personal touch to the basket. It shows the receiver that you really do know them and know what they like or need.

Here are a few Basic Ingredients to start with:

1 basket
1 lemon (skin, hair, bath)
1 cucumber (skin)
oatmeal (skin, bath)
olive oil (hair, feet, perfume, oils)
honey (skin, hair, bath)
essential oil (bath, perfume, oils)
avocado (skin)
powdered milk (skin, bath)
chamomile tea bags (undereyes, bath)

Optional additions:

peach, apricot, or mango
strawberries
Epsom salts
Yogurt
Cornstarch
almond meal
corn meal
baking soda
sea salts
fresh or dried flower petals
Vitamin E capsules

Have fun when creating a gift basket - isn't that what it's all about?

Insomniac? How to get a good night's sleep naturally.

Nearly half of all Americans suffer from insomnia. Worry, anxiety, stress, and major or minor health problems can all affect your quality of sleep. But you don't need to take sleeping pills -- which can actually make you feel more tired and groggy the next day -- to help you rest easy. You can heal your insomnia using natural therapies like aromatherapy (see our recipes below), homeopathy, and herbal remedies (try drinking a soothing chamomile or linden blossom herbal tea before bed). Of course if your insomnia lasts, you're advised to seek medical help and support.

What is sleep and why is it important? In the dark, our pineal gland secretes the hormone called melatonin, which is responsible for inducing sleep. Sleep is a building process that restores the body's energy supplies that were depleted through the day's activities. It is a time to replenish mental energies, emotional energies, and spiritually connect with our higher self.

But we're not just relaxing during our sleep. In fact we are quite active. We use this precious time not just to refuel, but also to evaluate, resolve, and release many of our issues. So you can see that when you're not getting sufficient sleep, you're like an eight-cylinder car that's running on four cylinders.

How much sleep do we really need? The amount of sleep each person needs varies. Most people require around eight hours each night, but various factors can affect how much more or less you might need, including your weight, age, muscle mass, exercise during the day, healthy lifestyle, and of course stress!

Aromatherapy Blends for Insomnia:

In a 10 ml bottle, pour the essential oils in the following recipes first and then add your organic vegetable oil.

Calming a Nagging Mind: Enjoy a Quiet Night
Do you feel agitated in your sleep? You subconsciously process your thoughts and emotions during your sleep, which is what makes it restless. Massage the blend below on your temples, forehead, and your nostrils (breathe it in easily) before going to bed:
7 drops Basil
6 drops Petitgrain
4 drops Roman Chamomile

Ease Worries and Nervous Tension: Gain Calm and Peace
Do you have an anxious disposition and have difficulties falling asleep? Tranquilize your mind and emotions with the following aromatherapy blend. Massage the blend on your temples, forehead, at your nostrils (breathe it in easily), before going to bed:
7 drops Lavender
7 drops Marjoram
4 drops Roman Chamomile

Other Tips to Help Your Insomnia:

• Cut back on coffee, tea, and other sources of caffeine, especially in the evening.


• Avoid alcoholic drinks in the late evening. Alcohol may help sleep onset, but cause early morning wakefulness.


• Avoid eating large, late-evening meals and heavy, fatty foods before going to bed.


• Take a walk or perform mild exercise such as yoga or Qi Gung before going to bed.


• Don't use your bedroom as a place to work.


• Have a cup of warm milk before going to bed. Milk products contain an amino acid precursor that boosts serotonin in the brain.


• Take a warm (not hot) bath (not a shower) before going to bed.


• Avoid naps if they interfere with your normal sleep pattern.


• If unable to fall asleep within 20-30 minutes of lying down, get up and do something else until you feel sleepy. This way your body does not associate your bed with wakefulness.


• Exercise during the day.


• If you continue to suffer from insomnia or lack of sleep, seek medical advice.

Make Your Mom or a Mom-to-be feel special, appreciated and loved.

Not sure what to give her? Look no further! We have ideas for each mom that are sure to thrill and brighten her day. Even the most practical of mothers will enjoy a day of feeling completely pampered.

When it comes to pleasing Fire sign moms, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, think of high-energy gifts and outings. For Air sign moms, Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius, enhancing communication is a key factor. For the Earth signs of the zodiac, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, stick to tradition as much as you can. Finally, Water sign moms, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, love gifts that highlight peace and harmony.

Check out the individual signs for some specific ideas on how to make gift giving a time to remember.

Aries:
The Ram is certain to be a busy, active mom, so keep this in mind when it comes to thinking of gift ideas. Consider sharing an activity together. Grab a game of tennis or go out to lunch. Items that address Aries' busy hobbies, especially sports, are sure-fire hits. The star stone for this mom is the diamond.

Taurus:
A little piece of luxury will thrill this mom. Her star stone is the emerald, an excellent choice when considering jewellery. Special items that leave this mom feeling completely pampered are the way to go. A new spring cardigan, hair accessories, and fragrances are all excellent choices.

Gemini:
Gemini moms are sure to prize communication; so when you're looking for that perfect gift, consider items that will make it easier to keep in touch with you. A new journal, cell phone accessories, and writing instruments are all super choices for this talkative mom. Her star stone is the moss agate - a perfect color choice when shopping.

Cancer:
A sentimental item is the way to go for this mom. She is sure to believe strongly in the motto "home is where the heart is," and when it comes to gifts, something personal is best. Consider making a special scrapbook or photo album for her. The beautiful pearl is her star stone. Consider this if thinking of a traditional mother's ring.

Leo:
Treat the lioness in your life to a little relaxation this year. Busy, protective, and family-oriented, the leonine mom doesn't always take time for herself. Help her do that by giving her a gift basket full of items that will give a little piece of mind. Fill it with scented candles, a good magazine, bubble bath, and a little of her favourite dessert to really thrill her. This mom's star stone is the ruby.

Virgo:
Often considered the earth mother of the zodiac, this mom enjoys the more beautiful things in life. Gifts that bring beauty, such as creams and lotions are ideal. Consider her favourite perfume as a great choice. For something completely different, give her a piece of art where she can appreciate the beauty of it all the year round. Her star stone is reddish brown variety of the onyx.

Libra:
Balance is key for this mom, so when deciding on a gift for her, consider how harmonious her life is. If there's an area that's not getting the time or attention needed, select a gift that will enhance that for her. If she needs more relaxation, consider some bath items, or if she needs more excitement, take her on a little adventure. This mom's star stone is the sapphire.

Scorpio:
This mom is a sensual person who enjoys peace and harmony in her life. When selecting a gift for her, consider getting her a gift certificate for a soothing massage or take her to a spa for a day. Such choices will go a long way toward making this mom feel pampered all year round. When considering jewellery, her star stone is the opal.

Sagittarius:
This mom is sure to have an adventurous spirit, so when considering items for her, try to think of something new and different. She'll love to try unique things such as hobby items she can try, or outings that she can experience. Show her she's appreciated by tuning into her creativity. For jewellery, her star stone is the topaz.

Capricorn:
This is the most practical mom of the zodiac! When it comes to gift ideas for her, look at what she can use to make her life easier. Appliances, tools or a great how-to book are wonderful items for her. Her star stone is the black onyx, so consider this when thinking of what color to go with.

Aquarius:
Tantalize this mother's imagination this year for a super hit. Gifts that make her ponder such as a great DVD or novel are items that will really please her. If she's into art, consider supplies she can use or material she can read that will enhance this experience for her. This mom's star stone is the turquoise. Remember this when selecting colours or for an item of jewellery.

Pisces:
This mom is sure to love music, and when it comes to giving her a gift something that will inspire her to sing and dance is the way to go. If at all possible, take her to see the symphony or even go out to a rock concert! She'll love spending time with you as well. Her star stone is the moonstone.

New Logo and Label Design

We've picked our new logo and just picked our new label design! How much more exciting can it get?

Winterlude

Off to Winterlude in Ottawa, Ontario next week. Looking forward to seeing the ice sculptures and skating on the Rideau Canel.

Perfume Recipes to Try

Perfume Recipes to Try

Who doesn’t love the smell of perfumes? This article is about making different home made perfumes to enjoy over and over again. These are wonderful to give as gifts as well.

Night Time Perfume
You’ll need:
3 to 5 drops of sandalwood oil
3 to 5 drops of musk oil
2 to 3 drops of frankincense oil
2 to 3 teaspoon full of jojoba oil
Gently mix ingredients and pour into a bottle. Allow it to settle for 12 to 15 hours, and store it in a cool and dark place.

Drop in Rain
This one is special, like the first rain of the season.
You’ll need:
2 to 3 cup of distilled water
3 to 4 tablespoon full of vodka
5 to 6 drops of sandalwood oil
9 to10 drops of bergamot oil
Mix ingredients together in a dark flask, and allow it to settle for 12 to 15 hours, and then store it in a cool and dark place.

Twinkling Stars
This blend is very easy to prepare.
You’ll need:
2 to 3 cups of distilled water
3 to 4 tablespoon full of vodka
5 to 6 drops of lavender oil
9 to 10 drops of chamomile oil
Mix ingredients together in a dark flask, and allow it to settle for 12 to 15 hours, and then store it in a cool and dark place.

With the above simple home made perfumes you are sure to get lost in the world of pleasure and fragrance.

Winter Oils

Winter is a great time to experience the aromatic benefits of essential oils -- to cleanse and freshen the air in a home shut tight against cold weather. The familiar scents of seasonal oils also define many warm holiday moments.

Winter season essential oils include woody, evergreen, citrus, spice and resin oils. The aroma of your holiday greenery is captured in fir needle, juniper berry and cypress oils. The delectable smell of spice cake and gingerbread come to mind when savouring spice oils like clove, cinnamon, allspice, ginger and nutmeg. Pungent, fresh citrus oils including sweet orange, tangerine, bergamot and lemon evoke memories of old fashioned citrus pomanders or that perfect orange, tucked in the toe of your Christmas stocking.

Meditate on the heart-warming holiday message of peace and goodwill with the richly balsamic fragrance of frankincense and myrrh. What follows are directions, descriptions and suggested uses for two wintertime aromatherapy blends. Use these blends to melt the frozen spirit of the most steadfast Scrooge or revive hibernating couch potatoes.

Sweet Evergreen Forest Blend

As the gray days grow shorter and the dark nights grow longer we long for the life and light of warm sunny days. In ancient times people brought cut fragrant branches of evergreens like mistletoe, holly, pine and fir inside to release their lively aromas. Though the outside world was cold and barren, the subtle sense of life and renewal waiting beneath the snow emerged from these boughs to cheer winter-weary hearts.

The following blend will produce a fresh, sweet, forest atmosphere when diffused in an aromatherapy lamp, electric diffuser or terra cotta tree ornament. The blend's balsamic, evergreen fragrance and sweet citrus-woody undertone is refreshing and uplifting.

* 30 drops of fir needle

* 37 drops of tangerine

* 10 drops of juniper berry

* 20 drops of cedarwood

* 3 drops of cypress

A Meditative Blend

Imagine it's midnight on Christmas eve; or that it's the eve of the winter solstice, halfway through the longest night of the year when the earth shifts and begins a slow, silent tilting back to the warmth and light of the sun. In the quiet darkness the faint sound of church bells may be heard through a frosted pane of glass. The solemnity and beauty of this moment is truly a time to think globally and meditate on peace and goodwill.

This rich, frankincense and myrrh based blend is well suited to the spiritual renewal and meditation that accompany winter. Its rich, sweet aroma is meditative and relaxing. Diffusion with a candle aromatherapy lamp is especially appropriate for this blend.

* 15 drops of lemon

*15 drops of juniper berry

* 30 drops of frankincense

* 30 drops of myrrh

* 10 drops of cedarwood

Make these winter aromatherapy blends a traditional part of your seasonal celebrations. From year to year their characteristic aromas will permeate your memories of the joy and peace that this season brings.