Monday, March 31, 2014

Lemon Blends



I think Lemon is one of those essential oils that everyone can come up with for a cleaning, cooking, or sickness recipe but not many people think about using it in a diffuser blend. It's just not usually the first bottle you grab so I wanted to change that. I've been playing with a few lemony blends that didn't make me pucker when I walked into a room lol so this is a list of my favorites.

Ps- I diffuse my oils in a pot of water on the stove on low. That's why some of these are recipes that can technically be considered simmer pots. I've also heard from others that you can do the simmer pots really easily in a crock pot although I've never tried it. The main thing is to keep the water on low heat so you don't kill the essential oils.


Walking through a citrus field
3 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil
2 Drops of Wild Orange Essential Oil


Blues Bustin' Blend
3 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil
3 Drops of Bergamot Essential Oil


Happy And Feelin' Hot Blend
3 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil
2 Drops of Ylang Ylang Essential Oil


Tuscan House Blend
3 Drops of Rosemary Essential Oil
2 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil


Creamsicle Blend
Orange Peels
1 Tbs. of Vanilla Extract
1 Drop of Wild Orange Essential Oil
1 Drop of Lemon Essential Oil


Fighting Off Germs Blend
3 Drops of Shield Essential Oil Blend
2 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil


Mama's Kitchen Blend
Leftover Fresh Herbs That Blend Well
2 Drops of Lemon Essential Oil
( I usually do this after I get a "poultry" blend of herbs from
 the grocery store. So mine is usually a leftover blend of  Rosemary/Thyme/Sage
you can also just use cilantro or thyme and sage would be good too.
Just any herbs leftovers you have really)



 As always if you'd like to take advantage of the incredible prices offered by
Spark Naturals
Be sure to use coupon code "Bubble" to save 10% off your whole order!
Have a great day and happy diffusing!






Thursday, March 27, 2014

I didn't even plant anything.....


Ok, fair warning...these pictures are kinda gross. Not bloody or oosing or ( ok descriptions are NOT helping, sorry) but they are of my feet. Not that my feet are uber gross, but it's my winter non-pedicurized  feet with a wart so....yea. If you aren't interested you might want to come back tomorrow, I totally will not be mad at you.

How I removed my Plantars Wart with 
Essential Oils

A few weeks ago I began to notice that my foot was hurting, and it seemed like it was hurting only in one spot. I usually just wear socks around the house and Hubby thought maybe it was because I was standing without support and that I needed some slippers to ease the pain. The slippers helped for a little of the pain, but I noticed that it was starting to hurt more and more. It was then that I actually looked and noticed a little, hard spot right in the middle of the pad. Weird
I honestly just thought it was a callus so I ignored it, for a few more days....then the pain got worse. Hubby and I were debating back and forth over what it could be ( by now it was a slightly larger, hard little callus) I said it was just a callus, Hubby said it was more. How do you solve this? The internet of course! We did a little research and found out that it's a normal callus if it hurts when you press down on it, but it's a plantars wart when it hurts when you squeeze it. So we squeezed and I *might* have said a few unladylike things, it hurt...bad.

I was mortified. I NEVER got warts. How did one get a plantars wart??I haven't planted! Things just continued to get better when Hubby told me what the common treatment was....urine. Apparently that will get the pesky little wart right off....NOPE. I was not about to pee on my foot, I was irritated enough at having the stupid thing. So what did I do? Pulled out my essential oils of course!

This is my routine:


1. I wiped LEMON essential oil all over the area to sanitize it.

2. Then I began a daily regiment of putting one drop of MELALEUCA on the cloth part of a band-aid and 
putting it directly on the wart.

3. I would change the band-aid out 2-3 times a day putting a fresh one on with the one drop of melaleuca.

4. After just three days I noticed it was literally eating the wart out of my skin. PS-100% PAIN FREE this did not hurt, it was eating at the wart not my skin. I could literally begin to put my fingernail under it and begin to pry it up but I didn't pull it out then. 

5. On day five the wart had turned into a hard little seed shaped thing and was starting to be painful to walk on so I just pulled a little ( where the melaleuca had been eating it away ) and out it came. Totally pain free! I could walk on it with no problems. I was SO happy!!



You can see on day seven my skin was already beginning the process of healing and covering the dent where the wart was. I can walk perfectly fine on my feet now, totally pain free!



This is the little bugger, completely eaten off my skin. 
It oddly looks like a little seed and it's as hard as a rock. 
Not fun. 


So there it is. That's how I got rid of mine. I'd be happy to answer any questions or hear from you guys about any wart experiences. I have never in my life been more thankful for my essential oils 
as I was when that stupid wart was removed. Also, as always if you 
shop with Spark Naturals for your essential oils 
be sure to use coupon code " Bubble" to save 
10% off your whole order! 




Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Monday, March 24, 2014

I'm just saying

Why poltergeists know better than to
 mess with people who have young kids:

1. It would take them a while to realize they were even being...geisted? poltered?

" I KNOW I just shut all these friggen drawers,
 I swear let me catch another child not shutting a drawer..."

" WHO left these lights on? Are YOU going to get a job and pay for the electric bill??
 I don't want to hear about it not being you...who else could have done it??"

"Did you hear that noise? The kids are in their beds...rats, we must have rats. 
I TOLD YOU to clean between the couch cushions better"

2. Even the undead fear new moms

" For the love of all that is holy I will cut you if you wake 
my sleeping infant that I just spent 14 hours getting to sleep. 
NO I don't care that you're delivering my paper, I don't care if you're being murdered. 
UNLESS the house is on fire, you're taking your life in your own hands 
when you disturb my child"

" Did you wash your hands? Support her head.
What the hell do you mean you've been throwing up all morning. 
WHY are you touching my child ???"
* flash to any scene from 300*


3.  I would like to think they have some shred of decency. 

" Listen dude...I know we have a quota but this chick 
just spent all night singing until she lost her voice trying to soothe that 
screaming little banshee, she got spit up on...twice. She hasn't eaten a 
decent meal in four days, and then when she finally did get the 
baby to sleep her husband woke it up four hours later
getting ready for work....let's skip this one, she kinda scares me" 









Saturday, March 22, 2014

And all together now.....






Welcome to Day Five in our About Face post. 
If you missed Day One: Face Washes you can find it here
Day Two: Moisturizers can be found here
Day Three: Serums can be found here
Day Four: Masks can be found here

{ Day Five}

Ok so if you've been following along with this series by now you have all of the information you could possibly need about facial maintenance and routines. You've got a solid foundation and you know what to use, where to use it, when to use it and how to use it.

The problem that most people have when they start adding to their routine is placement. Does the serum go before the moisturizer or after? What if I want to use two serums? It can get a little confusing, so on this last day of our series I wanted to create a post that simplified the process. Here we go:


{ Routine with Face Wash, Moisturizer, 
1 Serum, 1 Mask & Night Cream }
Keep in mind it might vary slightly depending on exactly 
which mask and serum you are using, like I said before I prefer certain serums at night rather than the daytime, feel free to switch this up if you want. This is just a basic guideline


Sunday
AM:  Face Wash - Serum - Moisturizer - Primer - Makeup
PM: Face Wash - Moisturizer 
Monday
AM: Face Wash - Mask - Serum - Moisturizer - Primer - Makeup
PM: Face Wash - Moisturizer
Tuesday
AM: Face Wash - Serum - Moisturizer - Primer - Makeup
PM: Face Wash - Night Cream 
Wednesday
AM: Face Wash - Serum - Moisturizer - Primer - Makeup
PM: Face Wash - Moisturizer
Thursday
AM: Face Wash - Mask - Serum - Moisturizer - Primer - Makeup
PM: Face Wash - Moisturizer
Friday
AM: Face Wash - Serum - Moisturizer - Primer - Makeup
PM: Face Wash - Night Cream 
Saturday
AM: Face Wash - Serum - Moisturizer - Primer - Makeup
PM: Face Wash - Moisturizer



{ Routine with Face Wash, Moisturizer, 
2 Serums, 2 Masks, Night Cream }
Keep in mind it might vary slightly depending on exactly 
which mask and serum you are using, instead of alternating days you could put one on in the morning and one on at night and skip the morning moisturizer. Play with it. This is just a basic guideline


Sunday
AM:  Face Wash - Serum 1 - Moisturizer Primer Makeup
PM: Face Wash - Moisturizer 
Monday
AM: Face Wash - Mask 1- Serum 2Moisturizer Primer Makeup
PM: Face Wash - Moisturizer
Tuesday
AM: Face Wash - Serum 1Moisturizer Primer Makeup
PM: Face Wash Night Cream 
Wednesday
AM: Face Wash - Serum 2 - Moisturizer Primer Makeup
PM: Face Wash - Moisturizer
Thursday
AM: Face Wash - Mask 2 Serum 1 - Moisturizer Primer Makeup
PM: Face Wash - Moisturizer
Friday
AM: Face Wash - Serum 2 Moisturizer Primer Makeup
PM: Face Wash - Night Cream 
Saturday
AM: Face Wash - Either Serum 1 or 2 Moisturizer Primer Makeup
PM: Face Wash - Moisturizer

See, easy peasy. Once you get the routine going you'll be a pro in no time.
 Just find what works for your skin and roll with it. 

With a targeted treatment like the zit zapper or the caffeinator 
( more about that little gem coming soon) you'll want to apply those
 after you wash, serum, and moisturize...before the primer. 

Feel free to ask any questions about certain products or where they go in the routine. 
I hope you guys have enjoyed this little series as much as I have. 
Hope you all have an awesome weekend!


{ Why Posh? }



Putting the fact that I am a consultant with Posh aside, I would still recommend their products. Why? Because I have seen how amazing the results can be with my own skin and with family and friends. They use no sulfates/parabens/paraffins/petroleum products/soy or gluten fillers and are fragranced with essential oils and high grade perfume. They are made with natural, safe ingredients therefor they are very gentle. Even the most sensitive of skin can usually use our products without irritation.





Check out more awesome Perfectly Posh products

Friday, March 21, 2014

Day Four: Masks





Welcome to Day Four in our About Face post. 
If you missed Day One: Face Washes you can find it here
Day Two: Moisturizers can be found here
Day Three: Serums can be found here

{ Day Four}
- Masks -

Masks are extremely beneficial to skin and should be apart of everyone's beauty regiment. There are a gazillion masks out there that do a number of things. You really have to think about what your main concern is ( dryness/blemishes/aging etc) and go from there. On top of the beneficial uses that the various masks provide there's just something so relaxing and wonderful about putting on a face mask, getting in a bubble bath, and sipping some wine..am I right?? Anywho..here are some of my favorites:


{ Which one is right for me? }

1. SeaWitch Face Mask
This is hands down my favorite mask. It has kelp, algae, and kaolin clay for nourishing clean. It firms and tightens skin while battling free radical damage. This is literally the best mask for everyone, I love it. Older skin benefits from the tightening and younger skin benefits from the deep, astringent cleaning. My mother and I both are ADDICTED to this mask. To use it you simply apply lightly to clean face and neck, leave it on 1-5 minutes to allow algae complex to tighten skin and provide a deep astringent clean. Then rinse thoroughly with cool water. Moisturize or use a serum as usual. Use 1-3 times weekly. Small warning: the algae and kaolin clay may tingle or burn your skin the first few uses until your skin gets used to it. My skin it did for the first two uses, my mom's never did. It just depends on your skin so don't freak out if it does.


2. Calm Down! Oatmeal Face Mask
If you have sensitive, dry, red, chapped skin then this mask is for you. It's a creamy mask of blended oatmeal, banana, avocado, and chamomille. It's made to soothe and calm irritated skin. If your little one has a sunburn or you're dealing with some redness from a beauty treatment or harsh weather this is your best friend. To use it you simply apply it generously to face and neck. Allow it to nourish for 5-10 minutes or heck even a little longer, and then rinse thoroughly. Pat skin gently to dry. You can use it as often as needed to calm skin. With this I would personally skin the serum but I would add the moisturizer once my skin was completely dry.


3.Now & Zen The Smooth Pansy Cloth Face Mask
The other masks we've been talking about were creamy ones that you apply to your face. This is a little different. Now & Zen are cloth masks that you take out of the wrapper and apply to your face. The Smooth Pansy is a potent bio active peel mask designed to renew the complexion, reduce the appearance of lines and dramatically improve skin tone. It evens skin tone and makes skin look brighter and healthier. To use this you apply the cloth mask on your clean, dry face and neck and relax for 10-15 minutes. Then you simply remove and dispose of cloth. There is no need to wash off serum after use. Follow up in coming morning and evening with the complimentary serum that's included in your pack. Use 1-2 masks per week for maximum results. I would simply let my face soak it all in, I would not apply a moisturizer after I used this, I would simply apply the complementary serum the next day and night.



4. Now & Zen The Brilliant Lotus Cloth Face Mask
This is another cloth mask like the one we mentioned earlier. This one however is made with Co Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and a Multi Peptide Complex, it also Features lotus flower and aloe. This is an anti-aging mask. It slows down the signs of aging, boost collagen, and fills in fine lines and wrinkles. To use, it's just like before..you apply the cloth mask on your clean, dry face and neck and relax for 10-15 minutes. Then you simply remove and dispose of cloth. There is no need to wash off serum after use. Follow up in coming morning and evening with the complimentary serum that's included in your pack. Use 1-2 masks per week for maximum results. I would simply let my face soak it all in, I would not apply a moisturizer after I used this, I would simply apply the complementary serum the next day and night.


5. The Stripper
This is one of the most POPULAR masks out there. If you have any blackheads, blemishes or large pores you want this girl. This is a blend of muds, clays, charcoal, triglycerides, aloe, and vanilla essential oil.With continued use supports cleaner, brighter skin, fewer black heads and blemishes, and improved elasticity. Just like the SeaWitch this baby tends to tingle/burn the first few times you use it so make sure you're applying it lightly to sensitive areas. A good thing to do is to first test it out on your inner wrist before applying it to your face. To use it you simply apply to rinsed, clean skin (lightly in more sensitive areas). Only use for 1-15 minutes, rinse, then follow up with a moisturizer. You can use this mask once or twice per week.



We talked about the Ultra Hydrating Rain Mask and The Saint Moisture Mask in detail on day two so if you need a quick refresher, check out this page






{ Tips & Tricks }


( Germs are everywhere honey } 
Wash those hands! It's especially important to wash your hands before you touch any face product that you're going to be putting on your skin. It's also a good idea to use a popsicle stick ( or a spoon) to get the product out of the containers and onto your skin. The less your fingers are in the product the longer germ free it'll be.

( You're HOT then your COLD} 
You know how amazing it feels when you put aloe that's been in the fridge on your sunburned skin? Well some face masks are the same way. Try scooping out some Calm Down! mask onto a spoon and putting it in your fridge for a few minutes before you apply it. Talk about cool and calming!

( Now what? } 
It's super important to follow up (most) of these masks with a moisturizer or a serum and then a moisturizer, especially if you're using the SeaWitch or the Stripper mask.

{ Why Posh? }



Putting the fact that I am a consultant with Posh aside, I would still recommend their products. Why? Because I have seen how amazing the results can be with my own skin and with family and friends. They use no sulfates/parabens/paraffins/petroleum products/soy or gluten fillers and are fragranced with essential oils and high grade perfume. They are made with natural, safe ingredients therefor they are very gentle. Even the most sensitive of skin can usually use our products without irritation.




Day Five: All Together Now


Check out more awesome Perfectly Posh products

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Day Three: Serums





Welcome to Day Three in our About Face post. 
If you missed Day One: Face Washes you can find it here
Day Two: Moisturizers can be found here

{ Day Three}
- Serums -

Serums can fall into the same category as targeted treatments. They are typically thinner than your moisturizers and are made to solve specific problems. You typically put a serum on after you wash your face and before you put on your moisturizer. Sometimes you might not need to follow up with a moisturizer. So let's dig in. 


{ Which one is right for me? }


1. Sweet Young Thing
This is a sophisticated blend of CoQ10, natural cell generating oils, and powerful peptides which plump and fill fine lines and wrinkles.This is an anti-aging blend and it made to preserve and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles. This is your personal little magic wand to roll back the clock. To use it you apply two drops to your clean, dry face and neck one to two times daily. Rub in and allow to dry before applying other product. This is a fairly creamy serum so you might want to skip the morning moisturizer, it just depends on your skin.



2. Vitamin C Fairy
 A unique and high tech blend of vitamin C extracts and coenzymes including CoQ10 disenchant discoloration while gentle chamomile soothes. These potent vitamin C extracts and coenzymes fight hyper pigmentation and promote the growth of young, elastic skin it also disenchants discoloration on your face. If you have any redness or discoloration this is the serum you're going to want to use. The vitamin C is also very brightening so your skin gets a little pick-me-up. You use it the same as you would the Sweet Young Thing.



3. Zit Zapper
While not technically a serum, it is a targeted treatment for acne. Nature gives us sugar cane, and sugar cane gives us glycolic acid to fight back against blemishes, whiteheads, blackheads, & more. You would apply this as a spot treatment to active blemishes and known problem spots to help heal, remove dead skin cells and regenerate healthy new skin lightning fast. If you've got a teen or you yourself are having acne issues, trust your skin to this baby.




4. Under Wonder Pore Primer
While technically again...not a serum...it is along the lines, at least in my opinion. Primer helps makeup apply smoothly and stay put longer while filling and softening fine lines and wrinkles. There is no better primer, sorry. It's better than the $45 jobs...seriously...try it out if you don't believe me. To use this baby you simply apply a small pea sized portion onto your finger then smooth over clean, dry skin. Allow to set for 30-60 seconds then apply make up as usual. You would put this on as your final step before any makeup, or if you're like my mom...the final step no matter if you're putting makeup on or not.



{ Tips & Tricks }


( In Conclusion? } 
Younger skin would benefit from a targeted acne treatment combined with the vitamin C to reduce redness or any discoloration from blemishes. Older skin would benefit from an anti-aging serum or any other collagen/elasticity serum. All skin types and ages would benefit from a primer. 

( Eye see how it is... } 
When applying any treatment around the eye area try to remember to use your pinky. The eye area has some of the most sensitive and thin skin on the face and when you wipe harshly or rub it it's REALLY harsh on that sensitive area. It's best to dab with your pinky gently and in general take care whenever you're applying anything to or around it.

( AM or PM? } 
It really depends on you. Most of the serums allow you to use them twice a day allowing for right after you wash your face in the morning and then again right before bed. If you only have time to put one on though it's really up to you as to when you apply it. If I'm putting on the vitamin C fairy I like to apply it in the morning, if it's the sweet young thing I like to apply it at night. So play around and see what works for you. 


{ Why Posh? }



Putting the fact that I am a consultant with Posh aside, I would still recommend their products. Why? Because I have seen how amazing the results can be with my own skin and with family and friends. They use no sulfates/parabens/paraffins/petroleum products/soy or gluten fillers and are fragranced with essential oils and high grade perfume. They are made with natural, safe ingredients therefor they are very gentle. Even the most sensitive of skin can usually use our products without irritation.




Day Four: Masks


Check out more awesome Perfectly Posh products



Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Day Two: Moisturizers





Welcome to day two in our About Face post. 
If you missed Day One: Face Washes you can find it here

{ Day Two}
- Moisturizers-

I remember being at one of those clinique makeup booths with a friend in high school and saleslady asking her what skin regiment she used and she had replied soap and water in which me and the saleslady were mortified. She said her skin was young and didn't need moisturization...well honey do you think it's going to stay that way? NOPE. Everyone needs a moisturizer in their routine. I have oily, acne prone skin and I NEED a moisturizer. Skin goes through a lot in a day...germs, free radicals, smoke, dirt, sunlight, heat, cold, dryness, sweating, and more. It needs a wash to remove all that buildup and a moisturizer to replenish anything that the wash and daily activities removed.
PLUS a more moisturized skin looks like a more youthful skin! 


{ Which one is right for me? }

All skin types need a moisturizer, and which one you should use really comes down to what your personal skin needs. These are the moisturizers I recommend, why, and for who. 




1. Night & Day
This is an olive oil, glycerin, aloe, and lavender essential oil daily moisturizer. This is hands down my favorite go-to moisturizer. I use this every single night. It's very gentle and preferred on even the most sensitive skin. This one is also good on almost every skin type. So unless you aren't a fan of the lavender scent it's the one I would recommend.



2. Moisturize 911
This is a HUGE favorite. My mother swears by this one. It's a light, daily moisturizer loaded with caffeine and orange essential oil for tightening and brightening. This one is also a big hit for older skin because it not only moisturizes, but also gives you that tightening effect from the caffeine every time you apply it. Acne prone skin may also benefit from the caffeine as well.






{ Extra Moisturization }




1. Sweet Dreams Ultra Hydrating Night Creme
Moisturizes deep and intense while you sleep sweetly with natural butters to aid and improve elasticity, infuse with moisture, and preserve the overall look of face and neck. This is a fairly new moisturizer, and it has the added bonus of fighting wrinkles while it moisturizes. You would apply this at night after your face wash instead of your daily moisturizer.


2. Rain Mask Vintage Visage Hydration
This is another new product that has little orbs of nutritious hydration and gentle as rain extracts which feed and moisturize deeply adding plumpness and elasticity at a cellular level to delicate skin. This is being hailed as one of the best smelling masks EVER. Plus it also gives the added bonus of hydration plus improving elasticity. You would apply this after you've used your face wash, and you can leave this on for up to 60 minutes as often as needed, it's super gentle.



3. The Saint Moisture Mask
This is a honey and avocado moisture mask with nutrient rich butters, oils, and fruits. It's ideal for naturally dry skin, and skin that spends time in the elements. Rich in vitamin C for revitalization, plus healing honey, and gentle glycerin. Again you would use this after your face wash, and allow it to dry and set. Leave on for ten to fifteen minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Use it religiously three to seven times per week for best results.



4. Hydrating Argan And Olive Face Oil
This is a specially blended concentrate of natural oils designed to deliver a boost of intensive light weight moisture to skin. It is not oily and will not clog pores, it leaves face naturally dewy and delightful with calming lavender and rare argan oil. You would apply this after your face wash by putting three to four drops into your hand and smoothing it onto your face and neck. Use two to five times per week. Continued use will even skin tone and prevent dryness.



{ Tips & Tricks }


( Timing is key } 
Moisturizers lock in the moisture that is on the surface of your skin so you want to apply it no later than 3 minutes after you wash and pat your face dry. 

( How much? } 
Because my skin is oily I've found that I only need to apply a moisturizer once a day ( at night right before bed). If you have dry skin or if your acne treatments make your skin super dry I would aim for applying it twice a day or once a day with a mask or treatment. I also apply moisturizer after any face masks that I use.



{ Why Posh? }



Putting the fact that I am a consultant with Posh aside, I would still recommend their products. Why? Because I have seen how amazing the results can be with my own skin and with family and friends. They use no sulfates/parabens/paraffins/petroleum products/soy or gluten fillers and are fragranced with essential oils and high grade perfume. They are made with natural, safe ingredients therefor they are very gentle. Even the most sensitive of skin can usually use our products without irritation.




Day Three: Serums


Check out more awesome Perfectly Posh products