10 Benefits Of Sweet Orange Essential Oil

I love the scent of oranges, so it is no surprise that sweet orange essential oil is my favorite essential oil. The benefits of sweet orange essential oils are vast and do not differ from the bitter orange essential oils also available on the market in its application.

What is the difference between bitter and sweet orange essential oil?

The difference lays in origin and preparation. While the bitter orange essential oil is derived from a hardy bitter orange tree’s fruit, via cold-pressed technique, while the sweet orange oil comes from a smaller tree, that surprisingly yields  larger fruit than the former tree. Because their chemical compound is almost identical, their therapeutic uses are no different, as I mentioned above.

There is however,  a third orange oil, the orange blossom oil, which has different uses. It is derived exclusively from the flowers of the bitter orange tree. Its therapeutic uses are for skincare, anxiety, stress and shock – via Aromatherapy.
I personally prefer the scent of the sweet orange essential oil.

Here is a list of ten benefits of sweet orange essential oils:

– mood-lifting
– relaxing
– helps in creating emotional and physical balance
– promotes detoxification
– used to clarify skin in skin care preparations
– Use several drops to the palm of your hands, and inhale for a more positive outlook
– Add several drops to bath water to calm the nerves, and enhance your immune system
– Add several drops orange oil to a clean damp washcloth and toss in the dryer to freshen your clothing, you can also add the oil to your homemade non-toxic laundry detergent.
– Add 10 drops orange oil and three drops peppermint oil to a spray bottle for a great non-toxic air freshener.
– Add orange oil to a diffuser in your office in order to ensure a calm working environment

 

Questions: What is your favorite essential oil, and what are your favorite ways to use it?

If you want to learn more about essential oils, check out bestselling book Essential Oils Natural Remedies: The Complete A-Z Reference of Essential Oils for Health and Healing by Althea Press 

A Deodorant For People With Aluminum Zirconium Sensitivity – Cruelty-Free And Vegan

——-This post may contain affiliate links – see disclosure page for details ——-

As many people who are allergic to certain product ingredients are aware of, it is often a hassle finding a product
you can safely use, one that does not leave bumps, redness, and itchy irritation behind. For a long time, that was my
major problem with commercial deodorants.

There are some wonderful folks on Etsy and various local shops that create perfect handcrafted beauty products for people like me, and while I am forever grateful to them, I am often left looking for another alternative after a shop closes,
or we move, which has happened rather frequently throughout the years.
So finding a deodorant that does not include Aluminum Zirconium or any other ingredient that I might have a reaction to,
and being able to order it from Amazon makes my life so much easier.

Natural Sea Spray Deodorant by Skin2Spirit  does not only fit my sensitivity needs, but is also cruelty-free, vegan, gluten-free, paraben free, and 100 % natural.

Instead, it contains the following wonderful ingredients:

Purified Water, Organic Aloe, Magnesium Chloride, Witch Hazel (alcohol-free), Essential Oils and / or Natural Flavors / Scents,Glycerine, Potassium Sorbate, Silver Dihydrogen Citrate, Citric Acid (Vitamin C), Water
MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE OIL: Pure and natural from the Dead Sea, antiviral, antimicrobial, helps reduce odor from bacteria

ORGANIC ALOE: Moisturizer, emollient, and excellent for scars, burns, rashes, and dry skin.

WITCH HAZEL (Alcohol-Free): Soothing, natural astringent to help alleviate stinging for sensitive skin. Antibacterial & anti-inflammatory

ESSENTIAL OILS: Including Tea Tree, a natural antibacterial and anti-fungal solution from the Melaleuca tree

SILVER CITRATE / POTASSIUM SORBATE: When combined make a powerful broad spectrum
antimicrobial that helps stop odor in its tracks

I have been using this deodorant for more than a week now, and I am very happy with the result. I  must say, that people
who use natural deodorants for the first time – which is not the case for me – should expect a detox period, meaning that
it will take about two weeks before this deodorant or any natural deodorant will bring full the full effect you may
desire. This is normal and should not discourage you from making the switch – your skin and health will
thank you for making that decision.

I highly recommend this product for anyone with allergies and sensitivities to standard and mass-produced
deodorants, even more so if you are vegan, and want to live a cruelty-free lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This product was given to me at a deep discount in return for an honest and unbiased review. See the
disclosure page for more details.

Azure Naturals: A Vegan, Cruelty-Free Skin Care Line Suitable For Sensitive Skin – A Review

 

Over the last few months, I have been looking for a suitable skin care regime for myself, that
would actually live up to my fairly stringent criteria, while being effective. While this search
has been leading to some frustrations, I have come across several products, I can actually happily endorse,
and Azure Natural skin care line happens to be one of them.

What I look for in a skin care product line:
1. Cruelty free
2. Preferably vegan, but not necessarily (I will use products containing honey, as I am already restricted on what I can safely use I will state if the product is or is not vegan)
3. Fitting for sensitive skin (I have several allergies, and never know when my face reacts to something in various degrees
4. It suits my somewhat aging skin (lets face it, I am in my early 40’s, I have different skin care needs, than a 20 year old)

I have been using the Azure Natural Ocean Minerals Skin Care Line for the last two weeks now, and wanted to share with you,  my experience with these cruelty-free products.

The skin care products I have been using are three of their products:

1. Ocean Minerals Facial Cleanser
2. Ocean Minerals Facial Toner
3. Ocean Minerals Facial Moisturizer

Ocean Minerals Facial Cleanser
This Organic Facial cleanser comes in a 4 oz pump bottle, containing wonderful ingredients such as Organic Aloe, Rosehip and
Tea Tree Oil. I love how this cleanser leaving my skin feel balanced, not overly dry, nor oily. It has a very faint scent, which for someone like me who does not like strong scented beauty products (unless I am wearing perfume), absolutely perfect.
After almost two weeks, it has not given me any adverse reaction, while cleansing my skin perfectly.

Ocean Minerals Facial Toner
Again containing ingredients that are organic and natural, in its case Aloe, Irish Moss and Sea Kelp, this toner is a nice addition to my skin care routine. I have previously always neglected using a toner, but will from now on, as it has lessened the size of my pores. Also, it adds an extra layer of protection from environmental effects, which is always a great thing. This is also only minimally scented and feels cool upon application. Comes in a 4 oz spray bottle.

Ocean Minerals Hydration Cream
I love this moisturizer. Containing Aloe, Irish Moss, and Shea Butter, this creme leaves my skin soft and smooth without producing an oily or sticky film. I find it to be the perfect way to end a morning facial routine, light enough to wear under makeup, and nongreasy. It comes in a 1.7 oz pump bottle.

All of the above products are, as I mentioned vegan, cruelty-free, organic and very natural.
If you are looking for a great gift for Mom on Mother’s Day, or want to treat yourself to a beautiful skin, I highly recommend
Azure Natural’s Ultimate Ocean Mineral Skin Care Line. It is available on Amazon now.

Dollar Store Quality At A Non-Dollar Store Price: Soccer Ball Necklace – A Review

This post may contain affiliate links 

I get quite a few products and books to review each week, for which I am very grateful for. But of course, not all of them
are going to be off the highest quality. And while I have no problem singing the praise for those who have done a great job with their products, books or services, I am equally as willing to write a neutral or negative review, when warranted.

As it is in the case with this Silver-Tone with Black Crystal Pave Soccer Ball Pendant Necklace 18″, from Dee Zee Global. While it might make a cute everyday gift for the young girl who just started with soccer, it is more dollar store quality than what I usually see on Amazon. The pendant is rather light, and nothing special, the chain a standard stain of the same quality that will last for the few weeks it is meant to be worn anyway until it is tossed in the corner. It is not ugly, it is sparkly enough to get a young girls attention, but like I already mentioned, not above the quality I see in the local Dollar store.

Instead of giving your daughter, or anyone else this necklace, there are much prettier, and more high-quality options out there in the same price range.

Disclaimer: I was given the soccer ball necklace for free in return for an honest, unbiased review

A to Z Blogging Challenge: Tea Leaf Reading Dictionary “J”

Hi and welcome back!

Today, I want to share with you a Chai Tea recipe that is my favorite. While chai tea is widely available in tea bags, there is nothing better than the home made variety. Also, you can adjust the ratio of the ingredients to fit your needs, once you got a feel for the base recipe.

Chai Tea Recipe: (for one pot of tea)

6 cups of water

4 cups of milk

6 cardamon seeds

4 pieces of cloves

1 tablespoon of fennel seeds

1 tablespoon of anise

1 cinnamon stick

½ teaspoon of freshly minced ginger

4 tablespoons of your favorite loose black tea

6 tablespoons of honey

Place all ingredients, except milk and tea into a pot and slowly heat it to simmer. Allow it to simmer for 10 minutes. Add the milk and softly simmer the mixture for another 5 minutes. Add the black tea, allow it to come to a boil, remove from heat, and allow the mixture to steep for 3 to 5 minutes. Strain through a “screen”, and sweeten as desired. Serve hot.

A wonderful variety of this tea (which I prefer for breakfast), is to make it with green tea. Follow the same instructions, but allow the green tea to steep for 3 minutes only.

Time to get back to the Tea Leaf Reading Dictionary! Today’s letter J was not very easy to compile. There happens to be not too many symbols that begin with this letter. Here are the two that I found:

Letter J:

Jam: this symbol cautions you not to waste your resources and time. Don’t make any over the top decisions or spending ventures. Be conservative for the time being.

Jug: A good sign that indicated health, and overall well-being. Also a financial good omen.

Hope you enjoyed today’s short but sweet dictionary entrance. Before I let you go, I want to share with you an offer from our sponsors:

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Tea Leaf Reading Symbols “I”: An April A to Z Blogging Challenge Post

The following post may contain affiliate links

Hi and welcome back to another week of the A to Z Challenge. While green and black tea are widely known, it’s cousin the white tea sometimes gets ignored. However, white tea has many health benefits that warrant a closer look. From cancer-fighting and antibacterial properties to cardiovascular benefits, this gentle tea is also used often in skincare and cosmetic products.  So the next time you are looking for more variety in your tea consumption, consider adding the white tea to your repertoire.

But let’s get back to our tea leaf reading symbol dictionary. Today’s Letter is I.

 

Letter I:

Inkpot: A symbol of a state of positive acceptance. Potential symbol for pregnancy.

Iris: A positive flower, this symbol speaks of hope and upcoming good times

Iron: any obstacle occurring in the near future will be overcome in a quick manner

Ivy: This plant is a symbol of patience and long-lasting endeavor. A steady path filled with long lasting prosperity and deep, meaningful friendship are an additional meaning of this.

Valentia Skin Care line has a wonderful External Youth Exfoliating Scrub  containing the above-mentioned white tea, as well as green tea. I love this scrub as it gently exfoliates my skin, leaving a smooth and clean feeling, relieving some of the redness and unevenness that comes with having hypothyroidism. It is gentle enough to not irritate my skin, and like everything in the Valentia Skin Care line, it is cruelty-free.

I received the External Youth Exfoliating Scrub for free in return for an honest review.

 

How to Use White Cosmetic Clay

This post may contain affiliate links

If you are like me, interested in making your own skin care products, or at least know what is in those you buy, you probably have seen the ingredient white cosmetic clay, or Kaolin Clay before.

What is White Cosmetic Clay?

White Cosmetic Clay is also known as Kaolin Clay, and often found in skincare products and cosmetics. It is a very fine and light clay with a natural absorbency. Because it is the mildest clay it is perfect for those with sensitive skin, like me,
or who are prone to allergies. Because it does not dry out your skin, it can be used in DIY recipes for those with dry skin
types. This type of clay is also softer for scrubs and masks, then the much harsher bentonite clay. Kaolin Clay
should be off-white in its dry state, and brown when wet.

Look for the unrefined variety when creating your own skin care products.

What are the benefits of White Cosmetic Clay?

1. it removes impurities from your pores
2. it stimulates circulation, improves healing, and provides nourishment for your skin
3. It does not over-dry, as mentioned above.
4. It has disinfectant properties, which helps prevent acne breakouts
5. It removes dead skin cells

Is it safe to eat Kaolin Clay?

Some nutritionists believe so, but most medical professionals disagree. Never take Kaolin Clay internally, without
the proper guidance of your natural health care professional.

Valentia Skin Toxifying Clay Mask – which is a part of the Valentia skin care line – uses the power of Kaolin Clay
to assist your skin. It is my go-to mask, and I have very sensitive skin. Despite this, it has never dried out my skin
leaving me rather refreshed, with a softer and less red complexion. If you are looking for a mask, that is not only
great for your skin, but also cruelty-free, check out Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask.

Disclaimer: I have received the Valentia Clay Mask for free in return for an honest review.

Cruelty-Free And Vegan – Youth Express Night Cream From Insta Naturals: A Review

 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I was given this product for free in return for an honest, unbiased review
I was looking for a hydrating night cream to add to my evening routine, but was not too happy with the many products out
there that are tested on animals. So when I was offered to try out this cruelty-free Youth Express Night Cream, I was truly
excited to see what it would do for me.

First of all, I am glad to report that it works even on my sensitive skin. As I am prone to allergies, I am always wary of switching products, and to product lines I am not familiar with, but I am happy I gave this cream a try. Containing rosehip, which is filled with Vitamin C, and Niacinamide, which is Vitamin B 3 – assisting aging skin to keep the youthful look, the cream  hydrated my skin, and left my face feeling softer to the touch, even after only a few applications. I also love that it comes in an airtight pump, which in my opinion is so much more sanitary than tubes, and jars, as the product never gets in contact with fingers until the actual time for application.

InstaNatural Youth Express Night Cream Available on Amazon now!

It fits perfectly into my nightly beauty routine, and I can feel good about not using a product tested on animals. Insta Natural Youth Express Night Cream is also vegan, which is a wonderful plus for my vegan friends out there.

Question

What is the most important criteria you look for in a night cream? A special ingredient, its origin, or maybe, like me,
if it is cruelty-free? Share your thoughts in the comment section!

5 Tips To Pamper Your Tired Feet

Chasing the kids, dogs, cat and sometimes the husband around makes my feet tired! I don’t know about you, but feet tend to be the last thing I think about, expect when it is time for a pedicure or the newest sandals. Any other time, they are
here to carry me, and that is it. And then it happens – they hurt, burn, or just feel simply miserable.

Time to take care of your feet!

Raw Honey Available On AmazonLucky for you I have five tips on how you can do just that.

1. DIY Foot Soaks Like this Honey and Cream Foot Soak
Yes, you heard me right, a foot soak that takes advantage of the powers of honey and cream. And it is simple.
Add 1 tablespoon of honey (I prefer raw honey, like this one), and 2 tablespoons of whipping cream  ( I use Organic Valley for everything I do or make with whipping cream), to the warm water you placed into your foot soaking basin or foot spa.
You can also try this wonderful DIY Lime-Mint Foot soak recipe from Tidy Mom!
You should check it out! I love it!

2. Get a foot spa
Speaking of, you really should get a foot spa. These inexpensive little machines, hold the warmth for you, and most of them, like this Conair Foot Spa (I have two of those), come with vibration and heat. My husband who spends hours in work boots every day. swears by them.
And so do I.

3. Strengthen your foot muscles by exercising your feet!
Yes, you heard me right – it is important to exercise our feet. there is not much equipment needed. Simply roll up a small towel, place it on the floor, and stand upon it, to increase your balance (caution, if you have any issues with balance, do not attempt this exercise). You can also place the same towel upon the floor, and try to pick it up with your toes. Repeat as often as you feel comfortable. Practice this daily.

4. Go barefoot.
Allow your feet to breathe, and go barefoot. Too often confined in tight shoes, and not so natural fibers, our feet hardly ever
get a chance to be placed bare upon the ground. Try walking across many different textures, from carpet to grass, sand, and gravel to strengthen the soles of your feet.

5. Gentle stretches
While you already have your shoes off, practice some gentle stretches. How about this one: Toe Stretch. Sit in a chair, with feet on the floor, and spread your toes apart. Hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat 10 times

What are your favorite ways to pamper your feet?

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See you soon!
Claudia

5 Interesting Facts About Cocoa Butter You Might Not Know

Disclaimer: The following post contains affiliate links. I have received the product mentioned for free in return for on honest review – see disclosure page for details

If you love chocolate, you are at the right place, because today, I am writing to you, about one of the key ingredients for the world’s most loved treat – cocoa butter. But, cocoa butter is much more versatile than you might think. Let me tell you a little more, with this list of 5 interesting facts you might not know about cocoa butter:

1. It is very popular in vegan cooking. Sweets treats, such as cakes, chocolates, and others do not need to be missed a part of a vegan diet when incorporating cocoa butter to your food prep. But not only sweets benefit from a cocoa treatment – because of its easy to melt consistency, it can also be used to pan-fry items such as tofu.

2. It makes a great base for DIY cosmetics. Body butters, lip balms, and facial masks are just a small example of what this wonderful butter can be used for. And if you have, like I do, problems with handling overly scented beauty products, those created with cocoa butter as a base, are a breath of fresh air (or chocolate) for our sensitive noses.

3. Cocoa butter is often used as the base of luxury bath soaps. These soaps are especially great for preventing dry or cracked skin, leaving you feeling especially soft. If you are prone to oily skin, I would rather suggest not to use it as a base for facial soaps and cleansers

4. 100 grams of cocoa butter contain up to 900 calories. This fact, in combination of the realization that it also contains 60 % saturated fat, makes it a winner when it comes to beauty products and no so much in the kitchen – no matter how good it tastes

5. It is an essential component of the “chocolate” used for massages. Ever tried chocolate massage therapy? If you have not, you have missed out on something special, not only because the combination of shea butter, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder is wonderful for your skin, but because it smells divine, and is incredibly relaxing. making it the perfect treat for anyone.

Natural Beauty Goddess was kind enough to send me a 1 lb package of their raw 100 % cocoa butter to review. This type of cocoa butter is not food grade, but rather thought for the above-mentioned beauty treatments. Rich and thick, this great raw and organic cocoa butter is Kosher certified, and comes in a beautiful screw top container, that makes dispensing it easy. I suffer from contact allergies, which, after I applied it to my arm, felt immediately better. The smooth, beautifully scented butter is one of the few things, I can put on my skin without hesitation while loving the smell, and luxurious feeling. The only downfall I found is, that due to the lack of outer packaging, my container came with a slightly broken lid. so, improved and additional packaging would prevent any breakage. That did not diminish the high quality of the product, which by the way comes with a free ebook, containing recipes and information about cocoa butter. I am planning on creating a few of the mentioned DIY cosmetics shortly

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The above post was a part of the following blog hops:

Coastal Charm 

No place like home

At Our Home

Cozy Little House

Stone Gable Blog

Bernideen’s Blog