#Ginger & Mint

[artforinfinity]

I color coded them and you can't do anything about it :]

Reblogs appreciated <3

Elaborations for my color choices under the cut!

Siffrin, grey: ok this is probably the color choice with the least amount of meaning. One pattern in particular that I have noticed within the fandom is that with headcanon colored designs for the cast Sif always manages to still be in black and white. I, like a normal person, find this to be hilarious. You give these characters wonderful new pallets except poor Siffrin who remains in the emo dimension, brilliant. Keep doing this.

Mirabelle, pink: I love Mirabelle so so much of my gyoddd. I chose pink (plus my heart motif) for two reasons.

1. I like pink and I like lovecore

2. I like characters whose designs contradict their personalities in small ways

As a feminine aroace person myself I really really resonate and see myself in Mirabelle, like to a sort of crazy degree. So why not take her feminine traits and amp them up a bit? Why not allow myself to relate to her more? I can have fun around here! Also she is incredibly magical girl coded to me and she is technically the leader of the group so pink was just the only possible choice I could make.

Isabeau, mint/teal: so Isabeau is such a ginger to me. There is no other possibility in my mind this man is GINGER. And I associate orange with teal colors because that color combo goes crazy hard, so bam! Teal Isa was born! Also I think the color fits well as he is the most masculine character in the party.

Bonnie, orange/tan: this one is simply due to the fact that I associate both childhood and cooking with sepia tones. Do not ask me why, I couldn't explain if I tried. Also I gave them some freckles bc they deserve them.

Odile, purple: MY BELOVED ODILE!! Ok this one has a few reasons. Besides Sif her pallete is the most muted of the bunch signifying both her age and the fact that she is not from Vaugarde. I associate purple with magic, maturity, regalness, and gemstones which are all things that fit Odile well. I've shown off this coloring choice in the drawing I made for her birthday, actually, which is the piece that inspired this whole color coding ordeal anyway.

Btw Loop is red (🙂), Euphrasie is yellow (gold, high ranking in the House), and The King is blue (sadness, memory)

Anyways thanks for sitting through all that have your bonus

It's midnight I'm tired

[irasydel]

7 Flavorful Ingredients to Amp-Up Your Hot Chocolate

When the cold days hit, nothing beats curling up with a mug of hot cocoa in hand. It’s the perfect cozy companion that offers not only warmth and comfort, but also a blend of rich flavors, nostalgia, and a dash of history.

The drink’s ancient roots can be traced back to around 500 BC, when the Mayans first created it. However, their version was a far cry from the sweet, creamy beverage we enjoy today.

The original Mayan hot chocolate was a thick, frothy mixture often flavored with chili peppers and honey, giving it a bold and intense flavor that modern taste buds might find unpleasant.

In fact, it wasn't until the Spanish colonized Central America and introduced sugar to the mix that hot chocolate began to resemble the sweet concoction widely known today.

While we’re grateful for the addition of sugar and milk, there’s still room to add a little creativity to our cocoa. Ready to experiment? Here are 7 ingredients that will turn your hot chocolate into something truly magical.

1. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the most popular spices to elevate hot chocolate, and it’s easy to see why. The warmth and fragrance of cinnamon beautifully complement the richness of chocolate, making the combination a match made in flavor heaven.

Instead of using powdered cinnamon, try simmering a cinnamon stick in your hot chocolate for a deeper, more aromatic flavor. The woody essence of whole cinnamon adds complexity and enhances the overall taste without overpowering the drink.

2. Nutmeg

If you’re not a fan of cinnamon but still want a spiced note in your hot chocolate, nutmeg is your new best friend. The spice has a slightly sweet, nutty, and earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the richness of chocolate.

Whether using freshly grated nutmeg or powdered nutmeg, the spice will bring an extra layer of warmth and comforting touch to your drink, evoking the feeling of cozy winter evenings.

3. Ginger

Sounds odd? Maybe. But adding ginger to your hot cocoa gives it a bold, zesty kick that cuts through the rich, indulgent flavor of the chocolate.

Plus, ginger is a well-known superfood with plenty of health benefits, such as boosting immunity and alleviating cold symptoms, making it the perfect addition during winter or chilly days.

By adding just a small amount (about half a teaspoon) of fresh grated ginger or a pinch of powdered ginger, you not only introduce a spicy twist to your drink, but also transform it into a soothing elixir.

4. Cayenne or Chipotle Pepper

If you’re feeling adventurous, add a touch of heat to your cocoa with cayenne or chipotle pepper. This spicy addition harks back to the original Mayan hot chocolate, which was often made with chili peppers.

The key is moderation—a pinch of cayenne or chipotle pepper will add a delightful warmth and depth without overwhelming the drink. For an even smokier flavor, opt for chipotle pepper.

5. Coarse Sea Salt

Though it may sound counterintuitive, adding a pinch of coarse sea salt to your hot chocolate can actually enhance its sweetness and highlight the chocolate’s deep, complex notes.

Salt helps balance the flavors, making the drink richer and more well-rounded. However, that doesn’t mean the more, the merrier. So be careful not to overdo it—just a small pinch of sea salt will do the trick.

6. Peppermint

While it may spark some debate, many would agree that peppermint and chocolate are a heavenly combination.

The refreshing sharpness of peppermint perfectly balances the rich, velvety flavor of cocoa, transforming it into a festive treat ideal for the holiday season.

You can get creative by using a candy cane as a stirrer, crushing peppermint candies on top, or simply adding a few drops of peppermint extract for that cool, minty kick.

The result is a winter-ready version of your favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream served in a warm, comforting mug.

7. Chai

Why choose between two cozy drinks when you can have both? Combining hot chocolate with chai (masala chai) is a power move to create the ultimate comfort drink.

Chai, a spiced tea made from black tea, ginger, and a mix of aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, adds a spicy and exotic twist to your cocoa.

To make it, brew a cup of chai, then stir in hot chocolate mix or melted chocolate. This blend of flavors creates a velvety, spiced drink that’s perfect for warming up on chilly days.

With these 7 ingredients, you can take your chocolate drink from simple to sensational. So the next time you whip up a cup of hot cocoa, experiment with these ingredients and find your perfect blend!

[usafashions]

KENNETH COLE BLACK COLOGNE

The One Cologne by Dolce & Gabbana, The one is a delightful oriental spicy scent that has a wonderful combination of grapefruit, ginger and orange blossom. Blended perfectly with cedarwood, coriander and basil it's a no stopping me now fragrance.

1 Million Cologne by Paco Rabanne, Inspired by rabanne's metallic fashions,1 million was in particular a 1967 dress worn by singer françoise hardy. The fragrance was developed by perfumers olivier pescheux, christophe raynaud and michel girard, and features notes of grapefruit, rose, cinnamon, spice notes,mint, blood orange, blond leather, white woods, amber and patchouli. The 1 million bottle is modelled after a gold ingot.

[chaotic0night0witch0]

A whole shit ton of plants and their uses

Snake Plant - Purifies the air and releases night time oxygen. Perfect for your bedroom!

Basil - This annual plant is perfect for protection, love and luck.

Lavender - It’s scent will help calm your emotions and boost your psychic abilities.

Thyme - This herb is perfect for purification and protection. It also has antiseptic properties.

Mint - Very helpful for when you suffer from a stuffy nose. Also helps boost your energy.

Aloe Vera - It’s antibacterial, antioxidant, and moisturizing. It also helps accelerate healing.

Birch- new beginnings and strength

Ginger - adventure, new experiences, confidence, prosperity, and success

Jasmine - promotes new ideas, attracts love and wealth

Pine - new beginnings, prosperity, success, strength, and growth

Balsam Fir - insight, progress against goals, and bringing about change

Peppermint - provides the push needed to bring change to one’s life

Pumpkins

ATTRIBUTES: protection, divination, love, beauty, fertility, growth, prosperity, abundance

USING IT: amp up a hollowed out pumpkin’s potent protective properties by burning protective herbs inside it instead of a plain candle. Or try a beauty spell by making a face mask of honey and exfoliating pumpkin pulp

Lemons

ATTRIBUTES: cleansing and clarity, mood booster, freshness, protection, happiness, love

USE IT: brew up some lemonade or a healing hot toddy in the kitchen, or try dried lemon zest or peels for jar or sachet spells

Fennel: 

ATTRIBUTES: courage, strength, healing, love, fertility, longevity, divination, confidence

USE IT: hang bunches of greens in doorways on Midsummer to provide protection against malicious energies

Rue

ATTRIBUTES: binding, friendship, cleansing, hex-breaking, protection, money-drawing

USE IT: can be burnt or bathed in to break a hex. But beware, the herb does not burn very well and irritates the skin (use caution), it will take will power and determination to use 

Yarrow

ATTRIBUTES: protection, divination, healing, love, beauty, focus, love

USE IT: used to cleanse and staunch wounds. It can be added to a hot bath to relieve colds and fevers. Or burned with mugwort for a powerful divination aid

Sunflower: 

ATTRIBUTES: self-confidence, money-drawing, happiness, positivity, self-love, wealth, luck, fertility

USE IT: dispel your depression, take a symbolic soak in the bath with sunflower petals, let all the bad vibes get sucked down the drain

Ginger

ATTRIBUTES: passion and sex, money and luck, love, healing, energy

USE IT: carve a want into a ginger root and plant it. Let it grow and nurture it, help achieve that end. For an upset stomach try ginger tea, syrup, or candied ginger

Elderberry

ATTRIBUTES: beauty, protection, purification, healing, abundance

USE IT: flower petals can be scattered in protection circles and it prevents evil from entering when grown around the home

Apple

ATTRIBUTES: knowledge, wisdom, love, beauty, fertility, death

USE IT: grind down with a mortar and pestle to make a natural blush/beauty spell. Petals also make a great confetti for witchy celebrations

Thyme

ATTRIBUTES: money-drawing, protection, love, courage, strength, positivity, healing

USE IT: brew a tea or add to a bath to ai with coughs, chest congestion and cold, but milk will ruin the brew

Catnip

ATTRIBUTES: healing, love, happiness, bonding, courage, dreaming, sleep, beauty

USE IT: give to feline companions to encourage bonding. Brew as a tea, use in a bath to create a mild euphoric feeling but pregnant women should not use it

Rose

ATTRIBUTES: divination, protection, health, beauty, love

USE IT: grind down red rose petals with a mortar to make a natural blush/beauty spell, petals also make a great confetti for witchy celebrations

Oregano

ATTRIBUTES: love, happiness, purification, money-drawing

USE IT: potent kitchen magick, try it in pizza and pasta sauces, use with basil or mint to attract cash

Oak & Acorn

ATTRIBUTES: perseverance, hard work, patience, wisdom, luck, fertility, strength

USE IT: use an acorn or two as a charm for wealth or luck. Let them bathe in moonlight to charge their energies

Parsley

ATTRIBUTES: cleaning and purification, death and rebirth, protection

USE IT: bathing in hot water with parsley and sage permits one to connect and communicate with the dead. 

Lemon Balm

SPELLS FOR: healing, happiness, cleansing, love, sleep

USE IT: brew a tea and sip to calm anxiety or try infusing it in honey. Add it in a hot bath before bed to bring on sleep

Daisy

ATTRIBUTES: happiness, innocence, luck, love

USE IT: use fresh flowers with long stems to weave a chain or crown, wear for luck in love

Lavender

ATTRIBUTES: love, sleep, beauty, happiness, dreaming

USE IT: great for use in baths with salt and rosemary. A natural de-stressor and sleep aid. Relaxes the mind and body to aid in achieving a  trance state infuse in honey for a potent love spell

Dandelion

ATTRIBUTES: luck, hope, wishes, balance, happiness

USE IT: fierce sun-power helps to dispel depression. Let the happy little blossoms lift your heart by meditating in a field among the flowers on a sunny day

[veggieveganrecipe]

Pineapple Carpaccio Recipe – Spiced Pineapple Salad with Ginger & Mint Pineapple Carpaccio Recipe is a sweet and savory pineapple salad with ginger, red chili infused orange dressing.

[tipsycad147]

Make The Best Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade With Your Calendula Tea

Written by Sass Ayres

Turning calendula tea into a nourishing, delicious, and absolutely refreshing fresh-squeezed lemonade is an incredibly easy way to give yourself some relief in the summertime swelter. It’s also a way to reap the rewards of calendula’s immune-boosting medicine. This lemonade recipe is quick and easy, so refreshing, and sweetened only with raw honey, a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals on its own.

HERE YOU’LL FIND: Is Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade Good for You? The Health Benefits of Calendula Other Recipes With Calendula You’ll Love How to Make Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade with Honey Tips & Tricks for the Best Lemonade Other Botanical Beverages For You to Try Recipe for Immune-Boosting Calendula Lemonade

Calendula is one of my go-to plant medicines for the inevitable wintertime attack on my immune system. In fact, it’s my favorite herb to include in super medicinal veggie broths and luckily, also makes for a delightful summertime refreshment to help keep you your healthiest self all year long.

Is Fresh Squeezed Lemonade Good for You?

What could be healthier than literally drinking juice freshly squeezed from a fresh fruit?!

Lemonade has so much potential to be a healthy beverage, however, it’s often overly filled with sugar. Oftentimes, the sugar used to take off the edge of the tartness isn’t even real sugar. Instead, it’s artificial sweeteners that, to be frank, where never meant to be consumed by humans in the first place.

And to hammer the nail in ever further, more often than not, fresh-squeezed isn’t even fresh-squeezed!

Leave it to us humans to take nature’s goodness and try to make it better.

In this homemade calendula lemonade, not only are we letting the vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds shine through, we’re also adding in incredible immune support.

That’s the beauty of DIY’ing; we have complete control over the ingredients that are going into our food and herbal home remedies.

The Health Benefits of Calendula

This immune-boosting calendula lemonade is chock-full of all the benefits of calendula tea with the added nutritional and medicinal benefits of lemon juice and raw honey.

In addition to its immune benefits, calendula has a long history of medicinal use. Accordingly, it has been used to treat amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation), fevers, conjunctivitis, cuts, bruises, scrapes, and an entire slew of inflammatory skin conditions.

Here’s an overview of the health benefits in this lemonade:

Ingredient  Calendula

Nutrition  Fatty acids, High in antioxidants (contains lutein, lycopene, beta-carotene, quercitin, rutin, & others)

Medicinal Benefits  Antiseptic, Anti-tumour, Anti-fungal, Antioxidant ,Antibacterial Anti-inflammatory, Promotes wound healing, Stimulates menstrual flow Supports & builds immunity, Stimulates bile & aids digestion, Stimulates the lymphatic system ,Demulcent (cooling, soothing, healing, relaxing)

Ingredient  Lemon

Nutrition  High in vitamin C, calcium, potassium, magnesium

Medicinal Benefits  Antioxidant, Alkalinizing (anti-inflammatory)

Ingredient Honey Raw

Nutrition  High nutrient profile that includes B vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, & zinc

Medicinal Benefits  Anti-fungal Antioxidant Antibacterial Calming & conditioning for skin/hair

Other Recipes With Calendula You’ll Love

Calendula & Honey Raw Cheesecake vegan & gluten-free

Ultra-Nourishing Body Oil with calendula, chamomile, jasmine, and lavender

Super Medicinal Veggie Broth with calendula for extra immune support

How to Make Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade with Calendula & Honey

Lemonade isn’t complicated. Lemon plus water and sugar equals lemonade.

However, we’re deviating just a little bit from the basic recipe to amp up the healthy factor and add in some old fashioned herbal medicine. Here’s how this lemonade is different:

Swap out water for calendula tea. Instead of plain water, you’ll use a strong, cooled calendula tea to make up the bulk of this recipe.

Swap out processed cane sugar for honey. This lemonade is sweetened with honey. Raw, local honey is always your best and most nutritious option.

Equipment Needed

Citrus Juicer (Go handheld with this handheld citrus squeezer or this manual juicer. Or get fancy with an electric juicer.)

Small Sauce Pan for steeping calendula tea

Fine Mesh Strainer for straining calendula tea (I often use THESE strainers.)

Quart-sized Glass Jar or Pitcher (THIS makes a perfect lemonade pitcher.)

Measuring Cups

Long-handled Spoon for stirring

Ingredients

Fresh Lemons

Calendula Flowers (fresh or dried)

Water

Honey (raw and local if possible)

Method

Make calendula tea. First, you’ll make a strong calendula tea by steeping fresh or dried calendula flowers in hot water for 10-15 minutes. (Be sure to cover the tea while steeping.)

Squeeze lemons. While the calendula tea is steeping, you’ll squeeze your fresh lemons.

Strain calendula tea & stir in the honey. After 10-15 minutes (or longer), you’ll strain the calendula tea and stir in the honey while the tea is still warm. This will help the honey fully incorporate into the tea, as honey is very hard to dissolve in cold liquid.

Add all ingredients to a quart-sized pitcher or glass jar & stir it all together. Then, you’ll pour in your fresh-squeezed lemon juice and honey-sweetened calendula tea. At this point, you can taste the lemonade and add more tea or water if it’s too sweet for your taste. (But keep in mind that the ice will also dilute the sweetness.)

Pour over ice & enjoy! Lastly, fill a cup with ice and pour in your fresh-squeezed calendula lemonade. If you’d like, garnish with a slice of lemon, a fresh calendula flower picked straight from your garden, and/or a sprig of fresh mint.

✺ HERBALIST’S TIP ✺ Do you love lemonade, but don’t have access to fresh or dried calendula!? You can substitute your favorite herbal tea in this recipe. Some great options are lavender-chamomile, tulsi-rose, or spearmint. Get creative with it!

Tips & Tricks for the Best Lemonade

How to pick the best lemons for juicing?

Only fresh lemons can truly give that fresh-squeezed lemon taste. At the grocery, look for lemons that are plump and tender to the touch. The more tender, typically the juicier the lemon. Also, the heavier the lemon and the thinner the rind, the juicier it will be.

What’s the best way to squeeze fresh lemons?

There are so many ways to juice a lemon!

Use a fork! This method is simple and requires no special equipment. First, slice the lemon in half. Then, holding one half of the lemon in one palm and a fork in the other hand, use the tines of the fork to work around inside the flesh of the lemon. Gently squeezing the lemon with the other hand while you work the fork in helps as well. With this method, I recommend juicing the lemons over a fine-mesh strainer to catch the seeds.

Use a handheld strainer. A handheld strainer is a handy tool to have around the kitchen and makes quick work of juicing citrus.

Use a manual strainer. Manual strainers are nice because they come with a handy little reservoirs that are oftentimes graduated. Not only do they catch the strained juice, but they make it really easy to tell how much juice you have.

Go electric! An electric juicer is my preferred juicing method. Not only is it fast, but it always seems to yield the most juice as well.

How long does fresh-squeezed lemonade last?

Your homemade lemonade will last about a week in the fridge. Every time you pull it from the fridge to pour yourself a glass, just give the lemonade a little swirl in case anything has settled.

Can you freeze homemade lemonade?

Yes, you can! However, I’d recommend freezing your fresh-squeezed lemon juice by itself. You can pre-measure according to the recipe needs. When you’re ready to make lemonade, pull from the freezer and add straight to your warm calendula tea.

Other Botanical Beverages For You To Try

Banana Milk with Ashwagandha & Chamomile

Pink Paloma with Chamomile-Infused Tequila

Ginger Mint Hot Toddy with Licorice Root

Fennel & Earl Grey Grapefruit Spritzer

Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade with Calendula & Honey

Course: Drinks Difficulty: Easy  Servings 4 servings  Prep time 20 minutes

This calendula lemonade is a refreshing treat with added immune-boosting benefits. You can use a sweetener other than honey if you like, just remember that many sweeteners will need to be dissolved into warm water first. And store-bought lemon juice isn’t nearly as delicious, but will work in a pinch! If you really don’t care to squeeze a bunch of lemons, but want that fresh taste, use a little bit of both store-bought and fresh squeezed.

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2 cups hot water

3 tablespoons of dried calendula flowers (or ~8-10 fresh flowers or 2-3 calendula tea bags)

1/2 cup raw honey

1/2 cup lemon juice (about 3-4 large lemons)

Ice

Sprigs of fresh mint for garnish (optional)

More water or calendula tea to create your desired sweetness (optional)

DIRECTIONS

In a small sauce pan, bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat, add the calendula flowers, cover, & let sit for 10-15 minutes.

While the water is infusing, squeeze your lemons. If you prefer no pulp, use a fine mesh strainer to separate the juice from the pulp.

After 10-15 minutes, use a fine mesh strainer to strain the tea from the calendula flowers. While the tea is still slightly warm, stir in the honey until completely dissolved. (I like to do this after the tea has cooled quite a bit so as to not destroy too much of the medicine in raw honey, but while it’s still warm enough to easily dissolve the honey.)

In a quart-sized mason jar, pour in your honey-sweetened calendula tea and add the lemon juice. Either use a wooden spoon to stir or put a lid on the mason jar and shake to combine.

At this point, you can taste the lemonade. If it’s too sweet or too tart for your taste, add more water or calendula tea until it’s to your liking.

Fill a glass with ice, pour in calendula lemonade, and give it a little stir. Garnish with fresh mint if desired & enjoy being refreshed while boosting your immune system! Leftovers can be stored in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for about a week.

Is there anything more refreshing in the sizzling summer sun than an ice cold glass of something delicious? I’m a tremendous fan of squeezing in the botanical bliss wherever I can and I hope you also enjoy this immune-boosting calendula lemonade.

Here’s to the plants for helping to keep us happy and healthy human beings all year long!

https://www.botanyculture.com/fresh-squeezed-lemonade-with-calendula/

[ellocentipede]

Bohemienne Life Holiday 2019 Soaps and Wax

Bohemienne Life created some seriously pretty soaps and wax blends for holiday 2019. I’m in love with the two soaps in the Ancient series--Pompeii and Acropolis. Kyme, the owner, creates and pipes all of the designs and embeds of her soaps. Each of the soaps are made with some form of botanical, including beeswax, clay, milk, seeds, grains, and macerated fruit. They’re visually stunning, and have a silky and creamy lather, making for a lovely bathing experience. As always, the wax melts are beautiful, well-scented, and have good throw.

Acropolis

Scent description:  A blend of rolled Oats, Milk & Honey. With the added aroma of Bees Propolis and natural beeswax adds a unique spicy note the mix. Acropolis bar is a combination cold & hot process soap methods, bee propolis, oats, goat milk, yogurt and Honey. Beeswax soap embeds.

Ingredients: Water, Goats milk, Greek Yogurt, Bee Propolis, Beeswax. Sodium Hydroxide, Olive, Castor, Organic Sustainable Palm, Coconut and Avocado oils. Enriched with Shea and Cocoa butter. Tussah Silk, Soothing Colloidal Oatmeal, Fragrance, Sodium Lactate, whole oats and real clover honey.

I nearly didn’t order this one because I was afraid of the honey, but I’m really glad that I picked it up. It’s such a beautiful soap that I almost don’t want to use it! This gentle, moisturizing beauty is meant to used, however, and your skin will thank you for it. The scent is very, very gentle. It’s a soft and comforting blend of oats, milk, and honey. The honey is not funky--it’s warm and sweet and golden. This soap is a delight and I will probably pick up a bar whenever it’s available.

Pompeii

Scent description: A Briny salty ocean spray and watery green scent of sea kelp and driftwood. The scent that lingers after is my personal favorite. The bars have a mosaic of clay soap tiles embedded in the soap with a dusting of extra fine pumice. Much like the streets of Pompeii.

Ingredients: Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Olive, Castor, Coconut, Sustainable Palm, and Avocado oils. Enriched with organic Shea and Cocoa butter, Fragrance, Sodium Lactate, Red Reef Clay, Rose Clay, Multani Mitti Clay, Activated Charcoal, French Green Clay, Kaolin Clay, ground pumice, Tussah Silk, Sea Kelp Powder.

This is another beautiful soap! The clay tile embeds are so beautiful and evocative of the mosaic floors in Roman villas. The scent is also gorgeous. I’m a sucker for seaside blends and this is a good one. It’s like a fancy spa on an ocean--cool, clean, breezy, and oceanic. 

Ruby Red Bird 

Scent description: Juicy pink grapefruits, peony, orange blossom and jasmine petals with hints of woody moss and white musk.

Ingredients: Water, Grapefruit Pale Ale, Sodium Hydroxide, Olive, Coconut, Organic Sustainable Palm, Castor, and Avocado oils. Enriched with Mango and Shea Butter, Colorant, Black Cumin Seeds, Titanium Dioxide, Colloidal Oatmeal, Tussah Silk, Fragrance, Sodium Lactate.

I tried to photograph this so that the cute little red cardinal designs on the top are clearly visible. They’re adorable. This is another gorgeous soap. The scent is very mild and pretty. It’s a fruity floral, but I get more tart grapefruit and orange blossom than anything else. It’s clean, pretty, and refreshing! It’s not overly heady from the jasmine.

Oh No Gingerbread Boy 

Scent description: A spicy cookie with a blend of ginger, clove, cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg, drizzled with honey.

This is a homey and gentle gingerbread blend. The spices are smooth and don’t overwhelm, and the hint of honey lends some gentle sweetness. 

Mistletoe & Spruce 

Scent description: A blend of citrus, blue spruce, and frosted cranberries create this perfect holiday scent!

This is a great greenery blend for the holidays. It smells like a Christmas tree! The citrus and cranberry aren’t super noticeable, but they pep up the woods a bit and amp up the holiday flair. I love this one, and melted it on Christmas morning.

Cherry Amaretto Cookies

Scent description: Sweet almond cookies, deep, dark, succulent black cherries and vanilla beans.

How cute are the little wax cherry embeds on this one? This blend is potent! At first it sort of reminds me of pistachio pudding mix. I get a lotttt of cherry, and to my nose they smell like bright red, sweet, syrupy maraschino cherries. The almond cookie is crumbly and does smell like it was made with amaretto instead of almond extract. It’s got a sharp, boozy bite to it.

Vanilla Frost 

Scent description: An icy blast of cool of eucalyptus and peppermint, sweet vanilla are as fresh as new-fallen snow.

A very pretty mint and vanilla blend that smells just like the inside of a York Peppermint Patty--sticky-sweet vanilla fluff and bracing peppermint. A hint of herbal eucalyptus hovers around the edges.

Saturnus 

Scent description: The Roman God of time... Soft amber, woody myrrh, lavender, sweet musk, rich patchouli, sandalwood with hints of citrus and vetiver.

This is a wonderful, woody incense blend. It’s fluffy, warm, and cozy. It smells like a metaphysical shop in a quaint countryside town. The resins and woods are well-blended and smooth. The musk hovers like a cloud. I love this blend!

Lullaby 

Scent description: Marzipan, Chamomile & Lavender.

This is like a more herbal/lavender version of Lush Snowcake! Like Snowcake, the marzipan element is not super sweet. It’s like a sugar free, grainy marzipan. The lavender is present, but I smell more of the chamomile than anything else. The chamomile is dry, like a sachet of dry petals and leaves. A gentle, relaxing blend that is both traditional and innovative all at once.

Sparkle Wonderland 

Scent description: Icy grapefruit, orange, bergamot, and lemon. Fruity and clean, sparkling, fizzy and very good!

This is for sure sparkling and fizzing citrus! It’s like Lush Celebrate, but better. I really love the grapefruit and lemon combo--it’s realistic and refreshing. I swear I can smell a bit of citrus zest! This is a great scent to melt for winter blues or spring cleaning.

Bohemienne Life’s products may be perused and purchased at https://www.bohemienne.life/ 

[hedwigencyclopaedia]

Altoids

“…the immune reaction was curiously strong….” [1]

The small minty candy now known for its breath freshening, Altoids, were first introduced to Europe in 1780 as a relief for intestinal pain. [2]

Current flavours include Peppermint, Wintergreen, Cinnamon, and Spearmint, while seasonal, regional, discontinued, and limited edition flavours include/have included: Ginger, Creme de Menthe, Liquorice, Dark Chocolate Dipped, Cool Honey, and the beloved Altoid Sours line of candy. [2, 3, 4]

Their marketing campaign as “Curiously Strong Mints” was started in the 1920s and what Hedwig was referring to when she told her audience about Phyllis’s immune response to one falling into her “exposed eye cavity” starting in the spring of 2015, during JCM’s Broadway turn. [1, 2]

The empty tins have a curiously strong fandom of their own seeing the containers turned into art kits, playable video games, survival kits, and mini guitar amps amongst home crafters. [5, 6, 7, 8]

[1] HATAI performance. March 27, 2015, Broadway at the Belasco Theatre.

[2] https://web.archive.org/web/20180419112414/www.wrigley.com/ea/brands/altoids.aspx

[3] https://www.candywarehouse.com/altoids/

[4] https://www.bustle.com/articles/95869-why-were-altoids-sours-discontinued-heres-the-sad-truth-about-the-puckery-candys-mysterious-disappearance

[5] https://www.instructables.com/id/Pocket-sized-Watercolor-Altoids-Tin/

[6] https://thetakeout.com/student-makes-a-playable-wii-in-an-altoids-tin-1829551918

[7] https://www.bladehq.com/cat--How-to-Make-an-Altoids-Survival-Kit-1--2778

[8] https://reverb.com/item/236890-ampoids-blue-altoids-blackface-guitar-amp

[rightonwoman]

Virginia Haze, co-author of The Psilocybin Mushroom Cookbook and one of the two admins behind the The Psilocybin Mushroom Bible Instagram account, suggests brewing the ‘shrooms with an herbal tea that can fight nausea. “[M]ushrooms can unsettle the stomach, so, lemon and ginger, or even mint, can be great choices,” Haze wrote to MERRY JANE in an email. “However, we're British, so if you want to extract your psilocybin into a cup of builder's with full-fat milk and three sugars, we aren't going to stop you.”

The most British thing I’ve read to date. C/O https://www.google.ca/amp/s/merryjane.com/amp/here-are-a-couple-of-ways-to-make-magic-mushroom-tea

[tipsycad147]

Eight famous magickal oils (and how to use them)

by Michelle Gruben

A row of little potions with colorful names and indescribable fragrances: Uncrossing Oil, Black Cat Oil, Four Thieves…where did they come from, and what are they used for?

Most of these oils have their origins in American rootwork, Hoodoo, or Conjure. They were developed by magick workers in rural and minority communities, and the recipes were often passed down by word of mouth. Families might hang on to a formula for generations, or an apprentice of the magickal arts could learn them from an elder teacher.

Conjure oils are often partially descended from—and yet distinct from—Western high magick. It’s not hard to see the shadow of the old medieval grimoires hanging over many of these formulas. And yet, poor country folks didn’t normally have access to the recipes recorded in obscure books by European occultists. And if they did, they wouldn’t have been able to source the rare, expensive, and mostly Old World ingredients in those recipes.

Instead, they used what they could get their hands on from their own gardens and kitchens. The result was some very powerful homegrown formulas, some of which have been around for decades, even centuries. Practitioners use these pre-blended oils to anoint the body for specific purposes, dress candles and charms, bless, curse, cleanse, and basically perform all varieties of spells and fixes.

Oftentimes, even the contents of the oil bottles have a lineage. A new batch of oil will be started from the last of the previous batch. Or an initiate’s first batch will be “seeded” from the master (or mama) bottle owned by the initiating priest or priestess.

Needless to say, there are no official recipes for these traditional oils. Each brand is a different. Like a really good gumbo, part of the charm of formula oils is not knowing exactly what’s in there. These folk magick concoctions pre-date the current craze for essential oils and natural bath products, when every ingredient must be listed on the label and explained for the buyer.

When buying oils from a rootworker or craftsperson, try and resist the temptation to ask what’s in it. People can get really, really sensitive about being asked for their recipes. And that’s understandable. Sometimes a little bottle can contain a guarded initiatory secret, or years of trial and error. As a merchant, I ask the maker about common allergens (especially nut oils) or animal ingredients in the products I carry…otherwise, I let it be.

Too much information can spoil the magick. So, rather than providing recipes for each oil, this article gives general notes about what they smell like, what the correspondences are, and how and why they work. (This is far from a complete list. It’s just a sampling of some of the magickal blends on the market.) That way, you can decide which types of traditional oils are right for your craft. We also touch on the history and usage of each oil. It’s fascinating information whether you work regularly with magickal oils, or are just curious to learn their stories.

Making your own? Refer to a recipe to get the gist of each oil. Afterward, don’t be afraid to (mindfully) tweak recipes according to your needs. All the cool Witches do it. Now, here are eight popular oils, de-mystified (but hopefully not de-magicked):

Uncrossing Oil

Uncrossing Oil is used to shake off jinxes, hexes, and plain old bad luck. Being “crossed” means feeling magickally out of sorts. Being down on your luck, off your game, hitting a wall, losing your mojo—everybody knows what that feels like. Uncrossing magick is sometimes necessary to get the good vibes flowing again.

Sometimes crossed conditions are due to negative energies attached to a person or their home. But often, the root cause of the condition is actually internal. Blocked energy, fear of success, bad thoughts or habits—all of these things can trip you up and make you into your own worst enemy. Uncrossing yourself gets you back on your own side. It sends a loud and clear message that you’re ready to have your groove back, thanks. An uncrossing ritual is one of the most powerful forms of magick—sometimes, it’s the only way to fix the problem.

How to use Uncrossing Oil: Uncrossing Oil is a central element of many uncrossing rituals. There are many, many variations on the theme of uncrossing. Try anointing your feet with Uncrossing Oil to get yourself back on the right path. Incorporate it into your candle-burning rituals, especially purification, protection, and reversing spells. Combine Uncrossing Oil with sea salt and sprinkle in the four corners of your home to clear out negativity. Pour on haunted or cursed items before disposing of them. Because uncrossing is a form of psychic cleansing, Uncrossing Oil is a fine addition to purifying baths or floor washes.

What’s in Uncrossing Oil: Most Uncrossing Oils contain garden plants with a high spiritual vibration and/or a reputation for cleansing. Verbena, Hyssop (and its relative, Mint), Lavender, and Rose are common ingredients. Their aromas help break up stagnant energy patterns, impart a holy aura to places and people, and basically function as mood-lifters to get the magick back on track.

My fellow Texas witch, Cedar (of Natural Magick Shop), makes a version with Rue and Angelica that she warns doesn’t smell very nice! Sometimes, the energies and correspondences of each ingredient are more important than making your ritual space smell like a day spa.

Come To Me Oil

Come To Me is an old Hoodoo formula for drawing a lover. It is one of the most popular magickal oils, naturally.

Traditionally, Come To Me Oil is used in love spells with a specific target (that is, someone that you already know). However, it may be employed for love-drawing in general—to find a new person to romance or to overcome a sexual dry spell. Technically, the object of desire does not even have to be a person. The experienced magick worker can harness their own sexual energy to achieve almost any objective…and Come To Me Oil can be used to attract whatever you desire.

How to use Come To Me Oil: Come To Me Oil is a top choice for anointing love spell candles and figure candles. Choose one candle to represent yourself and another your intended partner, dress them with oil and burn them together. Visualize your partner in your arms while reciting Psalm 23 or the erotic passages from the Song of Solomon (traditional), or any love poem that turns your crank.

If you’re looking for a new love, wear Come To Me Oil as a personal perfume. Stir a few drops into your bathwater before going out in order to be noticed by an attractive stranger. For best results, perform Come To Me magick when the Moon is waxing to full.

What’s in Come To Me Oil: Come to Me Oil is usually composed of voluptuous sweet florals, sometimes with Catnip or Honeysuckle to help lure the intended lover. Patchouly or Musk may be included to amp up the desire factor. The simplest version I’ve seen is Rose oil tarted up with a dash of Cinnamon and spice.

Van Van Oil

A traditional New Orleans Voodoo oil, Van Van is worn as a sort of all-purpose lucky oil, protective ointment, and bayou Witch’s signature fragrance. It’s hard to describe, but once you’ve smelled it you would recognize it anywhere. Says cat yronwode, "At one time, it is said, a person could not walk down a street in the Algiers district (of New Orleans) without smelling the scent of Van Van oil.”

Variations of Van Van have been around for at least 100 years, and probably longer. Some of its pungent herbs and Oriental grasses are natural insect repellants. This advantage would have been noticed in the humid South, and surely enhanced Van Van’s reputation for shaking off evil.

Classic Van Van has a fresh, lemony fragrance with green notes and an underlying herbal muskiness. Despite what you might guess, Van Van Oil does not (usually) contain Vanilla. One of the traditional ingredients in the formula is the herb Vervain (or Verbena). “Vervain,” when pronounced in an American Creole dialect, sounds something like “van van.”

How to use Van Van Oil: There are about a bazillion magickal uses for Van Van Oil. Use it to anoint lucky charms and magickal tools. Dress candles. Cleanse and bless. Mix into floor washes and room sprays to banish negativity. Splash some into a cleansing bath to boost your mojo before any spellworking.

With its zingy freshness and lucky vibe, Van Van Oil is a premier fragrance of the planet Mercury. Use in Mercury-type workings: Luck, business opportunities, and communication. Put it in your Mercury retrograde toolkit to help shake off the blahs when Mercury’s acting wonky.

What’s in Van Van Oil: Lemongrass and/or Lemon Verbena form the backbone of Van Van Oil. Citronella (a cousin of Lemongrass) and Ginger also appear in some recipes. Patchouly or Vetiver can be added for an earthy base note. When making your own batch, it’s common to infuse the bottle with luck-drawing objects—pieces of Lodestone or Pyrite, a lucky horseshoe or clover charm, etc.

Black Cat Oil

Black Cat Oil is another traditional New Orleans preparation. It is a lucky oil, particularly for Witches, tricksters, charmers, and loners—that is, people of a feline nature. European tradition says that a black cat is unlucky, but in Afro-American folk magick, black cats are considered good luck and the wise man or woman’s helper.

Black Cat Oil is a component of gamblers’ lucky charms. It also lends power to spells for second sight, stealth and luck. In rootwork stores and botanicas, you will sometimes see figure candles in the form of a cat. They usually come in red, green, or black and may be used for a variety of purposes—red for seduction, green for prosperity, black for banishing and reversing spells. Black Cat Oil is an obvious choice for dressing one of these candles.

How to use Black Cat Oil: Use Black Cat Oil as an anointing oil to boost witchy powers and slip away from bad luck. Invisibility, enthrallment, clairvoyance, charisma—all of these fall into the domain of Black Cat magick. Work Black Cat Oil spells during the waning or dark moon.

What’s in Black Cat Oil: Black Cat Oil is usually amber to dark in color. Its aroma is complex due to the mélange of exotic ingredients. (The best way to describe it is that it smells like a Witch shop.) Ingredients may include Sage (or Clary Sage), Myrrh, Bay leaves, Grains of Paradise, lodestone filings, and various carrier oils.

One of the traditions surrounding Black Cat Oil is that the master bottle it is blended in must contain a bone from a black cat. Old books on magick detail all kinds of gruesome ways the bone can be obtained. Later, mail order businesses would sell raccoon bones painted black as the fabled Black Cat Bone. As legitimate black cat bones are hard to come by, some practitioners will substitute the hair of a black cat. (This goes without saying…but please avoid animal cruelty when making or buying your Black Cat Oil.)

Abramelin Oil

The oldest recipe on this list, Abramelin Oil’s recipe appears in the late medieval grimoire The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage. It was originally used by Jewish Kabbalists as a holy anointing oil. The formula was later seized upon by members of the 19th-century Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Today, it shows up in modern high magick traditions (notably Thelema), and has also trickled down into the altars of Pagan and folk-magick conjurors.

Abramelin Oil has deep symbolic meaning. Abramelin the Mage writes that the oil can confer all kinds of magickal boons, including gifts of treasure-finding, invisibility, and flight. Aleister Crowley regarded it as the highest of anointing oils and used it liberally throughout his magickal career. Crowley says, “The Holy Oil is the Aspiration of the Magician; it is that which consecrates him to the performance of the Great Work; and such is its efficacy that it also consecrates all the furniture of the Temple and the instruments thereof.” Much of ceremonial magick is based on controlling spirits and elementals—holy tools (like Abramelin Oil) are supposed to help give the magician the authority to do so.

How to use Abramelin Oil: Consecrating altar tools, evoking or communing with not-nice spirits, anointing the body for Great Work-y high magick stuff. Abramelin Oil is highly stimulating and purifying. When applied to the brow or other chakras, it creates a warming sensation that enhances focus and energy flow for ritual.

What’s in Abramelin Oil: Abramelin’s recipe calls for Myrrh, Cinnamon, Cassia (a close relative of Cinnamon), and either Galangal or Calamus root (a huge controversy). These ingredients are then macerated in Olive oil and stored in an altar cabinet. The recipe is similar to one for holy anointing oil in the Old Testament (Exodus: 30:22-25).

Because of possible mistranslations of the German manuscripts, nobody’s sure whether it’s Galangal or Calamus root that belongs in Abramelin Oil. Plenty of recipes conflate the Cinnamon and Cassia ingredients (doubling up on Cinnamon because proper Cassia is hard to find). Crowley cheekily substituted essential oils for the macerated herbs—fine for Thelemites, but many purists prefer to muddle and soak as prescribed in the older recipes. Lucky Mojo has an exhaustive rundown of the different formulas here.

The common DNA running through the Abramelin family is Cinnamon. All versions smell strongly of Cinnamon. (And essential oil-based mixes will burn the heck out of your skin, as any Abramelin-soaked neophyte will flinchingly attest.)

Road Opener Oil

Open doors create new opportunities. Along with uncrossing, road opening is one of the most versatile kinds of magickal spells. There are few problems that can’t be lessened by a good road opening ritual.

Unlucky in love? Open a road. Bored at work? Open a road. Broke? Sad? Stuck? Wish you could just catch a break? Open a road, and be ready for what new vistas you will encounter.

How to use Road Opener Oil: Road Opener Oil belongs in any spell for a new beginning. Put it on job or loan applications. Anoint your shoes, your car, tools of your trade—whatever object will (literally or figuratively) move you to the next place in life.

What’s in Road Opener Oil: Road Opener Oils are usually blended from scents that are fresh and clean. Solar essences like Orange and Lemon lend intense positive energy. Verbena or Sandalwood raises the spiritual vibration of the mix. Latin American recipes always include a sliver of Abre Camino (a native root whose name literally means “road opener”). Other formulas include a pinch of Five Finger Grass (Cinquefoil) for the five blessings of health, money, love, power, and wisdom.

Do As I Say Oil

Do As I Say Oil is used to bend others to your will so you can reap some advantage. To some practitioners this is considered black magick—to others it is business as usual here on Earth.

There are many variations: Commanding or Controlling Oil, Follow Me Boy (or Girl), and (my personal favorite label) Bend Over Oil. Commanding oils run the gamut from mild persuasion and seduction to the so-called “zombie” oils, which are rumored to have the power to erode free will completely.

How to use Do As I Say Oil: Use Do As I Say Oil to gain the upper hand in a relationship, either business or personal. Anoint a ritual candle—red for power or lust, black for more nefarious magick. Use on a poppet or photo of your intended target. One of the slyest uses of Do As I Say Oil is to sneak it onto places you know the object of your spell will step or touch. If you transfer it to your target’s hand with a handshake, it is said that they will be unable to break an agreement with you.

What’s in Do As I Say Oil: Most recipes for Do As I Say Oil mention Calamus. This is the obscure root that appears in the original formula for Abramelin Oil—which makes Do As I Say Oil a distant cousin of that old formula for dominating spirits.

Calamus root is used in Hoodoo to sweetly get your way. Secondary ingredients may include Patchouli, Licorice, Mandrake, Sweet Almond, Bergamot, and Orris. Every commanding oil formula is a little bit different. Generally speaking, a sweet-smelling commanding oil is best for persuasion and seduction. Baneful and spicy herbs imply coercion.

Four Thieves Oil

The legend of the Four Thieves supposedly goes back centuries ago, when Europe was in the grip of the Black Plague. All through the city, people were dying from the dreadful contagious disease. Meanwhile, a gang of four spice traders were getting rich robbing houses and pawning the possessions of the dead and afflicted. Strangely enough, the four thieves never got sick.

Eventually, the story goes, the burglars were apprehended by the authorities. They were ordered, on pain of death, to reveal the secret of their immunity. The health potion was revealed to be a blend of herbs that warded off the plague. Four Thieves Oil (and Four Thieves Vinegar) has been hailed as a cure-all ever since. Today, the blend is used for magickal purposes as much as medicinal. Because most of the components are commonplace pantry herbs, it’s not unusual to walk into a Witch’s kitchen and see a homegrown vial of Four Thieves a-brewing on the countertop.

How to use Four Thieves Oil: For a quick protection spell, draw a pentagram on your body with Four Thieves Oil. Mix into floor washes and baths. Place invisible sigils with the oil over windowsills and doorjambs. Anointing your doorknob with Four Thieves Oil is said to foil burglars and swindlers.

What’s in Four Thieves Oil: A bouquet of aromatic herbs, often including Cloves, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus and Rosemary. Some recipes include Peppercorns, Garlic, and Chilis. Many of these ingredients have antimicrobial and infection-fighting properties, which certainly contributed to Four Thieves’ reputation as a warding potion.

Disclaimers and disclosures: All anointing oils are for external use only. (Ingesting them can seriously mess you up.) Oils may cause allergic reactions or skin irritation in some people—perform a skin test and/or consult a doctor if you have concerns. No outcome is guaranteed from the use of any ritual oil.

https://www.groveandgrotto.com/blogs/articles/eight-famous-magickal-oils-and-how-to-use-them

[letsallcheck]

8 WINTER WELLNESS TIPS FOR YOUR HEALTHIEST SELF

1. Take Extra Care Of Your Skin

Winter is often a very rough time for our skin. Between time spent within the cold, dry winter air outside then into the moisture sucking indoor heating systems, your winter skin is simply screaming for a few hydration. The result: dry, itchy, scaly and parched skin that doesn’t look or feel too great. Besides employing a humidifier, you'll give your skin an infusion of moisture and a protective barrier from the weather by regularly using an intensive moisturizer or body balm that's meant to assist repair skin.

These creams are usually thicker and denser than what you'd apply in summer. My absolute favorite body butter is Sierra Bees Honey Almond Body Butter. It’s all-natural and made with other skin-soothing ingredients like organic honey, shea butter, cocoa butter, cupuacu butter, mango butter, and Chamomile and tea. It’s also cruelty-free, non-GMO, and has no phthalates or parabens. It not only feels silky and opulent, but it sinks into the skin quickly with no greasy feeling in the least. While it makes my skin feel amazing, it’s the Very light honey almond scent that creates me wish I can bathe in it. For those of you who want an intensive repair cream but enjoy a floral scent, try Petal Fresh Natural Remedy Critical Repair Cream made especially for dry, cracked and calloused skin. The formula uses the facility of skin healing ingredients like sea kelp, olive oil, shea butter, and aloe. The scent is robust on this one so if you’re sensitive, the Sierra Bees is that the thanks to going

Winter Skin Tip: Don’t have a humidifier? Placing a bowl of water near a heating vent or radiator will do an equivalent job with none money spent. Try adding during a few drops of your favorite essential oils for an aromatherapeutic effect.

2. Try Dry Brushing Before Bathing

If the thought of brushing your skin doesn’t sound appealing hear me out. This strange little skin-care step has been around for ages but has recently been gaining popularity. Not only does dry brushing have an extended list of advantages for your skin, including improved circulation and exfoliation of dead skin supplying you with a natural glow. But it also just feels amazing. So how does one dry brush?

All you would like for dry brushing may be a natural soft-bristle bath or shower brush. With the comb in hand, starting by brushing the bottoms of your feet, use large firm sweeping motions to “brush” your skin with long strokes always brushing the skin towards your heart. Continue brushing up your legs, belly, neck, and arms with firm strokes. Avoid skin that's sensitive, irritated, broken or inflamed. Jumping within the shower after will rinse away the dead skin and make certain to use a moisturizer afterward for smooth soft skin with a winter glow. We love this natural dry brush duo set from Eco Tools. the massive is ideal for your body while the tiny one is often used for your face and neck.

3. Take A Soothing Detox Bath

While science has yet to prove all the healing wonders of a hot bath, the anecdotal evidence alone is enough to urge the water running. albeit you’re more of a shower person, taking a shower once during a while can help improve your health in winter. Not only can it help to scale back the pain and inflammation of stiff winter muscles, but it also can help to enhance circulation, reduce stress and tension, and elevate your blood heat which may help your body repel infections and viruses. and everyone you would like maybe a 15-minute soak during a warm bath. I like enhancing my water with essential oils and natural bath oils. They add a gorgeous aroma and can keep skin from drying out. But never add essential oils on to the water. Without a carrier oil, they will immediately adhere to your skin and sensitive areas which may be quite unpleasant if you recognize what I mean. For an all-natural ready-made bath soak, I always address Abra Therapeutics. Their formulas are made up of a mixture of therapeutic essential oils, salt, and skin-soothing oils for a soothing soak. For an additional dose of moisture, a spritz of Deep Steep Dry Body Oil Rosewater & Aloe may be a light and natural thanks to keeping skin smooth and supple right out of the bathtub and stop itchy skin.

4. Be Kind To Your Lips

Cracked, dry and chapped lips in winter are what a bug bite is in summer. It’s annoying, but it’s just getting to happen. to stay lips smooth and supple, apply a natural ointment regularly. We love the Sierra Bees Organic ointment from iHerb that are made with sustainably sourced beeswax, olive oil, sunflower-seed oil and healing vitamin E . They’re also formulated to be USDA Organic, Non-GMO, cruelty-free, eco-friendly and contain no nasty ingredients like sulfates, preservatives, artificial fragrances and are never tested on animals. Available in packs of 4 or 8, I like stashing them around my house, car and in my bag. With numerous within the package, you’ll never be far away from an ointment once you need it. They also make an excellent little gift or stocking filler. And with fun flavors like custard, Mint Burst and Pomegranate there’s no way you’ll be letting your lips get dry this winter.

5. confirm to urge Your vitamin D

Vitamin D is a crucial vitamin beneficial for our system and works with calcium and vitamin K to take care of healthy bones. But often mentioned because of the “sunshine vitamin,” it’s also the sole vitamin that needs actual sunlight to manufacture. meaning when sunlight is scarce in winter, our ability to form vitamin D decreases. the remainder must come from our diet or supplements.

But within the winter as we spend most of our time indoors and have less sunlight available during the day it is often difficult to urge all the vitamin D we'd like. Plus most folks are so bundled up that our skin isn't even exposed to sunlight. But vitamin D isn't naturally found in great quantities in most foods. While some foods are considered good sources of vitamin D including salmon, shrimp, oysters, tuna, egg yolks, milk, and mushrooms, a simple thanks to confirming you’re getting all the vitamin D you would like is during a supplement. Now Foods makes an excellent and affordable D-3 supplement with vitamin K so you'll make certain you’re getting a balanced formula.

6. you continue to Need Sunblock

If you’ve ever hit the slopes on a sunny winter day you recognize that winter sunburn is an actual thing. So if you're spending any time outdoors or near windows keep skin shielded from sun damage and still wear sunblock through the winter months. If you wear a foundation, BB cream, CC cream or tinted moisturizer check the label to ascertain if SPF protection is included. If not, make certain to seek out a sunblock product that agrees together with your skin and won’t dry you out. Don’t forget to use sunblock to your hands which can be exposed during times outdoors or while driving.

7. Stay Hydrated

We can often forget that we'd like those 8 glasses each day even as much water in winter as within the warmer months. If beverage 5 feels less comfortable during winter, try warm water with a touch of lemon or an herb tea. Caffeine-containing drinks like coffee, energy drinks, green tea, black tea, and soft drinks don’t count towards your 8 glasses each day and may promote dehydration.

8. Support Your System With Nutrition

In winter it’s so important we eat many nutrient-dense foods including dark leafy greens, and fresh fruits and veggies. Not only can they assist you to curb those cravings for sweets, but they will also strengthen your body’s defenses and assist you to repel those nasty winter bugs. If the weather makes eating salads and greens less appealing I get you. Try making a green smoothie within the morning with kale or spinach, cucumber, apple, lemon, and ginger. For days when I’m super short on time, I make a superfood-packed green drink with the award-winning Paradise Herbs ORAC-Energy Greens. the simplest dry superfood blend I’ve ever encounter, Paradise Herbs ORAC-Energy Greens is 100% vegan and crammed with alkalizing green juice powders, freeze-dried berries and veggies, superfood concentrates, herbal adaptogens, and probiotics. It also has the equivalent antioxidant power of 24 servings of fruit & vegetables so if you've got trouble getting enough plant-based foods during the day this is often a fast and powerful thanks to doing so. This does taste green, so if you’re not won't to the flavor I’ve found some juice and touch stevia can make it taste great. you'll even add this as a smoothie booster!

And don’t forget your omega-3’s! Found mostly in fatty fish like salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel omega-3 fatty acids are shown in studies to not only reduce inflammation but also promote healthy cholesterol levels, vital signs, and liver function. it's also been shown to be an efficient aid for those that suffer from depression which may be common in winter. Omega-3 fatty acids also can assist in giving your skin a lift of hydration which may help protect against winter dryness. California Gold Nutrition, iHerb’s house brand may be a super affordable thanks to keeping super-premium Omega-3 rich animal oil in your nutritional arsenal.

When the winter has you feeling sluggish, try adding a fulvic/humic mineral source to your health regimen. They’re a plant-derived blend of trace minerals that I’ve found boosts energy and may amp up your system.

[ivyadore]

Spicy Tomato Rice

The last time I made it I told myself that I would never make it again! For some reason, it just didn’t taste well. Ever since then I’ve been figuring out how to make it work, for someone who isn’t a tomato person, the task just seemed impossible!

Prep Time - 15mins

Cook Time - 15mins

Ingredients

Rice & Vegetables

1 Cup Basmati rice

1 Finely chopped onion

2 Finely chopped tomato

Ginger finely minced

Garlic finely minced

Handful of chopped coriander

A sprig of curry leaves

A few mint leaves

Green chili slit

Whole spices

1 Bay leaf

1 inch Cinnamon stick

3 cloves

2 Cardamom pods

1 tsp mustard seeds

1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds

1 tsp ghee

Powdered Spices

1/4 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp Red chilli  powder ( I like It a bit spicer so I add around 1 - 1/2 tsp)

1 tsp ground cumin powder

2 tsp - coriander powder

Preparations

Soak the basmati rice 25 mins before you start cooking.

Cooking

In a pressure cooker , add Tsp ghee and a little oil

Sauté the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves mustard seeds fenugreek and curry leaves together

Right about the time you can smell the fragrance of the spices add the chopped onion, minced garlic/ginger and slit green chilies 

Saute them for a few mins till they turn brown.(You can splash a little water, If you’d like to not burn the mixture)

Once the onions turn golden brown add the tomatoes, followed by salt ( as per taste) and powdered spices

In about a few minutes, you will see the moisture turn into a paste like form

Add the coriander leaves and mint and the soaked rice 

Mix everything well. Then add 1.5 cups of water

Taste the water to make sure the water is slightly salty

Pressure cook for 2 whistles

Turn off and let the pressure release

Once the pressure is down, open the cooker and mix the rice. Make sure your gentle enough to not break the rice!

Spicy Tomato rice is ready! Serve with either plain yogurt or raita.

[paleorecipecookbook]

How to Turn Salads Into Epic One-Dish Meals

Salads are such a fantastic concept because they can carry such a diverse load of flavors. The trick is in making healthier choices for what you are mixing up in your salad bowl, and realize that you don’t need the cheese, sugary vinaigrettes, ranch dressings, or croutons in order for them to be tasty. Salad building can range from super simple to completely sophisticated. There are so many options, there is something for everybody’s tastes!

14 Ways to Build a Meal-Quality Salad

You can get really wild when it comes to salad building. Between the different greens, nuts, meats, veggies, fruits, and salad dressings, one could never tire of the endless possibilities! Below are some of the best salad tips to ensure that you are getting the most out of your salads during any season or meal.

1. Go for Protein

Be sure to get enough protein into your salads if you are having them as entrees or you’ll be hungry shortly after your meal. Balance is what you must learn when becoming a professional salad builder.

Creating a Paleo entrée salad means building your dish around protein! Adding seeds and nuts are a great way to go, but don’t forget that you can prepare yourself a lovely piece of meat just for your salad, or use leftovers from other meals! Some ideas for your salad protein include, but are definitely not limited to:

Grilled or sous vide steak

Pulled pork or chicken

Coconut fried shrimp, chicken, oysters

Marinated shrimp

Pan fried, baked, or steamed fish

Crab or fish cake

Eggs, soft boiled, hard boiled, poached

Bacon

Meatballs

Sausage

Tenderloins

Roasts

Duck breasts

2. Learn Some Knife Skills

The way your vegetable or protein is pulled, chopped, ribboned, or diced can make a big difference when it comes to salad building. Learning to use the proper knives for the proper ingredients can be as simple as finding a YouTube tutorial, or taking a basic cooking skills class.

3. Spiralize and Shred

Use your veggie peeler or spiralizer to create ribbons of cucumber, summer squash, carrots, or just about anything else!

4. Add Leftovers

Try topping with last night’s leftover protein or starches. Nothing is off limits when it comes to building up your salad to create yummy texture and heartiness! The “salad rules” that exist for what can and can’t go in a bowl should be thrown out the window.

5. Build Your Own Greens Blend

Pair butter lettuces with mache, arugula with spinach, and so on. The pre-made salad mixes are handy, but if you get stuck in salad ruts and aren’t sure why, it may be your salad mix holding you back! Try reaching beyond the spring mixes and experiment with some peppery and spicy additions, sprouts, or tender heads of red leaf or bibb lettuces. You can also try adding some sturdy kale, or throwing in chard with your chopped romaine.

Amping up your leafy base can start you off on the right foot with salad building, and can also introduce a wide variety of different nutrients. Some great salad greens include:

Bibb and butter lettuces

Kale, lacinato, red or curly varieties

Chard

Red leaf

Green leaf

Romaine, red tipped romaine

Arugula

Watercress

Micro greens

Spinach

6. Think Outside the Box

Experiment with mixing cooked and raw veggies and fruits together to create interesting texture and flavor. Here are some ideas for you to get some fun and funky flavors into your entrée salad rotations, not to mention some serious nutrients:

Berries

Marinated vegetables, like eggplant

Herbs, like combining basil, mint, and cilantro

Quick pickled veggies, like sliced cucumbers, fennel, or daikon radish

Ferments, like kraut or kimchi

Roasted veggies, like sweet potatoes, squash, cauliflower, and broccoli

Dates or figs

Apples, pears, mangos, cherries

Sea vegetables, like hijiki or arame

Red, green, and Napa cabbage, shredded thinly

Olives

Grilled romaine or lemon halves for a smoky and charred flavor and texture

7. Get Your Granola On

Most of the following items can be tossed with coconut, sea salt, and raw honey and roasted at 325ºF for 15 minutes to create a savory and sweet grain-free granola to add to your salads. Or use individual items a la carte.

Chia seeds

Flax seeds

Sunflower seeds

Pumpkin seeds

Black sesame seeds

Hemp seeds

Goji berries

Mulberries

Unsweetened dried fruit

Coconut flake

Freeze dried berries

Pecans

Pistachios

Pine nuts

Walnuts

Hazelnuts

Almonds

Chopped Brazil nuts

Macadamia nuts

8. DIY Your Dressing

Making your own dressing can be really fun, and better tasting than most that are store bought! When eating Paleo, sneaky sugars and ingredients can be hard to avoid when buying packaged or bottled convenience foods, like dressings. So try your hand at making your own combos.

Try flipping the classic ratio of 3:1 fat to acid to 3:1 acid to fat. This creates more vibrant and tangy dressings which work best on hearty salads! A little hack to save you time: add all vinaigrette ingredients to a glass jar with a lid and shake to combine. Bonus, now it’s ready to store in the fridge for your next use.

Another trick: the next time you are at the end of your mustard jar, instead of tossing aside, add minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, or red wine vinegar, a dab of honey, sea salt, and some avocado or olive oil. Shake vigorously, and voila!—a mustard vinaigrette, ready to use and ready to store!

For a dairy-free creamy dressing, blend nuts and veggies together, with plenty of sea salt and lemon juice. Some of my favorite innovative creamy dressing combos:

Carrot, ginger root, apple, apple cider vinegar, coconut aminos, sesame oil, sea salt

Green apple, cilantro and some stems, jalapeno, garlic cloves, champagne vinegar, avocado oil, sea salt

Avocado, spinach, basil, garlic clove, lemon, olive oil, avocado oil, sea salt

Walnuts, coconut aminos, lime juice, a little maple syrup, olive oil, avocado oil, sea salt

9. Eat the Rainbow

The pigments which add color to your fruits and vegetables are great for collagen production, providing antioxidants, trace minerals, phytonutrients, and can even contain cancer fighting properties. (1)

Plus, colorful food is just so much fun to eat! Don’t be nervous to blend fruits, berries, seeds, nuts, herbs, and veggies.

10. Choose a Theme

If I am in the mood for richness, I will have a creamy dressing made from homemade aioli or an avocado based dressing, adding buttery olives, and tender deep greens like spinach. Or if I am in the mood for something bright and tangy, I will lean towards lime juice cilantro over red leaf lettuce with lots of spicy microgreens!

Some tips for creating themes and balance within your salads are as follows:

With bitter leaves, try adding sweeter nuts and fruits to balance, like pecans and berries or walnuts and apples.

For inspiration, I focus on foods that I like or that I am craving and try to build around that concept. Lasagna, for example, is what I am craving, so I will try to use ingredients that lend themselves to that flavor profile: spinach, oregano, basil, chili, tomatoes, olives, chicken sausage, or beef and bison meatballs with a creamy cashew-lemon and pine nut dressing!

Or maybe I have a hankering for Thai food. I would lean towards cilantro, shredded carrot, cabbage, radish, coconut flakes, lime, mango, macadamia nuts, black sesame seeds, kimchi, and shrimp, fish, or chicken.

11. Toss That Salad

I make my salads in a large metal or glass mixing bowl first, so that it is simple to dress and toss, and easier to plate it up in my prettier bowls. It may sound like a small tip, but it changes the game when your salad is evenly dressed, seasoned, and served well.

12. Keep It Simple

I eat leafy green salad with every meal, even on top of my eggs in the morning. Do not underestimate the value of simple. Lemon and olive oil with salt and pepper is just scrumptious, and sometimes just what the doctor ordered! It is always a good idea to sidle up a simple salad alongside your entrée protein.

13. Take It With You

Mason jars for salad packing are fantastic. Always start by putting your dressing on the bottom, so it doesn’t sog out your greens and more delicate toppings. Just layer up all your fixings, screw on the lid, and shake when ready to eat!

14. Reuse

For anyone who likes a bathtub-sized salad, try reusing salad greens containers, like Organic Girl. These are the perfect size for my entrée-style salads. I take it with me on the road, to the airport, into meetings, and more. I just find them so handy to pile up all my favorite salad fixings! You don’t even have to pack dressing. Just add lemon halves along with some avocado, and voila: you’ve got your acid and your fat, perfect to dress your salad and make it delicious down to the last bite.

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The post How to Turn Salads Into Epic One-Dish Meals appeared first on Paleo Plan.

Source: http://ift.tt/10qRbxJ

[turnipsummer14-blog]

5 Simple Bridal Self-Care Rituals to Unwind + Energize

Take a deep breath. Go on, try it. Now — can you remember the last time you stopped to just breath? Planning a wedding can be so consuming that those simple, human necessities can all too easily slip away. Deep breaths, long baths, hydrating your body and giving yourself those small yet gratifying moments that you probably need now more than ever.

We know not every bride can schedule in a weekly massage or make it to yoga every morning (cheers to those who can!), so today we’re focusing on 5 simple rituals that you can do at home. Five things to make you feel more you. To combat the stress that threatens to dry out your skin, darken those undereye circles, bloat the belly, and overwhelm your mind. These easy routines will help you feel well rested, well hydrated, and overall more like your best self for the big day to come. Take care, loves. We give you permission.

The gorgeous photos below are by the stunning Elizabeth Messina! We don’t blame you if the images alone – I mean, how comfy do those Bella Notte linens look?! –  are enough to help you zen out :)

Daily Ritual: Amp up Your Hydration Game

WHY: In case you need a reminder of the benefits of hydration, let this long list motivate you to reach for the H20: proper hydration keeps your skin plump and glowing; helps your muscles fight fatigue, helps your kidneys function correctly to rid your body of toxins, keeps your bowels working properly (bye-bye bloat!) and helps brain function to strengthen cognitive function and memory. source, source

HOW: So, how much should you drink in a day? Harvard suggests a simple solution of 2-3 cups per hour for most people, more if you’re sweating or working out. Water is the best option for hydration, but this is you we’re talking about, and you deserve something a little special. We say, fancy it up with some infused water. Simply chop up some cucumber, mint, citrus, or whatever is in season and let your water absorb those spa-like properties. Amazon has an adorable rose gold fruit infuser water bottle so you can take it to go!

TRY IT: This recipe for detox infused water is a favorite. Or, try a morning beauty tonic! We’re fans of Bali’s famous turmeric + ginger elixir, Jamu, an anti-inflammatory healing drink that’s delicious hot or cold: here’s a recipe. Glow on, sister.

///

Weekly Ritual: Unwind with an Infused Bath

WHY: Hop in a warm bath and let the stress melt away. Honestly — it’s proven! Submerging in warm water produces feelings of calm and ease, diminishing anxiety and pessimism. A warm bath before bed produces melatonin to helps you sleep better, soothes achy muscles, and can do wonders for tired skin when infused with the right ingredients.

TRY IT: Draw a warm bath (not too hot) and soak for 15-20 minutes with some of our favorites tried and true infusions:

For achy muscles: Add 2 cups of Dr. Teal’s Lavendar Epsom Salts.

To soothe dry skin: Add 10 drops of rose essential oil to either a carrier oil (jojoba, olive, or coconut) or 1 cup Epsom salt; Draw the bath before adding mixture then give it a stir before getting in.

Because you deserve it: Throw in some few dried botanicals, grab a treat, and soak up that alone time!

///

Bi-Weekly Ritual: Love Your Skin with a Simple Face Mask

WHY: Because face masks solve all problems, don’t you know?! But seriously, there is something that makes you feel on top of that to-do list when you put on a face mask. You could always grab a sheet mask on your next Target run or mix some apple cider vinegar with Aztec Healing Clay, but we’re talking simple + at home remedies here. And you can find our go-to right there in your pantry.

HOW: It’s honey! If you haven’t read up on the skincare benefits of honey, prepare to be amazed. Honey is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and gently nurturing like the best hug. The low pH balance means that bacteria can’t survive, which translates to an environment where acne is a thing of the past. It’s moisturizing, it’s great for sensitive skin — honey can do no wrong. source

TRY IT: First, make sure you have the highest quality raw honey you can find/afford. Pick some up at your local farmers market or grab some manuka honey online. Splash your (makeup free!) face with a little water to make the honey easier to spread. Next, spread 1-2 teaspoons across your face and neck. Let the honey mask sit for 10 minutes before rinsing off. Lock in the moisture with a your favorite moisturizer or sweet almond oil.

///

Nightly Ritual: Get Your Beauty Sleep

WHY: We all know a good night’s rest is important and beneficial to the mind, body, and soul. But you’re planning a wedding, here! So, chances are that while your body and soul may be ready to call it a day, that mind of yours could have other plans.

HOW: The good news? There are a number of ways to shut your brain off and win the battle. From meditation apps to quick yoga routines.

TRY IT: Here are a few quick tips to get your entire self ready for a rejuvenating night’s sleep!

Make the rule and follow it: your bed is only for sleeping! Keep the room temperature cool and the lighting as dark as possible. Avoid screens 1-2 hours before bedtime to prepare your brain and eyes for the rest to come.

Get Calm: Download the Calm app for breathing exercise and guided meditations to help you sleep and mix some Natural Vitality Calm (aka the anti-stress drink) into a glass of water to get your daily intake of magnesium.

Try this 7-minute bedtime yoga flow from one of our favorite instructors, Adriene Mishler of Yoga with Adriene.

Treat yourself and invest in bedding that you LOVE! (The dreamy linens you see here? They’re from Bella Notte!) Bella Notte’s brand director Taylor (who is also the founder’s daughter!) shares this quote with us about how her bedding was essential to a good night’s sleep before her wedding, “Leading up to my wedding, I knew one of the biggest gifts I could give myself was a good night’s sleep. I piled my bed with soft down pillows and a billowy duvet, and our Madera Luxe sheets–they’re buttery soft and also sustainable, so I felt great every time I climbed in. Curling up in my sheets every night, bedroom window flung open to let in cool, fresh air, is still my favorite way to fall asleep!”

///

Daily Ritual: Be Present by Calling on Gratitude

WHY: Gratitude helps you to pinpoint the goodness in your life. Maybe your florist calls to say peonies are a no-go, or your seamstress didn’t get it quite right, or your venue fell through at the last minute. We ALL know that wedding planning comes with both expected and unexpected stresses. But at the end of the day, you’re preparing to spend your life with your person. Call on gratitude to refocus on what you have and where you are, rather than what you lack.

TRY IT: There are several ways to practice gratitude on a daily basis. We won’t lie — it can be hard at first. But, like working a muscle, it gets easier with time. You’ll find yourself focusing in on what you’re thankful for quicker and with more precision.

Make a list: Keep a journal or note on your phone and jot down 1-3 things you’re thankful for each day.

Send a note: Thank-you notes can feel like a chore when you’re planning a wedding, but once you sit down to write a meaningful message you’ll find its one of the greater joys in the process.

Pray or meditate: Spend time giving thanks for your relationships, for warm weather, for coffee — whatever it is that makes your life happy!

///

One more deep breath, now…you got this.

photography: Elizabeth Messina // bedding & curtains: Bella Notte Linens // florals: Forage Florals // jewelry: Sofia Kaman and Catbird // clothing & lingerie: Twigs & Honey, Girl & A Serious Dream , Linyage and The Lace Atelier // hair & makeup: Christina Burns // floral cookies: Lori Stern // vintage pieces & props: The Arte Department

Source: https://greenweddingshoes.com/5-simple-bridal-self-care-rituals/

[muscleduck8-blog]

5 Simple Bridal Self-Care Rituals to Unwind + Energize

Take a deep breath. Go on, try it. Now — can you remember the last time you stopped to just breath? Planning a wedding can be so consuming that those simple, human necessities can all too easily slip away. Deep breaths, long baths, hydrating your body and giving yourself those small yet gratifying moments that you probably need now more than ever.

We know not every bride can schedule in a weekly massage or make it to yoga every morning (cheers to those who can!), so today we’re focusing on 5 simple rituals that you can do at home. Five things to make you feel more you. To combat the stress that threatens to dry out your skin, darken those undereye circles, bloat the belly, and overwhelm your mind. These easy routines will help you feel well rested, well hydrated, and overall more like your best self for the big day to come. Take care, loves. We give you permission.

The gorgeous photos below are by the stunning Elizabeth Messina! We don’t blame you if the images alone – I mean, how comfy do those Bella Notte linens look?! –  are enough to help you zen out :)

Daily Ritual: Amp up Your Hydration Game

WHY: In case you need a reminder of the benefits of hydration, let this long list motivate you to reach for the H20: proper hydration keeps your skin plump and glowing; helps your muscles fight fatigue, helps your kidneys function correctly to rid your body of toxins, keeps your bowels working properly (bye-bye bloat!) and helps brain function to strengthen cognitive function and memory. source, source

HOW: So, how much should you drink in a day? Harvard suggests a simple solution of 2-3 cups per hour for most people, more if you’re sweating or working out. Water is the best option for hydration, but this is you we’re talking about, and you deserve something a little special. We say, fancy it up with some infused water. Simply chop up some cucumber, mint, citrus, or whatever is in season and let your water absorb those spa-like properties. Amazon has an adorable rose gold fruit infuser water bottle so you can take it to go!

TRY IT: This recipe for detox infused water is a favorite. Or, try a morning beauty tonic! We’re fans of Bali’s famous turmeric + ginger elixir, Jamu, an anti-inflammatory healing drink that’s delicious hot or cold: here’s a recipe. Glow on, sister.

///

Weekly Ritual: Unwind with an Infused Bath

WHY: Hop in a warm bath and let the stress melt away. Honestly — it’s proven! Submerging in warm water produces feelings of calm and ease, diminishing anxiety and pessimism. A warm bath before bed produces melatonin to helps you sleep better, soothes achy muscles, and can do wonders for tired skin when infused with the right ingredients.

TRY IT: Draw a warm bath (not too hot) and soak for 15-20 minutes with some of our favorites tried and true infusions:

For achy muscles: Add 2 cups of Dr. Teal’s Lavendar Epsom Salts.

To soothe dry skin: Add 10 drops of rose essential oil to either a carrier oil (jojoba, olive, or coconut) or 1 cup Epsom salt; Draw the bath before adding mixture then give it a stir before getting in.

Because you deserve it: Throw in some few dried botanicals, grab a treat, and soak up that alone time!

///

Bi-Weekly Ritual: Love Your Skin with a Simple Face Mask

WHY: Because face masks solve all problems, don’t you know?! But seriously, there is something that makes you feel on top of that to-do list when you put on a face mask. You could always grab a sheet mask on your next Target run or mix some apple cider vinegar with Aztec Healing Clay, but we’re talking simple + at home remedies here. And you can find our go-to right there in your pantry.

HOW: It’s honey! If you haven’t read up on the skincare benefits of honey, prepare to be amazed. Honey is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and gently nurturing like the best hug. The low pH balance means that bacteria can’t survive, which translates to an environment where acne is a thing of the past. It’s moisturizing, it’s great for sensitive skin — honey can do no wrong. source

TRY IT: First, make sure you have the highest quality raw honey you can find/afford. Pick some up at your local farmers market or grab some manuka honey online. Splash your (makeup free!) face with a little water to make the honey easier to spread. Next, spread 1-2 teaspoons across your face and neck. Let the honey mask sit for 10 minutes before rinsing off. Lock in the moisture with a your favorite moisturizer or sweet almond oil.

///

Nightly Ritual: Get Your Beauty Sleep

WHY: We all know a good night’s rest is important and beneficial to the mind, body, and soul. But you’re planning a wedding, here! So, chances are that while your body and soul may be ready to call it a day, that mind of yours could have other plans.

HOW: The good news? There are a number of ways to shut your brain off and win the battle. From meditation apps to quick yoga routines.

TRY IT: Here are a few quick tips to get your entire self ready for a rejuvenating night’s sleep!

Make the rule and follow it: your bed is only for sleeping! Keep the room temperature cool and the lighting as dark as possible. Avoid screens 1-2 hours before bedtime to prepare your brain and eyes for the rest to come.

Get Calm: Download the Calm app for breathing exercise and guided meditations to help you sleep and mix some Natural Vitality Calm (aka the anti-stress drink) into a glass of water to get your daily intake of magnesium.

Try this 7-minute bedtime yoga flow from one of our favorite instructors, Adriene Mishler of Yoga with Adriene.

Treat yourself and invest in bedding that you LOVE! (The dreamy linens you see here? They’re from Bella Notte!) Bella Notte’s brand director Taylor (who is also the founder’s daughter!) shares this quote with us about how her bedding was essential to a good night’s sleep before her wedding, “Leading up to my wedding, I knew one of the biggest gifts I could give myself was a good night’s sleep. I piled my bed with soft down pillows and a billowy duvet, and our Madera Luxe sheets–they’re buttery soft and also sustainable, so I felt great every time I climbed in. Curling up in my sheets every night, bedroom window flung open to let in cool, fresh air, is still my favorite way to fall asleep!”

///

Daily Ritual: Be Present by Calling on Gratitude

WHY: Gratitude helps you to pinpoint the goodness in your life. Maybe your florist calls to say peonies are a no-go, or your seamstress didn’t get it quite right, or your venue fell through at the last minute. We ALL know that wedding planning comes with both expected and unexpected stresses. But at the end of the day, you’re preparing to spend your life with your person. Call on gratitude to refocus on what you have and where you are, rather than what you lack.

TRY IT: There are several ways to practice gratitude on a daily basis. We won’t lie — it can be hard at first. But, like working a muscle, it gets easier with time. You’ll find yourself focusing in on what you’re thankful for quicker and with more precision.

Make a list: Keep a journal or note on your phone and jot down 1-3 things you’re thankful for each day.

Send a note: Thank-you notes can feel like a chore when you’re planning a wedding, but once you sit down to write a meaningful message you’ll find its one of the greater joys in the process.

Pray or meditate: Spend time giving thanks for your relationships, for warm weather, for coffee — whatever it is that makes your life happy!

///

One more deep breath, now…you got this.

photography: Elizabeth Messina // bedding & curtains: Bella Notte Linens // florals: Forage Florals // jewelry: Sofia Kaman and Catbird // clothing & lingerie: Twigs & Honey, Girl & A Serious Dream , Linyage and The Lace Atelier // hair & makeup: Christina Burns // floral cookies: Lori Stern // vintage pieces & props: The Arte Department

Source: https://greenweddingshoes.com/5-simple-bridal-self-care-rituals/