Here in Alberta, particularly in Calgary, we enjoy the break-up of winter with our Chinook's. Temperatures can go from -24 to +18 (or higher) within 24 hours. I will never forget the day my new born son was brought home on Christmas Eve in 1999, and it was +21c.
I think it's wonderful. Hey, who couldn't use a break from shovelling? Some winters they occur half a dozen times. The change in climate makes our indigenous plants very hardy and improves our spirit with the fond outlook for Spring. Unfortunately, these drastic changes in the barometric pressure can cause blinding migraine headaches for some people. Not so wonderful. Pharmaceutical remedies help, and there is also natural help through the use of peppermint oil. Peppermint oil is a staple in my home. It has several healing properties, great for headaches, nausea, motion sickness and is an anti-inflammatory. Here's an easy mix for you to keep on hand: Mix 3-4 drops of PURE essential oil with 1 tablespoon of any carrier oil (I prefer avocado oil). Pour into a small sealed container and shake well. Using your finger tips, apply the mixture and massage around your temples (not too close to your eyes though because the peppermint fume is annoying). Also massage into the base of the skull. And of course....Breathe Deeply!
0 Comments
Happy New Year readers!
Hard to believe that we've begun yet another new year. Welcome 2017, I say! Each New Year, I do traditionally make resolutions. Some last less than a week, but one in particular lasted for the rest of my life. Ten years ago this month, I quit smoking and haven't looked back. My mind was made up. Ten years ago, I also embarked on a cleaner life ritual by removing as many chemicals from my system as possible. I ate more fresh fruit and veggies (thankfully wine still fits into that category) and learned to better channel my stress through breathing deeply (Auroma's motto) and meditation. What ever your new year resolutions or goals are, I hope that you allow your body to catch up with your brain, and tell it to stop doing activities that are harmful to your well being. Find something you love and make that your new routine (keep an open mind and keep it healthy). Small changes count and of course, everything in moderation. I wish all who read my blogs a VERY happy, healthy and prosperous 2017. I hope that this is the year that you meet challenges that impact your life in a positive way. Your worth it! "Breathe Deeply, because you can!" Oh, the Christmas season... From parties with co-workers (for the fortunate few here in Alberta), and gatherings with friends and family, it really is a fun and festive time of year. I've certainly had a busy but fun season juggling family needs, events with friends and of course a Christmas market season that started back in October. It was an interesting sales season and I learned again where my products are best understood, what markets are better coordinated and what communities really support local, hand-made quality items. It's hard to compete with a recessive economy and shoppers were noticeably more selective, yet Auroma's product sales increased over last year! I'm so honoured for return customers and new ones that trust my natural products. We sold out of lip balm and pedicure pucks - and our new Thirsty Body Lotion was a hit! 2017 brings a new year filled with promise and new products based on consumer requests. Stay tuned... As always, I'm listening - if there is anything you would like to have created in a petroleum-free version, reach out to me and let's see. It's never to late to get back to basics I always say. To everyone reading this: Thank you for following my website blogs, my Facebook updates (Auroma Soy Candles) my very great friends who helped me manage life during the Christmas market season (Ruth & Heather) and everyone who purchases our products. My family thanks you very sincerely. It's a lot of work to present our best to you for your good health, but it's also an extreme pleasure. Merry Christmas and a very happy, healthy New Year everyone!! November is the height of Christmas Artisan and Crafter season. Here, you can find the most unique items to knock off your Christmas shopping list. Hand-Made, quality items that is... From blankets, hand-stiched aprons, candles, skin care, etc. etc... Anywhere in the city (any City) you can luck into a market on the way to your Saturday list-of-things-to-do. Here in Alberta, we are experiencing the harshest recession in the past 40 years. Although empathetic, the cash flow simply isn't there for so, so many folks these days. However, the entrepreneurial spirit remains stronger than ever. Although my business is an online enterprise, this is the time of year year where I am able to get face-to-face with my customers and show my goods. I get the opportunity to do three key performance items which makes me glow: 1. connect with people; 2. get re-acquainted with former colleagues; 3. build stronger friendships. This past weekend, I spent four days at a market out in the beautiful foothills of Alberta. I saw people I haven't seen in years, family who made an effort to check in and check it out, former professional colleagues.... it's simply wonderful! It's always terrific to have the support of these folks, even only to stop by and say "Keep going, your doing great!". Do this! Do this for anyone your know who is trying to put a dance jacket on their daughter, a jersey for their son, and of course .... food on the table. It's tough for many this year, but we are strong, we are loyal, and THAT is what I LOVE about this province! Breathe deeply - because you can!! From time to time, various posts are made on social media pertaining to 1001 uses for petroleum jelly. Many of those hacks include using the product directly on the skin. Now don't get me wrong, I grew up with the stuff, used it on my face, lips, burns, etc. I also rode around in the backseat of a car without a seatbelt while my parents hot boxed multiple decks of smokes on long road trips. Yes, I'm obviously still alive and hopefully I remain in good health for many, many more years. It doesn't mean those were wise choices back then and we certainly shouldn't consider that healthy behaviour today. Do you know why petroleum jelly is harmful to use on your skin? Read the product label; it contains petrolatum, which is a soft paraffin/paraffin wax or multi-hydrocarbon. Environment Canada established a research entity, The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) "aimed at reducing the risks posed by chemicals to Canadians and their environment." They are reviewing petrolatum because there is concern that this chemical may be harmful to human health as a carcinogenic. Regardless of the outcome, if it's already a cancer concern why would we continue to use it? Petroleum jelly essentially suffocates your skin when applied topically and doesn't add any moisture, nor nutrients. Like I always tell my kids: "Life is a series of continuous improvements". We learn from our mistakes and as we age, we understand the importance of good health and to not take it for granted! Time to get back to basics, naturally! As a healthier alternative, use organic plant oils which can be absorbed by the skin naturally. Soybean wax, beeswax, sunflower, olive and coconut oils are awesome. Make your own - it's easy, here's how! Non-Petroleum Jelly: In a double boiler over medium-high heat, combine: 1/4 c. Coconut Oil; 1/4 c. Olive Oil; 1/2 c. *soybean wax. Remove from heat and add: 6-7 drops of Vitamin E oil (natural preservative). Stir thoroughly and pour into sterilized jar container (with lid). Allow to set in fridge. This will last for up to one year. Use anywhere you would normally use a petroleum jelly product. Apply after a shower to seal in moisture in winter. An excellent ointment for pads on your pets paws! * You can also use beeswax - this will make your product more firm and yellow in colour with a slight sweet scent. You can find wax at Michaels. Your welcome : ) |
Archives
September 2021
Categories |