Finding Ways To Love your Skin During Winter

Here are a few suggestions that get me through some of these dry, cold New England days. Most people don't realize they have to brush their skin daily, as you would your pet. Our skin is always regenerating and as a bodyworker, I have to explain this to most people that have never heard this before.
Cleansing with a gentle cleanser...



using a dry skin brush... like a loofah or soft nail brush...



If you are unable to come see me for massage http://www.bodyseasonings.net/ or to your closest massage therapist http://www.amtamassage.org/ .
You can create a healing space right in your bathroom, it'll only take 10-20 minutes. A nice lymphatic drainage massage that will help your skin, blood and muscles get rid of toxic substances and allow your body to heal and be well through this cold winter season. I make this blend for the winter, using organic pure essential and carrier oils, 8 oz should last you through the winter, if not, I'll make you more! http://www.etsy.com/shop/bodyseasonings
If you would like to do this yourself, here are the ingredients to purchase...
Use the healing essential oils of eucalyptus,


 wintergreen


 and pine


 mix 5 drops of each with a 1/4 cup of virgin olive oil or grapeseed oil, this should be applied before your bath or shower, to seal in your skin's natural moisture. Use circular motion and light massage towards the heart. This will help with skin, circulation and YES breathing! Your skin is your largest respitory organ, so this is a great way to support your body's natural ability to stay well.
Keep coming back for more tips and links to companies that are green and sustainable.
Stay Warm!

Interesting Alliance.....hmmmmm

Backlash Over AAFP And Coca-Cola Partnership »

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) announced last month a new program called Corporate Alliance, in which the AAFP partners with interested companies to produce educational material for the general public. The first of these companies to sign on is Coca-Cola, who has donated $500,000 to the AAFP which will be used to develop consumer education content related to beverages and sweeteners. Not surprisingly, many physician-members of the AAFP have voiced strong opposition to such an alliance, especially in light of the current obesity epidemic. AAFP President-elect, Lori Heim, M.D., states the partnerships will not include an AAFP endorsement of any brand, product or service, and the Academy will maintain editorial control of all materials related to the partnerships. However, this partnership of irony calls into question the integrity of AAFP leadership, who’s efforts should be devoted to primary care and prevention, not sleeping with the enemy. [via AAFP]

One Cup of Coffee.....

One Cup of Coffee.... Organic Coffee and What it REALLY means!

This Time of Year Inspires Creation

I was on a journey to use my pure essential oils in food this holiday, so I have modified some old recipes to make them "new" again. Try something new, and maybe it'll become a family/holiday tradition. I love to make tea and chocolates for my family and friends and I will be posting them to sell, since my clients and students have given me the "thumbs up" . Enjoy and savor this recipe, give me feedback, tell me how it works out for you...
Lavender Lemon Shortbread
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted organic butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar in the raw
1 1/2 cups organic wheat flour
1/4 teaspoon seasalt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
grated zest of one large lemon
8 drops organic pure essential oil of lavender
2 tablespoons lavender sugar(taken from 1 cup raw sugar w/ 1/3 cup lavender flowers fresh or dried)

Cream the butter and raw sugar together in a bowl until well blended and light. Sift the wheatflour and seasalt together in another bowl, and add to the butter and sugar mixture. Add the vanilla, lemon and lavender p.e.o. Mix thoroughly. Roll the dough into a ball and wrap in waxed paper and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours. Sprinkle tops with lavender sugar and shape into hearts and chill for another 45 minutes. Bake in 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes until the shortbread is lightly browned. Cool in pan. You can also slice the rolled dough as you go, for slice and bake cookies. Enjoy!