Thursday, March 20, 2014

Feng Shui - The Art of Harmony in the Home


The home is a representation of our daily lives. I truly believe this to be true. Harmony in the home starts by creating an environment that fosters us from the madness of this world. If we have an orderly home then it becomes much more fun coming home from work. It allows us to create self expression and give to others by entertaining. The opposite also proves true. Imagine a long day filled with meetings, appointments, errands and little sleep while walking into your living room and finding untidiness, clothes all over the place, dishes undone and you can't find your bills. The following ideas will help you keep your home organized and clutter free. Harmony in the home can go a long way...

1. Clean your closets. You will find items which you no longer use or have no interest in wearing.

2. Donate or sell your unused items. If you look around your home you might find plenty of items which you could sell online or yard sales.

3. Be creative with your space. A bookshelf can hold just about anything not just books.

4. Keep the color scheme. It is much pleasing to the eye if you stay with a few color combinations. This tip creates a sense of order.

5. Maintenance is the key. Keeping track of your progress is necessary for these changes to last. A chore board helps everyone around the house be responsible for their part.

6. Plants make the world go round. Plants create a sense of vibrance and peace in the home. Just don't forget to water the plants.

7. Lighter colors open the room. The lighter the color scheme the bigger the room will appear. You can create this effect with the paint color, decorations and lighting.


RELAX!

The day seems like it is never going to end. The workload is stressful, the coworkers are challenging your sanity and the boss is irritable. This describes a typical bad day at work. Life can be difficult at times and our very selves can get trampled in the everyday routine leading to neglecting our minds, bodies and souls. Here are a few ways I like to RELAX and unwind after a very chaotic day in the workplace. I hope you enjoy these suggestions which I believe can help ease the worries of a long and strenuous day.




1. Have some chamomile tea. This tea has great soothing properties allowing you to feel relaxed...very relaxed!

2. Chocolate is called the food of the God's! Chocolate releases endorphins which are chemicals in the brain associated with happiness. Dark chocolate is my favorite and it is high an antioxidants.

3. Read a new book! Go to the library or the store and find that book you have been wanting to get around for a while. Sit back and enjoy!

4. Go for a run! Running or any other type of exercise helps the body get rid of stress and some studies suggest even depression. Plus your confidence increases as you get into shape.

5. Have a healthy smoothie! Get the blender out of storage and mix some fruits, protein powder and ice. Now you have a palate pleasing smoothie that is also really good for you.

6. Call a friend! It could help you make sense of the situation at work by allowing you to sort out ideas and help you to think clearly.


7. Get a massage! There a so many types out there such as aroma therapy, hot stone, reflexology or a simple 20 minute chair massage can also help you relax and deal with stress.

Passionate for Passion Fruit!




Passion fruit or Maracuja or Parcha (as I grew up calling it) is one of my favorite tropical fruits. The fruit can range between a nice shiny yellow or purple for the exterior and it consists of black seeds mixed in with a sweet gelatinous substance. This succulent interior is then extracted out of the fruit and made into refreshing juices, desserts, pastries, ice creams and supplements. The fruit has many benefits such as relieving anxiety, lowering blood pressure and decreasing insomnia. It is such a sweet and luscious fruit rich in vitamin C, potassium and fiber. You should try it sometime :-)

Monday, March 17, 2014

Benefits of Aloe Vera

The benefits of aloe vera are incredible. I found my hands to be dry, itchy and sensitive to the touch due to the brutal climate changes and rubbed some of this plant's silky product into my skin. The coolness of the aloe was soothing to my hands and helped with healing after a few applications. I recommend growing your own aloe plant at home. The plant does not require much maintenance and its many uses are a miracle! 

Here are a few simple steps:

1. Go to your local flower, gardening or plant store and buy some aloe vera seeds, fertilizer, soil, pots and gardening gloves.

2. Keep your plant by a window or outdoors and water it daily without over doing.

3. If you notice the plant is changing colors then move the plant away from sunlight until it starts to become its usual green again.

4. The plant could take weeks or some months before it is ready to be cut and used. Be patient! It is all worth the wait.



Thursday, March 6, 2014

Handmade Coconut Cream Soap - Vegan - 5 oz - No SLS, No Titanium Dioxide or Animal Testing by Soaps By Virginia




Coconut Cream Soap 5 oz

This is one luscious and creamy bar of soap! Made with organic ingredients. This soap does not contain Lye, Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Titanium Dioxide. It cleanses without stripping or upsetting the delicate natural pH balance necessary for soft, healthy skin. This and all of my soaps are never tested on animals!!

• Highly moisturizing formula • No animal testing • 100% All Vegetable Soap• Biodegradable

All items are individually sealed in order to maintain the moisturizing properties of the soap. ❤❤

Note: These are handcrafted soaps and the appearance of each soap varies. Every soap is distinct.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

Handmade Bubblegum Soap - Vegan - 5 oz - No SLS, No Titanium Dioxide or Animal Testing by Soaps By Virginia



Bubblegum Kisses Soap 5 oz

I love the smell of this soap! It takes me back when I was a kid and looked forward to the bubblegum machines after school. Made with organic ingredients. This soap does not contain Lye, Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Titanium Dioxide. It cleanses without stripping or upsetting the delicate natural pH balance necessary for soft, healthy skin. This and all of my soaps are never tested on animals!!

• Highly moisturizing formula
• No animal testing
• 100% All Vegetable Soap
• Biodegradable

All items are individually sealed in order to maintain the moisturizing properties of the soap. ❤❤

Note: These are handcrafted soaps and the appearance of each soap varies. 

http://www.soapsbyvirginia.com/4/post/2014/03/handmade-bubblegum-soap-vegan-5-oz-no-sls-no-titanium-dioxide-or-animal-testing-by-soaps-by-virginia.html

Handmade Unscented Soap - Vegan - 5 oz - No SLS, No Titanium Dioxide or Animal Testing ❤❤❤❤ by Soaps By Virginia


http://www.soapsbyvirginia.com/4/post/2014/02/handmade-unscented-soap-vegan-5-oz-no-sls-no-titanium-dioxide-or-animal-testing.html



Unscented Vegan Soap

This is an unscented soap without colors or fragrances. Made with organic ingredients. This soap does not contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate or Titanium Dioxide. It cleanses without stripping or upsetting the delicate natural pH balance necessary for soft, healthy skin. 

• Highly moisturizing formula
• No animal testing
• 100% All Vegetable Soap
• Biodegradable

All items are individually sealed in order to maintain the moisturizing properties of the soap. ❤❤