The Rebecca

Please click onto the image for a clearer view.

The Rebecca is the first bracelet that I have incorporated Lava Stones into and I am excited for the person who makes this one theirs!  As with all of my bracelets, a great deal of effort was put into the thought process of combining different stones not just for aesthetic purposes, but to build a collaboration of meaning behind them.

Lava Stones:  Lava is known for grounding and calming emotions.  It comes from the core of the earth and is a Root Chakra.  Because of its unique and porous texture, it can be used as a natural diffuser.  Essential oils can easily be absorbed by the lava stones, allowing you to carry its scent with you all day.  

Carnelian:  Carnelian is "known as a stone of motivation and endurance, leadership and courage."

It is also a stabilizing crystal to help improve concentration and creativity.  It's an energy booster. Orange Carnelian stimulates the Sacral Chakra.  It is the birthstone for August and for Virgos.  

Black Tourmaline:  It is known to be a protective stone; to protect one from negative energies including one's own thoughts and feelings and to protect one from environmental pollutants.  

It is grounding stone and a Base or Root Chakra.  It is also a Capricorn birthstone.

This bracelet may appeal to anyone who is looking to ground themselves and rid themselves of negativity to make room for creativity, confidence, and energy.  Depression.  

This bracelet can be worn with or without adding an essential oil to the lava stones.  Sweet Orange has a fresh and sweet scent.  It is great to use to uplift your mind and body.  *If using an EO, please add one drop at a time until you find the perfect amount for you.  Add the EO prior to wearing the bracelet and give it a few minutes to absorb so as to diminish the amount of contact the EO has on your skin.  

Please click onto the images for a clearer view.

Interested in the Sweet Orange Essential Oil?

http://www.ourlemongrassspa.com/AMYMARIE/content/Product_Catalog.aspx#lemongrass2017/page/34-35

Fashion?

Meaning?

Charity?

My 3 Birds... which one are you?

Resource:  https://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/crystal-guide

The Julia

Please click onto the image for a clearer viewing.

The Julia bracelet is one of my favorites.  I love it so much that for the first time, I made more than one of the same bracelet.  The only two differences are the length and the clasps, which you can see in the images below.

Rather than referring to each bracelet as an item number, I decided that I preferred to call them by a name.  As soon as I finished the first of the two, Julia immediately came to find.  Beautiful, classic, elegant... Julia.  

The Julia bracelet is made with tourmaline stones.  When I created these bracelets I did so not only with the intent of creating an attractive piece of jewelry that anyone would love, but did so with the meaning of the stones in mind.  

Black Tourmaline:  It is known to be a protective stone; to protect one from negative energies including one's own thoughts and feelings and to protect one from environmental pollutants.  

It is grounding stone and a Base or Root Chakra.  It is also a Capricorn birthstone.

Quartz Tourmaline:  The combination of clear quartz and black tourmaline is "believed to create the perfect polarity of energies." They compliment one another aesthetically and purposefully.  Clear Quartz is known as a healing stone.  It is a Crown Chakra.  Tourmilated Quartz is a Libra birthstone.  

These stones may appeal to anyone who is in need of mental clarity, stability, and a release of negative energies or depression.  

Fashion?

Meaning?

Charity?

My 3 Birds... which one are you?

P.S.  If the 7.25 inch doesn't go by Monday... I have a meditation class and it's all mine.  ;)

Please click onto images for a clearer view.

Resource:  https://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/quartz

My New Adventure

I'm super excited to introduce to you a little project that I have been working on!  I've been antsy lately, looking for something more to do.  It's not that I am not busy, but I've been looking for something more fulfilling to do with my spare time outside of being a mother, wife, and teacher.  So I thought about the things that I love... photography, nature, pieces of positivity... and I thought about the things that I am intrigued by... health and natural products.  So I did some research.  I did some shopping.  And what I came up with was...

Each piece was carefully created with particular stones to promote a more vibrant well-being.  Some have a diffuser charm which can be used for adding essential oils that you can carry with you all day long.  Some have lava stones, which are also great carriers for essential oils.  Some have larger stones that can be used as a worry stone to help ease angst and stress.  The stones themselves also have meaning and healing elements to them.  Amethyst, tourmaline, quartz, carenelian, ametrine, tiger's eye, and titanium are just a few of the stones that I have started to work with.  

I am not a doctor and am not promoting my bracelets to cure any one's illnesses.  However, I personally am intrigued by the connection that we have with nature.  I am intrigued by the beliefs and practices that can be more commonly found in the eastern cultures.  I am also intrigued by the power of the mind and positivity.  Wouldn't it be great if rubbing the quartz stone on a bracelet during a long meeting helped to alleviate anxiety?  Or the lavender essential oil in the diffuser on your bracelet helped to calm you during a hectic day?  Or the tourmaline and the magnets in your bracelet helped to ground you?  But if nothing else... you have a handmade, unique, and fashionable accessory!

My goal, to create a piece of jewelry that does make a statement, 3 actually.  

1.  Fashionable

2.  Meaningful

3.  Charitable

Did I mention that 75% of the profits will go to various charities?  :)

So... what do you think?  Please give me any feedback and opinions on any of the bracelets you see above!  

💜

Call Me Mrs. Vein

Confession:  I had a cosmetic procedure done yesterday.  😲

Face lift?  Tummy tuck?  Breast implants?  Nah... there's actually a limit to what I am willing to do. However, when the opportunity was given to me to to have a simple procedure done to zap away my spider veins, I took it.

I've been growing my little garden patch of spider veins on my upper right thigh for years now.  I can't blame it on being pregnant or on even getting older (although I'm sure they didn't help) because I started to notice them in my twenties.  As time went on, my patch started to grow and expand. Admittedly, they didn't stop me from wearing skirts and shorts or even bathing suits, but over the past couple of years, I had become more aware and self-conscious of them.  Being fair skinned only enhanced their appearance too.  Tanning (the little color I do get) and even tanning balms and sprays only covered them slightly.  So my veiny legs were now apart of my appearance.  Until yesterday.

Before going on, let me say that more fortunately for me than being able to have this procedure done, is that my legs are healthy!  Prior to the sclerotherapy, I had first visited a doctor and had a sonogram done on my legs.  The doctor somberly told me the "good" news and I should have taken that as a sign that he was not the doctor for me because... I was happy that my legs were healthy!!!! even if that meant that if I followed through on the procedure it was purely for cosmetic purposes (and insurance won't cover that).

I decided to swallow that vain pill and went for it.  I pulled off about 12 cotton balls this morning, so my sclerotherapy included 12 injections.  My (new) doctor told me the needles were about the size used for acupuncture.  The biggest difference is that there's a burning sensation from the saline being injected into the veins.  She used a laser for some of the smaller veins near the surface and I think that was more annoying than the injections.  But overall, the procedure took about 30 minutes and it was completely doable.  I was even able to drive myself home afterwards.  The most annoying part now is that I have to wear compression socks for 3 days.

Before...

After...

Before...

After...

Initially, the bruising looks pretty bad, but I was pleasantly surprised this morning because I bruise very easily and I was expected my legs to be black and blue all over.  The best part is, is that I can already see a difference!!!

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a rather simple, natural person.  I do wear makeup.  I do dress well.  But I don't overdo it and I am not egotistical or self absorbed or obsessed with  my looks. However, my legs were aging me (even more so than the lines on my forehead) and... why not?  I took a noninvasive route that didn't jeopardize my health in any way.  In fact, I feel like I need to make sure to get the rest of my body in better shape to match what will soon be my more youthful legs.  

How far are you willing to go to retain your youthful appearance?

My Day to Day Go To's

Here it is... my day to day arsenal that helps me to feel clean, pretty, and young!  Everything is a Lemongrass Spa product... except some hair products (which we don't make) and the coconut oil in the tupperware container in the back (I'll explain later).

 Let's start with the my daily facial regiment.  I am so happy that LGS finally made the facial kits customizable which will allow you to pick and choose the products that are best for you and you will get the kit discount instead of the al la carte prices (see bottom of post for more info).

1.  Cleanser:   I use the cleansing gel for normal skin.  I have noticed a diminish in black heads and other blemishes since I started using it 2 years ago.  I am  very happy with it.

2.  Toner:  As I have gotten older, I have noticed that I have more redness in my face, especially near the nose area.  LGS has just the remedy for that, The Prebiotic Facial Mist.  It has eliminated the redness and smooths out the skin tone.  This may be my most used and most underrated product.  I really just love it!

3.  Moisturizer:  I use the Face Creme with Botanicals for normal skin.  What I love most about this moisturizer is that it is not heavy or greasy.  After giving it a moment to absorb into the skin, you won't even be able to tell that you have it on.  It's a great feeling, especially in the hot, summer months.

Click here for reasons why you don't want to skin the moisturizer!
http://www.belledskincare.com/blog.php?d=35

4.  Eyes:  I currently have the hydrating eye creme, which does a great job keeping my eye area from becoming dry.  I am especially happy that I will now be able to create my own facial kit because my normal kit didn't come with the original blend with cucumber and witch hazel.  My eye area is very sensitive and I have dark circles below my eyes.  Witch hazel is great for puffiness and dark circles!

5.  Serum:  I use the Green Tea Antioxidant Serum.  It leaves my skin feeling super soft!  What I really love about this product is that it doubles as a primer!  That's right, its a two for one!

6.  Exfoliator:  You should exfoliate your skin 1-2 times per week.  I use the pomegranate exfoliator for normal skin.  It is so gentle and is smell so good!  I have to admit though that I am super excited to try out our new charcoal exfoliator! It's good for all skin types, so those of you with sensitive or dry skin, we have products for you too!

7.  Detoxify:  We live in a dirty, dirty world and our face is exposed more that any other area of our bodies.  It is suggested that we detoxify once a week.   I have the pomegranate mask for normal skin and it is one of my favorite products!  The mask is gentle and does not harden.  It feels like a thick pudding and smells good enough to eat too.  Even though I have been using this for 2 years, every time I use it, it is just like the first time.  I always notice an immediate difference in the radiance in my skin.

So there you have it... my facial regiment.  What's yours?

For a clearer image, go to http://www.ourlemongrassspa.com/AMYMARIE/content/Product_Catalog.aspx#lemongrass2017/page/6-7

The LGS facial line is a great investment in your face and your health!  It won't break the bank, and these products LAST a long time!  My kit last about 8 months; money well spent.

There's alot of information in this post, therefore I will continue to share the rest of my daily products in the next post.

Until then...
Stay Fresh and Fabulous!!

What's in My Shower?

It has been nearly 2 years since I signed up with Lemongrass Spa to be a consultant.  So I thought that this week I'd share all of my beauty care products so that you can get a genuine glimpse into how Lemongrass Spa has influenced me and the products that I use on a daily basis.  Today, I decided to start with the shower!

As you can see, I am a simple person.  I don't use many products but what you do see here are the following...

1.  LGS's Oatmeal Milk and Honey Bar Soap:  I LOVE LGS's bar soaps, especially the lavender and the frosted cranberry.  However, since I found out that I have eczema, I have switched to the OM&H soap.  It is so sweet and yummy too, there was no sacrifice made!  I am however super excited to try our newest soap, Midnight Orchid!  First off, the bar alone is gorgeous and the scent is... mmmm.   Bliss!

P.S.  I will be giving away 1 FREE bar of soap.  You can enter by commenting on this blog post OR by checking out my FB page at https://www.facebook.com/freshnfabulous/ and leaving a comment on the contest post for the soap.  Don't delay, the winner will be chose this Wednesday, 3/1/17.

(Each bar of soap is $7.50.  Buy more and save... 3 for $21.)

2.  LGS's Body Polish:  I have both mandarin orange and midnight orchid body polish in my shower.  The mandarin orange is a refreshing scent which is great to help wake you up in the morning.  The midnight orchid is what I would use if I was going out or if I was planning on snuggling up with John, lol.  All of our body polishes are exfoliate gently and leave your skin feeling velvety smooth.  They are also great to use prior to shaving (no need for any type of shaving cream if you do!).

(Each jar is $17.  Buy more and save $6... 3 for $45.)


3. LGS's Cleansing Gel for Normal Skin:  I do use a full facial LGS regiment.  You'll see the rest in my next post.  I just happen to keep the cleansing gel in the shower.  It keeps my skin feeling soft and clean!

(Each 4 oz. container is $13.  However, we have a variety of bundles and varieties for different skin care types.)

4.  LGS's Lavender Bath Crystals:  It's not often that I take a bath, but when I do, you better believe that the lavender bath crystals and a glass of wine join me!  I am a huge lavender fan and love how it helps to just calm me.  On those extra special days where I need just that, I will close up the drain and pour in some crystals as I take a shower.

(Each 16 oz. jar is just $12.  Buy more and save... 2 for $20.)

5.  LOMA Shampoo and Conditioner:  You caught me!!  I was getting my hair done in December and my beautician used this natural shampoo and conditioner on me.  I loved the smell and I loved that it was made with natural products.   Since I knew my LGS products were almost out, I decided to give this a try and I bought it.  What I found was that, like LGS's shampoo, it didn't get bubbly and lather well.  I know that this is true for natural hair products, but I haven't actually used any other than LGS.  So I was happy that I didn't find this particular brand to be any better than LGS.  When I finally do run out, LGS S & C will be back in my shower!

(Lemongrass Spa sells shampoo and conditioner individually or in sets.  A 2 oz. set is $9, an 8 oz. set is $20, and a 16 oz. set is $35.)

Sooooo... what's in your shower?  Anything Lemongrass you are interested in learning more about? 

Check out our catalog here.... http://www.ourlemongrassspa.com/AMYMARIE/content/Product_Catalog.aspx

Diagnosis: Eczema

It was around November when the pain and the itch began.  I wasn't quite sure what those red spot were but they seemed to respond to the only ointment that I had at home, my Lemongrass Spa Healing Elements Balm.  I used it for cuts, bug bites, even more private irritations (wink, wink) and it did the job, so why wouldn't it work on this new "rash?"  The Healing Elements alleviated the symptoms and as soon as they went away, I stopped putting it on.  It didn't take long for the rash to return and I would begin the dance again.  

Although uncomfortable, I wasn't overly concerned considering it took me two month to finally visit the doctor.  However, when I finally got around to it, it was nice to get an answer to my burning question.  Diagnosis:  Eczema!  Now I am very thankful that it isn't leprosy or any other horrific disease, but eczema wasn't what I was hoping for either.  Especially, in the armpits!  Ugh... it's annoying.  The doctor gave me the spiel of how there's not alot out there for it and not that much information about it.  What stuck in my head was that it doesn't really go away.  :(

I told her what I had been using and she asked if I wanted a prescription.  I said yes and got it filled, but I have yet to use it... I haven't had to!  I am all for modern medicine, but when I can use something natural and it works, I am absolutely going to take that route.  It's been two weeks since I have learned what I am dealing with and I have yet to have a flair up since!  

Being a consultant, I know that Lemongrass Spa has a number of products that are beneficial for those people who suffer from eczema, so as soon as I got home from the doctor, I went shopping!

Here's my artillery that is keeping my eczema at bay...

First, the oatmeal milk and honey soap smells phenomenal!!
It's a gentle cleanser that won't dry out your skin and perfect for sensitive skin.
You can use this on your face and whole body!

Although I was already using Lemongrass Spa natural deodorant, I felt that my Lavender Deodorant irritated my skin at times.  I later on read that essential oils need to be very diluted if they are going to be used on sensitive (eczema) skin.  So I changed over to our new deodorant paste.  I opted for the unscented paste and paired that with the lemongrass spray.
Read more here.

Last but not least, the healing elements balm!!!  So many uses and so far, it has worked for all that I have tried (lip balm, razor burn, anti-bacterial ointment, yeast infections, hemorrhoid cream, sunburn, canker sores, and deodorant).
Since my eczema is in my armpits, most of the time now, I am using this as my ointment and deodorant.  I love that I have the lemongrass deodorant spray to make me feel a little more protected from stink, ;)
Read more here.

If you suffer from eczema or psoriasis or if you just want to learn more about these or any other Lemongrass Spa, please comment below!  :)