Staycation Tips This Summer Without Being Boring

If you’re staying at home this summer, you’re probably tired of hearing your friends going on about their vacation plans. While they are regaling you with what they plan to do, or where they have been (if your Facebook wall is inundated with pics), you may be feeling a little blue. Your summer prospects may appear boring in comparison. But wait! Your summer at home doesn’t have to be dull. You can still have a great time, and unlike your mates, you don’t have to endure steep flight costs, long waiting times, tourists, or tummy bugs from dodgy foods.

Here are some ideas to get you thinking about your summer at home.

  1. Look for fun activities near you

Unless you live in the middle of a desert, there are bound to be things you can do in your hometown. There may be amenities such as an Escape Room, bowling alley, cinema, or leisure center. You could get on your bike and head off somewhere scenic, or rock your summer staples if you have a beach near you. We often miss the things right under our noses because we are so intent on exploring new places, so go online, Google your town, and make a list of all the interesting things to do near you.

  1. Get a summer job

If you have time off from your regular job, the last thing you want to do is work all summer. However, you can pick up some valuable experience with your time off, and make some extra money to boot. If you don’t want to work indoors (such as at a grocery store), there may be opportunities to work in the great outdoors, such as at a camping ground, picking fruit, or lending a hand at a local farm. The summer is also a great time to take up a short-term internship program, and this will give you a massive boost to whatever career you are interested in.

  1. Focus on your hobbies

If you’re anything like us, you may not have time to focus on your regular hobbies because of the general busyness of life. However, if you have free time on your hands over the summer, get back into what you love doing. On the other hand, the summer may also be a time to explore new hobbies, especially if local community groups or sports centers are organizing courses and events over the sunny season, so head online and see what’s available.

  1. Get involved with the community

Bring out your charitable side and look for volunteer opportunities over the summer. If you enjoy working with children, you may be able to help out at a holiday club or volunteer as a sports coach. If animals are more your thing, you could volunteers at a local animal shelter or farm. Alternatively, visit the elderly, help the homeless, lend a hand at a food bank, get involved with conservation groups… the opportunities for volunteering are endless, and while they can be hard work, you will have a far more meaningful summer than your friends who are wasting their days lying on the beach.

Finally

Summer at home doesn’t have to be boring, so if you are stuck for something to do, consider our ideas. Who knows, you might even make your friends jealous, especially when they come back from vacation sun-bronzed but with no money!

Collaborative Post

 

Top Travel Tips For Your Summer Holiday This Year

Many of us love the chance to get away on holiday. An opportunity to put the “out of office” on the email, not think about work and just spend quality time with your nearest and dearest. It is such a liberating feeling to head away on your holidays but sometimes we can make a few errors when it comes to booking and actually getting there. Perhaps we get too wrapped up in all of the excitement of it. So I thought I would share with you some of the top travel tips to help you enjoy your summer holiday this year.

Featured Photo from Oprah.com

Choose your destination wisely and budget

One of the first things you need to consider would be where you want to go and what you want to do. A good way to work this out would also be to consider what budget you have. You may want to think about something luxurious and stay in somewhere like the Marriott’s Aruba Surf Club or you might want to think about something a little more local like a camping trip with all the family, or a road trip somewhere new. This can help you to ensure that you can then plan accordingly for the rest of the trip in terms of itinerary and what you have to spend while you are there.

Consider your outfit options instead of packing everything

While packing, instead of putting anything you think you might wear on holiday in your case, consider your outfits instead. Look at what you plan to do while you are there, the potential weather forecast and then work out what you will wear each day and night and what you might need. This is an excellent way of saving in space and weight and could mean taking less luggage away.

Make sure you take care of your skin while away

It is so important to take care of your skin while away on your holiday as the weather can cause sun damage if your skin is not protected with a high UV protection sunscreen. The last thing anyone wants to do on holiday is burn as it can be very uncomfortable. So make sure you pack plenty of skincare and moisturizers so that your skin doesn’t dry up.

Choose comfort over style for shoes

When it comes to your shoes, make sure that you consider comfort over style for most of your options. We can often fail to predict exactly how long we will be walking or be on our feet for while away, especially if your dinner option in a few minutes walk away. Sometimes it is worth comfort to ensure you remain comfortable on holiday.

Make a list of all the tech and gadget type things you want to take

Finally, make a note of what technology you want to take away with you. From an Ipad to a reading kindle, you may want to think about taking a few things with you. But having a list will also ensure that you pack the necessary batteries and chargers so you are not left stuck while away.

I hope that these tips help you when it comes to traveling on your next summer holiday.

Collaborative Post

Mother’s Day Gifts and Royal Wine Top Sellers

Mother’s Day is May 13. So, it’s time to start thinking about mom again – the woman who claims she never needs or wants anything, but actually loves whenever you show the littlest amount of thought.

For the wine-loving mom, look no further than Royal Wine for a wide variety of vintages for every palate.  Royal Wine’s Gabe Geller, a leading sommelier and the company’s Director of Public Relations, suggests these top sellers for those who love their libations.

  • Bartenura Sparkling Moscato Rosé – Slightly sweet, fun and bubbly yet refined and elegant in a beautifully designed bottle. SRP $21.99

This bubbly rose pairs well with desserts such a fruit salad, home-made raspberry ice cream and strawberry shortcake.

 

  • Herzog Late Harvest Orange Muscat – Delightfully sweet dessert wine with notes of candied citrus fruit, ripe apricot, and peaches. For amateurs and connoisseurs alike. SRP $22.99

This Muscat pairs well with hard salty cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Aged Asiago, and Gruyere, as well as apple pie, peach cobbler, and foie gras.

  • Jeunesse Chardonnay – Semi-sweet, medium-bodied and perfectly balanced Chardonnay with amazing notes of Meyer lemons, stone fruits as well as fresh almonds. SRP $14.99

Pair this Chardonnay with soft cheeses such as goat cheese, Camembert, and Brie, as well as spicy tuna sushi or hot BBQ wings.

Adds Geller, “With your gift of wine, add a pretty wine glass or two or better yet, prepare a stand-out dinner and serve the gift of wine with it.  Here’s to moms everywhere – L’Chaim!”

ABOUT ROYAL WINE/KEDEM

Founded in 1848, Royal Wine Corp. has been owned and operated in the United States by the Herzog family, whose winemaking roots go back eight generations to its origin in Czechoslovakia.

Today, Royal Wine’s portfolio of domestic and international wines range from traditional wine producing regions of France, Italy and Spain, as well as Israel, New Zealand and Argentina.

Additionally, Royal Wine Corp.’s spirit and liqueur portfolio offer some of the most sought-after scotches, bourbons, tequilas, and vodkas as well as hard to find specialty items such as flavored brandies and liqueurs.

The company owns and operates the Kedem Winery in upstate New York, as well as Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard, California, a state-of-the-art-facility featuring guided wine tours, a fully staffed modern tasting room, gift shop and catering facilities. Additionally, the winery houses the award-winning restaurant Tierra Sur, serving the finest, Mediterranean-inspired, contemporary Californian Cuisine.

Kanvas Skin Care Hosted Exclusive Pop-Up Day Spa for Celebrities and Influencers: Jamie Foxx, Amber Rose, Vanessa Simmons, and Kristinia DeBarge During 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

Kanvas Skin Care hosted an exclusive pop-up spa at The Pond Estate in Palm Springs on April 13-15, during the annual “Shift to Coachella Weekend.” In partnership with Rafael Luciano of My Time Entertainment, and a consortium of beauty, fashion, and tech companies including Shoe Dazzle, FanLogic, All Public Art, Bubblo and Roadstarr Motorsports, Kanvas Skin Care provided celebrity facials, premium massages and spa gift baskets for celebrity house guests and influencers including Jamie Foxx, Vanessa Simmons, Angela Simmons, Amber Rose and Kristinia DeBarge.

The gift baskets included limited-edition Kanvas Skin Care products created exclusively for Coachella. In addition to the pop-up spa, celebrity esthetician, Thai Morrison and her pro-team also provided celebrity in-suite services and poolside massages. One of the highlights of the weekend was the giant, flower-adorned Kanvas K, and customized Kanvas snap-chat filters, which many celebrities and VIP guests used as a photo backdrop.

“It was a pleasure to serve celebrities and other guests alike during Coachella,” said Thai Morrision, celebrity esthetician and founder of Kanvas Skin Care. “Being in the extreme desert climate, exposure to sun and the long nights of concert-fun can stress the skin, causing dehydration, eye puffiness, and hyperpigmentation. Our goal was to help attendees look and feel their best with our high-quality skin care products and premium spa services.”

Developed by Thai Morrison, a licensed esthetician and founder of Koffee Day Spa, Kanvas Skin Care provides high-quality products for all skin types at affordable prices. They also offer medical grade options through Kanvas md to treat specific skin conditions. From oily to dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles, to age spots and hyperpigmentation, Kanvas and Kanvas md have products to treat all skin conditions, particularly those common in African-Americans and other people of color.

Visit www.kanvasskin.com to learn more.

5 Ways to Learn Fast and Retain More: Independent Learning

The sooner you realize that learning never ends, the more willing you’ll be to expand, elevate in your profession, thrive in your life and even generate more income. Learning and studying can be difficult once we are long past our college years.  For all the old dogs who might be reluctant to learning new tricks, we tapped the expertise of Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a New York-based Neuropsychologist and Teaching Faculty at Columbia University to share 5 ways to learn fast and retain more so we can quickly grasp new concepts, technologies, business strategies and up-level our willingness to learn. 

Independent learning is the hot new brain trend. Thanks to digital media, we see a new renaissance when it comes to learning. On the professional side, nearly two-thirds of U.S. workers have taken a course or sought additional training to advance their careers, according to a March 2016 study by Pew Research Center.  On the personal development side, a simple Google search can lead anyone to a plethora of courses on everything from mastering personal finances, parenting, our relationships, nutrition, cooking, designing clothes, home organization, and design.

“The key to longevity is the learning and application of new things. When we stop learning, we stop growing and that is a slow death to our brains and bodies. Luckily today there are online seminars and other ways to learn that speak to our interests. It’s also incredibly convenient to learn,” explains Dr. Hafeez.

What are the best ways to learn new things quickly? Dr. Sanam Hafeez offers the following 5 ways to learn fast and retain more.

  1. Learn in quick sprints.There’s a sweet spot for learning in the 30-50 minute timeframe. Dedicate that amount of time to learning and then take a 10 to 15-minute break to end a learning segment before starting a new task. “You’re more likely to retain more when you focus on a shorter amount of time at once,” explains Dr. Hafeez who helps people with ADHD to enhance their ability to focus and learn. “Using tools like notecards with quick points helps the brain absorb concepts even more,” she adds. Which leads to…
  1. Take written notes and use color! Ditch the laptop and go old school with a pen and paper. Outline important points with a different color pen or highlighter and if you can draw a concept out in the margin, go for it. Writing fuels comprehension and enhances listening skills. Studies out of UCLA and Princeton found students who took notes on laptops didn’t perform as well as students who wrote by hand. “When we handwrite notes we listen then process the information before writing. When we type on a laptop, we transcribe what we hear without any self-interpretation which is where the actual learning comes into play,” offers Dr. Hafeez.
  1. Give your brain time to rest and recharge with sleep.People brag that they work so much and sleep so little. Arianna Huffington’s book, “The Sleep Revolution,” and choice to add nap rooms at her Huffington Post offices turned the light onto sleep as a performance enhancer. “People who get a full 8 hours of deep uninterrupted sleep retain what they learn and have bandwidth to grasp more information quicker. We often feel tired after a course or following instructions. This is because focusing requires energy. Naturally, when we rest we get to reboot the brain,” says Dr. Hafeez.
  1. Read out loud, record, replay.Research has shown that reading out loud engages both senses of sight and sound which heightens retention.“Recording yourself reading and elaborating with your own idea of how the concept resonates then replaying the recording a day or two later, is a great technique that fires up the part of the brain that processes concepts like a computer filing information for later use,” explains Dr. Hafeez.
  1. Break things down and relate it to what you already know.We all heard of the math teacher who used the example of rock concert ticket sales to get kids to grasp algebra. According to Dr. Hafeez, “when we take a concept and link it to something we already know about or have a genuine interest in, we retain that concept. Anytime we can internalize a concept it has resonance. It sticks.”

About the Doctor:

Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is an NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens. 

Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.

Connect with her via twitter @comprehendMind or www.comprehendthemind.com 

Vegan Chicken Salt A Best Seller Amazon: All-Purpose Seasoning

Australian-inspired Vegan Chicken Salt is quickly becoming a U.S. favorite! Customers are loving the versatile seasoning collection especially with Turmeric being the key ingredient. JADA Spices’ Vegan Chicken Salt is a 100% paleo friendly, an authentic vegan parve all-purpose seasoning made with unrefined sea salt, turmeric, onion powder and garlic powder that is safe to use before, during, and after cooking.

Turmeric and its health benefits have received plenty of attention and consumers are looking for ways to add it to their diets. Native to India, it has been used for thousands of years in foods and for medicinal purposes. Below is a list of health benefits associated with Turmeric:

  • Natural anti-inflammatory: helps with arthritis, muscle ache, and heart disease
  • Powerful antioxidant: helps cleanse the body and fights signs of aging
  • Help prevent Cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease

Though many delicious meals include Turmeric, this beneficial ingredient is not as popular in US households. With somewhat of a bitter taste, this powdery spice works best when mixed with other complementary herbs.

With essential add-on ingredients such as garlic, sea salt, and black pepper, the Vegan Chicken Salt collection has made it easy to include more Turmeric in everyday meals and snacks. With five flavors to choose from (Original, Reduced Sodium, Lime, Red Pepper and BBQ), customers can pick their favorites and begin enjoying the health benefits of Turmeric when spicing their eggs, tofu, vegetables, meats, legumes and more!

JADA Spices is also the first to create an exclusive Turmeric Salt flavor. Though all of their flavors contain Turmeric, Turmeric Salt contains a higher amount. Just in case you wish to include more Turmeric in your recipes without adding a distinctive taste (such as Lime, Red Pepper, or BBQ), Turmeric Salt is a great solution.

ABOUT JADA SPICES

JADA Spices is a health-conscious seasoning company hoping to provide flavorful and healthier alternatives to traditional all-purpose seasonings. All their seasonings are currently Vegan and Non-GMO certified; thus, leading the movement of certified products for health-conscious consumers.

“We understand it can be time-consuming preparing delicious meals but many of us know eating unhealthy is a compromise for the convenience it offers. We all desire to be healthy, so we created flavors with the essential ingredients [you’re already using] in order to compete with busy schedules. With the right combination of vital herbs and spices, flavorful and healthy meals are a few bottles shake away,” stated JADA Spices.

Vegan Chicken Salt is meant to encourage a healthier cooking lifestyle by motivating consumers to enjoy more home-cooked meals using healthy ingredients and spices. “We are extremely proud to have incorporated Turmeric in all our seasonings.

We know people want to take advantage of all the health benefits certain natural ingredients have, but we also understand they want a convenient way to incorporate it into their meals,” commented JADA Spices. With additional health benefits such as Gluten, MSG, and Soy-free, and the inclusion of turmeric as a key ingredient, customers can enjoy plenty of health benefits with every meal.

Chicken Salt is currently sold on Amazon: Amazon Best Seller, Southern California grocery chain Bristol Farms, and on their official website: www.chickensalt.com

Zucchini Lasagna Spirals Recipe: Cooking Demo on WBRC Fox6 News

Last Tuesday I had the opportunity to visit WBRC Fox6 news and host a cooking demo.  The recipe that I prepared was Zucchini Lasagna Spirals.  This was a fun opportunity because I like to prepare meals at home for my family with time-saving kitchen appliances.

Feature Photo from Destination Delish

I wanted to share the ingredients for those that enjoy trying new meals.  See the list below.

Zucchini Lasagna Spirals

 Ingredients:

  • 2-3 cups Cucina Antica Tomato Basil cooking sauce
  • 12 oz. ricotta
  • 2 tbsp. basil, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, freshly grated
  • 8 oz. mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 4 medium zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise
  • Salt

Preparation:

  1. Lay the zucchini strips out on a cooling rack (cooling rack allows excess water to drain). Sprinkle salt across the tops of the zucchini and let sit for about 10-15 minutes to let the water sweat out of the zucchini. Pat the water off the zucchini and then flip them over and repeat with the next side. Wipe off excess salt with a towel.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F
  3. In a medium bowl mix ricotta cheese, basil, mozzarella, and egg. Stir well.
  4. Spread 1/2 cup Cucina Antica Tomato Basil on the bottom of casserole dish.
  5. Lay out the sliced zucchini noodles and spread about 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture over each individual zucchini noodle. Add a spoonful of Cucina Antica Tomato Basil over the top of the ricotta.
  6. Carefully roll up the zucchini and place in the casserole dish.
  7. Spread extra Cucina Antica Tomato Basil cooking sauce over the top of the rolls. Sprinkle Parmigiano-Reggiano on top.
  8. Bake for about 45 minutes or until the cheese on top is a nice golden brown.

A suggestion I provided on-air would be to include onions, mushrooms or ground turkey meat.  This is the perfect dish to serve for dinner or during Sunday brunch.

Montgomery Looks Ahead to Exciting Spring Events Calendar

Springtime offers ideal weather and a jam-packed calendar of events in Montgomery this year. Known for its Southern hospitality and its revitalized downtown, this riverfront capital city was the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and has established itself as a landmark Deep South destination. With a world-class monument and museum opening in April, more visitors than ever will make a stop in Alabama’s capital city to experience the civil rights landmarks, take in the local culture and take part in some exciting events and celebrations.

 “This spring will see some long-anticipated developments in our city and we’re looking forward to welcoming many visitors to the city for the very first time,” shares Vice President of Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Dawn Hathcock. “Although many people will be here to experience the brand new EJI Memorial and Legacy Museum, we’re excited to welcome all visitors to our many annual events which give our destination such a unique feel.”

Below is an overview of notable spring events and celebrations in Montgomery:

  • Maxwell AFB Centennial Celebration, April 6 – 8, 2018 – A full weekend of celebratory events will be held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of Maxwell Air Force Base. A Montgomery Biscuits baseball game on the 6th will include military flyovers and a military first pitch. For more information, go to http://www.maxwell.af.mil/Centennial/
  • Alabama Book Festival, April 21, 2018 – Since 2006 this event has welcomed book lovers to Alabama’s premier literary event. Thousands of people gather for author readings, book signings, writing workshops and more. For more information, go to http://alabamabookfestival.org/
  • Alabama Shakespeare Festival Spring Repertory Season, April 25 –  May 6, 2018 – Each spring this surprising theatrical find nestled in the exquisite 300-acre Blount Cultural Park achieves a rarely attempted feat – professional repertory theatre featuring Shakespeare and the classics. This year’s season includes Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night alongside the classic based on Alabama’s own Helen Keller, The Miracle Worker. For more information, go to www.asf.net
  • Grand Opening of the Equal Justice Initiative’s Memorial to Peace and Justice and The Legacy Museum, April 26, 2018 – These two institutions will open to the public for the very first time this April. The memorial, on a six-acre park, is a sacred space for reflection on racial terrorism in America, and the museum, located a short walk away, will use interactive media, sculpture, film, and exhibits to immerse and educate visitors. For more information, go to https://eji.org/news/museum-and-memorial-opening-april-26-2018
  • 24th Annual Fitzgerald Gala, May 11, 2018 – This annual fundraiser for the Fitzgerald Museum is the social event of the year. Guests arrive decked out in 1920s and 1930s attire to celebrate Montgomery’s favorite literary couple. The event includes live period music, antique cars, and a jaw-dropping Silent Auction. For more information, go to http://www.thefitzgeraldmuseum.org/events.html
  • Taco Libre FestivalMay 12, 2018 –  Alabama’s Taco Festival features a wide assortment of tacos from the state’s favorite local taco joints, restaurants and food trucks, along with plenty of refreshing beer and margaritas and musical entertainment. The event is held at “The Yards at Western Rail” a 40-acre venue in a reclaimed train shed and yard. For more information, go to http://www.lightninglinemgm.com/tacolibre/

For more information on Montgomery, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/

About Montgomery

Situated on the banks of the Alabama River, Montgomery is the capital and the second largest city in the state of Alabama. Established in 1819, Montgomery has been the site of major historical events which have shaped the history of the United States. Emerging from its agricultural roots in the 19th century, Montgomery transformed from the Cradle of the Confederacy to the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement in less than a century. Today, this vibrant river town is experiencing a resurgence which has seen its downtown revitalized and has reestablished itself as a landmark Deep South destination.  Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) offers non-stop flights on Delta Airlines and American Airlines. For more information, call 334-261-1100 or visit the official website of the Montgomery Convention and Visitor Bureau at http://www.visitingmontgomery.com.  Stay connected with Montgomery on Twitter (@MGMCapitalCool) and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/MontgomeryCapitalCool).

PBFit All Natural Peanut Butter Powder: Healthy Product Review

Let’s pause for a moment to talk about health and fitness.  This topic’s important not just because it’s almost swimsuit season.  Being healthy has a huge impact on our well-being in terms of living well.  A few of my fellow Instagram buddies made the suggestion of drinking meal replacements in the mornings to shed a few pounds.

If you’re a fitness enthusiast we all know the unappealing taste of meal replacement powders.  Yuck.  PBFit has created a new powder that sheds pounds with the delicious taste of Peanut Butter.  This yummy powder can be added to smoothies, shakes, and waffle batter!

Product Review:

I received the product last month because I am eager to shed a few pounds before summer!  My morning routine includes drinking a smoothie to ensure that I’m getting the right amount of fruits and vegetables.  I also love peanut butter and this was an easy option as a mid-morning snack.

The flavored powder tasted delicious and I can’t wait to create more recipes with the mixture.  We all know that eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich has the same amount of calories as eating a candy bar.  PBFit has 90% less fat and it’s made with real peanuts.

Let’s take this fitness journey together and try PBFit recipes.  It’s a fun and easy way to get fit and eat well too!

Healthy Snack with Apple

Chocolate Strawberry and Banana Smoothie Recipe

2 Bananas

10 Strawberries

1 teaspoon of Coconut Oil

2 TBsp of Chocolate PBFit

8 Ice Cubes

2 cups of water

Blend the ingredients and enjoy!

 

Slow Down and Practice Self – Care: Stress Awareness Month Essentials

April is Stress Awareness Month, a reminder for us to slow down and practice self-care. This month, take time for yourself and indulge in luxury and comfort with these essentials from Molton Brown, Soap & Paper Factory and C.O. Bigelow:

 

Molton Brown Rosa Absolute Sumptuous Bathing Oil

$65, moltonbrown.com

The Rosa Absolute Sumptuous Bathing Oil is a bathing elixir enriched with luxurious Italian rose and argan oils, leaving skin silky, supple and perfumed with notes of rose oil, blackcurrent, geranium, and patchouli.

Molton Brown Coco & Sandalwood Single Wick Candle

$49, moltonbrown.com

The Candle Coco & Sandalwood Single Wick Candle is a luxuriously scented candle, blended with Filipino coconut, jasmine, and sandalwood for a harmonious, sophisticated aroma.

 

 

Molton Brown Pink Pepperpod Single Wick Candle

$49.00, moltonbrown.com

An indulgent, spicy single wick scented candle blended with notes of ginger, patchouli, and pink pepperpods.

 

Molton Brown Orange & Bergamot Single Wick Candle

$49.00, moltonbrown.com

A luxurious single wick candle blended with notes of bergamot, Sevillian orange oil, and mandarin.

 

Soap & Paper Factory Mission Grove Sea Salt Scrub

$10.00 at soapandpaperfactory.com

This scrub gives new meaning to the word “glowing,” with the ability to naturally detoxify while giving you super soft and radiant skin. Available in Madagascar Vanilla, Sakura Blossom, and Fig & Honey.

 

 

 

C.O. Bigelow Lavender Essential Oil

The most popular of essential oils, lavender oil is used to treat a multitude of ailments including bruises, cuts, wounds, scars and insect bites.  It has anti-inflammatory properties used to relieve muscular aches, pain, and rheumatism.  The essential oil also promotes a restful sleep and soothes anger.

Price: $12

Available: bigelowchemists.com

 

C.O. Bigelow Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Eucalyptus helps open the breathing passages in steam inhalation and inhibits proliferation of the cold virus. Some of this oil’s properties are expectorant, decongestant,  analgesic, antirheumatic and antiseptic. Other benefits include cooling emotions and aiding concentration.

Price: $8.50

Available: bigelowchemists.com