Most essential oils require being diluted in another base oil, or alcohol, prior to being applied to the skin.  But lavender essential oil (EO) is one of the few EO’s that can be applied to the skin ”neat”, meaning it is safe to use full strength for skin irritations like insect bites, boils, non-serious burns, athletes foot, rashes, etc.

Considered an effective remedy to help purify and clean stale air, it has been used to disinfect hospitals and sick rooms in Greece, Rome and Persia.   Since I make my own home cleaning products, such as scrubs and sprays for the kitchen and bathroom, I often include a few drops of lavender EO to add an herbaceous, woody smell to offset the more medicinal-smelling EO’s with anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties (e.g., eucalyptus and tea tree).

Because of its relaxing nature, lavender EO can help heart arrhythmias, lower blood pressure and ease PMS symptoms.  As most essential oils do not stain, I often drizzle a few drops directly onto my pillowcases before bed.  Check out my online store for laundry & personal fragrance products made with pure lavender essential oil , including laundry soap, linen water, cream perfume and body powder.

The recipe below combines lavender, ylang ylang and bergamot EO’s to provide the ultimate “restful sleep”.  Considered to be the number one essential oil to help “ease anger, ylang ylang essential oil has a “heady” floral scent with aphrodesiac and calmative properties.  Bergamot essnetial oil, which is used to flavor Earl Grey tea, is considered a classic anti-depressant that helps balance emotions and ease agitation. 

Restful Sleep Recipe:

Combine the following EO’s together and then sprinkle over bed linens before bedtime:

3 drops of lavender,
2 drops of ylang ylang,
2 drops of bergamot

Enjoy in health,
barbara-ann

The majority of nutmeg comes from Indonesia and Grenada.  Dried nutmeg seeds grow on a tall, thick evergreen tree full of little yellow flowers, and the EO extraction method is through steam distillation from the seeds.

Nutmeg EO is stimulating, which is why it’s great for a “pick-me-up-like-yesterday” treatment.  Some of its properties include anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic, anti-rheumatic and antispasmodic; several studies indicate nutmeg may have also have an anti-fungal composition.  Believed to invigorate the mind (take heed, morning sleep heads!), it is also thought to relieve pain associated with arthritis and muscle aches.  Additionally, research has indicated it can help with digestive troubles, including nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.  I haven’t personally tried it for digestive troubles because my default for nausea relief is peppermint EO.

Since the molecular structure of all essential oils is so small, the theory is they are absorbed into the circulatory system by inhalation through the mucous membranes.  Once the EO molecules enter the bloodstream, the properties assist the body. 

WORD TO THE WISE on Nutmeg EO:

This EO is not thought to be toxic or irritating, as long as it is properly diluted (e.g., use only 1 drop of nutmeg EO to 2 oz. of base oil or emulsifier).  However, in large dosages, it has the potential to be dangerous because it contains a constintuent called myristicin, which can cause hallucinations, vomiting, epileptic symptoms.  And if you are pregnant, I recommend avioding this oil.

In health
barbara-ann

As beautiful as a real tree smells, we decided to skip that tradition and instead purchased a ficus alii tree that we hung a strand of lights & some pretty ornaments on.  After the holidays, we’ll plant our new tree in the front yard!  Since I miss the scent of a real tree, I use a plug-in diffuser ball and add 8 – 10 drops of spruce essential oil to the pad ever other day.   Spruce essential oil is believed to have antifungal, disinfecting, grounding, calming & uplifting properties - no wonder we LOVE the smell of real trees!

One small act by each person results in a collective benefit to reducing overall waste.  Ivillage has some great tips for creating a “greener” holiday (pun intended!).

In health,
barbara-ann

In health
barbara-ann

And while I LOVE vintage, I’m not an all or nothin’ gal, so I try to create a look that works with my current wardrobe and my premium denim vice!  After all, fashion should be fun, creative and uniquely yours. 

In health,
barbara-ann

My latest addiction (or afflication, as my husband might say) is collecting aprons circa 1930 – 1950.  Not being much of a June Cleaver-esque housemaker, I team ‘em up with jeans & boots, or skirts & flip flops.  It’s fun when people stop me to ask about them – and most have no idea I’m wearing an apron!

If you’re ever in the Tampa Bay area, be sure to stop into Buffalo Gal Vintage (BGV) for the most unique collection of finds from late 1800’s to 1970’s.  Stock includes “old new”, “new old” and everything in between.  Located in a fab vintage home, it’s filled with treasures galore for the girliest of girls (and slickest of daddy-O’s).

What makes this boutique incredibly unique is the painstaking attention to detail that Desiree (aka, Buffalo Gal) takes to ensure every piece is like new.  Unlike vintage shops that reek of musty incense, everything in BGV smells divine, like fresh linen waters from decades ago.  That’s because every vintage piece is laundered and pressed before making it into the shop.

With Halloween just around the corner, BGV is a great place to shop for a cool getup that you’ll be able to wear long beyond Halloween.  Now that’s the way to “eco-shop”!  Whether you’re into Rockabilly stylin’, Audrey Hepburn chic or Bettie Page pinup, BGV has it ALL.

And speaking of pinup, it is THE place to go for a professional pinup photography session.  There are even rumblings about burlesque dance classes, for those of you looking to cut a few moves.  The BGV website is not fully functioning just yet, but you can check out some fun photos here.

As much as I love many of the hottest eco-friendly fabrics, gorgeous clothing and talented designers, the prices are astronomical.   In the current economic climate, it just doesn’t make sense (or cents).  I believe being kind to our environment includes being socially conscious by purchasing locally and supporting small business, so have fun and do your part to repurpose, reuse and / or recycle!

In health,
barbara-ann

The OCA researched a large number of personal care and household cleaning products currently on the market, noting that, “Dishwashing liquids are particularly hard to keep free of 1,4-dioxane because they require surfactants that are powerful grease cutters.” Liquid laundry detergents also require surfactants for stain removal.  The amount contained in Seventh Generation’s dish liquid is so small that it is actually “deemed safe” by the FDA.

While surfactants without ethoxylation can be made, the tradeoffs are potentially more dangerous.  One alternative is to use petroleum-derived materials, which are less sustainable than using renewable plant oils (not to mention more toxic and less biodegradable).  A second alternative is to not ethoxylate the plant oils, but the resulting surfactants can be irritating (i.e., sodium lauryl sulfate).

Every single dish liquid tested by the OCA contained ethoxylates and they admitted no viable alternative currently exists.  Ethoxylates help deliver products that work.  Seventh Generation promptly responded that they are working to eliminate ethoxylates from all future products.  In general, consumers seemed to appreciate Seventh Generation’s quick and thorough response.  I believe the company handled it honestly and openly.

Seventh Generation has been in the business for a very long time, way before it was considered cool to be green.  Part of being green / eco-conscious (or whatever you wanna call it…) is the realization and acceptance that these sorts of snafus are part of the learning curve associated with making safer products.

As the industry moves towards a new and improved way of creating healthier products for everyone, consumers should make an effort to involve themselves in the education process too.   Those who respond maliciously to a company committed to making safer, cleaner products for our earth are, in my opinion, not conducting themselves in a socially conscious manner, which is equally important…

To read more about this issue, click here

On the fashion front, I won’t mention prices on Stella McCartney’s awesome fashion and skin care lines.  My husband would choke on his omega fatty acid pill if he saw the price of facial cleanser!

But anyway, today is Earth Day.  If you didn’t get outside to plant a tree, then how about honoring our planet, while stimulating our economy, experiencing retail therapy AND getting some great deals!?  What a treat to actually have a few greenbacks left in your vegan wallet for a couple of goji berries or a 1/2 oz of Noni juice?!

1)  Under The Canopy offers a smashing line of clothing and linens in a variety of eco-friendly fibers.  The “Green is Groovy” tee is cute, with its retro-goes-mod design.  Adorable and affordable!

2)  Soy-based soft stuffed toys.  These cuties are made from the waste produced during tofu manufacturing.  LanceSOYlot Ram is a great choice for creative, fiery, impulsive Aries girls of all ages, while SOYphia Goat would be a fun gift for the artistic, serene, private Chinese Zodiac “goats”.  For everyone else, Soynia bunny, or Tofu Bear, are just too cute for words!

3)  Chicobags are awesome!  The smart design folds right up into its own integrated carry case with a clip.  No more forgetting your bulky canvas or hemp bags – these clip right onto your purse or beltloop and you can clip several together by the clips.  Each holds up to 20 pounds.  At $4 each, what are you waiting for?!

4)  These soft, absorbent, long lasting towels are cultivated near the Aegean Sea, where cotton’s been grown forever!  Farmers organically grow a long staple cotton and no chemicals or dyes are used, reducing energy and water usage by 40% and 60%, respectively.  This causes less pollution and the towels keep their original plushness and color.  They are priced right, but you have to call to order because their website isn’t operational yet:-(

5)  Pure Fiji body butter in coconut cream is to die for!  A coconut milk and nut oil infusion is a divine pampering treat.  Love, love, love!!!

6)  Most dogs, even my uber-domesticated pair, are earth animals.  Simply Fido keeps your babies safe and healthy in eco-conscious style.  Check out the adorable plush toys and these sweet little blankies and summer tees!

There are lots of places that gave out trees or seeds to plant today.  Schools had children farming and planting all sorts of bushes, plants, herbs and trees.  It is a privelege to live on this beautiful planet and it is our duty to honor the earth each day we are here.

Hope you have / had a very happy, healthy and safe Earth Day 2008!