If you’re a fan of Japanese fashionista dolls, such as Blythe, Dal and Pullip, then be sure to visit Brigette Coovert’s website.  This talented designer uniquely customized the dolls into a collection she calls Zombukis.

A synthesis of different cultures and styles, the enchanting Zombukis have a beauty and fashion sense that fuses futuristic and “mid 20th century modern” elements.  Her one-of-a-kind dolls  have been featured in magazines, including Dolls and Haute Doll.  Most are in private collections or featured in exhibits.  I’m going to be a Zombuki doll this Halloween, so I don’t expect to run into anyone else in the same costume!

Each month, Brigette offers a super cute giveaway on her blog.  To celebrate her 13th giveaway this month, she’s offering a beautiful autumnal orange resin Blythe Doll Necklace .  So be sure to check it out – you could be this month’s lucky winner!  And speaking of “luck”, please send me some on my costume:-)

In Health,
barbara-ann

As pretty as polished fingernails are, the maintenance can be a major time suck. Executed properly, au naturale fingernails look hip and current, are low maintanence and allow you to bypass the hassles of waiting for polish to dry, repairing chips, etc.

Protecting fingernails and hands by wearing gloves during household chores is a good idea.  Olive oil is extremely emollient and chocked full antioxidants.  Before bed, massage a few drops into your nails and cuticles, which will help protect the nail.  Since the cuticle serves to protect new nail growth, my personal opinion is that pushing, clipping and / or cutting cuticles carries the potential to cause an infection, hinder nail growth or damage to the nail bed.  As a result, I don’t recommend it.

For shaping fingernails, a fine-grain emery board works fine.  Crystal nail files are also great because they last an eternity.  Choosing a fingernail shape is a personal choice, as hand shapes and sizes differ dramatically from person to person.  I like mine filed straight across, with slightly rounded edges, as that seems to best complement the shape of my teeny hands. Read the rest of this entry »

In a recent post on dog breath, I mentioned the importance of caring for your dog’s teeth. A fantastic, natural formulation I discovered several years ago is PetZLife. My dogs like the taste of the original gel, which makes brushing fast and easy. When I first started using it last year, they both had a small amount of plaque and tartar on their back molars. For the first three months, I used it nightly, prior to bed. Now that their teeth are white and free of any “brown goop”, I use it a couple of times weekly before bed.

At nearly $30 for a 4 oz bottle, it’s definitely an investment. But if you follow the directions exactly as specified, the plaque and tartar will dissipate in a reasonably short time period.   And since it’s used less over time, the cost per use will substaintialy decrease (thank goodness!)  Veterinary teeth cleanings typically start at $180….and the cost goes WAY up if there is plaque buildup, gum disease and / or tooth removal. Read the rest of this entry »

One of my favorite ways to repurpose, reuse and recycle is to buy vintage.  From furniture to fashion to fabulous fabrics, you can find all sorts of cool getups from days gone by, at prices designed for an economy that’s harshin’ your mellow!

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). Read the rest of this entry »

Hand-wrapped with all-natural sisal and manila here in the USA, these stylized pet pieces are environmentally friendly with an uber-cool design. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

In health,
barbara-ann

Vetiver essential oil is steam extracted from the root of a sterile, non-invasive, clumping grass called “Chrysopogon zizanioides” which originated in South India.  The word, “Tamil” means “hatcheted up” and is often used to describe the way the roots of the plant are collected.  The complex white root system, from which vetiver oil is extracted, is used in India and Sri Lanka for creating aromatic woven mats that are used to sleep on (vetiver’s relaxing properties promote sleep).  Although native to South India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, vetiver is now cultivated in other areas.

Its consistency is thick, with a dark brown color; the aroma is warm, earthy, musty and masculine. It is considered safe, non-irritating and non-sensitizing and is often used as a base note in perfumes and aromatics.

Vetiver is belived to have antiseptic, aphrodisiac and sedative properties, to name a few.  Considered a “grounding oil”, it is thought to decrease feelings of irritability, anger and hysteria; it has been referred to as the ‘oil of tranquility’.  Physically, it is said to balance hormones, revitalize the body, relieve physical exhaustion and ease arthritis and muscular pain. Read the rest of this entry »

As fall is nearly upon us, it can be fun to spice up things around the house without dragging out boxes of decorations. A quick and easy way to customize your environment seasonally is through scent. In October, I like to use cinnamon and / or orange essential oils (EO).

Cinnamon Bark EO is typically extracted from the inner bark of the evergreen tree from Sri Lanka. It may help with digestive troubles and is believed to contain antibacterial, antiseptic, antiviral and antifungal properties. In a previous post, I provided a recipe for an anti-viral spray, just in time for flu season, with cinnamon bark EO. Although some reports indicate cinnamon bark EO may help control blood sugar levels in diabetics, I have not personally experienced such benefits (NOTE: if you’re new to my blog, I’ve had juvenile diabetes since childhood).  It has, however, been reported to be a potential aphrodisiac because it increases blood flow in the body.  In fact, several years ago, a study found that males who woke up to the smell of hot cinnamon buns baking in the oven were more likely to wake up…ahem…aroused (sorry guys, I don’t like providing TMI in my family-oriented forum!)

Read the rest of this entry »

Hard dog chews, treats with mint / parsley / natural herbs, water additives to “loosen tartar”, tooth brushes, pastes and gels – there are all kinds of products to help with “bad dog breath syndrome”. Bad breath is a multi-faceted issue, so to speak, since it may result from not only poor oral hygeine, but also from internal / digestive issues. Realistically, we should address both for optimal results. For today, however, I’ll focus on oral health care.

If you want your 4-legged fur baby to be part of the family long term, preventing plaque and tartar buildup on teeth (that icky-looking brown stuff typically seen on back molars) is critical. A good oral hygeine program includes brushing their pearly whites a few times weekly with a toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs, feeding a high quality crunchy dog food and providing hard chews, like nylabones.  These three things will go a very long way in preventing that yucky buildup on their teeth. Not only is it unattractive, but it may ultimately result in heart problems and a host of other health conditions. Oral health is directly linked to the health of many other body organs, so please take care of Fido’s teeth!. Read the rest of this entry »

Dead Sea salts can be used in bath salts, scrubs, soaps, etc. They are believed to have numerous therapeutic health benefits due to their richness in magnesium chloride and bromide. They are believed to contain a mere 15% sodium chloride. In contrast, ocean water is nearly 100% sodium chloride.

Dead sea minerals are absorbed during soaking, which in turn, helps heal by stimulating blood circulation. Bathing in dead sea salt solutions may help improve the skin barrier by improving skin hydration, while reducing inflammation and coarseness. While I am not familiar with any human / clinical trials using dead sea salts, I have seen studies that have demonstrated relief for conditions such as arthritis, psoriasis, allergies and dehydrated skin. Read the rest of this entry »

In a previous series on detox, chlorophyll was mentioned as a powerhouse supplement to cleanse, purify and strengthen the body.  Chlorophyll is considered a powerful plant food source with numerous health benefits.  In short, it enables the body to rid itself of bacterial growth that can cause body odor and bad breath.  It is believed to boost the immune system and promote a healthy digestive tract. And with flu (AND holiday) season just around the corner, there’s no time like the present to add this natural powerhouse to your daily supplement arsenal.   And although very gentle, it is one power-packed health supplement! Read the rest of this entry »