the conscious decision blog
Eucalyptus: Your Rainy Weather Companion
If you have been following the weather in Los Angeles, you know that we have had an unusually wet winter, creating the need for additional wellness support. With excess rain comes colder weather which may cause some to experience aches, congestion and a decline in motivation. To combat this uptick in water weather, we are turning to one of the most versatile botanicals in our arsenal, our good friend Eucalyptus. Topical Treatment Eucalyptus is known to invigorate and stimulate your body and can help reduce respiratory problems. It’s a natural decongestant which is why you’ll find Eucalyptus in most store-bought vapor rub products. Eucalyptus is a staple ingredient in our Sniffles Organic Chest Rub for Babies. Eucalyptus is also used to help with pain and inflammation. Do you have any relatives that claim the wet weather causes aches? Our Breathe Body Oil might be the answer they are looking for. You can rub it anywhere on the body and it will also leave your body feeling super moisturized. You can also create your own eucalyptus oil blend by adding a few drops of essential oils to a carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil. Essential oils are highly concentrated on their own and should be diluted when applied to the skin. A little goes a long way! Herbal Tea Eucalyptus is said to be antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory, making it a go-to for any health ailment you’ll meet this season and something we have on-hand all year long. In addition to using eucalyptus in topical treatments, you can use eucalyptus leaves to make tea if you're under the weather or just to reap its benefits. You can purchase dry organic eucalyptus leaves at the market and steep 1 cup of boiling water with 1/2 teaspoon of dried leaves for 10 minutes. Then just strain and enjoy! If you like your tea sweeter, you can add honey to flavor. Aromatherapy Eucalyptus is also a powerhouse when used in aromatherapy and offers motivational mood shifts. When inhaled, its cooling and uplifting aroma helps dispel the things that are weighing us down, and inspires us to forge ahead. We know when it rains, it can often be easier to stay cuddled in bed than to get up and face the day and eucalyptus aromatherapy benefits can be used to pep us up. In addition to using the essential oil topically, you can add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to a warm bath and breathe deeply or add to a diffuser to spruce up the room! Keep Bugs at Bay Lastly, now that we have had all of this rain, we have water puddles that can attract mosquitos! Eucalyptus is one of the most common ingredients in natural bug sprays. We want to keep ourselves and our kiddos healthy and our buzz spray works to fend off these pesky bugs without toxic chemicals that can be damaging to our health. Using eucalyptus in a diffuser as mentioned above will also help keep bugs at bay! To make your own pest spray, add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to water in a spray bottle, shake well, and spritz away! You can also use it in the garden to keep insects away from your plants. The health benefits of Eucalyptus are well-known and have been especially useful during this wet winter in Los Angeles. If you’re looking for a few products with Eucalyptus that will help with healing this season and beyond, we encourage you to browse our site and get familiar with the selection of organic products that we offer.
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Lemon Buttercream Cupcakes | Vegan and Gluten-Free
Love is in the air and if you want to make a treat for your Valentine or friends, try this recipe out. It'll be a surprise when you mention that these lemon buttercream cupcakes are gluten-free and vegan! If you're baking them for a Valentine, it'll be a sweet way to say, I care. INGREDIENTS: CUPCAKES 1 ¼ cups almond or soy milk 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 tablespoons lemon zest 1 ½ cups gluten-free all purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup vegan margarine or shortening ¾ cup organic cane sugar FROSTING ½ cup vegan margarine or shortening 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 ¾ cups confectioners' sugar DIRECTIONS: CUPCAKES Preheat over to 350 ° F and line cupcake pan with paper liners. Whisk together soy or almond milk and lemon juice in a small mixing bowl. Beat until frothy. Whisk in vanilla and lemon zest. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Combine margarine or shortening with sugar and beat on medium-low speed for about a minute. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture and beat until incorporated, then half of the milk mixture and beat until smooth. Repeat with remaining flour and milk mixture. Spoon batter into the liners about ¾ full. Bake for 20 – 24 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool on cooling rack before frosting. FROSTING Add lemon juice and mix until incorporated. Add confectioners’ sugar a cup at a time and beat on medium speed until frosting is thick and smooth, about 3 – 4 minutes. Frost the cupcakes! Servings: 12
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Beauty From The Inside Out
True, lasting beauty radiates from within and helps to learn to love your body. A daily beauty ritual of self-care can help us stay in touch with our inner power, femininity and brilliance. When we are able to see that beauty stems from the joy inside of us, we can start to truly appreciate and celebrate our bodies. We should embrace every curve and pamper every inch to exude confidence from the inside out. Shaping/Firming Photo Shoot When we decided to do a photo shoot for our Shaping and Firming products we wanted to embody this concept of empowerment. The human body is beautiful and we all have the freedom to embrace sensuality, strength and radiance. Los Angeles photographer, mom and blogger Jamie Arrigo, and Yogi, blogger and model Jackie Smyth, came together to bring us these amazing photos that fully encompass real, honest beauty. Being Mindful Part of daily self-care is being mindful about what we put in and on our bodies. In addition to maintaining a balanced diet of nutrients and drinking plenty of water, we have to be aware of what products we apply onto our skin. Skin care products and cosmetics can contain toxic chemicals that can be absorbed by the skin. We should consciously choose natural and organic products to consume and to use. Those living the organic life have experienced the human body's amazing ability to heal itself. When we utilize the power of nature, the body works its own magic and we simply inspire positive results. Shaping/Firming Line The shaping and firming line is full of purposeful botanical ingredients and essential oils that are known to enliven and rejuvenate skin. These products feed the skin nutrients that inspire the body's natural ability to detoxify, shape and firm. Therapeutic grade pink pepper, ginger and sandalwood in the shaping formula stimulate circulation and tone while frankincense and helichrysum contained in the firming line encourage cell regeneration and promote skin elasticity. The USDA organic certification also means that these products are over 95% organic, so pure that they are edible. The oils can be used for massage or a moisturizer, created with a base of hydrating and beneficial avocado and olive oils. Add the salts to a bath to open up pores and soak up the benefits or combine with the oils to create an exfoliating scrub. Visit our Personal Care | Spa tab to read more about each individual product. We would love to hear how you inspire your body's natural ability to rejuvenate! Feel free to comment below!
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Spas We Love - SenSpa
Visiting a great spa does wonders for the mind and body. Whether pampering yourself in your hometown, or vacationing in a new city, setting time aside for a spa day is a must! Over the years we have partnered with some of the most beautiful spas in the country. SenSpa opened in 2006 in San Francisco, CA. Walking in, you’ll be captivated by the color and its modern décor. What Makes It Unique? Not only does SenSpa offer spa treatments but it’s also a wellness center. This spa in San Francisco approaches things holistically, focusing on guiding every guest to their optimal state of well-being, nourishing the body, mind and spirit. For example, there are services designed specifically by individual therapists that include binaural brainwave massage and healing for cancer patients. Focus on Wellness Education To add to their integrated approach, SenSpa strives to help build a community around wellness education. Early last year they opened up a group lounge where they hold well-being workshops. Organic Cafe They also opened an organic café partnering with local bay area favorites The Plant, Flour Craft Bakery, Blue Bottle Coffee and Matanzas Creek; so you can choose to extend your spa day with a snack, meal and/or a glass of wine. Treatments If you’re feeling under the weather, try one of Senspa’s powerful healing treatments like the Island Indulgence (one of the top services) in which you can experience the scents, sounds and mana (energy) of the islands. Your body is gently rocked like ocean waves with rhythmic and kneading movements that are both soothing and energizing. Macadamia, coconut and jasmine oils connect you to the healing powers of the aina (mother earth). Combining elements of Hawaiian lomi lomi and using medium to deep pressure, this treatment purifies the body, mind and spirit. Your indulgence includes a body scrub, tropical body oil massage, and a scalp and foot treatment. You will feel refreshed and renewed – like a great day at the beach (90 minutes, $230). Whenever you’re feeling imbalanced, indulge yourself at SenSpa. Visit their website at www.senspa.com
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Refreshing Barley Salad Recipe
Wallace and James is a holistic lifestyle blog founded by the amazing Jamie Arrigo - mother, wife, and photographer living in Los Angeles. With the New Year around the corner we felt this recipe, courtesy of Jamie, would inspire resolutions to eat cleaner and healthier. Post Holidays we can all use more greens! This arugula, feta, cucumbers and barley salad is bright, refreshing and the grains keep it hearty and comforting. Enjoy this yummy vegetarian barley salad recipe. INGREDIENTS: SALAD 1 cup of barley 3 cups of water 1 cup hazelnuts chopped 1/2 cup greek feta 1 cucumber skinned and chopped 1 cup fresh arugula DRESSING 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup parsley chopped 1 clove of garlic minced 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice salt to taste For more amazing recipes like this one and tips on healthy living, head to Wallace and James. DIRECTIONS: Soak 1 cup of barley for one hour. Heat over to 350 degrees. Chop hazelnuts in half and roast for 12 minutes. Add pre-soaked barley to a pot with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then lower to simmer and cover and cook for 25 minutes or until tender and water is absorbed. Remove from heat. Add vinegar, parsley, garlic, olive oil and lime juice to a bowl. Whisk together and add salt to taste. To serve: Toss barley with lime dressing. Add arugula, cucumber and hazelnuts. Mix together. Top with feta. Serves: 4
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Decorating with Botanicals
Using decorative botanicals when decorating is aesthetically pleasing and adds an element of earthiness to the room. the atmosphere feels grounded and jovial at the same time. Botanicals add a pop of color and in some cases aromatic accents. Whether you are prepping for a New Years party or just revamping your home here are tips on adding a simple touch of elegant life to any room. Pressed PlantsThere are many ways to press plants and flowers. One simple way is by pressing the botanical between two sheets of tissue paper and closing it inside of a large book. Once your botanical is carefully set inside, place the book on a hard flat surface and stack additional books on top to add weight. Let the leaf or flower dry for 3-5 days depending on the size. When the leaf is fully dry you are ready to put it into a frame. Floating frames present botanicals really beautifully. Use double sided tape to secure the leaf where you want it, slide the frame closed, and display. Botanical AccentsYou can use pressed plants or dried flowers to add accents to table settings, bookcases, or shelves. Depending on the look you are trying to achieve you can either use the flat pressed method above or air dry flowers to preserve their original form. Air drying works best for roses, chrysanthemums, hydrangeas and fuller flowers. To air dry flowers or botanicals hang them upside-down on a chair or door knob using a string or rubber band. You can also tape flowers and plants upside down on the wall. Botanicals will dry in 1-2 weeks. Dry roses, geraniums and fragrant flowers retain a beautiful aromatic profile for approx. 8 weeks.Life in Every RoomAdd greenery to every room! From lucky bamboos, to succulents, to orchids, having a living element in every room truly changes the mood and increases the flow of energy. There are many options - wall vases, air plants, mason jars, stone vases, wood vases and endless combinations of natural materials that create beautiful, simple, modern displays. Succulents are always an amazing choice because of their durability and aesthetic. They require minimal water and the monochromatic colors blend well with most decor. We hope you enjoy enlivening your rooms with these botanical décor ideas! Lets us know your favorite way to bring natural elements into home decor.
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6 Foods to Detox Body and Mind
The Holiday season is full of beautiful moments shared with friends and family. However, most of us splurge a bit in the food department with seasonal favorites like stuffing, mashed potatoes and sweet treats. If you are looking to reset a bit (like we are) here is a list of body detoxifying super foods that taste great and nourish the body and mind.AVOCADOAntioxidant and fiber-rich this superfood is #1 on our detox list. Avocados contain more potassium than bananas. They are loaded with healthy fatty acids and nutrients like Vitamin K and Folate. They make a perfect mid-day snack or can be added to your favorite salad. Healthy fats are also know to boost to mood and leave the body feeling satiated. CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLESCruciferous vegetables, like cabbage, brussel sprouts and kale, contain phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals, and fiber that are essential to vitality and health. These cleansing foods also reduce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress arises when your body does not have enough antioxidants to neutralize free radicals. These antioxidant rich veggies also contain a compound called diindolylmethane, which helps keep hormones in balance. MATCHA GREEN TEAMatcha Green Tea is premium quality powdered green tea. As always we suggest finding an organic source for this ingredient. Packed full of antioxidants green tea offers a great energy boost with clean caffeine. It also contains an antioxidant called catechins which are known to increase liver function. Green tea is also known to enhance focus and mental clarity.BEETSBeets are a high-antioxidant vegetable packed with iron, calcium, betaine, B vitamins. These nutrients are known to have powerful cleansing and detoxifying effects on the liver. This is so important since the liver is our main defense against environmental toxins. Betaine is also known as a mood enhancer. Beets can be juiced, blended into a smoothie, roasted or baked. CITRUSCitrus fruits, like lemon and grapefruit, are low on the glycemic index and are packed with super detoxifying Vitamin C. They naturally help the body flush out toxins and awaken the digestive tract. Lemon and grapefruit also support healthy liver function. Citrus is enzyme rich which assists in the breaking down of fats. Citrus aromas are known to be uplifting and invigorating. This makes sipping from a glass of lemon water good for the body and mind. TURMERICTurmeric is from the ginger family. In India it has been used for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb. It known as one of the most powerful herbs to benefit the mind and body. Turmeric is widely recognized for its powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous and anti-oxidative properties. It contains lipopolysaccharide, which helps enhance the body’s immune system. It also contains curcumin, an active phytochemical component that protects again oxidative stress and is said to balance neurotransmitters in the brain! This handy spice is delicious and can be added to any number of tasty dishes. Keep the system feeling lively and well nourished with these cleansing and detoxifying foods! Let us know your favorite way to detox post holiday!
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Eco-Friendly Costume Ideas
Fall is in the air and Halloween is just around the corner. Whether trick or treating, parading, or partying Halloween is a truly fun, festive time. Children and adults alike dress up and go out on the town. Spooky decor lines the streets. You can make it even more incredible by weaving some eco-friendly ethos into the fun. Avoid toxic prepackaged Halloween costumes that are made from plastics and synthetic materials. Instead reduce, reuse and recycle. Here are some great eco-friendly costume ideas. Costume Swap! Swap costumes with neighbors, friends and family. Organize a swap party where everyone brings 2-3 items each. Anything will do including old costumes, accessories, wigs or last season's fashions. Mix and match and see what you can create together. Shop Your Closet! Are you looking for an eco-friendly Halloween costume idea? You might have the perfect costume hidden away in your own wardrobe. Pair an old slip dress with a new set of fangs to be a stylish vampire. Or use an old flannel, boots and cut-off jeans to create the cowgirl look. Switch the boots for a pair of Dr. Martens, add red lipstick and dark eyeliner, to go from cowgirl to grunge girl. Vintage Buys What era inspires you? Pick a theme and head to your local thrift store or vintage outlet. Here you can find costumes for all ages. Try a 50’s dress for a baby doll costume, or an Alice in Wonderland look. Marilyn Monroe, Jackie Kennedy, David Bowie, these costumes are all easy to build once you've envisioned the look. Make Your OwnCreate a paper mache mask with a few household items. Or go with a classic ghost costume fashioned from an white old sheet. Make a witch hat with cardboard and construction paper. Pair it with a black t-shirt and black leggings or a cute black dress. Head to out on the town as a beautiful flower or rose using nothing more than colored felt, floral wire, a headband, and fabric glue. Head to Marthastewart.com for the project details. when creating eco-friendly halloween costume options the whole family becomes engaged in a fun, creative process! Enjoy these tips and have a safe holiday.
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4 Natural Beauty Rituals for Holistic Health
Life can feel like a juggling act, but this is no reason to ignore the need for self-care. Nurturing our body and spirit is an essential part of life. Without self-care our energy becomes imbalanced and our ability to perform daily tasks with health and happiness wavers. Fortunately, taking a bit of time for holistic health and beauty can be easy. Try these simple ideas for natural beauty rituals to enhance your daily care inside and out.Soothing Self-MassageThe physical body holds much of our emotional tension. After your daily shower show the body love by giving yourself a soothing self-massage. Use an essential oil infused lotion or body oil to moisturize your body while massaging. Start with the neck and shoulders working your way down to the hips, legs, thighs and feet. Breathe in the aromatic benefits while your body releases tension. This is the perfect way to start or end every day. Weekly Soft SoakA warm bath does wonders for holistic health. Laying down surrounded by warm water is an incredibly soothing natural beauty ritual. Baths also detoxify skin and relax muscles. Make a weekly ritual of preparing a special soft soak to enhance bath time. Light a clean burning candle near the tub. Dilute 5 drops of rose or lavender essential oil to 1 tablespoon almond or jojoba oil, and add the mixture to your bath water. You can also add a hand full of fresh rose petals. Detoxifying ExfoliationThe skin is the body’s largest organ so it is important to keep it healthy and toxin-free. Weekly exfoliation helps increase circulation, releases toxins, and encourages cell regeneration. For a simple body scrub blend finely ground sea salt, jojoba or almond oil, and a few drops of lavender essential oil, and scrub. Sea salt contains trace minerals that rejuvenate skin. Post-scrub make sure to drink a lot of water to flush out toxins. 10 Minute Meditative MaskFor an ultimate natural skin care ritual, combine your beauty routine and meditation practice. Choose to be mindful while waiting for your nails to dry, using a deep hair treatment, or wearing a face mask. Keep it simple. Try a manuka honey mask. Use a tablespoon of manuka honey, warm it up in the palm of your hand, and spread it on your face. Set your timer for 10-15 minutes, call attention to your breathing, and observe any thoughts that arise. Return to your breathing and continue to observe. When your timer goes off gently rinse with warm water. Enjoy these natural beauty rituals for holistic health. We would love to hear the ways you beautify inside and out.
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