Starr W

What inspires you?

April 4, 2018 by Starr W Leave a Comment

Well?

What inspires YOU???

Have you thought about it?

I thought I knew what inspired me, but once the question was posed…crickets…

So, I started really thinking about the things that light me up, and here they are in no particular order:

Passionate, inspired people sharing their dreams
Brainstorming
Learning all the things
Being wildly creative
Going against the norm
Stealth skills
Making my art my way
High-level mathematics
Helping others make their own dreams come true
Witnessing and experiencing kindness
Being my authentic self
Rogue optimism
Saving the world

Those are the things that go through my mind when someone says,

What are you doing today?

What makes you happy?

I’m slowly but surely spreading my wings and breaking out of the molds I have put myself in over and over.

We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto!

Join me as I pave my own yellow brick road…

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Uses of Essential Oils for a Fresh Smelling Home by Victoria Naylor

July 17, 2016 by Starr W 5 Comments

I love a clean home that smells as good as it looks!

Admittedly, I don’t personally achieve this, but it doesn’t change my love for good smells. So, when I can’t conquer the clutter, I can at least try to get good scents to enjoy.

Essential oils come in very handy for making your space smell delicious!

Today, I am very happy to introduce our contributing author, Victoria Naylor, on how to use essential oils to get your home smelling fresh and inviting!

Victoria is from London, runs a small cleaning company and has a passion for writing. In her spare time, she likes writing short articles and tips about cleaning.

Uses of essential oils for a fresh smelling home…

We are all fans of nice smells and fragrances. Has it happened to you while walking down the street and you pass a stranger that smells so good that you even turn your head around?

And then the scent does not leave your nose for the rest of the day?

Don’t you just love it when that happens? I know I do.

We all want our homes to smell nice, not just for the guests we have over, but for ourselves and our families. And it is especially important to people who have pets to maintain their homes fresh and nice smelling so that their homes do not reek of their dog or cat, or any other pet you could have.

I am going to give you some simple and easy tricks you can do to make your entire home smell fresh and lovely.

We all know that scents and aromas can trigger different emotions and moods in people. This article will give you some examples of how you can make your home smell amazing. The best part is that you can make it smell amazing any time you want without buying expensive air fresheners that release chemicals and artificial smells in your home.

This article will tell you about the use of the well-known essential oils.

The simplest thing you can do is spray air fresheners in your home, and the only things you are going to need in order to make them yourself are – water and essential oils. All you have to do is fill a spray bottle with water and add essential oils. You can use only one scent, or mix a few and create your own personal and unique scent, if you want.

You only need a few drops of each essential oil to add to the water, and there you have it! A spray air freshener for your home. You can even make different scented ones for each room.

Here is a tip: You can add some baking soda to the bottle as well, and you can use this spray to deodorise and refresh your soft furniture. The baking soda will get rid of the bad smell and the essential oils will give them a nice one.

Basically essential oils are magic little potions that can turn your home into a heaven of fresh and pleasing smells. You can use them to make any kind of air freshener that can be found in stores – spray, diffuser, candle, etc. Only this way it is cheaper, natural and has a better smell.

You can also make yourself a diffuser, put one in every room and give them different scents, depending on the mood you want to be related to that room. For example, lavender can be in the bathroom; something citrus or cinnamon, or whatever you enjoy, something fresh, can be in the kitchen; and something soothing and relaxing in the bedroom.

For an essential oils diffuser, TenancyClean SW17 suggests you are going to need a diffuser base or oil, bamboo skewers and a jar, or a vase, and the essential oils. Mix the diffuser base/oil with a few drops of the essential oil of your choice in the vase, and add the bamboo or reed skewers – the more you add, the stronger the smell.

You can put one of these in each room.

If you detect a nasty smell coming from your carpets or rugs, you can sprinkle some baking soda and essential oils on them. It will do the same – get rid of the bad smell and make them smell great.

You can also use essential oils to mix into your cleaning products. Then, every time you clean something – windows, floors, furniture, etc. – you will be contributing to your home’s fresh scent.

And, of course, you can make yourself a lot of different kinds of air fresheners with essential oils, or add them into your everyday routine and make sure your home always has a nice smell. Just try dropping a few drops on your carpets, or on your curtains, on your pet’s bed, etc.

Make wise choices with your scents.

Good luck!

Many thanks to Victoria for contributing to Starrhealthyself today!

We love our essential oils here, and we’re always looking for helpful hints to use around the house!

If you missed it last week, we tackled The Plague of Perfectionism (read it here). I truly believe we can all take a stand against “perfect” and lead happy, fulfilling lives!

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The Plague of Perfectionism

July 11, 2016 by Starr W 19 Comments

I’m sick. If I don’t get the proper care, it could be terminal.

Isn’t that scary???

Are you wondering what’s wrong with me?

I have the Plague…the Plague of Perfectionism.

It can be destructive on its own, but perfectionism doesn’t work alone. It builds an army of demons and self-destructive habits and literally tears you apart from the inside out.

Perfectionism is the ultimate addiction — and all addictions can blossom into full blown diseases. However, perfectionism is a socially acceptable addiction. You don’t get an intervention for wanting to have straight A’s and a “perfect” body…until you take it too far. By the time an intervention is needed, you may have self-destructed yourself to nothingness.

Perfectionism kills. People die from years of trying to attain “perfect.” If it doesn’t kill your body, it will kill your soul.

I wish I could say I’m a “recovering perfectionist,” but that isn’t entirely true. I still suffer at the hands of the demons of perfectionism. My self-destruction these days doesn’t necessarily appear as marks on my body, but I can feel the marks on my soul, my psyche & my heart.

As a result of persistent perfectionism and persistently failing to achieve it, I’ve realized I have trouble expressing myself. I apply all of these [spoken and] unspoken “rules” to my life. My therapist calls them “limiting beliefs.”

They are.

Limiting.

Confining.

Exhausting.

I actually fear personal creative expression because it may not be “universally liked.”

WTF???

There’s something so wrong with that!!!

If my daughters voiced that very same fear, I’d fight that belief tooth and nail to make sure they knew that nothing will ever be “universally liked.” Ever. And it doesn’t even matter! What I want for them is what I truly want for myself…freedom.

Freedom of expression…freedom of creation…freedom to be their perfectly imperfect selves!!!

A dear friend asked me why I have trouble expressing myself creatively and why I feel judged (i.e. not “universally liked”). She also asked was it in a particular area of my life. My response?

Jewelry, life, clothes I wear, the length of my hair, how I feel about things, having an opinion, things I write… Blogging has been pretty liberating for my writing though I still find it a bit terrifying. I can’t imagine what it would be like to just create something or decorate something without all of these “rules” in my head…

Her response to all that?

No one should feel that way.

She’s right.

If anyone spoke of themselves the way I speak of and to myself, I’d argue against them ’til I was blue in the face. It hurts me to hear people tearing themselves down.

Why is it okay to speak to myself that way?

That’s the Plague of Perfectionism. It’s in the little ways you tear yourself down for not living up to real or imaginary standards.

I don’t want that to be my legacy when I leave this Earth.

I don’t want my daughters to suffer from the Plague.

I don’t want anyone to suffer from it!

Here’s the thing though…

My “perfect” isn’t your “perfect.”

I can’t fix you or change your “perfect” just like you can’t do the same for me.

But I have to let go of my “perfect” for my sanity and to have any quality of life.

Perfectionism is a persistent demon though it disguises itself as legitimate “concerns.”

Self-destruction is a persistent response to “failing” to be “perfect.” It also disguises itself as “reasonable” and “healthy” actions.

Today, I’m taking a pledge to battle perfectionism as I’ve applied it to myself. I’m trading in all of the stress and worry and destruction for something much more valuable…

my life!

I’m pledging to me, for me.

It won’t be easy, and I know I’ll need my support system. Fortunately, I also know that I’m strong enough and smart enough to do this.

So, if I don’t fit your “perfect” mold, get over it.

I don’t want to fit anyone’s mold — I’m an original, unique, an individual.

I want to create for the sake of creating with no rules or even guidelines!

My life is not your life.

My happiness is not your happiness.

I’m taking full responsibility here.

Mic drop…

There Really Is an App For That…

May 23, 2016 by Starr W 14 Comments

Disclaimer: This is one of those times where I may benefit from an affiliate link — at no additional charge to you — should you also decide to participate. I only endorse those items that I use regularly and of which I am a big fan.

You hear it all the time these days…

There’s an app for that!

It was becoming almost as annoying to me as the whole “Can you hear me now?” thing, but I’ve been trying to keep an open mind. Especially now that I see that some of my business ideas could really benefit from a mobile app for convenience of information and purchasing…but that’s an entirely different post for another time!

I’m starting to believe there really is an app for just about anything you want and/or need!

Doubt me? Go in your app store and search for any number of random topics. You can find a free app for pretty much anything you can imagine…seriously.

Try it!

Hopefully, you didn’t find anything too traumatizing out there. Then again, you’re the one who came up with the topics to search!!! 🙂

Along with my acceptance that “there’s an app for that,” I have learned that those very apps can benefit us in so many ways. Once I figured out how to get money back on products I’m already purchasing, I was seriously invested in learning more about the apps that are out there.

Today, I’m going to tell you about my most recent favorites that actually save time, money and sanity!

Do I have your attention?

Yes, I actually save/make money with some apps and even save time and my sanity with a few others.

Check out my top 5 favorite apps that are on my Android device right now…

Ibotta. Oh how I love the Ibotta app since I happened upon it while reading another blog much like mine! It’s a rebate app that pays you back for select purchases after you “unlock” the rebate by answering a survey question, watching a short commercial, or even checking out a recipe using that particular grocery item. Very small amounts of time are required to get actual money back!!! I have over $120 worth of rebates available to cash out whenever I am ready — from my first month. You just need a PayPal account (they’re free!) or cash your rebates in for a gift card. Minimum to cash out? $20. If you sign up for Ibotta through my link (free free free!), you’ll get $10 in addition to the first rebate you verify. Don’t you want to make $10 just for saving money? And, these rebates are in addition to any coupons or store discounts!!! Serious money saving!!! Groceries, toiletries, alcoholic beverages, restaurants and bars… Want to sign up??? Click here!!!
Ebates. Ebates and I started off slow, but things have kind of picked up as I’ve figured out how to work the app. It’s another rebate app (free!), and it actually pays you back a determined percentage of your online purchase. I even got rebates on Groupons and Amazon purchases!!! How sweet is that??? If you’re already buying something online, you may as well make a little extra money. Here again, you can earn an additional $10 just for signing up through my link. My Ebates income is creeping up there also, and I have only been using it to buy things I was going to buy online anyways! One day they offered a special where I got 15% back!!! That was pretty awesome! The best part is that I have barely begun to scratch the money-saving surface with Ebates. Want to sign up for Ebates??? Click here.
Wal-Mart Savings Catcher. I was seriously skeptical about this one. They advertise through commercials on TV, so I naturally expected there to be a catch. So far, there isn’t. You buy stuff at Wal-Mart, you scan the QR code from the receipt into your app, and they let you know if they’re refunding you any money. Super simple! The app checks all other advertised prices and gives you the difference if you paid more at Wal-Mart. Seriously. That’s it.
QuickMemo+. This app hasn’t necessarily saved me any money outright, but it does save me time and sanity (which is better than money sometimes). It’s just a list-making app for your mobile device, but this one has lots of fun options for us list nerds. For example? Check boxes! I love a list with check boxes! And I can either email or beam this list over to my hubby’s device since he also has QuickMemo+ (freebie!). It’s the best! If you’ve ever forgotten the paper list at home, this is way better than trying to remember everything you wrote. With the way we have become so attached to our phones, you won’t be as likely to leave this “list” laying around. Also, you can save lists to your main screen so they’re there to remind you of the things you need to check off before the day is done. I love reminders as much as I love lists!!!
Hormone Horoscope. I wasn’t sure what to expect with this app when I was first introduced to it. However, since it was recommended to me during one of my more influential hormonal times (not my words…check the app), I just went for it. You simply enter info about your cycle, and it sends you a notification every day to check your daily Hormone Horoscope. It’s crazy how accurate this thing is!!! We’re all riding that hormonal rollercoaster each and every day, and this even offers helpful hints to deal with the physical and mental accompaniments of the hormone fluctuation. The best part? You get the option to send the day’s hormone horoscope to your partner via text!!! LOL! Better yet, just have them install the app on their phone with your info, and they’ll have a little more knowledge about what you’re dealing with on a daily basis. If you get it, let me know what you think! I really enjoy my daily notification, and the info has been spot on!

So, there you have it! 5 excellent apps that are saving me money, time and sanity on a daily basis…and sometimes saving the sanity of my loved ones in the process. That’s total wellness in my book!

So, what do smart phone apps have to do with our well-being?

Think about it. With as dependent as we have become on our handheld devices, it was only a matter of time before we found a way to accomplish almost every daily task right from our phone. I bet there are even people out there who can do work from their phones! I am not one of them, and I am totally cool with that!

What will you do with that money, time and sanity you’re saving?

Share it with those who mean the most to you…and put your phone down when you do it!

While initially I felt that the phone has become an interference in human communication, it has helped streamline my daily activities.

If I could get it to clean house for me, I’d be set!

Is there an app for that???

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Congratulations!

May 15, 2016 by Starr W 10 Comments

Congratulations!!!

Let’s announce the winners of the giveaways from this week in the awesome Facebook group, Wellness For All, that a friend and I created together. This week alone, we’ve had the opportunity to make 4 ladies winners of some absolutely awesome prizes!

See for yourself…

Amber Q. won this awesome blend from Bootleg Blends!

Jill C. won the super set from Honestly Sweet!

Katrina M. won this lovely tea blend from Natural Equilibrium!

Amanda J. won a beautiful string art piece from HeArt of Sarah!

If you’d like to purchase any of the great gifts above (or any other cool thing that those lovely ladies make), I’ve linked to their site and all you have to do is click the business name.

But, it isn’t over just yet…

We’re even going to give everyone in the group one more chance to win an awesome prize to conclude our fantastic launch of featuring artists and entrepreneurs. If you aren’t already a member, we’d love for you to join us and benefit from all of the knowledge and community we’ve got going on over there. Click here to become a member.

I have posted in the Facebook group how easy it is to qualify to win that great combo prize. Check it out!!!

Are you wondering about the gratitude journal?

It’s still going on for May, but I’ve decided to finish it out as one long all-inclusive post that I’ll share at the end of the month. Know that I’m so grateful every day for all of you that take the time to read my posts!!!

You know I can’t end this without imparting a little knowledge or throwing at least one deep thought into the universe…

Today has not been the best day for me as far as inspirational writing goes though.

I’m just not feelin’ it.

With the giveaways this week, I’ve been thinking a lot about what really makes any of us a “winner.” Aside from athletic competitions, have you ever felt like a winner?

What even qualifies as a trait or event that makes a particular person into a winner?

Winning a prize makes it easy to call yourself a “winner,” right? If that’s the case, then I’ve been quite the winner as of late! I actually won 3-4 contests in the past month or so and have really enjoyed the arrivals of all of these neat packages. It’s good stuff, people!!!

Do I feel like a winner?

Nope. Not usually. I feel more like someone wanting to be a winner but not really knowing what it would take for me to qualify as the winner I want to be.

I know, I know. That was kinda confusing.

How do you define winning in your own life?

Does it have to do with a job or relationships or family or health? Or, does it just have to do with being grateful for the good stuff in your life?

Tell me what winning is for you.

Subscribe to my newsletter and benefit from all of the wonderful things coming our way!

Fraudulent Gratitude

May 9, 2016 by Starr W 27 Comments

May is a month of gratitude and vulnerability for me. I am taking this opportunity to be vulnerable with the people I love and to cultivate gratitude in my daily life.

I’m even keeping a daily gratitude journal. Each day, I list 5 things I’m grateful for from that day. Some days I struggle with what to write. Some days I could write volumes.

Do I feel more grateful?

Maybe.

Do I feel that I am cultivating authentic gratitude?

Sigh. I don’t know.

Don’t get me wrong. I am grateful for all of the many, many blessings I have in my life. I’m even grateful for the struggles.

Well, some of them.

Okay…I’m not there yet.

I admit that I have a hard time in some areas of my life where I can’t find any ways to show gratitude. I try, but it just isn’t there for me.

And that makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong. Like gratitude is a stumbling block for me.

So, if I’m stumbling in the gratitude department, what does vulnerability look like at the moment?

It kind of sucks, depending on the day. I’ve felt a really comfortable vulnerability in some interactions lately, but I’ve also found myself putting up walls as a result of my insecurities.

It’s really hard to have it both ways.

What is the ultimate vulnerability for me right now?

[Read more…]

Medicine Cabinet — Daily 5

May 4, 2016 by Starr W 16 Comments

We’re getting a little personal here today!

Have you ever glanced in someone’s medicine cabinet when you’re using the facilities at their house?

We’re all a little ~~nosy~~ curious sometimes, so I totally don’t blame you!

To be fair, I’m giving you the chance to take a peek at what I’m hiding in my medicine cabinet today.

But, first…

If you could only pick 5 items from your medicine cabinet, list the 5 that you just can’t live without…

Based on those 5 items, I can probably guess how old you are…haha! Not really, but I have accepted that my daily 5 at 41 is way different than my daily 5 at 21.

Don’t believe me?

Check ’em out!

The photo below is taken from my actual medicine cabinet.

I know you’re wondering what magical properties these 5 items possess for them to qualify as my Daily Top 5, so I’ll be more than happy to share with you.

Thayers Rose Petal Witch Hazel. Awesome toner. Beautiful rose scent. Doesn’t burn and does its job after I wash my face at night and after my shower in the morning. I picked this up at Garner’s Natural Life in Columbia, SC, on Earth Day, and I’m soooooooo happy with it! Garner’s has a great selection, knowledgeable employees, and I will definitely shop there again! Check out their Facebook page here.
Andalou naturals Fruit Stem Cell Science Ultra Sheer Daily Defense Facial Lotion with SPF 18 – Age Defying. I love this stuff. It is the first moisturizer I’ve used in ages that doesn’t burn, doesn’t require “getting used to,” and doesn’t make my face feel icky. It is light, goes on smoothly, and smells like a fresh cut orange. I may as well put this on a regular order from Lula Well because I am committed!!! I’m actually planning on loading up on their sunblock for my family for summer as well (but that’s a review for another time). As I mentioned, I got mine from the online store Lula Well and am thrilled with the service. You really can’t beat getting such a quality skincare product delivered to your door! Check out all of the natural goodness that my friend Angela carries over at Lula Well (www.lulawell.com)!
Figs & Rouge Multi-Tasking Hand Cream in Mocha Orange. This stuff is amazing! I’m not usually a fan of hand cream because it is always so heavy and greasy, but this stuff is super light, non-greasy and makes my hands feel soft for a long time. The yummy mocha orange scent is just icing on the cake. I actually received this as a free gift for purchasing a Figs & Rouge product from an Ipsy sample that I fell in love with. But, seriously, a full-sized freebie that turns out to be amazing??? Yes, please! See #4 below for the site where you, too, can get your own Multi-Tasking Hand Cream.
Figs & Rouge Hydra-Activ Cream, 3-in-1 Hero Hydration. I received a sample of this stuff in a past Ipsy Glam Bag. I loved it immediately! Not only does this particular one smell like beautifully fragrant flowers (specifically, it reminds me of honeysuckle and gardenia…swoon!), but it provides some serious night-time moisturizing. I guess the rest of the Ipsters loved their samples just as much because it was on backorder almost immediately. Fortunately, it didn’t take them long to restock and ship me my full-sized tin. I even like the packaging. Figs & Rouge is pretty awesome, and I’d love to try more of their products. Check them out online here!
Crystal Body Deodorant Stick. I had heard of this stuff for years but was too skeptical to try it because I sweat. No ladylike “glistening” or “perspiring” for me! Just sweat. Hubby had to finally give it a shot because the chemicals in the regular stuff were irritating him, and he actually liked the stick stuff! If he could be happy with a deodorant like that, then I had to give it a go. I loved it right away and have been using it for quite some time (enough to make it through 4 sweaty seasons in SC successfully). My armpit skin has never been in such great condition, and it makes it super easy to shave. There’s no nasty deodorant buildup, and nothing stains my clothes. They claim it lasts a year, but they were totally wrong in my case! It lasted over a year and a half!!! Seriously. We bought it for about $5 at Walgreen’s or CVS, and it lasted me over a year and a half!!! I’ve started on my second one finally. With previous deodorants, I spent $5-7 per month or so. Craziness! It is available in most stores, or you can check it out online at www.thecrystal.com.

So, that’s my medicine cabinet daily 5!

So you know, that last bottle on the right in the medicine cabinet pic is not a daily product, but it is going camping with me later this month. It’s an awesome dry shampoo that I got as a sample in my Ipsy Glam Bag. Yeah, I’m a fan of Ipsy, if you couldn’t tell. They introduce me to so many products that I wouldn’t normally try, and the bags are super cute each month!

I do feel I need to throw in a toothcare disclaimer since we’re talking medicine cabinet dailies. My toothpaste, brush and floss are very functional and accomplish exactly what they set out to do on a daily (or more often) basis. 🙂

Well, now that we’ve taken a glance in my medicine cabinet, tell me what you have in yours!

What are your most favorite products and where did you get them???

While I’ve got your attention, let’s continue with the gratitude journal for May. Read that post here if you aren’t familiar with my gratitude journal.

Monday, May 2

I can go to bed early tonight. Yawn!
My 3 year old wanted to change shirts.
I have fresh pineapple for lunch tomorrow.
My oldest and I are getting to the end of the mystery we’re reading…finally!
Bedtime went smoothly for all.

Tuesday, May 3

Traffic wasn’t totally insane on the way to school this morning.
Ibotta rocks. Yes, I’ll take rebates for things I’d buy anyways!
I found a really cute journal on sale today.
My 9 year old is learning about wellness in its many forms in PEHP (physical education and health promotion).
I brushed more than half of my 3 year old’s hair.

Wednesday, May 4

We have had an increase in interest in the house we’re selling.
Things don’t stress me like they used to.
Got my books from Amazon. Yay!
My 3 year old bathed without an argument.
Got the oldest to school on time.

Keeping a gratitude journal really does help me to see more of the good stuff in the every day mundane. I could list much more than 5 things I’m grateful for on a daily basis, but 5 is good for now.

Especially, a daily 5…

Stay engaged. Have hope.

Gratitude and Vulnerability — Uncensored!

May 2, 2016 by Starr W 24 Comments

Welcome, May!

Isn’t it crazy that we’re already in the 5th month of the year?!?!

And, you know…new month, new theme…

This one might even make you a little squeamish…

Gratitude & vulnerability!

Are you still with me?

Yes, I want to talk about being grateful and vulnerable in the same month. I may even make them part of the very same conversation because, honestly, I’m great at being grateful, but I really suck at being vulnerable.

I want to be grateful for vulnerability.

I want to be vulnerable in my gratitude.

How can these things possibly coexist in this world where so many equate vulnerability with “weakness” and often gratitude is empty?

Where are all of the authentic beings who bare their souls?

See, last week, my therapist asked me a question to which I did not have an answer…

What am I protecting myself from?

[Read more…]

Enchanting Essential Oils: Guest Post from Angela at Keeping It Well with Ang

April 28, 2016 by Starr W 25 Comments

Welcome to our final guest post for April 2016!

Today’s discussion on essential oils is both fun and informative. Angela has a great understanding of the purposes and properties of essential oils and offers that knowledge to you, the reader, through this post and her wonderful blog at www.keepingitwellwithang.com.

Don’t miss being part of the Facebook group that Angela and I have created to share our mission of Wellness For All. It is our goal to make wellness “the new norm” while reclaiming our time, energy and joy. I talked about it some earlier this week in my post here, so check that out and join the group!

We’d love to hear what you have to say about wellness!

Here’s Angela…

Chances are, if you’ve spent any time at all on Facebook and/or Pinterest, you have already read plenty about the benefits of lavender, peppermint and tea tree essential oils. As an essential oil enthusiast, and someone that spent 6 years peddling goods in a health food store, I can officially say I am a little bored and underwhelmed with these basic 3.

Are they handy oils to have on hand?

Yeah! Of course!

They are essential to the EO medicine cabinet.

However, today I want to express my love of 3 essential oils that are euphoric, intoxicating and way more exciting than the basics.

For the sake of being thorough, I will give you a quick rundown of the 3 basic oils in case you need a reminder of how they can be used.

Lavender Oil: a floral scent that relaxes and calms the spirit. Can be used to soothe stress, anxiety, lower blood pressure and alleviate pain from arthritis, rheumatism, headaches and migraine.

Peppermint Oil: can relieve fatigue and improves concentration. Also used commonly for digestive issues. When nauseated, sniffing straight from the bottle can settle the stomach.

Tea Tree Oil: anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal effects.

So…quick fact!

There are at least 120 different essential oil compounds. Some are used for perfumes, others are used medicinally and some should only be used with the guidance of a certified, well trained aromatherapist.

The oils that we read most often about in mainstream media today only skim the surface of what is available. So, with this post, I’ve chosen to share the enchanting stories of 3 beautiful oils that I just adore:

Jasmine, the Divine
Neroli, the Exotic
Ylang Ylang, the Maiden.

These 3 ladies are intriguing, uplifting and perfect to have in your natural perfume arsenal.

If you notice, I often refer to oils as if they have souls, he/she, girls/boys, etc. This is because I truly believe them to be living things.

No, I don’t think they are people like you and me, but high quality oils come from living plants. Those plants have a spiritual essence that contributes greatly to our existence if we use them with respect. They are truly a gift from God and magical things can happen if you submit to adopting them into your life as “helpers.”

Ok, I know I am cheesy…….so let’s move on…

Back to the 3 beauties with heavenly scents!

This gorgeous trio, although having very unique scents from one another, share several commonalities with one being the seductiveness of them.

They are all considered aphrodisiacs.

Additionally, each one can be used to uplift the spirits and combat depression, or used as antiseptics and for their sedative qualities.

I could go on and on, but, ultimately, that could turn into a book. So, for the sake of keeping this post simple, I’ve chosen to focus on the skin conditions these oils can be beneficial in healing and how to use them.

Let’s get to it!

Jasmine, originally a native of Persia and Kashmir, has a strong heavenly scent often associated with romance and femininity. However, this EO is often called the “King of Oils” because of the animalistic quality it possesses. Jasmine is perfect to be added to your aromatherapy jewelry so its intoxicating scent can be enjoyed as a “perfume.”

For skin health jasmine can be used to nourish dry, brittle or dehydrated skin. Use with caution as it can be too much for “cracked” skin or open wounds.

To use: Jasmine can be a strong scent and should be used sparingly. For the simplest application I suggest adding 1-2 drops into an ounce of carrier oil, blend and then blot lightly onto face. This mixture will give you several applications. Store in an airtight, preferably dark, container.

Neroli is an EO derived from the fragrant flowers of the orange blossom tree. Its scent is sweet with floral notes, and it is also quite strong. Neroli originated in Western India, Eastern Africa and the Himalayas.

Interestingly enough, the Spaniards brought the tree back to St. Augustine, Florida, in the mid 1500’s. Neroli helps improve skin health by regenerating and keeping your skin elastic, preventing the appearance of stretch marks, banishing acne, reducing the appearance of scars, and helping heal broken capillaries.

To use: Wet a cotton ball (with water) then apply a couple drops of oil to cotton and rub over face or add to your favorite skin cream.

Ylang Ylang.

Don’t you just love saying that? Ylang ylang!!

Ylang ylang actually means “flower of flower,” and this fun EO is a native of Indonesia. My favorite way to use YY is massaged into the scalp for healthy, shiny hair. Ylang ylang is extremely beneficial for skin that has sebum irregularities by normalizing the skin’s sebum production.

Ylang ylang also has the ability to inhibit microbial growth in wounds. Basically, it protects wounds from infections from bacteria, virus and fungus. It also helps to speed up the healing process of the wound.

To use: You can use YY “neat” (meaning directly on the skin) or you can use it similarly to the other oils mentioned in this post.

I am so thankful for the opportunity to share my joy of essential oils with you all!

I hope you learned something new and that you are inspired to create your own EO perfume or experiment with one or two of these oils to improve your skin health.

If you are still unsure what to do with this trio, I have put together 3 insanely gorgeous recipes over at Keeping It Well With Ang! Click here!

Annnnnnnnndddddd…

If you need quality natural and organic products, Lula Well is the way to go. I have an amazing day moisturizer from Angela’s shop that I will tell you all about in the coming weeks! Let’s just say it smells fabulous and makes my skin super happy…and it’s age-defying!!! Everything this over 40, working mom of 2 is seeking!

Angela is a mom and wife with a passion for natural and organic products and a dream to help other women achieve wellness. With over 1o years of experience in the Wellness Industry, Angela uses her wealth of knowledge to build her online shop, Lula Well. Check it out here!

Thank you so much to Angela from Keeping It Well!

I can’t wait to get my jasmine, neroli and ylang ylang oils from Angela’s online shop (right here!) so that I can make those great recipes she’s so graciously offered. My first step will be to add these yummy scents to my aromatherapy bracelets and pendants!

Need your own aromatherapy jewelry? Click here to check out my shop.

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Make a Difference This Week: Time Energy Joy Challenge

April 25, 2016 by Starr W 9 Comments

Earth Day was this past Friday.

Yes, really. Just a few days ago.

Did you already forget?

See, that’s the thing with celebrating Earth Day… We can actually do even more good just celebrating Earth every day.

If you have been hanging out with me this month, you know that April has been all about Spring, growth and renewal. My guest posters and I have talked about spring cleaning our morning routines, our lives, upcycling to turn trash into treasure, and Earth Day (to name a few).

My friend Angela (from www.keepingitwellwithang.com) and I are expanding the focus of our Facebook Group Wellness For All (check it out here and join us!!!) to introduce others to wellness as “the new norm.” So often in our society, wellness is only thought of being weightloss, but it encompasses so much more. Wellness can be physical, spiritual, emotional, mental, environmental…you see where this is going???

Wellness is all inclusive.

Angela and I are working to normalize a very abnormal understanding of what wellness actually is and how it can be achieved in your life. We want to help those who are interested to find The New Norm for themselves and reclaim time, energy and joy.

Time? Energy? Joy?

Yes, please!

People have been inspired.

I have been inspired.

This is what I have been striving for since I began this blog business a few months ago.

So, what am I going to do with that inspiration?

I’m going to make a difference this week.

It’s all about baby steps! Every day this week, I’m going to do something beneficial for Earth and/or for my fellow man. It doesn’t have to be huge to matter!

Need some ideas?

Pick up that trash in the parking lot at work and put it in a garbage can (or recycle bin).
Pay for the coffee or meal of the person behind you in the drive thru.
Hold the door for someone, smile and greet them.
Walk more and drive less.
Be kind to people and animals.
Put down your phone and have a real conversation.
Recycle all that wasted paper in the office (Thank you, Nonna!)
Encourage someone to chase their dream.
Go an entire day without saying anything negative (that’s a tough one!!!).
Turn off the lights when you leave a room.
Plant a tree…or a garden.
Volunteer.
Help those less fortunate in any way you can whether it be time, talent or treasure.
Compliment your significant other.
Meditate and be mindful of the energy you bring into a space.
Reach out to your parents or grandparents.
Share your coupons with someone who is trying to save money.
Be a friend.
Spend time outdoors communing with nature.
Donate.
Be fully present when you’re with your kids.
Join an awesome Facebook Group that supports Wellness For All by clicking here.
Go kayaking and get a different perspective. The world just doesn’t look the same from the water as it does from the land.

Wellness can become a habit.

Even my sister (Hey Nonna!) was inspired to do something different in honor of Earth Day (and the things I talked about in this post). So, let’s work together and all continue to do something different.

Welcome to my Time Energy Joy Challenge!

Each day this week, I challenge you to join me in doing something different. Step outside of your comfort zone and really take a hard look at things you can improve right in your home or even your hometown. It doesn’t matter how big or small your action is. Hell, you don’t even have to tell anyone you’re doing it, if you’d rather keep it to yourself.

What will you get out of this Challenge?

You get to experience growth. You start to rebuild the depleted stores of time, energy and joy in your life. That’s pretty huge, right???

Let’s make a difference this week by actually making a difference!

I’d love to hear any ideas you have!

Join me and let’s add to our personal wellness along with the wellness of those around us!

What inspires you?

Uses of Essential Oils for a Fresh Smelling Home by Victoria Naylor

The Plague of Perfectionism

There Really Is an App For That…

Congratulations!

Fraudulent Gratitude

Medicine Cabinet — Daily 5

Gratitude and Vulnerability — Uncensored!

Enchanting Essential Oils: Guest Post from Angela at Keeping It Well with Ang

Make a Difference This Week: Time Energy Joy Challenge

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