Take Time To Relax

Today's Objective is to Relax

 

It is important to take some time for yourself and unwind.  I do this in a couple of ways, and like to still try new ways to relax. 
Here is a list of some of my favorite unwind moments.

Yoga
Not a power session but stretching and breathing.  You can find some great videos over at MyYogaOnline.com  If you are new to them you can sign up for 2 free weeks, and give it a try.

Find a comfortable place to sit.
This is one of my favorites because I just sit back, take deep breaths, and think.  I usually will prayer, read, or reflect on issues.  We call this area "The Nook".  There is no talking or rough housing here; it is a place for reading and relaxing. 

Get outside
I know in some places it is pretty cold still, but when the weather is nice, get outside and enjoy the sunshine.  This allows us to soak in some Vitamin D naturally, which can lighten our moods and de-stress us. 








Get your hand dirty.
Working in a garden can be very therapeutic and allows stress to roll right off us.  If you don't have a garden, then maybe make this your spring project.  Start small and call it your Calming Place.

What do you do to Relax?

Disclaimer: I am not paid for my announcements, news, or post. These are my opinions and thoughts. I enjoying bring my readers wonderful Companies, Events, Health News, and Green Living. 

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Don't mind the mess.  I am organizing and cleaning up! Not all post are updated to the new tabs but should be soon :-)

NatureSense iPad App for Relaxing and Meditation

I think every person can benefit from finding a way to naturally relax, something that gives them peace to calm the raging storms of life.

I found this as a free app on my iPad and I love it.  I have three that I downloaded and this one is the best, in my opinion.  It has 6 already set theme combinations for quick enjoyment.  A Beach, Campfire Night, Lake, Bird Garden, Musical Waterfall, and Rain.   Each of the 6 theme combination comes with a beautiful picture for screen.  These are nice, but I like to make my own combinations, here is a list of sounds on free version.

Sounds
Rain
Thunderstorm
Birds

Clock
cat purring
grasshoppers
Fire
Lounge
Night
Birds
Owl
Fan
Crickets
Music box
Flute

Sparrow

Airplane
White noise
Waves
Chime
Waterfall
Marbour
Whale
Melody
Beach

 Calm melody
Pond
Times square
Zen bell
Train
Monastery
Delta beat
rain rain
Loons on the lake
Piano

I have used this App in many ways for myself and the kids.  When reading I can have the app open and be in other sites, ibook, anywhere really.  The other two app's close if you leave the screen so you can't be multitasking and listening at the same time.  I use it while I do my Yoga, cooking, reading before bed, at doctor offices, pretty much anywhere I want to be relaxing with my Rain and Storms.  The kids love to make their own combinations that they find relaxing.

The app has features for timers wake up, fade out, sleep, and more. 

Relaxing Nature Scenes (helps to relax, meditate, sleep and yoga) By Red Hammer Software

Tea of the Week! Tulsi Ginger

Drink Your Natural Medicine!

The Tea of the Week is Tulsi Ginger, from Organic India.
Caffeine -free
Stress relieving and uplifting.

Tulsi, is Holy Basil which is an herb believed to have healing properties that relieve stress and protect the immune system.

Throughout India Tulsi is said to be the Queen of herbs. It is revered in India as a sacred plant.  The Tulsi plant is so beloved, you can find it in almost every home or garden throughout India. For the last 5000 years Tulsi tea leaves have been used in general good health. Now you can have a little cup of good health that taste great and very relaxing.

Tulsi Ginger is an uplifting combination of ginger and Tulsi that includes Rama, Vana, and Krishna.  This combination is said to have an exciting yet relaxing blend.  Another benefit to this combination is that it aids in digestion, making this a great tea for after meals and before bed.


Benefits of Tulsi   
Reduces stress
Supports the Immune system
Builds Stamina
Aids digestion
High in Antioxidants
Anti-Aging,  a  plus right!
Uplifts moods
Gives balance to energy
Balances Metabolism

Our organic Tulsi Tea blends come in 18 delicious flavors! Tulsi, also called Holy Basil, is revered throughout India as a sacred herb infused with healing power and is considered to be the “Queen of Herbs.” Abundant in antioxidants, certified organic Tulsi Tea is not only great tasting; it offers stress relief, increased energy and a boost to your natural immune system. Enjoy!~~Organic India

This tea has a wonderful taste, smooth and delightful.  I have been enjoying it for a month and love having it after my meals.  I think teas do a lot for nourishing and supporting our bodies, but I love the relaxing and calming effects most.  I have mentioned I am a mom of four amazing and wonderful children.  They keep me busy and on my toes.  I have to manage my stress for my family to be the best mom I can be, and believe I am no good to anyone if I fall apart.  Drinking a relaxing and calming tea is part of my stress management, and it is a bonus that it is all those wonderful things listed above!

                        Balancing Act talks about Tulsi Tea and how Teas are on the rise!

Each box of Tulsi Ginger comes with 18 bags.  Retailed at $4.99 On sale right now for $3.99 a box.  If you prefer Bulk teas, to reduce the amount of waste, you can purchase a 1 lb bag for $22.00.

Organic India Website * Organic India on Facebook * Organic India on Twitter

Disclaimer:  I was given this product to review.  I am not paid for my reviews, these are my personal opinions and just enjoy bring companies that promote Organic living. 

Healthy Spirit: Start your Day with Yoga

I love Yoga with the benefits of clarity, detoxification, and a toned body, but did you know Yoga can bring you peace to your spirit?  In YogaPaws Blog for Beginner Poses and Postures they talk about starting your day with 5 basic moves. 

In the article they mention how the morning can be a great time to fit in Yoga.  All too quickly the days events of work, home, kids, pets, and more have us running from one event to the next.  Take the time for yourself to take deep cleansing breaths and let the stress and worries of the day roll off you.  This is the time to forget about all that is on the calendar and prepare yourself to be the best mentally, physically, and spiritually for your loved ones.

How can five little moves do all that? By helping you open your mind to the healing powers that comes from deep breaths, stretching tight muscles, and releasing the stress and tensions throughout your body.

Yoga can be cleansing and healing.  Your muscles want to stretch, burn, and release stored toxins.  We normally do not take enough cleansing breaths but rather shallow and short.  Breathing deep cleansing breaths while doing yoga clears the mind and lungs of stored chemicals and toxins like carbon-dioxide. 

The Five Moves for a calmer day, read article for full description on how to preform these moves. 

• "Virabhadrasana I (Warrior I Pose) Benefits: This pose stretches your hip flexors and opens your chest, both of which help you feel released."
• "Marjaryasana (Cat Pose) Benefits: Often, your back might feel tight first thing in the morning. This gentle stretch releases that tension without stressing your hamstrings."
• "High Lunge,  Benefits: This pose provides a deep stretch in your hip flexors and the backs of your legs."
• "Bharadvajasana I (Bharadvaja’s Twist)  Benefits: This gentle twist is perfect for realigning your back after sleeping."
• "Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose) Benefits: This pose stretches the inner thighs and hips, letting you start the day with a sense of physical freedom."

If a calmer day is not quite enough to help you start Yoga, then maybe the fact that it is anti-Aging will help?

"There are seven basic attributes that characterize someone who’s vibrant and healthy, someone who seems to defy the effects of aging:

• Supple skin that radiates beauty
• Strong, shiny hair
• Well defined muscles and bone structure
• Boundless energy that lights up a room
• A light but firm and confident step
• A positive, well balanced attitude toward life
• A calm demeanor"

How do you start your morning?  Thinking about Yoga?

 

5 Things to keep in mind to de-stress

This last week has been extremely busy and challenging for me.  While next week is packed to the hilt with events and responsibilities I need to keep myself relaxed.  With this in mind I wanted to share a few I use when times get tough.

• Find a quite place.  I am a mom of four active and wonderful kids and things get load and chaotic.  I have a ton of end of year events that I need to help with at the school and family obligations.  I love doing all these things but even things we love can cause undue stress on us.  To keep myself in balance I like to find a few minutes in a nice quite place and just breath deep.  No thoughts, No schedule, No noise, No meals, just breathing and relaxing.
• Make time to exercise.  This may seem like one more thing to schedule in, but it is a must for de-stressing.  This week I have put my exercise on hold and I am feeling the effects of being sluggish, tired, and even a little tense.  Exercise helps us burn pent-up tensions and increases a healthy lifestyle.  This is something we need to always make sure we get in the daily activities.  
• Get your Yoga On!  Yoga is so much more that a workout.  You get the breathing exercise, concentration, and balance that comes with a great workout.  It helps detoxify the body and mind.
• Give yourself healthy challenges.  It is important to learn new things in a relaxing manor.  Go for a hike, a new bike ride, try something new in cooking, exercise, reading about a subject that you are interested, and more.  We need to stay out of the stagnant waters of routine and rise to a challenge of improvement and variety. 
• Be a great example to your family.  They look up to you to be a corner stone of strength.  When we lose the balance of life then they lose a footing to their day as well.  I have had days where the kids or hubby have said, "OK, Mom is losing it".  That is my que to relax, re-prioritize, and let few things go until tomorrow, maybe even next week. :-)

This weekend we have a half marathon to attend and then we will kick back and enjoy Cinco de Mayo fun!  For those in Tucson here are a couple events to look into!  Enjoy your weekend!

Up coming EVENTS Tucson AZ

What:Cinco de mayo Festival!LIVE Mariachi MUSIC  Free kids crafts and more in addition to our farmers and artisans. We have local, pesticide-free and organic fruit and vegetables, hand crafted furniture, quilts, jewelry, handmade soaps and lotions, baked goods and much more. info. HERE

Where:Rincon Valley Farmers & Artisans Market12500 E. Old Spanish Trail

When:8am-1pm

Cost:FREE

What:Weekend of Cinco de Mayo festivities presented by Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance and Park Place Mall with music, dancing and more.

When:1pm - 3pm: A Son Y Sol Engel Indo Mariachias by Macy's 3pm - 5pm: Street Minstrels - Frank Ross - Latin Folk by Sears

where:Park Place Mall

cost:FREE

Green your Mom Giveaway Hop, $25 Gift Certificate

What better present to give your mom for Mother’s Day than a Green Gift? I’m teaming up with EcoCrazy Mom and Simple City Life to bring you the Green Your Mom Giveaway Hop, May 1-7, 2012.

Wildwood Soapworks has a wonderful assortment of Organic body care.  I absolutely fell in love with their Lavender Lemon soap bars, and you can read more of my review here. 


I am currently using a few additional items of Wildwoods and have been very pleased with my experience.  I think it has a lot to do with the quality of their ingredients.  For one the essential oils used are of the highest quality therapeutic oils.  The Lavender is a high altitude wild grown Bulgarian Lavender which makes it the best quality for therapeutic use.  All the plant and essentials oils are of the highest grade and scrutiny before use.

Since this is a Mother's Day Hop I wanted to share my second most treasured item of Wildwoods, the Golden Slumbers Sleep Balm.  I received this item to try and was a little skeptical.  I have been using Rescue Remedies Sleep for so long that I thought nothing could do as good a job.  My first night with the balm I tried it and was asleep in 15 minutes, and I was very surprised because I am a night owl.  I love to stay up after tucking the kids in bed and relaxing with a book.  Although, since I started the Slumbers Sleep Balm my reading time has been drastically reduced.  This is actually a wonderful thing.  I fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up very rested without an alarm clock.  The essential oils are specially designed to aid in a relaxing bed routine.  For those that have no trouble falling asleep only to wake a few hours later wide awake, this has shown to help as well.  Essential oils have long since been used in aiding in the healing arts. 



I have used the Slumber Sleep Balm on my children when they were too restless to fall asleep, when they have had an off night with nightmares, and for family members visiting.  I found that even when the balm helped me into a very relaxing sleep, I woke up completely awake and alert to my daughter having a nightmare.  The Sleep Balm is completely 100% organic. 

Wildwoods has products for Baby, Mommy, Pets, Teas and Bath scrubs, Balms, Soaps, Shampoos, Insect deterrents, bath accessories, and Lotions.  Slumber Sleep Balm is $6.95.  This is cheaper than the previous sleep and rest aid I used, completely organic, and works better.  

Now the GREAT news.  This Green Clean Company is going to give one happy reader a 

$25.00 Gift Certificate!!!  The event will begin at 12:01 AM EST May 1, 2012 and end at 11:59 PM EST on May 7, 2012 US ONLY EVENT.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to stop by all the other blogs in this event and Good Luck!

I have not been paid for this review, it is mine and mine alone.  I received my bar for just being a new follower on their Facebook page.  I am not making any sales in this post either.  I just love the product and the mission of this company~~Natural, Organic, and Safe!  The Company is so friendly, be sure to stop by Facebook or twitter and tell Sally that Kelley's Passion sent you! 

 I just want her to know how much I appreciate her Passion for clean wonderful products! 

Have you heard of Wildwood SoapWorks?

I am so excited to tell you about this product!  I was directed to Wildwoods SoapWorks through a friend saying "you have to try these", since I love trying handcrafted soaps.  I specifically requested one of their goat's milk products, because they usually have a creaminess that leaves your skin feeling silky and smooth.  You might be wondering why I am talking about soap when my passion is nutrition.  Well, your skin is your largest organ and everything we put on it gets absorbed into the body.  When you add chemicals and toxins from your body care products you are taking those in through the skin and potentially adding harm to your systems.  Research has shown that toxins are contributing to many health problems.   It makes sense to use natural wholesome ingredients to clean your skin, rather than toxic products.

I loved my experience with the soap so much that I contacted the company to know more about it.  I had a wonderful phone conversation with Sally, the owner and designer of this amazing soap!  She was such a sweet passionate woman who started this business with wanting to make a great "Natural" soap.  The fact that it looks so sleek and appealing just shows how much passion and artistic flare she puts into every bar.  I found out that these handcrafted soaps are "cold processed" so that the blend of plant based ingredient (see below) are not compromised in the heating process.  The Oils are very sensitive and can be destroyed if heated at high temperatures.  These soaps are not just pretty and smell great, they each have their own function!  That being said, after the soaps are mixed they sit for 28 days curing.  My initial thought was, what attention to detail goes into making sure these soaps are truly beneficial for the skin.  Other companies' produce soaps within 24 hours to a weeks time, then shipped out to customers.  Not Wildwood SoapWorks, your bar of soap takes a month to become this work of functional art, now that is Passion!    

Each ingredient in their soaps is "certified" organic.  I was again impressed with this standard.  So many times I have seen a product labeled organic and then read the back to see one or a couple items being *organic.  The ingredients are simply the cold pressed form of the plant material.  No chemically engineered ingredients with (  ) stating what the ingredient is suppose to be, but in its simple natural state.  There is sadly a lot of marketing untruths in the bath and body lines.  You have to really look at labeling carefully.  I am going to be talking more in depth in the future but basically you can mix fragrance oils and essential oils together and it still be called essential.  Fragrance oils are genetically engineered which are SYNTHETIC chemicals formulated to smell like the real thing.  Wildwood has No additives, dyes, fragrances, or surprises, you know just what you are putting on your skin.  What you feel and smell is the true form made into a specially designed bar for you to nourish and pamper yourself.                    

I received a bar of the "Goats Milk Lavender Lemon".

Description: " So smooth and silky, this organic creation is scented with High Altitude Bulgarian Lavender and Haitian Lemongrass essential oils. Sweet and subtle tones will relax and melt away the cares of the day while the natural replenishing properties of the full cream goat's milk will leave your skin feeling amazing!"

Ingredients: "Saponified organic oils of: extra virgin olive*, coconut*, palm fruit*, high oleic sunflower*, cocoa butter*, castor bean*, and jojoba* ; full cream goat's milk, blue malva flowers, and rosemary oleoresin extract and a proprietary blend of therapeutic grade essential oils.  *certified organic"

When I saw the packaging I was immediately drawn to the appealing designs of these soaps.  The bars have a unique cut on the top, some have dried flowers or a marbling of great color combinations.These colors come from the trues essential oils, no colors or dyes are added in these soaps. 

All Wildwood SoapWorks are

• Handcrafted
• Certified Organic
• Plant-Based
• Pure Essential Oils
• Skin moisturizing
• just pure and simple

 Let's look at Wildwood Soap Bars in true light:

• "Dollar for dollar they are a better value and better for you!"  I have to say I have bought other soaps and did not compare to the quality of these soaps, hands down!
• "They are enormous!  A full 5 oz. which is much larger and longer lasting than most of our competitors." I have been using my bar nightly and on my children and it looks like we have barely used it!  Most soaps disintegrate right on the counter after getting wet, and this bar looks like to just pulled it out of the sleeve. 
• "Not only are the oils certified organic, they use more varieties, and they are of the highest quality available!"
• "We use only therapeutic grade essential oils for the ultimate aromatherapy experience!"
• "NO FRAGRANCE OILS...EVER!"
• "No petroleum products or animal fats"
• "We never use sulfates, mineral oxides, micas, dyes, or anything artificial...if it's not good for your skin, it's not in here!"  I love this, because I know these toxins seep into your skin and contribute to health problems.  These are clean and green!
• "So, come inside... look around... compare our products... and experience skincare as nature intended, water will never be the same!"  I have been using wildwood soapworks for 3 weeks now and I love my new nighttime routine.  I wanted to see how the soap holds up and it has.  It looks brand knew after 3 weeks of daily use.  I wanted to see if it left my skin smooth, it has!  I have been very pleasantly surprised.  It has a creaminess, clean fragrance of essential oils, and my skin feels silky smooth as I go to bed.  I love when my husband says how wonderful I smell, like a clean meadow (Goats Milk Lavender Lemon).  

The designer look of these soaps is something I have never seen before.  I have seen cute marbling and molds, but these are so different!  Check out these bars!

I have truly enjoyed my experience with this new product.  When you find something that cleans, nourishes, and revives your senses.....you stick with it!

A company that gives you a clean, smooth soap with designer look and quality! 

Remember to think of "Mom" when you are reading this review.
I'm sure she would love a little pampering with these amazing products.
 Wildwood SoapWorks also carries......
Lotions and Potions
Balms and Butters
Protects for baby
Teas and Scrubs
Pet Products  and Bath accessories

I want to explain a little more about the benefits of using the essentials oils in your skin care products but that is a post in itself!  Be sure to read more about this in upcoming weeks.  I have not just reviewed a single soap and company.  I truly believe I was brought to Wildwood SoapWorks for a cleaner product for my families skin.  You will be seeing more of this great company! 
That in mind, if you are wanting to experience the quality of the soaps for yourself,  Mom (mother's day), Dad (Father's day), mother to be, or just a great friend, Wildwood SoapWorks is offering a special 20% off your entire order TODAY!  What a great value and way to see these soaps yourself.  When making your order use code wildwood20.
Wildwood SoapWorks will be releasing new products soon as well as great saving that you will only see on their facebook and twitter .  Be sure to Like and Follow, so that you don't miss any upcoming promotions and sales!  Not that you won't want the soaps as priced.  I have spent more on soaps that did not have the quality and benefits, but if you like to save a little extra you will want to use the coupon code wildwood20 good for 4/17 only.  You never know when, you never know why....but they like to thank a lucky follower with an occasional free bar of soap.

The Company Wildwood Soapworks

"Seven years ago I wandered into an open air green market in southern Florida.  A woman was selling beautifully crafted soap that incorporated natural essential oils.  I remember looking at each one in great detail.   Seduced with the likes of real rosemary, lavender, and orange, I purchased three, packed them away and headed for home. These three little bars changed my path.  From then on, I sought out every book and article written about the art of natural soap making and essential oils.  Creating, testing, seeking the finest ingredients available, and the desire to continuously improve are my mantras. I tucked the idea of creating a true all natural bath and body care business away into my dreams.  Well, my dreams have become reality.  Today Wildwood Soapworks is an environmentally conscious, small company located in lovely Kennett Square, Pennsylvania with an obsession to use only the finest ingredients on the planet, no matter what the cost!      Experience skincare as nature intended...Water will never be the same!     ...Sally K. Cates"

I have not been paid for this review, it is mine and mine alone.  I received my bar for just being a new follower on their Facebook page.  I am not making any sales in this post either.  I just love the product and the mission of this company~~Natural, Organic, and Safe!  The Company is so friendly, be sure to stop by Facebook or twitter and tell Sally that Kelley's Passion sent you! 

 I just want her to know how much I appreciate her Passion for clean wonderful products! 

Ways to not stress over the Holidays, a Must read.

I wanted to write about the holidays. I am enjoying mine, but I am also starting to stress. The last minute things start to rack up and I made this note based on how to distress keeping my Immunes strong and staying healthy. So I wanted to share this with all of you as well.


• Taking time with a nice cup of tea with a loved one is very therapeutic. This way you slow down and relax. Some of my favorites are chamomile, green tea, or peppermint.
• You can also try the rescue remedies. Dr. Bach has combinations of homeopathic ways to improve moods and stressful situations. The rescue remedy is a five flower combo that is great for keeping stress and anxiety at bay.
• I am also going to be doing yoga 2 extra times a week. Yoga is a great technique for slowing down the breathing, stretching, and opening the mind. When you take that time to breath RIGHT, you allow oxygen to help the lungs detox from trapped CO2, and get rich oxygenated blood to the outer extremities of the body. So, it is very important to learn to breath right. During this time of year when we tend to stress and put to much on our plate, without knowing it, we shorten our breathing and do not get enough rich oxygen to the body.
• Also relax your mind. Meditation slows the breathing and also lowers the heart rate. You can use imagery to visualize the Holiday that YOU want. For example if you're going to be around more family and friends then you maybe use to, remember to take deep cleansing breaths, positive thoughts and you will make it through a crazy holiday.
• Studies have also shown that depression and anxiety will add inches around the waistline. Which will also increase anxiety. Since belly fat has been linked to type 2 diabetes and heart disease, try these simple ways to calm the nerves and blues.
• Also, take some time for some nice sunshine outside. We usually tend to be inside more because of the cold, but having a decreased amount of Vitamin D will also cause anxiety. So for both body and mind, get out side and enjoy sunshine, fresh air, and a nice walk around the neighborhood. You will feel so much better afterwards.



We all love a tasty, refreshing drink for a Holiday party. Hear is one you might really enjoy.

This serves two, so make adjustments for a larger get together.

Clementine Mint

Ice Cubes
12 mint leaves, finely shredded
2 whole leaves for garnish
1/4 cup of lemon juice
1 cup fresh Clementine juice
1 bottle sparkling water
slices of Clementine's

Fill pitcher with ice cubes, lemon juice, Clementine juice, sparkling water, shredded mint leaves, and slices of Clementine mix altogether. Then pour in glasses and garnish with whole mint leaves.
Something other than Eggnog, which I still love as well.

Have a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season.