Neem oil, extracted from the Neem Tree (part of the Mahogany family), has been extensively used for eons as a cure-all in India and as a part of Ayurveda. Today it's most commonly used for hair/scalp health and for treatment of skin conditions like acne.
In terms of the latter, its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties have long been held in high regard for ridding the skin of acne-causing bacteria (likely due to the compound it contains that is similar to salicylic acid) and reducing redness. It also has a high content of fatty acids and vitamin E which help treat facial scarring, are anti-aging and even tone.
Tip: for acne prone skin, combine Neem oil and Bentonite clay to make a purifying mask. For an extra anti-bacterial and moisturizing oompf, you can also add in raw organic honey (or kill two birds by picking up raw organic Neem honey as I recently did from Heavenly Organics). Make sure to wash the mask off with lukewarm water before it fully dries on your skin.
For those of us ready to get our romance on this Saturday with our sweetie, or heck, if you're planning on romancing yourself (always important as well!), here are some lovely items to get you in the mood..
- Ilia Strike it Up - a true blue based red that's organic, moisturizing and semi-matte. Put it on your pucker, blot then re-apply.
- Valentina's Home Brewed True Love oil - a luscious blend of cardamom, chocolate and rose in coconut oil. Slather it on post-shower or bath, it's truly decadent!
- Tata Harper love potion - the name alone, 'nuff said! An exotic blend of essential oils including jasmine, sandalwood, ylang ylang and frankincense, it's 100% a natural aphrodisiac. I know I'm sold!
DIY rose petal face mask:
Once the festivities are over, don't throw out that lovely bouquet! Pick off the petals and soak briefly in cold water. Then extract a handful of petals and place in a mortar and pestle (or if you don't have one, you can use a bowl and bottom of a spice jar) with your favorite facial oil and/or you can use a combo of full-fat plain yogurt and raw organic honey to create a soothing mask. Or, if that's all too much of a bother, place the petals in a large bowl and simply do a facial steam. Use almost boiling water and carefully tent your face over the bowl with a towel - not too close, you don't want to burn yourself! You can throw in some chamomile tea bags for an extra calming steam if you like, and keep the steam session to 10 minutes or less.
Whether you're celebrating self love or sharing it with another (or both!), set the mood with some music that makes you feel groovy and take time to pamper yourself this weekend..
With love,
Shana
Carrying on in the yoga theme, here are some yoga toys I'm lusting after at the moment...
- Headstand frame - as someone who struggles with getting into a headstand, both because I often have neck/shoulder pain as well as a self-admitted lack of upper body strength, this is just the ticket! Inversions are great for rejuvenation and cleansing, so I'd love to play with this.
- Singing bowl and Tibetan Tingshas - I'm all for a little cleansing sound during meditation or yoga, or to calm my mind before bed. I want both!
- Lotus cushion - and last but not least, a pretty pretty meditation cushion!
Throw in your favorite essential oil rollerball blend (mine's with palo santo) or flower essence spray (eg Lotus Wei pure energy) and you have the makings of an excellent yoga practice!
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| Photo crd AstroStyle |
I love me some Chinese New Year. Maybe it's because I love any excuse for a fresh start, or perhaps because I love the animal theme, or possibly because they throw a swingin' good parade every Feb to celebrate in NYC and SF...or all of the above!
In any case, I'm jumping the gun a bit as the Lunar New Year isn't for a couple more weeks, but you can get a head start and find out which animal you are and how the Year of the Green Sheep will affect you here.
In the meantime, get your dim sum on and Gung Hay Fat Choy! (That roughly translates to "Happy New Year" and you have my blessing to annoy your native speaking friends and coworkers by saying it frequently over the next 6 weeks as I like to do)
Happy Feb!
As I've previously blogged about, morning yoga has become a staple in my a.m. routine. But of course there are days when I'm feeling tired or lazy, and it takes extra effort to convince myself that I'll feel better after having done it. It's on those types of days in particular that I turn to the below videos to help motivate me (along with a spritz or three of the Lotus Wei Inspired Action energy mist). Whether you already practice, or it's on your New Year's resolution list, these videos are a great tool.
Detox Flow (I particularly like Helen's soothing voice and integrative mind/body/spirit approach)
Full body vinyasa flow (Filmed in Woodstock, this is a great video to watch if you want to pretend you're at a yoga retreat in the privacy of your own home)
Yoga for Stress Relief (Adriene is adorable and super approachable with her tutorials, pretty much any of her videos are great)
Yin Yoga (Filmed in a beautiful setting by the water, this is a great introduction to Yin yoga which focuses on cooling the body - rather than building heat - through prolonged holdings of postures. If you're not naturally flexible, this may be a somewhat challenging video but I recommend you either build up to it or give it a shot as it's a fantastic way to reconnect with and ground yourself if you're feeling frazzled)
As a P.S., here's the link again to how to make your own yoga mat spray.
Happy Yoga-ing!
Attehhhnnn...HUT!
The three part Lotus Wei series concludes with the Inspired Action collection.
