Aromatherapy Candles - Do You Know How to Use These 14 Key E

by: Justine van Zyl
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years, largely for medicinal purposes. Although the medical emphasis started to decline about 100 years ago, aromatherapists stayed focussed and have been studying the effect of essential oils on the body and brain for hundreds of years.
Although the cosmetic and perfume industries had become the major users of essential oils as mainstream medical interest declined, the pendulum started to swing back in 1928, when René-Maurice Cattefossé first used the term aromatherapy.Other pioneers helped foster renewed focus on essential oils, and there is now greater interest than ever in their use for cosmetic, therapeutic and spiritual purposes.Today's aromatherapists can call on at least 90 essential oils, which can be used either singly or combined. Naturally, in this modern age, they are cautious in their recommendations and claims - but they themselves are convinced believers.
Aromatherapy Fragranced Candles
Candle makers have recognised this renewed interest, and provide a wide range of products for those who want to combine a love of candles with an interest in aromatherapy. Obviously, the candles do not give as intense an effect as the direct application of an essential oil, but instead provide a more subtle influence.As they burn the candles release a continuous stream of vaporized essential oils into the air, which you absorb as you breathe. First they stimulate the olfactory nerves that lead from the nose to the brain, and then they enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body.And depending on what you want to achieve, there is probably an oil that will do just what you want it to.
The Abbreviated List
A list of 90 different oils is a bit much for a non-expert to absorb, so here is an abbreviated guide to some of the more common oils, and their associated recommendations:

1. Bergamot - extracted from a citrus fruit. Used to fight depression, and reduce stress and fatigue.
2. Chamomile - calming, refreshing, antiseptic.
3. Eucalyptus - stimulant, antiseptic. Recommended for treating coughs and colds. Used as insecticide and germicide.
4. Geranium - good for the skin, recommended for depression. Found in window boxes (particularly in Europe), it is a good household insecticide.
5. Jasmine - anti-depressant, antiseptic. Used to overcome anxiety and depression.
6. Lavender - the world's most common essential oil, used since the Middle Ages. Relaxes, calms, antiseptic.
7. Neem - extracted from an Indian tree and is used primarily in health and beauty products. Said to be anti- almost everything - antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and antihistamine, among others. One of the major essential oils.
8. Neroli - derived from orange blossoms. Said to be calming and good for treating insomnia.
9. Orange - another product from the orange tree, this time pressed from the skin of the fruit. Relaxes and calms, and is often mixed with other oils.
10. Oregano - another of the majors, with just as many "antis" in its list of properties as Neem oil.
11. Rose - pricey, as all who encounter it in skincare products will know. Also an antiseptic and anti-depressant.
12. Rosemary - physical and mental stimulant, but also very relaxing at the end of a stressful day.
13. Tea Tree - derived from an Australian tree, it has a wide range of uses, and at one stage was even in military first-aid kits. Another of the major essential oils.
14. Ylang Ylang - very fragrant, relieves pain, eases anxiety, aphrodisiac.

Even Aromatherapy Soy Candles
These, and many others, are available in a wide range that includes aromatherapy soy candles. Of course, sampling this list might lead to a storage area loaded with a large variety of candles. But when it comes to aromatherapy candles, can you really have too much of a good thing?

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Herbs for Profection

by: Sam Stevens
If you have never used plant matter in magic before, I explain in detail in the column Plants, Herbs and Roots for Prosperity the different ways these substances can be practically used in rituals and everyday practice. In brief, the main methods of using plant material to summon protection are: carrying the substance on your person in a locket or a sachet, boiling the herb and sprinkling the residual water around your residence, putting a sprig of it under your bed or pillow, bathing in a distillation of it or burning it as incense. Also with love attracting, just keeping the living plant in your house can help increase your vibrations. Below I have detailed where an herb can be used for a specific protective purpose.

Ague Weed: A bath in this herb is alleged to banish evil spirits. This herb is also known as Boneset.

Agrimony: Is burned or sprinkled around the house to send bad spirits back to the sender.

Angelica: Worn on the person to protect from evil spirits, however a drawback of this herb is that it also may protect you from opportunities. Used formally in rites of exorcism to get rid of bad spirits. Brew into a tea it and sprinkle in the corners of a house to protect from evil spirits. It is also warn on the person in a locket or sachet for personal protection.

Anise: Stuffed under a pillow it protects from nightmares.

Ash: The branches can be shaken and rattled like a wand to cleanse a place of bad energy.

Asafoetida: Kept in a potpourri or burned for protection.

Bergamot: Usually used for money, but some sources say it can be used for personal protection and to attract good spirits as well.

Borage: Place in an area that is suspicious it is said to make the truth come out or have dishonesty, plots or secrets revealed.

Broom Tops: Boiled in salt water to keep evil spirits and ghosts away.

Caraway: Carry the seeds on your person to protect from disease and ill health. A few seeds in the clothing of a loved one are said to protect your marriage from infidelity.

Carnations: A bouquet of fresh or dried blossoms is said to protect the home and family from rivals and attackers of all sorts.

Camphor: Worn as a balm it is used to ward off physical attack or unwanted advances from others.

Cedar: The boughs or incense are burnt to protect the home from spirits. It also protects those in deep meditation or doing rituals from picking up unwanted energies and astral attack. It is toxic to reptiles and birds, however, so you should be careful using it if you have either as pets.

Coriander: Burn as an incense or wear the seeds on your person to protect against attack. Helps keep friends and lovers from accidents.

Deersbane: Burned to reveal bad energy or tell one the source of bad energy.

Dill: Sprinkle in a corner of a children’s room to protect them from harm.

Elder: A highly protective tree whose branches are burnt or kept in the home to save residents from accidents and attacks of all kinds.

Eucalyptus: Burnt in the home to protect the health from viruses, disease and plagues.

Geranium: Live bouquets, oil and incense are kept in the home to protect the family against attacks of all kinds and also disease. Worn as an oil to protect the health.

Heather: The sprigs are worn on the person or kept in the house to protect from evil spirits and unwanted attentions.

Lavender: Use a fresh bouquet, dried flowers, oil, perfume or incense to protect and shield your person and home from bad vibrations and negative people.

Marjoram: Sprinkled in the house for protection against accidents, burglars and unwanted visitors.

Myrtle: A sprig is kept above the front door for protection.

Motherwort: Burned or kept in sachets or lockets on the person for personal protection.

Pennyroyal: Burned to protect against domestic abuse and violence in the home.

Pine: A wreath of pine protects from bad spirits and attracts good spirits. The incense clears spaces of bad vibrations.

Snakeroot: Used to banish a person or thing from a home.

Rue: Rue Candles are burned for protection and the herb is burned to rid a space of bad thought forms and malevolent energies.

Slippery Elm: Place the herb in the place where you wish to get rid of slander or gossip. It may also be burned while sending bad thoughts back to the sender.

Vetivert: Wear the oil to protect yourself when you go out in dangerous or iffy situations.

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Baby Shower Themes

by: Cathy Cripps
Once the type of shower has been decided on, the fun begins in creating a theme. Sometimes, the shower will be very elegant, sometimes more casual, and sometimes, just downright fun. The theme of the shower should be a direct reflection on the expectant parents’ personalities and lifestyle. Therefore, when hosting, it is important that they have input into the final decisions.
Again, you can do anything you like, as long as it coordinates with what the couple wants. If you will be the host, take this opportunity to use your imagination, borrow ideas, and allow the creative juices to flow. You want the baby shower to be enjoyable, full of laughter, and a memorable occasional regardless of the theme. The following are a few popular recommendations:
SUPPERTIME
Typically, a baby shower consists of games, food, and presents. However, why not take the idea one-step further by including frozen dinners, preferably homemade. If the couple has room, have each guest bring something that can be frozen or is already frozen.
Whether the shower is before or after the birth of the baby, this means the couple does not have to spend tired nights trying to cook. Instead, they can simply pull out one of the frozen dinners, pop it in the oven or microwave, and in a short time, have a nutritious homemade meal.
You would be amazed at how much this sentiment is appreciated. Just be sure everyone labels the food with the name, date, and any cooking instructions. Finally, if possible, try to provide some meal ideas for guests so they know what types of food the couple enjoys. By offering a little guidance, this will also help reduce the chance of duplication.
IOU
This theme baby shower is not only fun but also a tremendous help to both the expectant mother and father. With this, every guest would bring a handwritten, signed, and dated IOU that would provide a service after the birth of the baby. Similar to task coupons, the mother can call upon the IOU when needed and the family member of friend complies. Some of the things you would expect to see include:
One home cooked dinner
One night of babysitting
Four hours of house cleaning
One week of laundry
One week of running errands
BEDRIDDEN
Unfortunately, pregnancy is not a breeze for every mother. Some women have complications that can keep her bedridden at home or even at the hospital. For the expectant mother, waiting for the birth of a child from bed is lousy. A baby shower can be customized around her situation to brighten her day, giving her hope while lifting her spirits.
Instead of waiting on the birth of the baby, go ahead and plan the shower with close family members and friends, bringing the shower to her. Remember, after the baby is born, a full-scale shower can always follow. However, for this type of shower, guests should create a miniature gift box or basket. Great ideas of what might be offered include:
Craft projects that can be worked on in bed are good choices. This might include cross-stitch, needlepoint, simple paintings, and even handmade ornaments.
Books are also excellent ideas but it is important to choose books that she likes. Ask her or her family what types of books she enjoys reading.
Puzzles are also a great way for the expectant mother to pass the time. This might include crossword puzzles, other puzzle books, or a flat tray with a small piece puzzle, perhaps of a baby.
Video tapes or DVDs are nice in that she can watch her favorite television shows or movies while still getting the rest needed.
A day spa certificate to include massage, facial, pedicure, and manicure for after her baby is born would provide her with something to look forward to but you might also go in with other people in having a reflexologist or masseuse come to her.
Care package for after the birth, again to help her think about the future. This could include a trip to the beauty parlor, dinner out with her husband or friend, housecleaning service for two to four weeks, three to six-month supply of diapers, and so on.
Body lotion, perfume, balloons, flowers, and other similar things are always nice to help brighten the room and put her in a better mood while waiting for her new bundle of joy to arrive.

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Bedridden Mother baby shower party

by: Cathy Cripps
BEDRIDDENUnfortunately, pregnancy is not a breeze for every mother. Some women have complications that can keep her bedridden at home or even at the hospital. For the expectant mother, waiting for the birth of a child from bed is lousy. A baby shower can be customized around her situation to brighten her day, giving her hope while lifting her spirits.Instead of waiting on the birth of the baby, go ahead and plan the shower with close family members and friends, bringing the shower to her. Remember, after the baby is born, a full-scale shower can always follow. However, for this type of shower, guests should create a miniature gift box or basket. Great ideas of what might be offered include:•Craft projects that can be worked on in bed are good choices. This might include cross-stitch, needlepoint, simple paintings, and even handmade ornaments.•Books are also excellent ideas but it is important to choose books that she likes. Ask her or her family what types of books she enjoys reading.•Puzzles are also a great way for the expectant mother to pass the time. This might include crossword puzzles, other puzzle books, or a flat tray with a small piece puzzle, perhaps of a baby.•Video tapes or DVDs are nice in that she can watch her favorite television shows or movies while still getting the rest needed.•A day spa certificate to include massage, facial, pedicure, and manicure for after her baby is born would provide her with something to look forward to but you might also go in with other people in having a reflexologist or masseuse come to her.•Care package for after the birth, again to help her think about the future. This could include a trip to the beauty parlor, dinner out with her husband or friend, housecleaning service for two to four weeks, three to six-month supply of diapers, and so on.•Body lotion, perfume, balloons, flowers, and other similar things are always nice to help brighten the room and put her in a better mood while waiting for her new bundle of joy to arrive.

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Best Beauty Buys For 2005 Summer

by: Sher Matsen
So many beauty products, which to buy? Each of us is different so our suggestions may not work for all but they are a good place to start. We've had 20 staff members test each product and then compiled their opinions to give you our 25 best beauty buys.1. Sue Devitt Pencil Liner is nice and creamy with a velvety texture and is available in 10 shades 2. Mac Eye Shadow has a wide selection of colors. If the color is available from mother nature than Mac has it. Rich texture and blends easily 3. Revlon Eye Shadow is expensive and has a huge selection of shades. The colors are up todate and apply easily 4. Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara is dependable and affordable. Comes with a nice fine brush that grabs every eyelash and the formula is nice and rich and doesn't flake 5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Filler has a great color selection and applies easily with a brush 6. Stila Convertible Color Blush creates natural looking rosy cheeks. Creamy formula blends well producing a very natural look. 7. Revlon Skinlights Bronzer is inexpensive. It's rich and smooth texture is easy to apply and it is enriched with vitamins A, C, and E. Available in 6 shades and has a SPF15. 8. Tarte Cheek Stain is an oil free push up blush available in 5 natural tones. 9. Max Factor Erace Concealer is inexpensive with a sheer texture so it can be used around the eyes, but covers well enough to hide those more prominent imperfections. 10. Mac Pressed Powder is ultra translucent and you can be sure no shine will creep through. 11. Mac Lipstick is available in over 200 shades. They won't bleed and have a good lasting power. 12. Mario Badescu Lip wax is soothing and not waxy. It is enriched with Vitamins C & E and has a SPF15. 13. Lancome Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss can be worn by itself or layered over your lipstick, resulting in luscious glistening lips 14. Cetaphil Facial Cleanser is highly recommended by dermatologists. No perfumes or irritants, powerful mild cleansing. 15. Kinara Lactic Acid facial Exfloiator is a light hydrating serum that easily absorbs into the skin. Non abrasive exfoliant that cleans deep 16. Olay Regnerist Anti Wrinkle Cream is enhanced with pentapeptides and amino acids that encourage production of collagen for firmer skin. 17. Lancome Heavy Duty Moisturizer is a nonsticky cream that contains glycerin, wild yam extract, sea algae, and soy restore moisture. 18. Dove Facial Cleanser is mild and easily rinses away makeup and oil leaving skin feeling fresh and clean 19. Aveeno Facial Moisturizer is an excellent emoillience but it is scented. Oil-free lotion enriched with skin softening soy extract 20. Murad Acne Kit consists of 4 steps - cleanser with triclosan and salicylic acid to fight bacteria, pore cleaning gel with glycolic and salicylic acids, exfoliating lotion with retinol, and spot treatment with sulphur 21. Kiehl's Blue Herbal Pimple Healer Spot Treatement is a fast acting blemish fighting gel. Contains Salicylic acid, and glycolic acid as well as herbal incredients such as cinnamon bark and ginger root 22. Lancome Eye Makeup Remover will even remove waterproof mascara. Very gentle so perfect for sensitive skin 23. L'Oreal Home Microdermabrasion is a two part system. Smooth skin with aluminum oxide crystals and moisturize with vitamin E cream 24. Neutrogena T/Gel Dandruff Shampoo is soothing and calms the scalp eliminating flakes and relieving itchy scalp 25. Pantene Pro V Overall Conditioner is inexpensive and hairstylists say its great. Frizz fighting rich nourishing formula rich in vitamins is easily absorbed by the hair.

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Best Beauty Buys

by: Sher Matsen
So many beauty products, which to buy? Each of us is different so our suggestions may not work for all but they are a good place to start. We’ve had 20 staff members test each product and then compiled their opinions to give you our 25 best beauty buys.1. Sue Devitt Pencil Liner is nice and creamy with a velvety texture and is available in 10 shades2. Mac Eye Shadow has a wide selection of colors. If the color is available from mother nature than Mac has it. Rich texture and blends easily3. Revlon Eye Shadow is expensive and has a huge selection of shades. The colors are up todate and apply easily4. Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara is dependable and affordable. Comes with a nice fine brush that grabs every eyelash and the formula is nice and rich and doesn’t flake5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Filler has a great color selection and applies easily with a brush6. Stila Convertible Color Blush creates natural looking rosy cheeks. Creamy formula blends well producing a very natural look.7. Revlon Skinlights Bronzer is inexpensive. It’s rich and smooth texture is easy to apply and it is enriched with vitamins A, C, and E. Available in 6 shades and has a SPF15.8. Tarte Cheek Stain is an oil free push up blush available in 5 natural tones.9. Max Factor Erace Concealer is inexpensive with a sheer texture so it can be used around the eyes, but covers well enough to hide those more prominent imperfections.10. Mac Pressed Powder is ultra translucent and you can be sure no shine will creep through.11. Mac Lipstick is available in over 200 shades. They won’t bleed and have a good lasting power.12. Mario Badescu Lip wax is soothing and not waxy. It is enriched with Vitamins C & E and has a SPF15.13. Lancome Juicy Tubes Lip Gloss can be worn by itself or layered over your lipstick, resulting in luscious glistening lips14. Cetaphil Facial Cleanser is highly recommended by dermatologists. No perfumes or irritants, powerful mild cleansing.15. Kinara Lactic Acid facial Exfloiator is a light hydrating serum that easily absorbs into the skin. Non abrasive exfoliant that cleans deep16. Olay Regnerist Anti Wrinkle Cream is enhanced with pentapeptides and amino acids that encourage production of collagen for firmer skin.17. Lancome Heavy Duty Moisturizer is a nonsticky cream that contains glycerin, wild yam extract, sea algae, and soy restore moisture.18. Dove Facial Cleanser is mild and easily rinses away makeup and oil leaving skin feeling fresh and clean19. Aveeno Facial Moisturizer is an excellent emoillience but it is scented. Oil-free lotion enriched with skin softening soy extract20. Murad Acne Kit consists of 4 steps – cleanser with triclosan and salicylic acid to fight bacteria, pore cleaning gel with glycolic and salicylic acids, exfoliating lotion with retinol, and spot treatment with sulphur21. Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Pimple Healer Spot Treatement is a fast acting blemish fighting gel. Contains Salicylic acid, and glycolic acid as well as herbal incredients such as cinnamon bark and ginger root22. Lancome Eye Makeup Remover will even remove waterproof mascara. Very gentle so perfect for sensitive skin23. L’Oreal Home Microdermabrasion is a two part system. Smooth skin with aluminum oxide crystals and moisturize with vitamin E cream24. Neutrogena T/Gel Dandruff Shampoo is soothing and calms the scalp eliminating flakes and relieving itchy scalp25. Pantene Pro V Overall Conditioner is inexpensive and hairstylists say its great. Frizz fighting rich nourishing formula rich in vitamins is easily absorbed by the hairThese products are great choices to keep you looking great!

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Helping Our Children Feel Good About Themselves

by: Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein
We have so much influence over the next generation! Lots of times we forget how much influence, as our children or grandchildren can appear to ignore us, forget us or even worse--run from us in one way or another. Sometimes, we must just accept the fact that lots of times positive actions happen without positive recognition! Therefore, it behooves us as the 'grownups' in our personal worlds to keep looking for ways to help the young ones experience good times, feel nurtured and loved and to walk away from situations just a little more one the road to developing as a whole person with a good sense of self. I can assure you that insistence on creating a meaningful world for our children does eventually pay off!I'd like to share with you how Lorna did just that with her daughter Sabrina. Here is some of what she wrote to me:‘Yesterday afternoon Sabrina, my six year old daughter, was helping me make Chinese sesame cookies for our church's girls' club. Sabrina attends weekly club meetings and is always happy to help me out with the snacks for club. These cookies needed to be rolled into little balls and then rolled into sesame seeds. The ‘seeding' of the cookies was Sabrina's job. We were halfway through the dough. She was rolling away. Suddenly she said to me without looking up, "This is great! I get to spend quality time with Daddy and now more time with you!"She was referring to her Sunday evenings alone with her daddy. Sunday evenings at 5:30 pm, I leave and take my 9 year-old son to the boys club at church where I also help with snacks. During the time we are gone, Sabrina and her daddy have a tea party almost every Sunday evening. They turn the lights off, light the candles that I have usually in the center of the table, then boil water, and set the table. There is usually some kind of ‘tea cookie' (like shortbread) in the pantry. They take those and then serve each other tea and cookies. Sometimes they act silly. e.g. Acting very aloof with flowery language or just simply talking about this and that.Last Sunday evening I did not have to stay at club until it was over. I got home just in time for the tea party. Sabrina set me a spot at the table. She offered me sugar and cookies. We chatted. She acted a little silly. It was really cute and I was glad I got to peek in on what she and my husband usually do. After I had a couple sips, I slipped away to my office to check email so they could have their usual special time alone.'Lorna, Sabrina's mom, is describing such a wonderful activity that lends itself both to building self-esteem and to beautiful positive memories in the future. I can picture Sabrina sharing her tea parties with her daddy years later with her own children! Exercise: Play Date with a Child in Your LifeCan you think of something special that you could offer a child in your life? You don't have to be a parent or grandparent. You may know a child down the street, or a cousin or even a friend's child. A special outing or treat can go a long way to bringing delight to a child. I remember when my aunt Rose arrived at my cousin's home with a surprise for me! It was a box in the shape of a treasure chest and it contained some perfume and soaps all designed for a little girl. I was thrilled and felt very special. I can still remember lovingly keeping my treasure chest and eventually filling it with other treasures after I had used all the soaps, lotions and bubble bath. Yes, this treasure chest did make me feel special, very feminine and created a great memory trace.I know you will have fun with a play date. Keep us posted on what you do.

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Game-Set-Match

by: Wayne and Tamara
Direct Answers - Column for the week of July 21, 2003
I don't know whether to call it jealousy or insecurity. My husband and I have been married almost 30 years. Last year at my husband's surprise birthday party, one of my friends asked who a certain woman in the room was.
When I asked why, she said, "She and your husband have been making eye contact all night, and he seems to be paying her a lot of attention." From there on I started watching the behavior between them.
My husband participates in a sport with this woman's husband, and at times we are all together. Each time I noticed more and more eye contact between them. Just to be sure I was not imaging things, I asked my sister. She thought with the looks they gave each other, something might be going on.
Late one evening, I confronted my husband. He replied, "Don't be ridiculous." He said he loves me and goes to participate in the sport and that is all. He was furious. I told him I loved him too, but I also said my first warning was to him, the next will be to her, and thereafter to her husband. He said if something is going on, it is all on her side.
At the next sporting event, this woman avoided me like the plague. It was like she was scared to death of me. Obviously someone told her something. When I asked my husband if he had, he said no.
Now even though I did nothing wrong, I am very uncomfortable around this woman. I have three decades invested in this marriage and love this man dearly. Still it is hard to get past this and be friends with this woman again.
Helene
Helene, you didn't smell perfume on your husband's shirt or see lipstick on his collar. All you found was a woman publicly flirting with your husband. Possibly she flirts to make herself feel good, with no real desire behind it. But when the word got out, she stopped.
You did three things. You let your circle of friends know you are an observant woman who defends her territory. You let your husband know you will confront this issue head on. And if anything was going to happen, you dumped water on the embers.
Mission accomplished. Now the key is to drop this. If the situation has stopped, let it go. If you let it go, your husband may even take it as a compliment. You have let him know how much you desire him.
With the other woman, you don't need to be her enemy and you don't need to be her friend. Talk to her as you would to any other slight acquaintance. Hold your head up high as a confident married woman who will not allow anyone to sneak around behind her back.
Wayne & Tamara
Her Proposal
I am a 21-year-old female in a committed relationship with a man I love and want to marry. We plan to live together when I go to graduate school. My dad says he can't imagine me finding a sweeter, better man who loves me so much.
Now I'm worried about the whole living together thing because studies say that living together leads to divorce, and I don't want to lose him! His dad is concerned he will be tied down, and we will have kids. I don't see that happening anytime soon! I feel ready to marry now, and I don't want to lose him.
Daryl
Daryl, even if you believe the research on living together is valid, you need to realize that marriage does not prevent divorce, abuse, infidelity, or unhappiness. If you are afraid moving in together will stop a wedding, then don't live with him. But if you want to marry him because you think you will lose him, then he isn't yours to have.
Wayne & Tamara

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