Essence of Love

Doterra essential therapeutic grade oils are like love essence in a bottle. I absolutely adore the pure, harmonious, healing scent of each wonderful essence. The fact that they are suitable for ingestion only makes the allure of these aromatherapy gems more compelling. It is exactly as God intended I believe, for us to utilize the best and highest quality of what nature has to offer, in order to purify our bodies and our spirits. Please avail yourself of these amazing natural medicinal cures and experience love in essence.

http://www.mydoterra.com/heallovenow/

Rosemary

"The wonderful smell of rosemary is often associated with good food and great times. But it could just as easily be associated with good health. Rosemary contains substances that are useful for stimulating the immune system, increasing circulation and improving digestion. Rosemary also contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may make it useful for reducing the severity of asthma attacks. In addition, rosemary has been shown to increase the blood flow to the head and brain, improving concentration. So, the next time you enhance the flavor of some special dish with rosemary, congratulate yourself for a wise as well as delicious choice." whfoods.com

Beach Yoga

There's nothing like doing yoga on the sand whilst the sound of ocean waves rushing upon the shore lull you in the background. Yoga possesses such a fascinating ability to revive and relax you at the same time. And the strength, agility and poise it builds, through consistent daily practice, is unmatched in any other fitness discipline. The headstand pose, one of my favorites, is a terrific way to build your core muscles, strengthen your spine and create deep levels of relaxation and peace.

You can easily work up to this asana by resting on your head a few minutes a day and then slowly lifting your legs with the support of a wall behind you. In time, your body will be able to support itself upside down almost as easily as it does right side up! For an anti-aging exercise, a daily headstand can't be beat. All those muscles, organs and tissues that have to fight the effects of gravity every day get a much needed turn around. And what better place than the beach to explore the fountain of youth, with the negative ions misting in from the sea water to bathe your hard-working body in pure essence energy.

The Salt of the Earth

Pure Raw Himalayan Crystal rose colored salt! There are so many wonderful uses for this mineral rich food. First and foremost, use it to add nuanced flavor to your meals. Sprinkle on raw avocado, use in soups and even on popcorn and your taste buds will be elevated to heavenly heights. Secondly, pure salt poured into hot bath water makes for a spa-like experience, as well as a deep detox.  Mix some salt crystals with a high quality coconut or almond oil, add a few drops of essential oil and you have your own homemade body scrub. You can also use the finer grains mixed in a cup of water to prepare a nasal rinse or throat gargle. This is quite effective if you have a sinus infection or a sore throat Kim over at Yogitrition.com has an outstanding article on using pure salt to cleanse and detoxify your internal organs by doing a Salt Flush.

This ancient salt is so old, it has been dubbed, "Jurassic salt." Its rich pink hue comes from the high concentration of trace minerals, especially iron. "This is pure, hand-mined salt found naturally, deep within the pristine Himalayan Mountains. Crystallized over 250 million years ago, ancient sea beds were covered by lava, protecting the salt from modern-day pollution, and lending to the belief that Himalayan Pink salt is the purest salt to be found on earth." (saltworks.us) Try this recipe and treat your body to some of the benefits of this amazing gift from the earth:

Pink Salt Body Scrub

1 cup pure Himalayan salt
1/2 cup organic virgin almond oil or coconut oil if you live in a hot climate
15 drops of 100% pure Vanilla essential oil

Mix with a wooden spoon
Enjoy!

The Birdsnest

If you are looking for a nice little escape from NYC, somewhere you can just hop in the car and drive to, completely decompress from city living and get a feel for small town life, all while still making it back to the City in a couple hours, Hancock, NY is your place. A teeny, tiny town along the Delaware River, this hamlet boasts only one of everything you need. A bank, a video store, a library, a church and a bakery. The Bakery, as it is so aptly named, bakes the best bagels outside of Brooklyn.

You'll want to stay the night in this little village and you're in luck, because the perfect little place to rest is perched right on top of the bakery. It's called The Birdhouse and is as delightfully cozy and quirky as it sounds.

You enter and head up to the lofty space by way of these steps.

At the top you will be greeted by this welcoming hand, with a blessing for all who grace the entrance.

And then you will be come upon a light-filled hallway with doors to each suite.

My favorite is the Birdsnest. 

I love the compact cook's kitchen. 

The pristine bathroom, especially the tub.

And the sunny master bedroom.

The living room is such a bright, cozy place to sit and relax. 

And all the furnishings are salvaged antiques, a space decorated with an eye for sustainable, eco-friendly design.

When you are finally forced to leave in order to return to the hustle and bustle of the city, you will nevertheless, walk out refreshed and revitalized by your tranquil stay in these cozy quarters. Until, next time...

Organic Bath

There is nothing like taking a hot steamy bath, filled with herbs and floral oils, when it's a snowy 22 degrees outside. Bath time is so luxurious and a daily must for a life well-lived. Get in there, you must, and linger in a spacious tub, soaking up all the delicious bath treats added to the water. Lay back as the divine elixir envelopes you in its warmth and sensual aroma. Steep like a tea bag in all the herbs, dried flowers and salts dissolving about you.

Light a fire, too.

A very special bath treat is, EO Bath Salts, made with tangerine, coconut and vanilla essential oils and Himalayan sea salt to help alkalize the water.

Pour in some organic milk or add Storybook Farm's Soothing Soak potion with oatmeal, powdered milk, hops and lavender. The hops will make you feel so relaxed, as if you, too, are dissolving into the warm soapy water. Look for it at the lovely Stockton Market in NJ.

For lots of bubbles, use a delicious bubble bath like deep steep Tangerine Melon Honey Bubble Bath. The scent is so delightful and the creamy texture, so wonderful!

And last, but not least, pour in some Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Castile Soap for the most amazingly refreshing fragrance of minty goodness.