Desperate to Unwind???

At the end of a long week the best remedy for stress and tired muscles is a hot bath! Now I know what you're thinking... all you wanna do is take a quick shower and lay down. Well I'm encouraging you to skip the shower tonight and instead escape to the serene paradise that your bathroom can be transformed into. Too often we go, go, go without taking time out for ourselves. As women we have an innate desire to please others while putting ourselves on the back burner. Well I'm here today to encourage not to wait until you're on the verge of a breakdown to pamper yourself. Just by taking small baby steps you can begin to reclaim your peace. One of the ways to do that is to soak all of your stresses away in a hot bath at least once a week. To achieve the perfect setting for your retreat, here are some essential components to consider.

1. Make sure the bathroom is clean... It doesn't have to be spotless, but get rid of any clutter that is on the sink and floors.

2. Light at least 2 candles. Be sure to exercise safety whenever using fire and place candles away from anything flammable (disclaimer). I recommend putting one on the sink and the other on the bathtub.

3. Relaxing music is very necessary to set the atmosphere and help you to escape into the experience rather than pondering on your thoughts.

Materials Needed:

- 2 cups of Epsom Salt (muscles relaxant- by the pharmacy at grocery stores and wal-mart)
- 2 cap fulls of Bubble Bath (you can also use body wash)
- 20 drops of Essential Oil
- Candles
- Lighter
- Instrumental/Soft Music
- Beverage (optional)

*** Soak for 15-20mins. When skin starts to shrivel like a raisin, I know your enjoying yourself, but get out of that tub and go to sleep!!!

*** Make sure to add the salt before the bubble bath, as the salt will ruin the bubbles if added afterwards.

***When trying to relax, the aromas that you use make a huge difference. I recommend: bergamont- for anxiety, lemon grass- for headaches , chamomile- for insomnia , eucalyptus- muscle pain, orange blossom- for depression; just to name a few. The best place to purchase essential oils is the health food store or a reputable website like www.mountainroseherbs.com.

You are officially all set and ready to go, enjoy your relaxation and serenity. I recommended recreating this atmosphere at least once a week. Let me know how your experience was once you try it. Enjoy!!!

Welcome!!!

Well, I can't sleep so I decided... why not blog. So its the first entry for Natural Beauty and I must say that I am super excited!!! First I would like to welcome you to our vision... a one stop shop for the person who is attempting to enhance their natural beauty in a holistic and eco-friendly way. We are all about products and will be recommending the ones that we absolutely LOVE!!! But we will also show you how to make goodies at home on the cheap!

TIP 1: Be Prepared!!!

1. Get up and get your day started hours before you have to leave for work, start housecleaning, run errands, or even deal with family. Give yourself enough time to say a prayer and thank God for waking you up yet another day. Each day and every breath is a gift from God. We need to get into the habit of acknowledging and thanking God for the gift of life each and everyday.

2. Start your day with a positive affirmation, devotional or scripture to read. This will also start your day on a positive note and also give you something to meditate on throughout the day.

3. Have a balanced breakfast. Eat something light and filling, that won't weigh you down, but will give you the energy that you need to persevere through the day.

4. Take a shower! There's no better way to start the day then completely refreshed! If you are the type to shower either at night or in the morning at least take a birdbath in the morning and layer your scents. (deodorant, lotion, body spray and hair products) Smelling fresh helps you feel fresh and ready to go.

5. Don't forget to groom! Ladies always brush your eyebrows and some make-up before leaving the house. Even if it's just light powder, mascara and lip gloss. (My favorite routine!)

6. Pack snacks and lunch for the day. The best way to ensure not eating out too much, and avoiding unhealthy last minutes food decisions is to plan ahead. Pack fruit, granola bars and a healthy lunch and take it with you to the office, out running errands or even to a friends house.

7. Incorporate moderate exercise in your daily routine a least 3-4 days a week! This means going for a walk, doing yoga, cycling, swimming or hitting up the gym.

8. Be fruitful throughout your day. Breath and process what your going to say before you even say it. Listen and evaluate whether what you say will bring positive feedback to the circumstances, if not, keep your mouth closed!

9. Take a shower when you get home. Wash the troubles of the day off and thank God for getting you through safely. Not everyone made it home that left today...

10. End your day with some quiet time and reflection. This would be the perfect opportunity to journal, pray as a family or for meditation.

My hope is that we will take these 10 steps and implement them into our daily routines to promote a healthier lifestyle and sense of well-being! Have an incredibly positive and blessed day!

Kam