The Many Benefits of Shea Butter

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Our Precious Skin
Most people appreciate having nice, soft, young looking skin. Our skin is our largest organ. It's our first line of immunity. The skin provides protection from the external environment and acts as a barrier as well as a filter.

If you are someone who puts lotion, creme, oil or lip balm on your skin repeatedly on a daily basis, you may want to look hard at what your putting on your skin. These products, high quality or rancid and toxic quality, will get into your skin on a cellular level. The idea is for these products to nourish from a cellular level!

Shea Butter
The first time I felt pure raw shea butter about a decade ago is when my love affair began! Now, I use it in most of the  B Me Organic Products. Shea Butter is the fruit that comes from the Karite Tree, native to Africa and has also been called the Tree of Life.

You may purchase it raw and unrefined or refined shea butter. The raw unrefined shea butter contains more beneficial properties and has an earthy scent. Unrefined has more processing and doesn't have much scent. Shea butter varies in color from off white to yellow. As the shea butter is extracted, it is put into a gourd such as below. 

Shea butter has an unbelievable amount of benefits.  It is often compared to cocoa butter and in some opinions exceeds the healing quality.  It contains Vit. A, E, and F and is very good for skin balance. It penetrates into the skin, moisturizes, gives back elasticity, softens and much more. Shea butter is good for:

-Dry skin                   -Skin rash                    -Sun burns                    -Wrinkles                   -Itchy skin         -After shave bumps                  -Skin wounds                 -Skin cracks                      -Tough or rough skin                              -Weather changes such as dry lips, cold weather, frost bites               -Stretch marks            - Insect bites                          -Muscle fatigue, aches and tension                -Before & after strenuous exercise         

-Skin allergies such as poison ivy          -Eczema       - Dermatitis      

                  -Skin damage from heat including radiation        -Sun protection  

Additionally, it has beneficial properties to the scalp and hair to condition your hair's natural shine, revitalize split ends, protect from the sun and hard treatments such as perms or hair dyes, deep conditions and strengthens brittle hair.  Shea butter may also be used on babies for diaper rashes.  As you can see, there are so many benefits to using shea butter!

Shea butter will melt at and on our bodies temperature. Get that? You will feel it literally melt on your skin. That's awesome!!  Typically in its raw form, it will be semi-medium hard and will soften when it's applied. A product of nature! 

These are a Few of My Favorite Things!

I make a variety of organic herbal products and use shea butter in many of them. You may use the shea butter in its raw form or add it with other oils and butters. I love the feel, texture and medicinal benefits it adds.  How do I use the shea butter?  I begin the products with herb infused oil that I set outside with shells, stones, sunshine and shake it for at least 2 weeks. The herbs infused depends upon the nature of the product.  Herbs to soften and heal such as lavender, chamomile, lemon balm, neem are used in the Body and Belly Butter and Sweet Orange and Lavender Healing Creme, Herbal Salve and Lip Balms, and Body and Belly Oil and Argon Hair and Body Oil.  Therapeutic herbs for aches, pains, inflammation, arthritis, sprains and more include herbs such as arnica, St. John's Wort, horsetail, rosemary, cayenne, catnip, neem in the Therapeutic Salve and Therapeutic Foot and Body Lotion.  Herbs to repel bugs include lemon eucalyptus, lemongrass, catnip, rose geranium, and neem are in the Bug Off Mister products.  

     

After a few weeks, I strain the herbs and mix the herb infused oil, organic shea butter and maybe other goodies such as organic coconut oil, beeswax, and organic cocoa butter on a double boiler.

Shea Butter, cocoa 'wafers', beeswax squares

Melted butters, oil, and wax with a fun stirrer! 

  Then I add my love and intention to create this product in its highest good!  I pour, package, label and hope these delicious products make you feel fabulous and happy!

Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!

Raise the Flag

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The Beach
I am so thankful to live near the beach. I grew up around the beach, love to travel to other beaches and am enamored by the beauty and energy from the beach, birds, wildlife and water.  It gets very crazy around Clearwater Beach and the surrounding beaches especially during spring break.  I put my patient hat on and am thankful that so many people are enjoying this beautiful treasure!

Recently, I went south to Indian Rocks Beach, home of the original Crabby Bill's restaurant.  Throughout many of the beaches, we now have bright yellow flags on each side of the street to hold while crossing Gulf Blvd.  Although I thought it was for my entertainment purposes to be able to wave a flag, it's so the out of towners, spring breakers, and locals can see clearly when someone is crossing the street.  You never know who may get caught up watching a half naked person (I'm talking about people in bathing suits!) walk on the side of the road and cause a wreck.

Wave the Flag Proud and Strong
It's not every day you get to wave a flag. In fact, it's not every month either. I thought it was a treat and felt somewhat freeing! Try it! Just visualize waving a flag.  I also see it as an exercise, like I do many things in everyday life.  As you're waving the flag, if you hold your arm higher (as if you are raising your hand confidently to answer a question in class) it will be more challenging.  A larger flag will be harder. Wave your flag like a crazy eight.  While doing the crazy eight motion engage the core, feel the rotation, internal and external, from the shoulder (keep the shoulder blades down, please), use the triceps, back and chest.  Look both ways and cross the street, confidently while waving your flag. I bet everyone else will want to try it! Make sure to use the other arm when you cross back!

Take these precious times in life to pay attention to your strengths (from left to right side, front/back, top/bottom), strengthen your body and play with yourself.  The next time you get the opportunity to wave a flag, go for it!


Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!

Homemade Beauty Treatments, Intuitively Speaking

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Skin and Body
Certain times of year, you may feel your body and skin responding to the seasonal change. Your body may just looove a certain time of year and flourishes (hair, skin, etc) and other times struggles (dryness, oiliness, patches etc.).  This may also change due to stress, environment, diet and other factors too!

Horse Playing with Your Food
I am a big advocate of playing with your food. We've got to make it fun, right?!  I also enjoy eating for the seasons.  We are lucky to have strawberries in season here in FL!  I made a delicious Strawberry Simple Syrup with raw honey, cinnamon, lemon balm and lime. I like to keep some version of this on hand to add sweetness to drinks, yoghurt and other tasty treats.

Strawberry Simple Syrup

On another note, I took Rosemary, mashed it lovingly with my fingers, put it in an empty bottle and added olive oil to cover it.  This rosemary olive oil is used to flavor food but you may also drizzle a little in your palm and condition your hair.

Rosemary Infused Olive Oil

A week later, I roasted butternut squashed and drizzled the rosemary infused olive oil, yum!

Roasted Butternut Squash with Rosemary

One evening, I decided it was time to give myself a nourishing mask. I wanted/needed something to assist with the little bit of dryness I was experiencing, mainly due to the weather this time of year in FL, cool and dry. Since I had some butternut squash leftover and the simple syrup, I was drawn to combine them for the perfect deluxe moisturizing (in-home) facial.

Honey, Strawberry, cinnamon, lemon balm, butternut squash, rosemary, olive oil

 I took a little of each and mashed them together in a 1/1 ratio.  Check out the vibrant colors!  Honey is a great antibacterial and has many benefits for the skin, hair and body! Rosemary is good for circulation. Lemon Balm has antiviral properties. Strawberries aids in ridding the skin of dead cells. The orange color of butternut squash is a good indicator that it contains beta carotene, Vit. A, which helps to fight wrinkles and balance the ph of your skin and cells. Lime is a natural preservative.  Eating these foods are important, however, if you have some leftovers and are feeling a bit sassy, feel free to give it a try and see how your body and/or face feels.  My skin is pretty neutral so I'm okay using herbs and foods that may be slightly drying or oily although I was using the butternut squash in this creation to nourish the face in a moisturizing way. The rosemary is often used for dry skin and lime, lemon balm and strawberries for oilier skin. But in this situation, I was comfortable with a little of everything!

Look at the pretty heart! This happened organically!

After applying it to my face around the eyes, neck and hands, I relaxed with a cup of tea and enjoyed the moisturizing and tightening experience over the next 20 or so minutes. I suggest relaxing and feeling what's going on as it changes during the duration while these organic foods and herbs set into your skin on a cellular level. I love feeling this and the energetic movement around the face.  

Chillin' with my facial, tea and amethyst & rose quartz necklace

Then, I rinsed with lightly warm water, pat dry and felt fabulous! Seeeeee?

Fabulous feeling skin and a happy camper!

Maybe you will find some serendipitous goodies in your fridge or pantry to blend together. Sometimes I'll sneak a quick facial in while I'm making some food such as smashing avocado on my face when making guacamole.  So, although I enjoy the zen time and feeling and guiding the inner workings of the natural products, I know we get caught up in our busy worlds, and any way to sneak it in is just perfect!  

Cheers to happy, healthy and radiant skin! 

Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!

Ringing in the New Year!

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Ringing in the New Year!
Happy 2013!  I love the holiday season, the spirit, the energy and also time off! Each year I do something different with my time not purposefully, just serendipitously!  But it always includes relaxing!

Diggin' in the Dirt
This year I gravitated to the garden and, of course, the beach!  I was yearning to get my hands dirty and feel the soil, connect and breath with nature. We tend to get caught up in the busy cycle of life - work, activities, commitments etc. that we have to put some things on the back burner.  So, it was my intention to spend my relaxing time off in the garden.

Going Deeper
Being in the garden is a beautiful place to reflect. Allow your mind to be open and clear for new ideas and thoughts to appear!  I relate those lively plants to us alot in regards to how we grow and blossom during certain times of year and need extra support, nutrients and love in others. Again, a cycle.
I have been thankful this past year to share a garden with 2 others.

Closing the year by tending to the garden, caring and giving thanks, is healthful for the soul. Beginning the new year by starting seeds, nourishing the soil, harvesting and planting is very fulfilling!  Currently in the garden are many varieties of mustard greens, chinese cabbage and bok choy, kale, spinach, herbs, brocolli, brussel sprouts and more!

Happy and Healthy 2013!

Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!

Incident Report

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The Incident
One year ago today, someone rear ended me.  I'd prefer to call him a boob but I also know that we all make mistakes. It was just unfortunate I suffered from one of his.  I could see he was not paying attention, however, I was behind a stopped vehicle and was unable to move from the situation.  Aside from what many think, I didn't tense up the neck. I hadn't been in a situation like this before and didn't realize how fast he was actually going or know the intensity of what was about to happen.  I did brace my core with the confidence that I would use those muscles as my 'breaks' when the s$#!t hit the fan (aka contact).  With my seatbelt on, the contact jerked my head back at first then flung it forward and hit the vehicle in front and jerked back for forward 2 more times until I could collect myself. I was shooken up but thankful that I could walk out of the car. The car was drivable just to get home and for the next 24 hours I just let my body absorb what had just happened. It was my husband's birthday so it put a little damper on any celebration.

The Experience
After 48 hours, the real pain kicked in.  This is where the learning and experiencing took place. Prior to this, I rarely ever got a headache, let alone a migraine. And hadn't had any cervical spine issues before. I pride myself on taking good care of myself and feeling strong inside and out but this was an extremely challenging experience (especially as a Pilates instructor and personal trainer for a living!).   The theme for the year (and will be in life moving forward) - gratitude!

I kept thinking I would be good to go in 4 weeks (little did I know!)  The first few, I felt like a bobblehead.  Over the next few months, taking a walk down the street was hit or miss because even lite jarring and pressure on the head from every step I took, would cause pain in the neck and head.  My appetite was minimal, I believe for a few reasons. Misalignment and/or trama to the cervical spine (for example a migrane) may make you nauseous.  My body was needing alot of rest to heal (physically and mentally) and food wasn't high on the priority list. The foods I did eat were soft foods. The less I chewed, the less pressure on my head.  And as always, I use food as medicine. It took about 6-8 weeks before I could begin to strengthen my core because earlier then that, I would feel it in my cervical spine and it would create pain in the head and neck (definitely something that I would avoid at all costs).  I developed  deeper knowledge to special populations in these cases or similar issues.  I taught my classes and clients verbally during that time too and very slowly began the strengthening process. First, my body had to begin the healing process before the strengthening.  It took some time to understand how you can strain muscles in your head like spraining an ankle but instead its you head! And it takes ALOT longer!

Back to Some Business
I was thankful for business at that time, but also wasn't looking to add onto my clientele for the first 4 months. I gave myself those months to relax, meditate, get treatment (2-3 times a week) and knew I would kick it into a higher gear in February knowing I had alot going on in March.  I was very mindful of my body, mind, spirit (and still am)!

Treatments
My 'primary' practitioner through this process has been Patrick Purdue, DOM.  I got regular massages from Robin Bruce and on any given day, although it made me feel good, the massage may have been too stimulating on my head and would sometimes trigger a light headache for the rest of the day or following.  I had no idea how sensitive that area can be!  Occassionally, I would take Head and Neck Suppport from Planetary Herbals and liquid Traumeel drops in my water daily for joint and muscle pain.  I received acupuncture from Linda Nash Stevenson of Lifeforce Acupuncture.  My physical therapist, Joe Millen, of Impact Health and Performance is incredible and knows how I like to understand what's going on.   Other (spiritual treatments) I received occasionally were from Lisa Seward, Body Talk, Cathleen Miller of Nature Spirit Holistics and, currently, Nicole Longwell of Longwell Massage for lymphatic drainage, cranial and any other massage techniques my body needs and wants.  The first few months, the left side of my body suffered more of the trauma. Then, eventually the right side. (I am still working on it although much better).

Recovery
Over time, I started walking longer distances with ample rest time (a day or two) for my 'head' to recover (more muscular, still seems wierd to me!).  I even realized, after my walks, using Dr. Bronner's Peppermint and Tea Tree Soap when showering was actually too stimulating for my head and caused more pain although other times it was healing. As I started to walk more brisk or add in a bike ride, I  would ice my head and neck after exercise.  Then, I began walking with a little pep in my step - I call it Dance Walking!  I began light strength training and adding in light movement on a trampoline, beginning with 30 seconds on a light bounce. When it was time to try jogging, I would begin with 15-30 second, very light, jogging with a walk. I would do that one or two times and allow my body to recover the next day or two and do it again. After a week or so, I would do 3-4 intervals.  Then, eventually the intervals were 30 secs, then 1 minute.  A very slow process because I didn't want to feel a headache!  As I increased my exercise and started introducing more movements (4 months later such as kicking the soccer ball around), I strained certain muscles that had never been an issue before. This, to me, was a weakness all around and a reminder how long it takes to heal.  I have learned to be very smart about pushing my body just enough, then allowing it to rest in order to recover.  Speaking of rest, it was challenging to rest on the part of my body that was in pain - my head!  Not sure how people with regular headaches do it, but my whole head would hurt and lying down didn't necessarily feel better.  At night, I had to sleep on my back with my head straight. I did invest in a Neck Roll Pillow - the best $10 I'd spent!  After about 8 months, I was able to sleep in other positions (on my belly with neck/head turned to one side!) however that pillow still used either for neck support or underneath my knees for back support.

The end of the story is, there is no end. I continue to be aware of my posture and alignment or misalignment and try to get some type of treatment before it happens or just as it surfaces.  Please be aware of YOUR posture.  You don't need to be in an accident to be out of whack! It could be your patterns and you may be unaware of them. Please be mindful of your body and mind from the inside out and grateful for every day!

Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!

Chasing an Illness Away

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Unfortunately, from time to time we are subject to catching a cold, flu, virus, bacteria, etc. Thankfully, mine are few and far between and typically quick to run its course.

Going down......
My most recent battle was a cold (I think... I was a little nauseous and didn't think nausea usually came with a cold).  It was somewhat brought upon myself - or at least I believe so. I was preparing to go out of town. It was a fun trip, however, I still didn't sleep well the night before (with excitement and anticipation of the long weekend) and worked hard the week of to get as much work done as possible. I know I was also around others that were sick over the weekend. My alcohol consumption was up a notch due to lots of celebrating at a wedding.  So, there you have it - multiple factors that suppressed my immune system!

Sore Throat
Before I even got home from the trip, I began feeling a scratchy throat (Sunday afternoon). I had hoped it was different atmosphere, weather (in GA) or anything other than being sick!  Thankfully, I brought white tea and had already consumed it throughout the weekend and came across some 'detox' tea.

The following day while we were driving home (Monday), it was confirmed that I officially had a sore throat - bummer!  I took a nap when we got home and began drinking tea with herbal goodness to sooth the throat, support the immune system, and assist with nausea. This helpful herbal tea included cinnamon, elderberry, ginger, sage and honey (multiple cups for the next 24 hours).  I did a warm salt water gargle (multiple times). Sometimes I'll add apple cider vinegar and honey to the salt water and if I have an herbal tea, I'll use that water instead of plain water. Thankfully, the sore throat dissipated by the next morning (Wed.).  However, it moved upward (I was thankful it was heading up and out instead of down in the chest although at the time I was darn uncomfortable).

Proper Food, Rest and Exercise
In the meantime, I was eating somewhat light (no dairy or heavy foods) going back and forth between warm soothing soups (from Natures Food Patch since I didn't take the time or energy to make it) and nourishing smoothies with homemade yoghurt (good bacteria), fruits (not too many), leafy greens and celery, ginger, honey and chia or hemp seeds.  I also took Buried Treasure ACF liquid nutrients to support the immune system and slowed down on exercise all week.  Priorities were proper rest, low stress (mentally and physically) and eventually some nice walks.

Up and Out
After the sore throat, it did seem to move 'up' around the head and (stuffy) nose as it was working its way out (Wed. and Thurs). At that point, I change my herbal tea formula a bit. I took out the cinnamon and sage and added peppermint.  Now, the tea was peppermint, elderberry, rosehips (Vit. C), ginger and honey.  During the day I would also add green tea to the mix!  The herbs help to support the immune system and shorten the duration of the cold/flu.  I also surrendered to one of my least favorite things, although very potent, the dreaded nose spray. Currently, the one I have includes colloidal silver but I know there are many other good ones out there.  Although it's one of my least favorite things to do, I'm willing to do it to get to the root of the issue at that particular time as I'm chasing the cold away.  I would do it a few times a day (morning, mid day and evening).  I also used my B Me Therapeutic Salve around rub it from my nose towards and around the ear, down the neck and up and out the forehead and crown of the head.  The B Me Therapeutic Lotion was rubbed on my feet and covered with socks overnight.

By Friday morning, I mentally prepared to teach an energetic cardio and weight class. I toned it down a notch for myself by using lighter weights and not as high intensity while still motivating the class. Again, I rested that evening so I could teach again another energetic class on Saturday (along with teaching other Pilates classes).  Over the weekend, I continued the herbal tea, water with lemon, ACF, and nose spray.  The following week I was able to carefully bump back up my exercise (no need to be in a major hurry, I have the rest of my life!) and continued to eat and rest well.

As you're treating your illness, remember -  you WANT your symptoms to change, just hopefully for the better. So, 'treat' it differently as it moves!


Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!

What's buggin' you - cockroaches!

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This past Sunday was a day filled with getting down and dirty in the dirt. I have been prepping the soil all summer for the fall garden and today was a big day of planting new goodies big and small - plants and seeds.

Since I compost my scraps and encourage living organisms to assist with the natural process of breaking it down, it comes to no surprise that I come across a variety of critters.  I'm like a kid with dirt everywhere from my knees to face (without knowing it, of course!).  I love seeing the worms and get excited and thankful!

Yesterday, I when would come inside to take a break, I would respectively kick off my shoes (my converse just got demoted to gardening shoes) so I didn't track in dirt all over the floor (again like a kid, I've been known to track sand from the beach and dirt from the garden!).  As I was putting my shoes back on in the garage near the gardening stuff, I went to tie my shoe and saw what looked like could have been a stick or possibly an antenna coming out through my laces.  I wasn't sure if it moved because, again, I was putting my shoes on so it could have been my own toes wiggling around! I paused and decided to lightly pull the little stick from the top of my laces and sure enough it was connect to something and moving on its own!! I live in Florida so I immediately knew it was a cockroach. And mind you, I wasn't wearing any socks!  Again, I'm totally cool with crawling things but I didn't need to be sharing shoe space with one! So.....I immediately hopped up and (literally) kicked off my shoe in hopes the cockroach with crawl out.  Nothing happened.  I gave the shoe a light kick to stir things up a bit but apparently it was a safe haven.  After some prodding and coaxing I finally got the little guy out from my shoe but he ended up on his backside kicking around like a fish out of water. I put my shoe back on and tried to lightly flip him right side up.  He then proceeded to attach himself onto the front of my shoe with a pretty solid grip. I shook my foot around like I was doing the hokey pokey and once again he landed on his back kicking and screaming. We tried it one more time and he landed with another death grip onto my shoe!  Finally, with grace and confidence like the soccer player I am, I lightly volleyed him to his right-side-up dismount like a USA Gymnastic Olympian and we parted ways!

Again, I'm friendly and cool with many crawly things, but when they catch you off gaurd, it'll give you the willies!   Watch your back.....or the inside of your shoes in the garage!


Body and Mind Enrichment. A unique way of exercising your body and mind!