Sunkissed Truth :: Plant Medicine

Ever since reading this sentence in The Yoga of Herbs by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, I can't get it out of my head! It's so beautiful, full of so much (sometimes forgotten) truth, and also kind of goes hand in hand with my idea of "bottling up sunkissed ingredients" for my natural skin care line- which makes me REALLY happy. 

Amazingly gorgeous herb/flower mandala via The Chestnut School of Herbs

We all know that plants get food & energy from the sun...well that energy is then transferred to us when we "partake" in them- whether it's food, teas, seasonings, oils, face scrubs, lotions, tinctures...the list could go on.
So, plants are really a little love note from the sun, from the stars, from the Creator to us.
A message reminding us of where we've come from, what we should hold onto, and what will keep us healthy and balanced (physically and emotionally). Deep thoughts from me today...=)

Visit my Etsy shop and see what I've been honored to create with the power of plants!

Until next time, keep dreaming. xoxo

Sunkissed Yoga :: Mats + Cats

About 6 months ago I made a commitment to try and practice yoga every day. And in the past 6 months, there's only been a few days that I've missed. There's definitely been days where I've only done a short 15 minute practice, but I still got on my mat! I'm pretty proud of myself for staying so consistent- but I have to say it's the yoga that's drawing me back, not necessarily my strong will or determination. 

Now I'm at the point where if I DON'T get my vinyasa or chaturanga or tree pose or forward fold in, my day just doesn't feel quite right.
I have definitely noticed that my mindset is more energized and focused when I start my day with yoga - and I look forward to doing it as soon as I wake up and even when I'm going to bed the night before.
Sometimes I treat myself to a full practice before bed time, intermixing sipping my bedtime tea (more on that in another post!) and doing my stretching and breathing.

Back problems run in my family, and has already crept in on me. One of my goals in building my practice is to restore and strengthen my back so I don't see more problems and pain as I get older (30 is right around the corner for me...ah!).
The biggest thing I've learned (or been reminded of) in these past months that I've really been diving into this beautiful and ancient discipline is to bring what I learn on my mat into my daily life. To stay calm and strong, to keep my head above my heart and to remember to show myself and others love and forgiveness always. 

"A special combination of substances designed to bring about
a specific effect upon the body or mind is [thus] called a yoga."
- The Yoga of Herbs, David Frawley & Vasant Lad

This is an Ayurvedic definition of yoga from an herbal medicine book I'm reading, but I like how it relates to the practice of physical yoga. 

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Since my practice is getting more "serious" I decided to purchase a new yoga mat, my old one wasn't as grippy as I'd like, and I was looking for something a little more eco-friendly.

I found this AMAZING mat by Barefoot Yoga that I am in love with and would recommend to anyone! It is on the thinner side, so if you have bad knees or other sensitive areas, it may not be right for you (or you can just put another thicker mat under it when you're practicing, like I do.) It's called The Original Eco Yoga Mat and it is exlusively sold by Barefoot Yoga Co. The jute and natural fibers are so grippy and feel so "earthy" to practice on. The underside is rubber, so it also grips the floor very well. It is biodegradable and made sustainably- so nothing to feel guilty about at all!

I love this natural color, it reminds me of sand, but they also have some brighter options. 

And my kitty, Tiki, who also enjoys practicing yoga (she just likes to the lay on the mat and get in my way) gives her approval as well.

PS: these super fun pants are from Omgirl and I got them here. Organic cotton, not too thin, and super comfy!

I'd recommend this yoga channel to get started, if you don't already have a favorite or are looking for something new. I hope you can find the same amazing benefits and energy that I have from making this a part of my daily ritual.

Until next time, keep dreaming. xoxo

Sunkissed Infusions :: Herbal Teas for Health, Happiness & Energy

Herbal teas, or infusions, have wonderful healing powers. I've found a new love for tea since I started my journey to a more self-sustainable and natural lifestyle.
Drinking an infusion of specially selected herbs can be a great remedy for anything from a headache to a cold to menstrual cramps. You can drink them to promote general health and ward off colds and other sickness. Or you can simply make and drink them for their delightful and lovely look and taste. 

Here's 4 different infusions that I made recently for an Open House I hosted for my natural skin care business. Some were more popular than others (as far as taste).
I invite you to try these, or versions of these! I also invite you to research these herbs. I'd look into Mountain Rose Herbs, a well respected company that has in depth information and sells of all of these and A LOT more.
If you are pregnant, breast feeding or have a serious health issue,
be sure to contact your doctor before using any herbs. 

• ROSE (Rosa spp.) + HIBISCUS (Hibiscus sabdariffa) + LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis) - This was a favorite!
  Lifts the spirit and promotes good health and positive energy
• YARROW (Achillea millefoleum) + RASPBERRY LEAF (Rubus idaeus) + GREEN TEA
   Energizes and boosts immunity
• NETTLE LEAF (Urtica dioica) + CALENDULA (Calendula officinalis) + PEPPERMINT (Mentha spp.)
  Helps relieve hay fever, congestion & colds
• LAVENDER (Lavendula spp.) + LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis) + CHAMOMILE (Matriaca chamomilla) + BASIL (Ocimum basilicum)
  Helps relieve headaches and stress

For the above infusions, I prepared them like this:

•  one part each herb (totally about 6-8 tbsp dried herbs, 8-10 for fresh herbs)
• put herbs into a quart size (or larger) glass jar with a tight fitting lid
• fill the jar with boiling water (should completely cover the herbs)
• let sit for 20-30 minutes (the longer they sit, the stronger they will be, and their taste can change dramatically)
• strain herbs into a clean glass container, with a muslin cloth (best so you can squeeze out extra infusion) or a fine mesh strainer
• finally, enjoy a cup hot or iced- with honey, lemon, milk, agave, or all of these!
• You can pour the remaining infusion into a clean container and put in the refrigerator where it will keep for a couple of days

Another way to create a lovely and medicinal tea is to simply use a teapot with a filter in it, fill a reusable tea bag with your chosen herbs, or place the herbs right into the teapot if you like the way the beautiful herbs & flowers look floating around!
I usually use my glass teapot that I got on this page - or this one. 

Fill it with about an ounce of dried herbs (2 oz for fresh) and 12-16 oz water, bring to a gentle boil, let sit for 20 minutes, strain into your teacup, then enjoy!

If you don't have these herbs handy or can't get them at a store near you (check your local health food store), I'd suggest purchasing them here or here.

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HAPPY INFUSING!
Until next time, keep dreaming. xo

Sunkissed Recipe :: Super Seed Coconut Granola

I love granola....on my yogurt, on my smoothies, as a cereal, on a hike, or just shoving a handful in my mouth when I'm feelin' hungry. It's so good as a snack or for breakfast, I just love it. 

I've been wanting to make my own granola for a while now, and finally got around to it! I've saved a few different recipes from Pinterest and kinda just picked and chose (did that sound weird?) from them to create my own granola divine! My husband loves a good bowl of cereal, so when he tried this and loved it, I really knew I was on to something.

Honestly, it's not complicated at all, so I'm really over-talking myself here....ha. It just takes a few extra minutes in the seed & grains aisle at your local grocery store to stock up on all the necessary ingredients. By making this yourself, you know exactly what's in it and aren't being fooled by healthy looking packaging that may contain a product with an excess of sugar, preservatives and processed ingredients!

Why your body will love what's in this:

• hemp seed (a super food) is an amazing source of protein, that's easily broken down by your body
• pumpkin seeds have free-radical fighting antioxidants, and contain zinc which is essential to a healthy immune system
• these seeds also contain many essential fatty acids, including Omega 3 & 6
• full of hearth healthy ingredients, including almonds
• coconut flakes and oil are also full of good fats, helps prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure
• oats are always a delicious and healthy food, high in fiber and great for regulating digestion, keeping you "full" and boosting your immune system

Here's the recipe, it's really fun to make! 
This makes a large amount that will last you a while. You can half the recipe if you don't want or need a lot.

INGREDIENTS (try to buy organic if you can)

• 3 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup hemp seeds
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1 1/2 cups coconut flakes (unsweetened)
• 1 cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruit of your choice)
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 2/3 cup raw honey 
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat oven to 275' F.
• Pour all dry ingredients into a large bowl and mix well. Set aside.
• In a pyrex or other heat safe measuring cup, add wet ingredients together.
• Place cup in a pot of simmering water, while stirring, until all wet ingredients have melted & mixed well together.
• Drizzle the liquid mixture over your dry ingredients and mix together well! (You can sample it here!)
• After everything is fully combined, pour granola onto a large baking sheet.
• Place into the heated oven for 35-45 minutes, until golden and slightly crispy. Every 10-15 minutes mix the granola around on the pan so it cooks evenly.
• Remove from oven and let cool completely. 
• Transfer to an air-tight container (after you eat some), where it should last a few weeks if kept in a cool, dry place.

ENJOY!!
Until next time. xoxo

Sunkissed Beauty :: Aloe Vera aka Goddess Juice

ALOE VERA // aloe barbadensis miller
in latin :: true shining bitter substance

photo via firstmatephoto

I'm always trying new mixtures, herbs and concoctions on my face & body. There's so many wonderful earthly creations for your face and skin, I feel like I could use something different everyday for the rest of my life!
 Lately, my skin has not been very nice to me, so I had to switch up what I have been doing for the last couple months. I read an interview of Megan Cannon on livingprettynaturally.com, where she said she has been using aloe vera on her face, neck & chest as a moisturizer every morning for the past 10 years. I never really thought to use aloe as a moisturizer each day...brilliant! Here's why:

+ aloe is 99% water so it gives your skin a TON of moisture

+ it contains a plethora of vitamins (A, C & E), antioxidants, minerals and enzymes

+ helps fight inflammation

+ contains properties that increase collagen content, soften skin, binds moisture to the skin, and tightens pores --- anti-aging goldmine.

I started using it each morning after my cleanser and toner, and it feels great. Moisturizing but not greasy at all, which is especially great in summer time. I encourage you try it out if you're looking for something different and all together BETTER for your beautiful skin. Let your epidermis drink this goddess juice.

Be careful which brand you get, as with anything, some are way better quality than others. The brand I have (click here to get some), doesn't leave my face feeling sticky and is from organically grown aloe vera plants. I usually pour a small amount in a little jar to use for about a week then keep the rest in the fridge, so it stays good longer.

my big mama in the backyard

I also found this delicious cocktail recipe on hellonatural.co that calls for aloe, cucumber & mint leaves :: so good! The possibilities are endless with this "shining bitter substance". 

Until next time. xoxo

ps: much of the "scientific info" I have here came from this article.

Sunkissed DIY :: Energizing Salt Scrub

I've been working on some new products for my skin care line this past week - herbal salt scrubs! I'll have them available in my shop within the next week hopefully! 

 There's endless options for scrubs :: salt, sugar, brown sugar, honey, herbs, clay, essential oils, fruit, veggies....& many more. The kind I'm focusing on are for your body and use sea salt or himalayan pink salt & organic oils as a base.

So since I'm on this salt scrub kick, I wanted to share a simple and delightful recipe with you. This particular one is great for morning time in the shower to get you energized and ready for the day! It's really not necessary to use soap or body wash every time you shower, as it can dry out your skin. Just using this scrub (or another similar scrub) cleanses and exfoliates in a natural and gentle way.

HERE'S THE RECIPE ::

This will make about 2 applications for your whole body, so you can double or triple it if you want to make a larger batch.

INGREDIENTS

+ 3 tbsp mediterranean sea salt (fine ground) 

+ 1 tbsp organic extra virgin olive oil (this helps soften & nourish your skin, while the salt is removing dead skin)

+ 1/4 lemon, squeezed

DIRECTIONS

+ In a small bowl, mix up the salt & oil first, then squeeze in the lemon juice and stir again. If you find that it's still too dry, add more lemon juice or oil. 

+ Keep in mind, you don't want the scrub to be too moist, because then the oil & salt will separate AND you'll get your shower floor really slippery.

+ Once you have that nice consistency, you can transfer your mixture into a small glass jar, or if you're going to use it right away - just take the bowl to the shower!

// TO USE /

+ Scoop scrub onto damp hands to moisten mixture a little more.

+ Gently massage into damp skin. Don't rub too hard or you'll damage your skin's protective layer (and your skin will get really red). 

+ Spend extra time on your elbows, feet and knees. Don't forget about your hands! This works great on callouses and dry fingers and hands.

+ You should start to see water beading up on your skin - that's the olive oil working!

+ It's not necessary to moisturize after using this - so this scrub accomplishes a few steps of your morning (or evening) ritual!

There you have it. I hope you enjoy this scrub and try experimenting with your own combinations! Using only all natural & sunkissed ingredients on your skin feels so wonderful and your body will thank you for it, now...and in the long run.

Until next time. xoxo

Sunkissed Baby + Mama :: Natural Skin Care for This Sacred Time in Your Life

Being pregnant is A LOT of work, I've never done it, so I don't "really know" what it's like. But, creating a life, harbouring a child inside of you and growing to however big you grow does not look easy (or enjoyable sometimes). But the reward is totally worth, I've heard!
So, to honor and treat mama's & new baby's well - I created a line of products for this precious and hard working time in their lives. 

:: Here's the line up ::

 + MOMMY BALMY // ORGANIC BELLY + BODY BALM

This is a deeply emollient and softening balm. I've infused organic calendula flowers & burdock root in high quality oil for weeks before adding it to this luscious and sweet earth smelling creation. Rich, luxurious oils of avocado, jojoba, coconut & unrefined shea butter combined with powerful skin-healing properties of calendula & burdock root will nourish your baby-harbouring body. 
+ aids in keeping your skin supple & elastic
+ helps to avoid stretch marks and scarring
+ omission of essential oils (or other fragrance) raises the safety factor for use during pregnancy

get it here >>

+ BABY BOOTY DUST // ALL NATURAL BABY POWDER

My calming, lavender smelling, talc-free baby powder is full of wonderful herbs & soothing ingredients. I finely grind the high quality herbs, so they feel soft and smooth against your little one's skin. This all natural baby powder 
+ is full of antimicrobial, antiseptic & soothing ingredients
+ will help prevent diaper rash by absorbing moisture
+ will aid in healing diaper rash and minor infections
+ does not contain chemicals or other ingredients that are harmful if used or inhaled
 After a few sprinkles of this booty dust, they'll be back to all smiles and ready to take on their day (or nap). 
++ You can also use this as a bath soak for baby - or a foot soak for athlete's foot or other skin irritations like eczema.

get it here >>

+ BABY LAV // ORGANIC LAVENDER BABY CREAM WITH CALENDULA 

Ok....I'm obsessed with this lotion! I use it all the time on myself, and am working on a "Lady Lav" version (for us ladies). With the calming smell of lavender and the sweet, soothing smell and properties of calendula - your little one will love how this feels on their brand new skin! I've infused organic calendula flowers in high grade organic olive oil for weeks before adding it to this sweet concoction. 
+ Aids in healing skin irritations & rashes
+ Helps soothe and calm skin and senses
+ Leaves a fresh, clean & intoxicating smell
+ All natural & organic ingredients are completely safe for your precious mini-you
You'll be tempted to slather this all over yourself...go for it, I know I do!

get it here >>

I'm excited to give this as gifts to a few expecting gals I know! My little sis, who's pregnant, has been enjoying the belly balm and said she loves using it right out of the shower, before bed time and it smells like earth. I can't wait to use all of this when my husband and I decide to create a new human together! I hope any mama who tries this can feel the love that I put into it. 

Click here to visit the baby + mama section of my shop to get a few more details and purchase some for yourself or a friend, sister, aunt, cousin - someone special!

Until next time. xoxo

Sunkissed DIY: Herbal Infusions with Olive Oil

The old saying goes, "good things come to those who wait," right? Well, that old proverb sure holds true when it comes to creating your own herbal infusions. I started about 7 new dried herbal infusions over the past couple days and already want to open them, smell them, and utilize their powerful properties! But, sadly I can't - yet. They just looked so beautiful, I had to take some photos. 

I'm making these for creams and salves, so I have them all infusing in organic, cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil. I plan on doing tinctures (alcohol based) & some vinegar based hair rinse infusions as well- but I ran out of jars - so those will have to wait until I make a trip to Walmart again. 

• The basic rule is 1 oz, by weight (I use a small digital scale), of freshly dried herb - to 4 oz carrier oil. 
• For "fluffier" or flowery herbs, you'll have to use a few more ounces of oil in order to fully immerse the herb. They will absorb some of the oil, so just make sure you have enough oil to fully cover the dried herbs in your container/jar. 
• Close your jar with a tight fitting lid, label it with contents & date, and let it sit for 3 to 6 weeks, shaking it everyday (or as often as you remember).
• Once they're ready, line a bowl with a muslin cloth (you can put a strainer under the cloth as well), pour the contents of the jar into the cloth and let the oil seep through. Squeeze the bottom of the cloth, trying to get out as much oil as you can. Note that you will lose a small percentage of the oil, since the herbs drank it up!

I chose olive oil because it is one of the most stable oils (long shelf life), and is very emollient & great for most skin types. Since these infused oils are going to have new plant material introduced to them and will be sitting on the shelf for 3-6 weeks, you want to make sure they will not go rancid! Other stable oils are safflower, sunflower & palm kernel. Always make sure any oils you're using are cold pressed (nutrients are not lost by high heat processing) and preferably organic. 

My infusions consist of:

Burdock Root

Calendula Flowers

Comfrey Root

Chamomile Flowers

Chamomile Powder

Rosehips

St. Johns Wort

I get most of my herbs from a local health store, but I highly recommend Mountain Rose Herbs or Starwest Botanicals if you're purchasing online. 

Can't wait to open these up in a few weeks! Happy infusing!

Until next time. xoxo

|| Coconut Woman || All Natural Face + Body Cream

 I don't know about you, but where I'm at (basically the middle of California), it's gettin' hoooooot. The scorching, dry heat is slowly creeping in and will be here to stay for many months. The worst part is, this summer I'm in a house without a pool...I know so sad. I do have a lot of sprinklers though- which may come in handy for more than just watering my lawn- very soon. 

So, in honor of the sunny summer days ahead, I'd like to share with you my newest product: 

Coconut Woman - All Natural Face + Body Cream! 

Made with delicious smelling organic coconut oil & organic jojoba oil, as well as many other nutrient filled and skin soothing ingredients! All my "guinea pigs" (humans) that have tried it so far, really love it- not just for the smell but for the moisturizing and softening effects.

The name of this lotion was inspired by Harry Belafonte's song, "Cocoanut Woman," and just the fact that anytime I put on his record I want to dance! 

Available exclusively in my Etsy shop in a 4 oz, 2 oz or sample size.

Here are the full ingredients & benefits: 

• Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: full of good fats & fatty acids that helps the skin retain moisture, ward off infection and stay clean and soft. Also contains vitamin E and proteins that help diminish premature aging signs, and promote overall healthy, strong skin. 

• Organic Jojoba Oil: this oil, which is technically a liquid wax ester, closely resembles human sebum (our skin's natural oil). Therefore, it can act as a kind of "second skin", protecting and holding in moisture while still allowing the skin to breathe. Wonderful for skin and hair.

• Organic Sunflower & Sweet Almond Oil: these two lighter oils are great emollients for the skin as well. Both are high in vitamin E which nourishes the skin and helps diminish fine lines. These oils contain anti-inflammatory and skin lightening properties, and can help with skin irritations. 

• Aloe Vera Gel: produced from the inner fillet of organically grown aloe vera plants, this natural soothing gel is not only great for burns and bites, but also wonderful for toning and firming skin. It is a non-greasy moisturizer, trapping skins' moisture in! Contains hormones that stimulate healing and reduce inflammation. The list could go on forever- aloe is amazing!
• Vitamin E Oil: for an extra boost of skin nourishing vitamin E, and also a natural preservative. 
• Organic Essential Oils: 
• Tea Tree: to increase the antimicrobial action of the cream and help with healing/preventing acne
• Lavender: great for all skin, anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, cell-regenerating, calming & soothing, and of course smells glorious.
• Cedarwood: to add a little extra earthy scent and help with oily skin problems. 

There you have it! I'm actually going to create a little spin off of this with peppermint essential oil very soon - just because coconut + peppermint are an intoxicating and refreshing combo! Go ahead and visit my shop to find out more and take a look at my other all natural beauty products and soy candles. Thanks for stopping by today and hope you can try this and enjoy it as much as I have! 

Until next time. xoxo