Showing posts with label gift ideas for her. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gift ideas for her. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Give the Best Gift of All This Holiday Season -- Therapeutic Balms and Candle Gift Sets from Scentered That Will Help with Mindfulness and Relaxation - Something We Would All Benefit From and Enjoy! (Review)

Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the vendor in exchange for an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.




Ever since my diagnosis and treatment for cancer, I have been cautious of what I put in my body, and what products I use. I was first turned onto aromatherapy products while undergoing radiation and chemo treatments.  My brother's girlfriend at the time was big in holistic medicine and healing and would make up roll on aromatherapy products to use, to help relax and take away some of the symptoms I was having as a result of my treatment including inability to sleep, anxiety, nausea and stress, to name a few.  At first I was reluctant to use the products, but after hearing her talk all about them, I thought I had nothing to lose, and gave them a try.  I couldn't believe how well they worked and how simple essential oils could really help one feel more calm and relaxed.  I found myself adding her homemade products to my tote bag I would bring daily to treatment, and would use while sitting in the chemo chair for 5+ hrs., or apply after having my radiation treatment and waiting for follow up visits with my oncology team.  Whenever I would use her aromatherapy products, it was like the stress and anxiety I was feeling at the moment in time just melted away.

Now, 12 years out of cancer treatment and in remission, I still use aromatherapy products, for myself and my family.  Instead of hitting the medicine aisle at the pharmacy for ailments, etc, I research about which essential oils or aromatherapy products may help in place of adding unnecessary chemicals and medicines to my body, or that of my family's.  After seeing firsthand at what all the nasty cancer drugs can do to your body, while helping to rid the body of cancer, the last thing I want to do is add more medicine to my body, unless I ultimately need it.  I have found that by using aromatherapy products and essential oils, I can relive many of the problems I may be experiencing at any given moment.  

So, when I wan contacted recently by the folks at Scentered to see about trying out some of their aromatherapy products for inclusion in my holiday gift guide, I jumped at the opportunity.  Being a fan of essential oils and aromatherapy, I was curious to see how their products worked, compared to others I have been using and have tried over the years.  I was sent two of their gifts sets, which are branded with holiday labeling - making them great to gift as is with a bow or gift tag attached -- and have enjoyed trying the different Scentered products out over the past week or so.




First, here is more about the two Scentered holiday gift sets I was sent, and then I will share more about my personal thoughts on them, after having tried them out firsthand....





"BETTER THAN COFFEE"
"Awake well-rested with SLEEP WELL to give yourself the best chance for a wonderful day by embracing this nightly bedtime ritual to help you drift off into restful sleep.  Delivers an alluring blend to relax your body and quiet your mind.
(Also available in BE HAPPY, FOCUS and DE-STRESS)

Our 100% natural, essential oil based Aromatherapy Balm is mess-free and won't leak or spill in your bag. Use SLEEP WELL as part of our Wellbeing Ritual.  


Our therapeutic candles are made from a custom blend of natural waxes, sustainably sourced and non-GM, with pure essentials oils for a clean burn and natural fragrance." 
5g / 0.17 oz Balm
85g / 3 oz Candle
Burn Time: 18 hours

About the Wellbeing Ritual Aromatherapy Mini Tin Set:








"Our Wellbeing Ritual Aromatherapy Mini Tin contains five of our best-selling 100% natural balms - SLEEP WELL, DE-STRESS, HAPPY, FOCUS AND ESCAPE. The travel-friendly tin is perfect for transporting your Balms, helping you mindfully transition throughout your daily journey. 

Each 1.5g mess-free mini balm contains up to 25 essential oils, which deliver a uniquely glorious 100% natural fragrance. Our portable, nourishing balms have been carefully formulated with a blend of moringa and shea butter, to ensure a non-greasy finish to help you mindfully transition throughout your daily journey.

Each balm can be used individually to target a specific need or together, as a personal mood and lifestyle support 'tool kit'. "
About the Wellbeing Ritual:
It is one thing to buy the Wellbeing Ritual Aromatherapy Mini Tin set, or be gifted it this holiday season...but, it is another to know how to truly use to get the greatest benefit of this wonderful aromatherapy products (including balms and Scentered candle).  

Follow the three easy steps below to truly reap the benefits of the Scentered products...
Stop - Apply a balm directly to your wrist, neck and temples or light a Scentered candle to purposefully fill the room with mindful meaning.
Inhale – Raise your wrists or candle to your nose and deeply inhale, visualizing the mind state you wish to achieve in this moment.
Reset – Exhale deeply as you step into the next moment of your daily journey.
Find out more about the Scentered Wellbeing Ritual here."
---
As mentioned above, I was sent the above mentioned Scentered gift sets, as well as their every day Wellbeing Ritual Aromatherapy Mini Tin set, which comes packaged like this -- without the holiday sleeve....
It contains the same balms at the Christmas Wellbeing tin, 
minus the Christmas sleeve slid over the outside of the metal tin.

I don't know about you, but when the holidays roll around, any help I can get with wrapping or packaging up gift sets so that they can be given as it, or stuffed into a stocking for easy gifting, makes my life so much easier, as I am not a fan of gift wrapping.  


So, when I saw the two Scentered Christmas gift sets with their simple yet elegant packaging (which if you peak inside the inner flap shares an example of how to use the balms in your daily life), I was happy I knew I could pick up more of these gift sets to gift to family and friends, and have one less gift to wrap.:-)  
After using each and every one of the balms in the Wellbeing Ritual Aromatherapy Mini Tin for a week, I could see an improvement in my overall mood after just the first day. And, for every day thereafter, I found myself waking happier and more energized to start the day, and by mid-day I wasn't tired or feeling stressed, like I had been feeling before incorporating these balms into my daily routine. I followed the Daily Wellbeing Ritual Example that was inside the sleeve of gift tin, which suggested the following:
1. Wake-up - Use HAPPY
2.  Morning - Use FOCUS
3. Afternoon - Use DE-STRESS and then ESCAPE
4. Evening - Use LOVE
5. Night - Use SLEEP WELL
Each of these five 100% natural travel sized balms were included in the mini tin set, and could be stored in the metal tin they came in, or added to your purse, make up bag, etc. It is suggested to apply the portable, non-greasy, no-mess balm formulations to pulse points (wrist, neck and temples), then inhale deeply and rest your mood.  I used down time after applying the different balms throughout the day to get in a little extra deep breathing moments, so that I could really be in the moment inhaling the pure essential oils, and letting them help reset my mood at that given moment.  I found myself calm and re-centered, each and every time I would apply a different Scentered balm on my pulse points and slowed down to inhale the scents. It brought me back to when I first started using aromatherapy and essential oils while undergoing cancer treatments, and how it helped get me through my days, of ups and downs.  Now, all these years later, it was like the Scentered products I was sent to review, were helping to reset my body throughout the day, and leaving me more calm and centered to take on the rest of the day.  And, when it was bed-time I added the "I Want to Sleep Well" wellbeing ritual balm and candle to the mix, and it really did wonders in helping me sleep.  For the past few months, with the stress of my girls and their schooling, bills, work and daily stresses we all deal with, I found myself tossing and turning and up most nights.  I tried warm chamomile tea, a hot bath, and no television or phone before bed, but, I was still left trying to count sheep to fall asleep.  Thinking I would not be getting a good night's sleep for awhile, especially with the upcoming stress added with the holidays, I was willing to try anything, including lighting this candle and applying the balm in hopes of getting a restful night's sleep.  Seeing just how well the other balms from the Wellbeing Ritual Aromatherapy mini tin has been working for me, I was crossing my fingers that the SLEEP WELL candle paired with the balm would work.  Te therapy balm and treatment candle are both made with Palmarosa, Lavender and Ylang Ylang, and smell amazing.  Just inhaling the SLEEP WELL scent, I found myself and my body feeling more relaxed, and the stress melting away.  I lit the candle the first night I received my Scentered samples, and couldn't believe how well it worked.  Within about 10-15 minutes of laying in bed, doing my deep breathing and relaxing my whole body, I started to feel tired. I blew out the candle, applied the balm to my pulse points, and a few moments later drifted peacefully off to sleep...and, stayed asleep until the next morning.  When I woke, I felt well-rested, and was in a good mood, ready to start the day.  

I have been using the SLEEP WELL therapy balm and treatment candle at bedtime each night, and no longer have to dread tossing and turning and not being able to fall asleep. Instead, I look forward to laying down, as I know my body will start to relax after a busy day, and within a half hour of my laying down, I will find myself ready to blow out the candle and roll over and fall asleep, until the next morning. Ahh, it's truly amazing how restful night's sleep, without the need of sleep medication or forced sleep, will have you waking feeling rejuvenated and in such a good mood the next day.  I am so thankful I had the opportunity to try out the Scentered line of aromatherapy products, and now know what I will be gifting many people on my holiday shopping list this Christmas -- their wonderful Christmas gift sets -- which are all so affordable, and deliver therapeutic benefits without the need of adding harmful drugs or chemicals to your body. Simply apply the 100% natural balms to pressure points and inhale, or light a candle and inhale, and you will see just how well the wellbeing ritual treatment of Scentered products will work for you.  I love how it makes me feel, and how it has helped to restore a lifestyle balance naturally...and, I know once you try Scentered, you will feel the same way, too!
In addition to the two Christmas gift sets mentioned above and the standard Wellbeing Ritual Aromatherapy metal tin without holiday sleeve, the folks at Scentered also have the following product that would make for a great gift idea this holiday season...
DE-STRESS Christmas Stocking - Only $25

(Also available in LOVE, HAPPY and SLEEP WELL)

DE-STRESS Home Aromatherapy Candle Set - Only $52

ESCAPE WELLBEING RITUAL AROMATHERAPY BAUBLE - Only $25


I WANT TO BE HAPPY CHRISTMAS EDITION - Only $49.50


LOVE AROMATHERAPY BALM BAUBLE - Only $25



You can learn more about these wonderful aromatherapy gift ideas, as well as see all the others available from Scentered by visiting here.  



The hard part will be deciding which gift set to go with.  I, for one, love all the Scentered products I tried, especially the SLEEP WELL candle and balm.  I am hoping Santa gets my wish list I will be mailing out with my girls, as I have Scentered top on my list, in hopes he brings me some more of their therapeutic candles to burn, and balms to use throughout the year.

Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the vendor in exchange for an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.

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Friday, August 23, 2019

Gifts That Wow



Finding birthday presents for the person who has everything is a chore, that takes up too much of your time. You lose heart and patience when it comes to finding something that is unique and the perfect fit for a loved one and so end up buying the same gifts, year in and year out.


We’re here to level up your gift buying game and get you on top with gifts that are going to blow your special someone away. Take a look at our top four gifts that are as unique as you are.


1. Escape Room


What says: “I love you” more than solving a series of clues and escaping from a locked room together?

In fact, this is the perfect gift experience for a couple who know each other well and love doing exciting new things together. Putting together your collective wits to beat the clock brings out the best in you both and gives you so much to talk about once you’re safely out and heading off for dinner. A great experience and a lot of fun.


2. Hit Broadway


One of those things you often talk about but rarely get around to doing. But why not? Grab tickets for Broadway shows and take your loved one on a tour of the greatest shows on earth. Grab pre-show dinner and post-show drinks for a classically romantic evening in the city that never sleeps.


3. Get a Pet


Yes, that’s right. Show your commitment by getting a pet for you to share. You know how much they love dogs so how about a puppy that’s going to become a big part of your family?


Image courtesy of Pixabay: CC0 licence


Please do note that you need to make sure that you are in a great position to look after a pet so do plenty of research before you go ahead and buy a puppy or kitten.


4. Take the Next Step


If you’re buying for your romantic partner then how about surprising them completely. Could it be that you’re ready to get married, to move in together or start saving for the holiday of a lifetime or a move abroad? Think about that exact thing that’s going to take their breath away and come up with an ingenious way of presenting the idea to them.


Hide a copy of your house key inside a giant box. Pop the question to the background of fireworks, thanks to the help of some friends, or bring along a brochure and start planning your global trip together. 


Just a few simple ideas that will change the course of your relationship for the better. Ditch those flowers from the gas station or that box of chocolates you found in the store and start thinking about how you can up your offer with presents that wow. Tickets for a show, a shared experience or by showing your commitment afresh. The only problem you’re going to find is how to beat your current gift for next year’s birthday.

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Saturday, December 15, 2018

Present Ideas For Any Special Person In Your Life






As much as you love your friends and family, getting the perfect gifts for your loved ones can be a tricky challenge. You want to show the closest people in your life that they truly matter to you, but it can be hard to come up with creative ideas throughout the year. You successfully buy a gift for one friend and then you have to think about the next friend or relative’s birthday a week or two later. And then there are all the other holiday events to think about throughout the year. Trying to think of amazing presents on a constant basis can be a daunting task, but the gift ideas in this post might just give you inspiration to make things a little easier. These presents could work for any special person in your life, whether it’s a family member, a friend, or a partner.

A day out.

If you struggle to find something in the shops every time a loved one has a birthday or Christmas comes around then you might want to give them something you can’t buy in any store: your time. The best present you can give to someone special in your life is a fantastic day out. After all, memories last forever. Think of the place or the thing that your friend or relative loves most and take them on a trip to that place. Maybe they love a particular zoo, or maybe there’s simply a film they’ve really wanted to watch at the cinema for a while. Whatever the case, spending time with your loved ones is the best present you can give.

A practical household addition.

Another present idea that’s perfect any special person in your life is a practical household addition. Okay, that might not sound particularly exciting, but practical gifts are often the best gifts. Would you rather receive a quirky commercial gift that loses its novelty quickly or a practical gift that serves you well in the future? When it comes to presents that make a lasting impact, practical household additions are often the best options. You might notice that your significant other has a disorganized vanity stand, so you could get them a ring organizer. Or perhaps you simply want to get them a sweet and thoughtful addition for the household. 



You could look into flower delivery for a nice flower arrangement. A beautiful bunch of flowers shows a loved one that you care and it adds a vibrant aesthetic to a household.



You might want to consider an aesthetic household addition such as a candle too. Given the sweet aroma that comes with many scented candles in today’s market, it’s the kind of gift that works on many levels. Those kind of household gifts are perfect for any loved one. A practical gift doesn’t always have to be a boring gift. You just need to make sure you get your friend or family member something they actually need in their home. This will show that you pay attention to your loved ones and actually want to make their lives better. It’s the kind of gesture that shows thought and care.

A custom-made gift.


If you’re really struggling to find anything for that special person in your life then why not take the handmade approach? A custom-made gift is bound to make a bigger impression than a store-bought gift because it requires time and thought to create. You didn’t just pick it up off a shelf. You could make a photo album with pictures of you and your friends or family to give to the loved one in question. Perhaps you could even create a custom piece of artwork for the special person in your life if you’re artistically-inclined. 


Whatever you do, a custom-made gift always has a personal touch that will really resonate with a loved one.

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Thursday, December 4, 2014

Holiday Gift Ideas -- Indulge Your Skin and Senses, While Pampering Yourself with FarmHouse Fresh Bath and Body Products (Review)

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.





Besides shopping for the kids, your honey, the in-laws and everyone else on your holiday shopping list, don't forget to think of yourself, too. While it may be hard to make "me time" for yourself, especially around the holidays, you shouldn't forget yourself when shopping for holiday gifts. It is always nice to treat yourself to a little something, or even help your husband take the guesswork out of what to get you for the holidays.  

This holiday season why not ask for bath and body products from FarmHouse Fresh? I was recently made aware of FarmHouse Fresh and their product line, and was even able to sample two of their body milk lotions and an exfoliating body scrub -- all of which I love -- and, can't stop raving about them with family and friends, who are looking for unique and fun gift ideas for those hard to shop for people on their holiday lists.

FarmHouse Fresh has won many awards over the years, as well as been recognized and featured in top magazines like Redbook, Health, Elle and INSIDE Weddings, just to name a few.  

Oprah even added FarmHouse Fresh products to her famous, Oprah's O-List.



I can thank my mom for my sensitive skin (which I also passed along to my girls), which limits me to certain bath and body products and brands I can use. While many women can cover themselves head to foot with lotions, creams, etc. with fragrances, I have to be careful and read the label to see what each bath and body product is made of, or I will chance breaking out in a rash or irritate my delicate skin.  Because of my sensitive, when it comes to pampering myself, I find that simple creams, without lotions work best.  But, boy do I miss not being able to use products with lovely floral or fruity scents.  All these sweet smelling products always seem to contain ingredients which don't agree with my skin - boo hoo. :-(

After hearing about FarmHouse Fresh and spending time on their website, not only browsing their extensive bath and body product offering, but also learning about how their products are made, I couldn't wait to try them. For those with sensitive skin like myself, you will be happy to learn that FarmHouse Fresh's line of products are made with up to "99.6% natural and naturally-derived ingredients." Also, everything is Paraben and Sulfate Free, and the fragrances used are all-natural or phthalate free, as well as Vegan and Gluten Free. 

The kind folks at FarmHouse Fresh sent two of their popular body milk lotions - fresh melon and sweet cream - for me to try, and I have been enjoying trying them out, and seeing how well they work with my sensitive skin.  No skin irritations here! :-)


Fresh Melon Body Milk Travel  Lotion

"This silky lotion is a cool and juicy slice of fresh melon! A simply irresistible green melon and natural cucumber extract blend has a refreshing, good morning scent that makes you happy from the moment it hits your skin. Just like our original body milk lotion, Sweet Cream, this product pours over you like milk and comes packaged in our adorable cow box with the statement “Our Cows Eat Fruit Cocktail.” Available in a 2.4 oz aluminum tube with decorative box. *90.5% natural, and like all FarmHouse Fresh Products, Fresh Melon is Paraben & Sulfate free."



Sweet Cream Body Milk Travel Lotion
90.5% Natural - Vegan - Gluten Free

"This delicate moisturizer pours over you like milk, and leaves light velvety notes of warm sweet cream. A true treat to moisturize each morning. The scent takes you away to a fine morning tea, with scones, heavy cream and great gal pals. This small travel-size tube is perfect for travel! Housed in a charming "Our Cows Eat Cookies" gift box for gift giving delight. Like all FarmHouse Fresh products, Sweet Cream Body Milk is Paraben and Sulfate free, plus it's infused with a blend of natural oils that provide lasting softness to skin: Vitamin E-rich Rice Bran oil, Jajoba Seed oil, Sweet Almond, Avocado and Sesame."

I can't get over how soft and smooth my skin is after applying the hand creams I was recently sent from the folks at FarmHouse Fresh, and love the subtle scents that are left behind.  They are not too strong, and are great to use when you are on the go, or find extra time in the day for a longer shower and time to add body lotion and cream, while the kids are being tended to.

In addition to the two body milk lotions, I was also a fun body scrub that is made with premium vodka called Rasmopolitan.  


Rasmopolitan Body Scrub
Only $34
97% Natural - Vegan - NOT Gluten Free (made with American-grown organic rye

"Prepare yourself for a ripe, smoothing body polish! This juicy cocktail body scrub is full of fresh raspberry notes. Crafted with Square One organic vodka, raspberry extract, sugar and rice bran oil -- for a sweet exfoliation that brings super softness to skin. The naturally high vitamin-rich raspberry extract and vitamin E content in our rice bran oil, hydrates skin, while the course salt and sugar grains slough away dead skin cells. Leaves a glistening, non-greasy finish that keeps winter dullness away! Sold in a 12 oz glass jar. The Rasmopolitan is 97% natural, and like all FarmHouse Fresh products, it is Paraben & Sulfate free!"

Yes, you read that right -- this body scrub is made with vodka, making for a spirited exfoliator for your body.  I couldn't believe at the results of this body scrub.  Living in New England, I find my skin gets extremely dry during the cold winter months.  Not only does my skin feel dry, but my elbows, knees and feet seem to suffer the most, as they crack or become really rough to the touch.  But, after applying this scrub onto my wet skin in shower, I found that after I patted my skin dry, that it was silky soft -- just after one application.  Wow!  Never have I have a lotion or body scrub to work as fast as this one to rehydrate and smooth out my rough, dry skin.  And, the smell is simply amazing -- as it includes not just organic vodka, but also sugar, Vitamin E, and a fresh raspberry extract that sweet pampering experience.

I now know what to get those hard to shop for people on my list, as well as a few of my close friends who just became moms for the first and second time.  Everyone needs a little pampering and time to unwind and relax.  If you can't seem to find time to make it for a spa day, or simply like to pamper yourself at home, then the wonderful offering from FarmHouse Farms will make your "me time" that much more enjoyable, as you pamper yourself and your skin.

Just look at some of the wonderful products they offer, that would make for great stocking stuffer ideas, holiday office grab ideas, or gifts for yourself that you want to hint at.  


Front Porch Punch Shea Butter Cream

Agave Nectar Ageless Body Oil


Strawberry Smash - Double Moisturizer

Sweet Cream Body Milk Lotion -  Decorative Cruet

Whoopie! Cream Shea Butter

Honey Lavender Fine Grain Salt Scrub

Whoopie! Cream Confectionery Glass Candle

I will be asking my husband for a handful of FarmHouse Fresh items this holiday season, after trying and falling in love with the two body milk lotions and body scrub I was recently sent to try, including the Strawberry Bushel Basket Gift Set shown below, which contains a Strawberry Smash moisturizer + Sweet Cream Fine Grain Body Scrub with mixing spoon.


Strawberry Bushel Basket Gift Set

I also want to try the Honey-Magnolia Sparkling Soak, which comes in a glass soda bottle. Bath time will be more fun with this bath oil, with its honey and magnolia flower scents.  :-) I've never seen anything like this and am eager to try it out, and have an excuse to soak longer in the tub, as I relax listening to music or catching up on a good book. :-)

Honey-Magnolia Sparkling Soak

Let a hint of honey and magnolia flower envelop your body, with this beautiful vitamin-rich bath oil that brings an instantly silky, soothing feel to skin. Just placed on Elle's Lust List--"time to fill your soaker tub and 'Bliss Out.'"

Use in your bath water or apply directly to skin as a light but deeply hydrating body oil. Honey Magnolia Soak imparts wonderful benefits to skin as Grapeseed and Olive Fruit oils have powerful antioxidants which diminish the damaging effects of sun, enhance the synthesis of healthy collagen and elastin and improve skin's texture. Plus with this gorgeous scent, you'll be the sweet breeze that blows in! Honey Magnolia Sparkling Soak is 96% natural, and like all our products, it is paraben and sulfate free."
  
To learn more about FarmHouse Fresh and their product offering, or to place an order through their online store, visit http://www.farmhousefreshgoods.com/.  


--TRY BEFORE YOU BUY --

Not sure which scents or products you will love or want to try?  How about ordering a FREE sampler bag, which contains a surprise mix of 5 FarmHouse Fresh products.  You simply pay shipping and handling, and will be able to try out a variety of products before committing to full-size ones.  I love when you can sample before you try, especially when it comes to bath and body products.  But, just be ready as you will probably want them all after trying the samples. :-)  This line of bath and body products is simply amazing and leaves your skin soft and smooth.

Stay up-to-date on new product additions, special offers and more by following FarmHouse Fresh on their social media channels:


Disclosure:  I was sent samples from the vendor in order to write up an honest review.  All views shared are mine and mine alone.
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