AliO.

Meat Glue

2012-01-19T12:50:00.000-08:00

MEAT GLUE

Recently in the news is another concern on how our food is treated. Meat glue is being used to stick together scraps of meat to re-sell as prime cuts. OMG!! This practiced is banned overseas but not in the U.S.

They take cuts of meat-any meat-even fish-that are too small to sell as a prime cut, and glue it together to look like a prime cut, and then re-sell the meat at top price. The amazing thing about all this is that NO ONE can tell that the meat is glued-not even a butcher!

When they use this substance on the meat the butchers wear a mask. It is dangerous to breath. Part of this substance contains the blood plasma from pigs and cattle-a coagulant. If the meat is not cooked enough a person may get food poisoning. The amount of bacteria is 100 times higher than in untreated meat. Restaurants are the biggest buyers of this kind of meat.

Meat glue is not included in the labeling laws, and the producers are certainly not going to inform you unless they have to. What next? The common practice of injecting cuts of meat with water to add weight and flavor to make the meat edible. How gross.

All I can do is buy organic meat as the producers to not use sludge, GMO grains, meat glue, or injections. If we all bought organic, the prices would certainly come down. I don’t care what the price is, I don’t want to wonder about what I’m eating.

Video-Special Investigation-Meat Glue

That’s it for now. Ali O signing off……….

Citrus toner & Rose toner

2011-03-09T18:53:00.000-08:00

This Citrus toner can be made from simple things in your home. If you don't have the essential oils of orange, lemon, grapefruit and mint-you can always use the tangible fruits. Keep in mind-that fruit products do not keep as long as essential oils.

Citrus Mint Toner
3 Tbsp fresh mint leaves       or-------2 drops mint essential oil
peel from 1 orange                or-------3 drops orange essential oil
Peel from 1/2 lemon              or-------3 drops lemon essential oil
Peel from 1/3 grapefruit        or-------3 drops grapefruit essential oil
1 cup boiling water
1 Tbsp witch hazel extract or 1/2 cup witch hazel distillate.

1. Place mint leaves in a bowl and bruise with a spoon in order to release their volatile oils.
2. Add citrus peels.
3. Pour boiling water over leaves and peel and allow to cool completely
4. Strain to remove solids.
5. Add witch hazel extract (tincture) or distillate.
6. Pour into a clean container

*NOTE: as an unpreserved toner, this is essentially a “fresh” product that must be kept refrigerated and used up in a week or so. Don’t store it in your warm bathroom! Also makes a wonderfully refreshing facial mist for a pick-me-up any time of day.

Rose toner-very simple. Excellent for acne, mature skin, and any skin!!!! Great for hydration-a spritzer in your purse!!
Rose water and rose essential oil.
4 oz. rose water and 10 drops rose essential oil.

LOVE that Rose!!!

Happy concocting!!! Ali O.

Making Your Own Body Care Products

2011-01-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

Hello!!!
I wanted to share with you a book recommended by The American College of Healthcare Sciences. For anyone interested in making your own body care products, the book is called -Organic Body Care Recipes by Stephanie Tourles. This is one of the most popular books in the college store for making products and will usually sell out when they have product making demonstrations at the college. You can find this book online.

This book guides you in the creation of your own personalized body care products using herbs and other natural ingredients. Includes 175 recipes to get you started. Sections include:

• A Natural Approach to Beautiful Skin, Hair and Nails
• The Natural Apothecary
• Tools of the Trade for the Kitchen Cosmetologist
• All-Natural Face and Body Care Recipes
• Natural Care for Glorious Hair
• In The Mood
• For Women Only
• Herbal Comfort Zone
• Bugs Be Gone

Of course, if you don't have the time and don't want to invest in the ingredients, you can always go to my website for skin care. www.alisonalio.com

Good luck and happy creating!! So much fun to do! Ali O.

New Year!!!

2011-01-15T15:18:00.000-08:00

Hi to all-in the New Year!!

Well I took the Fall off from school-a needed break. Of course I thought I would get this and that done- a big NO!!! I did get a start and progressed on quite a few things. Christmas of course took up quite a bit of time. I was in quite a successful higher end arts & crafts store at a high end mall. That certainly kept me busy.

Monday I start back to class. After this class, I have one more to go and I'm finished. Then I will be studying for the national test to become a registered aromatherapist. I'm also working on my 4th website in a year. Talk about a lot of work. Making new products-talk about a lot of work!!

I would love feedback or suggestions about products that you would like to see out on the market. I've been formulating products that I have been searching for and can't find, and I must say that I've been very happy with the results. What would you like to find that's not out there on the market?

I have a good feeling about this New Year. Let's all concentrate on good things, practice love and kindness and the rest will follow.

Cheers!!!!!!! Ali O.

Cielo Spa-Santa Barbara

2011-01-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

Hello!! Happy New Year to all!!

There is a wonder little spa in Santa Barbara that has wonderful treatments and products. If your in the area-you should indulge yourself at Cielo Spa. It's really a treat. The owner-Roxanne buys some of my products and featured my Peppermint Foot Cream on her blog. Sweeeeet!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Great Cielo Spa Gift Ideas for $20 or Less!

Another fabulous holiday gift idea from Cielo Spa Boutique.

Peppermint Foot Cream. This luxurious peppermint foot cream is locally made by Aromatherapist, Ali O, and is full of moisturizing natural ingredients including cocoa butter and willow bark herbal extract. Applying this product overnight as part of your skin care regiment is a must. The best foot cream EVER! 8oz. $20

Treat yourself in the New Year!!!! Ali O.

Ali O's Ingredients

2010-12-28T17:36:00.000-08:00

The subject for today is what I use in my products. I take special notice of making sure that the ingredients that I use are as pure as I can get. Some are organic, some are wild crafted, and some are ethically harvested. What does all this mean? It means that the products that I use have NO pesticides.

I contact all my suppliers and talk about the harvesting. Even though they don't claim to be organic-even though they are----they are a small company and can't afford the organic certification. Some are small distillers and some are small companies. I believe them because of the relationship that I have developed with them. Unfortunately only the large companies can afford the certification. The big big companies have figured out ways to get the certification even though they are abusing it, and what that certification means is--- your going to believe the certificate and not what they are REALLY doing. Old story. Big Corporations and the ways that they fool you. In my estimation-it's time to support the small producer and give the corporations a big kick in the behind. Opps! Think local, buy local, support the small businesses and be aware.

Signing off. Ali O.

A Crimson Holiday!!

2010-11-11T08:34:00.000-08:00

Hello
The Holidays are approaching and your chance to give unique gifts. The store is also a chance to try some of my skin care products. Of course not everything I make is in the store but there is an excellent selection-with testers!!!
Hope to see you there!!! Ali O.

Crimson Holiday opens in La Cumbre Plaza, offering Local Art!

11 Nov 2010 Leave a Comment

by Carol Hirashima in Art & Craft Gallery NEWS

The Holidays are just around the corner, and Marilyn Dannehower of MAD Dreams Jewelry Design and Bridal Crystal Direct has taken it upon herself to re-open the local artist gallery ‘Crimson Holiday’ in La Cumbre Plaza, Santa Barbara.
Setting up shop in the old ‘Coach’ location across from Louis Vuitton in a prime retail zone is really a blessing. With things like shelving and lighting left behind by it’s former occupants, it’s made moving in a relative breeze.
Marilyn has assembled a unique group of local Santa Barbara Artists and Designers under the umbrella of ‘Crimson Holiday’ to provide just what La Cumbre Mall needs… a little grass-roots flavor!
Crimson Holiday opened its doors on November 1^st and will remain open through the end of the year. The store features the work of 23 area artists, including 8 primary artists.

Ramona Clayton of ‘Terramonary’ has been making pottery since 1990, working exclusively with stoneware and porcelain, she really has become a master of her work.
“My ceramic work is an expression of the joy and happiness my life is blessed with. It is a reflection of my experiences and encounters with Nature. Each of my “pots” represent one moments possibility on the path from “formless” to “useful”.
Marilyn Dannehower designs Swarovski Crystal and Pearl jewelry at affordable prices. She regularly works with customers designing custom pieces for individuals and brides.
Carol Hirashima of Chira Designs returns with an eclectic mix of bags and small accessories, including Hand-Knit scarves and headbands.
Chris Hartsock creates beautiful and meticulous beadwork, she started CEH Creations in 2007. All of her pieces are hand made. You may even come in to the store and see her at work. Her product line includes beadwoven bracelets, necklaces, watches and pendants and beadwoven tapestries.
Jan and Art Johnson have something for everyone, offering a variety of Porcelain novelty gifts from buddhas and dragons to lotus blossoms, and mermaids!
Roberta Miller is a energetic painter. Her colorful and pieces include unique tables, chairs, and even gourds!
There’s so much more to look at, Virgina Covalt of Live Oak Creations, Danae-Michele of Garden of Gaia, AlisonAlio… and more, so stop by Starbucks or Marmalade Cafe in La Cumbre Plaza, and mozy on over to Crimson Holiday!

Nutrients for Feeding Your Skin.

2010-10-16T17:21:00.000-07:00

Hi-are you feeding your skin what it needs? Substances that are helpful to nourish your skin or are you using a product that you can't even read their ingredients? Do you believe that your skin really feels good using the synthetic chemicals, aromas, preservatives, colorants, pesticides, etc., etc.?

You are the one who is responsible for your own health. Just like good food-if we all ate organic-the prices would come down. If you don't eat organic you are likely eating genetically modified produce, with funky sludge as fertilizer and tons of pesticides. I think it's important to think about these things. What is going into me? It's not hard, and it's interesting and fun-PLUS you learn so much!!!!

Anyway-I'm getting off the subject of skin-BUT not really. How you live and eat affects your skin and the rest of your whole being. It's just as important to feed your skin-like your body-with ingredients from the earth and not a laboratory. The skin absorbs substances into your body. Into the skin, into blood vessels, and into your body. You can nourish all of you with natural things that have been around since the beginning of time. I think T.V. and our busy lives have distracted us from taking time for ourselves, educating ourselves, about the natural world. It doesn't seem so natural in these times, but it can be if your interested.

Onto my new product!!!! It's packed with a nourishing whammo punch. All the wonderful ingredients sink right into your skin at a cellular level. Pure solid beneficial oils-no filler-no water, like a body lotion. Here is a list of the wonderful oils and their attributes. It all sounds so yummy-to me.

Body Butter

Ingredients

Cocoa butter-contains a large number of different antioxidants that act synergistically to present a massive offensive against the free radicals that destroy skin cells and lead to premature aging. It's an ideal skin care product.

Shea Butter-also known as African Karite butter is expressed from the pits of the fruit. Highly moisturizing and is a natural sunscreen.

Macadamia Nut Oil-similar composition to the human skin for it's unique lubricating and emollient properties. The oil contains a high concentration of palmitoleic acid, and is very similar to mink oil and to the sebum of human skin. No other known plant oil has a similar compostion.

Apricot Kernel Oil- used for centuries. An excellent skin-softening agent. It also contains vitamins and minerals and is useful for skin that has aged prematurely, as well as for sensitive skin. All skin types benefit.

Jojoba-jojoba helps to make skin soft and silky and is excellent for inflamed skin, acne, dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis. It is one of the best all-around natural oils that is actually a liquid wax ester.. This wax is almost identical to human sebum, the skins natural restorative fluid. Contains antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, including vitamin E. Jojoba retains the skins moisture and does not block the skins natural function. In it's pure form, jojoba makes a natural suntan lotion, with a sun protection factor of 4.

Aloe Butter-is renown for its healing properties. Excellent for skin burns. It penetrates the skin much faster than most other oils. Aloe has been used for many things-from anti-aging to an anti-inflammatory, to a pain reliever. Useful for acne treatments. The aloe has been used since ancient times.

Beeswax-Beeswax works well in cosmetic products because of the “wax esthers” that exist in both beeswax and human skin and it is these compounds which help to bind and emulsify ointments, lipsticks and lotions. As a natural hydrating ingredient that increases essential moisture in skin, it is commonly found in hand and body creams that help retain natural skin moisture and in the relief of itching from sensitive skin. Beeswax has an irritation potential of zero, and a comedogenicity rating of 0 - 2, which means that when formulated and used correctly in cosmetic formulations, beeswax will not cause a problem or clog the pores, but brings a host of very positive attributes, such as general healing and softening, as an antiseptic, and an emollient to cosmetic products.

Essential Oil Scents

Lavender Blend-consists of Lavender, Bergamot, Geranium, Rosemary, a couple of drops of Patchouli, and chamomile. Very popular!!

Eucalyptus Blend-consists of Eucalyptus, Lavender, Cedarwwod, Lemon, and Rosemary. A mellow eucalyptus.

Euphoria Blend-consists of Sandalwood, Rose, and Benzoin Resinoid (vanilla like aroma).

Orange-one of my new favorites-smells just like a peeled orange!

The moral of this blog today is-----an organic being should be fed organic stuff.

It's only been the last 80 years- or so- that the world went wacko!!!!

Signing off!! Ali O.-the skin care wacko..............

http://www.alisonalio.com

Rich Face Cream - AlisonAlio

2010-09-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

Rich Face Cream - AlisonAlio

I'm Sorry!!!!

2010-09-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

Opps!! The link I gave you for the commercial does not work. Here is the link again. Ali O.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGpmJxgay0Y

My New Mini Commercial!!!

2010-09-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I've been gone for a while. I was busy finishing up an aromatherapy course and taking a reflexology course. My little commercial is out. It was made to help get my website more visible. There are all kinds of ways to become more visible. Commercials, social networking, etc. It takes work and time. It would be nice if you go to any of my sites-to leave some kind of feedback. The more feedback, the better the ranking. On the commercial, you can give it a thumbs up or on other sites you can leave a comment. I would really appreciate it!!!
Here is my commercial. Let me know what you think. Ali O.
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGpmJxgay0Y

I have a new product on my website. Body Butter. Look and feels like butter. What's nice about it is that it is non-greasy like other body butters. After smoothing it on your skin-it takes about 5 minutes to sink in and become non-greasy. The other body butters I've used-stay greasy for the whole day-this butter is not like that. The other plus about this butter is that a small amount goes a long way. If you compare 8oz. of my body lotion with 8oz. of my body butter-you'll find that the body butter lasts a lot longer. The ingredients are also richer than the body lotion. So, if you need a slightly thicker, richer lotion, the body butter is for you! Check out my website for details. Ali O.
http://www.alisonalio.com

Food: The Ultimate Secret Revealed 2 Parts

2010-08-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Hi !!!!! I'm back. I just watched a couple of interesting and very scary videos about our food. I knew about a lot of the things that they talk about and the BIG Monsanto giant-takeover. If there is ever a reason to eat organic and be aware of what you eat-then just watch these 2 videos. The link is below. That is part one. When your done listening to the 1st part-scroll down 1/2 a page and you will see the second part to click on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSpkLk0vYmk&feature=youtube_gdata

As you know-I'm into skin care and pure, quality ingredients BUT if you eat junk-NOTHING is going to help your skin if your body is full of cancer causing food substances. Eat GOOD and drink LOTS of water-1st step to beautiful skin.

Buy organic-prices will come down if everyone demands organic. Please don't eat pesticides!!

I'm off-sorry the subject was depressing but we need to get aware of what we eat.

Ali O.

Dedicated to Carol-My tech Lady

2010-07-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

I-along with my friend Carol (Tech Guru) have been doing some work on my website. I just couldn't do it without her. She's a very talented woman as you can see below. I have a couple of her bags and I just love them. Carol uses the most interesting fabrics. She also makes videos of all kinds. Check out her websites.
Carol Hirashima, Media Producer
Specializing in all aspects of Video, Website, Social Networking development and management
805-448-5164

Additional links:
http://www.Greenbridgemedia.com Green Videos
http://www.chiradesigns.com Handmade Accessories

Thanks bunches Carol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Bye for now! Ali O.

You Are What You Eat-Your Skin is What You Put On It

2010-07-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

Yum-give me color, give me fake, give me synthetic!!! Yum! Yum! Yum!!
Give me chemicals. Sound appetizing? Want to eat some? How about slathering it on your face?

Try my all natural skin care products. Check out my website. This is my passion and I'm passing it on to you!!

Bye for now! Ali O.

http://www.alisonalio.com

Cosmetic Ingredients

2010-07-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

Hello there! Todays topic is on JUST two cosmetic ingredients that I believe are harmful and do not need to be used in skin care ingredients. The best thing you can do for yourself-is educate youeself on cosmetic ingredients. I have a dictionary here at home, but you can look ingredients up online. Here is just a few things I found today online to try to convince you- to make this world change from synthetics to natural. It can be done-especially if you don't by the products with synthetics in them. Read below.
Parabens

Toxic. Allergenic. Artificial chemicals. Used to preserve cosmetics. They are not effective with shampoos or with products that contain proteins. [1]

Parabens: Preservatives, all forms are Toxic Prohibited in some countries (not used in The Skin Society Products) [3]

PARABENS – Methyl- and propyl-paraben are the most commonly used preservatives in cosmetics. They are esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid. Synthetic. [4]

parabens. Group of preservatives, including butylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, and benzylparaben that have been the most widely used group of preservatives in cosmetics. Parabens have been popular because they cause less irritation than many other preservatives and they have broad spectrum activity against bacteria, molds, and fungus that can contaminate cosmetics.

Concern over parabens has made headlines because of research showing that parabens are endocrine disrupters due to their estrogenic potential on cells. This research involved both oral administration and injection into rat skin which did show evidence of a weak estrogen effect on cells in a way that could be problematic for binding to receptor sites associated with proliferation of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The study, which was published in early 2002, concluded that “future work will need to address the extent to which parabens can accumulate in hormonally sensitive tissues and also the extent to which their weak estrogenic activity can add to the more general environmental estrogen problem”

Current research investigating how parabens act when administered orally, topically, and subcutaneously to rats has shown that “parabens are metabolized rapidly and to a large extent in living organisms and therefore cannot exhibit any adverse effects.” Parabens are “fully metabolized before they enter the blood stream”, with test results showing that “only the presence of a paraben metabolite (PHBA, p-hydroxybenzoic acid) and no concentrations of the parabens themselves, regardless of which paraben was used and how it was applied.” According to a representative from COLIPA (The European Cosmetics Association that closely monitors and assists with regulation of cosmetic products) involved in this study, “PHBA is not known to have any estrogenic effects and is found widely in plants and human food, so trace exposure in the human organism poses no health risk.” (Sources: parabens-suggests-no-adverse-hormonal-effect-on-the-body/" href="http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Formulation-Science/New-data-on-parabens-suggests-no-adverse-hormonal-effect-on-the-body/">www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/Formulation-Science/New-data-on-parabens-suggests-no-adverse-hormonal-effect-on-the-body/; and Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, January 2002, pages 49–60).

Even if parabens were proven to have an estrogenic effect on the body what would that mean? Any estrogen, including the estrogen our bodies produce, may bind to receptor sites on cells either strongly or weakly. So, if parabens were to blame, the thinking is that they can either stimulate the receptor to imitate the effect of our own estrogen in a positive way, or they can generate an abnormal estrogen response. Ironically, plant estrogens, or phytoestrogens (such as those found in soy), also produce chemicals that mimic estrogen, and to a much greater degree than what research on parabens has shown. It is possible that a weak plant estrogen can help the body, but it can also be possible that a strong plant estrogen can make matters worse. For example, there is research that shows coffee to be a problem for fibrocystic breast disease. The reason for this is thought to be because coffee exerts estrogenic effects on breast cells (Sources: American Journal of Epidemiology, October 1996, pages 642–644; Journal of the American Medical Women’s Association, spring 2002, pages 85–90; and www.som.tulane.edu/ecme/eehome/newsviews/whatsnew/archive/jan_dec2002.html). The same concerns have been demonstrated for plant extracts such as dong quai, flax, and lavender to name a few.

What about the issue of breast tissue samples containing trace amounts of parabens? A study in the Journal of Applied Toxicology (volume 24, issue 1, January-February 2004, pages 5–13) mentioned that “although recent reports of the estrogenic properties of parabens have challenged current concepts of their toxicity in these consumer products, the question remains as to whether any of the parabens can accumulate intact in the body from the long-term, low-dose levels to which humans are exposed.” The study discussed the fact that traces of parabens have indeed been found in human breast tumors, but was quick to point out that it is unknown if this would be the same in healthy breast tissue. Parabens present in tumors may not be the causative factor, but rather a result, of finding parabens when cancer cells are examined along with hundreds of other substances. It is also important to realize that parabens are used in food products as well (Source: Food Chemistry and Toxicology, October 2002, pages 1335–1373), which could very well be the source of their presence in the body. However, it is becoming clearer that paraben’s alleged link to health problems is not one to be concerned about. The prevailing conclusion is that parabens are safe as used in cosmetics. Consumers shouldn’t be afraid of them or go out of their way to avoid products with parabens unless, of course, they happen to be allergic to this group of ingredients (Source: International Journal of Toxicology, Volume 27, Supplement 4, 2008, pages 1–82). See preservatives. [2]

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfates

Very popular ingredient. Used as a detergent, emulsifier, and surfactant in over a thousand cosmetic products. This includes shampoos, toothpaste, lotions, and creams. Even though it is very popular, this additive can be harsh and drying to the skin. [1]

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE – SLS. Also SDS. A detergent, wetting agent and emulsifier, commonly referred to as ‘derived from coconut oil’. Widely used, drying to the skin and considered a skin irritant. Similar to SLES, the claims that it is a carcinogen have been dismissed by offical bodies. See alkyl sulfates. [4]

Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfates: Health Risk or Harmless Hoax?

I am frequently asked if sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are serious problems in cosmetics. The myths and misinformation along with fear mongering is generated via the internet that has absolutely no basis in fact.
Should I Be Concerned?

The short answer is no. SLS and SLES are not dangerous or carcinogenic in the least and there isn’t a shred of research proving otherwise (Source: Journal of Applied Toxicology, March 2008, pages 164-174). SLS and SLES are cleansing agents that can be irritating (especially SLS) but that is true of any cleansing agent whether it is natural or not. Ironically, SLS and SLES are derived from coconut as is true for many cleansing agents.

Sodium lauryl sulfate can be a potent skin irritant. Therefore, it is better for skin if it either wasn't in the product or at the end of the ingredient list to assure that it is in a small enough a concentration to reduce any risk of irritation. But in terms of any other health or disease problem, there is none. [2]

[1] http://www.deancoleman.com

[2] http://www.cosmeticscop.com

[3] http://www.theskinsociety.com

[4] http://www.allnaturalbeauty.us

Hope your eyes got opened!! Ali O.

How to wash Your Face!!!

2010-07-15T16:02:00.000-07:00

Hello! I'm back after a 2 week siesta. This posts topic is about (I think) the best way to wash your face.
Very simple and not time consuming. First I would recommend getting a soft cosmetic facial brush. You can get one at Whole Foods-they are about 2" in diameter. They are very soft and won't rub your skin raw. The main concern is not to disturb the skin while getting it clean.
1-Start by dry brushing your face gently. This removes dead skin and makes way for renewal.
2-Use a mild soap-such as my glycerin soap that has no harmful foaming agents and is non-drying. My soap also has essential oils that are beneficial for facial care. Suds are needed to lift debris. Suds up the soap and apply to face, while also using the soft cosmetic brush. Rinse with warm-NOT hot-water many times and finish with a cold cold rinse-3 times at least-to close the pores.
3-If you must use a toner (they are harsh & change the pH of your face) use rose water in a spray mister.
4-Apply moisturizer while skin is still slightly moist.
There you have it!!! Rocket science in a blog.
So long for now and happy washing, happy skin, and happy life!!!
Ali O.

http://www.alisonalio.com

Clairmont Lavender Farm-Santa Ynez California

2010-06-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Want to take a trip to a beautiful lavender farm? I thought so. This is a place I love to visit often. It's about 25 minutes from my house. They grow lavender, distill lavender and sell lavender products in their store. Have fun!! Ali O.

The front drive. 175 year old olive trees planted by the Spaniards.

The field of Lavender in bloom.

The still. The water is in the bottom with the lavender sitting above but not in the water. The steam and oil from the plant rise and then travel down the tube, where it condenses back to a liquid.

Here is where the water is separated from the plant essential oil.

Ali O. in Lavender heaven!!!

The store and it's many products. The lavender they grow on this farm is Grosso. This is not the true lavender-Lavandula angustifolia-which is relaxing. The Grosso type has chemical constituents that are stimulating, rather than relaxing. Keep that in mind when buying lavender essential oil.

Hope you enjoyed the trip. Bye for now!! Ali O.

Essential Oils Adulteration & Toxicity

2010-06-09T10:17:00.000-07:00

Anyone thinking of buying and using essential oils for certain therapeutic use-like on or in your body, you need to think about the quality of the oil. You want the purest distillation that you can get with no additives. Some additives are chemical reproductions or constituents from other plants that have nothing to do with the oil you bought. Some are blended with a small amount of base oil. Some essential oils are solvent extracted, and some of the solvent remains in the oil, along with any pesticides sprayed on the plants. Yuk!!
Another thing to think about is the dosage and safety for each essential oil. So important. There are laws requiring distilleries and suppliers to label correctly any warnings, but it is rarely done and very dangerous to ignore. Each chemical constituent has a effect on the body and if you don't know the safety measures, you could be harming or even killing someone, unknowingly. Example-Sports creams that contain certain analgesics can accumulate in your body. This is particularly dangerous to anyone who has kidney disease and really even to a healthy person.
Essential oils are very healing and safe if used by a knowledgeable-trained person. Do your homework if you plan to self-administer. Holistic medicine has been around for thousands of years. It truly is a positive element to add to your health, along with diet exercise, free time, good sleep, etc.

The incidence of fatalities and sickness using essential oils is nothing compared with the drug industry. The drug industry deals with an illness, which is the end result of poor health maintenance. Holistic medicine tries to prevent illness by practicing everyday health measures.

Bye for now!!! Ali O.

The BIG Secret to Inner Health and Healthy Skin

2010-05-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

In my studies at The American College of Health Sciences, I have learned so much. One amazing concept is the alkaline-acid diet theory. The human body functions best slightly alkaline (pH of 7.0 to 8.0) Our blood is also slightly alkaline and our body does all that it can to maintain a constant level of alkalinity. When food is metabolized to produce energy, a residue remains that is alkaline, acid, or neutral, depending of the foods we ingest.

An over-acid condition of the body fluids are associated with many diseases and allergic reactions. This is especially true if a person has weak carbohydrate metabolism and the blood-sugar regulation is weak, as in hypoglycemia and diabetes.

Over acidity of the body tissues is felt as pain-such as arthritis and rheumatism. When the alkaline reserve is insufficient to neutralize the acids in the body, more and more calcium will be mobilized from the bones for the purpose of making the body more alkaline. This causes the bones to become brittle, and the joints and tissues to calcify. Some believe an alkaline diet can cure arthritis and many, many other chronic ailments.

There are many charts on line that you can print out. They list the foods that are alkaline and acidic.
Deciding to have a more healthy, alkaline body is something that should be done gradually, slowly introduced into your diet. It's amazing to find out that most of the foods we love are acidic. Just starting to eat a bit more alkaline foods is a start. You'll find that you acquire a taste for those foods after a while.

I found this subject to be very interesting. Cure yourself through food. There's quite a bit of literature out there in cyber space about the alkaline-acid diet. Check it out for yourself.

Happy eating!!!!! Ali O.

Busy Girl!!

2010-05-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

      Hey! I'm back. I've been immersed in helping out our Federal Government count the people in the United States. I worked all the huge avocado ranches way north of Santa Barbara. It was quite a fun experience. Besides being utterly beautiful and very rural, I found all the hard working Mexican workers to be the nicest people around. They were polite and very eager to participate and be counted. I also got to practice what Spanish I know. They seem to like me as much as I like them. For those of you who think the Government wastes money-well-if you had sent in your Census form in the first place, we wouldn't be trying to find 47 million people. Talk about waste!!!

   Still working on my website with the help of my friend Carol, so if you need web site work done-I know the Gal to do it!! I don't know what I'd do without her. Thanks Carol!!!    :) :) :) 3 Smile rating!

I finished my Natural Products Manufacturing-4 months ago and just got my certificate-with Honors!!!!!!!! I also took a final today and felt very confident that I aced it. I'm thinking of not taking any classes in the Fall and take a break for the Holiday season.

Feel free to blog me about any questions you might have about skin care, herbal and essential oil remedies for just about anything. Holistic practice deals with just about anything you can think of.

Well I'm off to exfoliate my face with mashed fresh papaya and strawberries. Just like the fruit acids that they use at the spas. You can do it yourself.

Signing off-------Ali O.

Write a Review-for me!!!!!

2010-05-02T13:42:00.000-07:00

Hi ya'll!!!! Well I now have a totally new looking web site. It's more shopper friendly and we ALL need that!! I would like to ask that anyone who uses my products-if they could please write a review for me-I would greatly appreciate it. Right now there are no reviews.

Go to my web site---click on the product-----scroll down the page and you'll see--Write a Review--that's where you do it! Simple. Feedback on the site is appreciated too. The site still needs some pictures and some work-but it's getting there. Off to study for my final in Aromatherapy. Wish me luck!!! Ali O.

Shopping Cart

2010-04-26T17:40:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about putting a shopping cart-right on my site instead of having folks going to Etsy. I'm trying to make it easier to purchase. Some people don't want to go through Etsy registration-which is simple, BUT some people just don't want to do it.

I've also had connection problems to the internet. Verizon is sending me a new modem. It's working now, but it's on and off. Email me if you need to contact me.

That's it for now. Sorry it wasn't very interesting. Ali O.

1st Day of the New Web site!!!!

2010-04-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

Hi there!!! I'm really excited to have a new look and new products- that are for the most part all natural. For folks who like certain scents that are fragrance oils-they are the only items that are not natural. Take your pick. If your a purist, you won't pick a product with a fragrance oil.

My products have no harmful parabens, foaming agents or chemical additives. Your body REALLY deserves the best. I know, I know-the department stores have all kinds of expensive and beautifully packaged creams. Most of the expense is on the packaging and if you look at the ingredients-I highly doubt you will understand the listing. You need a cosmetic dictionary with you to decipher those complicated words. Look for methylparaben, propylparaben, and parahydroxybenzoate-the most commonly used preservatives in the U.S. BAD preservatives. Yuk!!! You want that on your skin? Also look for sodium lauryl sulfates-which is a foaming agent that strips your skin of it's precious oils. Ugh!!

It's very important to read the labels. Don't pay big money for chemicals!!!

Enough for now. Take care. Ali O.

1st Moments of My Blog!!!

2010-04-24T10:26:00.001-07:00

Waiting for my friend and website maker-to put a banner on my blog. This is new and foreign to me and I feel shy. I don't know what to expect. Since I make natural skin care products-that mostly will be my subject matter but I'm sure I'll go off on tangents.

For gals buying moisturizers from department stores-STOP!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll tell you why tomorrow. I'm working on pictures for my website and my website-BUT-I'll be back with the 411 on the harmful ingredients in your moisturizers. Signing off for now-Ali O.

What Ali O. is Doing!!!

2010-04-24T10:24:00.001-07:00

Hello!! Just a quick note to let my fan club know what I've been up to, because my products and product line are going to be going through a big change in the future. The reason being-I'm going to school on line.

I'm taking classes from The American College of Health Sciences in Portland , Oregon. I'm studying nutrition, herbs, Aromatherapy and Natural Products manufacturing. I'm finished with the certificate for natural products manufacturing and when I complete the aromatherapy education, I plan to take the national test to be a certified aromatherapist. So exciting and so much I've learned. Due to all this learning-my products are changing for the better-mainly BETTER FOR YOU! Look for changes in the coming year!!!!! Ali O.