Sweet Trinity's Natural Beauty Review

Monday Momentum – There is a Season for Everything!

2012-02-21T09:57:00.000-08:00

When you think about life – you are made keenly aware that there is a season for everything! There is a set time for everything under the sun. On a physical level, during different seasons we use different types of skincare (this is the perfect time to regularly exfoliate to prep your skin for Spring!). There is also a set time for relationships, career changes/mobility, residence, etc. For today’s Monday Momentum, I would encourage you to be anxious for nothing. There is a set time for everything so there is no need to stress or worry about it.

Be Sweet! ;)

Secrets of Natural Beauties

2012-02-17T09:18:00.000-08:00

TGIF friends!! Where did the week go? We started the week with our Monday Momentum and now it is already Friday! I don’t know about you but this week has been busy, busy, and more busy!

Amidst all the work, I am proud to report that the healthy choice I made this week was to see a personal trainer for the first time ever in life! It was great. We went over the exercises I need to do and he advised me that as a woman, I should be doing resistance training 3-4 times per week. I should also incorporate cardio 6 days per week to lose weight. I am very excited to embark on this new workout journey! I have been very passionate about skincare since I started Sweet Trinity Aromatherapy and that passion led me to be more conscious about what I eat and also started my path to meditation. Now I am working on my body in regard to exercise. I am making healthy choices to have a healthy mind, body, and spirit in every area of my life!

Another discovery this week was finding www.wholeliving.com. This website is full of tips and ideas and the article that stood out to me this week was an article entitled, “7 Habits of Natural Beauties”. The article states Natural Beauties have the following habits:

1. Look for Natural Active Ingredients

2. Use Sunscreen

3. Love Antioxidants

4. Embrace Oil

5. Eat Good Fat, Fruits, and Veggies

6. Practice Yoga, Get Messages, and Reduce Stress

7. They Exercise.

You can read more detail about this article at www.wholeliving.com.

Until next time,

Be Sweet! :)

Monday Momentum - Healthy Choices

2012-02-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

This weekend we were all stunned to hear of Whitney Houston passing away. It has been no secret that she dealt with many issues in her life; however, I personally remained hopeful for her comeback as I have always been a big fan of her music and her voice.

Today’s “Monday Momentum” is about making healthy choices in our lives. Today, think about the things you take (e.g. medications, alcohol, etc.) in order to manage your life. Are you making healthy choices? Are you facing your issues or are you masking them with various substances?

We all go through things in our lives whether we want to share them with people or not. With that said, let our momentum for this week be an awareness of how we are coping with pain, stress, and anxiety. Let’s make a conscious decision to replace one unhealthy habit with a beneficial habit. That may be replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts; replace coffee with green tea; replace conversations with people that bring you down with conversations with people that lift you up; replace worry and stress with prayer and meditation.

I am hoping you have a wonderful Monday and that you will have the momentum to carry you through the week. And remember, making healthy choices now will help you live the best life you can while you are here!

Be Sweet! ;)

Rest in Peace Whitney Houston

2012-02-12T09:01:00.000-08:00

One of the most beautiful natural voices ever heard! Rest in peace!

Epsom Salt

2012-02-08T12:09:00.001-08:00

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Today I want to share with you all additional information about one of the ingredients in our Dead Sea Salt Bath Soaks – Epsom Salt. The primary ingredient in our Soaks is Dead Sea Salt and I have shared information about the salt’s beneficial qualities; however, Epsom Salt, which is also added to the Soaks, has very beneficial qualities as well.

Epsom Salt is also known as Magnesium sulfate. Researchers and physicians report that raising your magnesium levels may: improve heart and circulatory health, reduce irregular heartbeats, prevent hardening of the arteries, reduce blood clots, and lower blood pressure. The minerals in Epsom Salt are absorbed in your body when you soak and they aid in flushing toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.

Epsom Salt is also reported to improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes. Calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.

In addition, Epsom Salt relieves stress! Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.

While increasing your magnesium levels, our Soaks also deliver sulfates, which are extremely difficult to get through food but which readily absorb through the skin. Medical research indicates sulfates are needed for the formation of brain tissue, joint proteins and the mucin proteins that line the walls of the digestive tract. Sulfates also stimulate the pancreas to generate digestive enzymes and help to detoxify the body's residue of medicines and environmental contaminants.

Take the time to soak on a regular basis and your body will thank you!

Be Sweet! ;)

Monday Momentum – Relinquish Control!

2012-02-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday friends! For this week’s “Monday Momentum” I thought about and wanted to illustrate relinquishing control! What I mean by that is letting go and allowing the natural flow of events. That doesn’t mean not taking responsibility for our actions, tasks, and requirements in life; rather, at least for me, it means letting go control of trying to figure out how everything is going to work out. We know we have things to do but sometimes we don’t know how we will get it done. The momentum today to get us through the week is the practice of letting go and just taking one step and one task at a time. Let us just trust that every small step we make will naturally lead us to the next step and all things will work together for our good in the end!

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are."- Theodore Roosevelt

Wishing you all a fantastic Monday and remember….

Be Sweet! ;)

Sweet Trinity's Natural Beauty Review - DIY Exfoliator and Skincare Regime for Radiant Skin

2012-02-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

Hi all!

Please enjoy the video in which I share my skincare regime and also a quick method to exfoliate your skin.

Be Sweet! ;)

Breathe!

2012-02-01T13:20:00.000-08:00

Today is one of those crazy days that I have been running around like a crazy woman! If you know what I mean, raise your hand! ;)

When I have days like this, I have to remind myself to breathe! A friend of mine wrote the word "breathe" on a sticky note and gave it to me one day to place on my desk in front of me.

If you are like me, taking on a million projects at once, remember to breathe!

Be Sweet! ;)

Monday Momentum – Attitude of Gratitude!

2012-01-30T10:48:00.001-08:00

It’s another Monday and if you are like me, you need a little momentum!

Today I am getting through the day by having an attitude of gratitude. No matter what we go through in life, there is always something to be grateful for! Although most people do not care for Mondays, at least you are alive to read this post and that is something to be grateful for. Amongst many things, I am grateful for being alive and having a loving family and close friends. I am also grateful to have a business that allows me to connect with people by sharing my experiences and research. I am grateful that you are reading this post! ;)

So enjoy your Monday, make it the best day of your life, and remember….

Be Sweet! ;)

Skin Exfoliation

2012-01-27T08:52:00.000-08:00

I love to exfoliate my skin!! I love to use scrubs all over my body especially on my feet and arms. I also love to use scrubs on my face to get rid of all those old pesky dead skin cells! Sweet Trinity Aromatherapy creates an oil based salt scrub for the body and we will also shortly reintroduce our butter based sugar scrub which we call our Sugar Scrub Soufflé and another exfoliate product for the face which is yet to be named. I can always tell when I need to use a scrub on my face when my skin doesn’t appear clear or radiant. When I use a scrub on my face, my makeup goes on and looks better and I also have a smoother and softer texture to my skin.

Exfoliation is an old practice that has been around for centuries. I can imagine the Egyptians centuries ago using body scrubs to exfoliate. Ancient civilizations used organic and natural sources for their beauty and skin care routines. Chemicals and toxins were not used in their skin care routines - just natural and organic flowers, oils, herbs, and plant extracts.

The ancient civilization of Egypt is well known for its natural skin care routine. They were the first civilization with a documented form of routine skin care which is amazing! Exfoliation was first noted in ancient Egypt where some sects would combine natural aloe vera fluid with sand from the beach to wash out there skin and cleanse their pores. Aloe vera is a very powerful plant and the reason we use aloe vera oil in our products! The sand added a grainy effect to the aloe vera that allowed the natural fluid to penetrate their pores and remove impurities. After rubbing their bodies down with the sand and aloe vera mixture, the Egyptians would take long warm body dips in hot springs.

If you haven’t already, try exfoliation! Your skin will thank you!

Be Sweet! ;)

The Dead Sea

2012-01-25T07:43:00.000-08:00

I really look forward to one day visiting the Dead Sea! As you all may know, I use Dead Sea salts primarily in my products because they are so much more beneficial to our skin and body for soaking then simple sea salt. There is a difference so check your labels!! Most soaks you find in the market are made with sea salt which is not the same as Dead Sea salt. Dead Sea salt is a little more expensive, but it is worth it!

The following information was found at atlastours.net:

“Deep in the Jordan Valley and 55 km southeast of Amman, is the Dead Sea, one of the most spectacular natural and spiritual landscapes in the whole world. It is the lowest body of water on earth, the lowest point on earth, and the world's richest source of natural salts, hiding wonderful treasures that accumulated throughout thousands of years.

To reach this unique spot, the visitor enjoys a short 30 minutes drive from Amman, surrounded by a landscape and arid hills, which could be from another planet. En route a stone marker indicates "Sea Level", but the Dead Sea itself is not reached before descending another 400 meters below this sign.

The sunset touching distant hills with ribbons of fire across the waters of the Dead Sea brings a sense of unreality to culminate a day's visit to this region. It is normally as calm as a millpond, with barely a ripple disturbing its surface, but it can become turbulent. During most days, however, the water shimmers under a beating sun. Where rocks meet its lapping edges, they become snow-like, covered with a thick, gleaming white deposit that gives the area a strange and surreal sense.

As its name evokes, the Dead Sea is devoid of life due to an extremely high content of salts and minerals which gives its waters the renowned curative powers, therapeutic qualities, and its buoyancy, recognized since the days of Herod the Great, more than 2000 years ago.

And because the salt content is four times that of most worlds’ oceans, you can float in the Dead Sea without even trying, which makes swimming here a truly unique experience not to be missed: here is the only place in the world where you can recline on the water to read a newspaper.

Scientifically speaking, its water contains more than 35 different types of minerals that are essential for the health and care of the body skin including Magnesium, Calcium, Potassium, Bromine, Sulfur, and Iodine. They are well known for relieving pains and sufferings caused by arthritis, rheumatism, psoriasis, eczema, headache and foot-ache, while nourishing and softening the skin. They also provide the raw materials for the renowned Jordanian Dead Sea bath salts and cosmetic products marketed worldwide.

A unique combination of several factors makes Dead Sea's total attraction: the chemical composition of its water, the filtered sunrays and oxygen-rich air, the mineral-rich black mud along the shoreline, and the adjacent fresh water and thermal mineral springs.

Although sparsely populated and serenely quiet now, the area has a historical and spiritual legacy of its own. It is believed to be the site of five biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zebouin and Zoar.

A series of new roads, hotels and archaeological discoveries are converging to make this region as enticing to international visitors today as it was to kings, emperors, traders and prophets in antiquity.

Seaside facilities include modern hotels with therapeutic clinics and restaurant/bathing/sports complexes, meeting the needs of day visitors or parties wishing to spend the night amidst one of the most dramatic and moving landscapes in the World.”

Be Sweet! ;)

Sweet Trinity's Natural Beauty Review - Sallie Hansen 14 Day Nail Shield

2012-01-22T12:54:00.000-08:00

Do you wear your nails natural like me and have a problem with your polish chipping? Listen to my review of the Nail Shields found in Walgreens.

Be Sweet! ;)

Health is the New Wealth!

2012-01-21T12:21:00.000-08:00

'My Natural Sistas' were gracious enough to allow me to post one of their videos to share with you all! This video inspired me and hopefully it will inspire you all to realize that your health is the greatest wealth you have. You can not enjoy your family, friends, or money you earn if you have poor health! If you need to lose weight or eat healthier this year, don't delay! Become healthier and wealthier by making smart food choices and moving around/exercising on a regular basis. As I encourage you, I am encouraging myself!

Be Sweet! :)

Tea Tree Oil

2012-01-20T07:19:00.000-08:00

I was first introduced to tea tree oil many years ago when I witnessed a friend of mine use it on his face after shaving. It had a very strong and unique scent and I was intrigued with this very small green bottle with contents claiming to be good to heal scars, blemishes, and in his case, razor burn. I’ll never forget that first encounter and when I started preparing my first bath salts, I remembered that oil and decided to do more research about it to see if I could incorporate it into my salts.

I found out that tea tree oil is a wonderful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal essential oil that, when used properly, could help heal the body naturally. My research found that tea tree has a long history of traditional use. Tea tree oil is an essential oil obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a plant native to Australia. The Australian aboriginals used tea tree leaves for healing skin cuts, burns, and infections by crushing the leaves and applying them to the affected area. Tea tree oil contains constituents called terpenoids, which have been found to have antiseptic and antifungal activity. The compound terpinen-4-ol is the most abundant and is thought to be responsible for most of tea tree oil's antimicrobial activity.

Some of the most common uses of tea tree oil include treatment of bacteria, viruses, and fungal infections. Tea tree oil can also be used to treat acne, athlete’s foot, dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis.

The one thing to keep in mind with any essential oil is the application. Some essential oils that are pure essential oils, not mixes, require a carrier oil and can not be placed on the skin directly. A few drops of an essential oil that is not safe to use directly on the skin can be put in a carrier oil such as olive oil, almond oil, sunflower oil, etc. By diluting the essential oil in a carrier oil, it becomes safe to use on the skin.

If you are a DIY mixtress, make sure you do your research about using essential oils. I have done the work for you by mixing oils with essential oils and they can be found in my store: www.etsy.com/shop/SweetTrinity.

Be Sweet! ;)

Journaling

2012-01-17T09:53:00.001-08:00

This morning as I read a post from one on my favorite bloggers, StylePantry, and viewed the beautiful pictures she posted, I could not stop staring at the outdoor pictures she shared. One I borrowed to share with you all (see above). As I stared at the picture, I thought of a serene place to journal, plan, and reflect.

Do you journal? It is found that people who journal are able to heal relationships, heal the past, strengthen sense of self, reveal and track patterns and cycles in our life, as well as enable us to live life to the fullest.

Whether it is in your room, somewhere in your home, or on a serene balcony, try journaling and see the effects it can have on your life.

Be Sweet! ;)

Sweet Trinity Aromatherapy Dead Sea Salts

2012-01-14T14:52:00.000-08:00

This video is posted to our YouTube channel: SweetTrinityTV. Read more about dead sea salts in our blog post about sugar and salt scrubs.

Be Sweet! ;)

Oh Lavender How I Love Thee!

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

Oh Lavender how I love thee…let me count the ways:

1. You help improve sleep quality;

2. Promote relaxation;

3. You lift the mood in people who suffer from sleep disorders;

4. You help with concentration;

5. You help to reduce anxiety.

Lavender can be enjoyed in Sweet Trinity Aromatherapy’s Lavender Tea Tree Dead Sea Salt for a relaxing bath:

Lavender can also be enjoyed in Sweet Trinity Aromatherapy’s Lavender Vanilla Aloe Vera Body Oil for moisturizing and soothing your body and hair:

Be Sweet! ;)

Thinking About our Future Space!

2012-01-12T14:04:00.001-08:00

Sweet Trinity Aromatherapy is currently a web-based business but we would like to have a store so we can "see" as many people as possible face-to-face. Today I was thinking of store ideas and these photos are some ideas I have in mind!

Enjoy and Be Sweet! ;)

Thinking of Spring!

2012-01-11T10:27:00.000-08:00

OK after just posting about dry hair and scalp, I come across this picture of Solange and immediately thought of spring. That coral eyeliner is perfect!

Read more at www.vmagazine.com

Be Sweet! ;)

Dry Scalp and Hair During the Winter

2012-01-11T07:06:00.001-08:00

I don’t know about you but my hair and scalp gets extremely dry during the cold winter months. It never fails – I can almost use the condition of my scalp to determine if it is officially winter instead of looking at the calendar!

Every winter my hair and scalp requires a little more TLC in regard to moisturizing and conditioning than it does during the spring and summer. One thing that I do almost nightly is spray my scalp and hair with some type of water mixture – either a leave in spritz or a hair moisturizing spray that consists primarily of water. Water is the best moisturizer but it evaporates very quickly so I immediately seal in the moisture with an oil or light butter. I use my oils…my Aloe Vera Body Oils which I love (see www.etsy.com/shop/SweetTrinity). The oil is light enough that it doesn’t weigh the hair down but it does a great job sealing in the moisture.

Regardless if you use Sweet Trinity Aromatherapy oils or any other oil or butter, be sure to moisturize your hair with some type of water based mix and seal it. Your hair will thank you all winter.

Be Sweet! ;)

Monday Momentum!

2012-01-09T09:47:00.001-08:00

Every time I look at this picture I smile! A smile is sometimes all you need to get you going so hopefully Nani's smile will get you going today.

Be Sweet! ;)

Dry Brushing

2012-01-08T06:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I read a tweet from a fellow tweeter where she explained she liked the exfoliating benefits of dry brushing. I responded by saying that I wish more people knew about the health benefits of dry brushing. After that exchange, another tweeter asked, "what is dry brushing?" Well...here you go...

I first read about dry brushing when I was seeking ways to help my body heal after surgery. My lymphatic system needed a little encouragement to work effectively so I started researching ways to help my circulation. One way that helps tremendously is to exercise. Exercise not only helps tone our body and help our heart, exercise also helps our lymphatic system circulate properly so that toxins are not stored in our body. The second method is message. You may have heard of stimulating messages or lymphatic drainage messages and what is done is pressure and message applied in certain areas of your body to help drain or circulate the lymphatic system. Lastly is dry brushing. When you take a body brush or loofah and rub and message your skin in the direction of your heart, you help stimulate circulation in your body similar to exercise and message.

Dry brushing helps clean the lymph system of toxins that are stored in our body that are collected in our lymph glands. When you dry brush your skin, you improve surface circulation on the skin and keep the pores open in order to encourage the discharge of your body's metobolic wastes.

Benefits of Dry Brushing Include:

Tightened Skin,
Helps with Digestion,
Helps to remove Cellulite,
Stimulates Circulation,
Increases Cell Renewal,
Cleans Lymphatic System,
Removes Dead Skin Layers,
Strengthens Immune System, and
Stimulates the Glands which helps all our Body Systems to perform at their best!

How To Dry Skin Brush:

Buy a NATURAL, NOT synthetic, bristle brush, since it does NOT SCRATCH the surface of your skin.

Buy a brush with a LONG handle, so that you're ABLE to get to the areas of your body, that are NOT EASY to reach, when doing your own Skin Brushing.

Skin Brush, before showering or bathing, at least ONCE per day, and TWICE, if possible.

Do NOT wet your skin, since it will NOT have the SAME Effect, because this stretches your skin.

Do LIGHTER Strokes over and around your breasts, but do NOT brush the nipples.

Brush each part of your Body several times VIGOROUSLY, COMPLETELY brushing your WHOLE body.

Brush the soles of your feet FIRST, because the nerve endings there affect your WHOLE body, next Brush your ankles, calves, and thighs, then brush across your stomach and your buttocks and lastly brush your hands to your arms.

ALWAYS skin brush towards the heart.

Do circular counter-clockwise strokes on your abdomen.

Take a WARM bath or shower, which should always be followed by a COOL rinse at the end to INVIGORATE blood circulation and STIMULATE surface warmth.

Wash your brush every few weeks in water and allow it DRY.

Take care of yourself and Be Sweet! ;)

The Story Behind Queen Esther's Rose Oil

2012-01-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

Going to the Bahamas!

2012-01-05T09:34:00.001-08:00

We are so excited to have our Bahamas trip booked and ready to go! ;) My brother is getting married in the Bahamas and the entire family is very excited to get away together and help him and his new bride-to-be celebrate their nuptials. Nassau is going to be the perfect backdrop for this blessed occasion!!

To prepare for the trip, I will be taking very good care of my skin by exfoliating several times per week. Sweet Trinity Aromatherapy's Fresh Mango Salt Scrub is made for such treatments. The salt gently exfoliates dead skin cells and the aloe vera oil moisturizes and repairs skin tissues. Visit www.etsy.com/SweetTrinity for more information.

As you go through winter and look forward to Spring and Summer and possibly getting away to some sunny island like we are, make sure to take care of your skin in advance. You will be happy you did! ;)

Be Sweet! ;)

Try Something New Natural Beauty!

2012-01-02T13:46:00.000-08:00

Does the new year bring upon a new you?! Well...yesterday Karen Wilson of Karen Wilson Natural Beauty posted a video documenting her new challenge. She cut all of her hair to demonstrate her hair growth for 2012. Talk about a new you! ;) She is very generous with her information on her website and this new challenge will surely help newly naturals in their quest to grow healthy natural hair.

Be Sweet! ;)