March 07, 2007: Reading Time!!!

Hi everyone,

I found this tag on BarnDweller's blog who was tagged by her friend Potsy. Since I am currently reading a book on aromatherapy that was sent to me by Herb, I decided to play along. (I received 3 books on aromatherapy oils and massage from Herb last Friday - not sure whether I can finish it before Marh 26, 2007! )

The rules say (as on Potsy's page):

1. Grab the nearest book. Don't think, just the nearest book.

2. Open the book to page 123.

3. Find the fifth sentence.

4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences on your blog (Please include the book and author) along with these instructions.

5. Don’t you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it! Just pick up whatever is closest.

6. Tag five people. Make sure to let the people you're tagging know by leaving them a comment.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. Title: The Complete Book on Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood

2. "Tonics stimulate the circulation, reduce oilness, and help refine open pores and unevenly textured skin. They are usually applied after cleansing to ensure complete removal of any residue left from creams or lotions. A skin tonic has a much milder effect than an astringent and should also refine the skin texture."

3. I am not going to tag anyone, but those who would like to play along, you are most welcome. You can post it on your blog or post it as comment to this blog entry.

4. That's all about the tag. Now I would like to share some info from the book on making your own aromatherapy skin tonics and astringents.

a. Ingredients:

Tonics:

i. Normal to Dry Skin - Rosewater (3 ounces), Sandalwood (1 drop), Palma rose (1 drop)

ii. Normal to Oily Skin - Orange flower water (3 ounces), Neroli (1 drop), Orange (1 drop)

iii. Normal to Sensitive Skin - Chamomile infusion (3 ounces), Chamomile german (1 drop)

iv. Blemished skin - Lavender water (3 ounces), Lavender (1 drop), Juniper (1 drop)

Astringents:

i. General - Witch hazel (1 ounce), Orange flower water (3 ounces), Cider vinegar (1 teaspoon), Juniper (2 drops), Lime oil (1 drop), Grapefruit (1 drop)

ii. Stimulating - Witch hazel (1 ounce), Rose water (3 ounces), Cider vinegar (1 teaspoon), Basil (2 drops), Chamommile blue (1 drop), Peppermint (1 drop)

b.Method: Put all the ingredients in a bottle and shake well. Leave for 24 hrs then pass through a paper coffee filter. Rebottle and use as needed after cleansing or just to freshen up.

c. Note: Essential oil used in tonic and astringents are very effective, although they are not easy to blend without a dispersing agent and should always be shaken well before use.

Happy reading everyone! Reading is to the mind, what excercise is to the body .......

Love - Larra

March 05, 2007: Hot and Sunny Day Here!

.

.

.

.

.

Note: The frog courtesy of BarnDweller (Thank you Stacie! ) and the Yellow rose from my balcony

March 04, 2007: Before .... and After

Hi everyone,

How's your Sunday? Or still Saturday night to some of you.

My Sunday was fun! Sitting for 5hrs 15 minutes while the hair dresser messed with my hair! My hair has always been short for the last 20 years or so .... and the time spent at the hair salon is only about 30 minutes every 2 months! But since December 2006, I have received an order to keep my hair long .

This is how I look like in January 2007

But, when the hair gets longer and touching my neck it felt so uncomfortable and I also have to curl it in so that it doesn't look messy. (see, that's why I like it short and sassy)

I definitely cannot cut my hair, or someone will kill me So I have to find ways that won't require much of my time to manage it That's how rebonding came into the picture!

Rebonding is the straightening of hair that was previously wavy and curly. The process is made up of adding cream softener, which contains protein and moisturizer, to hair so that it can be softened for straightening. The end result is extremely sleek, straight hair that is considerably softer than the previous hair texture.

The whole process normally takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on the hair thickness. BUT today it took me 5hrs and 15 minutes to get my hair done!

First the cream softener is applied to break down hair bonds so that they will be softer and easier to manipulate. The hair is then steamed for approximately 10 to 40 minutes, depending on the texture of the existing hair. This is where the torture begin, because my hair is so thick and strong - according to the hair dresser ! So, instead of 40 minutes to the most, it took me 2 hrs before it become softer!

After that, the hair is rinsed clean. Once rinsed, the hair dresser blow-dry the hair. When the hair is sufficiently dried, keratin is applied onto the hair for protection. Now the action begins. A crimper is used to set the hair straight by "ironing" out the hair in sections repeatedly (this is actually a torture )

When the "ironing" is finished, a neutralizer is applied to the hair to reset the bonds and stabilize it for about 30 minutes. After that, the hair is rinsed clean. Once rinsed, the the hair is blow-dried. Then the ironing is done again as a final touch up!

And here is the outcome!

Rebonding anyone?

Love - Larra

p.s What do you think of my new hair style? Don't worry, I won't kill ya...

March 03, 2007: Perfect Love?

.

Perfect love is rare indeed -

for to be a lover will require that you continually have

the subtlety of the very wise,

the flexibility of the child,

the sensitivity of the artist,

the understanding of the philosopher,

the acceptance of the saint,

the tolerance of the scholar

and the fortitude of the certain.

~ Leo Buscaglia ~

March 03, 2007: My Visitor Map

You are now marked on my visitor map!



Create your own visitor map!

March 02, 2007: Good morning!!!!!!!!

~~~

Sadness flies on the wings of the morning

and out of the heart of darkness

comes the light.

Jean Giraudoux

~~~

~~~

May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

Irish blessings

~~~~

March 01, 2007: Sacrifice

Sacrificing your happiness

for the happiness of the one you love,

is by far,

the truest type of love?