tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44451001261159097952012-02-16T02:11:36.529-08:00RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.comBlogger771100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-79323723991994757592012-01-31T14:02:00.000-08:002012-01-31T14:02:04.592-08:00

Hello all!   This is just an FYI that this blog has been migrated over to another spot: Good In My Soul Why would I do this, you ask?  Long story short: I enjoy blogging, but I'm not a true writer.  And I find it difficult to always have something useful to say.  So, I'm migrating the three blogs that I have into one to simplify life and allow me more time to do what I love, which is

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-75414897988372061632012-01-15T15:09:00.000-08:002012-01-15T15:09:27.074-08:00

RedSunflower Designs is officially back open for business!  My Etsy shop is open again, and you'll notice many of the changes I mentioned at the end of 2011.  The main products that remain are the body butters, lotions, perfumes, face masks, and milk baths.  Other products such as bath salts and lip balms will be available as limited editions going forward, perhaps a couple of times each year.

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-61576241096952023002011-12-14T09:11:00.000-08:002011-12-14T09:11:56.988-08:00

I don't know about you, but every winter it's the same thing: dry, red, itchy skin. Now this is one thing on your arms and legs, but quite another on your face, especially when you wear makeup to work/school/etc every day. As part of my effort to live as naturally as possible, I've been perfecting how to deal with this for the past couple of years, and wanted to share these with you all. So

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-46051105723644429482011-12-07T11:47:00.000-08:002011-12-07T11:47:01.034-08:00

As 2011 draws quickly to a close, I always try to use these last few weeks of the year to reflect on on the year gone by.  How were sales? What could I do to improve my products and customer service, and my offerings?  What, if anything, should go? Due to running out of a few key supplies earlier than expected and suppliers being back-ordered, I had to go ahead and close my shop early for the

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-60894754234430655702011-11-30T07:57:00.000-08:002011-11-30T07:57:00.234-08:00

In September, I moved from Seattle back to the East Coast, which meant moving from a one-bedroom apt in to a townhouse with a deck and a small (okay, very small) area for gardening, which I'm so happy about!  But the location I live in now has a fair amount of rain, abundant sun, and rich soil, which is the perfect storm for weeds.  I know one woman's weed is another woman's dandelion, but those

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-57076390841260980622011-11-28T08:00:00.000-08:002011-11-28T08:00:04.480-08:00

I'm one of those people who loves a clean car, but hates putting all of those chemicals into the ground.  There are natural, mass-produced products out there, but they're out of my budget, and I hate having to buy a product that only has maybe one use.  A big fan of having multi-use products, I came up with my own formulas for a natural carwash! You'll need: a gallon of water about 1/4 cup liquid

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-677395862394866342011-11-23T08:12:00.000-08:002011-11-23T08:12:00.106-08:00

Rust is one of those things I really hate having to deal with.  (When was my last tetanus shot again?)  I do my best to prevent it from occurring in the first place, but sometimes it just happens no matter what you do.  If you have a home and garden, you've likely seen rust on those expensive tools you bought.  If that's the case (or you need a rust remover for other items) here's a natural

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-26894381693935523062011-11-21T08:11:00.000-08:002011-11-21T08:11:00.379-08:00

We walk on our floors, dragging in dirt, germs, and everything we come into contact with outside our homes.  And if you add pets and children to the mix, watch out!  Nothing would make me happier than to rip up the carpet and refinish the hardwood floors underneath.  But as a renter, this isn't an option.  So what can we do to at least mask any potential odors? Here's what you'll need:1 part

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-54050584443026093102011-11-19T10:31:00.000-08:002011-11-19T10:31:00.275-08:00

I love having the wood furniture in my house be clean and smelling great.  And as much as I love the job that Pledge does and the scent left behind, I'm left wondering what chemicals I've put into the air in my home for me and my family to breath in.  So, I created what I call my "faux Pledge"! Here's what you'll need:1 part Murphy's Oil Soap 1.5 parts distilled water 5-7 drops sweet orange

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-4135327586113138932011-11-16T08:15:00.000-08:002011-11-16T08:15:00.787-08:00

For many, cleaning the toilet is THE most dreaded chore.  It's also one of the things that we routinely clean with chemicals that we touch regularly and that puts chemicals directly into the environment.  So why not do something that will clean is quickly, while freshening and being eco-friendly? You'll need:a spray bottle 2 parts distilled water 1/2 part liquid castile soap 1 teaspoon (or so)

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-91134023060693736842011-11-14T08:03:00.000-08:002011-11-14T08:03:00.104-08:00

I usually find that showers need alittle extra TLC in comparison to the rest of the bathroom when it comes to cleaning.  I used to live in a really old apartment building, which meant a porcelain tub and tiles with grout.  And while I liked the older feel to this bath, it was a total nightmare to clean, especially the grout.  So I came up with a natural soft scrubber formula to use that I could

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-29455489000461976972011-11-12T10:15:00.000-08:002011-11-12T10:15:01.400-08:00

As a photographer, I am really picky about how the glass on my frames look.  I also really like to have my mirrors and windows be spotless, so I was incredibly excited when I discovered this formula.  It works better than any glass & mirror cleaner I've ever used. Here's what you'll need:1 part distilled vinegar 1/3 part distilled water 15 drops lemon essential oil spray bottle Simply mix the

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-68853650985690704662011-11-09T08:04:00.000-08:002011-11-09T08:04:00.075-08:00

I love all-purpose cleaners.  You don't have to constantly switch from one cleaner and cleaning rag to another, they work wonders on lots of different surfaces, and ultimately, it means fewer bottles in the cabinet.  But alot of those that are commercially-produced have alot of chemicals that I don't want to inhale, and I don't want my kids or pets coming into contact with either. So, I'm going

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-41414737271363821572011-11-07T08:00:00.000-08:002011-11-07T08:00:12.222-08:00

Anyone who has a porcelain or stainless steel sink can verify how much trouble it can be to keep them looking nice.  Many times, the mass producted natural cleaners don't seem to quite stand up to their more toxic and traditional cousins. Now you can make your own sink scrubs that will make your sinks sparkle and shine!  Here's what you'll need:1 part baking soda 1 part dried sage, crushed 1/2 

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-45702268502442278972011-11-05T10:08:00.000-07:002011-11-05T10:08:00.377-07:00

Washing dishes is, hands down, my least favorite chore.  Alas, it's something that must be done.  But just because you have to do it doesn't mean you have to harm the environment, or your skin.  So I'm going to show you three formulas to make your own natural dishwashing soap!  You'll need:liquid castile soap 15-20 drops lavender essential oil (#1) 10 drops lemon, 10 drops orange & 10 drops

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-6238206527016679962011-11-02T07:56:00.000-07:002011-11-02T07:56:00.117-07:00

There are SO many essential oils out there, how can you know which to use when making your cleaning products?  I'm fortunate to have most any oil I would need in my repertoire due to my business, but many people don't, and there's no need for you to run out and buy them all.  We're all on a budget these days, and need to save money wherever possible. Let's start with the herbs & spices that you

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-90721829913374421782011-10-29T09:35:00.000-07:002011-10-29T09:35:00.416-07:00

I've heard it time and time again: "Making my own cleaners sounds great, but I don't even know where to start.  I don't have alot of time, and honestly, I don't want to have to buy a bunch of special stuff."  Does this sound familiar?  If so, good news; I can show you how to simply and quickly make your own cleaners, using ingredients many of us already have. Here are some basic ingredients

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-84758771253225345802011-10-26T08:02:00.000-07:002011-10-26T08:02:00.193-07:00

Sorry I've been away from this blog for so long. At the beginning of September, I moved across the country, from Seattle back to the East Coast.  It's a decision I'm very happy about and and finally getting settled enough to recommit to blogging more regularly.  But enough about that; let's get to the good stuff! At a time when the economy is still a concern, and we're trying to be more

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-31058375752714726962011-10-05T08:04:00.000-07:002011-10-05T08:04:00.752-07:00

Many of us enjoy a nice, hot bath at the end of a long day. It's relaxing.  But did you know that, if you use the right products, it can actually help to heal your body and keep you healthy? Bathing in dead sea salts infused with essential oils can help restore your body and replenish your soul. For centuries, people have traveled to the Dead Sea to benefit from its healing mineral enriched

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-39370535990644904792011-10-03T08:30:00.000-07:002011-10-03T08:30:01.708-07:00

As a longtime sufferer of migraines, I can sympathize with the excruciating pain, the hours lost, and the constant search to find a better treatment than expensive pills.  As I've turned to a more holistic, nature-based lifestyle, I have fewer and fewer migraines, so I wanted to share with you what I've found to be effective.  Many doctors agree that aromatherapy, if used properly, can be an

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-58979228426657924302011-09-28T08:28:00.000-07:002011-09-28T08:28:01.380-07:00

Stress is something that most all of us experience on a weekly, sometimes daily, basis.  Luckily, there is a 100% natural solution to help with stress: essential oils & aromatherapy.   Stress is extremely unhealthy, leading to things such as: heart disease, hypertension, obesity, anxiety, depression, and withdrawal.  Unfortunately, we can only control so much of the stress in our lives.  I know

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-41943229068658961472011-09-26T08:06:00.000-07:002011-09-26T08:06:00.723-07:00

Aromatherapy has long played an important part in my life.  I've been working with essential oils, creating my own blends and products for over 10 years now.  As I was talking to a friend about how I create my blends this week, I realized that not everyone is aware of all the ways to use aromatherapy.  And thus, this article was born! The science of aromatherapy is very old, as people used

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-83366865034902450712011-09-22T08:48:00.000-07:002011-09-22T08:48:00.799-07:00

Candles are one of my absolute favorite things.  Combine candles and aromatherapy? I'm in heaven! There are alot of different situations where aromatherapy is beneficial: creating a warm and inviting mood, relieving a headache, relaxation, seduction, the list goes on and on.  Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils and other natural substances to improve health and influence mood, and

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-35774239606480931612011-07-27T07:29:00.000-07:002011-07-27T07:29:00.753-07:00

Shea butter has been used by many cultures around the world for centuries, and is considered a staple in a number of cosmetic products.  You can easily find it in many stores as well as online, and can be found with it's natural aroma preserved, or in an unscented variety, as well as organic or conventional.  But what are it's origins, and why is it so special? Shea butter is derived from the

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-87980442414705169162011-07-25T07:40:00.000-07:002011-07-25T07:40:00.175-07:00

We've all heard that beer is great for your hair.  This is one that fairly common knowledge, but I wanted to discuss today the "why" behind it. Beer is a great source of Vitamin B for your hair due to the malt and hops, which are said to boost volume.  Also, it's a wondeful aid to repair hair that has been damaged by chemical processing, sun, chlorine, pollution, smoke, etc. Washing your hair

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-38839347666552027952011-07-20T07:07:00.000-07:002011-07-20T07:07:00.468-07:00

  Makeup brush cleansers can be so expensive, and so harsh!  But did you know you can make your own natural, high-quality makeup brush cleaning solution for pennies on the dollar?  The secret ingredient: tea tree essential oil.  Tea tree essential oil is widely known for its healing & cleansing properties, and is used for anything from bug bites to sunburns, to natural cleaners.  Today, we're

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-81833001651575283032011-07-18T06:50:00.000-07:002011-07-18T06:50:00.962-07:00

Trying to find a good hair mask if you're vegan can be very difficult.  And the companies that do choose to not test on animals or include animal ingredients are usually substantially more expensive.  I'm not saying there aren't great products out there, but why pay the money if you can make it yourself at home, with things you likely already have? Today, I'm going to show you a few ideas for

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-33089546475446468292011-07-11T06:45:00.000-07:002011-07-11T06:45:00.181-07:00

Coconut has long been used cooking and beauty.  In lands where the coconut tree grows, the coconut is a staple in the diet and is the most common food eaten. The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, & oil that has fed and nourished populations around the world for many generations. Nearly one third of the world's population depends on coconut to some degree for their

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-1665403039636808272011-07-09T08:51:00.000-07:002011-07-09T08:51:01.041-07:00

Natural beauty is better for you, better for the planet, and better for your wallet.  For centuries, women all around the world have learned how to use things in nature on their hair, nails, and body.  I really want to bring back some of that knowledge, the beauty of simplicity. With only a couple of posts left regarding aromatherapy & the chakras, I've been thinking about what I wanted my next "

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-15327795498318294932011-07-06T07:25:00.000-07:002011-07-06T07:25:01.177-07:00

Aromatherapy has so many uses, among them the ability to help you align and balance your chakras. If you are familiar with the chakras, you probably are aware that the heart chakra is a very important chakra to keep aligned and balanced.  This is because it is the point connecting your lower chakras (which focus on physical needs) with your higher chakras that govern spirituality and your mental

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-27273910483307295452011-06-20T08:15:00.000-07:002011-06-20T08:15:00.421-07:00

Propylene glycol has been the topic of hot debate in the skin care industry, particularly the natural skin care industry, for the past year or so.  So what is it really?  What are the potential health consequences?  Have there been studies done?   Propylene glycol is a petroleum-derived alcohol commonly found in:  makeup shampoo deodorant detangler styling mousse cleansing cream mascara soap skin

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-38704348335037675952011-06-18T09:00:00.000-07:002011-06-18T09:00:06.167-07:00

Global warming has been a huge topic of conversation in the past few years.  There are those who look at what is happening in the environment, natural disasters, and with the world at large, and feel this phenomenon cannot be denied.  But there are also those who feel that this is just an alarmist agenda, that the world is going through it's normal cycles.  Where do you fall on this subject?  If

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-21692748863136598382011-06-15T08:28:00.000-07:002011-06-15T08:28:01.388-07:00

Chakra balancing has become such a regular part of my routine that I don't always think about new ways to work with them and keep them healthy.  Aromatherapy is a great addition to your chakra balancing practice.  As we continue on in the series, we're taking a look at the solar plexus chakra today.  The Solar Plexus is located in the abdomen area (think the center of your stomach), and governs

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-12561991051577040532011-06-13T08:37:00.000-07:002011-06-13T08:37:00.382-07:00

Meditation is something that I personally use often to help keep life in perspective, figure out the best solutions to my problems, and generally relax and listen to my Higher Self.  For anyone unfamilar with meditation, here's the definition used by Wikipedia: Meditation refers to any practice in which the practitioner trains his or her mind or self-induces a mode of consciousness in order to

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-66458581567978199032011-06-11T09:00:00.000-07:002011-06-11T09:00:06.134-07:00

  Water is our Earth's most precious resource.  Without it, humans and all life would die.  With low water supplies, we would not be able to do many of the things that keep us in our current, comfortable lifestyle; things like shower every day, cook, run buildings and offices.. the list goes on and on.  And while those of us in the United States use a large portion of the world's water and other

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-58993005626561376922011-06-06T10:00:00.000-07:002011-06-06T10:00:06.546-07:00

I'm a big proponent of organic living, but I also understand that it's not always financially feasible to buy everything organic all the time. By knowing what's is the most important to buy organic, you can live better without breaking the bank.   What does Organic even mean?Organic produce is grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-43008451010577225072011-06-04T09:00:00.000-07:002011-06-04T09:00:03.034-07:00

What makes me happy? I've been thinking about this alot recently.. What makes me smile, for no real reason other than I enjoy what I'm doing?  I think this is something we should all think about, so you know the direction you want your life to go in.  Here's a list of things that make me happy, and why:Mornings.  I'm a morning person (I know, I can hear the groaning now.)  And I'm not just a

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-6237287280628508872011-06-01T09:30:00.000-07:002011-06-01T09:30:02.185-07:00

Aromatherapy is a huge part of my life, as well as keeping my chakras balanced and aligned.  I'm moving up the chakra chain today, so to speak. The sacral chakra is associate with the color orange & the element of Water,.  This chakra is located in the pelvis or pelvic bowl, and is physiologically linked to your reproductive organs, bladder, colon, kidneys, sacrum, and all bodily fluids.  Given

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-7273034882707944642011-05-31T09:30:00.000-07:002011-05-31T09:30:02.055-07:00

I remember those warm Spring, Summer, and even Autumn (I'm from the South) days spent taking a trip to the mountains for a picnic.  And as much fun as I had playing in the creeks, huge fields, and chasing butterflies, as a kid, I didn't think much about the environmental impacts that picnicking often has.  Now, I'm not about to tell people to stop picnicking (hello? hours of free entertainment

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-35416108928999501442011-05-28T10:00:00.000-07:002011-05-28T10:00:01.983-07:00

Prom is a time of glamour, extravagence, & the beginnings of an independent life, in many ways.  But it can also be very costly and wasteful.  Here are some tips to help you enjoy your prom, give back, and stay eco-chic! Chances are you’ll spend hundreds on a gown that you’ll only wear once, before it succombs to a moratorium in the back of your closet.   DRESS SWAP.  Get a group of girls

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-17489947265821990382011-05-25T10:00:00.000-07:002011-05-25T10:00:03.177-07:00

I absolutely LOVE my local farmer's market.  We're finally getting into the part of the year in Seattle where you can get almost if not everything you need from the farmer's market.  Farmers markets are quite well supported in this area, and I know this isn't the case everywhere.  So I wanted to discuss today why I think you should consider going local and buying as much as possible from local

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-63788325911967738142011-05-24T14:05:00.000-07:002011-05-24T14:06:20.827-07:00

Earlier this month, I introduced the topic of chakras and how you can use aromatherapy to keep them cleared and balanced.  This week, we start looking at the chakras individually, and we'll begin with your Root chakra. Muladhara, meaning "root chakra" in Sanskrit, is located at the base of the spine, and is associated with the color red and the element of Earth.  In reference to the body, this

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-46322458404155748812011-05-06T10:08:00.000-07:002011-05-06T10:08:38.478-07:00

Many people have heard of chakras, and you may even have an in-depth knowledge of what chakras are.  I've recently launched a line of Chakra Balancing Aromatherapy Oil Blends, and I'll be posting a blog each week, talking about each of the chakras, what they do, ways to keep them balanced, etc.   But today, I want to do an intro, so to speak.   Chakra means "wheel" in Sanskrit, is the term used

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-24439439668688588572011-05-05T14:16:00.000-07:002011-05-05T14:18:30.364-07:00

As a nature-lover, I'm also an animal-lover, and animal cruelty is something I just can't stand, under any circumstances.  This is a bit of a diversion from what I would normally post about on this blog, but I think it's pertinent.  There is so much animal cruelty and abuse that goes on that most of us don't even know about.  I'm a believer that animals have a pure soul, and are never purposely

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-1208599196535953302011-04-22T10:53:00.000-07:002011-04-22T10:53:04.662-07:00

Not only is today Earth Day, it's FRIDAY!!!  What a great combo :)!  Each year on Earth Day, I try to look at what I'm doing in my home, my businesses, and my life, and see how I can give more to the Earth, or at least take less.  Personally, I have a black thumb, so planting anything is always a risky adventure (even though I still try at least once a year).   I think most people want to do

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-36484288548912843352011-04-20T10:29:00.000-07:002011-04-20T10:32:32.354-07:00

I love Spring.  It's when life starts coming back into the world after the long, cold winter, and new beginnings abound.  A minimalist at heart, this is the time of year I start taking stock of what does and doesn't serve, and thinking about the direction I want things to go in for the year to come.   If you follow me on Facebook, you know that I posted a note at the end of last week, advising of

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-20693060890963720192011-04-19T15:13:00.000-07:002011-04-19T15:13:34.713-07:00

I've been on a rather long hiatus from the blog since the beginning of the year, and I intend to be much more regular, posting at least once a week going forward.  Blogging is one of those things that, when done for business purposes, can begin to feel like another thing that needs to be accomplished.  This generally means that it will start to read like that as well, and that's not what I want

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-19566087070347814632011-01-12T13:17:00.000-08:002011-01-12T13:17:14.079-08:00

 I don't know about everyone else, but I came back from the holidays to an office full of people sniffling, sneezing, and coughing their heads off.  One of my goals this year (as "resolutions" seems to be a four-letter word to my subconscious mind) is to use natural healing methods as much as possible, and take a holistic approach to my healthcare.  For me, this means eating well, exercising, and

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-74910830410321626342010-12-17T11:23:00.000-08:002010-12-17T11:23:09.749-08:00

For the past month, I've been contemplating all the changes and improvements I want to make with RedSunflower Designs in 2011.  And since I'm going to be out of town for the next two weeks (read: no new blog posts until January) I wanted to share my plans with all of you! There are several new blends coming, particularly for the botanical perfumes and colognes.  I'm also planning to focus on

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-11901196254291965982010-12-03T14:43:00.000-08:002010-12-03T14:43:41.248-08:00

Aromatherapy certification.  Worth it? Does it really mean anything, or is it just a nice thing to have on your wall?  There are currently no state licensure or regulatory boards for aromatherapy in the USA.  For those who simply wish to use the oils for their own purposes, or like me, use essential oils in your bath & body products and want to do so safely, is it worth getting the

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-11988040322515344632010-11-07T09:26:00.000-08:002010-11-07T09:26:25.958-08:00

This week, I'm going to recommend a few resources for working with essential oils, for those that are interested in incorporating them into your everyday life.  I haven't written a blog entry for a couple of weeks.  True, I've been busy, but more than that, I felt like I didn't have anything really new and important to write about.  I've done so many DIY recipes for homemade skincare in the last

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-17988411366688424322010-10-20T11:13:00.000-07:002010-10-20T11:13:31.519-07:00

Since we're winding down the series on homemade skin care recipes from your kitchen, I wanted be sure to touch on the benefits of peaches.  Peaches are high in Vitamins A and C, & a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids. These nutrients tighten the skin, unclog pores, reduce wrinkles and lighten age spots. All in all, they give you that moist, dewy peachy look, and serve as a great skin care

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-40117013310595127222010-10-10T08:21:00.000-07:002010-10-10T08:21:11.996-07:00

Happy Sunday all! There are so many great berries out there that I wanted to keep the theme going for this week! So, today I bring you a Raspberry Mint Toner.  Here's a toner that will not only tighten your pores with the help of mint, which is a natural cleanser with antibacterial properties, but will also be a luscious treat for your nose, with the infusion of raspberries. The berries also

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-62558242064771563112010-10-03T09:04:00.000-07:002010-10-03T09:04:31.378-07:00

Happy Sunday all! As I move through the list of Autumn harvest ingredients for skin care, we finally come to berries.   Now, berries are one of my FAVORITE foods of all time.  They're juicy, sweet, and full of antioxidants.   But how are strawberries beneficial in  organic skin care? First, it is a natural exfoliant. Its gentle acidic nature can take care of all those flaky dead cells on top

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-59614097343226663332010-09-26T10:19:00.000-07:002010-09-26T10:21:21.826-07:00

Happy Sunday all! As a tribute to my love for a good red wine, this week's DIY Fall Beauty recipe is going to focus on the amazing grape.   So, if your face needs some pep, red grapes can give it an anti-oxidant lift!   Here's what you'll need:1 cup mashed grapes (or so; doesn't have to be exact) around 1 tsp olive oil (adjust up or down a smidge depending on skin type) 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-51144871080469870562010-09-19T08:43:00.000-07:002010-09-19T08:43:24.971-07:00

Happy Sunday all! In keeping with the Autumn theme, today we're working with apples!  You can read more about the skin benefits of apple here.  So, let's get on with the recipe for an Apple Body Scrub! You'll need:a fresh apple salt (preferably himalayan pink salts or dead sea salts) OR sugar oils (jojoba, coconut, grapeseed; whatever your preference is) shea or cocoa butter (if you have it, if

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-90828649168286507232010-09-12T14:11:00.000-07:002010-09-12T14:14:46.742-07:00

Happy Sunday all! Sorry this post is alittle later than usual; I went to the farmer's market earlier, and the bounty was just so good I got kinda carried away.  But I'll be canning and preserving the yumminess throughout the week, so that makes it worth it for me.  But on to the good stuff! This week starts my series on bath, body, & beauty you can make with our Autumn bounty, things you either

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-16309127381194834402010-09-05T10:23:00.000-07:002010-09-05T10:24:52.956-07:00

Happy Sunday all!   It's Labor Day weekend, and I know many will have plans.  Family gatherings, a pick-up game of football with friends, maybe getting in that last camping trip of the season...  It's truly a time to go out and appreciate nature and the bounty that this year's harvests have (and will) bring us.  Not only is it sustenance for our bodies, with the shmorgousboard of fruits and

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-35664670962922757712010-08-29T10:10:00.000-07:002010-08-29T10:11:32.818-07:00

© CND Photography 2010 Happy Sunday all! After a long weekend for vacation last week, I'm back and feeling refreshed!  It's always really nice to get away for awhile, especially at the end of summer.  It seems like Fall is coming a little early this year to the Pacific Northwest, but I actually welcome it.  There's just something about the season that reminds me to slow down, look inward, and

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-35961399770348731872010-08-15T10:11:00.000-07:002010-08-15T10:14:42.462-07:00

Happy Sunday all! I hate when I buy a product (shampoo, makeup, etc) and it ends up being not so great, after I've spent all this money on it.  And we all know how hard it can be to take things like that back for a refund.  Also, when you go to the store and forget that one thing, like deodorant or toothpaste.  I could just kick myself when I do this, especially when it's actually ON the list (

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-60551440494287075632010-08-08T11:00:00.000-07:002010-08-08T11:01:07.790-07:00

Happy Sunday all! Sorry for my absence last week; it was a holiday for me, and I decided at the last minute to take the day completely off. I hope you've all had a wonderful couple of weeks.  Maybe it's because I'm leaving on vacation soon, but I feel like my brain may have left already, so I wanted to share something light with everyone today: a DIY Lip Scrub that you can easily make with things

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-69016660748876370062010-07-25T09:12:00.000-07:002010-07-25T09:12:12.105-07:00

Happy Sunday all!  I've been trying to decide what to write about this week ALL MORNING.  Should I do another home beauty recipe?  You're probably getting alittle bored with those, right?  Maybe I should discuss the benefits of a specific essential oil or plant; feels alittle too much like lecturing for my mood.  So I've decided today will be more like a journal entry about me and my life.  There

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-62253807205735835482010-07-18T11:23:00.000-07:002010-07-18T11:24:14.394-07:00

Happy Sunday! So I've been under the weather for the past couple of days, and it's like a head cold/sinus something or other.  Whenever this happens to me, I always put together an inhalation using essential oils.  And since whatever I had seems to be going around, I thought I'd share with you guys what I personally do!   So first, you need to get a large bowl (think large mixing bowl; I prefer

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-87478766827394485682010-07-11T12:23:00.000-07:002010-07-11T18:30:26.791-07:00

Happy Sunday! Ever wondered how to make your own infusions or infused oils?  Today, I'm going to show you a couple of ways to do so.  For this example, I'll be discussing how to make lavender-infused oil.  Please keep in mind that this is an infusion and NOT an essential oil.  You'll need: lavender buds, fresh or dried jar w/lid, plus another jar or container cheesecloth & rubber band, or a sieve

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-32461289333908702812010-07-04T09:12:00.000-07:002010-07-04T09:13:45.072-07:00

Happy 4th of July everybody!  I was recently asked "What is the difference between an essential oil, an absolute, and a fragrance oil?"  Since I already blogged about the difference between essential oils and fragrance oils, I'll focus on absolutes.   An essential oil is a liquid that is generally distilled (most frequently by steam) from the leaves, stems, flowers,

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-9332072830868305652010-06-27T09:51:00.000-07:002010-06-27T09:53:53.575-07:00

Happy Sunday everyone!  I hope everyone's out enjoying the sun & heat.  I don't want to take up your entire day, so today is another DIY recipe.  I thought I would give you a basic recipe for a facial (& body) scrub you can make simply with the ingredients you have in your kitchen.  So read on and enjoy!You'll need:3-4 tbsp Brown sugar 2 -4 tbsp of some kind of oil (you can use olive, etc but I

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-89659307744194230372010-06-20T10:11:00.000-07:002010-06-20T10:47:50.902-07:00

Happy Father's Day everyone!  I hope you're all enjoying great weather, cookouts, football; whatever Father's Day is for you and your family! I'm going to keep this week's post short, as I know everyone needs to spend time with family.  But I still wanted to post something useful, so below I'm going to post two recipes for making your own laundry detergent using essential oils and natural

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-33192182871393137072010-06-13T10:07:00.000-07:002010-06-13T10:10:19.941-07:00

Happy Sunday everybody!!!   So this week I want to diverge from my usual topics abit, both to keep things fresh and because this is something that's been on my mind alot in the last couple of weeks.  Why is it that my mood is SO much better when there's sun??  Here in the Pacific Northwest, sun has been a luxury so far this season. We all know that we need vitamin D;  there is very little

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-64352711055715081382010-06-06T16:41:00.000-07:002010-06-07T13:21:17.398-07:00

Happy Sunday all!  Sorry this is coming to you so late in the day; I had a project to complete, and it took alittle longer than planned. Given my new vinotherapy skin care line, I've been planning to speak about the benefits of reservatrol for a couple of weeks now. We all know that red wine is good for your health, but why is that?  Simply put: reservatrol.  Reservatrol is the main phytochemical

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-60066735553448409632010-05-30T09:00:00.000-07:002010-06-07T13:19:24.076-07:00

Happy Sunday all! So last week, I said I was going to talk about the benefits of reservatrol for the skin. But I'm actually going to push that to next week's blog.  This week, I want to give something back.  I've always found folk remedies to be fascinating.  How did people back in the day figure out that a certain herb would help to heal a wound, or help with cramps, or cure a toothache?  I wish

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-17197872379226048202010-05-23T10:11:00.000-07:002010-05-23T13:08:13.491-07:00

Happy Sunday, all!  First, I apologize for no blog last week; technology attacked - 'nuf said.  But, without further delay, let's discuss the main differences between regular coconut oil & virgin coconut oil. You see it in blogs, your friends tell you how great it is, & everybody's using it.  So you go to your local natural foods store to pick up some coconut oil for all of its touted uses. 

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-6659817656177859612010-05-09T17:24:00.000-07:002010-06-07T13:16:09.165-07:00

Happy Sunday everyone!   I apologize for how late I'm making this post. I cut my finger earlier in the day and I'm having a hard time typing. LOL I was inspired recently while watching a friend's YouTube video to make a blog about the different types of carrier oils you can use when making your own essential oil blends and body products, and the benefits of each.  Here, I will discuss a few of

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-51468982195756455852010-05-02T08:36:00.000-07:002010-05-02T08:50:43.541-07:00

Happy Sunday everyone! I LOVE pedicures!  They are so relaxing and enjoyable; it's a nice way to just get away from real life, so to speak.  But to get a pedicure in a salon can be really expensive, and sometimes you don't really feel like you get what you paid for (okay, alot).  So I started doing pedicures at home a few years back.  I've tinkered with the formula for a foot soak, exfoliants,

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-18385482907335643142010-04-25T10:49:00.000-07:002010-04-25T10:50:52.039-07:00

I was recently asked what I like & dislike about being a business owner, and thought this would make an interesting post for anyone considering starting their own business.   I guess you could say I come by the "entrepreneurial spirit" naturally.  Both of my parents have their own companies, and have been self-employed in some capacity for most of my life.  My mother told me from a young age that

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-89818780673885978032010-04-18T08:55:00.000-07:002010-06-07T13:17:56.343-07:00

Hello all, hope everyone is having a fabulous Sunday and wonderful weather :)! So about a week ago I had posted a question on my Facebook page asking what everyone would like to see me blog about, and from the great questions I got, this week's blog was born.  I was asked how I came to be in this business, my passions, and what I like/dislike about being a business owner.  Since some of you may

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-5755617936370791942010-04-11T09:43:00.000-07:002010-04-11T09:43:56.234-07:00

Natural.  Synthetic.  Organic.  Free Range.  Certified.   What does it all mean? Sometimes it's really hard to make the choice to buy natural, because there are so many companies out there that have products touting "100% natural", "made from natural ingredients", etc.  But when you look at what is actually being used in the products you buy, it's often anything but.  How is this possible? How

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4445100126115909795.post-40945655361026632482010-04-04T10:58:00.000-07:002010-04-04T10:59:43.674-07:00

Hello everyone, and welcome to my blog! I made the decision to create a blog for my business a couple of weeks ago.  As a web-based business, I don't get to physically interact with my customers very often.  So, out of that came adding a page on Facebook, an account on Twitter, and YouTube videos.  But some things are just better conveyed in text.  Thus, a blog was born :)!   I will be updating

RedSunflower Designshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13405553740754596215noreply@blogger.com2