Black Seed Oil – The Powerhouse Oil You Need In Your Arsenal

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Black Seed Oil is the newest addition to the line-up of products offered by Apple Valley Natural Soap and could very well be your arsenals most powerful weapon. This unrefined, certified organic, cold pressed black seed oil has many health and beauty benefits. It is a remarkable and highly prized oil and can be used as a daily treatment for hair and skin. But what exactly is Black Seed Oil and what makes it so special? Keep reading to learn all about this special oil and why you should consider adding it to your collection.

What Is Black Seed Oil?

“An annual flowering plant from the Ranunculaceae family, the Nigella Sativa grows to around 16-24 inches with a large fruit containing the Black Seeds. ” “[The Nigella Sativa] can be found in warm places like Eastern Europe, Northern African, and Southwestern Asia. Black Seed Oil is an herbal ingredient derived from the tiny black seeds…These seeds have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Preliminary evidence supports a few of its medicinal properties, primarily due to the seed’s high content of antioxidants and other bioactive compounds.” Other names for this product are Black Cumin Seed Oil, Black Caraway, Nigella and Kalonji Oil. “Black Seed contains an array of active compounds that are responsible for its health benefits. These include Linoleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Monoterpenes, Thymol and Thymoquinone.” It is rich in fatty acids and potent antioxidants.

History Of Black Seed Oil

“Black Seed has been used by the ancient Egyptians to treat ailments such as digestive issues and inflammatory skin conditions such as rashes and bites. Its promising benefits were also noticed in other regions, where ancient Greek physicians recorded that Black Seed was administered to treat headaches, congestion and pain…Due to its prevalent use in ancient Egypt, Black Seed has been labelled as the ‘Secret of the Pharaohs’ – and was even found in Tutankhamen’s tomb! Native to the Mediterranean and Asian regions, Black Seed has been cultivated for over 3,000 years for a multitude of uses.”

Benefits & Uses For Black Seed Oil

As mentioned, Black Seed Oil has a variety of benefits ranging from cosmetic to medicinal. Black Seed Oil specifically contains an active compound called Thymoquinone and “it is the most studied compound in black seed. It is suggested by research that Thymoquinone may exert anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects to target a range of health applications.” Nigellone and Thymoquinone are loaded with Omega 3, 6, and 9 and are necessary for optimal function of the immune system.

Some of the cosmetic benefits of Black Seed Oil include:

  • Strengthening hair as well as improving scalp health
  • Aiding in hair growth and delaying the onset of premature grey hair
  • The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a potent natural remedy for acne
  • It is effective in treating skin conditions, including acne, eczema, dry skin and psoriasis
  • Rich in vitamins, amino acids and essential fatty acids which help the skin retain moisture, maintain elasticity, and fight the damaging free radicals that cause aging
  • Improves skin pigmentation

And some of the medicinal benefits of Black Seed Oil include:

  • Some studies suggest that thymoquinone in black seed oil can induce cell death in several cancer cell types, including brain, leukemia, and breast cancer
  • The presence of thymoquinone promotes tissue growth and wound healing
  • Another study found that topical application of black seed oil improved pigmentation, as with Vitiligo, within six months
  • “A small study indicating that inhaled boiled black seed extract has a potential bronchodilatory effect on people with asthma, improving all markers of lung function and respiratory rate. And  four randomized controlled studies also found that black seed supplements may help manage asthma through the seed’s anti-inflammatory effects.”
  • “Studies have shown that thanks to the black seed oil’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties, this may benefit multiple aspects of health, including reducing the inflammation that contributes to the development of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and [as I mentioned previously,] cancer.”
  • Some research shows that black seed oil could be beneficial for stabilizing blood sugar levels.
  • And so much more!

This unrefined, certified organic, cold pressed black seed oil has many health and beauty benefits. It is a remarkable and highly prized oil and can be used as a daily treatment for hair and skin. I hope that you found this blog post informative and educational, or at least, learned something you didn’t know before. If you want to add this powerhouse oil to your arsenal, you can click here to shop or head over to our website, applevalleynaturalsoap.com and simply search for “Black Seed Oil” in our search bar.

What was your favorite fact about Black Seed Oil? Let me know in the comments!

If you found this post interesting, learned something new, or think of someone who might enjoy reading it, please share this blog post with your family and friends. It means the world to us! You can also leave us a comment to let us know what you learned or share one of your favorite hair care or skin care tips with us. We would love to hear from you!

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

PLEASE NOTE: This product is not intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease. Keep out of the reach of children.

Sources:

Healthline – What Are The Benefits Of Black Seed Oil? https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/black-seed-oil-benefits

Viridian – The History Of Black Seed https://viridian-nutrition.com/en-us/blogs/nutrition-articles/video-the-history-of-black-seed

Cancer Cell Study – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4052177/

Vitiligo Study – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31025474/

How To Be A Good Guest This Holiday Season

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Happy November, everyone! Holiday season is nearly upon us and something that I don’t think is taught enough now a days is how to be a good guest. More often we focus on the ability to be a good host, but we are not the host 100% of the time. So how can we be good guests during the holidays this year?

1. Be Helpful

This might seem like an obvious one, but we can get so caught up in the day or event that we as guests can forget about the amount of work our hosts are putting into making it as lovely an event as it can be. So what can we do to help? We can simply start by asking this question of our hosts – “How can I help?” Now, sometimes your host will have everything under control at the moment and not need any assistance, but don’t just ask the question once. When the meal is over, ask if you can help clear the table or start on the dishes. At the end of the day, ask if you can help put chairs, leftovers, or decor away. There will be more than one opportunity to offer your help and to show appreciation to your hosts by helping to tidy up, so don’t just ask once. And if in the event you are told that there isn’t anything you can do to help every time you ask, simply pay attention to your surroundings and take care of your space. Clear your own dish after meal time, throw your trash away throughout the day, and do what you can to help keep the mess to a minimum and thus making less work for your hosts at the end of the day.

2. Bring a Gift

The act of giving your hosts a gift is simply not taught enough now a days. But something as simple as bringing a bouquet of flowers for your hostess goes a long way in expressing your appreciation for the invite. Like I said, it doesn’t have to be anything crazy or elaborate, it can be something simple that is catered to the individual or holiday. For example, a bouquet of flowers for your sister who is hosting a Friendsgiving party, a bottle of wine for your mom who is hosting Thanksgiving, or a bar of Seasonal Hand & Body soap from Apple Valley Natural Soap for your best friend who is hosting a Secret Santa Christmas party. Just a little something to say “Thank You!” to your host for opening up their home and providing a lovely meal.

3. Contribute To The Meal

This one is more common as often times the host will ask their guests to bring rolls, veggies and dip, or a pie to contribute to the meal time spread. But in case you haven’t heard anything from your host about contributing to the meal, simply ask them if they want you to bring something. And try to be specific. Sometimes if your host has already planned the menu it can be hard to try to think of a new idea for you. But if you offer to bring the dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, or a cheese and cracker tray, they may be more inclined to say yes to your offer as it doesn’t create any extra work for them at all.

4. Don’t Overstay Your Welcome

At the end of a long day (or more accurately, at the end of a long week, as your host has been preparing for and thinking of this event for a long time leading up) all a host wants to do is sit down and put their feet up. Now, I personally have been hosted by a wide range of personalities over the years. Some have the mentality of ‘there is a time frame and once the clock hits 8pm, all guests should be out the door,’ while others have a truly open door policy, where in you are welcome to stay as long as you would like, just please close the door behind you on the way out wether it is 9pm or 1am. My first piece of advice to you on this, is know your hosts! Are they likely to enforce a “end time” or do they have an open door policy? Either way, be respectful of their home, their space, and their time considering they have been busy for not just today but the past few days preparing to host you. Honor the “end time” if there is one and be respectful of the time as it gets late and try not to stay until after your hosts have all gone to bed (unless of course you are staying in the same home, then this doesn’t really apply to you.) Needless to say, be respectful of your hosts and their time and don’t overstay your welcome. The goal is to be invited back next year!

Some of these tips might seem obvious to you, but you would be surprised how little is taught on the art of being a good guest. I hope that at least one of these tips was helpful to you and maybe gave you some ideas on how you can be a better guest this holiday season.

Are you more often than not the host or the guest during the holidays? What other tips would you add to this list? And hosts, what would you like to see from your guests this holiday season? Let me know in the comments!

If you found this post interesting, learned something new, or think of someone who might enjoy reading it, please share this blog post with your family and friends. It means the world to us! You can also leave us a comment to let us know what you learned or share one of your favorite hair care or skin care tips with us. We would love to hear from you!

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

The Best Pumpkin Loaf For Autumn

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You all absolutely loved the Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread recipe I shared a few weeks ago, so in the spirit of Autumn and pumpkin spice season, here is another favorite loaf recipe of mine, Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting. The perfect way to spice up your baking and embrace the Autumn season for pumpkin lovers. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Ingredients:

Pumpkin Loaf –

  • 1 Cup of Flour
  • 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 Teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
  • 1/8 Teaspoon Ground Cloves
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste
  • 1 Cup Pumpkin Purée
  • 1/2 Cup Browned Butter
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/4 Cup White Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup Dark Brown Sugar

Cream Cheese Frosting –

  • 6 Oz of Cream Cheese (room temp)
  • 1/4 Cup of Butter (room temp)
  • 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste
  • 2 Tablespoons of Milk
  • A Pinch of Salt

Recipe:

Pumpkin Loaf –

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.

Coat a loaf pan with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices.

In a medium bowl, beat together the eggs with the sugar until creamy.

Add melted butter, pumpkin purée and vanilla bean paste to your eggs and sugar mixture.

Add the wet ingredients in with the dry ingredients in the large bowl and stir gently to combine with a spatula until the dry ingredients are incorporated. (Do not over mix!)

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 40-45 minutes or until a cake tester is inserted in the center and comes out clean.

Let the loaf cool in the pan for a few minutes once you remove it from the oven. Then remove the loaf from the pan (use the parchment paper to help you remove the loaf from the pan – please be careful when handling the hot pan!)

Allow the loaf to cool on a wire rack completely before adding the frosting so it doesn’t melt.

Cream Cheese Frosting – While Your Pumpkin Loaf Is Cooling

Using a hand beater, beat together the butter and cream cheese until its fluffy.

Add salt, vanilla bean paste and powdered sugar and combine until smooth.

Add your milk as needed until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.

Add the frosting to your pumpkin loaf once it is cooled.

Dust the top with some extra pumpkin pie spice if you want, slice & enjoy!

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect pairing with your cup of afternoon coffee or as a sweet treat to enjoy cozied up at home on a cool autumn evening. I hope this recipe brings all of the cozy, autumnal vibes into your home and I hope you love it as much as I do.

Be sure to let me know what you think if you try this recipe out and feel free to share your favorite autumn recipe in the comments!

If you found this post interesting, learned something new, or think of someone who might enjoy reading it, please share this blog post with your family and friends. It means the world to us! You can also leave us a comment to let us know what you learned or share one of your favorite hair care or skin care tips with us. We would love to hear from you!

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

Soaps Of The Summer

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Happy Summer everyone! I can’t believe it is finally here in all of its warm and sunny glory. Today I thought we should address a very important subject, soaps for the summer from Apple Valley Natural Soap. What are important things to look for in your summer soap bar? What are the best scents to have in a soap bar for summer? We will talk about all of that in this post and give you all the links you need to make shopping easy and make sure your home is stocked with only the best for the summer ahead.

Kitchen Salt & Spice Bar

The best selling Kitchen Salt & Spice Bar is an excellent choice for cleaning odors from hands with its rich, spicy, fabulous scent. It is Marianne’s favorite bar for the kitchen, especially after chopping onions or working with garlic or peppers. It has two odor-killing ingredients: coffee and anise essential oil. This bar is also my dads favorite for getting the dirt and grime off his hands after working outside or in the garage, he says there is nothing like it! 

“Whether you are a cooking enthusiast, a gardener, a fisherman, or a mechanic, this is what you’ve been looking for!“

Need exfoliation? Ground coffee beans and salt will do the trick to get off stubborn dirt. But you’ll also want to keep your hard working hands moisturized, softened, and protected, so we have packed this bar with loads of unrefined shea nut butter. European spa salt makes this bar antibacterial, rock hard, and long lasting. No more mushy soap by the kitchen sink. Really, there’s nothing not to love about this bar.

Limited Edition Gardeners Citrus Basil Bar

Back in time to take care of hard working green thumbs! The Gardener’s Citrus Basil Soap Bar is packed with ground apricot shells to effectively scrub off dirt and grime, black walnut powder for its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic, and anti-fungicide properties, plus moisturizing unrefined organic shea butter to keep your hands soft and silky.

Did you know that black walnut has rich levels of antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids can actually impact the health and appearance of skin? It has also been known to help clear up skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, which makes black walnut a wonderful addition to this natural hand soap. You’ll also LOVE the warm, spicy essential oil blend of bergamot, basil, lemon, and grapefruit. The perfect bar for busy hands this summer!

“[I] gave this to friends who are always hard at work in the garden, all kinds of work maintaining [the] home and cleaning. They love how soft and moisturizing the lather is and how their skin feels. They said the scent lingers slightly on the skin later. Thank you AVNS, it’s a lovely bar for hardworking hands!!”

(Please Note: We make limited quantities of our Limited Edition soaps, so once they are sold out, they are gone for the season.)

Limited Edition Camping Shampoo & Body Bar

This one is for all you outdoorsy, adventuresome folks who like to go camping and fishing, but still want get an all over clean right there at the campsite. The Camping Shampoo & Body Bar will clean you from head to toe, is biodegradable and safe to use at campsites near bodies of water. Please note that I said “near” not in!  The “Leave No Trace” guidelines state that even with biodegradable soap, the earth is needed to filter the soapy water, so it is strongly recommended that you shower or wash up 200 feet away from any body of water. (Read more about LNT.) When you go camping with this bar, you can rest assured that you are using a product which is safe for the environment and good for you! Plus, as it’s also made with fantastic bug repelling essential oils, there’s the added benefit of an extra layer of protection from little pests.

“…I tent camp an average of two months a summer. Often in rustic campgrounds. Looking forward to testing this out next summer. Looking forward to seeing the results of the bug repellent capabilities!…Love your products!”

(Please Note: We make limited quantities of our Limited Edition soaps, so once they are sold out, they are gone for the season.)

Lavender Lemon Salt Bar

Lavender and lemon – a summer match made in heaven! Marianne loves this bar in the kitchen and the bathroom. Also, have you ever wondered if you can use a salt bar for a shampoo? Well, the answer is yes you can!
This salt bar, plus our Lavender Rosemary Salt Bar make a wonderful shampoo for those with itchy scalps who have tried everything under the sun – including a wide range of our products to alleviate the itch. Even some of our team members who periodically get itchy scalps, find relief with these 2 salt bars. (If you do choose to try a salt bar as a shampoo, try a sample or half bar first as this bar won’t be for everyone.)

“I have this bar in the bathroom and love everything about it. I have not found a soap at Apple Valley Natural Soap that I dont love, and really enjoy trying new ones. I will be purchasing this one again!”

Pink Lemonade Shampoo & Body Bar

Pink Lemonade, name one thing that says summer more than lemonade! This bar is for all pink lemonade and summer lovers. It is sweet, bright and a great choice for normal to oily hair. It features rose kaolin clay which keeps skin hydrated, detoxifies, increases circulation, encourages new cell growth and reduces inflammation and irritation. Along with the amazing base oils and butters, its lemony scent essential oil tops this bar off perfectly.

“Just the name alone caused me to order this one. Come on who doesn’t love pink lemonade. This is a summer hair must. I love it! The look, smell and lather of this one are superb. It’s also a must as a body bar too. This is another re-order pick for me!”

Wether you are looking for something sweet and citrusy or exfoliating and moisturizing, Apple Valley Natural Soap has all the bars for your summer. Summer is hot, sweet and a ton of fun so make sure you are stocked up on soap that will not only keep up with the demands of summer but add to your summer. And of course these bars only scratch the surface of what Apple Valley Natural Soap has to offer! Be sure to visit our website for not only summer staples but for fun products year round.

What are your favorite summer hair and skin care soap bars? What other products do you love during the summer? Let us know what you thought in the comments below and let’s start a conversation.

If you found this post interesting, learned something new, or think of someone who might enjoy reading it too, please share this blog post with your family and friends. It means the world to us! You can also leave us a comment to let us know what you learned or share one of your favorite hair care or skin care tips with us. We would love to hear from you!

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

AVNS Boutique – Experience The Beauty Of Nature

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If you have been following along on our journey for a few years now, you might remember when Apple Valley Natural Soap had the opportunity to move out of the Buck home in Lakeville, Minnesota and into our first wear-house and retail location in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Well, since then we had the amazing opportunity to move into a beautiful retail space in a prime location in Eagan, Minnesota. We were also able to hard launch AVNS Boutique, our beauty, hair and skin care, home and lifestyle retail brand. But, in case you haven’t been following along on Instagram and Facebook or are not subscribed to our weekly newsletter, please, allow me to do the honors of formally introducing you to AVNS Boutique.

The Best New Spot To Shop

AVNS Boutique is designed to bring our customers the best of only naturally made products, from clothing & hair care, to chocolate and perfume. We want AVNS Boutique to be a place where no label reading is necessary. Stop by and find clothing made from hemp, bamboo and organic cotton that your body will love, organic essential oils to aid your life, low acid, mold free coffee grown & harvested with organic practices, natural candles certified as MADE SAFE®, plus much more, all in one place. Rest assured that whatever you choose, it will be naturally good for you and your household.

A Sneak Peek Into What You Will Find At The AVNS Boutique

Have you ever been on our website to order a soap bar, lotion, or bath bomb and just wanted to reach your nose through the screen to smell it? AVNS Boutique is the perfect place to come to get all the hands (and nose) on experience of our products. From soap bars and candles to bamboo clothing and home goods, AVNS Boutique is a one-stop-shop for all of your hair care, skin care, and home goods needs. Plus you never have to worry about toxic or fake ingredients in the products we stock in our shop. Our goal was to make sure that AVNS Boutique wasn’t only a lovely place to shop, but a safe place to shop. You will find ethically sourced, natural, toxin-free items for all areas of your life like toothpaste, coffee, candles, t-shirts, and so much more.

Hours & Address Details

Can’t wait to shop? You’re in luck! We are so excited to be able to bring you AVNS Boutique 4 days a week every single week. AVNS Boutique is open Wednesday through Saturday every week.

Our Hours Are:

Wednesday & Thursday 12pm (Noon) – 6pm

Friday & Saturday 10am – 5pm

Our Address Is:

3825 Cedar Grove Parkway
Suite 1102
Eagan, MN 55122

(Our store faces HWY 13, we are a few doors down from Football Pizza and just off Nicols Rd)

We cannot wait for you to stop by and visit us at AVNS Boutique in Eagan, Minnesota! Have you already visited the AVNS Boutique? Let us know what you thought in the comments and we hope to see you again really soon.

If you found this post interesting, learned something new, or think of someone who might enjoy reading it too, please share this blog post with your family and friends. It means the world to us! You can also leave us a comment to let us know what you learned or share one of your favorite skin care tips with us. We would love to hear from you!

All my love and have happy week,

Amanda Pehrson

Castor Oil: What Is It? The History & Benefits of Castor Oil

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What Is Castor Oil?

Another week, another blog! Welcome back everyone, this week we will be diving into the world of castor oil. You have probably heard of castor oil at least once in your life but wether you are a regular user of castor oil or a newbie, this blog is for you!

What is castor oil anyway? Well, according to the National Institute of Health “castor oil is a [thick] vegetable oil made from the Ricinus Communis [the castor bean or castor oil plant], a plant common in the Eastern areas of the world.” Castor oil is a thick and mostly odorless oil but due to how thick it is, it is very tough to get out of clothing and can leave a dark, wet-looking stain. However, castor oil has been used for centuries for many different things such as (and most commonly) a natural laxative, to encourage birth in 40+ week pregnant women, hair and skin care, and so much more.

The History Of Castor Oil

Castor oil’s “first recorded medicinal use goes back to the time of the Ebers papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical treatise… A traditional name for the plant is “Palma Christi” because of its supposed resemblance to the hand of Christ and its widely-reputed healing power.” “Castor Oil has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to 4,000 B.C. Evidence of its cultivation was discovered circa 500 B.C. in central Egypt where it was used in cosmetics, medicines and as a lamp oil. Castor oil is mentioned in the Ebers papyrus in recipes intended to treat numerous health conditions and ailments.” Castor oil has been used for hair and skin treatments, medicinal purposes, to cure leather, and oil lamps (although we can imagine that would not have smelled very nice) among other things. It was used in Egypt and all over the continent of Africa as well as in China, India and Brazil. Castor beans were brought to America and cultivated as early as the late 1600’s.

The MANY Uses For Castor Oil

We have a few of the benefits and uses of Castor Oil listed on our website:

Castor oil’s benefits for hair & body are many, here are the highlights

  • It is reputed to be good for repairing hair, softening skin, and easing aches and pains.  
  • Rich in fatty acids, as well as antioxidants.
  • Contains anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it effective for treating acne-prone skin, as it penetrates the skin easily without clogging pores or aggravating the skin condition.
  • Stimulates circulation to boost hair growth and locks in moisture.
  • Anti-fungal properties can treat scalp infections by eliminating the bacteria and microorganisms that can cause hair loss, dandruff, and infection. 
  • For mature skin types, it may delay the signs of aging by deeply moisturizing, softening and soothing the skin, boosting elasticity, and stimulating collagen production.
  • Restores the skin’s hydration and reduces the appearance of unwanted blemishes and scars when applied regularly.

Medicinally

  • Soothes skin inflammation caused by dry skin, acne, sunburns.
  • Relieves the discomfort of sore muscles and joint pain, especially for those who suffer from arthritis.
  • Antimicrobial properties help it work effectively as a disinfectant for wounds, minor cuts, and scrapes. 
  • Breaking up adhesions or scar tissue.
  • Strengthening the immune system
  • Increases relaxation and improves sleep quality
  • Improving lymphatic drainage
  • Reducing headaches
  • Detoxifying internal organs
  • Reducing menstrual cramps

Castor oil is a highly absorbent oil so if you put it on your skin, it will penetrate deeply and work quickly. It can be used with a Castor Oil Pack to help to break up blockages, inflammation, and bone spurs and growths under the skin. You can also put a little in your belly button with a small piece of organic cotton for better sleep, to relieve constipation, and improve overall health. Use the castor oil with a castor oil pack on your liver, kidneys, or thyroid* to help with detoxification. Use on your stomach and digestive system to improve inflammation, digestion and gut health. It has been said that castor oil can help with fertility in women. It can also be used both externally and internally to induce labor in 40+ week pregnant women. It has been used for centuries to induce labor because castor oil is a natural uterine contractor (which is why it is not recommended for use during pregnancy.)

*Please note that you should talk with a trusted natural doctor or specialist before you use a castor oil pack for detoxification and be aware of the side effects of the detoxification process. You might not feel your best for a day or two during detoxification as your body has to clean out and flush all of that crap (pun intended) from your body. When using a castor oil pack, start with only 20 minutes at a time a couple of times a week for a couple of weeks or so and slowly increase the time and frequency as your body is able. Eventually you will be able to wear your castor oil pack overnight.

Why the Quality Of Your Castor Oil Matters

As with most things, the quality of the product you use matters. As mentioned earlier, castor oil is a highly absorbent oil so if you put it on your skin, it will penetrate deeply and work quickly. If you are putting something onto your skin that will be quickly absorbed deeply into your body, wouldn’t you want to make sure is it the best of the best? If you are getting castor oil for any topical or internal uses, make sure that it is first and foremost Organic. This means we don’t need to worry about it the castor bean plant having been sprayed with chemicals and pesticides or grown with the use of GMO’s. Next you want to make sure it is Cold Pressed and Expeller Pressed, this means it is not heated while going through the extraction process so none of the goodness and healing benefits of the castor oil have been lost or “cooked out” of the oil. And finally you want to make sure your castor oil is Hexane Free. You might be asking, what in the world is hexane? Great question, according to Toxic-Free Future, “Hexane is a solvent widely used as an industrial cleaner and degreaser and is an ingredient in many consumer products. Easily inhaled or absorbed through the skin, hexane has been recognized for more than 40 years to cause long-lasting and even permanent nerve damage in feet, legs, hands, and arm.” Do you want that in your castor oil to be absorbed into your body and organs? Yeah, I didn’t think so. A castor oil this pure can be tough to find but don’t worry! We have an amazing organic, expeller and cold pressed, hexane free castor oil just for you on our website, or if you are a Minnesota local, you can stop by the AVNS Boutique to pick up a bottle.

Organic Cold Pressed Castor Oil | Expeller Pressed, Hexane Free Castor Oil

A beauty staple for centuries, this unrefined (virgin), certified organic, cold pressed castor oil is a nutrient-rich, moisturizing and conditioning oil for hair, skin & nails. Soothe, soften, and promote healing with our rich, nourishing, hexane free Castor Oil.

Use alone, or with a Castor Oil Pack for cleansing internal organs, helping sore joints, & reducing inflammation. Our Organic Castor Oil is thick and undiluted and is packaged in a 16 ounce amber glass bottle.

(Please note that this product is not intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease. Castor oil may stain clothing or other fabrics. Keep out of the reach of children. For topical use only, do not use on open wounds, and do not use if pregnant.)

How To Use A Castor Oil Pack

What You’ll Need:

1. Unrefined (virgin), certified organic, cold pressed castor oil

2. Select your desired Castor Oil Pack (or all of them)

3. A heating pad or hot water bottle if desired. (A heating pad or hot water bottle is recommended if you are only wearing the castor oil pack for a short period of time, it is not necessary if you are wearing it overnight.)

4. A glass container with a lid to store the oil soaked pack in-between uses. A glass mason jar or glass food storage container would both be great options.

5. Old clothes and towels – as mentioned above, castor oil stains so it is best to wear old clothes that you don’t mind having oil stains. And you’ll want to put an old towel down where you are planning to sit or sleep to protect your furniture from the oil.

6. A place to relax that you will be comfortable.

Directions:

1. Choose your relaxing spot and place the towel down to protect the furniture from oil. And wear old clothes you don’t mind getting oil stains.

2. Have your book, TV show, or music and snack or tea ready to go. (Making this an enjoyable experience is important!)

3. Have your hot water bottle or heating pad ready to go where you will be laying.

4. Drizzle your Castor Oil Pack with about 1 Tablespoon of Castor Oil

5. Place the Castor Oil Pack on where you want it (most commonly over your liver or kidney’s, thyroid, stomach/digestive system, etc.)

6. Get into your relaxing spot and put the heating pad or hot water bottle over the pack.

7. Lay back and relax for 20 minutes to an hour. If you have a pack with ties and you’ve gotten used to using the pack, you can go about your day wearing it or sleep with it on.

8. When it is time to remove the pack, gently take it off and wipe off the excess oil with an old towel or rub the excess oil into your skin. Place the pack into your glass container and put the clothes and towels you used into the wash. (Make sure you don’t put your Castor Oil Pack into the washing machine.)

Personal Castor Oil Testimony

I personally have used castor oil regularly and for many things for almost a year now. I was first introduces to Castor Oil and Castor Oil Packs when my doctor recommended it to help with liver detoxification. I used castor oil packs on my liver primarily for many months and then when I started to deal with inflammation in my abdomen and digestive issues, I used the castor oil packs on my abdomen overnight. I also used castor oil in my belly button overnight with a small piece of organic cotton to help with sleep and to fight against inflammation. During this time I have done lots of research on castor oil and its many benefits. I have personally seen the healing benefits of castor oil and have recommended it to family and friends. I have also used castor oil to help fight against dryness and irritation in my ears from years of being a competitive swimmer, countless ear infections, and antibiotic ear drops. During 2023 I was dealing with some health issues and I would get inflamed lymph nodes and adrenal glands frequently, so I would apply castor oil to them to help with drainage and decrease inflammation. A high quality castor oil is an amazing tool to have in your self care collection and I couldn’t recommend it enough!

If you found this post interesting, learned something new, or think of someone who might enjoy reading it too, please share this blog post with your family and friends. It means the world to us! You can also leave us a comment to let us know what you learned or share one of your favorite skin care tips with us. We would love to hear from you!

All my love and have happy week,

Amanda Pehrson

Sources:

The National Institute of Health – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551626/

Health First Network – https://healthfirstnetwork.ca/blog/why-castor-oil-has-been-around-for-centuries/

Qhemet Biologics – https://qhemetbiologics.com/blogs/news/the-history-benefits-of-castor-oil#:~:text=Castor%20Oil%20has%20been%20found,and%20as%20a%20lamp%20oil.

Apple Valley Natural Soap – https://www.applevalleynaturalsoap.com/organic-cold-pressed-castor-oil-expeller-pressed-hexane-free-castor-oil/

5 Unique Eco-Friendly Father’s Day Gifts 2022

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I’ve been scouring the internet for 5 incredible father’s day gifts that are eco-friendly, organic, or produced by a small business! I’m not sure why, but a theme has emerged from this year’s gift guide search and I’m proud to title it: “cooking and cleaning: gifts for the scrupulous chef in your life.” I’m super excited to share these gifts with you today, and I hope they make your father’s day shopping just a bit easier.

5 Unique Father’s Day Gifts

1) BirdmansHome Stoneware Coffee Tumblers & Mugs ($50+)

These beautifully hand crafted, fired stoneware tumblers and mugs are a wonderful and unique gift idea for the men in your life. Sold in a set of two or more they are prefect for having at home, at the office, and a welcome addition to any coffee bar set up.

2) DIY BBQ Making Kit by Grow and Make

What better way to celebrate your bb-cutie than with a BBQ adventure!

Description: Great DIY gift for DAD for Father’s Day!

Make your own tangy barbecue sauces with our Artisan BBQ Sauce Making Kit! Great for family projects. A DIY BBQ sauce kit is the perfect birthday gift for grill cooks, barbecue enthusiasts, or the dad who has everything! Simple instructions make this kit fun and easy for everyone interested in showing off their own exceptional BBQ sauce. Just add tomato paste, oil, and our kit ingredients to make three flavor-packed tomato or mustard-based homemade barbecue sauce recipes. Contains all the grilling spices and seasonings to give your barbecue dishes unique flavor, like cayenne, turmeric, garlic, and liquid smoke.

3) Grill Master Gift Box with Organic Spices by Fresh Jax

This grilling gift set has everything you need for a delicious grill-out!

Description: 

“What’s the hardest part about shopping for the grilling guru in your life? They think they already have everything they need! This Grill Master Gift Set was made with grilling fanatics in mind. This set includes three organic spice blends, a grill master t-shirt to claim reign, grill master koozie to chill drinks, and 4 Alderwood grilling planks!”

Spice Blends

Peppered Habanero Hot Grill Spice: Turn up the heat on steak, kabobs, chili, wings, and caulifower!

Ingredients: Organic cracked black pepper, sea salt, organic cayenne pepper, organic habanero pepper, organic brown mustard seed, organic onion, organic garlic, organic parsley, organic lemon zest.

Grill Master Organic Burger Seasoning: Bean burgers, beet burgers, and beef burgers  alike, will warm you to your core-iander and have you feeling rose-merry with coats of this colorful blend!

Ingredients: Organic cracked black pepper, organic onion, organic paprika, sea salt, organic dill, organic coriander, organic thyme, organic garlic, organic fennel, organic rosemary.

Rosy Cheeks Organic Maple Bourbon BBQ Spice: Craft the perfect backyard BBQ when you use this on chicken, ribs, pulled pork, and baked beans.

Ingredients: Organic paprika, organic light brown sugar, organic cane juice, organic dried maple syrup, cherrywood smoked sea salt, organic onion, Himalayan pink salt, organic cracked black pepper, organic garlic, organic chipotle pepper, organic mesquite, organic flavors, organic cumin, organic turmeric, organic lemon zest.

4) Oven Scrub Cleaner: 100% Natural – Eco-Friendly Cleaner by Everneat

100% Natural Oven Cleaner powered with pumice stone & pure essential oils to deep clean your oven without toxic fumes

– Plant-powered ingredients

– Vegan & cruelty-free

– Powerful cleaning

– Refillable & reusable

– Approved by professionals

– Probiotic cleaning

Safe for:

– Porcelain-enameled steel ovens, racks & oven interior glass

– Cast-iron

– Scratch-resistant metals & surfaces

5) Eco Friendly Pet Hair Remover – Lint Brush by Modern Pets Living

This business sells tons of cool pet products, so if you’re looking for something even a little more “upscale” check out the rest of their site!

“A must-have minimalist design pet hair remover and a great substitute for your traditional lint roller. A comfortable wooden handle and large brushing surface area will make this daily task a breeze.

– 3 colors to choose from

– Natural wooden handle

– Self-cleaning housing

– Modern Matte Finish

– Electrostatic Reusable Brush

– Sustainable, green, and reusable

– Made from recycled materials

– Measurements: 12 in x 3 in x 1.8 in

Care Instructions:

– Gentle hand wash only

– Allow to fully dry before usage”

Much Love,

Nora

3 Important Skincare Tips for Mature Skin

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Giving Your Skin What it Needs

Signs of aging are nothing to be ashamed of. 

You are beautiful beyond your physical appearance.

That being said, your skin deserves the best care you can give it and you deserve to feel like you look as amazing as you are…no matter what your age is.

So you shouldn’t be ashamed for wanting to find the perfect make-up routine either.

Behind Every Great Make-up Routine is an Amazing Skincare Routine. 

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

This is especially true for mature skin. According to the U.S National Library of Medicine, As we age, “changes in the connective tissue reduce the skin’s strength and elasticity.” For people 50+, a mature skincare routine means paying extra attention to your skin’s needs to prevent dry, dull skin from weighing down your glowing personality. Because I’m just a youngin when it comes to the beauty industry, I reached out to a professional make-up artist who specializes in mature skin to bring you the top three tips on caring for mature skin.

Pssst! Not over the hill yet? Not even over the anthill? You should keep reading, because it is never too early to find the perfect skincare routine and these tips apply to all skin!

Meet Elise Marquam-Jahns

Author at Sixtyandme.com, “Elise Marquam-Jahns is a professional makeup artist who is passionate about helping women 50+ get their glow back. She is the founder of Boomer and Beyond Beauty and recently launched “Boomer and Beyond Beauty with Elise” – a makeup and beauty YouTube channel specifically designed for women over 50.”

I spent the week emailing with this sophisticated skincare expert (and watching her informative Youtube videos) to learn as much as I could about how to best care for mature skin. 

3 Skincare Tips for Mature Skin

These three easy steps can be added to any and every skincare routine to help keep your skin luminous and healthy.

Exfoliate

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While using the right cleanser for your skin has countless benefits, Elise points out that washing your face correctly is also an essential part of an effective skincare routine. In her Youtube video “6 Skincare Musts for Women 50+” Elise recommends using a sonic cleansing brush to wash your face instead of doing it manually because, “it doesn’t thoroughly get rid of everything that’s accumulated on our skin over the day.” Pollution, left-over make-up, and dead skin all contribute to build-up. Exfoliating with a brush removes this build-up and enhances the appearance and feeling of your skin. It also exposes your skin and allows the products you’re applying to be more effective. For example, exfoliating and then applying a toner will allow the ingredients to interact with the brand new skin. Rich in vitamin C our Organic Bulgarian Rose Facial Toner has tons of benefits for mature skin including possible lessening of fine lines and wrinkles over time, read more here. One important note about exfoliating is to not do it too often. Over use of a sonic cleansing brush can lead to raw skin, so finding a frequency your skin can tolerate is important. Exfoliating once every other day is a good starting point!

Moisturize

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

In her video, Elise lists moisturized skin as a priority for mature skin and we couldn’t agree more. Natural Soap is a great way to ensure that your skin is moisturized and cleansed at the same time, we even have a line of facial soap dedicated to dry skin. I wanted to know exactly what kind of ingredients were best for mature skin, so I asked Elise for a list of DOs and DON’Ts for skincare ingredients.

DON’T: Mineral Oil, Aluminum, DEA, MEA or TEA, DMDM Hydantoin and Urea, Parabens (anything with Methyl, Butyl, Ethyl, Propyl), Phthalates, synthetic fragrances, alcohol, and Triclosan

DO: The most important skin care ingredients for me are Vitamin C + E plus Ferulic Acid (skin brighteners), Coenzyme Q10 and Matrixyl Synthe 6.  

Argan Oil is packed with vitamin E and a great natural moisturizer for both mature skin skin and hair and you can read about why that is here.

Antioxidant Beauty Facial Soap

One of our most pampering bars, the Antioxidant Beauty Facial Soap is packed with natural ingredients including:

Green tea extract for added skin elasticity.

Papaya with vitamin A for new cell reformation.

Guava for its anti-aging B vitamins.

Rosehips for their natural skin brightening retinol and vitamin C components.

Sea buckthorn for its collagen-creating Omega 7 fatty acid.

Yogurt for its pore-tightening lactic acid.

Rhassoul Clay absorbs impurities from hair and skin while leaving it soft and moisturized.

Protection

I have the same visor in two colors. That’s how much I love it.

I grew up believing that sunscreen was only meant for day-long sunshine marathons on the dock. Contrary to popular practice, you can benefit from wearing sunscreen with safe ingredients whenever you go outside. I have sensitive facial skin, so I always, always, always wear my signature giant sun visor. Elise recommends wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen not only protects against skin cancer, it also preserves the appearance of your skin. According to the Institute of Health, “When UV rays enter skin cells, they upset delicate processes that affect the skin’s growth and appearance. Over time, exposure to these rays can make the skin less elastic. Skin may even become thickened and leathery, wrinkled, or thinned like tissue paper.”

A Word on Haircare

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The condition of our skin affects the condition of our hair too. In an article published in Good Housekeeping, the myth that grey hair is naturally coarser was debunked with this insightful correlation, “While gray hair feels coarse and rough, the structure of the strand hasn’t actually changed. When those melanin-producing cells run out of steam, the hair follicles also produce less sebum (the natural oils that hydrate hair). As a result, gray hair tends to be drier, which gives it that wiry texture.” Knowing that grey hair isn’t inherently difficult means we can do something about it! If you’re tired of touching up your roots now could be your time to embrace your grey! With hashtags like #greyhairdontcare you can find an online community of beautiful women supporting one another as they transition to elegant, icy hues.

I’ll Say it Again

Signs of age are nothing to be ashamed of. They represent the individual experience of life for every person on the planet. Our bodies were built as beautiful, temporary houses for our souls and they do so much for us while we inhabit the Earth. For this we are grateful. I’m personally grateful that I had the chance to catch up with a beauty mentor who also happens to be my amazing grandmother (did the same last name give it away??)! What are you grateful for?

Pictured left to right: my mom, me, my grandmother Elise and my aunt Erin.

Much Love,

Nora

Want to become a Brand Ambassador for Natural Soap? Here’s How.

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What is a Brand Ambassador?

A Brand Ambassador represents a company and promotes the company’s products either in person or on-line.

Apple Valley Natural Soap Brand Ambassador/Affiliate Program

We want people to have natural, organic, vegan, cruelty-free, options when it comes to health and beauty products. As a smaller business we do our best to reach people with quality, hand-made natural products, but sometimes we need a little help. The Apple Valley Natural Soap Brand Ambassador/Affiliate program was created so that people who love our products can benefit from sharing them with others via social media (Facebook, Instagram, personal blogs…you get the idea).

Don’t Think You’re Tech Savvy enough to be a Brand Ambassador? Think Again!

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Okay, let me start by saying: I have never been a tech savvy person. When I tell people this they think I’m being dramatic. Then I tell how I failed my computer skills class in eighth grade. The story goes like this:

We were supposed to program a short animation of a cat doing the following: walking across the room, picking up a can of tuna fish, eating the tuna fish, turning green, and barfing.

After five hours of sweating over my keyboard and mouse my cat did this:

Turned green, walked…upside down across the ceiling, barfed (while still upside down), completely ignored the can of tuna, and then disappeared.

People don’t question me after that. 

Steps to Becoming an AVNS Brand Ambassador

I decided that if I could figure out how to become an AVNS Brand Ambassador, you could too. I spent the entire week attempting to learn the ins and outs of being a Brand Ambassador and even if I’m never successful, hopefully I can give you the start you need to become the best AVNS Brand Ambassador EVER.

Step One: Create an Affiliate Account Through Apple Valley Natural Soap

If you’re on the mobile version of our site it will say “Pages”

Once you’re on the AVNS website, click on “More” and then scroll through the drop down menu until you find the “Ambassador/Affiliate Program” tab. 

The Ambassador/Affiliate Page will walk you through the process and benefits and at the bottom of the page you’ll see a button that says “Register.” Click on it.

Here are the basics of becoming a Brand Ambassador

Setting up your account is super easy, as is setting up a Paypal account if you don’t already have one.

Step Two: Set Up a PayPal Account

I’m pretty sure all I had to do was enter my email…

If you know you’re putting all your profits towards more AVNS soap, we have an option for your commission to be in the form of store credit as well!

The trickiest part for me was the actual Brand “Ambassad-ing”

Step Two: Create Promotional Posts

We’ve already supplied you with banners (photos of your fav products) that can be found on your affiliate account. Just download the photo you want to post and then upload it to social media. I love Instagram and Facebook, but I quickly learned that I wasn’t as good at navigating them as I thought. It took me a while to understand that I couldn’t share a click-able link on my Facebook and Instagram stories. The trick is to put your affiliate link (which you can find on your account page) in your bio. And then direct people to your bio.

Aww, look at my cute lil affiliate link!

Not sure what a bio is? That’s okay, you aren’t alone! A bio is a place for you to introduce yourself on social media platforms and is typically under where your name is displayed. A blog is also a great way to share products with others

My First Post

I chose the half-sized bar banner because one of my favorite things about AVNS is the huge selection of unique soaps. I put my affiliate link in my Instagram and Facebook bios so that I could redirect people through my story. My Instagram gives me the option to share the post on Facebook and to that I said YES!

When people purchase through your affiliate link you’ll earn commission starting at 6%!

Why Be a Brand Ambassador for Apple Valley Natural Soap?

Apple Valley Natural Soap is about more than keeping surface-level clean. We design our products to exist in harmony with the environment and with your body. What we put in our earth and on our bodies MATTERS. We strive for a deep clean of mind, body, soul, and earth because we believe it is a noble undertaking. If you believe this, and want to help others achieve a deep clean then you’re already on your way to becoming an AVNS Brand Ambassador (if only we can get this pesky post to upload, am I right?)

Much Love,

Nora

How to Achieve the Perfect DIY Spa Day

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In my opinion, there is nothing better than the perfect spa session. 

Correction.

There is nothing better than the perfect DIY spa session. In fact, I’ve perfected the art of the DIY spa so, well, perfectly…that I’ve never felt the need to go to a professional spa.

I love a DIY spa day because you get to pick:

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com
Who’s Invited

You can make it a fun project for the kids, a surprise gift for a friend or family member, or a romantic occasion with your significant other. 

What’s on the Spa Menu

You get to pick your spa treatments (hot wax treatment…but skip the intense leg massage? You got it!) 

The Products
Shea Butter Skin Therapy

And you get to use products you already know and love. Annnnnnnnd when you love Apple Valley Natural Soap you also know every ingredient that goes into your favorite soaps, lotions and scrubs.

Okay. So now that I’ve convinced you that a DIY spa day is the way to go, I’m sure you’re wondering where to start.

Don’t worry, we might be about to go all-natural with our products, but I’ve got you covered.

The Importance of Self-Care

Before we get lost in the excitement of sugary body scrubs and scrumptious body butters I want to say this: behind every amazing spa day is a source of meaningful motivation. Planning a spa day is a fantastic way to be intentional about self-care.

What is self-care?

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom on Pexels.com

This quote on Active Minds, the nation’s top non-profit for support and education on mental health, beautifully sums up what self-care is and why it matters, “Self-care is important to maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself. It means doing things to take care of our minds, bodies, and souls by engaging in activities that promote well-being and reduce stress. Doing so enhances our ability to live fully, vibrantly, and effectively. The practice of self-care also reminds both you and others that your needs are valid and a priority.”

If this year has thrown some unexpected challenges your way, raise your hands (mine are already up).

If you raised your hand you are a top candidate for self-care, and if you didn’t raise your hand you are too.

Self-Care Spa Day

The number one reason why I love a DIY spa day is because it allows me to transform my daily maintenance tasks from obligations to occasions. If I’m going to clean my body I might as well do it in style and comfort.

Exfoliate with Salt Bars or Body Polish

Lavender Rosemary Salt Bar

I love the way my skin feels after I exfoliate. Both salt and sugar make great natural exfoliants and the essential oils added to our salt bars and sugar scrubs are known for their additional health and beauty benefits. 

Salt Bars

A salt bar is a fantastic way to exfoliate and clean at the same time, so it is a great option for DIY pedicures (just scrub, pat dry, and follow with a little argan oil). The Lavender Rosemary Salt Bar is on my top ten AVNS list because it smells amazing, feels amazing, and also works as an amazing shampoo.

Sugar Scrubs

Sweet Vanilla Body Polish

A sugar scrub is my go to for a perfect pre-shave exfoliation because sugar is a natural, gentle exfoliant and the moisturizing oils add an extra layer of protection for my skin when I shave. Our Body Polish is so moisturizing that after using it you may find you don’t even need to apply lotion! It comes in four delicious scents: Citrus Sugar, Matcha Mint, Sweet Vanilla, and Sweet Rosehips (my personal recommendation).

Shave with Coconut Bars

Shaving gets tedious, but with a Virgin Pina Colada nearby it can be wayyyy more enjoyable!

Coconut Bar

After exfoliating you’ll need to lather up and I’m going to promise you something. Using one of our coconut soap bars as shaving soap will change your life. I had been using shaving cream since I first started shaving and I was super skeptical about using bar soap, but after that first lather…whoa. Coconut Bars lather up so luxuriously, you’ll feel like the King or Queen of shaving.

Massage

While I wish a massage was part of my daily routine, it’s definitely a great way to ease the pain of sore, stiff muscles after a long day of work or play. Our Organic Virgin Jojoba Oil is the perfect massage oil and you can get it CUSTOM MADE with any of our soap scents. If you’re curious about what jojoba oil is you can read more about it here.

DIY Self-Care Massage (feet)

Photo by Breakingpic on Pexels.com

As a dancer I spent a lot of my time walking around with sore feet. I wish I had this Youtube tutorial by PsycheTruth on how to give myself a foot-massage back then, but oh well.

DIY Couples Massage

It’s important to make sure you are in a good place before you start lifting those around you and a DIY couples massage may be the perfect way to lift as you rise! Check out Cleverly’s short, simple instructional video for an upper back massage!

Remember to Relax!

You’ve earned the right to relax this year, and we hope our products will help you achieve the pampering you deserve. For more DIYs, follow our blog. I’d love to know how you use our products to unwind after a busy day, so always feel free to comment below!

Much Love,

Nora