Ok, I’ll just go ahead and admit it: I am a chronic nail biter and hangnail-picker. But let’s be honest, plenty of us have nails that could use a little work, and going around with unflattering nails is just not fun!

So, since I am dealing with this annoying little habit that hasn’t seemed to outgrow itself, I decided to do what I do, and experiment a bit. After a few sessions of trial and error, I discovered this amazing cuticle and nail treatment. It’s a do-it-yourself, easy-to-use, treatment that worked wonders in softening my cuticles and improving the appearance of my nails.

Try it for yourself!

Ingredients:
• 2 Tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon evening primrose oil
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 5 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree oil

Steps:
1. Add ingredients to a dark glass bottle with a dropper lid. Close bottle and shake well to mix ingredients.

To Use:
1. Put one drop of mixture on each nail and massage into cuticle, nail bed and surrounding skin.

Ingredient Benefits:
Avocado oil is one of the most recommended oils for cracked, dry and brittle nails. Evening primrose oil is a luxury oil, high in essential fatty acids and often used to prevent nail splitting and cracking. Lemon essential oil strengthens and brightens nails, and both lavender and tea tree oils have strong antibacterial properties.

If you try this treatment, please let me know what you think!

What are your suggestions for healthy cuticle and nail upkeep?

Welcome to a new series here at Vintage Body Spa, Facial Friday! Each Friday we’ll post on different aspects of facial care.

We’re gearing up to launch our new facial care line in the next few weeks. The products provide a great and easy way to care for your delicate facial skin. The products use botanical extracts and luxurious oils to fight the signs of aging while protecting and moisturizing. Here’s a brief overview of the products that will soon be available:

CLEANSERS
Coconut Milk Cleanser – deep cleans to remove oil, dirt and makeup. Has a wonderful light, natural coconut scent.

Rejuvenating Facial Cleanser – gently cleans all skin types, but is especially beneficial for mature, aging skin.

TONER
Cucumber and Aloe Toner – gently removes residue while balancing skin’s pH level. Hydrates skin with cooling organic cucumber and soothing organic aloe.

MOISTURIZERS
Botanical Facial Lotion – light, natural daily moisturizer to hydrate and nourish skin.

Oil-Free Moisturizer – herbal, oil-free moisturizer that provides excellent hydration for oily skin. Non greasy formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft and shine-free.

SERUM
Antioxidant Serum - oil free serum provides a boost of antioxidant (age-fighting) power to your skin care routine. Helps to improve skin texture, tone and radiance.

NIGHT CREME
Hydrating Night Creme – deeply nourishing nighttime moisturizer to hydrate and replenish skin.

Restorative Night Creme – power packed nighttime moisturizer evens out skin tone and helps restore skin’s youthful appearance while you sleep.

TREATMENTS
Microdermabrasion Creme – gently slough off dull, dry and damaged skin cells with the same tiny microdermabrasion crystals that the high-end spas use

MASQUES
Detoxifying Masque – deep clean pores and control excess oil production.

Moisturizing Masque – gently cleanse pores without stripping away precious moisture.

Refining Masque – removes impurities, evens out skin tone and revitalizes skin while fighting the signs of aging.

Many of you know that I fell into being an entrepreneur a number of years ago when searching for a natural remedy for my infant daughter’s eczema. Her then-pediatrician was insisting we use a prescription steroid cream, and we wanted to try a more natural approach to begin with. We were blessed to find a product line that gently soothed her red, inflamed skin and removed the ugly, scaly patches. I’m often asked what products we use(d) on her, so I thought it might be helpful to put together a post on how we found such great results and the exact products we use.

A few things to note: I am not a doctor, and this should not be mistaken for medical advice. I’m simply sharing what has worked for us. I cannot guarantee that everyone will have the same results. A number of our customers have shared with us that they’ve found incredible relief using our products on their eczema, psoriasis and rosacea, and we’re so thankful to make products that have helped them out. Also, I probably went way overboard in the beginning compared to most parents – using many different products to moisturize and soothe my baby’s skin but I was willing to do whatever it took to provide her some relief and avoid the harsh steroid creams. As you’ll read, our ‘regimen’ is much more relaxed now because her flare-ups are very few and far between, which I think has a lot to do with the fact that we were so hyper-vigilant about it in the beginning.

We started by bathing her in lukewarm water with a few Butter Beans, making sure she didn’t soak for too long. We’d take her out of the bath and just barely pat her dry, making sure her skin was still damp. Then the WHEREVER Body Cream was slathered on from head to toe. We’d finish off by using the Whipped Shea Butter on any scaly patches.

Her skin quickly started showing improvement, and soon we were only using the Butter Beans or Milk Bath every once in a while. We’d still moisturize from head to toe at least once a day, sometimes twice, and continued with the Whipped Shea Butter on any patches we saw or felt.

Fast forward a few years, and we now use our Eco Baby Botanicals Lullaby Lotion after her bath. I specially formulated this lotion with herbs and oils that nourish and soothe the skin, and this became our staple product we used on her long before we launched the Eco Baby Botanicals product line. She bathes with the 2 in 1 Shampoo/Body Wash because it is a gentle cleanser that doesn’t strip the skin of moisture. About once a month she’ll use the Massage / Bath Oil or Milk Bath, though that’s just because she likes to have ‘spa time like mom’. Any flare-ups tend to happen when the seasons change, and we’ve found the Whipped Shea Butter still works the best on deeply moisturizing any patches that pop up. We’re blessed that she very rarely needs anything extra and that our simple routine has helped her find such relief.

With colder weather on the way, many children and adults find their eczema gets worse. The two products I’d recommend for anyone with eczema would be:

1) Eco Baby Botanicals Lullaby Lotion (this is a favorite product of many customers of all ages, so don’t think it’s just for kids!)
2) Whipped Shea Butter

We’ve had some customers find such relief that they stock up on these items to have them on hand year round for the entire family. In these instances, we’re able to create bulk-size containers for you, and at a slight discount from regular retail prices. Please contact us if you are interested in this option.

Just a reminder that our production and shipping departments will be closed starting tomorrow, Friday, October 14th through Friday, October 21st. Our customer service team will continue checking email and responding to customer inquiries, so if you have any questions or concerns, please email us.

Remember, orders can still be placed online at www.vintagebodyspa.com during this time, but will not ship before October 24th.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and thank you for your understanding.

Yes, another big announcement today – so many exciting things are happening here at Vintage Body Spa and Eco Baby Botanicals! A few times a week we get emails asking if we have an affiliate program, so customers, fans and friends can sell our products and earn a commission from those sales. We’re finally happy to announce that our affiliate program has launched today!

For details and to sign up, visit our affiliate page. You can start earning money today and get your first payout before the holidays!

Due to multiple requests, we’re happy to say that we’ve reopened our drop shipping program effective today.

Do you want to make extra money by selling Vintage Body Spa and/or Eco Baby Botanicals products in your online store? Apply to participate in our drop ship program. We’ll review your application and reply within 72 business hours if your application has been approved. If approved, you’ll receive information on setting up your account and a listing of the products that are available for drop shipping.

Drop ship accounts receive wholesale pricing plus pay a $2.00 per item drop ship fee and shipping. This is a great opportunity to add additional inventory to your online boutique and boost sales, just in time for the holidays!

This program has always been popular, so be sure to apply soon, before we have to close it again – we can only accept a limited number of new boutiques.

Latin Name: Jasminum grandiflorum, Jasminum officinale

Description: Jasmine is a climbing vine that can grow up to 30 feet high. It has dark green leaves and star-shaped white flowers. The flowers bloom at night, (hence its Indian name ‘queen of the night’), releasing their intoxicatingly fragrant scent. Harvest lasts through the night into the morning, and it is said that an experienced picker can pick 10-15,000 blossoms a night. The absolute is solvent extracted, and it takes about 1000 pounds of flowers to produce 1 pound of absolute.

Countries of Origin: India, Egypt, China and Morocco

Scent: Jasmine has a warm, deep, rich and exotic floral aroma. It blends well with citrus oils as well as sandalwood, bergamot, clary sage and rose.

Properties: Jasmine has a long history in perfumery due to its rich, seductive aroma. It is used to relax, lift depression, boost confidence and energy and assist with sexual problems. It is emotionally warming and uplifting. Jasmine absolute can also be used to help childbirth as it strengthens contractions while also relieving pain.

Precautions: Jasmine is non-toxic, non-irritating and typically non-sensitizing. It should not be used during pregnancy. The scent can be overwhelming if too much is used, so it is best to dilute in very small amounts. As with any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction. Do not use any essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of jasmine absolute. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Further research should be done on each essential oil to determine its proper usage for each individual. Aromatherapy is not intended to be a replacement for care under a qualified health professional, but is to be considered a complimentary therapy.

I’ve been so blessed to have two of the most fabulous interns this semester, and am happy to get to introduce you to Jenny. Even though she’s a graduate of the University of Kentucky and a huge Wildcats fan, I’ll still keep her around, ha!

We are excited to have found an intern of Jenny’s caliber and are happy to announce that she’ll continue working with us after her internship ends, so you’ll hear a lot more from her in the future. She’ll work on media outreach, contributing to the blog, and overseeing the Eco Baby Botanicals website that is launching soon. She’s been an incredible asset to the team already and I’m happy to welcome her to the Vintage Body Spa family!

Tell us a little about yourself
Hello everyone! As one of Vintage Body Spa’s newest interns I am thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Jenny; I graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2010 (go cats!) and I am so excited to be a part of the VBS team. Alyssa has been such a wonderful mentor and working for her has been an absolute blast (corny or not, I am always excited for my next project!)

(I want to emphasize that I did NOT ask her for praise or promise her a raise for being so positive about her job!

What sort of projects are you working on for Vintage Body Spa?
In August I was given the opportunity to design a newsletter template for the company and had so much fun with it. I’d love feedback from anyone who received a copy (positive or negative). I have also contributed to the company’s social networks and soon I will be pitching story ideas to nationally recognized magazines!

It is wonderful to work for such a down-to-earth company that has more to offer than just its products. Vintage Body Spa’s “Behind the Curtain Initiative” was a big contributor to my interest in becoming an intern — it’s nice to know that a portion of every purchase goes toward helping others.

What are some of your hobbies?
As far as my life outside of VBS – I love spending time with my husband and dogs. My idea of a perfect night: on the couch with glass of red wine, dogs on my lap, husband by my side and a great show on T.V. It doesn’t get much better than family time!

I am so excited to continue my work with VBS and cannot wait for what the future holds. Thanks for taking the time to get to know me, and always feel free to ask questions!

One of my favorite products, Rhassoul Clay, is October’s product of the month! It is on special for 20%, so just $12 ~ an amazing deal for a versatile and beneficial beauty treatment.

Rhassoul clay, also known as Ghassoul Clay or Red Moroccan Clay is mined from beneath the Atlas mountains in Morocco. This clay has been used since ancient Roman times for a variety of beauty treatments, including soap, shampoo and skin detoxifier and conditioner. Rhassoul makes an excellent facial or body masque as it pulls toxins from deep in the skin.

When you purchase Rhassoul from Vintage Body Spa, you also receive a list of formulas you can mix at home to use in a variety of treatments, no matter your skin type. Take advantage of this month’s special offer and try some Rhassoul clay today!

Helichrysum was one of those essential oils I put off trying because of its expense, but I am so glad I finally tried it – only a small amount is needed and I’ve seen incredible results using it on a scar from a recent surgery by blending it with rosehip seed oil. I highly recommend it!

Image by wikipedia

Latin Name: Helichrysum italicum

Description: Helichrysum is most commonly known as Immortelle and/or Everlasting. It is a fragrant herb that grows to about 2 feet tall, with long lasting, yellow daisy-like flowers, which dry as the plant matures. There are over 500 species of helichrysum, but only a few of these produce essential oil. The essential oil is steam distilled from the fresh flowers and flowering tops.

Countries of Origin: Corsica, Croatia, France, Bosnia, Spain, Italy

Scent: Helichrysum has a sweet, fruity scent with tealike undertones. It blends well with most floral and citrus essential oils, as well as clove and clary sage.

Properties: Helichrysum is an antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal oil. It is often used to treat bruises and scars. It is purported to help the body reabsorb blood back into the tissue and making bruises fade and heal very quickly. Psychologically, helichrysum is comforting and soothing and is believed to help improve creativity.

Precautions:Helichrysum is non-toxic, non-sensitizing and non-irritating. It should not be used in children under the age of 12. As with any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction. Do not use any essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of helichrysum oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Further research should be done on each essential oil to determine its proper usage for each individual. Aromatherapy is not intended to be a replacement for care under a qualified health professional, but is to be considered a complimentary therapy.