Archive for November, 2010

Scandle-ous news, reviews, giveaways & FREE shipping

Wednesday, November 24th, 2010

We wanted to take the time to wish all of y’all, our friends, a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Also, Scandle has a very merry deal for you this Cyber Monday - FREE shipping on all orders over $30, be sure to use the coupon code at the bottom. But if you want your chance at free Scandle all together, check out these great holiday giveaways and reviews.

  • Mass Hole Mommy
  • One 2 Try
  • Momma Drama
  • My Sentiment Exact Lee
  • Laughing Lindsay
  • Shop With Me Mama

Have a very wonderful weekend, we will see you here bright and early Cyber Monday!!!!!

*Coupon valid on all ground shipping orders, over $30 from 12am EST 1 11pm EST, November 29th. Enter HOLIDAY10 at checkout.


Posted in Giveaway, Scandle Candle | No Comments »

Going back to the basics

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

Consumers are going back to the basics with their personal care products. While consumers are predicted to spend almost the same amount on personal care as they did in 2010, studies predict we will spend more on shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant and shaving cream and less on perfume, makeup and lipstick.

Also, the “ultra price-sensitive consumer” is growing at a rapid rate. Most 18 to 34 year olds racked up spending the past couple of years and are now in saving mode, with 40% or more saying that would switch brands to capture meaningful savings on that particular beauty product.

So I wanted to hear your thoughts. As a purchaser of beauty products, I do see the better bang for the buck model but I’m not so sure about going back to the basics, I can’t help but stop every time I see a bigger, fuller, longer eyelash promise

Are you going back to the basics? Have you switch from your old faithful cream cleanser to a more budget friendly alternative?

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Posted in Beauty Care & Treatments, Budget Friendly Beauty Treatments | No Comments »

Scandle wins best candle, plus Friday reviews & giveaways

Friday, November 19th, 2010

Hapy Friday y’all. We are just so excited here today because Shecky’s Beauty at its Best Award 2010 just awarded Scandle’s Calming ceramic, BEST CANDLE!!!!

So now its your turn to celebrate with all these wonderful reviews & giveaways:

Have a great weekend! T-minus 6 days to Turkey Day, are you ready??

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Posted in Giveaway, Massage, Scandle Candle | No Comments »

Sitting in traffic? Watch out for those age spots

Thursday, November 18th, 2010

Anti-aging is one of the highest grossing industries out there, not just in the personal care industry. Every new product promises results better than any other leading brand. But what if your aging issues had nothing to do with you – just your environment!

A recently published study in Germany says long term exposure to air pollution can lead to skin aging in particular pigment spots. This research looked at the effects of long term exposure to traffic-related matter in the air on aging skin.

The results – the higher the concentration of traffic related airborne particles the higher the number of age spots. Also, the study found much higher levels of association between higher levels of air pollution and more prominent nasolabial folds (the skin folds that run either side of your nose).

So how does this happen? Most of the airborne particles produced from traffic are full of carbon. Carbon particles, especially when they are in the nano from, can penetrate the skin, which can aid in the breakdown of elasticity and healthy cells.

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Posted in Anti-Aging Treatments & Products | No Comments »

The blow up continues

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

A couple of weeks ago we discussed the blow up over the Blowout (Brazilian that is) and now the discussion continues. Last week, the makers of the Blowout were handed a lawsuit over the large amount of formaldehyde consumers claim are in this straightening product.

After multiple complaints over formaldehyde in hair smoothing products, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel is taking another look into this substance.

This expert panel consists of scientists and physicians nominated by consumer groups, the government and the personal care industry and will review and asses the cosmetic ingredient safety of formaldehyde.

The reason for all the hype – consumers have sighted burning eyes, nose, throat and even hair loss attributed to formaldehyde. The makers of the blowout claim there is no formaldehyde in the Brazilian blowout but something else that acts like the ingredient.

Cadiveu USA which distributes the product has said it does not contain formaldehyde as a functional ingredient and said the confusion is over the presence of methylene glycol in the formula.

Methylene glycol and formaldehyde exist in equilibrium, and that adding methylene glycol to water will inevitably lead to the formation of some formaldehyde and vice versa, which is what might be happening with the Brazilian treatment.

It is this link between the use of methylene glycol as a cosmetics ingredient and the associated presence of formaldehyde that will be investigated by the panel, especially because there are no safety assessments for the use of methylene glycol in cosmetics.

I wanna hear your take…. Have you had this treatment? If so, what are your thoughts? If not, would you?

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Posted in Hair Treatments | No Comments »

Naturally sweet dreams

Tuesday, November 16th, 2010

Ahhh the elusive good night’s sleep, so hard to find but wonderful when caught.

There are countless ways to medically treat insomnia, but here at Scandle we are all about holistic approaches so below you will find my top recommendations to avoid sleepless nights:

  • Melatonin helps regulate sleep patterns by helping to control your sleep and wake cycles.
  • L-Theanine is an amino acid derived from herbal teas. Predominantly found in green tea, this acid is thought to increase alpha-wave activity, causing your brain to relax and ease into sleep.
  • Valerian extract comes from a perennial herb and has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and sleep. This extract is used to help improve the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and the quality of that sleep.
  • Acupressure. Many people report immediate improvements in their sleeping habits. With acupressure, the sensation of sleep comes easily, lasts without interruption, and is deeper and more refreshing.

How do you grab some naturally sweet dreams? Have you used any of the natural ways listed above?

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Posted in Sleep, Stress-Reducing Treatments | No Comments »

Stem cells provide help on eliminating animal testing

Monday, November 15th, 2010

While the beauty and personal care industry is continually taking steps in the right direction when it comes to eco-friendly, natural products, there is still one HUGE issue that needs to be addressed – animal testing!

In Europe, animal testing is a big no no - and in Germany alternative testing solutions are already at an advanced stage thanks to research into stem cell innovation.

In 2012, the US will outlaw animal testing but we haven’t made large strides into what will replace it and products do need some type of testing to ensure human compatibility.

In Germany researches have - a project involving a bioreactor designed to grow skin plates from stem cells that can remain viable without having to be transplanted into the human body – eliminating the need to test products on living, breathing things!

Under the Cosmetics Directive of 2009 there is both a testing ban in the European Union and a marketing ban (a ban on marketing products that contain ingredients that have been tested on animals elsewhere).

However, the marketing ban was introduced in a staggered fashion. Most endpoints, for example skin and eye irritancy, were included in the 2009 ban, but some were scheduled for a ban in 2013.

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Posted in Beauty Care & Treatments, Beauty/Health Myths, News, Scandle Candle, cosmetics | No Comments »

Scandle-ous reviews and lots of giveaways

Friday, November 12th, 2010

Happy Friday guys, it’s raining one minute, sunny the next - oh Texas!

This week, Holiday Gift Guides are in full swing, check out all the great reviews & giveaways below, maybe you’ll get something Scandle-ous from Santa this year

  • Laughing Lindsay
  • Shop with Me Mama
  • “Deal” icious Mom
  • Chubby Cheeks Thinks
  • Confessions of an Overworked Mom
  • Living My MoMent Huge Holiday Giveaway (Prizes Valued over $1000)

Have a greet weekend! See y’all on Monday

Posted in Giveaway | 6 Comments »

Pedi-cure those winter blues

Thursday, November 11th, 2010

Okay, so flip flop season has ended or is on its way out in most of the country. We get a little longer here in Texas

But the reason for this post isn’t flip flops its to highlight proper foot care - it is important all year long, not just during the sunny season.

The average person takes 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day, which adds up to about 115,000 miles over a lifetime. So proper feet care is essential for your comfort as well as several health issues that can arise from improper or poor tootsie care, especially if you run or walk a lot.

Cutting, clipping and cleaning of the nails prevents nails from growing inward and causing infection. Removing dirt and bacteria from your feet will also help prevent nail diseases and disorders and also helps eliminate foot odor.

Exfoliation prevents the cells from accumulating and causing bunions or corns, which can be extremely painful.

You don’t have to go to a salon to pamper your feet, with Black Friday officially two weeks away, I wanted to share a great do-it-yourself pedi-cure for the holiday shopping season.

  • Start with a large basin and add lukewarm water. Add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil (peppermint is a fave of mine, it invigorates and it is perfect for this time of year).
  • Soak for about twenty minutes
  • Use a gentle salt scrub (like Scandle’s Dead Sea Salt Soak & Scrub) to exfoliate
  • Trim nails and push back cuticles (cutting cuticles can be painful and can lead to infection so avoid it when possible)
  • Slather on your favorite moisturizer ( one that is rich in vitamin E and Shea butter) and wrap up your tootsie in thick socks and let it dry.

How to you keep you toes in tip top shape?

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Posted in Essential Oils, Home Treatments, Scandle Candle, Spa, Winter Care | No Comments »

Massage before burnout

Tuesday, November 9th, 2010

As the holiday season sets in, not only should you be concerned with the cold season (here are some natural tips to prevent it) but burnout can get serious too. With shopping, holiday planning and heavier work loads, most symptoms associated with it pop up this time of year.

There are two levels of burnout:

  • Mild: consisting of emotional exhaustion
  • Full burnout syndrome: emotional exhaustion, social detachment and/or performance dissatisfaction

Since we are all about natural, holistic approaches to life, I was excited to come across a study on burnout and the effects a trip to the spa can have on preventing it.

Austrian researchers measured the benefits of a three-week program of spa therapy which included massage, exercise and therapeutic bathing. A group of 65 actively working individuals of various occupations were selected, all of which experience some level of work-related burnout.

The participants’ levels of fatigue, distress, reduced motivation and their quality of sleep were measured before and after their spa vacation.

At the end of the treatment, all of the burnout symptoms showed significant levels of improvement. And those improvements lasted for almost 3 months after the treatment.

While I know most of us do not have 3 weeks to indulge in a “spacation,” there are little things you can do to combat burnout:

  • Massage. Whether you get yours by a professional or a loved one, regular massage is good for the body and the mind.
  • Exercise. Regular release of endorphins helps fight exhaustion and frustration, especially during the holidays.

How do you fight burnout?

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Posted in Cold Prevention, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage, Natural Health, Natural Treatments & Products, Stress-Reducing Treatments | No Comments »

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