Archive for February, 2012

Food lingo - what do all those labels mean?

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

All natural, fat free, organic, low sodium, good source of fiber and the list goes on…..

No doubt you pay attention to labels, it’s what helps navigate the endless supply of products in most grocery stores. But what exactly do those “better-for-you” labels really mean?

Natural - a product marketer’s dream! But what you may not realize is there are a ton of “natural” ingredients that are not good for you. MSG, a controversial food additive, is technically natural. Check the ingredient label for “natural” ingredients.

Light - means that a product is lighter than its original. The “light” version usually contains 1/3 fewer calories than its counterpart. Depending on the item, it might not make that big of a difference. Having an entire bowl of “light” ice cream is not any better than having a small cone full of the original stuff.

Lower sodium - just like “light,” lower sodium is all relative. It means the lower sodium option has 25% less sodium than the original.

Contains whole grains - contains at least trace amounts of whole grains. Whole grains deliver much more fiber and nutrients than their refined counterpart, but there is no way to tell exactly how much grain is in there unless they list the percentage on the ingredients list. Better to go for 10o% whole grains.

As always, it’s best to read the actual ingredient label when buying a product for the first time. How do you navigate the endless supply of “good-for-you” products?

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Posted in Good eating, Healthy Living, nutrition and food safety | No Comments »

Come and Pin With Us!

Monday, February 27th, 2012

We are hooked! At first we were just a tad bit skeptical, do others really want to see what you find inspiration it in - absolutely!

From potential new fragrance ideas to ways to spruce up our little office, we’ve got a little bit of something for everyone.

We are on Pinterest, are you? Stay on top of our inspiration boards and share yours with us too! If you’ve got a Pinterest account, leave a comment below and we’ll follow you, not in a stalker-ish way of course

And if you are a mean green small business like us, you should get onto Pinterest, we will send you an invite if you need one.

This virtual pin and social photo sharing network created a craze and grew at over 4000% within a matter of months. A great way to share the inspiration behind your company and grab some inspiration from others, we might have to limit our “office” Pinterest time - too much to pin, too little time!

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Posted in Scandle Candle | 2 Comments »

There’s A Killer in Your Shower!

Thursday, February 23rd, 2012

No we’re not talking about Norman Bates “Psycho” killer here, but something that is a little less violent and subtle.;) The culprit is chlorine.

Unless you are lucky enough to have well water, you are likely getting your water from your local municipal water supply. And if you are, it’s most likely treated with Chlorine. Chlorinated water can have serious health consequences not only from ingesting it, but also from bathing and showering. In a 10 minute shower you absorb more chlorine than drinking 8 glasses of water!

Here are some of the dangers that have been linked to bathing and showering in chlorinated water:

  • Connected to eczema and other skin rashes
  • Breathing in chlorine during bathing, showering or swimming can aggravate asthma

Contributes to rectal and colon cancer

Strips the skin’s natural oils, which removes the skin’s natural barrier

Irritates allergies

In a 10 minute shower you absorb more chlorine than drinking 8 glasses of water

In a warm shower, your pores open up soaking in more chlorine

It irritates eyes, sinuses, throat, and lungs

Free radicals created from chlorine mixing with other chemicals in water accelerates aging

Contributes to dry scalp and can exacerbate dandruff

Strips the color from color-treated hair

Children’s bodies are even more suseptable to the dangers from chlorine and the byproducts of it’s use

Known dangers of drinking chlorinated water:

Destroys intestinal flora (healthy bacteria in the gut) that can contribute to decreased immunity, acne, eczema, psoriasis, seborrhea

Destroys polyunsaturated fatty acids & vitamin E in the body

Generates toxins capable of free radical damage

Harms the body’s ability to create vitamin B12 & vitamin K

Mixes with other chemicals in the water to create carcinogens that accumulate in the body

Our recommendation is that you buy shower and bath filters and filter your drinking and dish water. After swimming shower as soon as possible to remove any remaining chlorine (this is especially important for hair as chlorine can kill those locks!) and soak in epsom salt bath at home to help remove chlorine.

Have you had or know anyone that has suffered adverse affects from ingesting chlorine or bathing/showering?

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Posted in Green Living, Scandle Candle | No Comments »

Constant Craving

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

It seems nearly every day I have some type of insatiable craving that I typically just give into and during this time of day/month…its definetely CHOCOLATE! But if you’re trying to stick to a diet or trying to weed out those foods that are bad for you…this can be no bueno!:(

The most important thing to do to put a damper on your cravings is to slow down. When we’re mindful of what we’re packing in our “pie hole” (lol) we can become more aware of what we really need as opposed to what we THINK we need or want.

Here are some other ways to kick the craving curve:

*Keep it out of sight and out of mind. If it’s not easy to get to, you’ll be less tempted to indulge in your craving.

• Identify what you’re craving and see if there is another option. Maybe it’s the ritual versus the need.

• If you are feeling you truly need something see if there is a healthier choice Again adding fiber, for instance, and a bit of sustenance will help you keep your craving at bay.

• Take a bite and then step away from it! Easier said than done right? Well give it a try. You might find that the one bite was just enough!;)

So what do you crave? Sweets, salt, a vacation! lol Let us know?

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Posted in Scandle Candle, weight loss | No Comments »

Spa Pizza

Friday, February 17th, 2012

Everyone loves pizza, and there are as many kinds as the imagination can conjure up. Here is a recipie from Green Mountain Spa.

INGREDIENTS:

If you are fortunate to have a bakery nearby that sells frozen pizza dough, try that, or use a ready-to-bake pizza crust from the supermarket.

Fresh Tomato, Prosciutto and Arugula Pizza 2 9-inch pizzas

Pizza Crust* 2 9-inch prepared crusts (like Boboli) or Pilsbury pizza crust that you find in refridgerated section next to cookie dough!

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

2-3 medium ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced

6-8 thin slices Prosciutto (about 2 ounces)

1 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese (2 ounces)

1 cup stemmed arugula leaves

*Heat oven to 450 degrees. (If using a pizza stone, place it on the bottom rack of the oven and preheat for 30 minutes.)
*Prepare dough rounds as directed.
*Lightly brush rounds with olive oil.
*Arrange tomato slices on dough leaving about ½ inch border and brush with olive oil.
*Bake until crust edges are slightly brown (about 6 minutes).
*Lay Prosciutto slices over the tomatoes and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup per pizza round).
*Continue to bake until cheese melts (about 3 minutes).

*Remove pizza from oven
*Toss arugula with 1 tablespoon olive oil and top each pizza with ½ cup arugula.
*Serve!!!

Recipe courtesy of Green Mountain at Fox Run***

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Posted in Healthy Recipies, Scandle Candle | No Comments »

Tattoos to Treat Hair Loss

Wednesday, February 15th, 2012

When I read about this treatment I started thinking about “spray on hair”. You probably have seen it? It’s a spray can that typically men use to cover up that bald patch that appears on the crown of their head, but washes off with water. Great idea…just not so practical if it starts to rain! LOL

The revolutionary form of cosmetic tattooing, which recently launched in Manchester UK, gives people who are naturally bald the illusion of sporting a buzz cut hairstyle. According topatients, the product looks “natural and isn’t too intense,” whereas a lot of the transplants and the plugs can look very false and cost a small fortune.

Ian and Ranbir developed the idea for Micro Hair Technique after Ian developed alopecia, following the death of his brother, who was Ranbir’s husband, from cancer.

A standard treatment consists of up to three separate sessions, costing no more than £3,000 (around $4700 USD) in total, a fraction of what some hair transplants or wig maintenance costs.

Clinics are available in The UK, New York, and Los Angeles. Future locations are scheduled to open in Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco, Miami and Houston.

So what do you think of this new form of cosmetic tatooing? Would you have someone tattoo your head or would you rather join Hairclub for Men (or women)?;)

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Posted in Hair Treatments, Scandle Candle, Trends | 1 Comment »

Love Your Body & Sole

Monday, February 13th, 2012

Went in for a massage last week and I think that everyone in the entire building could hear me screaming for mercy! lol I thought, there has to be a better way to relieve muscle pain than pay someone to give me more? Well, I was reading about another form of massage called reflexology that, just like deep tissue or hot stone massage, offers a soothing, relaxing way to relieve the stress in our bodies in a way that doesn’t feel like you’re being beaten with a stick…at least not your whole body!:)

Foot reflexology is a detailed foot massage where the foot is massaged slowly to help with the build up of muscle tension represented through the presence of scar tissue which may feel like little crystals under the skin on the bottom of your feet to the therapist.

To learn foot reflexology, experts suggest that you refer to a chart of the foot (like the one above) to learn the muscles, tendons, and bones of the feet. Next, read books and watch videos to gain a comprehensive understanding of the theory behind reflexology, especially how pressure points in the foot are believed to gauge health in other areas of the body. Releasing pressure in a particular area of the foot is believed to accelerate health in a corresponding organ. A reflexology chart will outline which part of the foot is associated with other areas of the body.

So what’s your take on reflexology? Do you think such a massage would be beneficial to helping you relieve overall muscle tension?

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Posted in Foot Massage, Scandle Candle, Trends | No Comments »

Need A Good Lubing?

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

Do you remember that Vaseline commercial that says, “Skin so dry you can WRITE the word ‘dry’ on it”? Welp, that would be mine right now! Every winter I suffer from dehydrated skin and it’s not pretty!

When it comes to hydrating your skin, you should know that no moisturizers are created equal. Most moisturizers go heavy on the water and waxes, but they often sit on top of your skin instead of really sinking in. It’s actually the oils that are absorbed best by your skin

Oils mimic your skin’s natural sebum and help it to retain its natural moisture longer. Pick a cream or lotion that is oil-based to moisturize your body, or better yet, a body oil like Scandle Body Massage Oil Candles. Your skin will thank you!:)

What other tips/tricks do you use to keep your skin hydrated during the winter months?

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Posted in Scandle Candle, Soy Candles, Winter Care | No Comments »

Beauty You Can Eat

Tuesday, February 7th, 2012

Just imagine eating chocolate that prevents acne and doesn’t make your hips spread…now that’s what I’m talking about! Well, the good news is there is an emerging trend of edible cosmetics in the beauty industry that allows you to eat your way to clearer skin, healthier hair, and brighter eyes.

While women have long ingested pills and vitamins in order to grow healthier hair, stronger nails, and glowing skin, this next generation of edible cosmetics include vitamins, herbs, fruit extracts, and a host of other good-for-you compounds that not only taste great but are calorie-free!

Long popular in Europe and Japan, the new industry is just catching on in America, thanks in no small part to celebrities seen carrying the products and their almost-as-famous doctors.

Edible cosmetics are available in a variety of forms, including candy chews, gummies, drinks, and concentrates that range in potency. But the real question is do they work? Doctors and nutritionists are skeptical.

”Good skin does not come from slickly marketed beauty drinks and foods, but from vegetables, whole foods, and plain water,” critics say. (seems like there’s always a party pooper!):(

Although we don’t advertise it, did you know that Scandle Candles are completely safe for consumption? Because of their all natural composition, Scandles are healthy for your skin, the environment, and even snacking! But we don’t really recommend it as they don’t taste very good alone, but maybe w a side of chocolate syrup and your fave hunky “dish”!;)

What do you think of this new category of “neutriceuticals”? Would you try edible makeup?

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Posted in Scandle Candle, Trends, cosmetics | 2 Comments »

Holy Guacamole without Avocados!

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

I was reading on Yahoo! that a projected 71.5 million pounds of avocados will be consumed during the Super Bowl this Sunday, which, to me, is bewildering since I’m actually allergic to it, or the main ingredient in it…Avocados!:(

So, if you’re like me and you like to have something tasty to pair with your tortilla chips (and Carona’s) this Sunday, besides salsa, dive into this Sweet Pea Guacamole recipie and let the games begin!:) But if you still prefer your Guac with traditional Avocados, make sure to check out the post earlier this week for Traditional Guac and Guac with Pomegranite!

2 packages frozen peas

3 tablespoons vegetable broth

2 tablespoons light mayo

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons choppped cilantro

2 teaspoons chopped jalapeno

1/4 teaspon cumin

1/4 teaspoon chli powder

2 tablespoons chopped tomatoes

2 tablespoons green onion tops, chopped

Thaw peas then puree to smoothe consistency. Stir in remaining ingredients until well dispersed.

Do you have a favortie Guacamole recipie? Come on…let’s all do our part to keep the “green-goo” part of the superbowl tradition!;)

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Posted in Healthy Recipies, Scandle Candle | No Comments »

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