Holiday Gift Ideas & Stocking Stuffers

Winter is here for sure .. the weather outside is frightful as the song goes. The hustle & bustle of holiday shopping, the stress of getting 'everything' done ..

Take a moment to visit this lovely meditation room .. that I hope will give you a few moments of calm and peace.

Visit the Meditation Room: winter_loader

Mercury in Mascara?
Minn. Law Bans it.AP News AccessNorthGA

By MARTIGA LOHN
Associated Press Writer
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The quest for thicker lashes and defined eyes should get safer in Minnesota on Jan. 1, when a state law banning mercury from mascara, eye liners and skin-lightening creams takes effect.

Minnesota apparently is the first state in the nation to ban intentionally added mercury in cosmetics, giving it a tougher standard than the federal government

Federal law allows eye products to contain up to 65 parts per million of mercury. The exposure a person would get from a product used in small quantities around the eyes would not cause a problem, Bailey said.
Visit this page to read more: Mercury in Mascara?

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Breast Cancer knows no boundaries. So many in my immediate family and close friends have been down this road. Those who know me, know my opinion about chemotherapy. Saying that, every individual has the right to make their own 'personal choice' on what type of medical care / treatment they want.

The following article may be of interest to you:

Test may spare many women chemotherapy

By Judy Peres Tribune staff reporter December 14, 2007

from Chicago Tribune

SAN ANTONIO - A gene test can help doctors determine which breast cancer patients are likely to benefit from chemotherapy, even for those whose tumors are relatively more advanced, researchers reported Thursday.
Visit this page to read more:
Test may spare many women chemotherapy -- chicagotribune.com

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Well, I hope you are back from reading the articles .. as the holiday shopping count down is on, why not get cozy with a cup of your favorite tea, hot cocoa or coffee and visit our site for some easy and affordable Holiday shopping.

Some great stocking stuffer ideas:

Himalaya Salt Crystals:

Handmade Aromatic Soaps - Herbal, Herbal Infused, Natural Soaps
Our all natural handmade soaps with our SunRose blends are of the highest quality, and are as fragrant as they are beautiful. Our new Rosemint Mint is my new favorite.

Mini Terra Cotta Aroma Stone Gift Sets:
Great for your desk at work, the care, dresser draws, a nice gift idea.!

Our Chakra Synergies w/ Booklet & so much more, look through gifts ideas, jewelry, essential oils, blends, etc. So, if you just feel like surfing the site please visit:

SunRoseAromatics.com

And at check out, in the comments section, from now til December 20th, 2007,
get an additional 5% off orders of $75.00 or more, just write ~
' Blog gift 07 / 5% discount.'

See now, aren't you glad you read to the bottom of this blog.!!
Merry Christmas!

~ Til next time, Rosanne
www.SunRoseAromatics.com

Winter Solstice & Seasons Greetings

The days are shorter now. Winter is setting in, the snow squalls happening here are interesting, to say the least.
The garden has the winter look, the holiday lights are twinkling in the crisp night air, making it feel magical.

Tis the season, of sniffles and colds .. so be sure to have the 'necessities' on hand. Fill the house with scents of yummy soups and chili. Chicken soup the 'cure all' for sure.

There is a beautiful site I would like to share, its called 'the Next 7 Generations, The Grandmothers Speak'. They are the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers. Here is the YouTube link -
Click here: YouTube - For the Next 7 Generations: The Grandmothers Speak
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKGXpK8LXR4

More and more people are becoming aware of the crisis on this planet. Hopefully, with time we will have more elders that we can go to .. that will share and teach us the simple teaching and healing of Mother Earth.

The Winter Solstice, which is also known as Midwinter, occurs around December 21st or 22nd each year. It is the shortest day (or longest night)of the year. It is typically recognizing a time of 'rebirth' and spending time with loved ones.

Referred to as 'Yule' a Germanic Pagan festival of the rebirth of the Sun.
The Yule log was believed to bring beneficial magic and kept burning for at least 12 hours warming the both the house and those who lived there.

The Himalayan Crystal Salt Lamps give that soft and peaceful warmth to any room. We also offer the Himalayan Crystal Candle holders either of which will give that cozy feeling on those cold winter nites.

Visit our Gift page and scroll down to end :
http://sunrosearomatics.com/catalog/shop/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=19&cat=Gift+Ideas

Sometimes, it is the simple gifts that bring the most joy. We hope you will find a gift to bring joy to those you love.

Stay cozy and warm, til next time
Rosanne
www.SunRoseAromatics.com

Thanksgiving & Giving Thanks

The Season of Thanksgiving, the weather is chilly, the leaves are almost gone now, though just this morning I was out with my dog Sasha, the wind was strong, the music of the wind thru the trees to me is powerful magic. Then, to shatter the moment a plane went overhead and of course the cars are zoom zooming by. Ah yes, Life in the big city.

This is a tough time of year for many people. The holiday season fast approaching - is actually one of the most stressful times of year. As the big companies decorate and festivities are high with holiday cheer ... it is also a time of reflection. Another year almost over, we think of the losses, patterns we have not broken, that feeling of disconnection. Aloneness.

It is a very courageous person who can actually reach out to love. Love can be so scary .. yet we all crave that intimacy with another. We are human after all .. it is innate in us .. we are pack animals and not meant to be alone.

So, please, be sure to 'care for each other'. Reach out to that friend or family member, sharing of ourselves does not cost a thing. Yet, is one of the most rewarding things we can do for them and for ourselves.

Thank you, to all those that have been so supported of me and SunRose thru the years.

And in saying that .. if you are still reading with me here .. I am offering on Cyber Monday (November 26, 2007), a 10% discount for that day only .. regardless of any other promotion going on. Just be sure to include in the 'comments section' cyber monday 10% . When we process your order on that day, the 10 % off will be adjusted in your total .

The cold weather also means, windows closed, sniffles abound ..
Here is a recipe that has been helpful either in a diffuser, vaporizer or inhaler:

Breathing Formula -
Lavender, Eucalyptus globulus, Peppermint

Banish that cold! These oils are formulated to ease the stuffiness of a cold.

• Lavender has been known to be beneficial to the respiratory system.
• Eucalyptus globulus traditionally has be used for respiratory aliments.
• Peppermint has a dual action- cooling when hot and warming when cold.

This has made it a good remedy for colds by halting mucous.

If you don't want to make this yourself, please visit our diffuser blend page at: http://sunrosearomatics.com/catalog/shop/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=16&cat=Diffuser+Blends

Wishing you and your family, a peaceful, safe and loving Thanksgiving Holiday.

~ til next time,
Rosanne

Skin Care & New Product 'Ageless Elixir Facial Formula'

It is finally feeling like a 'true Autumn Day' in New York City. Blue skies and that brisk crisp in the air. Though the leaves are still mostly green, the hint of winter is definitely in the air.

I wanted to share an article that I believe is important for everyone to read.

The article is:

"I'll Have My Cosmetics With a Side of Infertility Please." http://www.alternet.org/story/66074/

After reading this article, it has really re-enforced for me the importance of using all natural products on our skin.

We are proud to announce a new product we have developed,
a 'Facial Formula * Pure & Natural':

Ageless Elixir Facial Formula

Includes: Apricot kernel, Maurla Organic,
Rose hip Seed Organic, Evening Primrose,
Sea Buckthorn Berry & Vitamin E.

* Highest form of Vitamins C, A & E for your skin.
* Hydrates, Nourishes & Reduces Redness.
* Good for mature, dry, sensitive or inflamed skin.
* May help prevent wrinkles.
* Non greasy & absorbs quickly.
* Apply after your ritual of cleansing your face.

Especially during the winter months, it is important to protect our skin from the harsh weather.

A 'free sample' is being offered when you place an order with SunRose. Just mention in the comments section that your would like a sample of the 'Ageless Elixir' and we will be happy to include it with your order.

Please visit our website: http://www.sunrosearomatics.com/

~ til next time, Rosanne

What's in that bottle???

Essential Oils: What’s Really in that Bottle?
Marketing hype or Myth??

One of the very first lessons I learned in my aromatic journey was 'know what to ask for'. Being curious, I asked, ‘what exactly does that mean?’ The reply (from my professor at Purdue, Jim Simon, currently at Rutgers)… “Know how to identify what it is you want to purchase”.

Even today, when some customers call, they are still not educated on what are the differences between essential oils, absolutes, resins, carrier oils, infused oils or fragrance oils. Allow me to shed some light on this.

* Essential Oils:
An essential oil is a product obtained from natural raw material, either by: distillation with water or steam or from the epicarp of citrus fruits by mechanical processing, or by dry distillation. They are concentrated extracts and should never be used ‘neat’ (directly) on the skin.

Essential Oils are found in:-
The flowers, leaves, bark, wood, roots, entire plant or fruit peel.

* Vegetable Oils (Carrier Oils):
Vegetable oils work to benefit skin and health. They are produced from nuts and seeds, producing oils, butters and fats.
For example: Sweet Almond, Sesame Seed, Shea butter, etc.

Essential oils are typically blended with some type of Carrier oil before applying to the skin or a skin care product.

* Fragrance Oils:
Fragrance oils are made out of synthetic material. This came to pass because an essential oil scent would vary from year to year depending on the weather conditions. (Too much rain, too little rain would stress the plant which would effect the scent). Especially for the perfume industry, they needed to ensure that the scent was identical every time they produced a fragrance.

More and more the trend today is to ‘go back to basics’. This is one of the reasons why Natural Perfumery is making such a big come back.

So, you’re looking for a certain essential oil?
No worries... Just be sure that the following basic information is on the bottle:

- Essential oil: Lavender
- Botanical Name: Lavendula angustifolia
- Country of Origin: France

The ‘botanical name’ and ‘country of origin’ are what identify the essential oil you are looking for, it’s 'fingerprint' if you will.

For example:

Essential Oils:
Lavender - Country of Origin could be France or Bulgaria
Rose Otto - Country of Origin could be Bulgaria or Turkey
Vetivert - Country of Origin could be Haiti or India

The scent will vary due to country of origin.

Absolutes:
Rose Absolute Morocco - Rosa centifolia
Rose Absolute Bulgaria - Rosa damascena

The above not only have different countries of origin, but also have different botanical names, be sure to identify the product you are looking for as it will affect the scent of these materials.

Some essential oils have many subspecies - i.e.:

Eucalyptus citridora (this has a lemon scent)
Eucalyptus dives
Eucalyptus globulus (the most common)
Eucalyptus polybractea
Eucalyptus radiata
Eucalyptus smithi

The examples above show - ‘what you want’, ‘what is in the bottle’ and knowing the botanical name is crucial.

Which 'chemo type' do you require?
Depending on the properties you desire, you will need to understand the composition of the essential oil. The ‘chemical constituent’ or the three (3) major classes of essential oil constituents:

* monoterpenes and their derivatives (monoterpenoids)
* phenyl propane derivatives
* sesquiterpenes and their derivatives.

We can get into some chemistry here, however, for the purposes of this article this is an overview. It would be advisable to get to know the different properties and why you would choose them.

For a little overview:
Essential oils with Linalool are found in coriander seed, lavender, clary sage, and linalool chemo type of thyme.

Properties associated with monoterpene alcohols:
• strong antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties
• vasoconstrictive properties i.e. menthol, linalool, geraniol can make the site of application feel cold.
• Tonic and general stimulant properties
• Sedative properties

Properties associated with sesquiterpene alcohols:
• Antiviral properties
• Farnesol found in i.e. rose and chamomile is an excellent bacteriostatic. It is well suited to skin care and deodorant products, as it is know to inhibit, rant than kill, growth of bacteria.
• Tonify muscles and nerves

Properties associated with phenols:
• very powerful antimicrobial properties
• skin and mucous membrane irritants
• general tonics and stimulants
• stimulants to the immune system.

Marketing hype or Myth?
We are all in the business to sell our essential oils. However, there is much marketing hype that exists. When you see: aromatherapy grade, therapeutic grade, etc., to the best of my knowledge, there is no such grading system in
this country.

What else would be helpful in purchasing your essential oils?
- Distillation date – when the material was actually distilled. Some essential oils have a longer shelf life then other. Be sure to store properly (cool, dry, dark areas) and tightly close the cap to extend shelf life.

- ‘Batch’ or ‘Lot’ number is important if there is an issue with the order. However, not always available. This way the seller can pinpoint the batch and identify it more readily. (If this is not available, the distillation date will help).

- Organic – You should be given the certifying program (i.e. Ecocert, NOP, etc). This may vary from country to country.

Some customers prefer only organic, other have no preference at all. Cost is a factor, due to organic oils being more costly. (do to all the strict farming laws and paper work).

As a side note: I would prefer all citrus to be organic if possible. The oil for this is cold pressed from the rind where the pesticides are sprayed.

The key is to be an informed buyer.
- Read the labels
- Essential oil & Botanical Name
- Country of Origin
- Organic / wild crafted / conventional
- Lot or Batch Number

Start a sample box. Samples are important to compare different country of origin, and different suppliers. As well as different years. I have aged Patchouli from 2000 that is wonderful, as you know; some oils just get better with age.

Breathe in the wonderful aroma and know that you 'get what you ask for'.

Books in my Library are many, but my ‘most used’ and favorites:

Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin by Stephen Arctander
The Essential Oils by Ernest Guenther (Vol I thru VI)
The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy by Salvatore Battaglia
Liquid SunShine / Vegetable Oils for Aromatherapy by Jan Kusmirek

Rosanne Tartaro,
SunRose Aromatics, LLC
www.SunRoseAromatics.com
Phone:718 794 0391

In Case of Emergency (ICE) Campaign

This year is moving along very quickly for me. I have saved alot of information that I wanted to pass along. One of them is the "ICE" Campaign.

Especially, I know that before 'speed dial' I had to memorize all of my important family contact numbers. However, today that is not the case. Most people have to refer to their phones to get a phone number.

That is why I think this is an important concept. Especially for our children.

'In Case of Emergency'

We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.

If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency?

Hence this " ICE" (In Case of Emergency) Campaign
The concept of "ICE" is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name "ICE" ( In Case Of Emergency).

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as "ICE".

It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest .

For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc.

Be sure it's in your kid's cell phones also.
A great idea that will make a difference!

Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our Mobile phones today.

~ til next time,

Workshop Photo's w/ Jennifer Jeffries

Jennifer Jeffries, ND
& Participants of
the 'Aromatherapy
Insight Cards'
Workshop at
SunRose Aromatics.

Jane Werthmann, Wendy Werthmann &
Kalle Petroski, some of the participants
at the workshop.

Jennifer in action.!

She is such a dynamic speaker.

That is Jean Smith, Life Coach.

Workshop weekend with Jennifer Jeffries

What an empowering weekend this was! Jennifer Jeffries, N.D. here from Australia, with her partner Toni Esser, on her North American tour of workshops and conferences.

Even the weather cooperated, as it was a balmy 85 degrees here in the big apple.
The workshop presentation was on Jennifer’s ‘Aromatherapy Insight Cards’.
She is such a charismatic personality, her knowledge and passion evident as each card was presented.

The cards themselves were a collaboration between Jennifer and illustrated by Karen Osborn who intuitively painted each card. The cards themselves were a work of art, each one a beautiful masterpiece.

Jennifer dedicates this project to the ‘healer inside of all of us.’

Sharing many antidotes on her Naturopathic and Aromatherapy clinic where she primarily works with the emotional talents of the essential oils. Jennifer believes that ‘we know’ how we need to rebalance our lives and regain all that we are searching for.

We need to ‘trust our intuition’, and look within ourselves to be open to answers that are being directed to us. Utilizing the “Insight Cards” as a guide in finding answers we are looking for.

It was a joy for me to be part of this workshop and I want to thank the women that attended for sharing the experience with us.

Hopefully, on Jennifer’s next visit to the US, she will ‘swing by’ and do another workshop here at SunRose in NYC.

Wishing Jennifer & Toni a safe journey on their US Tour, again, many thanks, and looking forward to doing more workshops in the future.

~ til next time,
Rosanne

EcoFest Continued with Friends

Just wanted to share some more pictures of the day:

Nicki from Khushi Day Spa & her boys.

They made the most yummy chocolate chips for us.

EcoFest Happenings

The day was a typical Autumn day in New York City, with blue skies and soft breezes. We could not have asked for a more perfect day. The other vendors had some amazing products: jewelry made from old traffic lights, environmental 'green' cleaning products, printing material made from banana, coffee beans, mango, etc. (very awesome and I will be looking into this) ..

A co-op in lower Manhattan that is an 'all green'' building, organic clothing which was just beautifully hand made. There was so much to see and learn about.

It was great to meet and greet clients that I have not seen in a while or who I met for the first time. Nicki from Khushi Day Spa and her beautiful boys, Kathleen Golden, L.Ac. a long time client and friend, Kenneth Wright from On Site Wellness, (212.488.0354) who does corporate 'wellness days' and so many more.

I want to thank the SunRose Staff for all the hard work that went into the preparation for the show: Sheila, Johanna & Gina! Could not have done this without you.

Bottom line though, we need to remember to take care of our 'natural treasures' before they disappear.

~ til next time.

Rosanne

EcoFest 2007 Preview

This photo was created for the Rainforest in the Philippines,
called - Mt. Hamiguitan, Davao Oriental, Mindanao (Island).
We hope that you will stop by and visit us -

Sunday, September 30, 2007
Damrosch Park @ Lincoln Center
West 62nd Street
Manhattan, New York

Join us!
See you there,
SunRose Aromatics

EcoFest News ~

We have gotten our booth location for the EcoFest at Lincoln Center on September 30, 2007.
The booth number is # 8, if you are looking at the stage we are on the left hand side, up front near the stage.

We hope you will enjoy the day and stop by to visit us.

Some folks have asked why we are doing this. Simple, those that know me .. know how deeply I feel about protecting the environment. which protects the raw materials from that particular area. The Rain Forest in the Philippines produces Copal and Elemi, which may be endangered if we do not act now to protect them.

Below is a summation written by John Yager of Journey Scent:

The Importance of the Rain Forest of Mount Hamiguitan & Surrounding Mountains ~

If you were to look at an aerial photograph of the Philippines you would find that very little of the original rain forest remains. The hows and whys of this forest destruction is a twisted and lengthy story, but can be summed up as a Philippine minister said in the "Asian Timber" of 1986 as 'severe exploitation and wanton plunder.'

If you were to focus on the southern island of Mindanao you would find only a few areas of virgin rain forest remaining. Most of Mindanao's forest was destroyed between 1951 and the 1970's by uncontrolled logging. We, the people of the United States were a part of this plunder.

Southeast Asia for example, produced 6.4 cubic meters of lumber in 1986 of which 1.6 million cubic meters was imported to the United States. Logging is not the only factor in the rain forest's demise. Landless, poor people, desperately trying to survive, have invaded the remaining rain forest with the practice of 'kaingin' or slash and burn agriculture and set it ablaze. Strip mining has claimed more forested acres.

If you were to scrutinize the aerial photograph of Mindanao you would find that the peninsula cradling the Davao Gulf contains a significant forest area. This forest exists on the slopes of Mt. Hamiguitan and the other nearby mountains in the province of Davao Oriental.

The importance of this forest cannot be over stated. The rain forest of Mindanao is part of the most complex rain forest on earth. We all know the importance of rain forests for the development of pharmaceuticals, agricultural crops and other products important to our modern lifestyle, but they are more important for other reasons. They are a storehouse of genetic diversity that we dearly need if we are going to reforest these tropical regions. These are not some transient forest form, but rather the most stable, longest enduring forest on earth. They provide stable slopes and clean water, and most of all they work to create a stable climate locally and all over the earth.

These remaining rain forests are invaluable to us. Even though a significant area of the forest is in the Mount Hamiguitan National Park, this does not insure the forests survival. For several years, during our visits to the Mt Hamiguitan area, we thought about how we could convince the forest people to conserve their forests. Words are cheap. These people, who include Mandayan and Mansakan natives, Rizalists, and others, are very poor. We realized, as others have also, that we needed to save these people if we were going to save the forests.

The forest people, along with subsistent agriculture, harvest the forest and market its products. They receive a very small percentage of the value of the products they sell. This is the way modern economics has worked. We needed to change this concept if we were going to convince them that the forest was a valuable resource. We needed to return more money to the people. We also recognized the importance of their having land outside the forest that they could use for agriculture. We set about purchasing land for their homes and agricultural use so they would be less inclined to practice kaingin. We helped them to plant crops and save their traditional communal gardens by creating an agricultural cooperative.

Enlightened local people, along with us, strove to develop sustainable forest products that will return a fair value to these people. The resins Gold copal and elemi are two such sustainable products. When you purchase these resins you are purchasing a sustainably harvested product whose net proceeds are returned to the forest people. This in turn works to preserve the forest.
At the present time cooperative members are finishing a longhouse/hotel in which adventurous visitors will be able to visit the forest and live for a while with the forest people. We are planting a botanical garden of noteworthy and rare tropical plants near the longhouse to further preserve biodiversity.. We also hope to interest a research organization to develop a continuing program there as well.

Eighty percent of the profits from this endeavor will go to funding local ecologically sustainable projects. They will be administered by a committee that includes a diverse representation of the local people who will evaluate and monitor the projects.

We the members of Journey Scent and the forest people of the Mount Hamiguitan area thank you for your support. We would also particularly like to thank SUNROSE AROMATICS for volunteering to display and promote our material at Ecofest 2007.

Sincerely, Journey Scent http://www.journeyscent.com

A new adventure .. blogging

This is my first blog, and though I have been attempting to master this process, needless to say, it is an adventure.

Saying that, I just wanted to share with you the goings on at SunRose Aromatics.

We have a booth at the upcoming http://www.ecofest.com/ on September 30, 2007 in Manhattan at Lincoln Center, we are sponsoring the Rain Forest in the Philippines.
Please visit if you are in Manhattan we would love to meet and greet.!

On Saturday, October 6th, 2007 we are hosting a workshop here at SunRose,
Jennifer Jeffries from Australia, NP. the owner of the Aromatherapy International Journal, author of various books, including her Aromatherapy Insight Cards.
Please visit our Workshop Page:

Essential Oils, Carrier Oils, Aromatherapy Products, Holistic Health, Chakra - SunRose Aromatics

On October 13, 2007 , Escape New York 2007
we donated 400 pieces of 2 oz Massage Blend we created for the
New York City Cycle Club who is having a Marathon in Manhattan for kids.
For more formation, please visit:

Escape New York 2007 (http://www.nycc.org/eny07/)

That's the upcoming happenings here at SunRose.
~ til next time. Rosanne
http://www.sunrosearomatic.com/