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