Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials, known as essential oils, and other aromatic compounds for the purpose of altering a person's mind, mood, cognitive function or health. Aromatherapy originated in Europe in the early 1900s and has been widely used since this time. With many people concerned about their health and looking for alternatives to western medicine, aromatherapy is becoming a popular form of healing

Essential oils are extracted from a plant's flowers, leaves,  bark, or roots from a complex extraction process. The oils are mixed with carrier oils and then applied to the skin by massage or rubbed on the bottom of the feet. Essential oils can also be inhaled directly or through a diffuser or mixed with alcohol and sprayed in a room.

Essential oils are now being used in skincare products, perfumes and candles.

Using therapeutic grade certified oils is essential to producing the best results. These oils are in their purest forms and have not been diluted with other oils. The oils I am currently using are from Doterra.  These oils are so pure some can be ingested.  The higher quality oils also don't require more than just a drop of use for the desired result.

I am so proud of Playa Blu 's new aromatherapy line. This line consists of eye pillows and spritzers. The pillows are all handmade and machine embroidered. The pillows come in different designs, colors are formulas. Each pillow is made from super soft, silky satin machine washable fabric that feels great on your eyes. The pillows are filled with a mixture of flax seeds, herbs and therapeutic grade essential oils. I have created 4 different blends; relaxation, invigorating, balance and breath ( for sinus and allergies). I have also added the spritzers with the aromatherapy blends to refresh the pillows or to be used as a room spray. 

These pillows are great to use during yoga savasana, to relax and unwind, to refresh and increase your mood, to help with eye strain or stress, for a mild headache or sinus pressure or to block out light when sleeping. The pillows can be heated in the microwave or cooled in the freezer to be used as hot/cold packs.

*Remember: Always consult your doctor before using essential oils if you are pregnant or nursing.*

Disclaimer 
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

NEW~Summer Cocktail Sugar/Salt scrubs!!

Just in time for summer this new line of sugar/salt scrubs look simply delicious!! 

The scrubs will come with the adorable cocktail glass shown in each picture (for a limited time).  These make great party favors for weddings or showers and great gifts for Mothers day.  Choose from 3 different scents;  refreshing Pink Lemonade made with pink Himalayan salt and organic coconut oil, Sweet Margarita made from pure cane sugar and organic coconut oil or my favorite Yummy Pina Colada made with fresh sea salt, pure cane sugar and unrefined coconut oil. They are available now on the site

This weekend only!!!!!

At Playa Blu

Playa Blu

The Niacin Flush

The first time I took Niacin 500 mg I had the strangest experience, which is very common I have come to find out.  First I felt little pin pricks all over the top of my head, next my ears were on fire!!! My face turned bright red including my ears and neck.  The redness slowly crept down my chest all the way to my arms and legs.  I felt heat all over my back and face.  I can honestly say I did not like this at all!!  But after much thought I decided to give it another try.  I took it again, first thing in the morning  on an empty stomach and had the same experience however this time I kind of liked it.  When I thought about what was happening, all my capillaries opening up and releasing toxins, I started to enjoy the feeling. I had a feeling that this must be good, getting blood flowing and moving through out the body, sending oxygen to my organs and creating heat in the body. I did do some research and I was correct, niacin does open up the capillaries and push blood through out the body releasing toxins.  In fact, the detoxing affect is great for weight loss and  I also noticed an elevation in my mood, I mean jump in the air and click your heels kind of mood. So after the initial shock, I am now hooked on Niacin.  There is a non-flushing type of niacin but I have read that this is ineffective and not to use it.  Another option to reducing the symptoms is to take a regular aspirin 1/2 hour before taking niacin. I have also learned that too much niacin can have a negative effect on the liver, so I am not taking it everyday. So in the end the niacin flush is a good experience and as more research is done on it I am sure we will hear many more positive things about niacin and the benefits of taking it.

Please note; this was my experience with niacin and I am in no way recommending this supplement to anyone and would advise you to consult your physician before taking any type of supplement.

ONCE YOU GO NATURAL YOU CAN NEVER GO BACK!

I have been using my own all natural skin care line from Playa Blu  for about 9 months now.  I was happy with the results I was getting but I didn't really understand the difference these products would have on my skin until I went back to using some of my store bought products. For Christmas a friend gave me a gift from a well known bath and body shop. This gift included a shower gel and body lotion.  I felt that I should at least try it even though I had all of my own products available.  So I used the gel on my legs and immediately after my shower my legs began itching and burning.  Now I know it was not only this product because in the past I have used products from this company with no problems.  The reason for my reaction I am sure, is that I have only been putting natural and organic products on my skin for 9 months now and my body did not like the chemicals. My body responded immediately to the chemicals in this product. This would not have affected me in the past because I was used to using these items. This just shows how damaging the effects of the chemicals can be and most people don't even know it. 

 The second event happened when I used a new eye shadow that I had really wanted from again, another well known brand.  I had only been using my vegan eye shadow from Tick Tock Cosmetics for the past 6 months and I loved the results.  But I really wanted to try this new brand.  So I used my new eye shadow for the first time, I  felt an immediate difference in the way this product felt on my lids compared to my Tick Tock Cosmetics.  It felt coarse and rough going on, not smooth and silky and  later that day my eyelid became inflamed, turned red and hurt. Again I am sure that had I been not using a natural product I would not have had the reaction I did.  But what does that really say.  Our body's have become so accustomed to the chemicals in our products that they don't even react to it anymore. I am sticking with all natural from here on out. This experience has made me even more confident in my decision to go all natural when it comes to skin care, after all the proof is in the pudding.

FITNESS IN 2014

I have to say I stumbled upon something really fabulous and will come in handy for resolutions in 2014.  It all happened by chance.  I was at the Verizon store with my son who wanted to upgrade his phone and in order for them to buy back the old one we needed to buy some accessories.  After browsing all the options I settled on the FIT BIT.  I had never heard of this before, and it looked interesting. If you don't know what it is, it is a tracking devise to measure your total steps or calories in a day.  It is really cool, you can link it to your computer, iphone or ipad (if you have current ones).  It is a bracelet that stays on your wrist and is water proof.  Every time you go near the devise you linked it to, it automatically updates the info.  The program also has a way to track your food, water and activities for the day.  All you have to do is charge it periodically and wear it all day.  It is kind of like the modern day pedometer.  I really like this product, I know when I use tracking devises and food logs I always stay loyal to my programs. Here's to a fit 2014!!

BLUE SOLAR WATER

I have been hearing about the benefits of drinking blue solar water a lot lately, so I decided to give it a try. Studies have shown that water put in the blue solar bottles and put in the sun will raise the frequency of the water using the sun's rays to help purify and change the structure of the water molecules.  According to Ho’o pono pono this purified water is meant to heal deep emotional wounds.

It is easy to make, just purchase your solar blue bottle and fill with purified or spring water, then set in the sun for 1 hour or more. You can drink it, cook with it and even bath in it.

I received my bottle in the mail yesterday and here it is getting sun.

I have been drinking my solar water for 1 day now and I can tell you that it tastes amazing.  I can definitley taste a difference in the water.

EXCESSIVE HAND WASHING

I find that I am constantly washing my hands, I don't know if its a germaphobic thing or that I just clean too much.  Anyways due to all the washing, my hands have become extremely dry.  I tried store bought liquid soaps that were supposed to be moisturizing and this only made it worse.  I decided to create my own liquid soap with all natural castile soap, oils and essential oils.  Wow!! what a difference.  I love this new soap, it is gentle, smooth and does NOT dry out the skin. I used a foaming bottle which makes for a nice foaming soap. So far I have made it in peppermint and citrus, both of which I love.  It is a mild scent that leaves a nice aroma on your hands.  The natural oils leave a protective coating on the hands that keep them feeling moisturized after every washing.  I had a guest visit this weekend, whom tried the soap and loved it.  She loved the smell and the moisturizing the soap offered. She has requested I make some for her son who has a compulsive hand washing ritual, I am hoping this will help him with his excessive dryness due to over washing.  NOW AVAILABLE in 2 sizes and 2 scents in my shop  I have the large 8 oz bottle which is perfect for bathrooms and kitchens and the small travel size 1.6 oz bottle.  This small size is a great way to sample the product before committing to the larger size and easily fits in your purse or bag.  The soap comes in sweet citrus and tangy peppermint, both are fabulous~

GORGEOUS DANCE BAG

Sassy Kat Boutique has done it again, and created another gorgeous personalized dance bag. This sweet little dancer has a real tutu made from tulle and is blinged out in real swarovski crystals. Add her name and this makes the best gift. Hurry you can still order this in time for Christmas!!!

MORE CANDLES

More Soy based Candles in amazing scents are coming soon to Playa Blu !!!! These candles will continue with the positive inspiration theme that the super size lip balms carry and will be made to align with the Feng Shui tips seen on this blog...

LOCAL PICKUP AVAILABLE

Good News!!! Save the shipping costs~Playa Blu now offers FREE local pickup for all orders in the Phoenix and surrounding areas of Az.

LIP CHATTERS

Playa Blu is Spreading the Love!!! 

We have launched another new product called Lip Chatters.  This product is meant to spread a positive message out there to all of its users.  The balms have an uplifting quote on each tube and with each application of the balm the user is intended to express the statement.  

What better way to spread positive energy then to make "Happy Statements"!  There are 5 different flavors, with 5 different labels and quotes. Each tube is a super size balm and equal 1/2 fl oz compared to the 1/5 oz of most balm tubes.  The lip balm is made from all natural ingredients and is infused with positive Reiki energy before production. The intention here is to repeat the statement on the tube each time it is used.  An example of the quote is "With these lips I express gratitude".  Check them out at Playa Blu !!!

NEW CUP O' JOE SOY CANDLE

Playa Blu is in the process of creating soy and palm wax candles.  The first item to launch is the Cup O' Joe soy candle.  This fun, festive candle looks just like its name, a cup of coffee.  The first candle has been scented in cappuccino and vanilla.  I am doing the test burn right now and will have these up on the site very soon.  The scents available will be; cinnamon buns, angel food cake, birthday cake, banana nut bread and monkey farts. 
COMING SOON~

The Test Burn in process~

GEARING UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Playa Blu is busy creating special Holiday items all scented in peppermint for fun, festive gift ideas.  The products can be purchased individually or in decorative gift baskets with added treats and spa supplies. So far we have lip balm in special tubes, peppermint bark exfoliating Shea butter soap bars and new today is a peppermint salt scrub, made with pink Himalayan sea salt. Dec 2nd Playa Blu will be participating in a cyber Monday flash sale hosted by Lu & Ed and all items will be 30% off that day only!!!!

AROMATHERAPY FOR HEADACHE RELIEF

I have had the worst headache all day long and nothing was helping, I took aspirin and Advil and still I had this headache.  So I pulled out my trusty aromatherapy book in hopes of finding some relief.  I followed the instructions for a headache and about 10 minutes later is was totally gone, Amazing!! Next time I will skip the medicine and go straight to the essential oils. 

 Here is the recipe.

2 drops of any vegetable oil (I used jojoba oil)
2 drops of lavender essential oil
3drops of pepermint essential oil

rub it on your temples, hairline and back of neck.

WHAT IS REIKI ENERGY YOU ASK?

Reiki is an energy and system of healing (universal energy).  Reiki has been used to treat virtually every known illness from migraines, broken bones, to fatigue and personality disorders.  Reiki works on all levels; physical, mental, emotional and spiritual to promote healing.  Reiki can be used to heal animals, people at a geographical distance from the healer, past traumas and future events. Reiki flows through the healer to the recipient. Because Reiki is universal energy it can only heal and cause no harm.

Reiki can be passed on to objects also.  Just as one may pray over their food, Reiki can be directed into the food before consumption.  I infuse all of my ingredients with Reiki energy before I make my skincare products.  This purifies the ingredients of any negative energy that may be attached to them.  I have found that these products actually give my skin a natural glow because of the positive energy in them.

To use Reiki energy you must complete a training program in which a Reiki master passes the energy on to you.  Once you have this training then you may be able to use this energy to help heal others.  I use Reiki often to heal my pets, I witnessed a cat go from  deaths door  to complete recovery with no other means of healing other than Reiki.

As with any alternative healing method, I am sure their are skeptics,out there.  I will leave it up to you to decide if Reiki energy is beneficial to health and wellness.  To give my products a try please visit http://www.playablu.com/ 

Love and blessings~

Reuse-Recycle Program

Save the environment and save money too~ It came to me when I was reusing my deodorant bottle. I cleaned it out, sanitized it and then refilled it with my natural deodorant. Why not offer this to customers too. This will save on costs and make a little difference in landfill waste. The program will be as follows; after you have purchased a product from me and you "LOVED" it so much you would like another. Just mail back the original container, I will clean and sanitize the container and refill it with the product you have choosen and ship it out to you. You will be rewarded with a 40% discount on the item you purchased. And we can both feel good about recycling and helping the environment.

NEW Certified Organic Line

I am so happy to announce that Playa Blu will now carry a certified organic line of products from By Valenti Organics.  With this new addition we now have products just for baby's, made from the finest organic ingredients.  Also, we will be carrying Sugar Lips, lips scrubs_Yum!! And my favorite Vegan shampoo bars!!! All the new products are up on the site so check them out at Playa Blu

We have added some more adorable Mommy & Me gift baskets to the line.  Check them out below.
We have 1 in blue for boys, 1 in green for unknown and a brand new pink basket since the first 1 sold!

New Product Line

Playa Blu has teamed up with Sassy Kat Boutique to create wonderful gift baskets for Mom and baby called Mommy & Me.  This is such a great idea for baby showers.  New moms definitely need a little pampering after taking care of the little one.  These baskets are designed to give a cute, practical gift for baby and then some very much needed skincare products for moms.  There will be a basket for baby girls and a basket for baby boys.  Once the basket sells a brand new basket will be created with new items. This first basket, made for baby girls has the cutest handmade shoes and matching headband, it also holds sweet hand dip dyed bloomers in shades of pink, the whole set is made to match and fits babies 0-6 mo's.  For Mom we have included  pink tinted lip balm since she most likely won't have time to put on makeup, a little colored lip balm works great. Next we gave her some exfoliating face wipes, these are so easy and convenient to use, since she won't have much time for bathing, just rub on your face and go.  And lastly we gave mom our super moisturizing body balm, this works great on dry cracked hands and feet. She can rub this on her feet before bed, put on socks and head off to sleep, at least until baby wakes her up. This basket also includes a super soft microfiber cloth that works great for both baby and mom.  This is a gift I am sure any new Mommy would appreciate greatly.  Check it out  here