Friday, December 7, 2012

Holiday Readathon: Update 1 & Mini-Challenge

 
 
 
Hello Everyone! If you are here for the 7th post of #12 Days scroll down for the review and entry widget! While your here however check out my special post for the HOLIDAY READATHON. This is the third year of the event. Lisa is a great host so join us!




                                I  put all my to read books into a book tree!
Friday
Books Read: 7
The Ececutor by Evans & Mutti GN
August Moon by Diana Thung   GN
Superman Earth One Volume 2  GN
Queen Crab  GN
DC Universe Legacies GN
Christmas Almanac
Saturday:
Books Read:1
A Hope Springs Christmas

Sunday:
Books Read:
 Breathless: by Sophie Jordan (novella)
MINI-CHALLENGE


Today I'm going to be talking about how Aromatherapy can bring enjoyment and relaxation to your Holiday Season.

One of my favorite Aromatherapy companies is AURA CACIA . They have a wonderful website full of recipes for you to try. I like Aura Cacia because of the quality of their oils, their accessibility ( available at Whole Foods and other supermarkets), and their affordable price points.

A few warnings about using essential oils:

Always do a skin test on your wrist to check for allergies. Testers at the store are great for this.

Wash your hands after usage and avoid touching your face and eyes.


Quality of oils effect the price. If it is a high quality organic oil it will cost more.


Buy a separate set of mixing bowls, bottles, etc for blending oils or making aromatherapy products.

Keep oils in a cool , dry place.


Here are some of my favorite oils and tips on how to use them:





Rosemary

A natural antiseptic. I add a few drops of this too unscented hand wash for a wonderful smell and germ protection.




                                                Clove Bud

In the olden days cloves were placed in Oranges for an aromatic addition to the room. I combine Clove and Sweet Orange for a wonderful holiday smell.

                                                         

Spearmint & Peppermint

Very invigorating! I add a few drops of either of these oils in a spray bottle with some distilled water and spray it on myself and the car for an energy boost.



Lavender

A whiff of Lavender is a many oasis for a busy Holiday Season. you can add drops to your bath, a distilled water spray or my new favorite trick place a few drops on bookmarks, let dry and add a wonderful component to your reading experiencing.



I also highly suggest this wonderful book to learn more about using  aromatherapy year round



Now for the Mini-Challenge !!  Tell me what scent evokes the Holiday season for you? Share your favorite Holiday Smell or Recipe in the comments section for a chance to win! Also if this is your first time to my blog check out all the #12 Days posts for a chance to win an additional prize of a $30.00 GC!




 
 
 
 
 
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12 Days: Day 7: The Gingerbread Pirates by Kladstrup & Tavares

 
 

 
 
My main post today is about scents. One of my favorite smells is Gingerbread, Hmmm, Gingerbread ! So I thought this review would match it quite well ;)
 
 
It's Christmas Eve and Jim, and his Mother have made a Pirate Crew out of Gingerbread. Jim immediately becomes attached to Captain Cookie and keeps him by his bedside. Captain Cookie however is disturbed.

He has heard that someone called Santa Claus is on his way and his pirate crew is in danger of being eaten! So Captain Cookie is on a mission to rescue his crew from the hungry Claus! Captain faces dangerous stairs, hungry rats and the dreaded Claus himself.
This was such a cute read. I really loved Tavares art, the Gingerbread cookies are so cuteand I loved the storyline. A wonderful book to read to kids . :)
 
 
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