Lavender is a little purple flower with power. It carries with it a timeless charm, a gorgeous scent and a multitude of uses. These beautiful and fragrant blossoms have been grown in gardens worldwide for centuries, with several different varieties of the plant. Of which, English, French and spike lavender are the most popular.
The said little purple flower packs a punch. Besides creating luscious lavender smudge bundles to decorate your house, we’ve rounded up 6 other magical things you can do with this wonderful herb.
Since the ancient times, lavender has been used to cleanse and refresh. The word lavender has its root in the Latin word lavare, which essentially means to wash. Ancient Romans used the delightful flower to perfume their baths, bodies, beds and more, so we thought we’d recommend you to do so too!
Lavender linen water is a great addition to your regular laundry routine. Use it to fill up your iron to freshen your clothes while you press or pour it into a spray bottle and mist linens in your wardrobe.
You’ll need:
Combine the witch hazel (or vodka) and lavender essential oil in the jar and shake well for at least 20 seconds. Then, add the water to dilute the mixture and pour into your spray bottle, through the funnel. Shake well before use and mist away! You may also use the linen water as a pillow spray to help you relax and sleep better.
Not a fan of those spray things? Use lavender to whip up a batch of all-natural, homemade soaps! It’s perfect for everyday use and even makes a divine gift for your friends. Fret not if you’re a beginner soap maker, Eve Organic Beauty’s recipe is guaranteed to be easy peasy.
Makes 8 soaps
You’ll need:
Melt the goat milk soap base cubes over a double boiler on low heat, stir mixture until melted. Add alkanet root powder into the mixture and mix well. Pour into the silicone mould and add drops of lavender essential oil. Decorate with little bits and bobs of lavender buds and let dry for at least 24 hours.
For bi-coloured soap, melt cubes in two separate double boilers to have two mixtures. Pour the white soap base, wait 10 minutes until it hardens and then pour the coloured soap base.
Lavender is known to provide aid with stress and sleepless nights. It may not work like an over-the-counter melatonin pill, but it’s soothing scent will take the edge off your insomnia and induce sleep. In a 2006 research project, sleep-deprived college students inhaled either lavender or a placebo; those who used lavender slept better without disturbance and woke up more refreshed. Create little dreamy lavender-scented sleep sachets for a good night’s rest now. It may be all it takes for you to drift off.
You’ll need:
Fill each sachet with dried lavender flowers and add up to three drops of lavender oil. Tie tight with ribbon and place under your pillow or bedside table for restorative sleep.
Cleanse and refresh your skin with a simple lavender sugar scrub. Its excellent exfoliating properties will scrub off impurities and soothe all at once.
You’ll need:
Warm the coconut oil in the microwave for no more than 10 seconds. Then, mix the coconut oil and sugar together in a food processor or blender. Add dried lavender and pulse the food processor. Following so, add drops of lavender essential oil and mix well. For a purple hue, add food colouring Spoon into a glass jar and voila, you’ve made a lavender-scented sugar scrub!
Add lavender to honey for a gourmet taste and aroma! Drizzle over toast, scones, pancakes, granola… the possibilities are endless.
Makes approx. 180ml
You’ll need:
Warm honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the lavender. Let cool, cover and refrigerate overnight.
To ease your cocktail of nerves with a natural sleep aid, boil lavender buds in water and enjoy as lavender tea. Drop in as many buds as you wish. Super fuss-free, fragrant and fun! As an alternative, feed your passion for fragrance and explore Nilüfer’s Floral Blossom tea – it contains lavender and also includes an aromatic mélange of chamomile, cornflower, lemongrass and rose.
We hope our listed lavender-based DIY projects will enable you to learn valuable skills and have fun at the same time. Tell us which ones you dabbled in!
Many people can draw portraits, but seldom we see an artist who draws with warmth in their art. Chiho is one of those portraiture artist whose art is not only cute and elegant, but it also touches one’s heart. It isn’t easy to put feelings into a non-moving piece of item, but for Chiho, she has done it with her cute drawings and portraits.
She has traveled widely to many countries, and with each place, there is always a unique culture that makes it so special. Taking these experiences with her, Chiho could make art and draw through the eyes of those she came across during her travels. With rich insights to how different people live, she captures the essence of what makes each and every individual so unique and one-of-a-kind.
Hello everyone ! I am originally from Japan but currently based in Singapore as an artist. While I’m not traveling, I work as an art teacher at Studio Miu.
When I travel to other countries, I found that drawing portrait is a very good tool to communicate with local people. While different countries are bound by their own unique language, there are some things that people everywhere can find a common identity in. Especially, I believe music and art are some things that bind people and foster stronger bonds even though these people may not speak the same language. Traveling also opens new doors for me to escape from the daily routines and proactively evolve myself in a new place, a new life and with new people.
I can use my art as the medium to communicate with people while traveling. In exchange of my portrait art, I have experienced many kindness of people. For example, I am often invited to their homes or people share their food with me. Even though I do not speak their language that sort of kindness can be felt by my heart. Immersing in different ways of life has opened my eyes and heart to many new experiences, and there is always something new to be learnt. Being a freelance artist makes me think about what I really want to do and need to do. I really enjoy having control over my own life, of being who I really am and being surrounded by various opportunities.
I cannot travel as much as I want because I also work as an art teacher. So I start taking an online order to draw portrait so that my portraits can travel on behalf of me. I only draw a portrait manually not digitally. To track item after posting is my small enjoyment. Whenver my customer updates me about receiving their portrait together with their happy photos and a background of foreign scenery, it is the happiest time for me.
Never stop believing yourself, keep pushing yourself to achieve your dream or goal. Continue making one step, no matter how small it is. These small steps will lead to big leaps eventually. If it does not go well, you are probably in the wrong place, or the timing isn’t right, or that the crowd you are approaching isn’t right. Change your angle and don’t be afraid of trial and error.
Since I was young, I got close to my friend’s family very easily and I was often invited to their dinner at their home, which is not very normal in Japan. My parents were not very happy about this. I was taught that this was not a good things but when I am getting older, I realized that this is my special talent that I can enjoy adapting myself to a new environment and a new community easily. As it allows to express who I am and helps my artistic side blossom as a traveling portrait artist. 🙂
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Chiho's Website Order at ETSY |
Chiho can convey her kind and warm intents through her art that have been lovingly drawn by hand. She loves to spread happiness to people by drawing exclusive pieces. Her skill has given birth to many cute and wonderful portraits that are unique and convey a happy feeling to those who set eyes on it. She hopes to continue drawing for people all over the world with the purpose of making people smile.
If you are feeling a little unwell, think again before you pop your usual pills. Bach flower remedy is a natural and effective to ease your discomfort without the use of any chemicals or drugs.
Flower remedies are natural ways to bring balance to emotional states. With their natural fragrance, vibrant colour and their gentle yet powerful essence, it is no wonder we become happier and more relaxed when we are surrounded by flowers. Having a more well-balanced mood can also help to address some of the physical conditions and issues one may have. In fact, many times, bad moods and anxieties can actually cause some of the physical problems and make one feel unwell. Conventionally, almost everyone turns to medicines, drugs and other supplements. So when wonderful types of natural remedies like the Bach flower remedy come around, we love to share them. In fact, you may be fascinated by it as well. Although Bach flower remedies may sound too good to be true, we want to assure you that it is true and effective and we would like you to benefit from it.
Flower remedies are nothing new. They were discovered by a British M.D. and bacteriologist, Dr. Edward Bach, in the 1930s, and may even be older than both me and you. Flower remedies are healing essences made from the flowering part of a flower or tree. They are taken in internally as drops under the tongue, or as an alcohol tincture that already has flower essence diffused into it. Flower remedies are fairly different from aromatherapy. While aromatherapy utilises the olfactory system, flower remedies don’t. The latter doesn’t have a particularly unique scent and are used for balancing deep emotional conditions.
Flower remedies are considered vibrational medicine, similar to acupuncture and homeopathy, as they are very dilute and work on the subtle, bioenergetics field.
The Bach flower remedies hаvе a total оf 38 іndіvіduаl essences аnd аrе рrеѕсrіbеd ассоrdіng tо thе mооd and реrѕоnаlіtу of the раtіеnt, but nеvеr for thе рhуѕісаl соmрlаіnt. They simply rаіѕе your vіbrаtіоn аnd improve your mood, mаking уоu feel hарру. Rаthеr than ѕuррrеѕѕіng nеgаtіvе emotions or ѕуmрtоmѕ (аѕ we are ассuѕtоmеd tо in соnvеntіоnаl medicine and with соnvеntіоnаl drugs), thе remedies wоrk bу flооdіng uѕ wіth thе gооd feelings аnd vіrtuеѕ we need tо overcome our nеgаtіvе еmоtіоnаl ѕtаtе.
Tесhnісаllу speaking, the wау Bасh flоwеr remedies wоrk can bе understood more frоm a quantum science theory аnd a рrіnсірlе саllеd “ѕуmраthеtіс rеѕоnаnсе.” Juѕt аѕ еvеrуthіng lіvіng vіbrаtеѕ at a specific frеԛuеnсу, еmоtіоnѕ and thоughtѕ hаvе a ѕресіfіс vіbrаtіоnаl frequency tоо. Sо, imagine if уоu аrе experiencing jealousy аnd hatred. Thіѕ wоuld have a frеԛuеnсу whісh mіght lооk lіkе a big wаvе. If that’s the case, taking the holly flоwеr essence will help to calm and diffuse those negative emotions reset your mood to a positive on. The vіbrаtіоnаl frеԛuеnсу оf thаt essence іѕ a mаtсh to thе frеԛuеnсу оf that particular еmоtіоnаl state and it bаlаnсеѕ оut thе negative fееlіngѕ.
The 38 remedies in Bach’s system are rooted in nature. One of the more well-known blends is the Bach’s Rescue Remedy, which is a mixture of 5 different remedies. Using plants, trees, flowers and even a rock, we can harness their energy and transfer it into a solvent. When used, these flower-infused tinctures can pass their positive vibrations to us and alter our moods for the better. A system that is 100% kind, compassionate and simple, where the worst thing that can happen is nothing, means that these remedies can be used safely and effectively by all ages. For all symptoms, conditions and emotions, these remedies can help us to understand how we feel and make changes to the layers of our emotions to help us to heal and return to joy.
Bach’s aim was to devise a simple, effective and accessible way to people to help themselves and to take responsibility for their body. The remedies are organized and categorized, each of them accessing a different negative state (emotion) and helping to reverse the body to a more positive and therapeutic state. For example, people who are fairly prickly and jealous in the negative can take the holly essence and reset their natural state to become more giving, loving and accepting in the positive. By realising what you want to feel and allowing yourself to be being grounded in the present, the Bach flower remedy can assist to heal the wounds of the past and forge a stronger, brighter future.
Coffee and tea may be delicious, but drinking too much of it may result in you developing some form of caffeine addiction that can be worrying. If you are looking to change your go-to beverage because you are concerned about your daily caffeine intake, then fruity herbal options may just be your literal cup of tea.
Whether their tea bags have actual dried fruits in them, or that they’re merely infusions of your favourite fruit, a delicious hot fruity tea is an easy way to feel good and rehydrate. Their unique fragrances and acquired tastes are hard to beat, and some teas even have a sweetness that you will definitely love, like the Nilufer Tea’s Rose Paradise that has a subtle strawberry sweetness to it.
Here are some must-try fruity infusions that will be sure to lift your spirits.
A delightful mix of apple, zesty orange peel, orange flower, and other natural ingredients, Basilur’s Blood Orange infusion is the perfect citrus kick you need to refresh your day. It can be taken cold or accompany almost any dessert when warm.
If you’re feeling a little more playful, their Caribbean Cocktail with the taste of Papaya, pineapple, and coconut, will give you the beach vibes you need, making it the perfect tropical drink for any time of day. Who needs a Pina colada when you have a tea version of Pina colada?
It is recommended that you don’t use boiling water as it may ruin the tea leaves. However, letting the boiled water cool results in the evaporation of oxygen, leading to an eventual dissipation of the rich flavour of the brew. So it's better to heat the water to your desired temperature, slightly below a boil.
Stock up on these unique blends here.
Made with 100% natural ingredients, a cup of Twinings tea is not only refreshing and rich in flavour, but it also gives off a wonderful aroma, able to envelop all your senses simultaneously.
Their fruity infusions include flavours like Strawberry & Raspberry, Blackcurrant & Blueberry, and Mango & Strawberry.
Because these fruit and herbal teas are completely sugar free, their sweetness is natural and not so intense, unlike sugary drinks. These teas are relaxing, regardless of the time of day, your mood, or your choice of infusion.
Get brewing now.
Taking fruit infusions to a new level, Clipper Tea’s fruity offerings are sure to impress.
Their fragrant Orange and Coconut Infusion delivers a sharp tang of orange which is nicely complemented by the rounded creaminess of coconut. Experience summer and a tropical holiday a small tea cup for a momentary respite from life.
Other flavours include Organic Apple and Elderflower, and Blackcurrant and Açaí Berry, the latter of which superbly blended with hibiscus, rosehip, açaí berry, and blackcurrant. The sweet berry flavor will sure to perk you up.
Get yours here.
If you haven’t heard of Lipton, then where have you been? If you don’t know it yet, it is probably one of the more well-known teas around. Besides its classic black tea, Lipton has been developing several other types of teas, and one of the range is the Lipton’s herbal range that includes teas such as Berry Hibiscus, Peach Mango, Apple Cinnamon, and Lemon Ginger.
To experience this enchanting blend of sweet and fruity flavours, simply steep this herbal tea for three minutes. If you prefer to savour a more pronounced taste, steep your tea bag longer to allow more of the tea’s essence to diffuse into the beverage.
Conveniently packaged in 20 individually wrapped tea bags, this range of teas can be enjoyed either hot or iced, with your friends, or alone.
Get your organic fix with Nilufer Tea’s Rose Paradise Tea, which contains ingredients like strawberries, hibiscus, and rose. The sweetness of the strawberry dances on your tongue and the light and floral fragrance will delight your senses.
With absolutely no artificial flavour and void of all pesticide use, this tea sure does pack the punch. It is antioxidant-rich and high in vitamin A, C, and E, which are responsible for vibrant-looking skin and a heightened immunity.
What are you waiting for? Quickly make your purchase here so you can settle for that hot cuppa tea any time you need an invigorating pick-me-up.
Written by: Anna Fernandez
"When life gives you lemon, make lemonade."
This proverbial phrase has stuck around since time immemorial - and for a good reason. Few fruits can be as versatile as lemons. On their own, they might be a bit too sour to the taste, but when paired with sweet or savoury flavours, they spice things up a notch.
Apart from their culinary uses, lemons actually house a multitude of health benefits. Starting your day with a glass of warm water with lemon can go a long way in protecting your health. Read on to find out how incorporating lemons into your diet can offer a plethora of various health benefits!
Although lemons are high in citric acid, once digested, their minerals are dissociated in our bloodstream, which actually helps to alkalise our bodies. More often than not, our bodies are more acidic due to the large amount of meat and carbohydrates we consume. Consuming insufficient fruits and vegetables, which are alkaline in nature, can also result in an imbalanced body pH. A body pH that is too acidic can result in various diseases - such as eczema, acne, and premature aging.
Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which can help to fight cravings and make you feel full for a longer period of time. Thus, before every meal, drink a glass of lemon water with honey to prevent over-eating, and prevent the extra pounds from packing on!
Lemons have a high vitamin C content, which are powerful in boosting the immune system. By enhancing T-cell proliferation, Vitamin C helps to prevent allergies. However, since Vitamin C is not synthesised by our bodies, we have to religiously ensure that we hit the daily requirement of 500mg a day. While Vitamin C tablets can help to do the trick, turning to natural fruits and vegetables is still the best way.
A cup of warm lemon water can go a long way in clearing up your skin and giving you that fresh, clear complexion you have always wanted. The high Vitamin C and antioxidant content in lemons help to reduce skin aging by improving collagen production. No wonder Vitamin C facial products are always such a hit!
Incorporating lemons into your diet, be it through eating them directly or adding them to a glass of water, can help to improve digestion by increasing bile production, and flushing out toxins and unwanted materials out of the body. Lemons can also reduce symptoms of indigestion such as bloating.
The high content of citric acid in lemons can help to lower the risk of kidney stones, a study conducted at the American Urological Association reveals. Citric acid can help to eliminate or slow down the formation of kidney stones by forming urinary citrate, which helps to reduce the formation of crystals.
Although scurvy is no longer as prevalent as it was before, it still affects some adults, who are severely deficient in Vitamin C. In order to keep this debilitating disease at bay, ensure that you consume a sufficient amount of Vitamin C a day!
Lemon has always been known for its naturally detoxifying properties - many people add lemons into their detox plans to help them flush out toxins from their body. By acting as a gentle and natural diuretic, lemons increase the rate of urination and helps to increase the rate of toxin removal from our body.
Vitamin P, which are bioflavonoids that help Vitamin C perform its function, are found in lemons. Vitamin P can help to strengthen blood vessels and therefore improve blood circulation, reducing the risk of high blood pressure.
Lemons are also high in potassium, which works hand-in-hand with sodium to transmit signals from the brain to the nervous system. Low potassium levels in the body can actually result in anxiety and depression.
As seen above, a small, unassuming lemon can actually house so many health benefits - there's no reason now to not incorporate lemons into your diet! If you are finding difficulty doing so, try the Floral Blossom Tea, or the Lemon Chamomile Tea from Nilufer Tea for an all-natural way of incorporating lemons into your diet. Nilufer Tea only uses lemons sourced from Setouchi, a quiet city in the Southern Okayama Prefecture in Japan. These lemons are organic and 100% pesticide and impurity free.
Acai berries? Nah, lemons are a much cheaper and accessible alternative. Be it directly from the fruit, or from herbal teas, be sure to get your fix of lemons today and reap the multitude of health benefits!
Appreciation is the cornerstone to a great relationship with your other half. Practise sincere appreciation on a regular basis and chances are, you’ll receive it back in spades! Grand romantic gestures may get all the credit when it comes to being an appreciative partner but the little things also represent important attempts to establish intimacy and show appreciation. For some people, showing emotions and gratefulness may be challenging for them, because they may simply be too shy or they are not used to expressing themselves. Regardless of your personality, here are some incredibly easy tips to guide you through the ways of letting your partner know how much you appreciate them. After all, you can never have too many tools in your box when it comes to building happy and healthy relationships.
We are a time-deprived society. In the hustle and bustle of life, you might not have made time to connect and talk. Unplug from your devices, sit down with your partner and provide them with your undivided attention over a delicious brew. If your spouse tells you about his or her crummy day because of the rain, you could prepare warm tea and have it ready when they get home. It’s a telling token that demonstrates you listened well and appreciated what they said. If you are wondering what types of tea are good for the intimate moment, consider Nilufer Tea’s Rose Paradise or the Orange & Chamomile. They will be a joy to your senses.
Image cred: rawpixel on Unsplash
What you don’t say is as powerful as what you do say too. Another way to show your partner appreciation is to look at them and simply smile. It takes seconds to do so and it’s free! We’re sure that there will never be a single smile that won’t melt your partner’s mushy little heart. When you smile, it says in motion that you’re grateful and happy for having them in your life.
Never underestimate the power of the human touch; it’s a basic human need. It tells your partner that you love them, plus it could also calm an argument (if any) in the process. No matter the intent of your affection, physical touch conveys appreciation in the manner a smile can. Not a fan of hugs? You can also squeeze their hand, place your hand on their back or kiss!
Image cred: miroslava on Unsplash
Inexpensive, handmade gifts will be treasured because of the time and effort you’ve put forth into it. It doesn’t have to be crazily expensive; it just has to be something that you put thought in. It’s a timeless trend which comes straight from the heart. Fetching your partner from work, making them dinner or even taking out the trash could well be considered a ‘little gift’ as well. The possibilities are endless!
It may seem like common sense, but thank-yous are more than just manners and can be an incredible pair of words – especially if the person you are thanking really needs to hear those words or isn’t expecting to. The power of a simple ‘thank you’ acknowledges your partner’s value and promotes positive marital outcomes in the process. If you’re not one for thanking your partner in verbal form, engage in written gratitude and write out a thank you. Leave an encouraging note in their lunchbox or bag, just like how Mom used to do for you when you were a child.
Of course, the occasional lavish present and fancy romantic gesture will sweep your significant other’s feet away. But, we hope you’d learn to show your appreciation for them in the little things and in the little ways every single day to become a connoisseur of your own partner!
