THE HEALING POWERS OF SUNFLOWERS

Last weekend, I took a day trip to the beautiful wine country of Long Island, NY. I and my two wonderful friends, Vanessa and Lida visited Raphael Vineyards and Pindar Vineyards.

One of the attractions at Pindar was a Sunflower field where you can snip your own flowers for $1.00 per stalk. As I walked onto the field, I was immediately overwhelmed by a feeling of peace being surrounded by these lofty and stately beauties. Each flower was uniquely beautiful. The depth of color was nothing short of miraculous. I understand why Van Gogh was captivated.

I don’t like bees or yellow jackets and they were in abundance as they flitted from flower to flower. However, I suspected they wouldn’t bother me and they didn’t. I was in sync with nature and I knew it.

I sensed that something else spiritually and divinely important was occurring in this field, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.  I pondered for a few days…..

So, I decided to google, “sunflowers” and “healing” and EUREKA, there it was, what I had been feeling. Sunflowers are God’s “CLEANERS.” Oh my goodness! Can you believe it???? Scientists believe that sunflowers at their full height can absorb large quantities of radioactive caesium, resulting in their growing presence across the Fukushima landscape in order to help decontaminate soil after the March 11 earthquake and tsunami struck Japan’s northeast coast, leaving an estimated 23,000 dead or missing.


The yellow flowers have been planted by farmers, volunteers and officials across swathes of Fukushima prefecture in order to help the soil absorb radiation leaked from the region's damaged nuclear power plant.

The yellow flowers have been planted by farmers, volunteers and officials across swathes of Fukushima prefecture in order to help the soil absorb radiation leaked from the region's damaged nuclear power plant.

The Fukushima sunflower projects follow the lead of Chernobyl, where a large quantity of the flowers were also planted widely in the aftermath of 1986 nuclear accident.

Officials are hoping that the soil will not only benefit from the project but also the local economy, as they aim to attract a growing number of tourists back to the region with the sunflower fields.

Who knew?  Wow, God knows and He let me in on it that day in the beautiful sunflower fields of Long Island, NY.

Lovingly yours,



Michele

For Whatever Plagues You.......

THIEVES ESSENTIAL OIL


Germs, bacteria, viruses, etc. are becoming increasingly resistant.  In fact, they are have never been stronger or more antibiotic-resistant.

TB Virus

Tuberculosis (TB), an airborne infection that attacks the lungs, is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. About 8.8 million new cases occur worldwide each year, with some 15,000 infections annually in the United States. Once largely suppressed in developed countries, virulent, drug-resistant TB has recently made a comeback.


Just recently, a man lay in an Oregon hospital diagnosed with the Bubonic Plague or "black death."  He was trying to help his cat who had gotten a flea ridden rodent caught in its mouth.  Fearfully, the cat bit him and the man became infected with a virus that had rarely been seen in the United States.

Bubonic Plague Virus

The bubonic plague wreaked havoc in Europe off and on for about 600 years before peaking in the 1300s. Century after century, as late as the 1700s, outbreaks claimed up to half the population. The plague had a big influence on the life of William Shakespeare, having claimed the lives of some of his siblings as well as causing his theater to be shut down during several especially nasty outbreaks in London between 1593 and 1608.

It is well know that the bubonic plague is a bite-based infection. A lesser known fact is that there were many more victims than those bitten by fleas. It turns out that the bubonic plague was often the first step of a progressive series of illnesses.Two other types were pneumonic and septicemic. The resulting pneumonic plague was also very infectious and allowed person-to-person transmission.

This is the period of time responsible for the bizarre images of physicians wearing dark robes, wide-brimmed hats, and masks with long beaks. There was actually method to the madness. These beaks held dried herbs, spices and essential oils which the physician breathed. The robe was doused with a similar fragrant concoction. Scientific evidence today is building support for this seemingly outrageous behavior... many harmful microbes can't survive in the presence of certain essential oils.

"In Marseilles, a garlic-vinegar preparation known as the Four Thieves was credited with protecting many of the people when a plague struck that city (1722). Some say that the preparation originated with four thieves who confessed that they used it with complete protection against the plague while they robbed the bodies of the dead. Others claim that a man named Richard Forthave developed and sold the preparation, and that the 'medicine' was originally referred to as Forthave's. However, with the passing of time, his surname became corrupted to Four Thieves."

Thieves Oil Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup jojoba oil (or other carrier oil if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon clove oil (Syzygium aromaticum a.k.a. Eugenia aromaticum or Eugenia caryophyllata)
• 1 tablespoon lemon oil (Citrus limon)
• 2 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon oil (Cinnamomum verum a.k.a Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
• 2 teaspoons rosemary oil (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• 2 teaspoons eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus radiata)

For a smaller amount of oil, try this scaled back version. It still makes about 60ml of thieves oil but you can scale it down further as needed. For reference, there are about 19 drops of oil per teaspoon.

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) jojoba or other carrier oil
• 3,75 ml (72 drops) clove oil (Syzygium aromaticum a.k.a. Eugenia aromaticum or Eugenia caryophyllata)
• 3,75 ml (72 drops) lemon oil (Citrus limon)
• 3 ml (58 drops) cinnamon oil (Cinnamomum verum a.k.a Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
• 2.5 ml (48 drops) rosemary oil (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• 2.5 ml (48 drops) eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus radiata)

Directions

1. Measure out jojoba oil into a clean glass container. Add essential oils. Stir or shake the oil well to blend all the essential oils with the carrier oil.
2. Pour it into glass bottles for personal use. Store out of direct sunlight in dark glass bottles to retain oil strength.

http://www.younglivingsuccess.com/2009/02/101-uses-for-thieves-oil.html

PS:  I would like to thank my good sister-friend, Carolyn Courtney Anglin for bringing my attention to Thieves' Oil.

ALOHA

Hello Biblical Beauties!!!

PLUMERIA PLANT

Happy 1^st day of Summer.  I keep hearing strains of the “Hot Fun In The Summertime.”  Let’s make this Summer, the best one ever.

I would love to go back to Hawaii.  I visited the beautiful island of Maui two years ago and I will never forget.  Despite the fact that I was allergic to the Leis made from the fragrant, PLUMERIA PLANT making my lips swell as though I had too much Collagen injected into them and I stayed out in the sun much too long resulting in my skin peeling for months upon return, IT WAS THE BEST EVER SUMMER VACATION.

Fresh fruit, especially pineapple, vegetables and fish were the staples of my diet.  Drinking KONA COFFEE was like rich velvet sliding down my throat.  I even fell in love with the Poi.  Sort of reminded me of smooth grits.

Hawaii is a veritable paradise.  The people of Hawaii are so congenial, calm and I have to say some of the most beautiful people on the planet, inside and out. 

While on a tour of the Hawaiian Rain Forest, I discovered the Awapuhi Plant.  Our tour guide broke a piece off and told us to use it in our hair.  I recognized the name of the plant from having observed that it is a major ingredient in the Paul Mitchell products.  So, I was curious about using it in it’s natural form.  LORD HAVE MERCY!!!!  Awapuhi is a heavenly nectar.  Now, anything heavenly has to be incorporated in a Biblical Beauty’s regimen.

If you squeeze the bud out comes the main ingredient of Paul Mitchell's Awapuhi Ginger line.  He actually bought a farm and grows the plant on the Big Island of Hawaii.  He spoke with some Hawaiian grandmothers who shared some vital secrets about a plant that has been used for centuries to cleanse as well as soften the hair and skin. 

In fact many locals use just this to wash their hair, with no other added ingredients.  I tried it and it made my hair feel like silk.  It is available in various hair care lines, particularly, Paul Mitchell but the pure nectar is unbelievable.

Ahhhh......I long to go back to Hawaii.  You know what, if I want some of the pure Awapuhi, I will have to because it only grows there.  In the meantime, here's some beautiful Hawaiian music singing about Awapuhi. Listen to this and be whisked away.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBzMLiNNTgQ&feature=colike

ALOHA,

Michele

LOSE INCHES VIA DO IT YOURSELF BODY WRAP

The awesome thing about body wraps is that they are fun to apply, and really work.  You can realistically lose 10 or more inches after only one weight loss body wrap, and virtually eliminate cellulite after a cellulite wrap.

FIRST

Exfoliate the skin to prepare for optimum absorption of wrap.

Using a Loofah Brush, scrub upwards and outward using Pure Aloe Vera as a natural cleanser.  DO NOT USE BAR SOAP OR SOAP BODY CLEANSERS because the soapy film will impede the penetration of the natural ingredients and release of toxins.

SECOND

Clay is a little messy, but if your goal is to lose inches then it is a must.  

HOMEMADE SLIMMING BODY WRAP

1 Cup of bentonite or green clay

1/4 Cup Sea Salt

2 Tsp. Olive Oil

2 Cups Sea Salt

1 Tsp. Peppermint Oil

2 Cups of Spring Water

Plastic Wrap or White Sheet torn into strips about 5 inches wide and 5 feet long

Basin of warm Spring Water if you are using a sheet

THIRD

Let's do it!

1. Make sea water by mixing the sea salt in the spring water. Add the clay to make a paste. Add the olive oil and peppermint oil. When all mixed together, additional spring water may be added to get it to the proper consistency.
   
2.  Place your wrapping strips in the basin of warm water unless you are using plastic wrap.
   
3. Take a long, warm shower to open your pores so the wrapping solution can seep in. Leave the shower running while you apply the wrap to help keep your pores open.
   
4. Apply the solution to whatever part of your body you are wrapping. Wrap in an upward direction with the strips. If you are using the sheet, you may want to wrap a second dry layer on top.
   
   Begin to apply the wraps to your body, starting from the ankles upwards.  Wrap slowly, making sure that the body wraps are tight, but not so tight that they hinder circulation.
   

Apply a robe, blanket, or wear a sauna suit.  Now, just lay down and rest for 30 minutes. Put on some relaxing music. Set your alarm clock in case you fall asleep. 

Remove the strips and shower using lukewarm water. Only shower with lukewarm water for a couple of days so your pores stay closed to allow the wrap to work.

Apply a post body wrap moisturizer to your skin after your shower or bath.  This will make your skin feel silky smooth.

Okay it's wrap. Let's top it off with a nice cold glass of COCONUT WATER

Coconut water naturally speeds up your metabolism & it gives you more energy. 

VERY IMPORTANT

Take a very warm shower on the third day to open your pores and the accumulated toxins will be released.

If you are doing this wrap during the winter months, make sure you cover up securely because your pores will be open and you can make yourself susceptible to catching a cold.

Fat is not heavy, so you may notice only a pound or weigh loss, and then only after you have flushed your body with water.

Our bodies are God's handiwork.  Take care of yours!

Love,

Michele

And So It Is Confirmed......

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2140438/Can-green-coffee-help-slim.html

Yes, Green Tea boosts metabolism and aids in the weight loss effort.

BEAUTY IN A CUP, continued

Yummmmm.....

A Matcha Green Tea Latte not only tastes good, the goodness is infinitesimal.  Did I mention that Matcha Green Tea boosts metabolism which aids in weight loss?

Okay, where was I???  Oh yes, TEA, divine, elegant and more often than not, therapeutic and medicinal.

NILGIRI TEA

I mentioned above that I love Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, well there is a Tea counterpart.  Nilgiri Tea grown in the Nilgiri hills, so called “The Blue Mountain”, situated in the South India is another very popular spots sheltering numerous of beautiful tea gardens. The hilly landscape of Nilgiri , unlike Darjeeling and Assam, grows Tea plants all over the year. At Nilgiri the tea is grown at the elevation of around 1,000 meters to 2,500 meters. The major teas produced on the Nilgiri hills are the Oolong and black tea. The favourable climatic conditions, makes Nilgiri a truly unique tea.

The tea is produced on the Coonoor Estate in the Nilgiri hills in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. To date Nilgiri tea has really only been known to connoisseurs actively seeking out teas from this particular region, but now it will be available to us all in small, whole leaf batches.  At its best when brewed with a tablespoon of tea for two and a half minutes and drunk without milk, it has a rich flavor with hints of malt, caramel and orange peel - it really is absolutely delicious.

Nilgiri Tea Benefits: Health

A few health benefits associated with Nilgiri tea are:

• The tea is believed to contain antioxidants, subsequently assisting in lowering down the cholesterol level.

• This beverage is known to be quite successful in preventing asthmatic attacks, as the tea is enriched with caffeine which helps in clearing the air passages.

• People suffering from diabetes are sure to benefit from the intake of this black tea, where the sugar level is expected to go down.

• There is a great possibility with respect to osteoporosis prevention where the bone density of an individual would be improved as a result of black tea consumption.

• This black tea is supposed to enhance the mental alertness of an individual.

• Problem of heart attack would be avoided as a result of intake of Nilgiri tea.

Health Benefits found on http://www.ifood.tv/network/nilgiri_tea

Also fabulous go to website for all things pertaining to tea is .http://jingtea.com

One more tea from which I have obtained outstanding results is 

SENNA LEAF TEA.

Can we talk freely?  Elimination!  Even the best diet habits may require a little help.  Well, SENNA LEAF TEA provides just that in SMALL QUANTITIES.  Through trial and error, I have discovered what amount works for me.  Early on, I spent many a night in the Loo for hours.  That’s why Senna Leaf Tea is “affectionately” called the “Dieter’s Tea,” "Smooth Move" and "Ballerina's Tea."

Senna is a primary component of many commercial colon cleansers and diet pills. In tea form, Senna is available as a single herb, or as part of a blend of complementary digestive herbs.  Warning:  Do not use Senna often.  It is only meant to be imbibed on an as per needed basis.

Smooth Move Herbal Stimulant Laxative Tea which is senna leaf tea, a naturally sweet tea is a very gentle natural laxative if used correctly.  Drink 1 cup at night before bed, no later than 8 or 9 pm as you don’t want it to affect you as you go to work.  Senna generally takes anywhere between 8-10 hours. Use your discretion with this, if you are eliminating with no problems then I wouldn’t use it everyday.  It will affect everyone differently so please use your own judgment on drinking it daily.  DO NOT ADD ANY SWEETENER to the tea (no sugar, honey or artificial sweetener)!

These are just a few teas I use for beauty maintenance.  I will feature others later on the blog.

Cheers!

BEAUTY IN A CUP OF TEA

Let the truth be told.  I am a Coffee fiend.  However, I do love a good Tea.  My approach to Coffee and Tea is distinctly different.  Coffee for me represents a “bold” contentment.  My elixir for either initiating my relentless drive for progress or culminating it.  Whereas Tea has always been an either an elegant repast or/and especially as of late, a medicinal or therapeutic essential to my diet.

Interestingly, Tea delivers more sensually than Coffee.  Coffee asserts whereas Tea lulls.  LOL  Except in the case of Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee.  (A topic for another blog insert.)

My precious Nana, Mama Julia Dean introduced me to my first cup of Tea.  She was a saintly Christian woman who lived by Levitical rules, among them, no stimulants.  So, she only drank herbal teas.  Her favorite tea was Sage Tea.  I remember being about 4 years old and drinking Sage Tea nightly whenever she was caring for me.   I loved it!!!

SAGE TEA

Research has suggested that the presence of volatile oil in Sage is largely responsible for most of its therapeutic properties, especially its anti-septic, astringent and relaxing actions. Sage is also used internally in the treatment of night sweats, excessive salivation (as in Parkinson's disease), profuse perspiration (as in TB), anxiety and depression. Externally, it is used to treat insect bites, skin, throat, mouth and gum infections and vaginal discharge.

It is thought that Sage is similar to Rosemary in its ability to improve brain function and memory. In a study involving 20 healthy volunteers Sage oil caused indicated improvements in word recall and speed of attention. Meanwhile the activity of Sage and its constituents have been investigated in the search for new drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease with promising results.

Matcha Green Tea

I just discovered Matcha Green Tea.   While grocery shopping at NYC’s Fairway Market which has an awesome selection of teas and coffees, I saw this weird green powder which cost $60.00 per lb.  What?  After doing my research, I found out why it is so expensive.  The health benefits of matcha exceed those of other green teas because matcha drinkers ingest the whole leaf, not just the brewed water.  One glass of matcha is the equivalent of 10 glasses of green tea in terms of nutritional value and antioxidant content.

Matcha is only grown in Japan. Japanese tea, in general, tends to be more expensive than teas produced in other countries. It’s the rule of supply and demand. Japan is a small country that only exports about 1 percent of its teas, due to high domestic demand. 

Matcha made in the traditional Japanese style, whisked with water, is a full-bodied green tea.  The intensity of the experience compares to one’s first taste of dark chocolate or red wine.  When added as an ingredient, the taste of matcha becomes subtler.  It adds the flavor and color of green tea to your creation, be it a smoothie, latte, savory sauce or pastry.  I LOVE MY MATCHA GREEN TEA LATTE BREAKS.

In fact, let me take a Matcha Green Tea Latte break..........to be continued. :o)

EKATERINA ULYANOFF - MOST INCREDIBLE MAKE UP ARTIST

MAKE UP DESIGN BY EKATERINA ULYANOFF

Biblical Beauty focuses upon the beauty and health products that essentially create a healthy, strong and glowing face and body foundation.  However, I would like to share a beautiful example of make up artistry which to me defines the "finished work."  Specifically, the work of the Make Up Artist, EKATERINA ULYANOFF.  I have fallen divinely and madly in love with her work.

Ekaterina Ulyanoff is a Certified Make-up artist, currently based in Montreal, Quebec.

-Top 5 Finalist of National Salon Beauty Industry Awards 'Contessa 2012" in a category "Makeup Artist of the Year"
-Top 5 finalist of 2012 Mirror Awards for Canadian Salon Industry Awards in a category for "Make-Up Artist"

Raised in Russia, she got attracted by beauty of art since she was a little girl, when at the age 6 years she was brought to a school of Professional Ballroom Dancing.
From this moment she has been living in a beautiful world of art that combined graceful movements, beautiful music, clothing, and, of course, gorgeous makeup.


Here is a video that I watched several times in order to instruct myself on the art of eye makeup.    My eyes are small and I am always looking for ways to play them up and make them stand out.  I actually went on a shoot and asked a make up artist to give me this kind of look and the artist on site couldn't really do it.  But, after watching this video, I can ALMOST (lol) do it myself.  The video intrigued me, however about Ekaterina Ulyanoff.  So, watch and enjoy.....




Did you notice the small piece of tape underneath the eye to aid in perfecting the contouring????  Awesome!!!  

THE PERFECT LIPS

Wow, I didn't know about using a concealer pencil as the last step to make a clean lip line.

Here's a quickie lesson on creating the perfect lips.

TIGHTEN UP, OOOH, TIGHTEN UP!

Niaouli essential oil

(Melaleuca quinquinervia, formerly viridifolia)

      Niaouli is a member of the Myrtaceae family, being related to the Tea Trees (Melaleucas). It is a native of the southern Pacific tropical regions and is also found in northern Australia. Niaouli oil is extracted from the fresh leaves by distillation and then is purified to remove irritant constituents.

Niaouli Oil helps to tighten tissues and reduces the appearance of cellulite, stimulating circulation to the skin and regenerating skin tissue.  In fact, Niaouli’s tissue regenerative properties directly enhance tissue oxygenation. 

Niaouli has been noted by Dr. Kurt Schnaubelt as an excellent general immune system booster, and an agent to help one with allergic reactions. His protocol is the application of 5-20 drops of oil directly to the skin after a shower, for best absorption.

If your skin doesn’t have particular damage to it, but appears lifeless due to exhaustion and/or exposure to significant amounts of pollution or environmental toxins, this is the blend for you. Use one part Rosehip Seed and 4 parts Hazelnut as the base. To each ounce, include fifteen drops Carrot Seed (also known as Wild Carrot or Queen Anne’s Lace – a well known skin restorative), fifteen drops Lemon verbena (which enhances the removal of toxins from skin tissues), fifteen drops Niaouli (an all-around brilliant antiseptic oil with firming effects), and fifteen drops Rosemary verbenone (again, for it’s regenerative and stimulating effects). 

If you are wishing to strengthen, tighten, and firm your skin, try this dilute mixture (the concentration of essential oils is relatively low here for use near the eyes) five ounces of Hazelnut oil and one ounce of Rosehip seed oil, fifteen drops of Green Myrtle, fifteen drops of Rock Rose (a plant grown in very sun-drenched areas, excellent for gently tightening the skin). If you like, add fifteen drops of Rosemary verbenone for it’s regenerative properties, but omit if this causes sensitivity used near the eyes.

APPLY between 5 and 20 drops of the oil to the body with a loofah pad or facial sponge.  

Because Niaouli Oil can lead to irritation, it is often mixed with tea tree or lavender oil.  I usually put my oils in a carrier oil like Jojoba or Grapeseed. 

General Safety Information: Do not take any essential oils internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use essential oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and give children only the gentlest oils at extremely low doses. It is safest to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using essential oils with children. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using an essential oil that you've never used before. Instructions on conducting a skin patch test and more safety information can be found by visiting the Essential Oil Safety Information page. For very in-depth information on essential oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs.