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Essential oil, used in aromatherapy as well as perfumes, is extracted from herbs, flowers and fruits in several ways.

# 1 Distillation is the process whereby the flowers or herbs are placed on a screen within an enclosed vessel. As the steam passes up through the flowers it breaks open the cells which include the essential oils. The oil evaporates and is carried up with the water droplets within the steam. As the water condenses it is collected. The oil is lighter than water is separated. It can take several hundred pounds of roses for example, to extract one ounce of rose essential oil. Making essential rose oil one of the most expensive essential oils. The water that is left has uses and retains the scent of the material.

# 2 Cold pressing is another method. This is used to extract essential oils from citrus fruits. The fruit is scared (pricked) over it’s surface releasing the oil from the pouches within the skin of the fruit. The whole fruit is pressed then releasing the oil and the juice. The oil rises to the top of the juice and separated by centrifugation.

# 3 Flowers such as jasmine and tuberose are so delicate or have such a low amount of essential oil that heating the blossoms by steam would destroy the petals before the oil is released. Enfleurage is time consuming and expensive. However it is the one method that can be performed at home. Flower petals are placed on trays of odorless vegetable or animal fat. The fat absorbs the oil from the flowers. Every day the old petals are removed and replaced with fresh ones. This process continues until the fat is saturated with the essential oil. For home uses the highly scented oil/fat can be used as is. For commercial perfumes adding alcohol to the enfleurage mixtures separates the essential oil from the vegetable of animal fat.

# 4 Solvent extraction is less time consuming than enfleurage. A chemical such as hexane is used to saturate the plant materials and draw out the essential oils. The oils and the hexane form a compound called a concrete. Alcohol mixes with the concrete and as the alcohol evaporates it takes the hexane with it and the remaining substance is essential oil. The disadvantage is that it is nearly impossible to remove all the hexane.

Not all essential oils are nice.  Us humans find that citronella oil is very pleasant but dogs don’t.  This is why you can buy a citronella spray collar for dog training purposes.

• Perfume – Sells a variety of perfumes and makeup at discount prices.  All products 100% genuine.

No Comments » Posted by April / Beauty

Discussing vaginal infections can be very embarrassing. A lot of women would rather hope for a miracle or take care of it before anyone knows.

75% of Women Affected: Yeast Infections are very common. Infecting roughly 75% of woman at some point in their life and nearly half of them having it reoccur. The symptoms of an infection can be similar to many other vaginal infections. If you are having symptoms such as itching, burning, or swelling, it is best to start with a visit to your doctor.

What causes a Yeast Infection?

Yeast Infections, also known as candidiasis, is caused by a fungus called candida albicans. Yeast is sometimes found in the vagina, along with other areas of the body, but in low amounts. When there are changes from things like antibiotics, pregnancy, or frequent sexual intercourse where semen is introduced to the vagina a yeast infection can occur.

There are certain conditions in which a yeast infection is more likely. If someone uses a lot of douches, feminine sprays, or anything that may change the natural balance of the vagina this can lead to an infection.

What Are the Symptoms?

The itching can be so intense that walking or sitting may become uncomfortable. Swelling of the vulva may occur along with burning during urination. You may also get a white-yellowish discharge that may be lumpy and have a smell of yeast.

Urination may cause burning. This symptom is also an indication of a urinary tract infection. Knowing where the burning is coming from will help to determine which one it may be. With a yeast infection the burning will happen as soon as the urine exits. The burning is caused when the urine hits the already irritated skin. If the burning starts before that, it may be a urinary infection and you should see a doctor.

If you have symptoms such as itching, burning, or redness you should contact a doctor to confirm a yeast infection. Since there are a number of other things it may be, having a doctor diagnose the condition will insure that the right treatment will be given. Over medicating or medicating when not needed may lead to a resistance to the medicine. If this happens, it may make it more difficult to treat the infection if it returns.

How Can You Prevent it?

There are ways of preventing an occurrence. Avoid using any products that may change the environment within the vagina. Stay away from wearing synthetic under garments, instead choose cotton. Keep the area clean and dry.

Yeast Infections mostly happen in women in their child bearing years. However, this is not always the case. Men and children may get them, also.

Again, the first stop should be the family doctor. After it is determined that this is the type of infection you have, treatment will be next. There are many different types of over the counter remedies along with natural cures. Talk with your doctor to decide what will work for you.

1 Comment » Posted by April / Health

The latest trend to arrive in the diamond jewellery industry is the right hand diamond ring. Buy your own diamond ring? Surely not! Well, that’s exactly what’s happening and is one of the hottest trends to hit the fashion scene.  You also don’t have to bother with pre wedding counseling.

Wearing a diamond ring was always more acceptable for the left hand. When we think of diamond rings we think of the traditional engagement rings or wedding rings, which of course are worn on the ring finger of the left hand.

Gone are the days when women looked for housekeeping money from their husbands, women are much more financially independent now. The right hand diamond ring symbolizes success, self-assertiveness and freedom, which is sort of the opposite of what the left hand diamond rings symbolize with love, commitment and union.

Right hand diamond rings are designed differently than the engagement rings. The stones are often smaller and there are usually more stones compared to a single one that we normally see with matrimonial rings.

Right hand rings came about because of the obsession for women to gain what the left hand rings stood for. The right hand rings are to show women they can be successful and independent without needing a partner in their life to be successful.

The modern woman strives to distance herself from the June Cleaver, submissive housewife icon that plagued women for ages. It plays on their independence and their feminist side that says you don’t have to be married to feel valued or loved.

Marketing possibilities have broadened for diamond rings. They use to market to men, the person spending money on the engagement ring. But today, they’re honing in on advertising campaigns that cater to a woman’s sense of self worth.

It’s not just married women that can wear them, single women can to show their empowerment. It symbolizes strength in spirit, which married women can have as well as the successful single woman. These rings have also gained popularity simply because they are beautiful and something new to try out – a trend everyone’s enjoying.

Right hand rings can also make the perfect gift for any strong spirited woman in your life, so browse through the different designs and find one that matches her personality.

• Wedding Toasts – This is not the easiest thing to come up with so you’ll need all the help you can get.
• JewelryVortex has a vast selection of mens diamond wedding rings in gold, titanium, tungsten, and platinum.

No Comments » Posted by April / Fashion

You may feel that having oily skin is a curse and a challenge to deal with. Oil production is completely natural and is the result of the sebaceous glands located in the dermis or middle layer of skin. Oil is produced to keep your skin moist and supple. However sometimes the sebaceous glands produce too much oil which in turn causes oily skin.

How do I know I have oily skin?

Oily skin is most prevalent in teenagers due to rampaging hormones. If your days as a teenager are well behind you there are other ways to determine whether or not you have oily skin.

T-Zone: First of look in the mirror to see if there is a sheen to your skin, particularly your “T-Zone”. For those who aren’t sure what a “T-Zone” is, it’s the area of skin that starts at your forehead and extends vertically down along your nose all the way to your chin. The Zone also includes the area of skin across the bridge of your nose, starting and ending at the centre point below each eye.

Oily Hair? While you’re standing at the mirror, take a look at your hair. If it’s oily, it’s another indication you likely have oily skin.

Makeup Sliding Off? If you find it difficult for your makeup to stay on your skin for anything more than a few hours then this is certainly an indicator. If you’re constantly patting your face with powder or even a handkerchief it’s probably because of oily skin.

Blemishes: The presence of blemishes is another good indication although stress, hormones and other factors can all cause outbreaks. And remember that oily skin isn’t found only on the face. The back, neck, chest, shoulders and arms can all be oily.

How to care for oily skin?

Be Gentle: Most people with really oily skin comment that they want to strip all their skin away with a blowtorch or at the very least use harsh soaps. Be careful about using harsh products, oils produced by the sebaceous glands are important because they act as the skin’s natural moisturiser.

Don’t Make Matters Worse: Another reason not to use harsh soaps that strip away oil is that doing so may cause the sebaceous glands to increase their oil production. It simply kick-starts your body into producing even more oil making matters worse.

Clear Pores: If your pores are clogged with dead cells, bacteria or dirt this can cause spots. Treat your skin with care, use a gently cleanser and warm water rather than hot water. Use a non-abrasive cleanser and stay away from toners which have alcohol in it.

Choose Products Carefully:Use products that moisturize in moderation and according to directions. Make sure the cosmetics and sun protection you use are oil-free. Look for skin care products with the words ‘non-comedogenic’ or ‘non-acnegenic’ on the labels.  Did you know about black skin acne scars?

• How a Simple Kitchen Product Revitalized my Hair in 30 Minutes – If you have oily skin then the chances are you also have oily hair, find out how bicarbonate of soda can help with both problems.

No Comments » Posted by April / Beauty

When drinking wine whether it be with friends at home, in a tasting room at a vineyard, or in a restaurant, there are certain things that should and should not be done. This will really help you, and those you are with, have an enjoyable experience.

Wine Tasting

Wine tasting can be done at a vineyard or at a local wine shop, either way the correct etiquette should be followed.

When tasting wine it is customary to start with the white wines first. White wines are lighter in taste and body than their red counter parts. Red of course is next. These fuller bodied wines are always tried last.

When holding your glass, make sure to grip the stem. If you hold the wine glass by the bowl, your hand will heat the wine. This could change the flavor.

Remember that even the smallest things can change the taste of the wine. Wine tasting is all about tasting and smelling so avoid wearing perfumes or other strong smells.

Eating any heavy foods before a tasting is also frowned upon. So is smoking. Both will limit the flavours you will be able to taste.

Restaurant Etiquette

When ordering wine out at dinner, keep in mind that it should compliment your dish. When asking the server, or better yet the restaurants sommeliers, for a recommendation, be sure to be specific. Ask for what type of wine would compliment your dish and include such things like if you prefer full bodied wine, what regions you prefer and anything else that will help them choose the perfect wine for you.

After a wine is chosen, the bottle will be opened at the table. The host or person choosing the wine will be poured a small amount. The host will then swirl and taste the wine. After the approval is given, wine is poured starting on the right with women having their glasses filled first. The host’s glass is topped off last.

Serving Guests at Home

When serving guests in your own home, some of the same things apply such as the way the glass is held and serving women and older guest first.

Choose a few wines that you feel the guest will enjoy. Just as in a tasting room, start the evening with the lighter bodied white wines. Choose foods that will go well with these wines such as cheese and fruit. Some chesses that go well with white wines are swiss, brie or gouda. If you are serving your guest dinner, a white wine would go well with the salad.

Next are the red wines. Reds have a heavier body then whites. Choose a red that goes well with your main dish if you are having a meal. If you are having a simple party, again, have cheeses that will bring out the flavor of the wine.

End the evening with a sweet dessert wine. A port would be a great choice. Make sure that you pick a dessert that will compliment the port.

No Comments » Posted by April / Food and Drink