Archives for July 2017

July 25, 2017 by Sue 1 Comment

What I Learned at the Neal’s Yard Remedies Conference

I love attending the Neal’s Yard Remedies Summer Conference. This year the conference was at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Hotel. Right off the bat I learned Orlando, Florida in July is hot, humid, and can downpour at any moment. So it follows if you go to Orlando in July, bring a flat iron and an umbrella.

It’s not possible to cover everything we learned that was packed into the Friday evening through Sunday early afternoon, but these were the highlights.

I already knew Neal’s Yard Remedies is an amazing family-owned business making products with natural and organic ingredients, free from harmful chemicals. I knew they never test on animals. I knew they trade ethically with their suppliers, protect the environment and wildlife. What I did learn was Neal’s Yard Remedies has partnered with Made Safe to certify these products are free of carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, GMOs, pesticides, harmful solvents, and toxic volatile organic compounds. There are plenty of products on the shelves calling themselves natural and organic, yet hiding ingredients behind trade secrets and fragrance. Third party certification is the only real test of how safe products are, and Made Safe is providing it.

New Product Introductions

New product introductions and a new catalog are always exciting. Coming soon is an addition to the ever popular Bee Lovely line, as well as bee-utiful new packaging. There are some very special essential oils coming, including organic immortelle, neroli, and rose absolute. The Deliciously Ella products will include a limited edition body lotion and body wash. The skincare kits have been re-introduced with new packaging including a gorgeous, organic cotton bag. The holiday collection which will be available in October will include bath salts in three soothing and uplifting fragrances.

I was excited to hear about a partnership beginning with Credo Beauty. Neal’s Yard Remedies will have a limited range of products available in the Credo stores. Credo’s mission aligns very much with Neal’s Yard Remedies. How cool to be able to see these amazing products on their store shelves, and increase the brand recognition!

Karen Clark was a keynote speaker on social media. There is a ton of opportunity to get our personal brand as well as the Neal’s Yard Remedies brand out there. She stressed the importance of building relationships and serving. In other words, connecting with followers rather than collecting them.

Finally, Marianne Friedlund was introduced as Vice President of Sales and Training. Marianne has a background in direct sales and leadership that makes her a perfect fit for Neal’s Yard Remedies. She announced a future leader program that has had a 90% success rate for promoting leaders. Seriously! Count me in. Who wants to join me?

For more information about beginning your own organic business with Neal’s Yard Remedies check out this blog post. Continue the discussion on Facebook.

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July 20, 2017 by Sue Leave a Comment

Request a Neal’s Yard Remedies | NYR Organic Catalog

What on earth is this “Neal’s Yard Remedies” I’m blogging about anyway? Perhaps the best way to understand “what is Neal’s Yard Remedies” is by checking out a catalog, either online or the old fashioned way, by looking at a catalog.

Neal’s Yard Remedies offers a tremendous selection of products. Joining as a consultant was a no-brainer for me, as I wanted to try EVERYTHING! And frankly, I still haven’t tried everything. There are so many great products! Once I fell in love with Frankincense Intense skincare, I’ve been reluctant to try the tempting Wild Rose Beauty Elixir.

Then there’s the supplements. I’m taking Beauty Boost with Frankincense and Joint Supplement and Organic Greens Complex. I could go on and on about the supplements and superfoods. And don’t forget tea.

Now we have more and more essential oils. One has to have a diffuser for all these lovely oils! Then they have to go and come out with an elegant bamboo diffuser, and for “business purposes” I need a second diffuser. Right?!

And they just keep coming out with more wonderful products. Products for inner and outer beauty. For mothers and babies and men.

Don’t forget the remedies! Remedies you ask? Soothing herbal creams and salves. Arnica and Eucalyptus. Lavender & Aloe. You just have to read about them.

I almost forgot the books! Food, beauty and essential oils. Wonderful references.

What is Neal’s Yard Remedies? There are just too many wonderful products to list in this post, but that’s what brings me to our catalog. Save a tree and read it here. Neal’s Yard Remedies Spring / Summer 2017

Or request a copy and the once a month newsletter by filling out this form. Allow 2 weeks. (USA only)

Keep up with the latest Neal’s Yard Remedies specials, new products and news on FACEBOOK.

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July 13, 2017 by Sue Leave a Comment

5 Summer Essentials from Neal’s Yard Remedies

Summer often means changing up our beauty routine. Sun, heat, and humidity can necessitate different products for our skin and hair.

Oil Free Hydrating Serum keeps facial shine away, even in the heat. Perfect for all skin types, Oil Free Hydrating Serum adds a layer of mattifier while keeping thirsty summer skin hydrated. Use it as a make-up primer or alone morning and evening.

White Tea Facial Mist provides a cooling spritz of antioxidants and rehydration, even over make-up. Perfect for all skin types, even sensitive skin, White Tea Facial Mist is infused with antioxidant white tea, calming organic aloe vera, aromatherapeutic organic essential oils and soothing Bach Flower Remedies. Spritz the face for instant refreshing while in flight during your summer travels or out in the heat.

The Moroccan Berber Community calls the tree that Organic Argan Oil is harvested from the “Tree of Life.” Neal’s Yard Remedies fairly traded Organic Argan Oil is produced by an inspirational all-woman cooperative in Morocco and is certified Fair for Life. Yes, this very small bottle will easily fit in your travel bag. The non-greasy 100% organic oil is made up of 80% skin-nourishing fatty acids, with extremely high levels of antioxidant vitamin E, is absorbed quickly and a little goes a long way. Warm a drop of Argan Oil in your hands and smooth over hair to reduce frizz, replenish, and revitalize hair. Massage into skin, nails and cuticles to soothe and nourish.

I never leave home without a jar of Wild Rose Beauty Balm. Honestly, it was not love at first sight for me, but this product has grown to be one of my absolute favorites. Wild Rose Beauty Balm can do it all, exfoliate, cleanse, and moisturize, as well as soothing skin and lips after being in the sun. The antioxidant rich wild rosehip seed oil nourishes and restores radiance to your skin.

Finally, Travel Remedies to Roll is a restorative and balancing blend of rosemary, lavender, frankincense, bergamot, neroli, and clary sage in a sunflower oil base. Roll over pulse points for a quick restorative and to beautifully scent your skin while of traveling.

What are your favorite summer beauty products? Comment below, or continue the discussion over on Facebook

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July 10, 2017 by Sue Leave a Comment

Get to Know Jack – Jackfruit That Is

This post contains an affiliate link. If you make a purchase I will earn a commission. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality. Any commission I receive from your purchases will offset the expense of this blog. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

I love having the whole family get together. Our youngest and his wife live in Boulder, CO, so we are lucky to get all together twice a year. The only hard part is planning meals for all of us. In our relatively small family we have a gluten sensitivity, a potato allergy and a vegetarian. Even finding a restaurant to cover all that can be a challenge.
As I brainstormed for a vegetarian option for a party, I came across jackfruit. How could a “fruit” taste like pulled pork? The reviews were impressive, so I decided to give it a try. Canned jackfruit may not be easy to find in your regular grocery store, but Trader Joe’s carries it.

I served the Jackfruit “Pulled Pork” at a Sunday afternoon gathering of friends and family. I used Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce, but next time I’ll try to find a healthier barbecue sauce, as the first ingredient in Sweet Baby Ray’s is high fructose corn syrup. The verdict was positive, so I will definitely try it again. My mother thought it tasted like actual pork. The vegetarians in the group were probably the most enthusiastic. The look and texture is amazingly similar to pulled pork. The cole slaw topping really adds to the flavor, so by all means serve it with your sandwiches.

Jackfruit "Pulled Pork"

Course Main Course

Ingredients

3 20 oz. cans Green Jackfruit in brine
1 large onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp olive oil
2 1/2 cups barbecue sauce

Instructions

Drain and rinse canned jackfruit. Saute onion, green pepper, garlic and olive oil in a large frying pan until soft. Add drained jackfruit and cook over medium heat about 10 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker, top with barbecue sauce, and cook on low for 5-6 hours. Shred the jackfruit, then serve on buns with a little cole slaw for garnish.

Give it a try and let me know what you think! Comment below, or continue the discussion over on FACEBOOK

Are you using products that are MadeSafe™? Neal’s Yard Remedies has 11 products certified as MadeSafe™, a third party testing organization. Learn what it means to use MadeSafe™ products in this blog post.

July 7, 2017 by Sue Leave a Comment

Three Simple Holistic Remedies for Reducing Stress

Many people are exploring natural and holistic remedies for their health before turning to prescription and over the counter drugs and traditional medicine. Today’s life-style has created stress at an all time high. Here are three holistic approaches to stress and common conditions.

Reiki

The healing art of Reiki is an energy-based, non-invasive treatment that restores and balances the human energy field. Reiki can reduce stress, decrease pain and promote healing. If you do an internet search of Reiki, you will find many anecdotal stories of healing, some of them miraculous sounding.

Yesterday I had my first Reiki treatment. My goal was stress-reduction. As my treatment began, I attempted to relax by saying a prayer and closing my eyes. I kind of lost my sense of time, and continued with my eyes closed, feeling calm, however after a bit I felt self-conscious as my stomach began making noises. I opened my eyes and kind of giggled nervously, but was re-assured that often happens as the body releases negative energy. My Reiki practitioner then went on to tell me the Blessed Virgin was present, which was unusual in her experience, as well as my father, who passed away over 4 years ago. I immediately felt extremely emotional, and explained I had said several Hail Marys as we began. It was not a sad emotion, but a surprisingly strong emotional reaction and my tears were flowing. The treatment continued, and my mind wandered a bit. I continued feeling quite emotional, and felt the presence of another loved one that had passed away nearly 40 years ago.

The treatment lasted about 30 minutes, leaving me feeling both lighter and a bit drained. Most often the outcome is a lighter feeling, or a balancing, but each person’s experience is unique. Learn more about Reiki in A Modern Reiki Method for Healing.

Aromatherapy

I saw a T-shirt with a bloody bullet hole picture and the phrase “Don’t worry, my wife has an oil for this.” Essential oils probably won’t work for bullet wounds, but they are definitely worth trying for other conditions. Essential oils can provide support for clearing nasal passages, relaxation, skin conditions, aches and pains. This summer I’ve been using a blend for allergy support, and so far haven’t felt the need for over the counter pills.

For stress reduction and relaxation both diffusing and massage are beneficial. 2-4 drops of NEROLI in a diffuser is a great essential oil to start with. Read more about neroli and some great relaxing blends you can make with essential oils in Neal’s Yard Remedies Essential Oils Book.

Essential oils are powerful, and even though they come from nature, they need to be used with caution, especially around children, pregnant women and pets. Consult with a certified aromatherapist for more information.

Tapping

Tapping is relatively new, compared to some of the other remedies, but the concepts it’s based on are thousands of years old. The action calms the nervous system and restores the balance of energy in the body, and in turn rewires the brain to respond in a healthier manner. It can be beneficial for emotional trauma, chronic physical pain, compulsions and addictions. It lowers cortisol levels and changes beliefs, enabling our brain to change how it handles stress. Learn more about tapping in The Tapping Solution: A Revolutionary System for Stress-Free Living.

Finally, none of these holistic remedies is meant to be a substitute for health care from a licensed practitioner, however using natural methods to reduce stress can be of benefit to your overall health and wellbeing.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

What natural and holistic remedies have you tried, or are thinking of trying? Comment below, or continue the conversation on FACEBOOK.

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Request a Neal’s Yard Remedies | NYR Organic Catalog

5 Summer Essentials from Neal’s Yard Remedies

Get to Know Jack – Jackfruit That Is

Jackfruit "Pulled Pork"

Ingredients

Instructions

Three Simple Holistic Remedies for Reducing Stress

Reiki

Aromatherapy

Tapping

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