Blog - Blue Bottle Passion

January 19, 2019 by Sue 2 Comments

An Open Letter to Millennials from a Baby Boomer

Dear Millennials,

I recently watched a movie set in 1971 that got me thinking about that time in my life. I graduated from high school in 1971. Those of us coming of age around that time thought we could change the world for the better. After all, we watched man walk on the moon. What has actually been accomplished in the last, almost 50 years?

We thought we would see a cure for cancer, or at least the end of the common cold. Today it doesn’t appear we’ve cured much of anything. We just have lots of maintenance or treatment prescription drugs we can look forward to being on for the rest of our lives. In 2016 the odds of getting cancer is close to 40% for men, and slightly less for women.

The cost of medical care has skyrocketed, and yet we are no healthier. In fact the average American probably isn’t as healthy as they were 50 years ago. Medications that were inexpensive years ago, are so expensive that those without drug coverage can’t afford them. Too many Americans are still without health insurance.

Many were protesting the Viet Nam War back 50 years ago. We hoped to end wars on foreign soil far from home. Not only are American soldiers stationed far from home, terrorism in our own country is a constant worry. War was waged on illegal drugs, but opioid addiction and overdose deaths are increasing at an alarming rate.

When I graduated from high school it was possible to pay for a public college education as you went by working part-time after school and during the summer. A college education will soon be something only the rich can afford.

Once we graduated from college we dreamed of getting married and owning a home. Little by little these dreams are also becoming something only the rich can afford.

Our government no longer represents the US citizens. Money and lobbyists control our politicians and the agencies that were supposed to watch out for our welfare. Instead of solving the big problems that have been with us for years, like immigration and providing homes for the homeless, our government regulates non-issues like lightbulbs and the size of soda.

We used to be able to rely on the media to report unbiased news, and even be the watchdogs for corruption. Today the media is controlled by a few, and what’s presented as news is editorials at best, and propaganda at worst.

We now live in a country filled with corruption and controlled by greed. Every generation hopes to see their children better off than the previous generation. I’m sorry that is not the case for you. We hoped technology would improve our lives, but that’s not what happened.

Your generation is one of the best-educated and most tech-savvy ever to have entered the work force. You have access to more information than any previous generation. Go out and create a better country for future generations. I have faith you will be able to achieve the American Dream.

Wishing you a future filled with all the best,

Sue

January 12, 2019 by Sue Leave a Comment

Why Vitalibis for CBD Oil?

This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

After an interesting experience using some CBD I picked up in Boulder, Colorado, I decided CBD is a product I want on hand in the medicine cabinet. I woke up in the middle of the night with terrible pain in my hand that Ibuprofen didn’t come close to alleviating. I remembered the CBD and took some. Was the CBD responsible for taking the pain away in less than an hour? I can’t really say, but I’m sure going to have it on hand from now on. There is plenty of information on the internet about uses for CBD. I’ll let you research how and whether the potential benefits can help you. And there are definitely lots of potential benefits. But how do you know which brand to choose, and why is Vitalibis CBD Oil the one I recommend?

The Product

Vitalibis starts with high-quality organic hemp grown in Colorado. The soil hemp is grown in is important because it has phyto remediation properties. This means hemp purifies heavy metals, pesticides and impurities out of poor soil, making clean, organic soil crucial for growing hemp.

Most CBD oil is extracted with solvents like butane and hexane, or CO2. Vitalibis has a patent-pending process utilizing precise 2 second bursts of heat to extract the oil, leaving all the beneficial compounds without compromising the taste. This process creates flavorful, premium, full-spectrum, phyto cannabinoid rich hemp oil.

Vitalibis CBD oil is blended with MCT oil from organic coconut oil. Throughout the growing, extraction and manufacturing process, Vitalibis products are tested by independent third party laboratories, ensuring the quality.

The Vitalibis Ambassador Program

Everyone wants to get the best price on purchases, and Vitalibis makes it easy. For a one-time $20 enrollment fee, you can purchase Vitalibis products for a 20% discount on personal purchases and free shipping over $50. That’s it. No complicated auto-ships or minimums.

The Vitalibis VIP Ambassador Program

Ambassadors receive a free personal website link upon enrollment. Sharing your link and love of the Vitalibis products can earn you a 20-30% commission. This is not your typical MLM/direct sales marketing plan with 50-some different ways of getting paid, but only when the planets align in a certain way, which sadly isn’t likely to ever happen for you. The Vitalibis VIP Ambassador Program is a unique, simple affiliate micro-influencer two level commission program that puts more money up front where you have the opportunity to earn it.

You shouldn’t have to spend money to make money. Vitalibis offers an opportunity that is a no-brainer. You can save the $20 enrollment fee in the discount on your first purchase! The company has a mission of social and corporate responsibility. The Vitalibis team has a proven track record of success in social selling. Now is the time to join Vitalibis. Together let’s share health and wellness with Vitalibis!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

December 14, 2018 by Sue Leave a Comment

Simple Tips for a Healthy New Year

Another new year is right around a corner. Thinking about new year’s resolutions? Have you ever been frustrated by the end of January when things don’t go the way you planned? What if it’s not your fault?

Improving your health can be overwhelming, especially when it seems everywhere you turn you face toxins that can cause weight gain, hormone disruption, interfere with your thinking, fatigue, joint pain, irritable bowels, cancer risk and more. Where to begin? Diet? Exercise? Environment? It’s enough to make you throw your hands in the air and give up. But what if small steps in the right direction could lessen the risk of chronic and “lifestyle” diseases?

Food & Diet

Starting a diet at the beginning of the new year is nothing new. Of course a better diet will support better health. I’m suggesting improving the quality of your food over counting calories. This includes replacing unhealthy cooking oils and fats like canola, soybean and margarine with healthier options like avocado, olive, coconut oil, and butter.

Replace or reduce your intake of artificially sweetened soft drinks with filtered water. Aspartame is linked to all kinds of health issues. Add a slice of lemon or other fruit for flavor. Avoid beverages bottled in plastic, and make sure your water bottle is toxin free, like glass or steel. Stay hydrated.

What you cook and store your food in is just as important as your choice of food. Use iron, steel or glass pans to cook and bake in. Avoid non-stick and aluminum cookware. Store food and leftovers in glass and avoid plastic altogether. Replace black plastic cooking utensils with wood or steel. Plastic can contain brominated flame retardants, chlorine, PVC, cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead, and other toxins that can leach into your food.

Eat more fruits and veggies and reduce the carbs and sugar. Go organic where you can. Wash them thoroughly either way.

Physical and Mental Improvements

Try for 20-30 minutes of excercise most days, preferably outside. Get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Turn off the devices an hour before bed. Calm the mind by meditating, praying or rhythmic breathing. Choose personal care products without toxic ingredients.

Clean your Environment

Keep your cell phone away from your body. Don’t put it under the pillow or on a nightstand when you’re sleeping. Turn off the wifi and bluetooth when you don’t need it, and switch to airplane mode. Turn your modem off at night or use a timer. Research is showing exposure to radiation from Wi-Fi and cellular phones can disrupt normal cellular development, interfere with sleep and more. Declutter. Make sure your home is free of mold.

Each step we can take reduces the collective stressors that increase the chance of disease. Maybe those extra pounds you’re carrying aren’t just the result of a weak will. Maybe the fatigue you’re experiencing is coming from toxic exposure. Maybe that digestive issue is caused by something in your diet. Perhaps by choosing one area to work on improving each month, you can end the year healthier than you started it.

My heartfelt wish for you is all the best of everything, especially your health and happiness in the new year!

Let’s continue the conversation on Facebook!

Holistic Wellness | Healthy Lifestyle | New Year's Resolutions | Wellness Tips

November 8, 2018 by Sue 2 Comments

Choosing to be Happy Today

Many years ago when Denny and I were just dating, his grandmother died suddenly in a car accident. He felt so bad for his mother, because night after night he’d find her crying for her mother, saying if only she had been happier while she was alive. This made such an impression on me. All that unhappiness in a mother and her daughter. How sad is that. I knew for sure I never wanted anyone feeling bad for me because I was never happy.

To a certain extent I think it’s human nature to postpone our happiness. There are just so many reasons we will be happy later.

It can begin in childhood. I’ll be happy when:

Summer vacation starts
Santa brings me that new game or bike
I get to high school
I get a part in the play
I get asked to go to prom

The cycle continues as adults. My life will be so much better:

When I lose some weight
When I get a better job
When I find someone who loves me
When my health improves
When my kids are older
When I get out of debt
When my business takes off
When I can travel
When I retire
When I get married
When I get a divorce

Don’t get me wrong. It’s great to have goals. We need goals and things to look forward to. It’s more about finding the joy in the journey as you work toward your goals.

It’s so easy to get stuck waiting for some outside force to make us happy. If you hate your job, what are you doing about it? If you can’t make yourself take steps toward doing something else, why not? I know it’s not easy if you are the main breadwinner. But maybe you can take an online class, or start a side hustle. We are only stuck if we allow it by being afraid to take the steps necessary to change. Maybe you have a friend or family member or even a life coach you can ask for advice. Sometimes it takes an outsider to see through our excuses and make suggestions when we are too close to the problem. Once you take some positive action, it’s so much easier to find the joy in your life.

Of course at times we get dealt some really difficult situations. Change is scary. But every day I see how some people get sucked into a spiral of negativity, and others start the day with gratitude. We are meant to enjoy the journey, as much as the destination. Life is short. Stop postponing your joy. What is keeping you from being happy today? Are you brave enough to do something about it?

Let’s continue the conversation over on Facebook.

October 25, 2018 by Sue 1 Comment

Remaining Relevant in Retirement

Everyone’s retirement will look different. How will you make this time of your life count?

If retirement is on the horizon, you may wonder how you will fill your days. If you speak to a retiree, you will probably hear they don’t know how they found time to work. But the biggest fear many have before pulling the trigger on retirement is becoming irrelevant, especially when so much of our identity can be tied to our work. One of the first questions we ask when meeting someone is “what do you do?” Choosing to retire should be carefully thought out.

Retirement can be an amazing time in your life. Finally you have the time and ability to design your life, complete with purpose and meaning. So how do we accomplish that?

Stay connected to family and friends

Now may be the time to get on Facebook, if you haven’t already. Our kids and grandkids don’t communicate the same way we do. Some don’t even get the news the same way. Facebook can open the door to staying connected with your former co-workers, and old friends, even if they move. Join a book club or play bunco with friends. Spend time with your grandkids.

Get physical

Once you’re retired there’s no excuse for not getting exercise. I still invented excuses right up until I got a dog. Get out. Walk the dog. Go to the gym. The best way to feel better and sleep better is to exercise regularly.

Be a life long learner

Nothing is stopping you from learning to play an instrument or how to paint. Read books. Take a cooking, photography or computer class.

Get a job

Now is your chance to get a job at that place you’ve always thought would be fun. Is it a bookstore, fabric store, or maybe the airport? You will have a chance to meet new people, and make a little extra cash. If you want a job with lots of flexibility, check out Direct Sales is the Perfect Retirement Job.

Be a part of something bigger than yourself

What’s important to you? Now you can finally get involved in what interests you. Volunteer at a hospital, get involved in politics, chair an event at your church or help out at a nearby school. Start a blog.

If you aren’t ready to sit back in a rocking chair, you have a lot of options. How do you plan to make the most of the rest of your life?

Join my Facebook community and let’s continue the retirement discussion.

September 30, 2018 by Sue 1 Comment

Neal’s Yard Remedies 2018 Organic Holiday Gifts

Once again, Neal’s Yard Remedies / NYR Organic has outdone themselves with stunning organic holiday gifts for everyone on your list.

It may not feel like the holidays are right around the corner, but they have a tendency of sneaking up on me. The Neal’s Yard Remedies 2018 organic holiday gifts are beginning to show up, and there is something for everyone! Starting at $18 and up, you’re sure to find the perfect gift to fit your budget.

Skincare

The first one I HAVE to have, is the Frankincense Intense Lift – Age Defence Collection. This gift box includes full sizes of the Frankincense Intense Lift Serum, Frankincense Intense Lift Cream, and Frankincense Intense Lift Eye Cream. This is the ultimate gift for the woman who prefers a holistic approach to aging well naturally. The Frankincense Intense Lift collection helps to reduce the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles. The highest quality frankincense sustainably sourced from the resin of the Boswellia sacra trees of Oman is collected, sorted and distilled to extract the pure essential oil used in these amazing products.

The Rejuvenate Frankincense Collection has been a favorite since my beginning days as a consultant. This gift box is a complete skincare routine including full sizes of the Frankincense Refining Cleanser and Frankincense Hydrating Cream, as well as a travel size Rejuvenating Frankincense Toner and an organic muslin face cloth. Perfect for all skin types.

Every year the gift that sells out the quickest is the One Pot Wonder – Wild Rose Beauty Balm Gift and it’s no wonder. (ha ha) I’ve written about what this amazing balm can do in a previous post, and it gets down to what doesn’t it do?

Bath and Body

Whether you prefer a quick shower, or a long, luxurious bath, we got you covered. The Revive Your Senses – Shower Gel Collection and the Sink Into Bliss – Foaming Bath Collection make perfect gifts for yourself or that special someone.

For the Home

New this year is the Warm Your Soul – Hand Wash and Lotion Collection. Warm your soul and delight your guests over the holidays with the festive aromas of orange, mandarin, clove and cinnamon organic essential oils in this hand wash and lotion gift. Included is an elegant ceramic dish as well as a 6.76 oz hand wash and lotion in a gorgeous gift box. Keep it by your sink for a welcoming treat, or give it as the perfect hostess gift.

The elegant bamboo diffuser is a great gift, as it fits with any decor. Choose a couple of essential oils to go with The Esta Aromatherapy Diffuser, and you will have an amazing gift.

The most popular Neal’s Yard Remedies 2018 holiday gifts can sell out early, so don’t wait too long! Check them all out here.

Keep up with all the latest Neal’s Yard Remedies / NYR Organic news, specials and products on Facebook!

August 12, 2018 by Sue 4 Comments

Let’s Support a Belief in Miracles

Do you believe in miracles? Growing up, I recall my mother praying to St. Anthony for help in finding lost items. On more than one occasion, he came through in nothing short of a miraculous intervention. One time, a small diamond fell out of my mother’s wedding ring. After a quick prayer, she looked down and saw it sparkling in some sand. Another time a friend of my sister’s had a contact lens pop out. Mom said a quick prayer and found it in the grass.

St. Anthony was born in Lisbon in 1195, and is traditionally known as the patron saint of lost items. It may have originated with him more importantly being the patron of lost souls – those who have fallen to serious sin or have abandoned the Church.

Friday morning my granddaughter, Ava, realized one of her little fox earrings was missing. She was staying with us while her mom was out of town. She slept while wearing the earrings, and even showered and washed her hair before she realized one was missing, and she couldn’t pinpoint exactly when it fell off. It could have fallen off in her bed, during her shower, she had no idea. It could be anywhere. They were a souvenir of an Alaskan cruise, and she was upset that one of her favorite earrings was lost. Denny and I did our best to look for it, but had no luck.

Later that day, my granddaughter and I drove to have lunch with my mother. On the way I told her about St. Anthony, and explained a little about how a saint has to have documented miracles credited to them before they are considered a saint. I told her St. Anthony is her Auntie Bee’s favorite saint because he’s helped her many times, and how it’s tradition to ask St. Anthony for help finding something missing. I suggested we each quietly say a little prayer in our head.

After having lunch with my mother, we returned home so Ava could pack up and get ready to go to a sleep over. Shortly before it was time to leave, Ava spotted her earring, in the middle of the kitchen floor in front of the stove. It seemed impossible the earring could have been there the entire time. Someone would have stepped on it. The dog could have gotten it. I said, “Wow, Ava, did you say a prayer to St. Anthony, because I sure did.” She admitted she hadn’t. My husband was there, and he said he had prayed for help from St. Anthony.

Could it have been stuck to her clothes, and fallen there right before she saw it? Perhaps, but shouldn’t it have made a sound? I choose to believe it was just another of life’s little miracles, and I pray my granddaughter will always believe in miracles.

“St. Anthony, please look around; something is lost and must be found.”

August 1, 2018 by Sue Leave a Comment

Introducing Frankincense Intense™ Lift Eye Cream

Frankincense Intense™ Lift Eye Cream is now available in the USA!

I’ve been a huge fan of Neal’s Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense™ Eye Cream for the past two years. I saw a reduction in the (not so) fine lines around my eyes after two applications! Since I began using the “Lift” serum and cream, I continued with the eye cream. Once I heard there would be a “Lift” eye cream, I couldn’t wait to try it. Can an eye cream be life changing? I never would have guessed how important an eye cream is to a skincare routine!

Why Use a Separate Eye Cream?

The skin near the eyes is thinner and more prone to UV damage, congestion and dehydration. Using a facial moisturizer too close to the eyes can actually cause puffiness. Not the look we want!

What Makes Frankincense Intense™ Lift Eye Cream Special?

From the moment you feel the lightweight, ophthalmologist tested silky, smooth cream to the non-sticky sensation after it’s applied, you will know this eye cream is special. It’s scientifically formulated to target skin beginning to show a lack of firmness, elasticity and crow’s feet. You’ll love that it’s an amazing, organic alternative to the synthetic anti-aging products on the market. It’s loaded with ingredients to improve the area near your eyes.

green tea caffeine
turmeric – brightens and increases radiance
organic free coffee seed oil – antioxidant and essential fatty acid
restoring ribose
redefining linseed extract
stimulating micro algae
hyaluronic acid – hydrates and plumps
Frankincense Active Photo Complex – helps protect against environmental factors that accelerate skin aging

How to use Frankincense Intense™ Lift Eye Cream

Apply Frankincense Intense™ Lift Eye Cream to clean skin morning and evening. Using your ring finger, dot a small amount of cream, about the size of a cooked grain of rice, around the orbital bone of the eyes, then lightly dab in until fully absorbed. For maximum results, apply after Frankincense Intense™ Lift Serum and before Lift Cream, however you can certainly enjoy the benefits of this eye cream with whatever skin care products you are using.

Frankincense Intense™ Lift Eye Cream is made with 82% organic ingredients. Like other Neal’s Yard Remedies / NYR Organic products, a little goes a long way. Speaking from experience, the NYR eye cream I have been using lasts me about 6 months, so I would expect this one would as well. All Neal’s Yard Remedies products are covered by their 45 day satisfaction guarantee.

Now if only there was a Frankincense Intense™ Lift Neck Cream, or perhaps I just a nice, pretty scarf…

The best way to get the latest NYR Organic / Neal’s Yard Remedies news and specials is to subscribe to the monthly eNewsletter and join my Facebook group! What are you waiting for?

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July 29, 2018 by Sue 2 Comments

As We Forgive Those…

The Lord’s Prayer, or religion for that matter, is not my usual subject,

but I ask a little leeway here, as I do believe spiritual health is part of wellness.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in Heaven

hallowed be thy name.

The kingdom come, thy will be done,

on earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

Lead us not into temptation

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the power

and the glory, for ever and ever.

Amen

As I sat in church this morning, The Lord’s Prayer was speaking louder than usual to me. “…as we forgive those who trespass against us.” in particular. I asked myself who out there do I need to forgive? I know I haven’t forgotten some “trespasses,” but have I forgiven? Truly forgiven? And why is forgiveness so darn hard sometimes? The Lord has forgiven us, and He proves it over and over.

I wondered how many others are saying this same prayer around the world, weekly, daily. How many denominations pray The Lord’s Prayer? How many congregations, just on Sunday mornings, are saying these same words? Does each individual think about what they are saying and praying? I don’t mean that in a judgmental way at all. I’m a big believer in judge not, lest ye be judged. But seriously, if every one of us praying The Lord’s Prayer said these words and really meant them, what would the world look like?

We are all works in progress. Forgiveness is part of that work. I don’t believe we can summon forgiveness the same way we can force a smile. If only it were that simple. We can commit to giving forgiveness serious consideration. Forgive the driver that pushed in ahead of you. Forgive the relative that made a hurtful comment. Forgive the friend that voted for the other political party. With forgiveness, comes tolerance, kindness, peace and even love.

Join me on Facebook where we discuss a variety of wellness topics!

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June 22, 2018 by Sue 4 Comments

Is it Time to Deal With Your Old Makeup Cemetery?

How long is too long to keep expired makeup?

I had cataract surgery today, and I have to tell you, cataract surgery is a definite reminder you’re not a kid anymore. But that’s a blog post for another time. My discharge instructions included telling me to throw out all my old eye makeup, and buy fresh.

I don’t mind the idea of buying new eye makeup. I love shopping online, reading reviews. But I have a confession to make, to you, my dear friends. I have hoarding tendencies. I’ve had an empty mascara with an awesome brush on it forever, that works just right to remove the excess clumps another mascara tends to leave. There’s the foundation I bought for a special wedding that was how many years ago? I have makeup that I have replaced with newer makeup, but it wasn’t quite bad enough to throw out, so why not keep it in my travel bag? I haven’t used nail polish regularly for years, but I have a shoebox full of cute little bottles. How about those small bottles of shampoo and conditioner in hotels? I always think I’m going to use them for travel, but I never do. And then there are my Neal’s Yard Remedies products. A little goes a long way, but when a shiny new product comes out that I want to try, I can’t always wait until I use up the old.

When I was telling my sister, Nancy, about this dilemma, she said her friend Ana refers to this as the old makeup graveyard or cemetery. Well this is the push I need to deal with my old, expired makeup cemetery.

How Long Can You Keep Makeup?

Well it depends on the product. Neal’s Yard Remedies labels have information about how long to keep a product once it’s opened. Check out this blog post to better understand Neal’s Yard Remedies labels. Here in the US companies aren’t required to put expiration dates on cosmetics. Guidelines for when to throw vary.

Mascara should be tossed anywhere between 2 and 6 months. Liquid and gel eyeliner from 90 days to 1 year. Foundation lasts from 6-12 months, with pump bottles lasting up to 2 years. Powdered blush and eye shadow can last up to 2 years, and lip sticks and lip liners 1 year. Nail polish lasts about a year.

Keeping it Fresh

Makeup is an investment, and there are a few things you can do to keep it fresh. Wash your hands before applying your makeup. Keep your jars and bottles tightly sealed. Use a spatula for products in jars, rather than sticking your fingers in the product, and wash the spatula in between using. Sharpen the tips on eyeliner and lipliner pencils. Wash your makeup brushes regularly.

Powders and dry products last longer than products with water in them. Finally, be aware of changes in color, textures and smells, and throw anything that seems off, regardless of how long you’ve had it. It’s not worth an eye infection, or worse.

Next Task

My next eye procedure is coming up in a little over a week. I guess I’ll be dealing with the glasses graveyard next, because I’ve kept close to 50 years of them as backups, lol! Anyone need a pair of vintage glasses from the 80s?

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