EASTER SUNDAY REFLECTING ON BLESSINGS

Today, Easter Sunday, helps me reflect on just how blessed we are. We can spend time looking at all the ugliness within the world but I believe it's best that we focus on all the small miracles that surround us in the midst of the negativity that can take place in the world. You see, "all things work for the good for those who love the lord and are called according to his purpose." On Friday I went to see a movie called Miracles from Heaven. This movie reminded me of how true that statement is.

I spent a bit of time this morning reflecting on all the miracles that have taken place during my efforts to fulfill my calling. I believe that I was called to produce products that are helpful to people and despite all the following situations God has managed to continue using me and guiding me with ways to stay out of harms way when I've had to battle with the attacks from the Goliath's within the industry.

After winning awards and receiving lots of media attention for our efforts to produce truly clean water-less products that really do serve your health and the planet well. Lovely Lady Products has been bombarded with ugly competitor attacks that went beyond just business but have struck at the very core of our civil and federal rights. You see many big commercial brands want to continue deceiving the public about healthy products and they spend a lot of effort and money to keep the smaller companies who are doing the right thing from succeeding (a professor from the Kellogg School of Manage wrote a book about this very thing, it's called, "Defending Your Brand" written in an effort to help small companies to become of aware of competitor attacks). Some of this gave me pause to give up but it was the individuals who support our products and the many testimonies of how our products are helpful that kept me in this industry (but most of all I realized that I am safe in the knowledge that God has his hands on me and I'm truly honored for his grace and mercy). So please note that no matter what you are going through use today to ask God for guidance and praise him through it all. I'm sure by now my customers know that I don't follow the traditional rules for running my business. My heart leads me to speak my truth and produce my products in an honest fashion and if that takes away from what others call success so be it because I know that God is in charge of my pathway.  Lovely Is As Lovely Does.

Troubles that God helped us to over come and he's still watching over us:

• Discovering that competitors were using some of our employees to spy and sabotage our business.
•  Competitors using some vendors to attack our effects to produce our products and grow
• Competitors trying to interfere with our continued success to receive our organic certifications.
• Competitors using Major Retail Chain Employees to slow our growth within their many retail stores, we continue to have success after removing our products from this major health food chain.
• Home and office invasions, using some of my neighbors, friends and I'm sad to say FAMILY MEMBERS too in an effort to do so.
• Police corruption and lack of assistance from Federal Employees when we reached out for help (major effort to cover up for the BIG GUY).
• Surviving what I believed was an attack on my life via someone cutting my car brake line.
• Continuous attempts to place my life under surveillance once it was known that we went to the press, the ACLU and other watchdog groups. 
• Not to mention continuous subtle threats in an effort to keep me quiet because they are well aware of how far they have strayed from the law with their tactics to destroy a smaller competitor. 

Now let me just say this, I no longer have bitterness in my heart and I have learned that your enemies can serve to push you to live at a higher level of consciousness and God also uses them to help you move towards whatever he has in store for you. I know it's very difficult for us to love individuals who attack us but I've learned that we can do it through the love of God. I decided to share this brief version of my story regarding the trials and tribulations I've endured while running my business to inspire others to following their calling no matter the obstacles. There is definitely a reason we decided to formulate with a plant called Everlasting, an oil from a tree that has the ability to rebirth it self after laying dormant for 7 years (this is another blog story). Just remember to walk in the light.
 
Happy Easter and Blessing to all of our followings.

VALENTINE'S DAY: It's History, The Rose Connection and Celebrating It via Organic Body Care

 

On February 14th, many individuals across the globe celebrate a romantic tradition known as Valentine's Day. It is a day to express and indicate how much love you have for certain family members and friends (I do believe this is something we should do everyday, I'm just saying.....). Have you every asked yourself how this tradition come to be and/or how did roses become part of its history? And, what does organic body care have to do with all of this? Let's start by chatting about its history.

THE LEGEND OF ST. VALENTINE

The history of Valentine's Day and the story of its patron saint is shrouded in mystery. One thing is certain, February has long been celebrated as a month of romance and St. Valentine's Day is known to contain vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. So who was Saint Valentine and how did he become associated with this ancient ritual?

The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome when Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families so he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine saw this as an injustice and decided to go against the decree and continued to perform secret marriages for young people in love. When this was discovered, Claudius had Valentine put to death.

There are other stories that say Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons. One particular legend states that Valentine sent the first "valentine" greeting after he fell in love with a young girl, who could have been the jailor's daughter (thought to have visited him during his imprisonment). Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a signed letter stating, "From your Valentine, " an expression that we still use today. The truth behind the legend is a bit murky, but all the stories show a sympathetic, heroic and romantic individual.  One thing is for certain, St. Valentine has become one of the most popular saints in England and France dating back to the middle ages.

THE ROSE CONNECTION

There are several theories on how roses became a love symbol, one comes from early ancient Egypt. Ancient stories state that Cleopatra would scatter rose petals over her floor in an effort to welcome her lover Mark Anthony. However, Roman myth tells a story of Cupid spilling a sweet nectar that was part of an offering and it is said that roses grew forth from the ground where the nectar spilled. While the history of Valentine's Day is hotly debated, there's no one to date questioning that roses have come to symbolize love and romance. The Victorians began this tradition through floriograph, also known as the language of the flowers, a way to communicate feelings we find difficult to express by giving certain flowers to indicate what we are in fact feeling. For example; using red roses to express passion and romantic feelings associated with love and admiration.

ORGANIC BODY CARE

Over the years the perfume and body care industry have tapped into this tradition and found that roses not only provide an intoxicating smell for the senses but also have amazing healing properties for the hair and skin which are excellent for including in organic body care formulations (please keep in mind we are talking about pure essential oil from the roses, not chemically produced ingredients). So this Valentine's Day, why not give the gift of roses that won't wither or fade within a few days? Allow yourself, your friends/family and whomever that special someone is to fall in love with either your body or theirs this Valentine's Day. Try the following rose products at https://www.lovelyladyproducts.com at a discounted price (coupon code below).

1. Everlasting-Argan Immortal Rose Oil
2. Everlasting-Argan Neroli Rose Body Butter
3. Everlasting-Argan Geranium Rose Solid Lotion 
4. And Our Glorious Garden Bath Bar for Fresh Smelling Bathing Experience
5. All other products sitewide can be purchased using the coupon code as well (see below)

Use coupon code STVALENTINE for 25% off at checkout. Sale ends 2/14/2016.

BEAUTY

What does this word mean and how does it affect your life, your views, your health and the well being of the planet. Once you take a moment to ponder on this, it's kind of deep, isn't it? My opinion is that it all depends on what you're pouring on and into your body to influence your efforts at beauty. I also believe it to be a mental state as well as something visual.

Let's start with the standard explanation for what beauty is. 

Wikipedia states: 

"Beauty is the quality of being pleasing, especially to look at, or someone or something that gives great pleasure, especially when looking at it."

Webster's 1913 Dictionary states the following:

1. An assemblage of graces or properties pleasing to the eye, the ear, the intellect, the æsthetic faculty, or the moral sense. The old definition of beauty, in the Roman school, was, "multitude in unity;" and there is no doubt that such is the principle of beauty. - Coleridge.
2. A particular grace, feature, ornament, or excellence; anything beautiful; as, the beauties of nature.
3. A beautiful person, esp. a beautiful woman.
4. Prevailing style or taste; rage; fashion. She stained her hair yellow, which was then the beauty.
- Jer. Taylor.  Beauty spot, a patch or spot placed on the face with intent to heighten beauty by contrast.

 WordNet Dictionary States:

1. Beauty - the qualities that give pleasure to the senses. Antonyms: ugliness - qualities that do not give pleasure to the senses.
2. Beauty - a very attractive or seductive looking woman. Synonyms: lulu, mantrap, knockout, stunner, looker, peach, ravisher, smasher, sweetheart, dish
3. Beauty - an outstanding example of its kind; "his roses were beauties"; "when I make a mistake it's a beaut"

 Lovely Lady Products' Explanation on this word, Beauty:

 

Beauty is all encompassing; it's really not for one individual to interpret. It's in the eyes of the beholder and it's not singular in description. I can only explain it from my personal opinion on what I believe it's meaning is and my views on how we should be responsible with this powerful word and how it influences our lives.

To me beauty is anyone who strives to make their life meaningful by caring for others, making decisions that are based on how it will affect others, their health, the well being of the environment, their environment. Excepting ownership and responsibility for the word, not allowing others to dictate what it is and it's meaning to you and your individuality. It is a knowing, a confidence and the ability to care about things other than the superficial or just ones self. You see, I believe beauty thrives in those who shine from the inward out. A kind spirit, a loving heart and a generous and honest nature.

Yes, Lovely Lady Products create products that enhance the skin, but we do this by producing products that are created with your health in mind. We produce these products with a consideration for the planet. I believe that when one thinks of beauty, he or she should consider the effects of their efforts to attain it. How does your view on beauty affect your life, your views, your work, your career, and your treatment of others?

Beauty is within everyone's grasp and the best way to attain everlasting beauty is to aspire for greatness through love and light. Shine by being a good person and you'll find the true depth of beauty. The truth of it is to be lovely from within and everyone will see your beauty radiating outward. Beauty is As Beauty Does!

What Is Argan Oil, The Origins of the Tree and How It Supports Your Skin

We wanted to discuss the orgins of The Argan Tree and to explain why we choose to build our brand around this amazing oil and the nutrients it provides, which comes from the nut of the Argan Tree. The tree is a relic of the Earth's Tertiary Period and can only be found in Southwestern Morocco now. This gift from nature can grow between 7 to 10 meters high and is believed to be a blessing due to its amazing characteristics. The Argan Tree can live from 150 to 200 years, longer than the olive and requires no cultivation. Should it die, it can lay dormant and revive itself in 7 years. It is tenacious, withering and fruitless during extended droughts; can handle very high temperatures, manages well at preventing erosion due to its strong root system, thus preserving fertility of the soil and definitely is great at dealing with the harshness of the desert. The appearance is often twisted and gnarled, allowing goats to clamber along its branches and feed on the leaves and fruits. Its fruit has a green exterior and reminds you of the olive, but it's large with a hard-shelled nut inside. The goats value this tree and they love to eat the fruit, the fleshy part is digested but the nut remains. These nuts are what the farmers use to extract oil from.

In the traditional Berber pharmacy, this noble and rich oil is intended for everyday use - for internal as well as external treatment. It is used also on babies to protect against external influences. Body oiling is also an ancient Indian ayurvedic medical treatment, providing energy to the body and enhancing one's wellbeing. The massage using argan oil, which needs to be gently applied, is considered to be helpful in losing weight, improves the firmness of the skin and relaxes the spine. Argan oil is easily absorbed into the skin, leaving greasy residue on the skin. It is also one of the most important oils for making the skin look younger and is used also for the treatment of various skin diseases. The high content of vitamin E (twice as high as in olive oil) has strong antioxidant properties. Vitamin E is important for the development and maintenance of the functions of the nerve and the muscle systems. Argan oil contains more than 80% mono-and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have beneficial effects on rheumatic conditions and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, they neutralize free radicals, protect connective tissues, stimulate oxygen in the body, improve brain capacity and have a beneficial influence on the liver and digestion. The high content of linoleic acid helps to regulate the blood levels of cholesterol. Studies have shown that 16 g (2 table spoons) of argan oil satisfies the body's daily needs for essential linoleic acid, which is said to help to regulate the blood levels of cholesterol.

UNESCO, and enthusiasts excited by the oil's reputed anti-aging qualities have helped by creating a global market for the exotic oil, the unlikely alliance hopes to raise awareness about the inherent value of the trees, encouraging more careful grazing and stopping the local population from chopping the trees down for firewood. The people in the area are poor; as they now understand the value of the tree, they are protecting it. It has declared a 25,900-square-kilometer of land (between the Atlantic and the Atlas Mountains) an Argan reserve and provided money to manage the trees' preservation. Chefs and society matrons took up the cause, praising the culinary qualities of the oil and its anti-aging effect on the skin. There is also a ban against grazing in the trees from May to August, when the fruit ripens to a bright yellow and eventually the goats climb the trees, eat the fruit and expel the pits, which locals continue to collect.

At the Cooperative in Tiout, Berber women sit on the floor with rough rectangular stones between their knees cracking pits with rounded rocks.  Each smooth pit contains one to three kernels, which look like sliced almonds and are rich in oil.  The kernels are then removed and gently roasted.  This roasting accounts for part of the oil's distinctive, nutty flavor. It takes several days and about 32 kilograms of fruit, roughly one season's produce from a single tree, to make only one liter of oil.

The cosmetic industry love’s that it’s rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids and is used for massage, facials and as an ingredient in anti-aging cream. The edible oil is extracted from roasted kernels. Most of the oil is bottled pure for cooking, as a dressing on salads, meat or fish or simply as a dip for bread. The Tiout cooperative produces about 5,000 250-ml bottles of the edible oil a year.

Sustaining Communities and Supporting Women of Morocco through the Berber Women Cooperatives: All argan sold today is produced by a women's cooperative that shares the profits among the local women of the Berber tribe. The cooperative has established an ecosystem reforestation project so that the supply of argan oil will not run out and the income that is currently supporting the women will not disappear. The money is providing health care and education to the local women, and supporting the entire community as a whole.[5]  According to the Department of Water and Forests, Argan oil provides income for 3 million people in the southern part of the kingdom. The oil provides a total of 20 million workdays per year. Its operation is an income-generating activity and has always had a socio-economic benefit.

The vast majority of the production of argan oil passes through the women's cooperative of Argan oil. This program focuses on improving the working conditions of rural women’s economic activities, generating additional income and sustainable management of argan areas in the southwest of Morocco.

Co-sponsored by the Social Development Agency (SDA) with the support of the European Union, the UCFA (Union des Cooperatives des Femmes de l’Arganeraie) is the largest union of cooperatives for argan in Morocco. It comprises twenty-two cooperatives that are found everywhere in the region (e.g., Coopérative Al Amal, Coopérative Amalou N'Touyag, Coopérative Tissaliwine, Coopérative ArganSense, Coopérative Maouriga). These women come together to be better organized and thus guarantee a fair income through cooperatives, allowing them a better living environment and a dynamic local. Women cooperatives in Morocco work within a biosphere protected by UNESCO, which ensures its protection and reforestation.

An Outline of the Composition of Argan Oil

Fatty acids

Unsaturated fatty acids: %

Palmitic acid 14

Stearic acid 5

Polyunsaturated fatty acids: %

Linoleic acid 37

Alpha-linolenic acid < 0.6

Monounsaturated fatty acids: %

Oleic acid 43.5

Sterols %

Schottenol 48

Spinasterol 42

Delta 7 Avenosterol 5

Sigmastra-8, 22-dien 5

Proportions mg/kg

Tocopherols 720

Polyphenols 60

Sterols 3200

Triterpene alcohols 1800

Press-extraction

Now increasingly important for oil produced for sale, as the oil will keep 12–18 months and extraction is much faster. Using mechanical presses, mixing of the dough and water is unnecessary and the dough can be directly pressed. All other steps remaining unchanged, the oil is obtained in about 43% yield (calculated from the kernels) and only two hours are needed to get one liter of oil that preserves correctly.

References

"Biosphere Reserve Information". UNESCO. Retrieved 2007-10-11.

Morocco: Argan trees

Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (1880). The Pharmaceutical journal. J. Churchill.

"Argan Oil Ailment Treatment". DietOBio. Retrieved 2006-10-09.

"Is Argan oil miraculous?". Care2. Retrieved 2009-07-17.

General references

* Rachida Nouaim: L'arganier au Maroc: entre mythes et réalités. Une civilisation née d'un arbre, une espèce fruitière-forestière à usages multiples. Paris, L'Harmattan (2005) ISBN 2-7475-8453-4

* Multilingual taxonomic information from the University of Melbourne

Disclaimer:
 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.

CYBER MONDAY SALE!!!! 30% OFF EVERLASTING-ARGAN TREATMENT OILS

CYBER MONDAY SALE!!!! 30% OFF EVERLASTING-ARGAN TREATMENT OILS. 

Please don't let common misconceptions about using oils scare you off from using our Treatment Oils. Actually, these oils are non-comedogenic and won't clog your pores. Instead, they are traditionally known to help regulate sebum, which decreases clogged pores and reduces acne. Our oils are formulated to create a supple healthy complexion, will even out the skin tone, complete with anti-aging properties. See below for descriptions of the three treatment oils:

USE THIS CODE - LLPCYBERMONDAY at CHECKOUT.

Purchase oils here -  http://www.lovelyladyproducts.com/category-s/110.htm

Helichrysum 

The plant used to infuse this argan oil is called "Everlasting" and /or "Immortelle" for a reason...it has the exceptional ability to never fade or wilt, even when picked. Many healing properties have been attributed to both, everlasting and argan oil. It's a wonderful soothing agent for sensitive and acne prone skin.  Our Everlasting-Argan Helichrysum oil holds an important place for its broad range of healing plant properties, which can benefit individuals from many walks of life; it’s called immortelle for a reason. So for those of you who are active in sports, busy supporting your children with scraps and bruises, looking to heal and improve your skin’s appearance, or simply want something to assist with overall skin maintenance, this oil can support you in your quest for results by using on a regular basis. Argan oil contains more than 80% mono-and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have beneficial effects on the body.  Traditionally, It is known to be a strong anti-inflammatory and contains powerful regenerative molecules that are unique to helichrysum essential oil only (it's traditionally known to relieve sore or irritated skin as indicated on the Dr. Oz show, Great for repairing, soothing, calming, supporting the hardships that can be placed on your body.

Immortal Rose Oil

Our multipurpose immortal rose oil is exquisite for several reasons. It's an excellent treatment for aging dry skin, problematic redness of the skin and also serves as an excellent organic scent (smells just like fresh cut roses). It also serves as an excellent hair conditioner. Argan oil has traditionally been known as an excellent hair conditioner, infused with a special blend of organic essential oils will bring in moisture while nourishing and protecting the hair from the environment. It is a blessing from the earth. Please use as a leave-in treatment that conditions to restores moisture to fine/normal hair. It renews cell structure and restores shine to your damaged, starved hair, thus eliminating frizz for all hair types. It will strengthen and soften brittle locks and is gentle on fine hair, and more than capable of taming unmanageable hair. It will absorb quickly and penetrate deep into the hair shaft, healing and nourishing from the inside out. Please note to use sparingly, applying too much can create an oily feeling and we don’t want it to weigh down your hair, you only require a dime size amount. Hair should still be damp so that the oil combines with the remaining water in the hair to insure even distribution. If you are not happy with the results, increase your amount slowly. The results will be hair that is wonderfully conditioned with a lovely shine and no oily residue left on your hair. Excellent for Dry and Damaged Hair.

Night Serum (Neroli Infused)

This will help your skin find its eternal fountain of youth. This easy to absorb oil will helps to minimize lines and wrinkles, bringing moisture to your skin as it nourishes and protects from the environment. We suggest using our Serum oil prior to going to bed, which will assist with your skin’s own ability to regenerate itself. Cell regeneration is a natural process where fresh, new skin cells replace old, dead skin. This happens quicker at night compared to daytime. Vitamins and other healing/anti-aging plant properties lose potency after exposure to sunlight, which render them less effective. Due to there being no sunlight exposure at night, vitamins and other skin healing properties are believed to stay active longer and can provide more anti-aging benefits for your skin (by supporting the skin’s hydro-lipid layer). This oil is a truly natural solution for youthful, healthy and beautiful looking skin.

HELICHRYSUM: The Flower of Youth Your Organic Body Care

HELICHRYSUM: The Flower of Youth in Your Organic Body Care 

From generations past to the present, aging has been viewed as a dreadful monster that comes to steal your beauty and health away so we spend time and money looking for solutions and hopefully you're doing so within the organic body care. Before you know it, aging creeps in, then wrinkles and age spots start to develop or become more prominent, your body starts to ache, gravity checks in and things aren’t as tight as they use to be. The obsession with aging and how to prevent it has been around for centuries. It can be traced back to the 16^thcentury, when Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon was rumored to have discovered Florida while searching for the fountain of youth. The idea that there is a fountain of magic waters that can restore youthfulness with one sip seems a bit far-fetched. I believe in what seems to be a proven fact, if you lead an active and healthy lifestyle and are conscious of what you put in and on your body, you can slow the effects of aging. Apparently, I’m not the only person who believes in this statement- most people do, which is why you see so many businesses within the cosmetic industry attaching “anti-aging” to their product labels. 

Although there will always be consumers who buy into “anti-aging” products simply because the packaging says “anti-aging”, many consumers are becoming more knowledgeable of which ingredients actually helps slow down the process of aging. An ingredient in particular that has been dated back to Greek myths such as Homer’s Odyssey as a beauty elixir is Helichrysum. Helichrysum (arenarium) is a flower which produces an essential oil known to have great skin rejuvenating, anti-inflammatory and cell-regenerative properties. Helichrysum is also known as Everlasting and/or Immortelle, because it retains its shape and beautiful yellow coloring even if plucked and dried. Just imagine what those properties can do for ones skin. This flower grows in the European and Mediterranean regions amongst sandy, dry, and rocky areas. 

Skin aging, as defined by the National Center of Biotechnology Information, is a complex, multi-factorial process whose baseline rate is genetically determined but that may be accelerated by environmental, mechanical, or socioeconomic factors. The intrinsic structural changes that occur with the aging of the skin increase skin fragility decrease the ability of the skin to heal, increase risk for toxicological injuries, promote the development of various cutaneous disorders, and produce aesthetically undesirable effects like wrinkling and uneven pigmentation [1] . The amazing healing properties of Helichrysum, include the ability to help reduce free-radical oxidative damage, stimulate cell regeneration, reduce the appearance of scars, stretch marks, dermatitis, and acne, as well as tone and tighten skin that has reduced elasticity – all which are issues of maturing skin. As wonderful as the essential oil of Helichrysum is, it is not commonly seen in many beauty and/or organic body care products. I relate this to the fact that pure Helichrysum essential oil isn’t easy to get in large quantities nor is it cheap. Although it’s an expensive essential oil, the medicinal properties are exceptional and definitely well worth the price. 

The benefits of Helichrysum essential oil used in organic body care is not just limited to consumers who are dealing with issues of aging skin, scars, eczema, dry skin, but it’s great for preserving and maintaining the beauty of young vibrant skin as well. It has also been known to contribute to healing properties of the liver and nervous system according to the aromatherapy industry. It’s never too early or too late to begin caring about the health and maintenance of your skin and we’re encouraging it by incorporating this amazing essential oil into most of our formulations. The fountain of youth lies within all of us – it’s our outlook on life, it’s the decisions that we make regarding our health, it’s the ability to consistently possess a positive outlook on life. So the next time you look in the mirror, and become terrified that the monster known as “Aging” is coming to get you, remember one thing, YOU HOLD THE POWER. 

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[1] National Center of Biotechnology Information - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18058308