24-karat golden glow

There are some unique/strange beauty treatments gaining attention and praise. To find out the first one in this three-part series, click here.

Don't forget to sign up to follow our new blog for a chance to win a Scandle-ous prize!!!!!!!!!!

FDA not so hot about ear candles

The manufacturers of these candles claim the candles can relieve sinus pressure, cleanse the ear, improve hearing and even relieve vertigo. Each company claims different pros to using their ear candle but the FDA says there is no proof that any of these claims are true.

To read more about this study and other info, check out our new blog, here.

Scandle®, LLC Announces Distributorship in Belgium, Luxemburg, and The Netherlands

Hey guys, Scandle Body Massage Candles and Spa Products are now available in Benelux.


For more info, click here.

Also, don't forget to follow our new blog for your chance to win some winter repair for dry hands.

We are moving..................Blogs that is. And you can win!

It's official, the new Scandle blog is up and running.

Unfortunately, if you have signed up to follow us here, you will need to sign up at the new site. But don't worry there is something in it for all of our followers!!!!

Sign up to follow Scandle's Blog and you will be entered into a giveaway for Scandle's Helping Hands kit.*

Give those tired/dry hands and feet a special treat with our Scandle Helping Hand treatment packs. Each pack contains a pair of special moisturizing socks or moisturizing gloves (one size fits most) and a Scandle Travel Candle (infused with tea tree & lemongrass essential oils)

Thanks for your continued support. Happy blogging!!!!!



*Entries must be received by midnight EST on March 31.

So long lather, rinse, repeat; hello emu

Lather, rinse, add toner, sunscreen, spot acne treatment and daily moisturizer, every day; forever!!!

It is a common misconception that all of these steps are needed to maintain beautiful skin. Actually, sometimes these routines cause more damage than repair. Think about it. Does acne really react well to harsh, strong scrubs and toners?

So what if we could eliminate at least half of the process? Well, something new is emerging in high end spas and beauty products that should help eliminate the need for that 6-step skin care routine.

Emu oil is one of nature's best kept secrets. It is a safe option for any type of skin, absorbs immediately into the skin and aids in the release of trapped oil, skin and makeup in our pores.

Not only is the oil an amazing natural acne fighter, it has been used to treat chronic arthritis, strains, sprains and other muscle related pains. In Australia, the natural habitat of the emu, it is actually used as a wound healing accelerate.

But, buyer beware! A lot of these new "emu oil" beauty products are not so bird friendly. Make sure to read the label carefully to make sure it actually contains emu oil.

Have you tried emu oil? In a spa treatment? In a cosmetic product? Let me know what you think?

Add some passion to your winter season

With the weather finally creeping up the thermometer, it is time to put some passion back into my winter.

The passion fruit has long been a staple of South American medicinal treatments and is now making its way into spas and cosmetics.

This powerful fruit is said to reduce cancer cell growth. Though research is underway, the phytochemicals in the fruit juice are considered to inhibit cancer cell growth. It also contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium and tons of antioxidants.

Since I don't have time for an all-day trip to the spa, I thought I would light my Scandle (for my spa treatment) and make a Passion Fruitini (for my mind treatment).

Passion Fruitini:
• 1 cup lemon vodka
• 2 tbsp triple sec
• 12 oz white cranberry juice
• 12 oz passion fruit juice

Put in large pitcher filled with ice, and stir briskly. Pour into cocktail glasses while straining the ice.

What are you doing to keep the spring in your winter season? Let us know.................

Chamomile that dry skin away

When will it ever heat up again?????? It seems that every day is colder than the one before. Well maybe I am exaggerating a tad bit but this seems to be one of the harshest winters on my skin and the tightest on my wallet!

We are all pinching a penny but still need glowing skin in the dead of winter. I found this great recipe for a chamomile tea skin toner, many spas use it pre/post facial to rehydrate the skin and you can make it for just a couple hundred pennies :)

Chamomile Tea Skin Toner:

• 3 organic chamomile tea bags
• 2 cups boiling water

Pour the boiling water over the tea bags and allow the tea to steep for a couple of hours (until the tea has cooled completely). Bottle the mixture in a spray bottle or toner bottle.

Use the toner throughout the day, especially on the really cold ones, to keep your skin hydrated and free from weather irritation. Discard the mixture after 7 days.

You can also use the bags from chamomile tea to:

• reduce puffy, irritated eyes: place warm chamomile bags over eyes for 10-15 min.
  
• relax your mind with its essential oil scent
  
• add to your bath to aid in healing sunburned skin and dry, chapped skin.

Happy Scandle-ous Valentine's

If you are running a little behind on your Valentine's shopping (you only have 2 days) check out these great reviews and giveaways to get your own free Scandle!!!!

• Networking Witches: BeWitched Valentine's
• Angela's Bits: Scandle Review & Giveaway
• Brown Couch Events: Valentine's Blog Party Game

Congratulations to our winners from:

• Blissful Bee Boutique
• Lesli Loves Veggies

If you still need a couple of suggestions for your special someone, check out Valentine's on a budget.

If you are making it a night in, don't forget your Brazilian Rose.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!!

Winter skin advisory

It is snowing in Texas!!!!!!!! My hands are freezing, my socks are wet and my lips are chapped, but its snowing in Texas!!!!!!

When winter season is in full gear it is important to remember that although the snow and cold can look like a wonderland they can wreak havoc on your skin.

For a refresher corse on winter happy hair and skin, check out Keep Jack Frost from nipping at your hair and Dry skin: 10 best quick fixes.

Don't forget, even though its cloudy and snowy, daily sunscreen is still essential. And sure, soaking in a burning-hot bath feels great after frolicking out in the cold. But the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture.

Happy snowman making day!!! What do you do to keep the cold at bay? We could sure use the advise here in Texas :)

Brain food from the Mediteranean Coast

We know that a Mediterranean diet is excellent for our waistline but a new study published by Columbia University says this diet is also good for our brain.

The diet, which consists of fruits, vegetables, fish and olive oil has been shown to reduce the onset of Alzheimer's in patients already showing signs and also helps prevent the disease from even occurring in some cases.

Not only does the diet ward of dementia, people who consume a moderate to high amount of these foods are at a much lower risk of developing heart disease, some cancers and Parkinson's disease.

The study also says that people who were not extremely stringent in the diet still saw tremendous health improvements and a reduction in brain cognitive impairment.

The study couldn't pinpoint an exact reason why this diet is so good for the brain. But maybe it is the high fish content (they're packed with Omega-3s) or the olive oil (great for a healthy heart) and you can never go wrong with fruits and veggies.

What do you do to keep your brain healthy? What do you think about this study? Let us know.....

Fried foods = acne, fact or fiction?

How many times did your mom say, "Eating greasy foods will make you get pimples?" Mine sure did! So I am happy to say that this golden beauty rule is indeed a myth.

While I don't encourage you to down a greasy meal every day, it is safe to say it will not effect your complexion. There is no scientific evidence that fried foods can cause or worsen acne. But still, eating excessive amounts of fried foods is not a healthy waistline option.

However, there is strong evidence that if you work in a greasy environment your acne will get worse. If your skin is exposed to airborne grease from frying foods, you will need a good cleanser and astringent to fight the effects.

What is a "beauty golden rule" you now know to be a myth? Let us know......

Hearts all around!!!!

Not only is February the month of love, it also the month of the heart.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of Americans and there are small steps everyone can take to naturally reduce their risk of heart disease.

Exercise regularly, stay in your recommended weight range and reducing your stress levels are the most common ways to reduce your risk.

But in today's world there are other factors that we don't pay attention to as much. We do not eat the same as people 50 years ago. I know I enjoy a drive-thru meal every once and a while :) So we do not consume the vitamins we need from our food.

It is important to remember that daily heart health starts with what you consume. If you know you are not getting your recommended daily vitamins, incorporate at least a few of these:

• Fish oil. Even if you are an avid fish eater you might want to consider taking a small capsule daily. Cold water fish can sometimes be devoid of essential Omega 3's due to poor manufacturing and handling practice.
• Vitamins C, E and all of the Bs. These are the best for heart health (especially if your diet is a little lacking in the veges' department)
• CoQ10. If you already have high cholesterol or heart risk factors, this is one of the most important supplements.
  

What do you do to stay heart healthy? Let us know.............. Happy Heart Month!!

Valentine's on a budget

If you are lucky enough to have that special somebody this Valentine's Day (you still have a little over a week) you know that it is the little things that count.

We all love flowers, sparkly objects we can wear and who doesn't love chocolate? But in today's economy people are downsizing everything.

Valentine's Day can be one of the most expensive days of the year and it doesn't have to. Here are some things I would love to do and they all costs under $20.

• Any chocolate is good chocolate. You don't need to buy a box that costs more than a nice home cooked dinner.

• Watch a movie you know your significant other would like, even if it isn't your cup of tea.

• Take turns giving each other a massage. (Limited-edition Chocolate Dipped Strawberries and Cupid's Wings are almost gone!!!)

• Make your own card. Not only is it cheaper, it is more personal.

• Aromatherapy bubble baths are the best gift to give someone who needs some peace and relaxation in life.

If you can, make it a night in with your loved one. Spending quality alone time is hard enough.

Got any great gifts we missed? Let us know.........

Cold season isn't over yet - don't let it ruin your Valentine's

As I (Charlie) sit working from home today with a horrible cold, I thought it would be fitting to share some natural ways to ward off that nasty little bug:

• Gargle once a day. Japanese researchers found that a daily gargling with water reduces your cold risk. People who gargled with water were 36 percent less likely to be struck down when compared with non-garglers.

• Drink your liquids. Hot tea, cold tea and simple water keep your body hydrated and able to better fight unwanted infections.

• Take a sauna. A recent study in Germany found that people who took a sauna twice a week were 50% less likely to get a cold.

• Wash your hands!!!!!

• Get plenty of sleep. It is important to get enough sleep to maintain your normal routine. That means you need even more to keep your immune system at its best

What do you do to keep that nasty bugger at bay? Let us know........ We all want to make it through to spring, cold free. Till next time AAACCCHHHHOOOO!

Argan oil - nature's new beauty gift

It seems like every month there is a new, wonder beauty product that will heal all that ails us, cosmetically speaking.

One new "wonder" product is argan oil. It is popping up in health studies, beauty articles and even cosmetic lines. But this all-natural oil is cause for praise.

Argan oil is made from a tree, which grows almost exclusively in Morocco. Beauty products claim that this oil can restore skin and has age-defying effects.

While there are many studies in effect right now, it is true that this oil is high in vitamin E, essential fatty acids and phytosterols, which are good for scar tissue repair.

Some studies already concluded show that people really did see a decrease in inflammation, it minimized the appearance of wrinkles and the oil can actually protect the skin from environmental factors.

The oil is ideal for all skin types.

What do you think? Have you tried argan oil or used any new products containing it? Let us know......