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.........

What a pain in the neck

While stress is a major factor in neck pain, your sleeping habits can create as much tension and pain as stress can. Many people either sleep on their stomachs (which is the biggest cause of sleep-related neck pain) or use a poor pillow.

If you suffer from neck pain and the messages are not working and you have reduced your stress inhibitors, think about investing in a memory foam or neck-support pillow. Also, did you know that there are certain types of pillows for certain types of sleepers?

• If you sleep on your back you need a flat, medium firm bed pillow
• If you are a side sleeper, invest in good neck support
• If you are a stomach sleeper try to use a flat, soft pillow. If you can, try changing positions. Your neck will thank you later.

What do you do to reduce neck pain? Let us know......

Sickle cell eased by massage therapy

Massage therapy continues to produce new medical results. In a study conducted by the Journal of Pediatric Psychology, doctors found children with sickle cell disease, a rare blood disorder that affects red blood cells, benefited tremendously from massage.

The study reveled that the benefits the children received through massage were reduced pain, lower or no anxiety and depression symptoms were much lower.

The children who received the massages experienced drastically less of the negative emotions and pain the children in the controlled group felt.

Massage therapy is also known to enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow, the body’s natural defense system. It can also reduce post-surgery adhesion and swelling and pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.

Have you seen other benefits from massage therapy?

Prenatal Massage - not just for baby back pain anymore

Massage therapy is good for tired joints, fatigued or strained muscles and even just for relaxation purposes. A new study from the University of Miami found that pregnant women, between five and seven months, who received two massages a week had remarkable results.

The women had lower stress levels and less back pain than the women who did not receive the therapy. They also had fewer complications and signs of depression. The massage patients had 75 percent lower rate of premature birth and 80 percent lower incidence of low birth weight.

Now two massages a week can get a little pricey but you can always incorporate massage therapy you own way. Have the hubby, friend or family member give you a relaxing rub down (don't forget your Scandle).

What do you think about this new research?

Massage After Burning

In a recent study published earlier this year, subjects were put through variables of exercise workouts. Immediately following those workouts, their muscles were massaged.

The results........ massaging the sore muscles used in intense workouts helped them to recover faster and limited the negative effects of lactic acid buildup.

Your muscles produce lactic acid during these intense workouts. The more intense the workout, the more lactic acid is produced. The more acid your body accumulates, the more fatigued and pained the muscles become.

While lactic acid will eventually dissipate on its own, blood circulation helps to get rid of it quicker. Buildup of lactic acid can cause muscle craps and spasms. Some findings suggest massage may also promote the release of endorphins, which naturally alleviate pain.

Don't forget your Scandle in our original scents for a good post-workout massage.

Need a pick up? Try a hand massage.

The hand is one of the most useful structures in the human body and one of a few things that set us apart from most other animals.

The hand contains 19 bones and 14 small joints for movement, as well as numerous muscles, ligaments and sheaths.

With that said, a hand massage is a great stress reducer and mood lifter when you can't find the time for some serious pampering. Here are some great tips to ensure a stress reducing pick-me-up. Don't forget your Scandle, the oil is a must to ensure a perfect, time-efficient massage.

• Start with the person's dominant hand; that hand probably worked harder throughout the day.
• Take the hand and pour a few drops of oil onto the top of the hand.
• Rub the top of the hand gently with a circular motion using all four fingers, working from the large part of the hand up through the base of the fingers and then to the tips of the fingers.
• Next, with your thumb, apply a bit more pressure to the top of the hand and massage the top of the hand with an up and down motion, working from the wrist area up through the base of the fingers and then out to the fingertips.
  
• Apply oil as you see fit; if the area gets a little dry, add more.
  
• Turn the hand over and pour a few more drops into the palm of the hand.
• Begin working the palm by placing your thumb into the palm of the hand with your four fingers on the other side of the hand.
• Using your thumb in a circular motion, gently press around the palm, thumb and around the base of each finger.
• From there, return to the palm, and continue the circular motion down the palm to the wrist. Do this on the entire palm.
• Shake the hand slightly to check its state of relaxation. The hand should feel loose at the wrist and relaxed.
• Start all over again on the other hand and repeat the steps.
  
• Now its your turn. Enjoy!!!!
  

If you have any other hand massage tips or quick pick-me-up ideas, please do share........

Today's featured Indie Beauty on Indie Beauty Community is Christine at Scandle Body Candle. Check it out at http://www.indiebeauty.com.

Why and where to use essential oils.

Essential oils are distilled from plants, shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, bushes and seeds. They are subtle, therapeutic-grade oils that oxygenate and help transport nutrients to the cells of our body.
Without oxygen, nutrients cannot be absorbed into the body. Essential oils can help us maintain our body’s health. Scandle Candle has a complete line of essential oil candles that contain many of the benefits listed below.

Essential oils can be used in so many ways.

• Scented Candles. Wax candles can be bought ready impregnated with essential oils and are a delightful way of scenting a room. The Scandle Body Massage Candle is a fragrant hand-poured body massage candle that, when burned, melts to create a healthy body massage oil that can be used to enhance the healthy of your skin.
  

• Therapeutic Massage. This is the classic aromatherapy treatment, triggering the body's natural healing process by using lymphatic massage and essential oils to stimulate the flow of blood and lymph fluid. Oils that relax tight muscles and increase blood circulation include rosemary, lemon, lavender, juniper, tea tree and lemon grass. Scandle's essential oils line contains variations of many of this essential oils.
  

Essential oils that help you relax include: Roman chamomile, rose, lavender, balm, geranium, rosewood, orange, tangerine and honey.

• Body and Facial Oils. These can be used on a daily basis to nourish the skin.
  

• Baths. There are many different bath treatments which incorporate essential oils as a stress reducer.

Essential oils can be used to enhance almost any beauty regiment. If you know of any other ways to benefit from essential oils, please share with us.