Archive for February, 2010

Helping Hand Treatment Kit giveaway, repair those winter mitts!

Friday, February 19th, 2010

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.

Chamomile that dry skin away

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

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

Friday, February 12th, 2010


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!!!!

Congratulations to our winners from:

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

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

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

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010


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?

Monday, February 8th, 2010


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!!!!

Friday, February 5th, 2010

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

Thursday, February 4th, 2010


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.
  • 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

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

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

Monday, February 1st, 2010


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……