Pinterest & Twitter, Oh My!

I've set up a Pinterest account to supplement my postings here on Feeling Faerie Fabulous. It can be found here ! Further, I've also set up a Twitter which can be found here!

I intend on doing photo or video demos for some of the Pins I'm most excited about. I'm really looking forward to it~

Until next time, enjoy this gorgeous rooster~

Essential Oils Introduction: Quick Tips for Easy Usage

I love essential oils, simply stated. They're multi-use tools whose purpose can vary from practical uses to more frivolous ones. Today, I'm going to briefly give a little run-down as to my personal uses for EOs.

EOs vs. Fragrance Oils

Unlike essential oils, fragrance oils are composed of chemicals and are not necessarily made from the actual materials they're scented as, thus voiding them of properties in the natural plant/material. These are therefore unsafe for applying to the skin and certainly never for consumption. They may also contain artificial colours. Essential oils are oils extracted from the natural plants and therefore can be applied topically in a safe manner, alongside a carrier oil*. Some essential oil enthusiasts will ingest them, too. Again, these uses are never advisable for a fragrance oil.

* carrier oils safely dilute the essential oils so they're not too strong. Consider that one drop of peppermint essential oil is more powerful than twenty cups of peppermint tea. By diluting the oil, you're safely receiving the benefits of the plant, while also conserving your product. While there are many different types of carrier oils, some common ones include Coconut oil, Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, and Apricot Kernel Oil.

EOs for Combating Colds

A few drops of essential oils can be used in baths for fragrance any time, but if you're combating a stuffy nose, cough, or chest congestion, there are a few that go the extra mile. I use a couple drops each of Tea Tree, Orange, Lavender, and Eucalyptus, and find that it makes a difference. Its always nice to be able to smell again - however briefly - when you're sick.

A second use for sore throats is to put a couple drops of Orange and Cinnamon with a carrier oil and rub it on your throat (the outside, of course). The heat from the cinnamon helps ease the pain.

While I've yet to try this one myself, I've heard you can combine Eucalyptus and Spearmint or Peppermint oils to make a knockoff of Vaporub for sinus congestion.

EOs for Pain

Peppermint is one of my favourite essential oils, for sure. One of the great uses for it is to apply it on sore muscles, alongside a carrier oil, for refreshing relief.

Another use for this wonderful oil is to smell it when combating a headache. It can be mixed with a carrier oil and applied to the temples, applied elsewhere on the body, or used in a diffuser (AKA humidifier, vaporizer).

EOs for Customizing 

Using my favourite scents, I make household products that make me a lot happier than the generic laundry detergent smell ever could. By making my own "designer" laundry detergent and dryer sheets, I have found a way to give my clothes a signature scent. There're plenty of recipes for this online, but I'll make a post about how I go about making these products in the future!
A second use is to make your own bath bombs or infuse epsom salts with your preferred scents. These bath goodies make nice gifts too.

In Conclusion...

These are only a few basic ways to use these magical oils, and there is so much more to learn about them. Some enthusiasts ditch their whole medicine cabinet for essential oils, that's how many trusted uses there are for 'em. I'm craving a relaxing bath now!

Love a Good Sunset

The other day, I melted at the sight of this magical sunset. A photo doesn't do it justice, but its as close as eyes could get. 

purple, and pink, orange, red, yellow.. so warm and yet so cold!

xo

Thrift-nic

As mentioned a couple posts ago, I went on a second-hand adventure (of which I experienced first-hand)! Here are a couple of my findings...

This beauty has some lace 'n' frills in all its boho romantic glory.

This slip dress caters to my lingerie-look needs so well, especially with a lacy drop-back hem.

xo

p s a: You're gorgeous

I fancy myself a little graphic design, involving beautiful creatures and a little glam. You can definitely prepare yourself for more of this fanciness.

But in case you're having a day wherein you feel like a clumsy t-rex, remember that you are still gorgeous. Don't forget to remind yourself of it too. 

It doesn't help anyone - especially you - to criticize yourself.

** no tyrannosaurus rex were hurt in the making of this PSA 

Come hither, Spring

After yesterday's rain, the snow has nearly disappeared. As much as I love snow, I'm ready to get out of the Winter funk and move onto the freshness of Spring~ Today is definitely that: fresh. That's inspiring for me.

My cat, Luna, was even feeling mildly photogenic, which is a rarity. That goes for me, too. It's definitely been awhile since I've had gotten nice pictures of myself. Here's hoping that changes, 'cause overall, it's an enjoyable experience.

As you can see, I'm donning a faded floral print dress, knit top (it has wee bell sleeves -- very cute), some knee high socks 'cause it's still a bit chilly, and my motorcycle boots. I like those boots, I've had them a couple years, but I really dislike that they've got leather. These will be the last pair of real leather boots I own, since I pursue a vegan diet, and would like to further my efforts to get away from animal products, especially fur and leather. I don't own any fur (unless you consider my wool scarf to be fur??), but I've got a couple leather products. My Rudsak winter coat (not pictured here) has some leather trimmings and such. I adore that coat and I'm not ready to part with it, but when the time comes, I'll be looking into some alternative options for quality Winter gear. As a Canadian, it's a must to have a good coat and pair of boots.

Further, I've got a pretty bare face (apart from some mascara and lip balm). I need to work on being comfortable in my own skin, so here we are.

This afternoon I'm going to be hitting the thrift store, on a bit of a treasure hunt. What a charming way to spend the rest of the day~ Who knows what trouble I'll get into this evening, though.

Until later,
xo

& so we begin..

From here on in, this corner of the internet is reserved for the most magical of creatures.
I think you're one of them.
We're going to explore wonderful things together, I promise it'll be fun.
So prepare for something different, something bold, brave, and beautiful, and maybe a little bit above and beyond. Just a little.

So, Darlings, grab your teapot, put some flowers in your hair, and prepare... to transform into a fairy, or any other creature. Or do whatever it is you dare.

You are a wonderful thing, and you will say it!