Mission Accomplished!

My post about the last and final holistic detox week is way overdue so I simply blame it on the sugar rush I got from indulging in this yummy and beautifully decorated cupcake last weekend. But it seems that last week went by so quickly. I had the same dishes all over again (but it didn't feel boring) and my yoga, aromatherapy and motivation rituals became a routine.

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Holistic Detox Week 3..."That's why I'm easy"

If I had to sum up my last week in one single word it would have to be "ease". Yep, I can admit freely that I'm feeling just awesome at the moment. And light-hearted. Full of joie de vivre.

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When the going gets tough...

...I just look at my mood board and remind myself it's so worth it - keep it up! Well, I officially finished week 2 of my holistic detox. Energy levels are up, skin is indeed radiant and my discipline is phenomenal.

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Just Beat it, beat it!

{Photo Credits: Juniper Berry, Fennel Sweet, Grapefruit, Jojoba}

Girls, how much have we already spent on various cremes to treat cellulite? Right - for that money one can almost go on a long spa weekend getaway!

After all, we can mix our own effective massage oil for a home cellulite treatment.

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Happy 2013 - The year of (amazing) challenges...

{Photo Credits: Find Peace, Yoga, Grilled Shrimps, Lavender Oil, Bath, Worth It, Lemons, Feel Good, Whole30}

Well, my holidays are finally over, the jet lag conquered, and hundreds of emails dealt with – yay, time for my first blog post in 2013!

The New Year rings in with a big challenge for me. Actually there are two. Since November I’ve been flirting with various Paleo sites that try to convince me to eat clean over a specific time period. There are also many blogs that encourage me to spend at least 30 minutes a day on the mat doing yoga and meditation. So far, my dairy addiction and tiredness laziness in the morning prevented me from going ahead. 

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The Joy of Giving No. 3: DIY Turmeric Body Mask

Well, I have to admit I postponed this blog post to see what happens on this special Friday....so far, I'm still alive and kicking and the weather gods have just surprised me with light snowfall - what else can you wish for Christmas?

Since Christmas Eve is still "on", there's enough time for organizing or making last minute gifts. Today's DIY recipe is a wonderful, easy peasy Turmeric Body Mask. Why turmeric? This yellow spice does not only do wonders to your health but really improves your skin: it helps reduce pigmentation and the appearance of acne, increases elasticity and just makes your skin glow!

The Joy of Giving No. 2: DIY Pillow Oil

While family and friends were busy baking delicious Christmas cookies these days, I spent most of my evenings blending oils, creams, inhalators and body masks. So instead of vanilla, chocolate and sugar scents, our apartment was filled with Jasmine, Rose, Myrtle and Bergamot fragrances - very calming and soothing!

So, my DIY Christmas gift idea for today is a lovely pillow oil: just a few drops onto the pillow at night and your loved ones will sleep like a baby. Alternatively or simultaneously, this oil blend can also be applied on to the chest or neck area for extra relaxation.

Tea & Talk: Aromatherapist Shireen

Christmas is in exactly two weeks, so I thought it would be nice to give myself and of course you, my lovely readers, a pre-Christmas present! Yay! I'm very excited to announce that my wonderful aromatherapy teacher Shireen Calucin has agreed to sit down and share some of her vast knowledge with me.

Nighty Night DIY Shower Gel Zzzzzz

Upon request from one of my dear readers, I'll share with you an easy-peasy and fast DIY shower gel recipe. This one is for your relaxing shower at night before bedtime helping you to unwind and calm down after a long day.

Having a very sensitive skin, I shy away from any shower gels or baths you can buy at the beauty counter. Even if they claim to be soft on your skin and moisturizing, I find most of them chemical-laden. Hence I usually blend my very own shower gels. And instead of spending money on a big bottle with one scent only, I can mix it up depending on my needs.

DIY Shower Gel Recipe with Lavender and Bergamot Essential Oils (100 ml)

Current Objects of Bliss...

And here are my 5 favorite things for blissful living this week:

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DIY: My top remedy for neck & shoulder pain

self massage photo credit

Today is world arthritis day. Around this time last year, my doctor told me the shocking news that I - having just turned 31 - was suffering from early stage cervical osteoarthritis. At first I thought she had mixed up my X-rays. I mean seriously - arthritis is what old people have, like 60+ year olds or my grandma, right? 

But then it suddenly kind of made sense to me: this ongoing neck and shoulder pain, occasionally spreading out to my chest, stiffness of joints especially in the mornings - there had to be an underlying cause for these symptoms. One night, I could barely lift my left arm, I was crying because the pain was so excruciating. It was this incident that forced me to do a checkup.

"It will only get worse if you don't start doing something about it immediately!", my doctor warned me. So, how to prevent my neck and shoulder pain from becoming worse?