This post leaves me short of words. It is hard to describe what I have been feeling and what I have been going through, but I shall try. Not long ago, I was sitting in one of my favorite local salon's Lindsays Organic Salon in Leesburg, VA. By the way, they are the only "Organic" and Eco-concious salon in Leesburg. I was sitting there getting my hair trimmed when I heard some noises coming from the suite above. I asked, "Is someone above you?" The owner replied, "Yes, Heavenly Skincare is above us." She started to sequentially list her services: facials, massages, and surprisingly Reiki came up as well. I insisted that the owner take me upstairs to introduce me to Heather(the owner of Heavenly Skincare). I scheduled my first Reiki session right then and there.

When I arrived for my first Reiki session, I had no idea what to expect. Heather is very "in tune" and started the conversation about my state-of-mind and current happenings before my back even hit the table. I knew that I was in for a wild, but enlightening ride. Reiki uses life force energy. There is a transfer of energy between the Reiki healer and the person being healed. My mind and body felt incredibly calm and content. I left feeling elated and at peace with the world. I cannot explain how or why, it just is. The session is focused on the 7-chakras and the balancing of these chakras. I still have much much to learn, but I have started to read about Dr. Mikao Usui(who is the Founder of Reiki). I have also found an interest in practicing and for now the self-healing aspects of the first attunement. This led me to research Reiki masters in the area. I found a Reiki master that I am drawn to: Padma Jen Koch. That leads me to the present or last night rather.

Last night, I awoke in the middle of the night and took my nightly walk to the facilities. As I snuggled back under the covers and closed my eyes, I saw something magnificent! It was like a muted scene from a movie(almost like a sketch or drawing). At first, I saw a beautiful Christmas tree and I believe my family was around me. I came together with my husband and then I saw my children. Underneath the Christmas tree was a sack and pouring out of this sack was tapers. Not just any candlestick, however, it was the plain rust colored candlesticks from "Scotland" that I just purchased from a thrift store for 10 cents. A man(God?) took one of the candlesticks, lit it, and handed one to me. It was a truly beautiful exchange. One I do not think I will forget. I know the path I must travel for now. Light and love to all this holiday season. See you in 2016.
Video produced by The Social Media Doctor ℠

Earthwise Beauty is one of my very favorites! Top-notch "Organic" ingredients. Ava, the beautiful owner, also prides herself in using the minimum form of preservation for her products. She encourages her customers to refrigerate their products and use within 6 months of purchase. My favorite Earthwise Beauty product is the Tangerine Skies facial oil. When they say this product will make your skin "glow", they are not lying. I am in my 30s now and I get complements daily on the radiance of my skin. That is the Tangerine Skies facial oil. Also, it is great for your locks too! Do yourself a favor and get 2.

Oh So Good Organics specializes in Organic, small-batch, handcrafted soaping! Their soaps are so amazing that when I order their soaps I simply tell Jennifer Naqvi, the enlightened owner, how many bars to send me. I do not care which of her soaps she sends, because they are all truly amazing! If I had to pick a favorite, then I would steer you towards the Bamboo Charcoal soap with alaea lava salt and notes of ylang ylang, but believe me you will be happy with any soap you choose!

Do you have a lipstick lover to buy for this year? Then, you must stop by and see Red Apple Lipstick! Their lipsticks are gluten-free, allergen free, and paraben free. Only safe ingredients for your pucker reside here. My very favorite colors are "gypsy" and "ravishing", however, their winter 2015 collection looks lip worthy too. I sure hope one of these falls into my stocking this year. Santa, I have been very good this year!
A local makeup artist @theillytrilly introduced my to Jane Iredale mineral cosmetics. Hannah raved about their skin enhancing ingredients with skin-loving benefits. They naturally preserve their products and are cruelty-free. They also support the charity Living Beyond Breast Cancer. One of my favorite products is actually Smell the Roses Hydration Spray. Jane Iredale gives 100% of the proceeds to Living Beyond Breast Cancer from that product. Now that is something you can feel good about on Christmas morning.

John Masters Organics is my hair care everything. I absolutely love their products, but my favorite is their 100% Organic argan oil. I use it on my hair, face, and body. John Masters Organics prides itself on using as many high quality Organic ingredients as possible. Seen above is their Shine On leave-in hair treatment. Aloe based with Organic sea kelp, carrot seed oil, and olive oil. The previously listed ingredients are all Organic. My hair has never felt so silky smooth! Santa, you may leave any of their products under the tree for me.
Skincando is run, owned, and operated by Sara Damelio. Sara uses only the cleanest, purest, and 100% Organic ingredients for her products. She is a local gal out of the DC area and I have the pleasure of saying that I know her well. Sara's miracle cream is appropriately named. This is the only jar of facial cream you will ever need! The miracle cream is cold processed with essential fatty acids + vitamins a & e. You will see diminished fine lines, a more even skin tone, and beautifully hydrated skin from this Eco-conscious product. Just think, it could be sitting under your Christmas tree this year!
Pixi Beauty has really broken through the industry and paved the way for many other Eco-friendly beauty brands. I could not leave without recommending their phenomenal brow palette for the Eco beauty fashionista who has it all! My brows have never looked stronger and more natural. I also highly recommend the glow mist and the palette bronzette. A little Pixi glow will ensure a Merry Christmas indeed!

Light + Love from my family to yours this holiday season.