by C Sawyer
It’s that time of year again! Cozy nights by the fireplace, a good book, and a warm cup of hot chocolate. Unfortunately, winter also brings dry and flaky skin. Adjusting to Winter Skin Care is paramount.
The Canadian winter is harsh. With dropping temperatures, our skin naturally loses moisture (hello, chapped lips!). Cold air tightens pores and reduces circulation. Indoors, we crank up the heat, further drying and irritating our skin.
Luckily, Belvedere Lavender’s line of nourishing, all-natural products can help keep your skin happy and healthy throughout winter.
Belvedere Lavender Face & Eye Cream
This delicate cream, suitable for slightly dry to very dry skin, melts into your skin and under-eye area. It combines moisturizing and regenerative ingredients like rose hip oil, borage seed oil, jojoba oil, peach kernel oil, and aloe vera to soothe dry winter skin. Lavender essential oil reduces inflammation, while sweet orange essential oil boosts circulation, keeping your skin soft.
For supple skin, apply a small amount to your face after cleansing and toning. Use light upward strokes and pat under your eyes with your fingertips. At night, apply serum before the cream.
Belvedere Lavender Hand & Body Lotion
Winter can lead to painful cracking and bleeding of the skin. This lotion’s ingredients, like pumpkin seed oil and peach kernel oil, nourish and soothe sensitive and chapped skin. Kokum butter and bamboo extract prevent dryness and soften the skin, keeping your hands well-hydrated.
Skip the extra-long hot showers in winter; they strip away natural oils. Instead, massage the lotion gently into your body after a warm shower or bath to seal in moisture.
Belvedere Lavender Rosy Le Balm
Keep dry and chapped lips at bay with this ultra-moisturizing lip balm! Loaded with ingredients like rosehip seed oil, peach kernel oil, lavender essential oil, beeswax, and vitamin E, your lips will be ready to brave the winter.
Apply to lips as often as desired. How are you Adjusting to Winter Skin Care?
See our full line of all-natural lavender skincare products in our shop, read more social media or Blogs about lavender, or create a V.I.P. account to stay in the loop.
by C Sawyer
Feeling Down? Lavender May Help! Research suggests that lavender oil holds promise for treating anxiety and depression. Used for over 2,500 years for beauty and medicinal purposes, lavender is now undergoing clinical trials to explore its potential anti-depressive effects.
Studies show that lavender may have several properties beneficial for anxiety, mood swings, pain relief, and even convulsive disorders. These potential benefits come without the addictive issues associated with many traditional anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications.
What is Lavender Essential Oil and How Does It Work?
Lavender’s essential oil is present throughout the plant, offering defense against microbes and aiding its own functions. Even the aroma of lavender has measurable relaxing effects. This is because our sense of smell is linked to the limbic system, which regulates emotional responses. In simpler terms, smelling lavender can make you feel better.
While lavender plants don’t have high concentrations of essential oil (it takes 200 lbs. of flowers to produce 1 lb. of oil), it’s quite potent. Its calming properties have led scientists to explore its potential as a natural alternative to medications like Prozac and Valium, without the side effects like drowsiness or addiction.
Want to Learn More?
Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media, read our Blog or visit our online store for lavender-based skincare products.
by C Sawyer
Lavender is a versatile plant with numerous culinary, medicinal, and decorative uses. Adding lavender to your garden brings beauty and fragrance from late spring to fall. Many species and hybrids exist, but some common varieties are easy to propagate. How does it grow and where?
Growing Conditions and Varieties:
- Climate Zones:
- English Lavender (Zones 5-8): (Lavandula angustifolia) This popular variety thrives in cooler climates and is known for its hardiness and sweet fragrance. Popular varieties include Hidcote, Munstead, and Buena Vista.
- Lavandin Hybrids (Zones 5-10): These late-blooming hybrids of English Lavender are known for their high essential oil content, large leaves, and fast growth.
- French Lavender (Zone 8): (Lavandula dentata) This fast-growing variety has beautiful purple-blue flowers and prefers warmer regions. Some varieties are grown as annuals. French lavender has a light fragrance with hints of rosemary.
- Spanish Lavender (Zones 7-10): (Lavandula stoechas) Spanish lavender tolerates humidity better than other varieties and has unique, cone-shaped flowers. It’s a good choice for focal points and containers.
- General Tips:
- English lavender prefers cooler climates (Zone 5 and above) but may need winter protection.
- Spanish and French lavender are better choices for hot, humid climates. Good spacing is essential.
- Container growing is an option for harsh winters. Provide at least 8 hours of sunlight and well-draining potting mix. Containers can be brought indoors during winter.
Seeds or Transplants?
You can grow lavender from seeds or by transplanting store-bought plants.
- Transplants: Choose healthy-looking plants and place them in a location with full sun for 8 hours a day. Water consistently until established. Prune annually in spring.
- Seeds: Growing from seed takes up to three years for usable plants. Seed indoors for consistent temperature and moisture. Plant seeds 1 inch apart, barely covered with potting mix. Keep the container moist and warm (65-70°F).
- Hardening Off: Once seedlings reach 2-3 inches, gradually increase light exposure to prepare them for outdoors. Once acclimated, transplant them to well-drained soil with full sun.
For More Information:
by C Sawyer
What is Self Care and How Can I Practice It?
One of the most wonderful things you can do for yourself is set aside a few minutes to practice self-care.
What is self-care?
Self-care is simply taking the time to care for yourself. It’s about prioritizing your well-being and doing things that make you feel good. This could be anything from taking a long bath to spending time in nature.
How do I start practicing self-care?
Self-care is personal and unique to each individual. Start by asking yourself:
- What do I enjoy?
- What makes me feel relaxed and happy?
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Enjoy a long soak in the bathtub. Add bath salts, essential oils, or bubbles to enhance the experience. Relax with our Goat’s Milk Bath, nourish your skin and soul.
- Exfoliate your skin with a body scrub. This will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Our Coffee Body Scrub will gently exfoliate, tighten and smooth, leaving you feeling refreshed!
- Pamper yourself with a pedicure or manicure.
- Create an at-home spa experience. Light candles, play relaxing music, and indulge in a face mask.
- Try a gift set or bundle. These often include a variety of products designed to promote relaxation and well-being. We have Bundles for everyone’s needs and price range, they even make the perfect gift.
Remember, self-care is not selfish. It’s essential for maintaining your physical and mental health. So make time for yourself and enjoy the benefits!
While you practice some self-care, feel free to read more Lavender Blogs or browse our Shop for the perfect lavender companion.
by C Sawyer
Sleep Well During the Holidays (and All Year Long!)
The holidays can be a stressful time. We often feel overwhelmed trying to do it all, and that can really impact our sleep. But quality sleep is so important for our overall health, especially during this busy season.
It’s easy to get caught up in negative self-talk, especially when we’re trying to relax before bed. But don’t worry, here are some tips to help you maximize your sleep during the holidays and beyond:
1. Stick to a Schedule
Go to bed and wake up around the same time each day, even on weekends and holidays. This helps regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
2. Listen to Your Body
When you feel tired, go to bed! Don’t toss and turn for hours waiting to fall asleep.
3. Take a Break
If you can’t fall asleep after 20 minutes, get up and do something relaxing until you feel sleepy.
4. Avoid Stimulants and Depressants
Nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol can all interfere with sleep. Avoid them for at least 4-6 hours before bedtime.
5. Make Your Bedroom a Sleep Sanctuary
Use your bed only for sleep and intimacy. Avoid working, eating, or watching TV in bed.
6. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine
Develop a calming pre-sleep ritual to wind down. This could include stretching, meditation, reading, or taking a warm bath.
7. Enjoy a Soothing Bath
A hot bath an hour or two before bed can help you relax and prepare for sleep.
8. Get Moving
Regular exercise can improve sleep quality. Aim for morning or afternoon workouts, and avoid strenuous activity close to bedtime.
9. Eat a Balanced Diet
What you eat can affect your sleep. Enjoy a balanced diet throughout the day and have a light snack before bed. A warm glass of milk can be especially helpful.
10. Don’t Clock Watch
Constantly checking the clock can increase anxiety and make it harder to fall asleep. Turn your clock away from your bed.
By following these tips, you can prioritize sleep and enjoy a more restful and rejuvenating holiday season. Read up on other selfcare tips and explore our range of luxury lavender products to help you take care of what matters most, you!
