Juniper Tree Naturals - Etsy Review

I am really loving hearing about people getting in to essential oils.  My mom worked at a homeopathic doctor's office for a few years, and at the time, it really opened our eyes to traditional medicine.  We became more aware of the medicines and food we put in our bodies.  We always tried to look for an alternative option.

I'm not saying I'm a saint, that I don't pop excedrin, and that I don't eat ice cream!  We all put a lot of junk in to our bodies. But any step we can take to try to curb that, I'm all for it.  I'm not quite ready to take the dive in to essential oils, but I'm trying to make a little bit of progress in making better choices.

One smaller way to start is on the outside.  I am very lucky to team up with Laura from Juniper Tree Naturals to share some information and a review on her products.  Juniper Tree's products are all made without synthetic or harsh ingredients.  She notes that your skin is your largest organ and that we should take care of it!  Why slather on chemicals when you can nourish your skin with natural products?

Juniper Tree's Etsy Shop offers everything from soap to lotion to lip balm.  These products are all made with essential oils and natural products to nourish your body and help heal your mind.

They graciously sent me the Calm Soap and the Peppermint Body Lotion to review for you.  And I have to say, I was not disappointed!

The Peppermint Body Lotion smells fantastic and gives your skin a slight tingle when it's applied.  It smooths on easily and feels great when it soaks in.  It gives you a bit of a sheen right away, but soaks in quickly and leaves your skin feeling soft.  I have been using it as a hand lotion right before I go to bed.  The tingles and smells help me to fall asleep quickly and comfortably.  Love it!

I have also read that peppermint can help with headaches and migraines.  Sadly, I know how those feel.  I think next time, I'll try to apply some of this lotion on my temples and see if it helps.  I try to stay away from headache medicine, even though I suffer from them often.  Maybe this will be my new fix?!

My other treat was the "Calm" soap.  This is lavender with ylang ylang. Lavender is well known as a calming scent {hence, the name}.  I have this in our master bathroom and even Mike uses it!  I'm not normally a big bar soap user, but is it nice to have a little change in our life!

It takes a use or two to get it going in to a good lather.  After that, you are good to go!  It smells so great and makes your hands feel fresh and soft.  This soap also has seeds on the top, which helps to slough your hands and create a more robust lather.  This was Mike's favorite part.

I think we may have to incorporate bars in to our routine.  I think it would be fantastic to have a fun new scent in your guest bathroom when people come over.  Handcrafted soap, from small batches, what a treat!

Both of these products will not last long in our house, because we are using them up quickly!  We are very happy with them.  These product are a simple change that you can make to do better for yourself and your families.  They are handmade from natural products, and are extremely affordable.  Juniper Tree's products would be an excellent gift for a new mom, sister, roommate, coworker, anyone!

Luckily for us, we can get a free small sugar skin scrub!  

Use the code FREEFALL at checkout of any purchase 35$ or more.  {Order the small scrub along with your purchase and at checkout enter the code and it will take off the price of the small scrub!}  Start your holiday shopping early and support an artisan specializing in taking care of your bodies. 

 Please feel free to comment with your own reviews of her products!

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**Though I received these products for free, all opinions are my own.  Photography by Juniper Tree Naturals**

"Fall" for Target

I had to stop at Target two nights ago to pick up a prescription.  Of course, I couldn't help but meander through the Dollar Spot.  Normally, I don't find many things that are too intriguing in there, but WOW!  Their current fall décor there is so CUTE!  I didn't even have to go to the fall section, and I quickly spent about $20, just in the dollar section.  (To be fair, some items were three dollars.)

By quickly, I mean that Mike was simultaneously running another errand and I had to go back to pick him up.  Hence, why I resorted to the Dollar Spot and not the clearance section :)  I would easily say I spent less than five minutes perusing and came away with some absolutely adorable items that I can't wait to put out!  I will likely put up a fall décor post later, but this is what I found.  Those ramekins were only $3!  They are cream colored and I am obsessed. 

 

Oh, and I ended up not getting my prescription because apparently they close at 7:00.  SO, I have to go back this weekend...*evil giggle*  Therefore, I might be able to do a bit more shopping for the season! 

We just came back from Minnesota, and fall is definitely in full swing there.  The cool breeze, bitter evenings, the smell of bonfires.  LOVE.  I was a little bummed when we came back to Austin, because the leaves don't really change here, and you don't get that crisp smell in the air.  I was yearning for FALL...REAL fall. 

Thus, I decided that I would decorate for fall in October, even though it didn't feel like it.  Mike informed me that October is NEXT WEEK!!  How the heck did that happen?! 

So, this weekend, I will be cleaning up the house in preparation for getting festively fall.  Even though it is supposed to be back in the 90s next week.  Woof.  

Minnesota Madness

Last week, we made our first trip home after seven months of living in Texas.  That is a long time when you think about it!  I figured out that it was the longest time I've gone without seeing my family or friends, including all of college and a semester abroad.  You think that would be easier at age 25...NOPE! 

I managed to not shed a tear, but my poor mama had a few waiting for us when we arrived...At three in the morning.  After a four hour delay.  Yeah...that was fun.  We then had a 90 minute drive to my parent's house.  We got home around 5 in the morning, so "late" that my dad had already taken off for work.  We could smell his coffee pot when we walked in.  And promptly crashed into our beds.  (Thanks, Mom, for waiting patiently and driving us!)

On Friday, we pushed our breakfast plans to lunch plans in order to get some sleep.  My mom and I picked up Grandma for lunch and ran in to a few old friends while enjoying food at the "new" Parkview Grille.  It's on Main Street by Central Park and it's worth a stop if you want some good food that's not fast food.  My brother stopped by for quick hugs and then we made a quick trip to my dad's work to get more hugs before Mike and I headed BACK to the Twin Cities area to spend some time with friends. 

Our first stop was Mike's previous job.  We enjoyed a few drinks while catching up with everyone and having a few good laughs.  After that, we went on our way to my favorite brewery in town, Indeed Brewing.  We were there for this brewery's grand opening, and it still holds my top spot!  A few more friends met us here, and we enjoyed empanadas, beers, and lots of laughter and stories.  We reminisced about weddings, school, and got caught up on everyone's jobs and love lives.  I have amazing friends that can be serious and silly at the same time, and I love it!

That evening, we hit up three more breweries (all new to us-the brewery scene in Minneapolis is insane) and ended the night with an amazing gift from our hosts for the evening, Sam and Bridgette.  We once again crashed hard into sleep and woke up early to catch breakfast at The Buttered Tin.  This was a super cute place with good coffee and delicious breakfast.  We had a short wait but it was an absolutely gorgeous morning, so we enjoyed the fresh air and chatted in the sun.  Is there really anything better than sipping coffee in the sun, outside, with a great couple?

After breakfast, I got to spend time with my bestie, Miss Ashley, and Mike spent time with his business partner Dustin.  We reconvened at Ashley's house, quickly changed in to our wedding attire, and set off on another hour long drive to the lovely ceremony for Nicole and Ben.  We arrived with three minutes to spare, typical!  Their wedding was gorgeously set in the groom's parent's back yard.  With the sun shining, and a musician playing, I got to watch another one of my sorority sisters tie the knot.  I'm always fine until I hug them, and then they always make me all teary! 

The night continued with a fantastic bar, scrumptious food, a bonfire with treats, and more chatting with friends.  We checked out around 10:30 and embarked on yet ANOTHER hour long drive to my parents house.  When we arrived home, my mom was given strict instructions by me not to disturb us in the morning.  WOW, we needed some SLEEP!  And sleep we did...each of us waking up in the same position where we hit the bed. 

Sunday was filled with family.  I have a big family and absolutely love the obnoxious gatherings, meaningful stories, and genuine attitudes we all share.  First, we had breakfast and snuck off to have some pictures taken (post on those soon), and by the time we arrived home after a DQ treat, family was already waiting for us at our house.  We got more hugs, started to imbibe, and took it all in as more and more family came to show love.  The evening was great, we enjoyed another bonfire, and ended the night each snuggled with a kitten in what I now know is my favorite place...my parent's back yard. 

Monday was our last day.  Each of my parents took the day off, and we finally had some time to just relax!  We had French toast from real French bread (the best thing ever!) and later enjoyed lunch on the front deck.  The sun was shining, the kittens were playing, and we had an amazing time talking and catching up.  We always have a fun time with my parents, it is awesome how nicely we all get along.  Sometimes, I'm certain my mom would trade me for my husband!  I know that's not true, but it is really amazing to me how perfectly Mike fits in, and it makes me love him even more because I know my family loves him as well.

Tuesday was full of travel, and after a long day, we returned to our house with Church's Chicken in hand around 9:00 pm.  We were happy to see our little Lola, and sleep in our own bed.  It's hard when "home" now feels like it's in two different places!  We are happy here in Austin, but after being home, I know my heart is more fulfilled in Minnesota. 

Thank you to everyone who made time for us during our visit!  We had an amazing time seeing friends and family and can't wait to return (hopefully before next July, which is our current plan).