It was supposed to be my day off, but wouldn’t you know it, my dance card filled up quicker than crabgrass sprouts in my herb garden. I was ready to transplant my basil and take a few cuttings of lavender when I noticed my puppy, Koda, acting strangely. She had been sniffing around the wildflowers in the morning light and must have been a bit too curious about the honey bees and their important work. After hopping around in circles for a few moments, she peered up long enough for me to see that her nose was swollen to the size of a blue-ribbon acorn squash!
In the queue at the veterinary clinic, I did my best to occupy my time on spotty Wi-Fi by researching the health benefits of essential oils on the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health website. Koda stumbled out of the clinic dosed heavily with Benadryl, and I knew it was likely nap-time for her. My next destination was the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market. I dropped off the dog and rode my bike to Kerrytown. My plan had been to arrive much earlier, but by the time I got there, Native Plant Nursery was sold out of the wild ginger potted plants I was hoping to take home. Crestfallen but not dejected, I was ready to burn off some stress by taking the long way home along the Huron River. The pleasant ride didn’t last long. A friendly thorn on the path skewered my back tire and sent me skidding into the bramble. I walked the half-mile home with my bike on my back and slumped face-first into the couch for a necessary nap.
A short while later, I awoke groggily but with purpose. I was determined to reset my day. I knew just the blend to take me out of my sour mood and bring me into the bliss of a summer afternoon. I reached for my 2 oz Bliss Body Butter and took it down to the back porch. With deep breaths, I looked up at the leaves rustling in the gentle wind and cleared my mind of thoughts.
After I was settled, I unscrewed the top and scooped a dime-sized dollop with my dry, clean index finger. I placed the scoop on my wrists and rubbed into my hands, forearms, and elbows. Slick at first application, the butter quickly absorbed into the skin. As I rubbed the butter into my hands and forearms, I gently massaged my trigger points and slipped into relaxation. Bringing my wrist to my nose, I deeply inhaled the exuberant blend.
Bliss meets the nose first with bright top notes of orange, grapefruit, and bergamot. The lingering scent on the skin is subtle and floral. Ylang ylang, a sensual and uplifting extract, remained on my hands and arms as I attended once again to my garden. Between tasks, I paused to take in the intoxicating aroma, feeling right about the world. Koda was happily frolicking in the grass and I hummed contentedly as my mood began to match my hopes for the day.
You can read more about the health benefits of essential oils on the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health website. You can also learn more from this article in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine.
Bliss is the perfect blend to evoke an uplifting and energetic mood. You can find the Bliss Blend in a 2 oz Body Butter, 1/2 oz travel-sized Body Butter, and 1 oz Lotion Bar. Pick up your uplifting blend today to slip into a blissful state of mind.