CELEBRATIONS,EMOTIONAL TURBULENCE AND SPIRITUAL LESSONS REVISITED (Part 2) AND A NEWS FLASH!

Making it all fit.  'Echo of the Velewe' Chris Booth 1948

Hello my trusty bloomers ;)

As promised part two! Sadly, as always, a larger gap than anticipated between each blog update but hopefully I can leap into a more diary like format after this catch up......but best to make no promises!

By way of an excuse (my school teachers would be raising a despairing eyebrow now!) we did actually spend a wonderful week in Amsterdam with my very lovely birth aunt and her equally lovely partner. It was great to spend some time away immersing ourselves in art exhibitions, cycling and paddling in the sea and eating copious amounts of Dutch Applekaka! I can't say adoption wasn't on my mind but it was good to focus on something else for a while.

Aunty J and T racing ahead! August 2013 

 Spending time with my aunt is always such a treat. I 'found' her about 15 years ago whilst searching for my birth mother (who very sadly passed away three years before) and we are now very much family. I don't know why but I always find myself saying 'family' in the mode of Peggy Mitchell in Eastenders!! Just me?

 Moving swiftly on!!

It feels so special having her in my life and such a blessing that we found each other. Getting to know her has really helped me to fill in the gaps and be much more accepting of who I am and why I am as I am, so to speak! She, my birth mother and I seem to share so many interests, a way of being and living our lives that makes me feel that genetics definitely make up a part of who we are. However, my honest belief is who we become and how we function in the world is even more largely a product of our upbringing and our environment.

Me and Aunty J having a chat

A child adopted or not needs to be fully accepted for who they are, cherished and given the opportunity to develop secure attachments to his/her caregivers. Ideally they need to be amongst people who can tune into them and really 'see' them. Helping them to feel a security, sense of self worth and acceptance that will allow them to blossom into the very best of who they are as they move through their lives.As an adopted child the need to be parented this way seems even more profound as a sense of disconnection, insecure attachment, abandonment and loss is already marked on many of these children's lives. I hope to explore a more attachment, natural style parenting with my own baby. It is certainly very encouraged by those in the adoption field nowadays and one that makes absolute sense to me. I found 'The Continuum Concept' by Jean Liedloff a very enlightening and profound book when I read it some years ago and one that made me question our more modern approach to parenting. I hope to discover and learn more as I parent my own little person.

 But that's for later, back to the update!!!

As you may remember from last time I was having a slight emotional meltdown when considering how to choose the right child. Such a profound decision that will impact so many lives! I do envy in many ways the lack of choice that pregnancy brings. Even when my adoptive mother adopted us all those years ago she was given no choice and we were chosen for her. I keep telling her how extraordinarily lucky she is with how that turned out! ;) There seems, in both these instances, a bit of divine providence involved.

One thing I know is that connecting with my child is so important to me. I am sure my adopted history will have played a part on why but it is so important that I am the right mother for this little person.There is much more awareness of finding the right fit for adopted children nowadays and that's why the matching process is fairly rigorous.

How do we find our little person?!

Do we

• Trust the system? Make our choice based on researching and considering carefully all the information on the child's family history, their medical history, whether they are meeting their developmental markers or not and what may be the potential developmental and medical unknowns. Trust the wisdom and experience of our 'wise old owl' (social worker) who can see behind what is written and ask the direct and difficult questions to the experts, foster carers and children's social workers. Trust that she knows us well enough now and will be able to see beyond what we can at the moment. Also trust the child's social worker who knows and understands the needs of the child and will be looking for the best match for them.
• Trust our gut and intuition? Those who have chosen their little people already say something drew then to that particular child. Something perhaps beyond logical understanding. A sense of something feeling 'right'.
• Base our decision on the personality of the child? The challenge we have is that the child we are considering is under one, which in the adoption world is still considered quite young. Many of the children are older and it becomes easier and a necessary part of the adoption process to match a child's personality to the parents for the best fit.So where to look for hints of the little persons emerging personality. Yes....blush I have consulted numerology, astrology charts I am afraid to say! Hey, you may mock but if its important enough to be considered by kings, mighty leaders and emperors then perhaps there is a grain of truth in there somewhere!Having had mine done in the past they were eerily accurate.......well on the whole!
• Trust our animal instinct? Sadly this important and most basic primitive sense of smell, recognition and attraction is only something that we will have access to right at the point of bringing the child home so that rules that one out until quite late in the process/
• Try to match the child's facial features to our own.....poor child!! Pick genetic similarities. Also the Chinese skill of face reading believe that the personality of a person can be read in their face even from quite an early age. Google Jean Haner for some fascinating insights! There is something to be said for the appeal of a genetic resemblance. Wild curly hair for me would be the icing on the cake but not a deal breaker!

Whoooooah stop right there missy! None of these give any guarantees however much I try to control the outcome!

So where next to save my sanity!

' Ooooh she does go on!' The Graduate 2009

I was reminded of some important spiritual principles the other day about trust and letting go and its a spiritual lesson I need to remember...... although its bloody hard at times!!!!  I truly believe in the concept you attract what you believe about yourself and the world and what you put your focus on. So after some wonderful advice from Rebecca Kane (Shine on Raw) I took time to truly consider the  the kind of life I hoped to share with my child and then send it out to the universe and leave it to divine providence to attract the child who would gain most from us being its parents.

Yes my earthy practical friends I am aware this is a rosy idealistic view (!) but hey its good to dream .........

Images fluttering by of family holidays exploring wild Cornish beaches, clambouring over rocks, investigating rock pools and dipping toes in icy waters. Adventures with Anka the dog exploring woods, fields and streams, soaked by the rain and warmed by the sun. Cold rainy days in front of the fire watching old children's films. Learning to grow things together in the garden with Aunty Penny. Lots of cuddles, splashy bath times, making up silly songs and dancing around the house. Sitting in cafe's with a babbyccino....froth is the best bit lets face it! Visits to Amsterdam to see Aunty J and Uncle T. Biking through Hoge Veluwe National Park and visiting art galleries. A child who would love water, nature, and animals, who is adventurous, creative, sensitive and kind, quirky and a little unconventional (to put up with us!) and not too LOUD!!! 

I created the images, wrote down the words and let it go to the universe. My challenge now is to trust that the universe will draw us to the right child and the child will be drawn to the right parents for him. I also have to accept what maybe right for us maybe WAY OUTSIDE whatever I imagined too! My only job now is to be happy and try and keep my energy positive, open and accepting. I will still consider the points above and they have their place but ultimately I have to trust that whatever happens the right child will find his way to us.

Trying to keep some balance!

So now I feel clearer on how to proceed and am learning to trust and let go. I am also having to learn patience!!!!!  So thank you too to a sensible friend who understanding my frustration about not being able to do anything, very practically suggested that every week I buy a little something for our little person and focus on getting prepared. A much more positive and proactive approach.

Before I close a NEWS FLASH!!!!

There is a potential little person.....early days.....will report back soon.

So that's me for now....phew!I will try to do a little less more often in future.

Thanks for staying with me and much love to you all my gorgeous and most favourite old bloomers :)

Samantha xxx

CELEBRATIONS, EMOTIONAL TURBULENCE AND SPIRITUAL LESSONS REVISITED (Part One)

Resting awhile

Hello :)

Yes, yes I know this was meant to be written in diary format on a more regular basis....sigh! ;) I have however decided to cut myself a little slack as the last few weeks have been quite a maelstrom of different emotions and I was hoping for a little clarity before putting 'pen to paper'. I also have had to deal with my own resistance to just 'getting stuff up there' which isn't perfectly written or put together. I have to remind myself that I wanted this to be a relaxed conversation between us as friends, even if most of the time its a pretty one way street! Please feel free to comment and add your wisdom though my dear trusty old beautiful bloomers!

As I mentioned in my last blog a few weeks back, we finally went to Adoption Panel on July 16th.  I thought some of you might be interested in a quick time-line up until then, although obviously the process to getting to that point and decision was a journey in itself!
.

• November 12th 2011 One day Introduction to Adoption day
• June 21st 2012 Initial home visit from a social worker.
• September 11/12 and 19/20th 2012 Four day Adoption Course.
• November 5th 2012 start a new full time job and move home over Christmas period.
• January 28th 2013 (my birthday) began Home Study with allocated social worker.
• July 1st Finished huge file called a PAR (New Prospective Adopters Report).
• July 16th  Adoption Panel 

It's finally here!

 
So finally panel day arrived. Fairly soon after arrival at the venue at East Malling and having partaken of  the refreshments provided (tea and biscuits, although something stronger may have been welcome!) we were led by the warm and welcoming chairwoman of the panel into a large, airy room. Four long tables had been joined end to end to create a large square with a big gap in the middle. With a feeling of what I can only describe as slight pre-performance nerves, we sat with our social worker at the bottom long table and were introduced to ten kindly faces focused intently upon us. The panel ranged from adoptive/foster parents and a wide range of people from children's services.  
I really have to say that one of the most astounding parts of this process is the amount of people who devote their time, their hearts and their careers to the welfare of children. Social services are often under huge amounts of pressure and have to face things on a daily basis that would make most of us crumble. Government of course wants to improve the service that is offered, making it quicker and more streamlined and rightly so, especially with the ridiculous amount of time children have waited to be adopted. However this hasn't meant more support to the social workers on the ground trying to do their exhausting jobs. I have nothing but admiration and so much warmth in my heart to these caring, hard working people. 
 Anyway I digress!  After ten minutes of quite probing questioning (which the intensity of the home study part of the process had prepared us for) we were asked to leave whilst they deliberated upon their recommendation. As we left the room one of the panel whispered to me that we had done brilliantly, which was positive! After five minutes of waiting our social worker emerged with a  smiling chairwoman who said it was an extremely positive and unanimous

Give us a hug! (Servant of Two Masters July 2007)

 YES!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Our slightly more reticent and reserved (but extremely lovely) social worker, whom we both have much affection for, was hugged gratefully by both of us. After that we said our goodbyes and suddenly realised that was it! No more home study, it was all done! Now we had to trust to the universe and the intuition and experience of our very own wise old owl/ social worker to help us find our match.

OH MY GOD!!

We had already had the experience of looking for a match prior to the Adoption panel day, as often happens these days. Having viewed several profiles and put ourselves forward for consideration for one child we did meet with that child's social worker. With a gut feeling and the wisdom of our 'wise old owl' we decided not to move forward.

HELP!!

Don't panic! Tartuffe July 2009

The probing questions, reports, forms and reams of writing required for the home study were a breeze. I actually found the process interesting,informative and thought provoking. However suddenly when faced with the prospect of the overwhelming and momentous decision of choosing a child.....a  turbulent wave of anxiety overwhelmed me. This manifested in over thinking, over
analysing, researching, opinion seeking and what I can only describe as OCD googling. I haven't been able to write how I felt before because I was unable to find clarity. I feel in the last month some very deep stuff has come up  and in some ways I am pleased that happened now before the matching process begins in earnest. I am sure my own background of being adopted has played its part in my fear of making the wrong decision. I have also had to face and accept my own selfish desires in this process and its hard to admit. It is so important that the fit is right for the child (who of course must be the main priority) but it means so much for me too.

I really want to be open about what I went/ am going through as this may help anyone else going through the same emotion today or in the future. I have also from this experience revisited and been reminded of a very important spiritual lesson. Finally yesterday, with some wise advice and clarification from the very delicious Rebecca Kane (www.shineonraw.com) it confirmed to me how I need to move forward with this very profound and special moment in my life. To clarify by writing it down will help me as I move forward too.

Calmer seas hopefully ahead. Tilos Greece 2012

As this post is already quite long (thanks for staying with me!) I will do  a 'part two' which I will post very shortly whilst I am away in Amsterdam or soon after.

Thank you to everyone who has poured their love and support into our direction. I have been so touched and it really has meant the world. Celebrating our success at panel felt like announcing I was pregnant after the acceptable three month mark! Lets hope this baby is not going to be too post term before coming into my arms. Although he may well be a little larger than the usual new born!

Lots of love to you my blossoming bloomers and  a more emotional part two very soon.......promise!!!
Samantha xxxxxxx

HELLO AND WELCOME TO A NEW BEGINNING FOR BLOSSOMING AND FOR ME!

My Portrait by Leila Fanner (Artist)

For any of you that stumble upon me here, BLOSSOMING is being taken on a new exciting journey!

When I first started BLOSSOMING over a year ago, it was with the idea of creating an inspiring blog for all woman transiting through the perimenopause and beyond. Blossoming into their most vibrantly beautiful, creative, authentic, 'wise woman' selves. Also with my background in health and well being, I was exploring a new vision of late-blooming beauty. An ageless, glowing, natural beauty that comes from radiant good health. 

Beauty that is also more about the wise, intelligent twinkle in the eye than a meaningless line or two upon the face!

 I still want that essence of BLOSSOMING to remain but this time within the story of my own personal journey into becoming a late-blooming mother at the ripened age of 48! This last few years has presented me with the challenge of infertility, earlier menopause and trying to come to terms with all that meant in how I perceived myself as a woman. I can't lie, it hasn't been easy and there have been quite a few tears, some heart break and  learning the important lesson about bravely releasing and letting go. However, I feel I have come out the other side with renewed hope, anticipation, passion and  my world is now opening up to so many new possibilities. I am so excited about all the new challenges and lessons I have ahead of me and the blossoming yet to come!

Becoming a mother was always my dearest held hope and as my life has journeyed forth and taken its twists and turns, I always held onto the hope that one day that dream would come true. Hopefully in just a few months I will hold my child in my arms. The dear soul who was destined to share the lives of my partner and I. I really believe getting to this amazing moment in my life has truly been my soul challenge and quest in this lifetime. From being an adopted child myself at six weeks old, until this present day, when I am finally on the cusp of becoming a mother. All this I hope to pour into my blog as I journey onto this next wonderful stage of my life. If it helps anyone else that would be amazing but if its just for me to chronicle my journey and learn all I can from the experience then that's beautiful too.

I will start my diary from next week but just to briefly update. My partner and I have just completed the home study part of the adoption process and our large adoption file has been completed. We go to panel on July 16th and it is there when it is finally agreed as to whether we are suitable parents. Our adoption social worker is very positive and has already handed us some profiles of potential babies that might be matches for us. This has proved to be very emotional for me as an adopted child myself and I will talk about that in my next post.

Please forgive my stumbling start but I hope soon to get into my flow.

On a final note to all you other late-blooming, wise woman out there, whether you are hoping for the gift of late motherhood like myself or you have other dreams and hopes for yourself. Don't hold yourselves back or limit yourselves or feel that the best is behind you.Know you are truly blossoming now into your most creative, powerful, wise beautiful selves, so set yourself free and live a life filled with new possibilities, dreams and new beginnings.

Much love to you and speak very soon.
Samantha xxx

Frankincense the magic elixir to rejuvenate body and soul ♥

Boswellia Carterii or Frankincense Tree is a small tree which grows to a height of three to seven metres and has abundant narrow leaves and white or pale pink flowers. It is native to the middle east and North Africa. Incisions are made in the trunk to allow the milky white oleo resin to seep out. This resin then hardens into an orange brown gum and is then steam distilled for its essential oil.

Hello there, my blooming gorgeous ones!

My apologies for such a long gap but I have been focusing on launching my new NYR business and preparing for my first parties, as you know. The parties went well with some lovely feedback and I was very proud of overcoming my fear of public speaking, even if it was only to a small group of lovely supportive people! Yep, I know, ridiculous for someone who was prepared to stand naked on a stage in Tunbridge Wells in 'The Graduate'....but there you go, such are the mysteries of the Comfort mind!

Ommmmmmmmm............

Interestingly with reference to anxiety, that does launch me very nicely into the subject  for this blog, which is about the many wonderful uses of Frankincense Essential oil. Although I would like to look mainly at the healing, rejuvenating and preserving properties it has on the luscious skin of our late blossoming bloomers :) , Frankincense is also a very useful oil to have in your 'Essential Oil Kit' for many other reasons. One being it is the perfect remedy to have handy when you are in stressful situations.

Anxiety can bring up those awful feelings of tightness in the throat, a quickened heart rate and shallow breathing.  So simply grab your Frankincense oil, find a hanky or tissue and put a couple of drops on it and inhale.....slowly and deeply. Frankincense works by slowing down the breathing and increasing the bodies ability to breathe deeply and freely and relieves tightness in the chest. It also helps to calm the mind.

In fact for any respiratory difficulties such as asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and laryngitis its anticatarrhal, expectorant, anti infectious and soothing properties can prove very useful. I would suggest a few drops in a bowl of hot water in a room, as an inhalation (not for asthmatics) or again inhaling from a hanky. Another way to apply it .....my own invention.....is to grab a tube of Aloe Vera (has a multitude of uses!), squeeze a blob into your hand and then add a couple of drops of Frankincense or one of Eucalyptus and one of Frankincense and rub the ointment over your chest and neck.A   handy oil for your medicine chest!

Frankincense Oil is actually probably one of the most important incense ingredients since history began. It has been burnt on alters and in temples since early antiquity. The use actually probably goes further back than the earliest written records and is perpetuated in the current practises of many religions. The English name is derived from the medieval French word Franc meaning " Pure" or "Free" and the Latin incensium meaning "to smoke". It played a role in the religious and domestic life of the Ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Persians, Hebrews, Greeks and Roman Civilisations. The gum is also mentioned 22 times within the bible and was offered as a gift for the newly born Jesus by the Magi. It has been discovered that burning Frankincense produces a psycho- active substance trahydrocannabinole which helps to expand consciousness. In meditation practise it is used to calm and centre the mind and stop the ceaseless chatter. To deepen the breath. To calm and elevate.

So pop a couple of drops in your burner before your daily meditation and yoga practise ;)

The Utchat or Sacred Eye.

'Frankincense, like Chamomile was employed in the worship of the Egyptian sun god Ra, a primordial symbol for whom was the Utchat or "All Seeing"- the sacred eye that burned with judgement. Frankincense rekindles the inner light of the mind' Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit by Gabriel Mojay.






For skin care it is an extremely important oil and one used in many of NYR's beauty preparations. It was used by the Egyptians for embalming to preserve the bodies. It has what is known as cytophalactic properties which means it stimulates skin renewal and had been shown to work in improving slackening on the skin and slowing down the appearance of wrinkles. It may even work on existing wrinkles that have already formed too....hurrah!

Elixir of youth in a bottle

I often use it in blends I make for the skin particularly if I am wanting to work on assisting the skin to rejuvenate and heal. I love to blend it with a Rosehip oil and Grapeseed oil base and then add Lavender, Rose and Geranium and maybe a drop of Mandarin or Orange to lift the fragrance of the blend.

Here's my own secret recipe for beautiful skin! (You will need a little measuring jug and a small glass bottle)

Base 
50ml Grapeseed Oil (Half a bottle of 100ml NYR Grapeseed Oil)
5ml Rosehip Oil

Aromatherapy Oil
2 drops Frankincense
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Rose
2 drops Geranium
3 drops Mandarin (to lift fragrance)

You can play around a little with adding or subtracting a drop of each oil until you are happy with the fragrance but I wouldn't exceed about 15 drops in total.

Beautiful and a wonderful nightly treatment for the skin......delicious!

Award winning Cream

If blending your own is not for you Rejuvenating Frankincense Facial Oil has been proven to moisturise the skin in clinical trial or up to 12 hours, would be a great alternative.

NYR do a fabulous award winning Frankincense Range which contain a wealth of organic, wild crafted and natural ingredients. The range include their multi award winning Frankincense Nourishing Cream and Frankincense Hydrating Cream which were pitted against leading high street and luxury moisturisers and came out top in customer trials.

Rejuvenating Frankincense Serum

They also have the fabulous Frankincense Serum which is designed to penetrate the skin layers and really deliver those important ingredients to the deepest layers of your skin. Add a couple of drops to your skin after cleansing and before moisturising. You will also find that your need for moisturiser becomes much reduced.

NEW! Frankincense Cleanser

Also announcing their Rejuvenating Frankincense Cleanser. This two step cleanser is getting rave reviews  from everyone and is definitely on  my 'to try' list!
Step 1 - Cleanses
Step 2 - Smoothes and Refines.
It can also be used wet with a hand hot damp muslin cloth or wiped off dry.




To check out any of these go to my website and if you fancy giving them a try please get in contact at https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/SamanthaComfort


So definitely one to keep in your medicine chest and used in your daily beauty regime.

Rejuvenating for Body and Soul!!

Speak soon my gorgeous bloomers :) xxx

Blissed out in a vat of 'Wild Rose Beauty Balm'

Aaaaah my gorgeous friend!

Hello there my gorgeous blossoming bloomer :)

Yes, its official, I have fallen crazily in love with a face product! This may seem a touch sad but seriously Wild Rose Beauty Balm may rank as one of my all time favourite products ever! Before I launch into any poetic musings ;) I felt it really important at this stage to tell you why I have chosen to promote and support Neal's Yard Products. If this bit isn't of interest, then shoot down to the poetic musings underneath!!

My main reason is because, above all others, I absolutely believe in their ethics as a company and the extremely high standards of their products. Plus lets face it they are so delightful to have and use!

I love the look of those gorgeous blue bottles sitting prettily in my bathroom. I find them such a treat to use and they smell absolutely delicious! I love the fact that they are filled with only the highest quality natural, organic and wild crafted ingredients. I feel confident they are doing no harm to my body and that their ingredients actually promote health and wellbeing rather than contaminating my body with chemicals and nasty fillers .Plus, as I mentioned in my previous blog I received an amazing Professional Aromatherapy training with Neal's Yard ten years ago, so know they walk their talk.

Here are some other reasons I choose them.

Neal's Yard Store Covent Garden

• Not tested on animals.
• British Company
• Have been certified organic from the Soil Association for over twenty years.They have more certified organic health and beauty products than any other UK company. Any non organic ingredients come from potent wild crafted ingredients or naturally sourced materials that might be gathered under non controlled environments and therefore, although naturally organic, can not be certified so.
• Are free from anything that might compromise your health i.e., Mineral Oils, Silicones, Parabens,Synthetic Fragrances, GMO products, Phthalates, Nano, EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Carbomer,DEA, Acrylates and BHT. All nasties that you don't want to be absorbing through your skin and into your blood stream on a regular basis!!!
• Support Organic Farming and ingredients are sourced ethically and sustainably.
• Their glass, plastic bottles and paper are all completely recyclable.
• Carbon Neutral Company
• Supporter of charities and environmental organisations and winner of an International Green Award. Their owner Peter Kindersley was awarded Outstanding Achievement award at the Natural Organic Award.

'changing the world with pure products
one blue bottle at a time'

Good enough reasons I think :) Anyway enough of that.... on to my Wild Rose Beauty Balm love affair!

If like me simplicity works well for you you could literally just have this one product and use it for EVERYTHING!!! It also smell completely GORGEOUS and is packed with FANTASTIC ingredients. 

Is that enough CAPITALS for you!! :)

Cleanser

You can use it as your daily cleanser.Taking a small amount onto your finger tips and massage it into the skin. Let it soak for a second Then take a  hand hot cloth or flannel (sadly their muslin cloth they provide isn't that effective) hold it over the face and just gently wipe away. Makes an effective eye make up remover too, although some may find it a little oily over the eye area but to me its fine.

Moisturiser It makes a lovely moisturiser. I massage it in at night time generally (as it is a little heavier) and let it soak in overnight. However it does work well as a little extra day time moisturiser when I am up dog walking on a cold frosty morning!

Face pack Love it! Apply an extra layer of this gorgeous balm and let it soak in.Lie in a bath, relax and inhale deeply......aaaaaah....

Aftersun/Dry Skin/Hair Nourisher It contains some fantastic ingredients to help nourish, replenish and heal the skin. Perfect to take on holiday to apply to burnt bits, flaky bits, dry ends and sore spots!

Lips Great Lip balm too!

Seriously if you are a can't be bothered with loads of different products, travel light kinda girl.... then this one is for you!

Here are the luscious ingredients listed below.

Wild Rose Hips

Wild Rosehip Oil. Cold pressed oil from Rosehip Seeds that contain 30-40% GLA and are one of the richest sources of antioxidant Vit C. Deeply nourishing to the skin and helpful with skin conditions like Eczema and Psoriasis as well as Ageing and damaged skin. Helps to prevent wrinkle formation

Borage and Hemp Seed Oil. Also very rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids

Frankincense Oil. Excellent cytophalatic properties. It encourages skin renewal and turnover, restores slackness to the skin and helps prevent wrinkles....hurrah!

Patchouli. Also a very effective skin regenerator

Palmarosa Oil. Another effective skin regenerator and balancer

Geranium Oil.  A very useful oil to help balance sebum production in the skin and is a great hormonal balancer and has healing, antiseptic and astringent properties.

Rosemary Oil. Which helps promote good blood flow and circulation in the skin.

Fabulous stuff!  I am strangely addicted as you can tell!

If you fancy trying it for yourself please visit https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/SamanthaComfort

Remember if you order with me before the end of this month and spend over £45 in total you recieve a Rose and Geranium Shower Gel absolutely free!

Plus hold the front page! News just in that if you fancy purchasing one of their fragrance candles you will recieve one of their matching room frangrance room sprays (£16) absolutely free as well! ONLY AVAILABLE UNTIL LUNCHTIME MONDAY!

Enjoy!!!!

Love Sam xx

Aromatic Delights, Blossoming in New Directions, Neal's Yard Remedies and Special Announcements!

Everybody needs beauty .......places to play in and pray in, 

where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. 

John Muir (Naturalist,Author and Preservationist 1838-1914)

Hello my blossoming beauty! I have some exciting news!


 I have decided to return to my first love of Aromatherapy and reintroduce it back into my practice. I have also become a consultant for Neal's Yard Organic Range. This combination has provided me with a wonderful new direction for my therapy practice, will work beautifully with the concept behind 'Blossoming' and will also have some fabulous benefits and offers for you too, which I will be sharing with you very shortly.....hurrah!


Firstly, if you can bear with me, I just wanted to tell you a little about my personal journey into the world of  Holistic Aromatherapy , the reason for my love of and connection to Neal's Yard Remedies and also what this will all mean for 'Blossoming' , my therapy practice and you, my late blooming beauty! 


The aromatic world of essential oils was something I was drawn to and intrigued in from fairly early on.Whilst pursuing an acting career and travelling, I continued feeling a strong instinctive pull towards working in the field of complimentary healing. I began with studying Reiki level 1 and 2 and working with energy healing, which I found to be astonishingly powerful. However it was Aromatherapy and the sensory pleasure of working with these beautiful but potent oils which continued to appeal.Opening each little bottle, inhaling their aromatic aroma's, creating heady blends that not only delighted the senses but which worked gently but powerfully together to heal the body by utilising the healing power of nature. 

NB I now work with both these healing energies together.

"..the art and science, of using essential oils in treatments. Aromatherapy is truly a holistic therapy, taking into account the mind, body and spirit of the person seeking help..." Patricia Davis

Sandalwood

Whilst appealing to my more esoteric, spiritual, sensual, right brained side I am also by nature quite a grounded person (despite a few friend's view to the contrary!) and Aromatherapy has its roots deep within the science of chemistry. The volatile oils are carefully extracted from the flowers, leaves, nut kernels, seeds, peel, roots, bark and wood of plants, trees and fruits. The chemistry of each oil means that it can have a multitude of different actions within the body including anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral anti-microbial, anti inflammatory, cytophalatic, decongestant....etc The list of the positive actions the oils have is endless and it is the art of the Aromatherapist ,with their understanding of essential oils science and chemistry, to carefully blend oils together to have the most synergistic healing effect on the body. 


However Aromatherapy is so much more than that.The effect that just inhaling these oils can have can be quite profound too.Their scents have the power to evoke deep emotional response within people by working directly through the olfactory system straight to the limbic system. They have also been used throughout their rich history in spiritual and religious practise throughout the world to connect to the spirit world and transport us to heavenly realms. 


An Aromatherapy treatment can be one of these most blissful, sensual, delicious and delightful experiences you can have!

Neals Yard London

Anyway one day nearly twelve years ago, I happened to walk into a Neal's Yard shop, picked up a leaflet about a new Diploma they were offering in 'Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Science.' and everything fell into place.There was no doubt in my mind and in my heart that this was exactly what I was meant to do.It was the first year they had run their 'Diploma in Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Science' and I look back at that year of intense study with huge fondness. Not only were we blessed with fantastic teachers and lecturers but we got to study right in the heart of Neal's Yard in Covent Garden and at Chelsea Physic Garden.


 My happiest memory was our week long study trip to a herb farm located in the fragrant and picturesque foot hills of the Pyrenees near the old fortressed town of Carcassonne in southern France. There we received advanced level training in the French tradition of aromatic medicine from French Doctors/ Naturopaths on how to use the oils internally (orally and anally!) to treat illness. In the UK our practice is restricted to the use of massage, poultices and inhalation as our means of allowing these potent, volatile oils to enter the body. The french have a much more advanced system.

Lavender Fields of Provence

 We spent the week living together and studying in a wonderful old french farmhouse, surrounded by fields of wild lavender .Time off from study saw us relaxing over long lunches and leisurely evening meals made from fresh ingredients sourced locally, lovingly prepared by the staff and washed down with local red wine and fresh mint tea. After lessons  we enjoyed walks and early evening ambles through vibrant purple lavender fields and clambered up hill sides breathing in the warm scent of wild rosemary, thyme, mint and basil deep into our nostrils. Absolute heaven and the highlight of my wonderful course.


 Having qualified as a Holistic Aromatherapist and having gained my membership of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (MIFPA) I left the UK to set up an Aromatherapy Practice and help run a Health Club in Southern Spain.

Aromatherapy Practice, Elviria, Spain
(Notice the beautiful Neal's Yard blue bottles in the background!)

After returning to the UK I left my Aromatherapy practice for a while. I decided to re qualify in Rejuvanessence (www.in-essence.co.uk) which has became the main focus for my therapy practice for the last two years.  However the universe has continued gently nudging me to return to my first love again and  recent events have served to reawaken this desire in me again. I will be starting to offer relaxing aromatherapy massage and clinical Aromatherapy in my practice very shortly. However this time I would like to particularly focus on oils for skincare particularly for skin rejuvenation and for the beautiful healthy glowing skin so desired and treasured by us 'Blossoming' late bloomers!


Becoming a consultant for Neal's Yard beautiful range of products works perfectly with this too.


I will go into depth about this over the next few days, weeks and months but briefly I will now be offering the following.

• Neal's Yard Organic Parties with wonderful free gifts and benefits for the hostess and as an extra special gift of a free Aromatherapy massage to win from me for one lucky lady! 
• Relaxing Aromatherapy Massage at Knowle Grange from April and Clinical Aromatherapy too by special arrangement
• Special articles about which oils I believe are most beneficial for beauty to all us blossoming beauties and suggested Neal's Yard products that contain these oils.
• Offering special personalised Aromatherapy Facial Blends for clients to use at home
• Neal's Yard/ Aromatherapy Facials in the future.

For further details on  hosting parties, the Neal's Yard Organic range or even opportunities to become a consultant yourself please visit my NYR website.

https://uk.nyrorganic.com/shop/SamanthaComfort

Speak soon!


Love Sam xxx

Nine simple secrets for a long, happy and healthy life from the 'Village of Eternal Youth'

Simple Pleasures

' I came to Camodimele hoping 

I might learn how to live longer, 

but discovered something much 

more important- how to live well'

We all want to live long and healthy lives but, if you are like me, the wealth of information out there as to what actually constitutes a healthy optimum diet can feel overwhelming! In the last few years,whilst pursuing a diet to optimise fertility, I discovered that interest in a raw food way of eating had blossomed and was becoming an increasingly more popular choice amongst nutritionist and optimum health and longevity seekers.  

The arguments as to why this is the optimum diet are absolutely sound. In simple terms unlike all others animals, apart from domesticated pets, we eat our food cooked. It makes no sense on many levels to cook food as we destroy many of the enzymes, vitamins, minerals and macro and micro nutrients available to us. A live food bursting with nutritional goodness is transformed into a dead depleted version of its true self .The raw food diet/living food is about eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, wild edible greens, sprouts, superfoods (which includes raw chocolate!) and herbs and oils in their raw unprocessed form. Raw food cuisine has burst onto the health scene all over the world with a wealth of information, delicious recipes, restaurants (check out London and Brighton!) and even raw food coaches are available to help you transition to a high raw way of eating.  I am completely sold that for optimum health, healing, glowing skin and eyes, vitality and boundless energy this diet is the ultimate. 

I would thoroughly recommend (if this subject interests you) that you begin with Karen Knowler on her website www.therawfoodcoach.com

HOWEVER !! 


Whilst agreeing that including lots of raw/ living foods into our diet is the best way forward, I also became aware that all of the long living cultures in the world do include cooked food in their diet as well. I want to eat healthily and well but I do want some flexibility to include and enjoy cooked foods and various cuisines. I don't want it to be about strict denial nor becoming obsessive.


 So what are the simple rules about diet which experts agree on and which all longer living communities throughout the world (who often eat different foods because of whats available in their particular environment) share in common.Let me introduce you to our very own long living cousins living on a hyper Mediterranean diet in a village in the mountains of Italy!

'La Montagna ti da tutto'  The mountain gives you everything

I am enchanted by Italy. It is a place that warms my heart and makes all my senses come alive. Its not just about the beauty of its landscapes, its extraordinarily rich cultural heritage, its architecture, its stunning works of art but its about the people and lifestyle. A zest and passion for life, a love of family, a value in friendship , a joy in simple pleasures and a cuisine for which they are famed.

  So with my love of good food, my interest in healthy living combined with my love of  Italy I was delighted to discover the book ' A Year in the Village of Eternity' by Tracy Lawson. Campodimele is  a village perched high in the Italian Mountains. Made famous in Europe for the long and vital life of its inhabitants the people remain extraordinarily active into their eighties and beyond with the average live expectancy being 95. Tracy lived amongst the villagers for a few years and was welcomed into the hearts and homes. She shared their lives, was taught their recipes (nutritious, simple and tasty, perfect!) and how they prepared and preserved their food. She learnt about their deep connection to the land, respect of the seasons ' Ogni cosa ha il suo momento' (everything has its time) and their approach to life. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/8627933/The-secrets-to-a-long-life.html

Aaaah to sample the local olive oil that 'tastes like the scent of the mountains on a warm summer days - fruity, grassy, perhaps a hint of herbs, strong and distinctive' 

So what can we learn from the villagers about the 'Cibo Genuino' genuine food that they prize so highly and their tips for longevity and abundant health and happiness.

• Eat locally grown produce that is organic and in season. The people of Campodimele grow much of their own produce on land that is free from chemicals, harvested at the peak of perfection and eaten in season. They do use preserving techniques to store their produce but living by their rules of Cibo Genuino  means that is preserved using natural techniques without chemicals, such as freezing or in olive oil, natural salt etc. They eat their fruits and vegetables raw and cooked but they eat lots of them. So to follow their example eat an abundance of colourful fruits and vegetables. Make these the heart of your diet. Learn to make smoothies and explore the world of juicing. Really enjoy natures abundance but always choose, local organic and in season when you can  and if not frozen berries out of season are great for smoothies! Better still learn to grow your own or source a good supplier locally.  

• Eat Wild Edibles. The people of Campodimele have a philosophy that the mountain will provide and harvest fresh green edibles all year round. They also include a simple green salad in their diet everyday. Green and most particularly wild greens pack a power punch of nutrition and they are the best secret to great health. Again an easy way to get more of those into your diet is through green smoothies and juices. A wonderful start would be to access the work of Victoria Boutenco and her green smoothie revolution (!) and her son Sergei who is an expert on picking and living on wild green edibles.www.rawfamily.com

• Drink clean mountain water . Difficult to access I know! So when possible choose spring water as much as you can, preferably from organic land in glass bottles unless you can find a local supplier!! I know its expensive but good clean water is absolutely vital to our health.

• Breathe clean air, free of air pollution.Try to get out into nature, into the woods, by the beach, climb some hills and breathe deeply as much as you can right from your belly!

• Eat meat, eggs and dairy that is free range and from lean, healthy animals. The people of Campodimele eat chicken, wild boar and hare that live wild in the mountains and free range oily fish from coastal area nearby. Meat is also limited and lots of legumes are eaten by the locals which are high in protein and low in saturated fat. If you choose to eat meat or fish always choose free range/wild and organic and limit your consumption 

• Simplify your life and reduce your stress. Really prioritise whats truly important

.....and relax

• Take lots of physical activity. Walk, cycle, run, swim, skip, dance, play sport, do yoga, just do lots of it particularly outside and enjoy moving your body.

• Find a sense of belonging and community. Cultivate friendships. Build family bonds. Live with passion and purpose. Become part of the community, local and global through others with shared interests.

• Find a sense of spiritual connection. Cultivate inner peace and connectedness in whatever way sings to your soul.

• Recognise your connection to nature Cutivate a respect for the earth, for animals, the seasons and living in harmony with natures rythmes.

There is no place for processed acidic chemical and additive laden foods and drinks. The food is produced in soil free from pesticides and nourished with clean pure water. They eat the food within hours of it being harvested or use natural methods to preserve their food. They prepare food that is a delight to the senses, is simple and highly nutritious.They do drink coffee, they do enjoy wine but not too much. They live low stress lives, connected to the land, the seasons, their family, community and their God. 


That is the simple secret to a  healthy happy and active life until very old age Campodimele style. 

I raise a glass to that :)

Celebrating my Birthday and 'La Dolce Vita'

The fabulous Juliette Binoche

This Saturday I will reach the fully ripened and rather grown up age of 47.

To celebrate my birthday here are some rather delicious celebrities who also share my birthday this year. I raise a glass of something sparkly to them, to me and to all you other luscious late blooming lovelies out there blossoming in your forties and beyond!

Courteney Cox

Sandra Bullock

Monica Belluci

On the theme of blossoming in your forties and beyond, I have been inspired by a beautiful book I am reading at the moment called ' A Year in the Village of Eternity' by Tracy Lawson. It chronicles the time she spent amongst the people of a mountain village of Campodimele in Italy known as 'Il Paese della Longevita' or 'The Village of Longevity', where the average life expectancy of both men and woman is ninety-five.

Me enjoying
simple Tuscan pleasures :)

Filled with wonderful recipes and mouth-watering descriptions of their local dishes, all made with the freshest ingredients, sourced locally. The dishes are simple, flavoursome, nutritious and lovingly prepared. It describes their strong connection to the land and the 'warmth, friendship and feste' of these healthy, fit, long-living mountain people.

Like Tracy I am not a scientist or a doctor but have a keen interest in nutrition. I have listened intently to many experts and teachers in the field of optimum health over the last few years particularly in the raw food community. There are different schools of thought but through the confusion some very basic truths have emerged. 

Many of the longer living cultures throughout the world have varying diets depending on their environment and food availability but there are some very strong linking factors and truths about the quality of their food, lifestyle, environment and their connection to the land that just can't be ignored. It is also as much about what their diets don't include as to what they do.

I would like to look at these factors in my next blog but the most important gift Tracy Lawson was given from living with the community was not just learning about longevity.

"I came to Campodimele hoping to learn how to live longer and discovered something much more important-how to live well "

Here's to health, happiness and a long, joyful, adventure filled life!

Cheers!!

PS To those with a good memory the 'Green Smoothie Challenge' was put on hold due to my performing in a play in the last week. Certainly not a great time to consider a cleanse! However the resources were great, green smoothies are now being made and I will definitely look at doing it (or at least version of it) in spring or early summer. 

Cheers!!