Better Sleep with Essential Oils

Just a drop of lavender on your pillow at night will help you sleep well – right? No, sorry, it’s not as simple as that. Essential oils can definitely help you relax and adjust your weird sleep patterns, but you’ll have to do a bit more work than opening an oil bottle. Read on to find the best essential oils for sleep, and what you need to change…….

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Please check out my new book REVELATION! – Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

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and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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sleep!

sleep!

 

If we don’t sleep well all sort of problems can start happening. When this becomes more frequent, the daytime can be very challenging. Lack of sleep can be the cause of so many other health problems, but at the very least we simply can’t function well during the day. If bad sleep patterns prevail they can become habit, and then it’s all downhill. Here’s what you need to do to prepare for essential oils to help you sleep:

  1. Drink less coffee and/or don’t have caffeine in the afternoon
  2. Exercise more frequently, even if that means a walk around the block
  3. Stop watching TV at least an hour before bed
  4. Stop all screen time ie phones and computers at least an hour before bed
  5. Set up healthy patterns – eat about the same time each day, go to bed about the same time, wake up about the same time

Other hints:

  1. Have a cup of relaxing herbal tea about an hour before bed
  2. Have a warm bath or shower before bed
  3. Start stretching and force yourself to yawn in the evening (I read that somewhere and I’ve tried it and it works!)
  4. Have a book at your bedside – this always sends me to sleep

 

timing is everything

timing is everything

 

Daily habits are important if you are having difficulties sleeping. Of course the clock can be the devil when you’re staring at it every night – 1am, 2am, 3am, 4am ……… It may only take you a few days to reset your body clock, but it could take weeks. In the evening (perhaps after dinner), start your essential oil diifuser to help you unwind. Here are your oils:

Lavender

The classic sleep and relaxation oil, lavender is a healing herb that’s been around for centuries. This is a panacea (helps everything) in my opinion. The art of aromatherapy comes into play here as too much lavender can be too stimulating, so the key is to mix your oils to get a perfect soothing combination.


Vetiver

Sometimes referred to as “The Oil of Tranquility”, vetiver is a very strong oil and you’ll only need a couple of drops in each blend. It is a cooling oil and very grounding and centering. Great for meditation and stress.


Marjoram

Another ancient herb, marjoram will help induce relaxation and works wonderfully with its sister, lavender. Marjoram is an oil to treat pain relief, grief and anguish, so is perfect to help you turn off the events of the day, and the anxiety of tomorrow.


Frankincense

Frankincense is the oil to help you take deeper, slower breaths. By breathing deeply you will automatically slow your heart rate, calm your mind and allow yourself to “be”. This is a classic oil for meditation and asthma.


Bergamot

Bergamot is not a classic sleep oil, but it’s a lovely oil to help with anxiety, and mixed with some other oils, can add some sweetness to your blend. In fact all the citrus oils (lemon, lime, mandarin, orange, grapefruit) are light and blend well with most other oils so are always handy to have nearby. They will add happiness and lightness to your blends.


The Chamomiles – Roman and German

Both these oils are relaxing oils. German chamomile is blue due to a chemical change during distilling, and is an anti-inflammatory oil for the body. It works synergistically with lavender in this regard. The scent is not as pretty as Roman chamomile, which has a honey sweetness to it, and could be better for you to use for this reason. Why not double up and have a relaxing chamomile tea in the hour before bed too?


Sandalwood

I regard Indian (Mysore) sandalwood as a sleep inducing oil due to its traditional uses, and it’s powerful energetic presence. This oil has many uses for the body but excels when treating the mind and emotions. It is a beautiful and expensive oil to use, but when it comes to sleep I’d say it’s worth buying a bottle. It will cover you in a comforting, soft yet strong, blanket of love. Other woods could be used in its place and I’d recommend cedarwood Virginian (which is actually a juniper, not a true cedar).  Australian sandalwood could be a bit too stimulating with its hint of the hot Australian bush.

 

Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

Sexy black diffuser from puzhen.com

 

And now some blends for your diffuser –

In a traditional oil burner with a candle or a diffuser add 25 drops of oil, which could be too much for some diffusers, so check the recommendation of each unit and adjust thee recipes accordingly.

 

“Universal Flow”

Lavender         10

Frankincense    8

Bergamot         7


 

“Depth”

Marjoram                   6

Roman Chamomile    7

Orange                       8

Vetiver                        2


 

“Cool”

Mandarin                       10

German Chamomile       4

Cedarwood Virginian      6

Lavender                        5


 

“Intuition”

Sandalwood                6

Lavender                    6

Marjoram                     4

Orange                       11

 


 

“The Way”

Frankincense              10

German Chamomile     2

Vetiver                          2

Sandalwood                5

Lime                           6


I've got these gorgeous chamomile flowers in a teapot nest to my bed - sweet dreams!

I’ve got these gorgeous chamomile flowers in a teapot nest to my bed – sweet dreams!

 

By now you have the idea so go for it! Mix those oils baby!

Let me know how you go and –

remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

 

copyright 2016

 

Do Essential Oils Work on Our Minds? Week 2 of 3

Here’s an excerpt from my book on essential oils and aromatherapy. This is the second week of 3, quoting little sections in “Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils”. Week 2 – Do Essential Oils Work on Our Minds?

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Please check out my new book REVELATION! – Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

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and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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“The Brain – Fast – Galactic

Essential oils work via the nose into different areas of the rain – both the cognitive and the ancient centres. The brain translates this information to effect change in the body and emotions.

The ancient part of the brain is called the Limbic System, which engages in the moments when a scent takes you to a specific memory. It is so strong you feel like you are right in that moment again.

 

Roman chamomile in the Wellington Botanic Gardens

Roman chamomile in the Wellington Botanic Gardens

 

Have you ever smelt something in the air and suddenly been connected to an event, time or person in your life? It could help you remember a holidays as a child, or being with a beloved elder who has passed. It is powerful and quick. Detecting a scent can also conjure deep negative feelings about something too. Although the process of scent and emotions can be scientifically reduced to a point, it’s the bewitching nature of these instances that are the most fascinating. Are we connected to the past or are we connecting to multi-dimensional existences.

Murraya peniculata

Murraya peniculata

 

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years through many cultures, to inspire mind-altered states, offer beauty and inspire creativity. Using essential oils may help with creating better feeling emotions, and in turn, simply be default, diminish emotions and feelings like stress and uneasiness.

If the body is earthly, then the mind is resonating on a galactic level. The mind connects the body to heavenly possibilities. Dr Joe Dispenza, a great neuro-scientist, says the mind is the brain in action.

Ah the wonders of a universe vibrating in waves of potential!

Ah the wonders of a universe vibrating in waves of potential!

 

Our mind = The Galaxy

+

Essential oils,

allows us to

  • open our minds – quite literally, as the scent travels the nose into the brain

 

  • awaken our mind, to logically define desires and goals

 

  • be motivated to take action toward our desired life

 

  • cohere the mind and body, to help determine our place in the world”

 

It's easy to open a little oil bottle and take a whiff - it's instant healing!

It’s easy to open a little oil bottle and take a whiff – its instant healing!

 

Thanks for reading my friends!

Have essential oils helped your mind?

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

copyright 2016

Osmanthus – Heaven on Earth

I walked past the osmanthus bush in the back lane today. It’s in bloom, in a warm Sydney autumn. I don’t know how I can endeavour to explain to you how beautifully mesmerising the scent of this plant is – but I’ll try.

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Please check out my new book REVELATION! – Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

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and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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Osmanthus fragrans

Osmanthus fragrans

 

Here it is! Osmanthus fragrans, part of the Oleacae family. What else belongs in this family? Oleander, olives and jasmine.

As a small white flower (depending on the species the flowers can also be orange), just like jasmine, it’s hard to believe the intoxicating scent is so powerful. But it is.

Imagine jasmine, gardenia, frangipani all rolled into one, then add apricots, the secrets of the universe and unicorns, and you may come slightly closer toward this deep exotic floral perfume.

 

The leaf

The leaf

 

“Osmanthus fragrans flowers are also known as gui hua. These tiny dried yellow blossoms are among China’s most heady and intoxicating flower blossom fragrances. China’s great flower-scented teas were developed during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Osmanthus, jasmine, rose, orchid, lotus, gardenia and wintersweet were all used to delicately scent batches of tea.”

Jann Erik Nilsson

 

 

Flower in broad daylight

Flower in broad daylight

 

“Osmanthus fragrans is associated with a number of Lunar legends in China, which makes it symbolic at the time of the Chinese Moon Festival which is held in September under the symbol of Osmanthus Flower and is also called Osmanthus Festival.

In the warmer parts of China, the plant continues to bloom non-stop throughout the winter to spring. During the nights of the peak season for the flower, Chinese families used to gather in their yards to eat moon cakes, while the grandmother of the family told traditional stories about the Moon, the sweet Osmanthus and the figures of Chinese legends.

According to those legends, there live on the Moon the Fairy Chang E and a Jade Rabbit which is Chang E’s pet, a Giant named Wu Gang and a huge Osmanthus Tree (Osmonth).”

Jann Erik Nilsson

 

 

The bush in the back lane

The bush in the back lane

 

Osmanthus is a native of Asia, particularly China and Japan, and is even the mascot tree for some cities in both these countries. Having said that, this pic above was taken in the back lane today. The end of Autumn and 27 degrees. Hello global warming!

I have walked this lane for the past 10 years, never knowing what the beautiful scent was. I am embarrassed to tell you abut a year ago, I had to ask a natural perfumery group the question – “what is this plant?” As soon as I found out, I realised I had detected the scent many times before in various locations. I had always thought it was coming from this palm ……

 

The palm

The palm

 

Osmanthus is sold as an absolute and it’s often expensive. I’ve seen it advertised from as much as $32 for 1ml, $121 for 1gm, and as little as $22 for 10 mls. This is definitely an oil I’d encourage you to try.

So there you have it – from scented Ming Dynasty teas to lunar legends, this flower is beloved of the world. If I’ve helped one person discover this wonderful tree and perfume, it’s a job well done I reckon.

 

Thanks again lovely readers. Do you have a favourite scented plant?

copyright 2016

Ode to Juniper

Hello natural beauties, I’ve missed you. Today I salute juniper; the bush, the berry, and the essential oil. I have been known to walk into a bar and ask for a juniper and tonic, (accidentally). I find myself going through periods of time when I just can’t get enough of this amazing oil. Let us give some love to juniper  …

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Please check out my new book REVELATION! – Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

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and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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Dried juniper berries at a spice shop in Sydney

Dried juniper berries at a spice shop in Sydney

 

The fire. The odor of burning juniper is the sweetest fragrance on the face of the earth, in my honest judgment;

I doubt if all the smoking censers of Dante’s paradise could equal it. One breath of juniper smoke, like the perfume of sagebrush after rain, evokes in magical catalysis, like certain music, the space and light and clarity and piercing strangeness of the American West.

Long may it burn.”                                                                                

Desert Solitaire “,  Edward Abbey

 


“Summertime, oh, summertime, pattern of life indelible, the fade-proof lake, the woods unshatterable, the pasture with the sweetfern and the juniper forever and ever . . .

E.B. White

 

Juniper in the fog, somewhere

Juniper in the fog, somewhere

 

“He was at ease in his skin, at ease in his shoes, which were cut out of the same doeskin as his gloves; his foot in its elastic prison could stretch, could bend, could feel itself alive. His beaver hat was pulled down over his eyes & kept out the landscape; he was smoking dried juniper, after the Algerian fashion, in a little clay pipe & letting his thoughts wander at their will …”                                            

Lacfadio’s Adventures“, André Gide

 

Dried juniper berries in bottles - lovely

Dried juniper berries in bottles – lovely

 

“Probably one of the earliest incenses used by Mediterranean Witches. Its berries were used with thyme in Druid and grove incenses for visions.”

Paul Kendall

 


“Juniper

spontaneous lightness

I’ve always used juniper to release negative energy, watery emotions. When you can let go of emotions and energy that do not serve your highest good, it is easier to find a more positive vibe. Juniper is an oil that tends to trigger the action of spontaneous lightness”

“Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils”, Suzanne R Banks

 

sparkly, fresh juniper

sparkly, fresh juniper

 

“If you want an oil as a champion of “protection” juniper will not let you down. Juniper has the scent of sophistication.”

“Revelation! Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils”, Suzanne R Banks

 

Myrrh Doesn’t Really Want to be an Essential Oil

Video

Hi aromatic geniuses! I was making a perfume today and a few drops of myrrh is in the recipe. I realised last week I’d run out, and had to rush to the shop to buy a little bottle, late Friday afternoon. Anyway, patience is a virtue when it comes to myrrh.

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Please check out my new book REVELATION! – Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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Here’s the thing….. myrrh is a resin that’s tapped from the tree. It is then steam distilled into an essential oil for us to use in our healing lotions and potions.

But the older the little bottle of myrrh gets, the thicker and more gooey the oil gets.

 

myrrh resin - pic via Pinterest

myrrh resin – pic via Pinterest

 

Initially the deep red oil, distilled from the deep red resin, is thin and easy to use.

Then, in all its power, it starts to harden up. Commiphora myrrha (or Commiphora molmol), really just wants to be a resin. So when I was making my perfume I had to take the plastic dropper out of the bottle, soak it in boiling water to clear the resin from it, and use an eye dropper to get a couple of drops. (This is after waiting for about 5 minutes for one drop to comes out of the bottle – ugh!).

Check out my video on myrrh, and how I feel about The Man with Two Brains:

 

the resin of myrrh

the resin of myrrh

 

It is related to frankincense, as they belong to the same family, Burseraceae, but they really behave differently, Frankincense is quite happy being an oil thank you very much.

Myrrh is the healer of wounds. This makes sense when we look at its strength and its overwhelming desire to get back to its natural state. By healing a wound (whether emotional, spiritual or physical), we are returning to our natural state of health.

Do you use myrrh oil? Or do you prefer to burn the resin as an incense?

 

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

copyright 2016

 

Ode to Lavender

I can’t help myself when I see lavender – I MUST take a pic! I MUST behold it’s beauty and power! I MUST stand in its presence, if only for a few seconds. There is something wonderful, almost magical about this flower named by the Romans after the word ‘lavare“, meaning “to wash”. This beautiful herb has a long history with humans – cleansing, fortifying and healing us.

All hail lavender!

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Please check out my new book REVELATION! – Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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Caught on camera somewhere in Sydney

Caught on camera somewhere in Sydney

 

Forgiveness is the smell that lavender gives out when you tread on it

Mark Twain

it always seems to me as if the lavender was a little woman in a green dress, with a lavender bonnet and a white kerchief. She’s one of those strong, sweet, wholesome people, who always rest you, and her sweetness lingers long after she goes away.

Myrtle Reed

The Pobble who has no toes
      Had once as many as we;
When they said, ‘Some day you may lose them all;’–
      He replied, — ‘Fish fiddle de-dee!’
And his Aunt Jobiska made him drink,
Lavender water tinged with pink,
For she said, ‘The World in general knows
There’s nothing so good for a Pobble’s toes!’

Edward Lear

Lavender at my local market

Lavender at my local market

The Legend of Four Thieves Vinegar

One version goes that in the 1630’s, when the plague was raging in France, the town of Toulouse was beset with looters. Four looters were apprehended, but rather than punish them, the judge offered them a deal. Amazed at their continued health after wandering though homes and businesses abandoned by their terrified (or dead) owners, the judge offered to let the thieves go if they gave him the secret of their resistance to the plague.

What was their famous secret? It was a vinegar made from thyme, rosemary, sage, and lavender. This infusion was termed thieves vinegar. Although garlic was added to the mixture later, this basic infusion became famous and was used for hundreds of years across Europe, both internally and externally, to provide protection from the dreaded plague.


To make a perfume, take some rose water and wash your hands in it, then take a lavender flower and rub it with your palms, and you will achieve the desired effect

Leonardo da Vinci

lovely lavender

lovely lavender

 

But you, you foolish girl, you have gone home to a leaky castle across the sea to lie awake in linen smelling of lavender, and hear the nightingale, and long for me.

Edna St. Vincent Millay

“London life was very full and exciting […] But in London there would be no greenhouse with a glossy tank, and no apple-room, and no potting-shed, earthy and warm, with bunches of poppy heads hanging from the ceiling, and sunflower seeds in a wooden box, and bulbs in thick paper bags, and hanks of tarred string, and lavender drying on a tea-tray.”
Sylvia Townsend Warner

Lavender’s blue, dilly, dilly, lavender’s green
When I am king, dilly, dilly, You shall be queen
Who told you so, dilly, dilly, who told you so?
‘Twas my own heart, dilly, dilly, that told me so
Old English folk song and poem

Lavender in Sydney

Lavender in Sydney

 

Lavender is the little black dress of the wardrobe
Suzanne R Banks

Do you love lavender?

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

copyright 2016

Be The Queen of Your Life

Video

Hello natural beauties! I have just done a couple of live TV shows on TVSN in Sydney, as Brand Ambassador for Springfields Aromatherapy, and their beautiful skincare. This week we featured the Rose Collection, so it was easy to talk about beautiful organic Bulgarian rose oil.

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Please check out my new book REVELATION! – Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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My dressing room for the day - feeling nervous

My dressing room for the day – feeling nervous

Live TV is nerve-wracking! The presenters are professionals and can turn it on quite quickly. I, on the other hand, found it challenging to be succinct and precise while going with the flow. Anyway it’s over now – phew!

I talked about rose oil as being “the Queen of Oils” due to its complex molecular structure and the fact that it is a “premium” essential oil. It is very expensive because the production of the Attar of Roses, or Rose Otto (meaning steam distilled rose oil), is very labour intensive. It can take 5000 kgs to make 1 kg of essential oil – or more – depending on the harvest, the size of the flowers and other variables. After all this is a natural product and we are subject to the ebb and flow of nature.

Rose is the Queen of oils

Rose is the Queen of oils

 

Using the Queen of Oils sends a positive energetic message to your soul – I am the Queen of my life. When I treat myself as a Queen, I am not the only one who benefits. I have more to share with others when I acknowledge my divinty.

 

My good friend Darryl, The Vitalist, took a sound grab from the TV. Thanks Darryl:

 

In my practice I use rose oil:

  • help the body deal with excess heat
  • help dry, mature, and sun damaged skin
  • help a client deal with grief
  • help a client process difficult emotions
  • allow the heart to open
  • acknowledge a client’s success or fears around a challenge ahead
More beautiful roses from my recent trip to New Zealand

More beautiful roses from my recent trip to New Zealand

As rose oil is expensive it is usually sold in a 3% blend in jojoba which is perfect to use straight on your skin as a perfume. If you are fortunate to have a pure rose oil then even 1 drop can be enough to soothe your soul, uplift your emotions, clarify your mind and help you feel abundant in many ways.

Me and Sarah on set

Me and Sarah on set

After the shows I was met by Springfields owner Rodney, with chocolates and flowers from the new Springfields garden. I hope to follow this story more closely as time goes on as Rodney has started the process of preparing the garden, which will grow the plants that will be hrvested to make botanical extracts for the skincare products. I’m excited about that!

Rodney from Springfields with dahlias and lavender from the new garden

Rodney from Springfields with dahlias and lavender from the new garden

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

 

Have you ever used rose oil? What are your experiences?

 

copyright 2016

 

Botanical Inspirations from Oz- A Photo Essay

Hi there my scented friends! I’m really enjoying summer on this beautiful land and here are some lovely plants and flowers I’ve seen lately. I hope you are as inspired as I am with the lovely colours and shapes of nature.

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Please check out my new book REVELATION! – Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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Eucalyptus or gum nut flowers

Eucalyptus or gum nut flowers

Where: the Inner West, Sydney

I feel:    happy and grateful for the warmth of Australia

Scent:  a very mild honey scent which brings bird life

 

Pine cones

Pine cones

 

Where: Sugar Pine Forest, Batlow. NSW,

I feel:    quiet and abundant

Scent:  not particularly scented but the environment of the pine forest certainly was!

 

Murraya peniculata

Muraya paniculata

Where: the Inner West, Sydney

I feel:    beautiful, dreamlike and sensual

Scent:  a very heady citrus/jasmine scent that permeates the air all around Sydney

 

Sunflower

Sunflower

 

Where: a friend’s garden, the Inner West, Sydney

I feel:    connected to the universe through the golden ratio

Scent:  mild herbaceous scent

 

Frangipani

Frangipani

 

Where: the Inner West, Sydney

I feel:    tropically delicious as if I’m on holidays

Scent:  a sweet honey floral


How does your environment make you feel – how are you inspired?

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

Check out my YouTube channel too, thanks.

copyright 2016

The Persian Garden – Cruising on the Celebrity Solstice with Eucalyptus Oil – Video

Video

Hello friends! I missed a post last week all caught up in summer in Sydney, parties with visiting DJ’s and singers, and the beach. This week I share a moment in time on the cruise ship the Celebrity Solstice, where I was excited to discover a eucalyptus infused steam room and sauna, sailing home from New Caledonia.

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Please check out my new book REVELATION! – Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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The theme of this little video is “aromatherapy is easy” …

 

 

And just to prove it here is a pic of my good friend DJ Wayne G (DJ WAYNE G) from San Francisco, playing tunes on New Years Day:

 

Me and Wayne at the start of a party

Me and Wayne at the start of a party

 

And me with other incredibly talented friends, singer and recording artist Peyton (Peyton Music) and travel writer and blogger Amanda (Adventures All Round). It was dark so I had to do a few little adjustments including some stars and fireworks too …

Friends

Friends

Thanks for your time! Have you been to a spa on a cruise? I’d love to hear about it.

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

copryright SR Banks 2015

Vanilla Weddings in the South Pacific – Video

Video

A vanilla wedding in the South Pacific? How about hundreds of them every year? Forge on to discover how organic vanilla is grown on the tropical island of Lifou in New Caledonia, with my mini movie and gorgeous pics!

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Please check out my new book REVELATION! – Reveal Your Destiny with Essential Oils

Barnes & Noble      Booktopia AU      Amazon UK

and many other stores worldwide as an ebook and paperback

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The vanilleraie on Lifou

The vanilleraie on Lifou

 

On my recent trip to New Caledonia I found a small organic vanilla plantation in the Botanic Garden on the island of Lifou. Watch the story unfold ….

 

In a nutshell:

  • Mexican vanilla was introduced by the missionaries in the 1800’s
  • The plantation is growing each year as more vines are planted – cuttings are taken from the original vines
  • It takes about 7 years from planting to produce beans
  • The plant flowers in October to November
  • The flowers are not scented
  • This is the beautiful vanilla flower

    This is the beautiful vanilla flower

     

  • As the plants are an introduced species the local insects and birds do not pollinate the flower – this has to be done by hand
  • The male organ in the flower is gently touched to the female organ – this is the pollinating process
  • Pollinating must be done in the morning as the flowers close in the afternoon
  • Once the flower has dried and died, the vanilla beans grow
The young vanilla bean

The young vanilla bean

  • When the time is right the beans are picked and plunged into boiling water for 3 minutes
  • The beans are dried in both sun and shade for 3 months then placed into aging boxes to develop – just like wine
  • Lifou currently sends all its harvest to Noumea but is aspiring to export worldwide when the crops are more bountiful
My wonderful guide

My wonderful guide

It was so hot and the tour continued onto other beautiful sights, like a tribal hut and he Cliffs of Jokin. I wish I had asked a few more questions but the tour party pressed on. And I can’t believe I forgot my guide’s name. The heat got into my brain!

The Cliffs of Jokin

The Cliffs of Jokin

The picture does not do the water justice – it was a stunning turquoise blue. We also spotted a shark swimming around.

Remember to treat yourself first, then everyone will benefit.

copryright SR Banks 2015