Scented Candles Stealing Your Family's Energy?!

In a study by the University of Washington, an Environmental Engineer revealed that scented home-care products emit a variety of dangerous compounds into the air within our homes, therefore sapping the energy of us and our loved ones. Studies show that 25 popular air fresheners, candles, detergents and other home-based, scented products emit an average of 25 Chemicals—17 of which have been deemed toxic under federal laws.

Unfortunately, even the savviest shopper wouldn’t be able to spot these unhealthy products in a line-up because none of them listed the ingredients on the product labels, as these particular types of product are not required to list the ingredients (unlike personal care products & food).

Products with fragrance are hard to decipher because there’s no easy (or reliable) way to tell what is really in them. Most fragrances are a blend of chemicals, usually referred to as 'synthetic fragrances',  (most of which are never disclosed and therefore potentially harmful) & alcohol which mimic natural scents (i.e.:  Glade’s French Vanilla or Apple Cinnamon scented candles). Not to mention that when you put fire to something (i.e.: a scented candle) you are creating a chemical reaction—but that’s another post for another day.

However, this daunting information doesn’t mean that you can no longer enjoy a beautifully scented house or car; what it does mean is that you will simply have to go about it in another fashion.           

Here’s what you do: if you love the smell of an Apple Cinnamon or French Vanilla candle/spray but do not want to risk constantly inhaling unnecessary chemicals, you can try blending essential oils (which can be found online or in wholefoods).

For this example you could purchase cinnamon essential oil & along with a fruity smelling essential oil of your liking (as there is no essential oil of Apple and therefore everything Apple scented is probably constructed of a harmful mixture of chemicals that imitate the scent of real apples)—I like blood orange essential oil as it blends well with a hint of cinnamon.

You’d simply take a cotton round (or any type of un-dyed, absorbent material) and combine about 10 drops of the fruity oil w/ about 3 drops of the cinnamon (as this essential oil can have a strong scent); depending on the size of the room make several cotton rounds w/ the essential oil blend. Place the cotton rounds in window seals, near heating vents or anyplace which will allow the oil to disperse into the air better –and viola your home is now full of a beautiful scent (custom-made by you) and you know that it’s chemical-free!

The same can be done for the car-simply stick the cotton rounds under the seats or in the ashtray (if you don’t use it of course) and let the sweet smell take over. It’s that simple!

AJA Naturals Officially on Etsy!

Today we are proud to announce the official launch of AJA Naturals Bath & Body products on Etsy and the Etsy Facebook Tab that will make browsing that much easier!

Etsy is a website focused on selling handmade and vintage items/supplies to those seeking more unique and custom buys.

AJA Naturals has been working diligently to formulate all natural & organic products that focus on the complete skin care regimen of: Cleansing, Exfoliating & Moisturizing. However, we suggest switching it up a bit by Exfoliating first - to remove the top layer of dead skin cells that isn't sloughed way naturally, followed by Cleansing with an all natural, handmade bar of cold processed soap & lastly Moisturizing with one of our creamy, virgin coconut oil based body butters to better care for your skin.

So stop by and check out all the natural goodies that we have to offer-We are confident you won't be disappointed!


Blessings,

The AJA Naturals Family

Aja's Natural Story! (long over due)

I’ve been natural for about a 1 ½ years thus far and I must say, it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! Natural hair is beautiful, unique, captivating and (in my humble opinion) exemplifies an attempt at well being. My natural hair journey began with my health in mind.

At the age of 17, I was diagnosed with large cysts in both of my breasts and as per my doctor’s suggestion I underwent surgery to have the cysts removed.

After several visits with my doctor and her being as knowledgeable as she is, I started to understand that these cysts just didn’t appear out of nowhere. There is a reason for everything, and there’s no solid evidence, but the reason behind my ailment could have possibly been the products that I was using.  It could’ve been related to my using deodorants containing Aluminum, relaxers with hydroxides or body lotions created with a load of parabens! After this realization was clear, I took action and started to closely evaluate the products in which I used (both for my hair & body).

I took baby steps at first, but once I got my momentum there was no turning back.

One proactive act lead to another until I noticed that I had changed several things in my life—going natural was a huge part of this healthy transition. For me, going natural was a no brainer. My health had been affected, my hair was lifeless and my skin was so bad that it would take a whole ‘nother blog posting for me to share those details. However, going natural is more than just an aesthetic decision; I like to think of it as a way of life. 

This new found interest in my health turned on my creative side and I’ve been making my own products ever since! I create lotions, soaps and other bath & body treats to keep me and my family with the products we need, while only putting high quality, organic and natural elements into them to ensure that we are treating our bodies with respect –just as a temple should be treated.

Suggestions from two very supportive friends lead to the launch of my all natural, handmade product line:  AJA Naturals. This line is about activating an interest in one's health, providing all natural products made from the best of 'What Nature Provides' and promoting the importance of living 'green'.

So far, it’s been an interesting ride; We've done several summer festivals on the Jersey Shore and we now have an AJA Naturals Etsy page,  where our all natural goodies can be purchased all year round. We are still growing, and have a lot more to do, but I'm looking forward to every aspect of it!



Logo created by DionEli Designs

 I encourage everyone to take a personal inventory. Pay close attention to yourself, ask questions: Have you been feeling ill lately? Has a headache been lasting unusually long? Is your skin suddenly breaking out? Once questions like these are honestly answered, it is essential to take a look into the products that you use/ the foods that you eat to see if any changes have been made to the ingredients or perhaps you’re just using more of the product that already contained harsh ingredients therefore worsening a condition that may have been lying dormant.
My words are not meant to scare you nor are they to persuade you into thinking how I do;
I am simply speaking from experience and out of concern.

Do what is in your best interest. Most importantly be happy, healthy and feel comfortable in your own skin; I know I finally do and I wouldn’t change it for the world!

Blessings,

~Aja





Happy 2011!!!

The New Year is finally here & many resolutions have been made.

However try to keep this in mind as you make your promises for the New Year:



Neither a New Year, New Location, or New People bring better things; Only change  can bring forth better outcomes. When we change our lifestyles, our habits, our thoughts and our actions, this is when new & better things come to light. It could be the year 2020, but if we still live, think & act the way we did in 2010 then nothing will be better.

This is not my opinion, this is simply a rule of life that I’ve learned & am trying to embrace.

With that said, Happy New Year to Everyone!!!
I wish us all the courage and desire to make necessary changes towards the betterment of our lives!

Blessings,

~Aja