The Conscious Living Blog

A Kid's Guide: Fall Skincare

A Kid's Guide: Fall Skincare
School is back in session along with our favorite Fall activities. Viruses, chapped lips, dry skin and eczema flare-ups are some of the issues that also come with the season. Some of the ways we can counter this season is with warmth, moisture, exfoliation, and slower, more deliberate routines. We can focus on seasonal nourishing foods and getting more sleep and rest. In our Kids’ Edition of Transitioning to Fall Skincare, we are sharing our skincare and wellness tips for the kiddos and recommending effective products. Continue reading

51 Uses for Dr. Shannon's Organic Skin Balm

51 Uses for Dr. Shannon's Organic Skin Balm
Dr. Shannon's Skin Balm is one of our favorite, most-loved products. It could be because the story behind this product is so special, or maybe because it is so versatile. Continue reading

Back to School with Zoe Organics!

Back to School with Zoe Organics!

School is back in session for our kids and it has been fun to see them reunited with friends and eager for the new adventures this school year will bring. 

On the first day of school we brought all of the usual school supplies: paper, pencils/pens, tissue boxes and sanitizing wipes, but we also packed our own arsenal of body care staples in their backpacks. Read on to hear how we are taking Zoe Organics back to school! 

 

 

Zoe Organics Everything Balm 

Lips and cheeks need a lot of TLC when you are a kid and Zoe Organics Everything Balm is about as handy a balm stick as you will find. With simple, but super effective natural ingredients, it will take on those school day skin issues with ease. And true to its name, it does a little of everything, so keep it close for bug bites to scrapes too. 

 

 

Zoe Organics Breathe Balm

I'll be honest. The mom in me always braces for the viruses that spread like wildfire in a classroom. We boost vitamin D and elderberry syrup, but chances are, you will go through several rounds of coughs and sniffles during the school year. Just like our hero Everything Balm in the handy stick, we combined the power of the Everything Balm base with a soothing essential oil blend that supports easier breathing and rest. It's easy and mess-free to apply, which makes it a favorite for the kiddos. 

 

 

Zoe Organics Dr. Shannon's Skin Balm

Playground scrapes and bruises are inevitable. Face-plants off the monkey bars, tripping and scraping hands and knees on the blacktop, and other such mishaps are just a part of an active childhood. We know it hurts and we teamed up with our favorite pediatrician to create just the right blend of active botanicals and creamy, soothing goodness to combat playground wounds. 

 

 

Zoe Organics Bath Wash

Do you ever feel like a broken record? Wash your hands. Wash your hands! Did you wash your hands? One of the best ways to prevent those back to school germs from spreading is frequent hand washing. But harsh, antibacterial soaps can be really rough on skin (and contain nasty ingredients!), leaving it dry, chapped and even stinging. Zoe Organics Bath Wash comes in a handy little travel size that fits into backpacks and purses, so you can avoid the harsh chemical washes when away from home. The creamy, rich lather is made from organic oils and contains no harsh surfactants. 

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Are you ready to take Zoe Organics back to school with you too? You're in luck! Because tomorrow we are having a Back to School FLASH Sale! Save 20% site wide (excluding gift sets) from 6 am PST to midnight PST. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when the sale is live and to get the code!

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Baby Massage

Baby Massage

All three of my children love to be massaged. It was a ritual we began when they were babies and has gotten us through infant colic, teething, nighttime growing pains, stress, and provided a special bonding experience for any pre-bedtime wind-down. As they grow older, sometimes these massages are the platform for precious conversations and a means to bring calm after a hard day. 

This powerful tool is too good to not recommend to every mama, so we have created a simple, useful, downloadable guide that covers everything from the benefits of baby massage to creating the best environment. At the end of the download are guidelines that you can cut out and keep in the nursery to help get you started. 

Cheers to hours of bonding and special memories that will last a lifetime!

 

What is Baby Massage?

Infant massage is a gentle, soothing therapy that has been shown to have physical and psychological benefits. It’s also a wonderful way to bond with your baby.

 

The Benefits of Baby Massage

  • Stimulates brain activity and releases oxytocin
  • Improves blood circulation
  • Increases alertness/heightens awareness
  • Reduces stress hormones
  • Improves immune function
  • Enhances development of the nervous system
  • Aids with digestion
  • Relieves discomfort of gas, colic, constipation
  • Deepens bonding between baby and parent/caregiver
  • Helps parent/caregiver respond to baby’s cues
  • Enhances communication between baby and parent/caregiver
  • Creates an opportunity for father, grandparent, or another special person in baby’s life to bond
  • Improves relaxation, sleep
  • Deepens baby’s feelings of security and overall well-being

 

The Process

Create a comforting environment.

  • Set aside 15-30 minutes of uninterrupted, distraction-free time
  • Choose a time when baby is happy and alert
  • Make sure temperature is warm enough so baby doesn’t get cold
  • Dim the lights and play a favorite lullaby album, or enjoy the quiet
  • Remove all jewelry that could scratch or distract
  • Follow up massage with snuggle or rocking time

 

Begin massage using these guidelines:

  • Make eye contact
  • Before you begin, request permission from your baby. This develops trust and respect; empowering him /her to accept or reject their body being touched
  • Watch for cues of engagement
  • Use gentle, fluid strokes (not so light that it tickles)
  • Keep strokes slow and relaxing; avoid over-stimulating baby by going too fast
  • Move from baby’s center, outwards (example: move from baby’s upper thigh down to his /her feet)
  • Balance – if you massage the right arm, massage the left arm next
  • Do each stroke 3 times and watch for cues from baby to continue or move to next stroke

 

Baby Massage GuideZoe Organics Baby Massage Guide

Click here for our FREE Baby Massage Guide!

Need some more Baby Oil? Click here for 10% off (discount will be applied in the cart)!

 

 


Sweet Dreams: Spotify playlists

Bonus!

We’ve created three playlists for lullaby/sleepytime, that are each a bit different, but that are all relaxing, beautiful music. We hope you enjoy!

 

 

Sweet Dreams 1

Sweet Dreams 2

Sweet Dreams 3

 

 

 

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DIY Self-Care for Postpartum Healing

DIY Self-Care for Postpartum Healing

DIY Self-Care for Postpartum Healing

Childbirth will change your life and will, quite literally, stretch your body to limits you never would have imagined. Whether you had a quick natural labor and birth, a prolonged labor or a planned c-section, the postpartum period is exhausting, emotional and uncomfortable. While the births of my three children were some of the most precious, exhilarating hours of my life, I will also never forgot the need for self-care and healing that followed. 

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