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Hell Notes for Beauty

Spirituality • Health • Lifestyle

D.I.Y Facial Kit Review: Oleum Vera

If you’re a DIY skincare junkie like me, then chances are you’re going to love this tutorial. So while aimlessly strolling around Walmart’s skincare aisle, I noticed this box that said “DIY Masks” and of course I had to check it out.  Oleum Vera is a very interesting company and wish this concept was around when I first started blogging 9 years ago because its so convenient and super affordable especially for all natural and certified organic ingredients.  Looking at the box of ingredients I was so excited to see all of the ingredients included, and did I mention all Organic for under $20?

I couldn’t pass it up and was even more fascinated with the other items on their website. But first, here’s what my kit included:

Every Organic Face Mask Kit includes:
  • Organic Avocado Oil** – Moisturize dry skin with this luxurious, organic oil, which is one of the richest oil sources of vitamin C, E and provitamin A. With its hydrating and antioxidant properties, avocado oil is especially useful in regenerative and anti-aging skin care. 2fl oz (60ml)
  • White Kaolin Clay – Gentle yet stimulating, White Kaolin soothes the skin while absorbing impurities and exfoliating dry patches. 0.7 oz (20g)
  • Bentonite Clay – Clear your skin with this powerful, porous clay. Bentonite is perfect for oily skin as it draws out toxins and tightens the skin. 0.7 oz (20g)
  • Organic Spirulina Algae – This algae help to fight skin inflammation and prevent premature signs of aging with its natural protein content. 0.7 oz (30g)
  • Organic Rose Petals** – The natural oils in rose petals help to moisturize and soothe sensitive skin, leaving the face soft and calm. As well as bringing a sweet aroma to your homemade cosmetics, these petals are also high in Vitamin C. 0.1 oz (3g)
  • Organic Lavender Buds** – Lavender buds, used alone or with other flower petals, lend a pleasant scent to your organic, homemade creations. 0.1 oz (3g)
  • Eco-friendly Reusable Mask Jar

Natural Skin care fanatics like myself who lovesssss DIY recipes this was truly a deal! So many different ingredients and combinations of facials I can make it definitely was worth the money and a bargain. I say a bargain because when trying to get different types of  ingredients (especially organic and all natural) you can end up paying a pretty penny if each ingredient is bought individually. Just the oil alone, which this kit contains avocado oil, can cost you anywhere from $10-$15 dollars at most health food stores. All of their products are certified organic and they pride themselves on being the leading skincare brand that promotes sustainability.

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How To Care For Your Lucky Bamboo + Magical Uses

 

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana)

Feng Shui (the ancient Chinese art of arranging furniture and other household items in any space for optimal balance & harmony) is one of my favorite practices.  Keeping a Lucky Bamboo plant in your space attracts luck of course, as well as success, endurance, beauty & fortune.  In Feng Shui the 5 elements are important to incorporate in any space to balance out energies and the lucky Bamboo symbolizes all five.

WOOD:  The plant itself represents the element of wood representing new beginnings, family, foundations and reaching heights.

EARTH: The soil or rocks placed in your Bamboo Plant pot represents stability, structure, nourishment and anchoring of ideas.

WATER:  The water you provide your plant represents regeneration, energy flow and purification.

FIRE: To represent the fire element in your lucky bamboo plant, add a red ribbon to its stems as a symbol for fire which evokes the energy of transformation and life.

METAL:  Most Bamboo Plants are placed in glass pots which represents the element of Metal. Coins are also representative of the element of metal as well as the colors gold, white and silver. Metal element in Feng Shui represents business, intelligence and concentration.

How to care for your Lucky Bamboo

Technically, Lucky Bamboo, is not a true Bamboo but shares similar characteristics as the actual Bamboo species and is native to Africa and not Asia as its widely believed. It is best, in my opinion, to keep your Lucky Bamboo in soil since it minimizes the amount of time you have to change its water and prevents mold from developing and harming your plant. Lucky Bamboo plants are amazing to keep especially if you live in climates where the sun is not too predominant especially during winter months since it requires very little indirect sun.

You can however keep your Lucky Bamboo in just water but you have to make sure you change its water frequently. Simply add some rocks or pebbles to keep it stable and upright.

Do not water your lucky Bamboo with tap water, as the chemicals and chlorine can dry out its leaves and make it turn yellow.  I prefer to use bottled water, collected rain water or distilled water. You can occasionally feed your lucky bamboo with liquid fertilizers as well to insure consistent growth. You just do not want to over do it as over feeding it can also harm your plant. As with most things, too much of something is not always necessarily good so make sure to keep an eye on your plant to gauge its health over time an determine its needs.

Magical and Ritual Uses of Lucky Bamboo

Although Lucky Bamboo is known to attract luck, abundance and fortune they are also known to be protective and hex breaking. In the Chinese culture, Bamboo is used as a charm to protect against evil spirits and curses. Carry small stem with you for protection against curses and the evil eye. I also use its water to add to room sprays recipes  and floor washes for protection and opening the way for fortune and luck throughout the house. Below are some meanings behind the number of stalks lucky bamboo represents.

 

-Meditation, Defining your Space By Elizabeth Banfalvi

 

 

All the Works at the People Chica Hola Pop Up Shop

Thank you to all of my readers, especially those ride or die readers since 2010, who have supported Hell Notes for Beauty since!

This is more than just a blog or a brand. To me, this my most precious love and it has led me to be able to connect with so many amazing people that have truly changed my life in one way or another.

This was truly the energy I thrived on and felt at my first pop up shop and opportunity to meet so many of you for the first time. It was very surreal to actually feel like I’ve known some of you for so long, despite never meeting before! Everything truly happens for a purpose and I’m the luckiest girl alive to be able to know what it feels to be able to manifest small dreams.  So again, THANK YOU! for the support of my first Pop Up shop, the turn out was amazing and could not have done it with out the support of the team over People Chica for organizing an enriching event for all.

Hola Spring Fling was an event recognizing the many talented and multifaceted entrepreneurial spirit in the Latino small business market. What’s more fascinating is the inspiration and stories behind each shop owner’s drive to start and maintain a business.

My brother told me to pose as if I were hugging the table, this was so funny to me. I had such a great time with music and so much to see (and shop!).  I tried flan, coquito, wine, and shopped for jewelry, candles and the list goes on. I also was able to showcase a lot of the items I sell at my shop as well as the tools I use for most of the rituals I feature on my channel.  Also, the stories behind why and how many people started their small business was what was the most fascinating part about meeting each vendor.

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Pop Up Shop! Hola 2018 Spring Fling

Let’s shop & mingle at the 2nd Hola Pop Up Shop!

Come and meet me on Wednesday May 9th from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm for an evening of support for Latino owned brands and companies featuring their products from baked goods, apparel, jewelry, accessories, bath & beauty, eyelashes, candles, tarot card readings, photo booth, energy healing sessions and MORE!

We’ll also be vibing to the beats of live DJ @djdannyd28 @censuraproduction @djcensura

This event is FREE to attend!

RSVP to HERE: www.holaSpringFlingShop(dot)splashthat(dot)com 

Cash raffles will also be donated to @mshillaryskids

Ms Hillary’s Kids is a Latino owned mentoring program and organization for youth in urban areas designed to empower & bring hope to youth & young adults by helping them find their purpose through mentoring & acts of kindness.

Come visit us and shop our Store at this wonderful event!

Why Tuesday is now the New Friday the 13th

 

The fear of the number 13 has been around for ages and its so serious of a matter that there is a scientific name for the human phobia of the number Thirteen, triskaidekaphobia. Can you also believe that Stephen King, the father of horror books and films deals with the phobia of the number 13? The belief is so widespread and pretty much ingrained in our culture that many buildings don’t have a 13th floor nor are there hotel rooms number 13 because of this seemingly universal belief and fear of this number. And lest we not forget the Jason, Fridy the 13th franchise.

Growing up I always used to hear the older people around me say in Spanish, “hoy es Martes 13, ni te cases ni te embarques, ni de tu casa te apartes”. Pretty much on Tuesday the 13th don’t get married, take trips or basically leave your house all together. In Spain and throughout Latin American countries, Tuesday the 13th is just as unlucky and filled with superstition as Friday the 13th here in the US and UK.

So, what’s the big deal with the number 13 and why has there been so much phobia and superstitions around it?

In my research of the many superstitions surrounding the number 13,  I found there to be many stories and possibilities but none with concrete proof of its origins. As with all oral and folkloric myths and stories, the versions tend to vary and change depending on the region and who you ask. Nonetheless, its myth persist and its beliefs throughout many cultures is strong to this day whether it be Tuesdays or Fridays.

One of the first stories I came across during my conspiracy theorist days when researching the origins of the superstitions surrounding the number 13, was that in the bible there was actually a 13th disciple during the last supper and this “13th” disciple is the one that betrayed Jesus. Others claimed it to be a Tuesday the 13th in 1453 the day that the Byzantine Empire surrendered to the Muslims.

 

 

In the Tarot, the 13th card in the major arcana is the card of Death which in actuality is a good omen because it signifies the ending of a cycle and the rebirth of another. In Aztec ancient mythology they believed the heavens to be divided into 13 levels and each level of heaven ruled by different gods and goddesses. The Aztec calendar was also broken down by the sacred aspects of 13. Pagans on the same token of time keeping consider Fridays the 13th to be a very lucky day as the day Friday is associated with the Goddess Freya who is linked with prosperity, luck and abundance. In astrology the 13th moon is known as the blue moon and a good moon cycle to practice rituals of release and renewal. Witches were also associated with the number 13 in accordance with the moon cycles and covens with acceptance of 13 witches per coven.

To me personally, Tuesdays the thirteenth are good days to pull in the energy of Mars.  Tuesdays is named after the planet Mars, hence Martes for which the day Tuesday is named after, (Mar)tes.  Our modern day naming of Tuesday comes from old Norse Mmythlogy “Tiw’s Day” (1). Mars is the planet of war, courage and fiery energy. Its also a good day of the week to initiate projects and get things moving.

This year 2018, we can harness the powers of Mars during the three Martes 13 this year.  Yes, this year we have 3 Tuesday’s the 13th:

  • February 13th this month
  • next month, March 13th
  • November 13th later in the year

2018 without a doubt is providing days this year to build the fire within with the war energy of Mars.

Mars’s energy in spiritual rituals correlates with the element of iron, metals and is the planet of fierceness, action, defense and courage.  Aries and scorpio are the signs that enjoy the energy of this planet as it’s these signs ruling planet. Mars is also associated with technology, higher learning and intelligence for creativity and perseverance for the good of humanity.  The gods of metal throughout many cultures are Ogoun (Yoruba), Ptah (Egypt) and many other iron and blacksmith related gods.

 

 

 

 

Mars Energy Rituals to Perform On a Tuesday

For Protection

  • Red Candle
  • Olive Oil
  • Garlic Powder or cloves
  • Brown Paper Bag
  • Plate

Optional:

  • Any element item to represent the element of iron such as a hammer, nails, or horseshoe.

Instructions

Take your brown paper bag and cut them into pieces where you can write small notes.

Write down the things you would like to clear from your aura. Be it a bad habit, negative people or release from things that may be holding you down.

Lightly apply the oil onto the candle as to “dress” the candle.

Lightly sprinkle the garlic powder on the candle. If you opted for garlic cloves, just cut them and apply the natural oils of the garlic cloves onto the candle.

Place your candle on a plate or candle holder and light on a Tuesday.

This is a simple ritual to protect your aura and banish any energies that may be creating obstacles or set backs to any project or goal you wish to manifest.

 

Full Moon In Leo Lunar Eclipse Self Empowerment Ritual

A truly strong person does not need the approval of others any more than a lion needs the approval of sheep.

~ Vernon Howard

This Super, Blood, Lunar Eclipse full Moon is not only a mouthful to say, but also packed with a lot of fiery energy.  This fierce energy is drawing from the regal and King of the Jungle, the lion. When we see a lion we are captivated by its powerful fire/male energy, but behind that intense relentless male fire, lies the power of the Lioness.

Sekhmet, Egyptian Goddess of war, violence, strategy, healing and fierce protector of her advocates is represented with a lion’s head on a woman’s form and invokes, vigilance, observation, the hunt and self empowerment.  Currently the female force is rising in the collective consciousness. Patriarchy, abuse, traumas, injustices and imbalances are coming to the surface and we’re finally finding strength to face the problem. Although the movement is in the collective, progress will only be possible when we transform from within first.  Sekhmet is a powerful vessel for forgiveness and only through forgiveness can we begin the process of rebirth and transformation that can be shared as an example to the masses.

As a collective female force we should not view the men in our lives as a threat, but more as a mirror of our own-selves. They are also hurting, victimized and on the extreme end of their polar opposite, the female force. In society we are born on a linear form of thinking and forget that as women and men we have polar opposites that need to be nurtured just a much as our primary sex identifier.

 

Maahes “he who is true beside her”, or” He who can see in front”, is the name of the Egyptian God of war, and personification of the archetypal Male energy. Also represented with a lion’s head, he personifies the vibrant energy of the sun and also carries heavy associations with violence.  The violence in Man is his nature. What makes his nature evil is when he is not in alignment nor in recognition with his higher self. Like a lion, a protector of his kingdom, he will be merciless and will die to protect his lioness.

Below is a ritual to do to bring the powerful energy of the recent eclipse in Leo.  This ritual can also be done during anytime of the year, especially during Leo season in the Summer, to bring courage, protection, loyalty and ability to overcome obstacles by working with the protective powers of Sekhmet. Please note that if you don’t have the Sun Tarot Card you can simply print a picture of it from online, if you don’t have Orange Oil, get an orange as a substitute.

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Crystal Collection| The Magical Vibrations of Citrine

 

November’s Birth Stone

Citrine

Planet: Sun

Element: Fire

Manifest success and abundance with Citrine.

Citrine’s energy is inviting and promotes magnetic vibrations for success, love and fortune. You can’t help but feel happy and joyous when you see and feel Citrine which truly enlivens your aura and any space.

Citrine does not hold or accumulate negative energy, but rather transmutes, dissipates, and grounds it, making it extremely protective for the environment. It works out problems on both the physical and subtle levels, transforming negative thoughts and feelings into positive ones. It is one of only two crystals on Earth that never needs to be cleared or cleansed. The other is Kyanite. -Judy Hall

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