S.O. Forum

Blueberries are widely distributed and widespread perennial flowering plants with blue or purple berries. They are classified in the section Cyanococcus within the genus Vaccinium. Vaccinium also includes cranberries, bilberries, huckleberries, and Madeira blueberries. (wikipedia) Blueberries are high in antioxidants, fiber, and nutrients. Together, these may support your skin's ability to fight inflammation related to acne, psoriasis, eczema, and premature aging. (healthline) If you want to retain a youthful glow? Blueberries are the key! Anti-aging is one of the top sought-after natural skincare benefits. The antioxidants present in blueberries combat free radicals from sun exposure, which can cause damage to our skin over time and speed up the aging process. Blueberries also have large amounts of zinc and iron. Both are skin-friendly. (tasteofhome) Eat blueberries, cook with blueberries or mask up with this sweet fruit. courtesy of the blueberry council Blueberry Chia Pudding Ingredients • 1⁄4 cup chia seeds • 1⁄2 cup unsweetened coconut milk • 1⁄2 cup fresh blueberries • 1 Tbsp. honey • 1⁄2 tsp. vanilla extract 1. Combine chia seeds, honey, vanilla extract, and coconut milk. Stir to combine. 2. Lightly crush half of the blueberries in a small bowl and stir into the chia pudding. Gently stir in the remaining whole blueberries. 3. Sit in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap for at least 30 minutes before serving. Blueberry Lemon Facemask Ingredients • 8-10 fresh blueberries • 1 tbsp of oats • 1 teaspoon of lemon juice Directions • Blend the fresh blueberries to make a smooth paste. • Grind the oats to a coarse powder consistency. • Massage the paste onto your face and neck using circular motions. Let dry for twenty minutes. • Peel the mask off gently and rinse your face with cold water. Precautions: • Always do a patch test first with blueberries to check for potential allergies. If you don't feel like you are in the DIY mood, you can always try our blueberry-inspired products!

Pomegranate is one of the fruits categorized as a SUPERFOOD because they have potent antioxidants known as polyphenols which are nutrients found in other plant-based foods such as berries and green tea. In addition, Pomegranate has Vitamin C and works by reducing cellular damage. Pomegranate is one of the fruits categorized as a SUPERFOOD because they have potent antioxidants known as polyphenols which are nutrients found in other plant-based foods such as berries and green tea. In addition, Pomegranate has Vitamin C and works by reducing cellular damage. This beautiful fruit is an exfoliator that can help get rid of dead skin cells, decreasing signs of acne and skin aging. The crushed pomegranate seeds are a great way to achieve this. Pomegranate and Green Tea Acne Face Mask Ingredients 1 tablespoon pomegranate paste (crush seeds to make a paste) 1 tablespoon yogurt 1 tablespoon green tea (strain one packet) 1 tablespoon honey Directions Take a bowl and blend all the ingredients. Apply it to your face and massage for 3-5 minutes. Leave the paste on for another 15 minutes. Wash with cold water. Pomegranate essential oil, which is different than seed paste or pomegranate seed oil, is more potent. They must be diluted with a carrier oil first. This diluted mixture is best used for spot treatment. If you want to use Pomegranate topically, and don't feel like making a DIY mask, consider our Fresh Pomegranate products with pomegranate seed oil. If you are looking to try some dietary products, here are some excellent choices:

In February we know how Valentine’s brings chocolate to mind so we thought to kick off February celebrating the cacao seed, and its wonderful benefits were perfect for this month’s Forum.  Chocolate Almond Butter Soap on its own is a great way to celebrate the chocolate season but of course, as we always do, here is a D.I.Y. skin recipe with Chocolate, Almond & Cocoa butter.  Give it a try for Valentine’s Day treat with your sweetie! Hydrating Chocolate Body Mask 2 cups of cocoa powder 1/2 cup of sweet almond oil 1/2 cup of melted cocoa butter cooled to warm (if you can’t find this use additional sweet almond oil) 2 egg yolks Mix all of the ingredients into a paste.  Apply onto clean, dry skin.  Relax and keep the mask on for 15-20 min before removing it with lukewarm water. Have a Happy Valentine’s Day and try something new for February a body mask and Chocolate Almond Butter Soap! Chocolate Almond Butter https://www.wix.app/stores/0191d5a5-7d00-4f2e-9dd5-b2629bc61ac4/catalog/9a646cc0-6c6c-a510-325f-953e542dfe9b?d=https://www.soaporchard.com//product-page/chocolate-almond-butter Stay Hydrated!