Shop Spotlight ~ Atomic Balm + a GIVEAWAY! {CLOSED}

Meet Tammy Griffin!

 

She runs the all natural online shop ~ Atomic Balm. 

Tammy's products range from Novelty to Healing.  Based out of Smithville, Ontario Canada, this shop is well worth the visit.

{Be sure to Check out the bottom of this post for a GIVEAWAY! Woo-Hoo!}

Hi Tammy! Thanks so much for joining us here!

Tell us a bit about your shop, benefits of your products or what got you started:

Believe it or not it all started one fall afternoon, money was(is) tight and I was trying to plan for Christmas gifts. I have always been creative in one way or another, so I thought I would create some gifts.  I wanted to have all natural ingredients in my items, since the people I was making the items for have known skin sensitivities. 

There are a lot of "big name" products out there that claim to be all natural, a closer look at labels, and you see that's not the case.  I wanted my items to be safe, (and fun).

I started with lip balms, bath bombs, and solid bubble bath, then my son acquired a skin condition, so I did lots of research to tackle that, making a healing salve for him, and IT WORKED! I have since added a few different salves for different conditions, usually I will get a request from a customer with a condition, and they will ask if I can make something for it. ( i do a lot of make to order items)

I also make soaps, - all natural glycerin, re batch hand-milled, and most recently Cold Process. All of my products are made with natural ingredients, like butters, oils and essential oils, (there are a few with fragrance oils ie. some novelty soaps) but I am only using skin safe ingredients .

Also you may notice that I do not have a large quantity of one item, that's because I make my products in small batches or on a pre-order basis, that's to ensure the freshness of an item or that its catered to a certain persons needs, also with out the added preservatives its always good to make fresh, -- Yes! You heard right, as of right now I do not use preservatives. I do however use natural oils/ additives to prolong the shelf life of a product.  With most of the items I make there really is no need to add preservatives, and the whole idea around natural products is to stick with all natural ingredients, and when you introduce preservatives it takes away from that whole concept, so until they come up with some sort of all natural preservative I wont be using any.

FAVES LIST:

Tell us about Atomic Balm's Top Selling Product: 

Right now my top seller seems to be my Hand Milled Rhassoul clay with Activated charcoal with rosemary & orange Essential oil. It's a wonderful facial bar that you can use all over. It's wonderful for moisturizing your skin and pulling out all the toxins, tightening pores and clearing up blemishes.

Purchase This Here!

What's your favorite product to make? & why?

My favorite items to make, that's a tough one because I enjoy making everything, but I guess I would have to say I have a lot of fun making my bath creamers and fizzys.



I also really get a lot of enjoyment out of making a healing salve when a person has requested something, It's a great feeling to know that your helping someone with skin issues that they may have been battling with for years.

There's nothing more satisfying than getting a call or a note from a happy customer who cant believe the relief they get from trying my product, it's customers like that that become regulars.

What are your favorite products to use and why?

I have a few favorite items, I really love my healing lip butters/balms. I use them daily. {I do too Tam!}


I also really like my solid pain bars, they work really well and are all natural. I like the fact that I am not adding any extra chemicals into my body. I also use my solid lotion ( for mature skin) & I have really noticed a difference in how my skin feels and looks.

The Herbal Healing Mama's Faves:

This was a hard decision as there is so much greatness here BUT I came up with a small list with links as to where you can purchase the items. You can also message Tammy through Atomic Balm's Facebook page to put in orders for items that aren't currently listed on Storenvy.

• Banana Bread Lip Balm - The smell of this is seriously addictive! This is a must purchase from Atomic Balm! It glosses your lips delicately & again, it smells divine! Definitely my ultimate fave!

• Banana Lip Gloss - I love the look of this gloss. It makes your lips look so luscious!

• Happy Bath Bomb. This bomb is amazing! It fizzed and foamed for at least 3 minutes & filled the tub with an amazing aroma! It definitely is a stress relieving bath bomb! Plus, just look at that happy packaging! How can you not feel completely pampered when you're unwrapping such loveliness before your bath?! I really loved all the sparkles and confetti floating around in the tub too! Atomic Balm's Bath Bombs are loaded with nourishing butters that leave your skin feeling like silk!

• I must praise Atomic Balm's Solid Bubble Bars! These bars are seriously amazing & intense! It filled the tub with luxurious bubbles that stayed with me during the entire length of my bath! (I bet you can't say that about your store bought bubble bath can you?) ;) So delicious! They are so easy to use, simply crumble under your stream of running bath water and watch them turn into copious amounts of yummy bubbles!

Youth Log Triple Butter/African Black Soap

While I had one of Atomic Balm's original African Black Soap Bars, they now offer it mixed within their Youth Log Bar Soap. In my opinion that equals extra awesomeness! This is a creamy, moisturizing three butter infused soap. Real chunks of African Black Soap, and ground oatmeal, make this bar extra lovely! Wonderful for all over body cleansing and moisturizing, & is good for treating blackheads, acne, eczema and psoriasis as well! WOW!



I also had the pleasure of trying their Gold Rush Bath Powder! Ummm - YUM! It's so moisturizing! It sparkles too! <3

I really enjoyed pampering myself with all of these luxurious products! Thank You Atomic Balm!

Be sure to check out & follow their pages & enter the giveaway by clicking the link below! <3

Atomic Balm on Storenvy 

Atomic Balm on Facebook

 

Offered in our GIVEAWAY is:

[caption id="attachment_689" align="aligncenter" width="640"] GIVEAWAY OPEN UNTIL AUGUST 9TH 2014[/caption]

• Chocolate Mint Lip Balm - from Atomic Balm


• Eggnog Lip Balm - from Atomic Balm


• Gold Rush Bath Powder - from Atomic Balm (single use size)


• Calming Bath Tea Blend- from The Herbal Healing Mama (single use size)


• Sleepy Time Bath Salts Blend - from The Herbal Healing Mama (single use size)


• Calendula Healing Salve - from The Herbal Healing Mama. (1oz jar)


• An Aromatherapy Herb Jar Necklace - from The Herbal Healing Mama

 

 CLICK HERE TO ENTER OUR GIVEAWAY -

Here is a link to an original review I posted on an old blog about Atomic Balm's products. (2013)

Please also see our OPPORTUNITIES section if you are interested in being a spotlight shop on the blog. <3

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 GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS to the winner of our 1st collaboration giveaway! {SARAH} - An email has been sent to you! Thanks so much to everyone who participated & not to worry! We are working on our second giveaway now!

All natural shop owners, remember to check out the opportunities section of http://theherbalhealingmama.com/ if you are interested in being a featured spotlight on the blog as well as host a collaboration giveaway!

Thanks again friends! <3

HAPPY HEALING!

 

 

 

Calendula Healing Salve - Acne Blend.

Never as a teen did I have acne issues but now as an adult, I do! How frustrating! You may remember my original post on acne- All natural Acne Relief cream. While this does help, I needed something a little stronger. I had made a universal healing ointment: Calendula Healing Salve, and tried it the other day on my face. (littered with acne, scars, and redness.) I was shocked with how fast I got results! With just one application my face was 90% clearer than it had been just hours before! WOW! I decided to take it one step further and combine the original acne recipe together with the calendula salve and came up with this one!

What You'll Need:

• 2 tbs Calendula Infused Oil (Infusing Your Own Oils) (Where to purchase Calendula Flowers) (Where to purchase Calendula Oil)


• 2 tbs Coconut Oil


• 5-10 drops of Lavender Oil


• 5-10 drops of Tea Tree Oil


• 1 tsp Beeswax or Carnauba Wax (optional)

• Airtight Jar or Tin (silicon molds if you're making this into a lotion bar. These would be adorable!)


• Melting Pot


• Stir Stick (chopsticks work well)

To Make:

• Melt Beeswax or Carnauba Wax first, if you're using some.


• Add in and melt Coconut Oil and combine it with equal parts of  Calendula infused oil.


• Remove from heat and add in the Tea Tree and Lavender oils.


• Mix well and poor into your storage container or into your molds.


• Pop into the fridge to allow it to solidify. (It will melt out of the fridge if you didn’t add beeswax.)

This mixture is nice and soft and melts well on the skin. I pop my solid lotion right out of the container, and use it as a lotion bar. This is easier than trying to scoop some out. (If you used molds be sure to keep the lotion bars in a airtight jar in the fridge.)

It’s best to keep your salve in the fridge, not only will it keep longer, the cool temperature will be extra soothing. Please see our post: Natural Preservatives for your Natural Products for some information regarding safety and shelf life.

Apply ointment several times a day to the affected area.

What Makes These Ingredients Beneficial?

Calendula is known for it’s anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and regrowth of new skin tissue abilities making it ideal for healing stubborn acne and scars.

Coconut oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties so it gives it an extra boost on healing. Not only does it help cleanse and heal acne, it also helps to resurface any scarring caused by acne.

Lavender oil is also antibacterial and acts as a soothing agent for pain and redness. Lavender oil is said to be useful in preventing future breakouts, and clearing up old acne scars.

Tea tree oil also has beneficial antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties, making it perfect for healing acne. It also reduces redness and swelling.

You can also check out our posts: Calendula Healing Salve, Acne Cream & Calendula Tea for further healing of acne.

What all natural remedies do you use to keep acne under control?

Happy Healing! <3

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all of your herbal healing needs! Remember the possibility of allergies. Test a small bit first before using completely. Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

 

DIY Fridge Refreshers. Green Cleaning your Fridge!

We've all been there, stinky fridge syndrome. Life gets crazy, we don't always have time to keep on top of it all.

Start by removing all items that can be composted, and get to it!
If you're doing a deep clean on your fridge it's best to remove all items. You can shut your fridge off while you do this.

Clean with a paste of baking soda and water OR-

Clean with baking soda and lemon (or vinegar) I find it's easiest to sprinkle some baking soda around the fridge and let it sit while you prepare a spray bottle of equal parts water and either lemon juice or vinegar.

Once you spray this on the baking soda it'll start fizzing and cleaning! Scrub & then rinse with warm water.

I also like to make deodorizing fridge deodorizers / refreshers.

Deodorizing fridge refreshers are so quick and simple to make and they work fantastically.
You can always just use a box of baking soda but this way is a little more fun and in my opinion much more effective.

• 4tbs Baking soda


• 2 tbs water


• A few drops Essential oils (I used Peppermint & Tea Tree for one mix, and Lemon for another.)

Mix in a bowl with a fork.
The mixture will look similar to dough or wet sand. Add to a mold or muffin tin. Now this is the annoying part, - they take a day or two to dry completely.

Alternatively you can mix equal parts baking soda and coffee grounds in an open container and place in the fridge. I usually do this with one of the deodorizer cubes in the center. No more stinky fridge! ^_^

If you make multiple refresher cubes at once, you can keep them in an airtight jar or baggy in the freezer until you are ready for them.

These also work wonderful in the pantry or under the sink to keep things fresh. They can basically be placed anywhere that needs some "de-stinking".  It's best to keep them in a small bowl or dish so if they start to crumble, they won't make a mess.

HAPPY CLEANING! <3

What are some of your all natural cleaning tricks?

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all of your herbal healing needs!
Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

Menstrual Cramp Cream. - All Natural Relief.

If you're anything like me, menstrual cramps can be debilitating. I find it difficult to accomplish anything while being in such excruciating pain. Since I refuse to take pharmaceutical drugs, I decided I needed to do something about it. All naturally. Here's what I came up with: {UPDATED RECIPE}

What You'll Need:

• To Infuse Your Own "Menstrual Cramps" Oil


• Sweet Almond or Virgin Olive Oil


• Herbs of: Marjoram, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Cloves.

• Peppermint Oil


• Cinnamon Oil


• Lavender Oil


• Beeswax or Carnauba Wax


• Coconut Oil


• Stir Stick (chop stick) Melting Pot, Storage Jar & Storage Bottle.

Infusing your own oil with a base of Almond or Olive. With 1 tsp each of:

• Marjoram


• Chamomile


• Cinnamon


• Cloves


• Thyme

Because I needed the oil right away, I did a quick infusion, using heat in my melting pot. I let it steep for about a half an hour.

Allow the infusion to cool and strain out the herbs. (A strainer over a funnel works well for this.) Reserving the oil into a storage bottle.


Now that the Infused Oil is complete we can start making the Cream:

• In your melting pot add 1 tsp of Beeswax or Carnauba Wax. Allow that to melt.

• Stir in 2 tsp of Coconut Oil.

• Once the two are combined, add in 4 tsp of your infused "Menstrual Cramps" oil.

• Stir well, remove from heat. Add in 4-5 drops each of Lavender, Peppermint & Cinnamon Oil.

• Poor into your storage jar and refrigerate. It won't take long to harden.

TO USE:

Apply to lower back, bottom of your feet and on your stomach. You can apply a warm compress (towel) over the area for extra soothing.

Chamomile & Peppermint tea - mixed with honey is also helpful, as well as our Cayenne Salve, which also works on cramps instead of this salve. (it's also warming, which helps as well!)

<3

*Update* I ended up using the oil directly on my stomach this time around and it was wonderfully relieving. Test a small spot first to be cautious of skin reactions. I didn't have any at all, but that's not to say everyone will react the same.  --- After reading THIS is why I included thyme in this updated recipe.

Happy Healing. <3

What do you use to ease menstrual discomfort?

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all of your herbal healing needs!
Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

Herbal Earache & Headache Relief for Children.

All natural Headache or Earache Relief in a hurry when your child is in pain. This is a very quick and extremely effective way to ease your little's pain. My son will go from tears to relief within seconds of this emergency application.

[caption id="attachment_598" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Original Photo Credit: joannastar.deviantart.com[/caption]

What You Need:

• 2 or more cups (depending on age, and dilution needed) warm water


• 5 drops Peppermint Oil


• 5 drops Lavender Oil

• Wash Cloth


• Cotton Ball


• Storage Container


• Headache Relief Salve (DIY - optional)

I use an old Tupperware container and fill it with a cup or so of warm (not hot) water. Drop in  essential oils. (Peppermint & Lavender) & Stir well.

Using a face cloth, dip it into your container and wring out.

Wipe on bottom of feet, back of neck and re-soak / wring out and place across forehead.

You can also soak a cotton ball (and wring out) in the solution and place it just in front of the ear opening.

Additionally, apply Headache Relief Salve on the bottom of feet, temples, base of neck and across forehead.

Ahhhh - Instant relief. <3 Happy Healing. <3

Remember - Information on this blog should not be replaced with that of a professional medical practitioner. - Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.


I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all of your herbal healing needs!
Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites.

Calendula Tea - For Treating Skin Irritations.

Calendula Tea for treating acne, eczema, inflammations or infections in the mouth, lacerations, cuts, burns, wounds, ulcers, boils and so much more. Please also see Calendula Salve - DIY All Natural Healing Cream for more ways to treat skin irritations.

To Make Calendula Tea:

• 2 tsp Dried Calendula Flowers


• 1 cup water

You can either use a tea ball and allow the flowers to steep in a pot of boiling water, or you can strain the flowers out if you boil the mixture all together.

I find it easiest to boil the kettle and then pour water onto the Calendula Flowers. Let the mixture steep for 10 minutes.

Saturate a towel in the tea and use as a compress to treat skin irritations, or use it (cooled but warm) to gargle for mouth infections or inflammations.

For Acne or Eczema: Use tea warm, soak a face towel in tea, wring it out and let sit on irritated skin for 10 minutes, twice a week. You can follow up with Calendula Salve or our Acne Cream.

For wounds, cuts, boils, infections, sunburn, burns, ulcers etc: Apply a warm compress with the tea. Soak a face or hand towel in warm tea mixture and apply to skin. You can follow up (after patted dry) with Calendula Healing Salve.

For infections or inflammations in the mouth or throat: Rinse mouth or gargle with warm Calendula Tea several times a day. You can follow up with Clove tooth pain relief for further healing of mouth irritations.

What do you use Calendula for?

HAPPY HEALING! <3

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all of your herbal healing needs! Remember the possibility of allergies. Test a small bit first before using completely. Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.

Calendula Salve - DIY All Natural Healing Cream.

Calendula is such an amazing natural healer. This salve can be used for treating wounds, deep cuts, eczema, acne, bites and stings, damaged skin, burns, frostbite, slow healing or infected wounds, bedsores, boils, wrinkles, sensitive skin, baby bum rashes and SO much more.

Calendula is known for it's anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and regrowth of new skin tissue abilities.

This Calendula salve (which is much more of an ointment) can be used on it's own, massaged into skin issues, or along with a wrap, or bandage. (See here for Calendula Tea)

What You'll Need:

• 1 part Calendula Infused Oil (Infusing Your Own Oils) (Where to purchase Calendula Flowers) (Where to purchase Calendula Oil)


• 1 part Coconut Oil

• Airtight Jar or Tin


• Melting Pot


• Stir Stick (chopsticks work well)

I didn't add beeswax to this batch as I am keeping it in the fridge so it will stay solid without a hardening wax but you can add 1 tsp of Beeswax or Carnauba wax if you like the mixture to be a little more firm.

• Melt Coconut Oil and combine it with equal parts of  Calendula infused oil. (I used 2 tbs of each)


• Mix well and poor into your storage container.


• Pop into the fridge to allow it to solidify. (It will melt out of the fridge if you didn't add beeswax.) This mixture is nice and soft and melts well on the skin.

Apply ointment several times a day to the affected area.

It's best to keep your salve in the fridge in an airtight container. Not only will it keep longer, the cool temperature will be extra soothing.

If you didn't add in any beeswax or essential oils, this recipe makes for an amazing Oil Pulling Method. I also use this for an all over face neck and chest moisturizer, it's been resurfacing some of my scarring and evening out the imperfections. You can also check out our post on Calendula Tea for further healing of wounds, acne and more.

What do you use Calendula for?

HAPPY HEALING! <3

I recommend Mountain Rose Herbs for all of your herbal healing needs! Remember the possibility of allergies. Test a small bit first before using completely. Images Edited using PicMonkey. Some of the links here are affiliate sites. & Please also see my disclaimer. Thanks Friends.