Kratom Powder : Healthy Living Natural Remedy

You just must read this article I originally posted on IraMency 2/12/11 as I am addicted to this wonderful natural remedy!

Eco-Friendly Freckles aka Jessica and her adorable decoupaged upcycled canisters!

I just adore Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles' blog and her Etsy shop named the same.  She hails from Bixby, Oklahoma and believes in herbal remedies and living with a more organic, healthy lifestyle.  Her blog is full of interesting articles including her sister's bourbon bread pudding recipe!  I'm so very glad she joined the Etsy Recyclers Guild.  You may know that she's guest blogging over here, with her very own column called "Eco-Friendly Freckles Column" which should be interesting. Her first post about miniature horses is just lovely.  I'm such a big fan!

This picture from her listing shows the plant. 

I noticed she had some Dark Jade Indo Kratom powder in her shop. Kratom is a tropical tree growing from 15-50 feet tall that is native to Thailand and Malaysia.  It is said that for centuries, Kratom has been very useful for its uplifting and medicinal qualities in its native cultures; it has helped with depression, pain, sexual enhancement, and diarrhea to name a few; it also is found to be a creativity booster and mood lifter.  It's supposed to have the same antioxidants found in dark chocolate less than calories!  I figured what the heck?  Anything to lift my mood these days would be beneficial--this was my only hope. (I had lost my mother right before Christmas, and by February, was still not up to par!)
 

I felt like it was my birthday!

It arrived lovingly packaged by Jessica with handmade cardboard and floral tags, a thank you note, and a  free soap sample wrapped in a white paper bag with a wax seal!  The soap she's made here is Coconut oil based soap infused with Bergamot and Lemon Essential Oils which she calls, "Orange Blossom Beauty."  

Can't wait to see her soaps in her shop!

The soap smells so lovely and I think this will be a huge hit when she puts it in her shop.I must admit I tried this before I tried the powder. I went right for my face!! The lemon oils left my face feel squeaky clean and tingly, all the whole bergamot the smelling so orangey  made me feel refreshed.  After my face was dry, it was radiant. I for one would absolutely stock up on this soap for holiday gifts as you just don't find soap smelling this good and feeling so good too! I should mention I've already got plans for the great white and green tissue paper she wrapped everything in, that's going to look great on a new mannequin head..

My new Miracle Powder!  Look how lovely the packing was!

Back to the powder,  I have to say, I was a bit of a skeptic at first as I've been very stressed out over the passing of my mom (before Christmas), and under a great amount of anxiety.  I've often felt as if I've been completely "wired" and unable to focus on multi-tasks or sleep most nights.  I didn't want to have to take any type of prescribed medications so I was looking for an alternative remedy and this powder was my only hope as I have tried other things!

The long anticipated Dark Jade Indo Kratom from Eco-Friendly Freckles. 

SO:  Back in February, I tried this for the first time.

I mixed a tiny bit into my tea--it looks like a lot because this didn't quite dissolve as I don't like my tea piping hot like some folks do, but I dumped in the equivalent of enough to cover the very tip of a small teaspoon.  With some natural honey you can't even taste it! I am not exaggerating when I say within an hour and a half I felt a sense of calm over me. It felt as though my stress levels went down and I was more relaxed. It seemed easier to focus than usual, and I felt more like myself.  I've had so much on my mind that these days, just having the television and trying to type would be too much.  After use of the powder, my mind was more at ease and I was back to the old me.  Although my tea contained caffeine, I felt if I wanted to take a nap or go to bed I could without being wired from the tea.   But wait, there's more.........

My husband soon saw a change in my mood over the next two days, and tried some powder himself in a cup of tea.  He agrees that he felt way more relaxed (he within an hour) and says this is a remedy for the blues!  I think I'll call this my new miracle powder! I would have to say it is a MUST for anyone going through mood swings, stress, PMS, depression or winter ruts!!!   It is great for those wound up trying to relax and settle in for a good night's sleep. 

My new favorite place to shop gets a five star rating from myself and my hubby!

You will find this and more herbs such as white willow bark, and more in her shop section for herbs. Perhaps this is because Jessica wants to live more natural like her ancestors did, takes it upon herself to learn what works and what doesn't, combined with her education at a whole foods store--all of which combined she can help you find something natural and beneficial to you.  My husband and I will be longtime customers of hers now and she comes highly recommended! When not selling these great herbs, you'll find her making one of a kind upcycled decoupage canisters, like this one:

Little Miss Cupcake - Hand-Painted Upcycled Decoupage Decor Canister

Using old cans, she paints them and adorns them with her signature "Freckles".  They are decoupaged to make interesting collages! These old cans are now transformed into lovely usable canisters, see them all here. I think these would be great for:

• holding paint brushes
• holding scissors or scrapbooking scissors
• holding pens or pencils
• markers
• seed packs 
• holding your stash of Kratom powder!!!
• using for your secret treasures, like jewelry or photographs
• spare change container
• growing a small herb plant in
• use on the table in the living room to hold your remote - what a conversation piece!
• or just to place around and look lovely!

Please visit her shop !
Blog!
or Read Her Columns for the ERG!

Meet Kim of A Repurposeful Life

Dandelion Dreams
Kim of A Repurposeful Life enjoys creating vintage button pendants; each of her creations is one of a kind and handcrafted with care. Since she uses vintage buttons when making her beautiful repurposed pendants, each creation comes with it's own unique traits, quirky and imperfect, that make them the special jewelry pieces they are!

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Kim and I am actually a full time educator with a full blown addiction to vintage, repurposed treasures and recycling. I live in the center of the United States, about four hours from Denver, and about five hours from Omaha. I call Nebraska home, and I am a "Husker" fan! I am a stepmom to four, wife to an artist, and a mom to two wonderful girls, ages three and almost twelve. So... I am busy! I also have another etsy shop (SimplyCharmingLife) where I feature vintage items that are not repurposed but with a great variety. Here at aRepurposefulLife, I am beginning with vintage button pendants, and plan to include other repurposed items such as decoupaged luggage, repurposed glassware, and more. But... to start, I have a wonderful selection of vintage button pendants to enjoy!

As Big as Texas, Bold, Blue, and Beautiful Star Vintage Button Pendant

How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?

My shop name came from my desire to let the world know that I feel repurposing is EXTREMELY important. Since my other shop is named SimplyCharmingLife, I wanted to tie the two together a bit... so aRepurpusefulLife came to be. I started selling on etsy after making several purchases, beginning with scrabble tile pendant creations, which is another love, but a bit more common here. I make scrabble tile pendants to sell at craft fairs, but they are not listed here because I wanted to offer something a bit more unique.

What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your products/shop?

I want people to think:
"Wow!"
"how pretty"
"What a great idea"
"I want that one for my birthday"
"One step at a time toward a repurposed world"

Gorgeous Statement Vintage Button Mother of Pearl Pendant

What or who inspires you?

I used to read and study craft magazines of all sorts, but now, with the internet, I need only go to Etsy for my inspiration. Almost everything I see on Etsy inspires me. I have already made great Etsy friends, and found many, many more projects than I will EVER have time to complete! Blogs are also a great source of information, see my blog for some of my faves.


What are your best marketing tips?

To help the world find me, I have started a blog, SimplyCharmingLife (which is in the early stages, but would love followers), I actively tweet as much as possible (CharmingVintage). I also try to be unique in my offerings.

In ten years I'd like to be…

In ten years I'd like to take early retirement from teaching, begin taking classes in nutrition, and work full-time from home through Etsy, selling vintage and repurposed treasures.

Stacked Vintage Button Shades of a Sunset Pendant

Why should people buy handmade?

Why should people buy handmade? Who wouldn't want to? Handmade items are made with love and care, and you will never find this love and care coming from a factory item. I treasure those gifts in which time, love, and thought are big investments of the creator. Handmade items from Etsy are many times One-of-a-Kind, made from repurposed items (which is good for the earth), and are often organic in nature (which is also good for the earth). I am a big naturalist and have a Master's degree in Biology. I believe in taking care of our planet. I believe in encouraging others to do so.

Gorgeous Tortoiseshell Vintage Button Stacked Pendant

What do you enjoy most about the Etsy Recycler's Guild Team?

I truly treasure the Etsy Recycler's Guild because of our common beliefs in taking care of our planet, and we each have our own unique way of doing so.

You can find Kim of A Repurposeful Life online at the following places:

A Repurposeful Life on Etsy
Blog
Google Profile

This interview was contributed by Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles.

Etsy Sellers Show Love to Japan and How to Help

Japan Relief Vintage Mirror by SodaPress

Etsy sellers are very concerned about the situation in Japan and many of you are asking how you can help.  Here are a few ideas, and some official advice from Etsy.

Some of our very own sellers like RetroBabs are donating proceeds from certain items to the Japan Tsunami Relief Fund  .Bottlehood is working on launching something, and Eco Friendly Freckles has jumped on the bandwagon to help the relief efforts in Japan.  She explains that she will be sending 20% of all of her hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister and tin sales to the Salvation Army’s earthquake relief efforts in Japan.

Eco Friendly Freckles is titling her canisters JAPAN RELIEF and indicating she is donating 20%.  Additionally she is announcing it in her shop announcement, and cross promoting on her blog.

Other sellers are donating portions of their proceeds to the Red Cross.

Items are being cross promoted on twitter, blogs, and sites like HandmadeTop10, which has a list where you can add up to 2 of your Japan Relief items from your shop for free, which gives you more exposure to the "voters" who visit the site.  This list will close in 12 days but the winner remains on the front page!

"Causes" has raised $700,000 already.  There are other organizations handling relief, but I want to warn you there has been news of some "scam" relief efforts, so please thoroughly check your organization to ensure it's legit.  Read this warning.

So what does Etsy say?  I thought I'd share with you this announcement as found in the Etsy Forums posted by lisajune, which I am cutting and pasting here and it gives you much more info and how to tag your items accordingly!
========================here you go=======================================

lisajune says Edited on Mar 16, 2011

Update! Help Japan and Get involved with Earthquake Relief


Find and join Teams to connect with those touched by crisis and organize aid relief:
http://www.etsy.com/teams/search/japan


To find sellers donating proceeds to this cause search 'artistaid' or 'joyforjapan'.


If you're a seller donating proceeds of your sales to earthquake relief, tag the items 'artistaid' or 'joyforjapan'. You can also use this tag on Treasury lists.


You can also donate money directly via Paypal:
https://www.paypal-donations.com/pp-charity/web.us/campaign.jsp?cid=-12

=========================end of forum post===============================

Every little bit helps, so never think your donation isn't worthy.

Gorgeous Treasury by Eco Friendly Freckles

'Capture the Beauty of Spring - Etsy Recycler's Guild Team Treasury' by ecofriendlyfreckles

Featuring all members of the Etsy Recycler's Guild Team, this treasury captures the beauty of spring! You can find out more about the Etsy Recycler's Guild Team here:http://www.etsy.com/teams/6474/etsy-recyclers-guild-teamhttp://etsyrecyclersguild.blogspot.com/

Vintage 1970 Polaroid Big Sw... recycledwares $20.00	The Vintage Traveler's B... relove $4.00
Signature Style with this Li... lizziecaye $139.95	1960s Vintage Rhinestones an... TexasVintage $15.00
Eco Card Case with Roses wrapcycle $5.00	SALE Vintage 80s Pink Lace G... soulrust $79.99
Altered Art Repurposed Frame... Retreauxgirl $35.00	Quilt, Lap Quilt, Baby Quilt... RetroBabs $60.00
SALE Shabby Chic Cashmere Pi... MyFairMaiden $35.00	25 Oak Leaf die cuts upcycle... 42things $3.50
Purple & White Fabric Scrap ... beadsbuttonsan... $4.99	Vintage Starflite Train Cas... RetroChalet $34.95
Vinyl Record Bowl- Barry Whi... thesmurtis $7.00	Tiny Cotton Flower Appliques... LeChatCrochet $6.00
Portraits of a Lady Swap Pla... PaperPicker $2.25	Love Dove White Bird cherspassion $6.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.