This giveaway has ended. Thanks to all that entered!!
Now that the holidays are over and we are about to begin a new year, I want to focus a little on cleansing. Not cleansing your house, but your body. The holidays can be stressful! And there’s no need to start a new year holding on to things in the past. It’s time for a new beginning and to let go of all of the “drama” from 2009.

I wanted to start off by sharing with you Blue Ridge Gypsy. They are the same company as Skin Free, but sell a larger variety of products. You can find fragrant soaps, lotions, spritzes, salts, diffusers, and more. They are made with the same ingredients as the Skin Free products, but they come in 8 different fragrances. Blue Ridge Gypsy only uses real essential oils for their and organic when possible.

I believe in using the senses to help heal and relax your body. Looking at beautiful art makes me happy. Listening to relaxing music or positive speeches mellows me out. Being wrapped in a fuzzy blanket or robe comforts me. Tasting is an easy one- there are all sorts of comfort foods and drinks that change my mood. But my weakness is Godiva. And then there is smell. I think smells can affect your mood without you even knowing it. I was having trouble sleeping and couldn’t figure out why. When I’d go upstairs, I’d be exhausted. But once I got into my bed, I was wide awake. I wash my hands before I go to bed and one night I was reading about the scents in my hand soap. I was using a ginger soap and didn’t realize ginger is a stimulant for your body. I quit using the soap at night and had no problems.

So if you are having problems sleeping, look at what your soaps and cleansers are made with. Or if you need an extra kick in the morning, find a stimulating fragrance to start your day. This also works if you are in a bad mood. Find your favorite scent and take a whiff to clear your head. Tangerine always refreshes me!

Blue Ridge Gypsy sent me their Mandarin Vanilla Handmade Shea Butter Soap and Butter Creme Lotion and I’ve loved them! Mandarin has sedative qualities and helps with restlessness and insomnia. Which is a perfect night time soap. Vanilla is a sweet yummy scent and it is actually an aphrodisiac. Vanilla is also the 2nd most expensive spice due to the extensive labor required to grow the seed pods. The mandarin vanilla combination is really delightful and has helped me fall asleep fast. Since the mandarin and vanilla is mixed with Shea butter, your skin is left moisturized and soft. I can’t wait to try the Mandarin Vanilla bath salts, diffuser, and liquid soap! They are on my wish list. 🙂

Blue Ridge Gypsy fragrances include Truest Rose, Mandarin Vanilla, Tuscan Lavender, Winter Yuzu, Woodspice, Honeysuckle, Peaceful Patchouli, and Grapefruit Geranium. I love the variety of scents and all of the options. They really have something for everyone’s mood.

The Giveaway: Blue Ridge Gypsy would like to give 1 lucky reader a $30 Gift Card! You can combine Blue Ridge Gypsy purchases with Skin Free and you get free shipping when you spend $25 or more!

Rules: You have until 11:59 p.m. EST January 10, 2010 to enter. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced after they respond to the winning email. The winner has 48 hours to respond to the winning email, or a new winner will be chosen. You must leave your email address! This contest is open to the US and Canada

How to Enter: Go Blue Ridge Gypsy and tell me which fragrance would put you in a good mood. Make sure to leave your email address!! I cannot contact the winner without it!

2. Become a fan of Mkokopelli on FB, Mkokopelli on Twitter, or Follow my blog
3. Subscribe to my blog by email (on the right sidebar) You must verify and be active at the time of the giveaway- those who are unverified will become disqualified
4. Blog, Tweet or send a message on FB and leave a link here (3 extra entries total)
5. Enter another giveaway I have going on and tell me which one or leave a comment on a non-giveaway post (1 entry total)
6. Tell me what you’d purchase with your GC
7. Subscribe to the RSS Feed to the Skin Free Blog or follow their blog
8. Become a Fan of Skin Free on Facebook
9. Follow Skin Free on Twitter
10. Grab my button

New disclaimer: I was sent these items to review from Blue Ridge Gypsy. This is NO way changes my opinions about the products or company. These are my thoughts, opinions and results.