Made with 100% organic cotton and infused with ayurvedic herbs according to a time-honoured tradition, it is like no other that I have ever seen.
Over 40 herbs are infused into each scarf which help to enhance general wellness and treat specific conditions and problems. And each part of the process is organic, sustainable and biodegradable.
The scarves come in many colours and 2 sizes (large -80 x 40 inches and small -70 x 20 inches). All colours are created with herbal dyes - no synthetic chemicals or toxic irritants are used. Which means this will be the healthiest scarf you ever buy.
Each colour is associated with certain conditions. I got the Blue - Delicate denim blue and soft transparent white stripes make a striking combination with soft white tassels and wheat gold stripes as a finish. This one is for detoxification and anti-inflammatory.
You can read more about the process in their brochure but know that it is an incredible process and hugely helps the people in the villages where they are made.
I will wear this scarf with pride and honour knowing that not only did people work incredibly hard to make this, but they made it to make me feel better - inside and out.
So I was packing for my trip and now that everything has to be tiny and in plastic bags, I took extra care to make sure I take only smaller lotions and shampoo instead of my everyday big bottles.
Made in versions for both men and women, this "one day stay" package includes everything you need for an overnight trip.
For men, it's got shaving gel, anti-bacterial towelette, shoe shine towelette, minty mitt (dental finger mitt), lens cleaning towelette and a deodorant towelette just for the fellas.
For the ladies, the kit is similar, but ours has a makeup remover towelette, eyes and lips makeup remover towelette, hydrating lotion towelette and deodorant made just for us.
The travel wipes come in a flat see-through pouch complete with a ziplock closure, so you can keep it in your purse, carry-on or store it in your luggage for freshening up when you get to your destination.
The last trip I went on, by the end of it, all of the stuff I ended up carrying around in my purse ended up crumpled and difficult to get to. This time, I'm being smart and having a place for everything and everything in its place.
While I'm away, I will be carrying around stuff that I would normally leave at home, so I want to be able to access everything easily.
With the Cherry Handbag Organizer, you place it inside your purse, tote or bag and use its main compartment and multiple pockets to keep everything in order.
Which is good, because I'm taking a fairly deep bag and the last thing I want to be doing all day is standing hunting around the bottom of my purse for something!
The organizer has a cellphone pouch, inside compartment for purse, makeup bags, etc, credit cards, notebooks, lotions, pens and makeup and even sunglasses!
See? How cool is that? I wasn't going to bring my sunglasses because I could stand the thought of them getting crushed in the bottom of my bag.
What is great about this handbag organizer is that it has handles, so you can pull it out to get to what you need, or simply lift it out and transport it to another bag, thereby actually using the purses you have in your collection without the hassle of having to transfer everything.
Just lift and go - it couldn't be simpler!
And to keep my passport safe and looking good, I'm using my ESPEPeace White Passport Cover which has a pretty bird surrounded by leaves and a flower closure. A passport has never looked better (as long as you don't look at my picture!).
For keeping lots of business cards at hand, I've stuffed my Code Blue Cardholder to the brim. I mean, you never know who you might meet!
And my beautiful Sushi Long Green Wallet is the perfect accessory for travel - it says I'm serious about style and food!
All of Espe's products are made from polyurethane (which is a durable synthetic leather), which will not crack and will last in temperatures as low as -32 degrees Celsius.
Which means you can travel to Iceland and still be stylish!
(The styles mentioned here are not on the website, but can be found in retail stores. Check out their new styles online!)
It has everything I need in a sweet square vinyl bag with ribbon closure:
.15 oz natural lip balm (in lemonade!) 2 oz natural olive oil soap in a tin .5 oz natural shea butter lotion bar in orange patchouli .5 oz natural shea butter foot balm in revitalizing rosemary mint
Everything except for the lip balm comes in lovely tins that are lightweight and keep everything safe from leaking until tubes and bottles.
And what's so great about these is that because they are natural, I know that I can use them without harm and that they'll keep my skin smooth despite the low-pressure showerhead or chilly evening walks!
And for when I'm not traveling, I am depending upon their larger sized items that I just can't get enough of. You can choose your own fragrances for each. Here are my picks:
Light Lotion with Aloein Verbena is non-oily, paraben free and thanks to the large bottle complete with pump, I can slather myself after a shower and instantly feel refreshed and moisturized!
And I love my big tin of Shea Butter Body Lotion Barin Cucumber Melon which is made of 30% of "the finest quality shea butter." You'll also find jojoba, almond and avocado oils and vitamin E, which will leave your skin feeling smooth and soft, supple and vibrant!
For my hands, I get lost in Shea Butter Hand Bar in Orange Patchouli. It's one of the nicest, subtlest fragrances I've ever experienced. Not only are my hands now soft, they smell fantastic. I also dab a little of this behind my ears and at my neck for a completely blissful all day scent.
And don't forget your feet! The Shea Butter Foot Bar in Revitalizing Rosemary Mint is fun because of the little knobs on the end of the bar - just smooth over your foot and feel the freshness and smoothness begin.
The handcrafted soaps are absolutely beautiful - big thick chunks of natural soap that keep your skin soft no matter the temperature of your shower or the weather ! Be sure to get one of each - Olive Oil Castile Soap, Oatmeal & Goat Milk Soap and Lemongrass.
If I know you, and I think I do, you are probably not getting enough flax in your diet.
But thanks to Shape Foods Flax Oils, you can get the health benefits you need in one easy-to-pour bottle!
According to Shape Foods, "flax oil and flax oil blends are internationally recognized as the most important dietary requirement missing in our food supply today."
And if you look here, you'll see all the amazing benefits from getting the Omega-3 essentially fatty acids through these oil. And look at difference from canola oil! The oils from Shape Foods are far better in both quality and health benefits.
And they are easy to incorporate into your oil. As you don't heat flax oil like you would cooking oils (because you want to preserve all of the nutritional benefits and flavour), you can drizzle it over fish, salads, pasta and vegetables before serving or add it to a smoothie for a powerful way to start the day. You can also use it in baking. There are some great recipes to try or you can experiment on your own.
What is so great about these oils is that by incorporating them into your lifestyle, you are helping to improve and maintain your heart health, healthy cholesterol levels, brain development and function, joint mobility, energy and endurance, healthy blood sugar levels and skin, hair and nail health.
Every Saturday afternoon, my Dad and I go food shopping at local farmer's markets.
Lately, we've been taking advantage of the amazing corn crops we've had and picking up huge bunches of broccoli, lettuce and radishes. And while he loads up on shallots, garlic and bouillon cubes, I've been getting the heavy stuff - fresh young yams, homemade relish and sides of Pickerel and loins of lamb.
But one thing you've got to be sure to bring it a bag to carry it all in. First of all, think of the environment and secondly, I find it easier to carry everything in one bag on my shoulder than a bunch in my hands.
And every Saturday, my reusable rip-stop nylon shopping bag Baggu stands up to the weight of whatever catches my fancy and what's needed for my upcoming creations in the kitchen.
I also keep it in my purse throughout the week so that if I happen to pick up a few things while I'm out and about (and I am wont to do that), then I've got an environmentally-friendly way to bring it home - using one Baggu for one year replaces 300 to 700 disposable bags!
And guess what I'm taking with me to New York this week to hold all of my wares and finds?! Who said they were just for grocery shopping? I'm filling mine with patent leather bags, shiny, streamlined tops and flouncy dresses!
I like the Baggu because it is pretty and stylish, comes in a host of different colour and is so lightweight (2 oz), yet holds so much (holds 25 lbs). And it folds into a neat flat pouch that makes it easy to take with you.
Apart how well it works and how pretty it is, two of my favourite features are the big bottom that it has so that it sits flat when filled, and the fact that the handles work with you and not against you - so you can hold them in your hand, on your forearm, or over your shoulder.
I am leaving for New York on Monday (don't worry, I'll still be posting!) and I have a ton of stuff that I still have to do.
Not to mention that I'm doing the last edit on my book, going out of town to a friend's new house and gathering together birthday stuff to give to my wonderful friend while I'm in NYC.
Then there's all of those piddly things like figuring out what to pack, making sure I've got everything I need, seeing to it that my fella has enough to eat (should I stock the freezer with homemade dinners or just assume that he'll be having pizza every night I'm away?).
Sigh. I need to make a list - a long, long list or perhaps many lists. And I need to organize all of the little pieces of paper around me.
Their debut line of Happeez products includes chic frames, notepads and clips that grip to stainless steel refrigerators, mirrors, glass and much more.
That means that I can clip necessary papers, bills and to dos on the fridge, on my magnetic board atop my desk and even on the bathroom mirror if I need to leave my fella a note!
I clipped my itinerary and packing list together with a Happeez Clipper. Then I clipped all my little notes and papers in another one. What I like about the Clipper is that it holds strong to metal and mirrored surfaces without leaving any residue. It makes a loud "click" when you open and close it, which I find awfully reassuring - like my papers are in the most capable hands.
They come in such fun colours and styles and are smooth to the touch and large so that you can grab it easily to take out or add items.
For organizing all of my thoughts, I'm using the Happeez Notepad, which with its fun top border, makes whatever you are writing a little more exciting than on the back of an envelope like you'd usually do.
To keep my photos secure and beautifully framed, I've got my Happeez Mini Photo Frame and regular size Photo Frame to keep my memories close on hand.
What I like so much about the frames is that not only are they incredibly strong, but they are covered in beautiful fabrics in all sorts of styles and colours. What a nice change from those plain plastic ones!
Lulalu makes really fun, usable and stylish products to help keep your stuff where you want - and need - it to be.
And why, even if it's just a clip to hold together recipes clipped out of magazines or a frame to go around that picture of you and your Mom, would you want something plain and ordinary?
Me, I'm going for stylish all the way with Lulalu!
This is the 2nd installation with more suggestions and new products to try.I have found some great companies that are doing a world of good.
And now you can too!
Warmest wishes,
Stephanie
Stephanie Dickison
Publisher & Editor – the knack
1.Use Recycled Paper Paper Products
ecojot makes 100% recycled paper stationery and notebooks.They’re made in Canada and they’re pretty.A portion of each sale from ecojot will support evergreen.ca.
I’m loving their package of 2 workbooks, or what they call “the good old fashioned workbook.”1 per design, 2 in a set.
Each soft cover book has 64 lime-lined pages.And like the ol’ Composition books of our time, there is a space for your name, date and subject on the front cover.
In my package I got a row of flowers, one on a cream background, one on a brown one.
Designed by Carolyn Gavin, the line is fun and whimsical and the products are pretty, which is not always the case with recycled notebooks, etc.
View the 2008 catalogue and see what fun stationery products you can have at your desk, bedside and in your bag.
2.Use Wind to Power Your Electronic Devices
Hyminiis “the first green platform universal/charger device to harness wind power, solar power and even a convention wall outlet to re-power your electronics.”
This means that you can use wind and solar power to recharge your cell phone, mp3 player and digital camera.
That means that there’s no cranking a handle or having to do anything but let the device do its brilliant work!
And it holds the charge collected from wind and sun (and even the wall unit) for 2 weeks!It comes is a range of colours and comes with all of the necessary bits to allow it to work with your electronics.It is pocket sized, which means you can throw it into your messenger bag or purse and take it with you back and forth to the office.
This is one of those items that once you get for yourself, you’ve got to get for friends and family.
It just makes sense.
It makes a pretty awesome Christmas present, wouldn't you say?
3.Spread the Word and Wear Eco-Clothes
+E (positive energy)is dedicated to bringing awareness to social, environmental and political concerns.Awareness Apparel is about addressing those issues with facts and offering suggestions to reduce their impact.
Created by a mother and daughter, the collection of shirts for men, women and children has one word on the front to draw attention to the real issue on the back.
Their tees and tanks are sweatshop free and made in the US with 100% Certified Organic Cotton.The ink is water-based and the shirts are rolled and packaged in hand-stamped cotton muslin bags with tags printed on recycled paper.
Less is more.Recycle.Turn off any lights or electrical objects when not in use.Wash your clothes in cold water and line dry.Turn down the water heater, etc.
The t-shirt is soft and comfortable and flattering to my figure.It is well-made and has minimal shrinkage.
One word on one t-shirt. It's more powerful than you think.
4.Use Safe Cooking Devices that Won’t Emit Dangerous Toxins
Greenpanis the first environmenally-friendly, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-free, nonstick cookware of its kind.
This means that you can cook knowing that you will not be harming yourself or the environment. As I'm sure you've heard, some non-stick products can be quite toxic.
Greenpan is made with Thermolon, a non-stick, ceramic-based coating and uses solely non-toxic raw materials which are recyclable or biodegradable. This means it's safe to use.
You won't get scratches or flakes from the interior like many non-stick products and the ceramic-based, non-stick release surface does not breakdown or wear over time, so no more needing to recycle your pan every year or two like the old ones.
I love that it can go on the stovetop and in the oven and it's safe up to 450 degrees Celsius.
And that it's actually non-stick. I did a Thai curry in it and sauteed my chicken and vegetables - without out - and not on bit stick. Which means, it was not only better cooked than in my old non-stick pan, but the clean up was next to nothing.
Which one are you going to pick the next time you need a pan?
Shop now and change your life and the environment.
"Not too long ago, we took a closer look at the sponges in our kitchen and realized something profound. Almost every other product in the cleaning aisle has undergone some kind of evolution, while sponges have been the same for decades. We set out to turn the world of cleaning products on its head – combining design and environmental responsibility to create functional, beautiful, and responsible alternatives."
And really, this line rocks. Not only do the sponges and cloths work, but they are modern and different in both look and feel than what I've seen on the market thus far.
I got the Loofah Sponge # 50 which scrubs, cleans and wipes. There are 2 to a pack and I use one on my dishes and one for counters and cleanups. I love how it feels in my hands, and this is the first time I've ever used loofah outside of the bathroom! What fun!
The naughty-named Naked Sponge # 55is such a fantastic all-purpose sponge. You'll want to get a bunch of these!And the Euro Sponge # 10feels so good in your hands, you'll find yourself cleaning like never before.
I just love my Bamboo Cloth # 35. It feels so luxurious. Much more so than my cheap feather duster. Guess what I'm using now to dust and wipe my furniture?
European Sponge Cloth # 20is so incredible - these sponge cloths outlasts 17 rolls of paper towels!!!!!!!!! And with 3 to a pack, that ought to keep you going for awhile. I'm using them in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living room. What a great all purpose tool.
The Twist line is fresh and exciting and their products work. Need I say more?
No matter how hard I try to stay on top of it all, more just pours in each and every day and at the end of the week, I have a huge towering pile on top of my desk.
But despite the looming weekly pile, I've got all of my most vital, important financial, legal, medical and personal documents filed away right where I can see and access them.
What happens if you need to access a document quickly about insurance, banking or your car? You want to be able to access them quickly and without panic (which is what you'd have to do now, isn't it?).
It comes with 80 pre-labeled folders, 10 unlabeled folders, 2 sheets of preprinted labels (22 per sheet), 1 sheet of non-printed labels and I folder focus reference guide.
Not only does the system come basically ready to go so that all you have to do is insert your paperwork into the correct files, but the files are pretty and colour coordinated and with their rounded edges, will stand out from your regular files.
You will need 2 file drawers, boxes or containers of your choice or 1 long horizontal file drawer with 100 hanging file folders to put it all into.
The system though, is idiot-proof:
- all folders are reversiblewith a blank label area on the back - the folders are alphabetical so it's really easy to add an additional folder in the right place - you can see all the labels easily
I think that most of us lively with the idea that we will be able to find everything at a moment's notice, no matter how urgent the situation.
But is that really true?
I'd rather be prepared and organized because urgent events are stressful enough without having to try and focus and think, "Where did I put that mortgage statement?"
This ready-to-go system allows you to be in control without having to do any work other than putting those important papers in the correct file.
And it couldn't be easier. Here are just some of the folders that you get:
Magenta - In and Out Box with folders such as Bills Due by the 30th, To Do Tasks Orange - Tax Related with folders such as Income Tax Payments, Donation & Charitable Contributions Green - Financial with folders such as Bank & Savings Account Statements, Credit Card Statements Purple - Insurance Statements with folders such as Homeowners Insurance Statements, Health Insurance Statements Light Green - Investment Statements with folders such as Annuity Statements, Mutual Fund Statements Pink - Vital Information with folders such as Safe Deposit Box Contents, Household Inventory
Sjal is an eco-luxury skincare line that was developed by a mother and daughter and blends eastern medicines and western bio-technology with bio-osmotic power.
Karen & Kristin Petrovich are students of Aromatherapy, Ayurveda and Chinese medicines. In developing this line, they consulted with specialist including research scientists, biologists, herbalists, nutritionists and even sprirital intuitives.
All their work paid off!
The line, designed to nourish, treat and repair skin, is centered around a 4-part system that integrates over 50 active ingredients. The products are free of petroleum jelly, mineral oil, silicone alcohol, caffeine and fillers.
Serum 1 is meant to be used twice a day, underneath a moisturizer for maximum results. This anti-aging serum is pretty cool - it is meant to "re-construct, rebuild, and revive the skin from every angle."
Gee. Your dermatologist isn't even that thorough!
It goes to work on increasing hydration, elasticity, oxygen, metabolic performance and electrolyte balance, and a long list of other things that well, totally rock and make you suddenly look like you've got this youthful glow about you.
Oh yeah, it's a wonder product for sure!
Cela intuitif is a great daytime cream because it is incredibly light, yet soaks in upon application. It not only diminished the appearance of wrinkles and evens your skintone, but really moisturizes and hydrates - you can feel it working all day long!
Kura intuitif is a thicker creme for nightime use, and goes to work on your dry, dehydrated and uh, let's say mature skin. It helps lighten your dark circles and softens your skin.
Orbe is an eye creme that was designed to "lift the eye area, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fatty deposits, dark circles and puffiness."
Hallelujah! Because I don't know about you, but no matter how much water I drink, sleep I get or good eatin' I do, the puffy pockets beneath my eyes remain.
Or they did until I started using Orbe.
I can go on and on but really, you'll see what I mean once you try it.
Shop for sjal online and then we can both look younger, better and more well rested!
I know that it sounds weird, but just trust me on this - they are fanfreakintastic!
They look like the real thing - it's not until you get up close to them that you see that they are towels.
The soft 100% cotton towels are rolled and swirled in different combinations to resemble layers of cakes, sundaes and other goodies. The fruit toppings can be used as magnetic memo holders or cellular phone straps.
And each item is individually hand-made!
What I think makes them look so authentic is that they put them in plastic sundae and tinfoil muffin cups so that the look is complete and well, very deceiving - and delicious!
These have taken Asia by storm and now you can join in on the fun - using them as great gifts or as a little something special in your guest bathroom.
You can get a whole cake, just a slice or perhaps a sundae or holiday treat.
I got the Roll Cut Chocolate Cake which is great fun and very hard to resist biting into! This cocoa treat is sure to delight the chocolate lovers you know.
It has the healing properties of 100% pure essential oils and only the finest plant extracts. It is free from harmful additives such as sodium lauryl sulphate and parabens, which means that is is safe for us and the environment and is not tested on animals.
Just look at the ingredients:
Contains: 100% pure essential oils of Lavandula augustifolia (Lavender), Mentha X piperita (Peppermint), Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary), Eucalyptus globulus (Eucalyptus), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon leaf), Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea tree), and Matricaria recutita (Chamomile) with Arnica montana (Arnica extract) in a natural base of Aqua (water), Cetearyl alcohol (coconut), Butyrospermum parkii (Shea butter), Cera alba (Purified beeswax), Isostearic acid (Coconut), Helianthus annuus (Sunflower seed oil), Papaver somniferum (Poppyseed oil), Retinyl palmitate (Vitamin A), d-alpha-Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Citrus paradisi (Grapefruit seed oil), Biopein.
In addition to all of these wonderful ingredients, the cream is made with Vibrational Science.
"Vibrational Science is a synergistic healing modality that integrates energetic sciences such as Resonant Light Technology and Sonic Tuning with ancient medicinal applications such as high frequency essential oils, semi precious crystals, sacred geometry, colour, light, sound and intent. Combined with all natural ingredients, we create a harmony for our bio-electric fields that resists disease and supports a happier, healthier body."
Now while that might sound a little supernatural and wholistic for some of you, look at what the benefits are:
Helps to boost the immune system
Enhances energy, vitality and well-being
Provides relief for pain and stress
Reduces inflammation
Increases circulation
Detoxifies
Improves sleep
Repairs damaged skin
Improves digestion
Still a nonbeliever? Well, you won't be after you try this cream! Customers have told the company the cream as relieved them of everything from psoriasis, hemorrhoids, back and joint pain, removing house pain from skin and even dogs and cats cracked paw pads!
This cream was created on Salt Spring Island in British Columbia in 1989, so this is not some new fangled cream that hasn't been tried and tested - in fact, it's won 14 National Awards for Excellence for "Best Body & Skin Care Product" and "Best Aromatherapy Product."
So while I know that you might not yet believe in vibrational therapy, just know that this cream can allieviate your dry skin or whatever ails you, all the while soothing and healing you - inside and out - with essential oils and natural ingredients.
In fact, I've had a dry patch for years that no cream has been able to quell, never mind cure. Until now. I put the cream on the dry area one night before going to bed. In the morning, it was almost gone. After the second night's application, it disappeared. It's so weird to have it gone so quickly after having lived with it all of this time. But trust me, I'm so glad to have it gone!
For once you can take care of those dry patches, muscle aches and whatever else you've got going on, while inhaling the calming scent of AromaCrystal Therapy's Gardener's Dream Cream and reaping the benefits both in body and soul.
In our daily adult lives, we seem to take things very seriously.
We're rushing to the office, trying to cut calories and eat healthfully, see our friends and family yet nourish our creative sides. We desperately stress about whether we should spend the next hour working or exercising. We take our work to the dinner table, while barely looking at the meal before us.
We fall into bed exhausted, only to start the whole cycle over again the following day.
Originally developed for the early Apollo Missions, these space treats are frozen to -40 F and then vacuum dried and placed in a special polyfoil pouch.
What's great about these is that they are made from REAL ice cream, are ready to eat, yet no refrigeration is needed, so you can eat them anywhere and anytime that you get that ice cream craving.
I think they taste like the real thing, except not cold.
It's certainly not wool scarf weather yet (thank goodness), but since it is getting cooler, the perfect accessory for right now is a light scarf.
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