Salucyan
The breeding aim for Corn flower was the dark blue colour and the multiple flowers. Furthermore important is an upright growth with a low intention to lie down. Today the breed "Salucyan" is ready for cultivation.
The new proposed fee structure poses a grave threat to the companies involved in producing our essential natural health products, as it, no doubt, will cripple their operations.
With exponentially increased fees, most companies will struggle to bear the financial burden, leading to reduced innovation and stagnation in the NHP industry.
This, in turn, could force many NHP companies to pull out of Canada altogether, severely limiting the diversity of products available to Canadians.
Moreover, the burden of these increased costs will inevitably be transferred to the consumer, leaving many unable to afford the products they rely on for their well-being. This will greatly hinder Canadian's ability to participate in preventative healthcare, in a time when it is most necessary - what with our hospitals and clinics being overrun.
Overall, the proposed fee structure adds no discernible value to the market or Canadian consumers, and its implementation would be detrimental to both the industry and the individuals who depend on these products for their health needs.
Inappropriate Categorization: Natural Health Products vs. Pharmaceuticals
Natural health products, herbs, and vitamins should not be held to the same regulatory standards as pharmaceutical drugs due to their fundamental differences in nature, composition, and risk profiles. The primary reason for this distinction lies in the fact that pharmaceutical drugs are typically formulated with powerful, synthetic compounds that have been extensively tested for safety and efficacy in controlled clinical trials. In contrast, natural health products are derived from natural sources and often contain substances that have been traditionally used for centuries with a relatively safe track record.
Applying the same regulatory standards to both categories would be inappropriate because of the considerable variation in their risk classes. Pharmaceutical drugs are designed to treat specific medical conditions and carry inherent risks that demand strict regulation to protect public health. In contrast, natural health products are generally considered to have a lower risk profile, as they are used for general health support, wellness, and prevention rather than treating serious medical conditions.
Penalties and mis-standards for non-compliance should also be different for pharmaceutical drugs and natural health products due to their varying levels of risk. Misstandards for pharmaceutical drugs can have severe consequences, potentially leading to life-threatening adverse effects if not properly regulated. However, the potential risks associated with natural health products are generally less severe, with adverse effects usually being mild and rare.
Applying the same stringent standards and penalties to natural health products as pharmaceutical drugs could lead to unintended consequences. For instance, the increased regulatory burden might discourage manufacturers from producing certain natural health products, limiting consumer choices and access to beneficial supplements and herbal remedies. It could also significantly increase the cost of compliance for smaller businesses, potentially forcing them to shut down, reducing market diversity, and leaving consumers with fewer options.
Treating natural health products, herbs, and vitamins under the same regulatory standards as pharmaceutical drugs would be inappropriate and impractical, considering their intrinsic differences in risk profiles and purposes. A balanced regulatory approach that addresses the unique characteristics and risks associated with each category is essential to ensure consumer safety while maintaining access to a diverse range of natural health products that have been traditionally beneficial for countless individuals.
These new regulatory standards are a massive overstep on people’s right to traditional medicine, and I do not support the classification of natural health products being regarded in the same categorization as pharmaceuticals.
Thoughts On Small Business Fee Mitigations
The proposed small business fee mitigations, while well-intentioned, may not be sufficient to fully alleviate the burden imposed by the new fee framework on natural health product companies.
As a small business owner, I will say any form of support for small businesses is commendable, the reality is that the increased costs associated with the new fee structure can be substantial and ongoing. These costs can include additional administrative expenses, compliance with new regulations, and potential investments in research and testing to meet the updated requirements.
For many small natural health product companies, these increased costs could become unsustainable over time. As a result, they may face significant financial strain, forcing some of them to consider closing down their operations altogether. This outcome would not only result in the loss of jobs and businesses but also reduce the availability of diverse and affordable natural health products for Canadian consumers.
Additionally, if these increased costs are ultimately passed on to the consumer, it will exacerbate an already challenging situation. Natural health products are often considered as essential supplements to maintain overall well-being and fill gaps in nutrition. When these products become unaffordable, it can negatively impact the health and quality of life for many Canadians who rely on them for their daily needs - myself being one of those individuals.
Moreover, the closure of small businesses within the natural health product industry would also lead to reduced competition, potentially creating monopolies or oligopolies among larger (non-Canadian) players in the market. This lack of competition could further contribute to price increases, making natural health products even less affordable for Canadian consumers.
So, while the proposed Small business fee mitigations are a step in the right direction, they may not be sufficient to offset the increased costs imposed by the new fee framework. The likely scenario is that these added expenses will trickle down to the consumer, making natural health products unaffordable for many Canadians. This situation not only jeopardizes the survival of small businesses but also impacts the overall health and well-being of the population, highlighting the importance of carefully considering the implications of the new fee structure on the natural health product industry and its consumers.
Timeline Issues - Increasing Public Awareness is Necessary
As a concerned citizen, I firmly believe that Canadians need more time to fully understand and grasp the implications of the proposed changes to our natural health product industry. The potential impact of the reformed framework and fee structure on the accessibility, affordability, and diversity of natural health products cannot be understated. Therefore, it is crucial that adequate time is granted for public awareness and discussion before implementing any sweeping changes.
The proposed reforms may have far-reaching consequences for consumers, manufacturers, and the overall health and wellness of Canadians. It is essential to allow ample opportunity for stakeholders, including small businesses, consumer advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, and the general public, to voice their opinions and concerns. By providing a platform for open dialogue, we can ensure that decision-makers fully comprehend the potential ramifications and gather valuable insights that may lead to more balanced and informed decisions.
Furthermore, the reformed framework and fee structure should not be rushed into implementation without thoroughly analyzing their potential consequences. A careful evaluation of existing regulations and their effectiveness in maintaining consumer safety and product quality should be conducted before any drastic changes are made.
Given the significance of this matter, I respectfully request a reconsideration of the proposed changes and advocate for a repeal of the reformed framework and fee structure proposal. By taking the time to engage in meaningful consultation with all stakeholders, we can work towards developing a regulatory approach that strikes the right balance between safety, accessibility, and affordability of natural health products for all Canadians.
I strongly urge that we extend the timeline for public awareness and discussion, allowing Canadians to comprehend the implications fully. This decision will help foster a more inclusive and transparent process, leading to better-informed policies that serve the best interests of the public and the natural health product industry as a whole.
Final Thoughts
As a young woman with unique health needs, I have come to realize that our medical system cannot always provide all the answers I seek for my well-being. Moreover, burdening our already strained healthcare system with additional demands is not a sustainable solution. Instead, I firmly believe in the power of self-education, preventative healthcare, and wholistic healing approaches. I have witnessed the organic relationship between plants and people and how natural health products can play a crucial role in supporting our overall health.
In today's modern world, scientific findings continue to support the benefits of natural health products, validating my belief in their potential to help us thrive and lead healthier lives. However, the proposed increased regulations seem to disregard the positive impact these products have on many Canadians' health. I am concerned that these drastic changes will hinder accessibility, affordability, and variety of natural health products, making them less attainable for those who rely on them for their well-being.
While I understand the intention behind increased regulations is to keep Canadians safe, I strongly believe that such measures will do more harm than good. Instead of burdening the industry with excessive surveillance, mandates, and fees, I believe Health Canada should prioritize empowering our citizens through education. By equipping individuals with the knowledge and discernment of what they put in and on their bodies, we can promote healthier lifestyles and informed choices.
By fostering a culture of self-awareness and promoting preventative healthcare, we can alleviate the pressure on our healthcare system and allow it to focus on critical medical needs. It is essential for Health Canada to invest in educating Canadians about the benefits of natural health products and providing transparent information to make informed decisions.
I advocate for a balanced approach that acknowledges the value of natural health products in supporting our health and well-being. Instead of implementing restrictive regulations, let us focus on educating Canadians, empowering them to take charge of their health, and supporting access to a diverse range of natural health products that can help us lead healthier, fulfilling lives.
I trust that you, those appointed to do what is best for The People of this Country, will heed our call and make true efforts to work with us, to keep this nation strong, free, and truly healthy.
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"The Natural Health Product industry is currently facing a convergence of multiple initiatives by Health Canada that threaten its existence. The industry and consumer access to natural health products and practices are under assault. If these changes are allowed to proceed, the consequences will be dire for the industry.
As herbalists we know this will impact people’s right to make their own choices when it comes to their health – and that this doesn’t just apply to supplements. Many businesses within our herbal community are at risk if these changes come into effect. Join us for an in-depth live webinar discussing Health Canada’s impact on the Herbal industry and discover strategies to thrive amidst these changes" - Wild Rose Collage of Herbal Medicine
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Contents
How White Willows Bark inspired the common house ++ “Aspirin”.
Meet the amazing Patrick founder of our newest vendor: Sacred Plant Co. and learn about their incredible land revitalization project.
Our Weekly Wellness Action
Your Weekly Loyalty Rewards!
For thousands of years our ancestors from around the world used willow’s bark to aid pain and imbalance in the body. By harvesting this bark, using it topically or internally, or simply chewing on it, people were able to lessen their pain symptoms.
It was only in 1897 that modern medicine was able to isolate and synthesize the compounds responsible for this anti-inflammatory action - at which time Aspirin was created.
The History of Willow’s Bark Inspiring Aspirin
Getting to Know Willows Bark and Her Spirit
White Willow Bark Extract by Sacred Plant Co.
• Made With Only 100% White Willow Bark herb & Glycerin.
• White Willow Bark Herb Dried and freshly extracted
• Handcrafted White Willow Bark extract from hand-tended White Willow trees.
We first found Sacred Plant Co. in our search for a high-quality reindeer lichen extract, and the company blew us away with their incredible range of offerings. Working with Patrick and Brian (stay tuned for part II), has been such a delight. Everytime we learn more about them, it feels like we’re being re-introduced to long-lost-friends!
It fills our heart to the brim knowing that people like Patrick and Brian and are out there being themselves and making the world a better place because of it!
It is with great pleasure that we introduce to you, Patrick Brennan!
Q: What is your role/title at Sacred Plant Co.
A: The only official title I have ever had is Chief Troubler Maker, which probably is the most well suited.
Q: Where were you born? Where did you grow up? Where are you now?
A: Denver, CO | Castle Rock, CO | Middle of Nowhere CO (Glade Park, CO)
Q: How do you describe Sacred Plant Co?
A: Sacred Plant Co is the culmination of my life's experiences dropped into an experimental capitalist environment where we emphasize integrity and fun, and see what happens. Oh and we do a lot of work with soil structure & herbs.
Q: Tell us about your growing ranch.
A: Sacred Hollow Ranch is one of only two things I ever really wanted in my life. We have 60 acres of land that is mostly thought of as barren and desert-like. We received less than 10 inches/25 CM of precipitation, and we are 7,500 feet/2286 meters above sea level. The original settlers of Glade Park starved to death trying to farm the area. I thought this place would be a perfect opportunity to demonstrate our sustainable growing methods. Our energy here is spent improving the soil using ancient growing practices that introduce microbes (life) into the soil instead of chemicals. (I’ve included a couple of photos to show the progress over 2-years just because I think it’s fun to see
Q: Describe your journey of creating Sacred Plant Co. When/ How did it all begin?
A: The idea of Sacred Plant Co came from daydreams I'd have while I was working with the adidas and Reebok brands. I was in this opportunity working with the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, & NCAA properties, and everyone seemed to want what I had, but I'd be sitting at home in my office looking up farmland and dreaming of a day where I had enough space to 'just be.'
In December of 2018 things started to fall into place. I bought Sacred Hallow and started growing and producing seeds from my tiny suburban home in Chandler, AZ. In 2020 I moved to the ranch, and got to work building the soil, and working on Sacred Plant Co full-time.
Q: Do you have a favourite plant(s)? Tell us a little about your relationship with this plant.
A: All of them, but I really appreciate Dandelions. When I first arrived at the ranch, there were no dandelions. (the soil couldn't support them) There were no grasshoppers (there wasn't enough vegetation to support them). Now we have grasshoppers the size of small mice and dandelions self-seeding in the pasture. When I brag about having grasshoppers and dandelions, people often think I am insane. I hear a lot of comments like, "Aren't those bad things?" but I know that healthy dandelions are a representation of the change I am making on this tiny little 60-acre plot, as well as a beacon for what is possible on this planet.
Q: What do you most enjoy about your work?
A: I don't know what there isn't to like. I get to play in the dirt, feed the earth, and be as creatively expressive as possible every day. It's an absolute dream and quite literally my dream to be doing this.
Q: What aspect of growing do you most enjoy?
A: I like the meta answer to this question. Everything alive comes from the soil and goes back to the soil. Each of us are simply a gathering of soil animated by some unknown force. Sometimes I'll lie in bed thinking about the cycle. Something dies, and microbes break it down to become soil. That soil is then consumed by vegetation, and that vegetation is consumed by something animated, that animated something uses the vegetation to grow. That animated being is eventually consumed by something larger or smaller and is returned to the soil, to go back into the animating process once again. I love this reality.
Q: Sacred Plant Co has a vast array of seeds available, What advice do you have for people interested in seed saving?
A: Just do it. There is no harm in saving seeds. Worst case scenario is your seeds don't germinate, and you are back to square one. No big deal. Also, label everything because no matter how much you convince yourself, you will remember. You will not remember.
Q: Which three herbs do you consider to be integral for a home garden?
A: Lemon Balm - Basil - Spearmint
I think you can make arguments for lots of more medical herbs. I like lemon balm, basil and spearmint because everyone can grow them, they are forgiving, and they are easily used fresh in just about every meal.
Q: What is something plants have taught you?
A: Stop fighting nature. So many farmers/gardeners spend their time and their money fighting against nature. To me that is a guaranteed losing battle. I believe in working with what nature has to offer, and trying to enhance that. The plants seem to appreciate this too.
Q: We recently learned that you have a podcast, Becoming Legendary! How would you describe your podcast? What topics do you explore? Where can people find Becoming Legendary?
A: Becoming Legendary is something I started quite a long time ago, 5-plus years now, I think. It's been shockingly successful and amazingly well-received. The podcast itself has turned into a fantastic way to express ideas and impact lives. These days I think of Becoming Legendary as a slice of insight from a unique perspective, its become an integral part of learning for me. We get to talk to people from so many different aspects of life, and it offers me a long-form platform to share my ideas about the world that I hope will help people make better choices. You can find becoming legendary literally everywhere. Apple Podcast, Spotify, Youtube, or anywhere else you consume podcasts.
Q: What is your favourite book(s)? Favourite film(s)?
A: "The Book of Lost Things,' 'House of Leaves,' 'Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban,' & 'Lying' are four of my all-time favorites. Recently I have been in love with 'The Curious Incident Of the Dog In the Nighttime' and 'The Color of Bee Larkham's Murder' both of which offered me beautiful insights into the world from unique perspectives that changed me for the better.
As a side rant, I want to defend fiction for a moment. People always hint or directly tell me that consuming fiction is a "waste of time." I hear about how people want to use their time to "better themselves," and I'll say this; non-fiction books are experiences that happen outside of you. You can learn about someone else's ideas of the world, and you can get "better," but you can only expand externally so far. At some point, you're going to hit a wall. You can also read 1,000 self-help books and never expand if you don't internalize the experience. Fiction, on the other hand, offers you the chance to experience another perspective often (1st person) from the inside. When you read fiction, you are co-creating with the author. That co-creation happens within you. I've expanded my perspectives and my understanding of myself much more from reading fiction than from any guide to bettering myself, and I hope the world can overcome this new fangled idea that fiction is a waste of time.
Q: What are some of your hobbies and passions?
A: I'm quite passionate about making people's day and playing discgolf (poorly)
Q: What is the best advice you've received?
A: 'Never look up to anyone – never look down on anyone. See everything as it is and you will navigate through life effortlessly.'
Q: Hit us with a list of your Pale Blue Dot picks! What catches your eye? What would you like to try?
A: The Pale Blue Dot to me, is mesmerizing. There is no one thing that I am drawn toward because I'm drawn toward everything, especially the collective energy and visionary thinking that make the Pale Blue Dot what it is. I'm so deeply impressed and awe-inspired by the foresight and leadership of The Pale Blue Dot. It is incredible to be connected with such a progressive team. Knowing The Pale Blue Dot exists makes me want to do rad things.
Find the
podcast "Becoming Legendary"
Discover our full collection of Sacred Plant Co. offerings
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This Week’s
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Today’s article will be focused on sharing ways we can support the body during busy, sluggish or stressful workdays, bringing more balance and ease to your life.
We’re highlighting some of our favourite natural brain supportive formulations, and 9 essential oils for diffusing in your workspace. As always, together we consider this week’s wellness action, and of course we unveil your weekly Loyalty Rewards!
So let’s get to it!
If you enjoy this publication, let us know by hittin’ that reply button! We love hearing from you!
Plant medicines and essential oils of plants can be a beautiful addition to our workdays, helping us combat restlessness, lack of focus, stress, anxiousness, brain fog, and the wandering of the mind.
Wouldn’t you like to have a real life SuperBrain, capable of great mastery and superhuman intelligence...or maybe just be able to remember where your keys are?
Have you noticed yourself experiencing brain fog? Trouble focusing? Forgetfulness? We’ve put together an incredible collection of brain supportive plant medicine blends for you!
Lion's Mane*, Maitake*), Schisandra*, Lucuma*. *ORGANIC / **WILDCRAFTED / VEGAN
Caution: In the case of medical conditions, pregnancy or nursing, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner.
*ORGANIC / **WILDCRAFTED / VEGAN
This potion is a potent formula, specially developed as a brain tonic, to help reduce mental tension and stress, and make way for enhanced positivity,increased focus and general cognitive greatness. How to Use: Mix me into your smoothies, your favorite milk or add to meals. Mix me into your smoothies, milks, water, juices, coconut oil or nut butter. Take up to 2 tsp daily.
Improve
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Digestive Bitters
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Blues Buster Blend
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In a Diffuser: Add a fe
w drops of your chosen essential oil to your diffuser and enjoy.
Topically: When applying essential oils to your skin (as perfume, etc), you must dilute them in a carrier oil.
A carrier oil is any type of oil used to dilute your essential oil before applying directly to your skin. Essential oils are extremely potent in their pure form and can cause irritation if not diluted first.
Some great carrier oil options are: fractionated coconut oil, castor oil, sesame oil, olive oil.
Some of our essential oil offerings come pre-diluted for easy application! Check out the following!
Blues Buster
Don't let the Monday Blues get you down. Our Blues Buster Essential Oil Blend is fresh, uplifting, and just what you need to infuse some brightness into your day. It starts with a scent of sparkling, juicy Pink Grapefruit, a favorite for its mood-boosting benefits. Tangerine brings a softer note that is just as cheerful. And finally, Bourbon Geranium rounds out the blend with an herbaceous floral aroma, bringing its balancing benefits. The result is a beautiful blend that will lift up your mood and brighten your day when stress tries to get you down.
Blues Buster is pre-diluted in Fractionated Coconut Oil, so you can easily and safely apply it topically whenever or whenever you need it.
Germ Fighter
It is so important to keep your body on alert for attacks against your immune system. Ward off the threats going around the office or at school by using Germ-Fighter. It can give you that extra protection you need. Plus, it smells great!
Tension Relief
Help fight off tension headaches the natural way with our Tension Relief essential oil blend! We all get them - Stress, dehydration, sinus pressure, lack of sleep and muscle tension can all cause your head to feel like it’s splitting and your neck is screaming. Use Tension Relief to help soothe and calm your body and mind, and help melt away headache-related symptoms. This blend comes conveniently pre-diluted in Fractionated Coconut Oil in a roll-on bottle.
This week let's really listen to what the body is asking for. Perhaps it’s going to bed an hour earlier, or reducing screen-time after work… Whatever it may be, do what you can to support yourself and that work-life-balance.
Remember, good health requires balance of the body, mind, and spirit.
Okay, y'all these local Nut & Seed Butter by NuttyHero are so dang good!
Add them to your smoothies, granola, fruit, rice cakes, s'mores, etc!
GIVING BACK
Creating the yummiest and healthiest all-natural nut & seed butters is NuttyHero's passion! Their big-picture mission is to give-back and have a positive impact on their/our community. Courtney and Arjun do this through theirr Hero For Good initiative.
2% of all our sales go towards funding meal donations through Feed Ontario food banks and planting trees for a better environment in partnership with TreeEra Canada.
The Pale Blue Dot is now stocking three different flavours and HERE THEY ARE:
Original 12 Mixed Nut & Seed Butter that’s naturally a little sweet. This is the drizzly oh-so-good original recipe that became the backbone of all of our nut & seed butters. Made with 100% nuts & seeds, you can feel good about eating this any time of day for a burst of nutrition+energy to fuel your adventures.
Ingredients: Dry roasted almonds, cashews, pecans, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, pistachios and Brazil nuts.
Maple Cinnamon Nut & Seed Butter balances the richness of our beloved Canadian Maple Sugar with the spicy yet sweet Saigon Cinnamon. Cozy on up with some crisp apple slices drizzled with NuttyHero Maple Cinnamon for breakfast or your afternoon snack.
Ingredients: Dry roasted almonds, cashews, pecans, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, pistachios and Brazil nuts, Maple sugar, Organic coconut oil, Saigon cinnamon, Himalayan pink salt.
rich natural cocoa with a dash of Himalayan pink sea salt. The star of the show on pancakes, waffles bananas and strawberries, our Chocolate Bliss Nut & Seed Butter will be sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings!
Ingredients: Dry roasted almonds, cashews, pecans, sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, pistachios and Brazil nuts, Coconut sugar, Cocoa powder, Organic coconut oil, Himalayan pink salt.
As lifelong athletes, outdoor enthusiasts and foodies, nuts and seeds are a big part of our diet because they are a phenomenal source of plant-based energy and nutrition. However, we found it challenging to incorporate all these individual superfoods into our diet in a tasty and convenient way.
This is where the idea of optimizing the nutritional benefits of various nuts and seeds combined with delicious flavours came about.
We figured, "let's blend ALL these superfoods into a delicious, all-natural Superhero fuel". And thus, NuttyHero Nut & Seed Butter was born!
NuttyHero represents the inner playful spirit in all of us. We take a lot of things in our life seriously but sometimes we just need to have some fun! Our goal is to make the most kick-ass nut & seed butters that will fuel your adventures and make you smile.
Go forth NuttyHero, go forth. Boldly, where no Nut has gone before . . .
NuttyHero started as home recipes in our kitchen. We put in countless hours researching nutrition, developing prototypes, taste testing and obsessing over the optimal balance between nutrition and taste.
We handmake all our nut & seed butters in small batches, using 100% natural ingredients. We only create food that we regularly eat ourselves and are proud to share.
Just like our fearless NuttyHero Squirrel, we strive to rise above the norm and create recipes that are unique, innovative and delicious. We are constantly dreaming up new Nutty recipes to share!
We started NuttyHero to share our passion for health & wellness and have a positive impact on our community.
Be Your Best, Be Kind & Laugh Lots is the motto we try our best to live by. These values are a core part of NuttyHero.
This post is full of juicy inspiration and ways to preserve summer’s sweetness.
The story of the Ant and the Grasshopper is an Aesop’s Fable. If you don’t remember it, the story goes something like this:
There was once a lazy grasshopper who enjoyed all the beautiful things summer had to offer, laying in the shade of a tree, hopping from flower to flower enjoying their sweet perfume and wasting away the day doing absolutely nothing at all.
Living near the grasshopper was a very busy ant, he too loved all the things summer had to offer, delicious fruit and vegetables to eat and to preserve for winter and the long warm days to get the work done before winter came.
One day the grasshopper saw the little ant working tirelessly and called to him, come sit with me little ant the shade is cool and the grass smells sweet. The ant replied that he was far too busy collecting the sweet berries that he will preserve for winter.
The grasshopper shrugged and continued to laze under the tree.
Like all good things, summer ended, the days became cooler. The grasshopper began to notice there were fewer things to eat. He was cold and hungry. The little ant having stored food was warm and had a full tummy all winter long.
Life is different now, grasshopper can go to the grocery store and stay full all winter long but the ant still has the satisfaction of knowing the things in his pantry are the freshest and highest quality food because he picked it and preserved it himself!
Today we can be both the grasshopper and the ant! Enjoying the beautiful summer season and all its bounty.
Strolling through farmer’s markets or visiting a local farm, they have everything we need to get ready for winter so we can enjoy sweet jams and savory pickles that bring us back to long summer days. (Perhaps, you are a real industrial ant and have your own garden, then you truly have the freshest produce right at your fingertips)
There are so many ways to home harvesting, canning, freezing, curing, pickling and preserving.
If you don’t know where to start, jams and jellies are fairly quick and very satisfying.
The book, It Starts with Fruit, offers simple techniques and delicious recipes for the beginner and those who just want to know more. Beautiful pictures, timelines, and a whole chapter dedicated to “misfits“ preserves.
It Starts with Fruit
features 73 recipes total: master recipes for each type of preserve, followed by recipes for jams, marmalade, juices, syrups, shrubs, whole fruit preserves, butters, pie fillings, and dried fruits, plus a final chapter on baking with preserves.
**psst: save this image for later!
Visit your local farmers market this week, pick up some berries (or whatever calls you, and perhaps try one of the following:
1. Flash Freeze
2. Give jam making a try
3. Make some tasty muffins, pancake, etc
4. Simply enjoy their fresh splendour!
Let us know what you get up to in the comments below!
Two other boo
ks that are a must have in the harvester’s library are Home Harvesting and Canning and Preserving both from the Backyard Farming series.
The first book gives informative advice on the different methods of storing food and the second has over 70 recipes for the homestead kitchen. One of our family favourites is the Ketchup recipe.
Did you know that Weck jars are wonderful for preserving? You can use them for both water bath canning and with a pressure canner.
There are some great websites that give you step by step instructions for both methods.
ItIt
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Sacred Plant Co is a working ranch. They grow herbs using Ancient Wisdom Natural Farming techniques and focus on Soil Regeneration to create Living Soil. This naturally enhanced soil grows bigger, stronger plants that need less water, and experience less pest pressure and offer more benefits.
The Sacred Plant Co offers us an abundance of sacred, healing plants, and The Pale Blue Dot is honoured to begin offering their goods.
Let's explore these incredible creations now available at The Pale Blue Dot:
WHITE WILLOW BARK EXTRACT
Sacred Plant Co's White Willow Bark Extract Tinctures are hand-crafted, works of art. Each hand-tended batch is carefully inspected at every step to ensure the highest quality white willow extract available anywhere.
• Made With Only 100% White Willow Bark herb & Glycerin.
• White Willow Bark Herb Dried and freshly extracted
• Handcrafted White Willow Bark extract from hand-tended White Willow trees.
• Sacred Plant Co Bulk White Willow Bark Herb is harvested and dried by hand in small batches at low "raw" temperatures to ensure the highest quality dried White Willow Bark extract possible.
· 100% Alcohol-Free
· Standard Extract - Extracted over 60 days.
View Here
LUNGWORT LICHEN EXTRACT
Lungwort Lichen Extract | Lungwort Tincture | Tree Lungwort Extract | Oak Lung Tincture | Lung Moss Extract | Lungwort Lichen Herb Tincture
Lungwort Lichen Extract | Lungwort Tincture | Tree Lungwort Extract | Oak Lung Tincture | Lung Moss Extract | Lungwort Lichen Herb Tincture
• Made With Only 100% Lungwort Lichen.
• Lungwort Lichen Herb Extracted For Freshness.
• Handcrafted dried lungwort lichen Herbal Extract.
• Sacred Plant Co bulk Lungwort Lichen Herb is harvested and dried by hand in small batches at low "raw" temperatures to ensure the highest quality dried Lungwort Lichen tinctures.
· Standard Lungwort Lichen Extract - Extracted over 60 days.
Lungwort Lichen is known for its "cooling and drying" energetic properties and its ability to “clear heat
USNEA LICHEN EXTRACT
Usnea Lichen Tincture | Usnea Extract | Old Man’s Beard Tincture | Woman's Long Hair Tincture | Usnea Lichen Extract
• Made With Only 100% Wild Usnea Lichen.
• Alcohol-Free Usnea Extract
• Usnea Extracted for Freshness.
• Handcrafted Usnea Lichen Tincture
• Sacred Plant Co Usnea Lichen is harvested and dried by hand in small batches at low "raw" temperatures to ensure the highest quality usnea extract possible.
· Standard Usnea Extract - Extracted over 60 days.
FRANKINCENSE TEARS
Pure Frankincense Resin - Boswellia Tree Resin
Frankincense tears or Frankincense Resin consist of the resin obtained from the Boswellia tree. The boswellia tree that produces Frankincense Resin is a species of tree native to Arabia, India and northern Africa. It takes between 8 and 10 years for these Boswellia trees to mature before the milky Frankincense resin can be hand-harvested in the form of Frankincense tears.
Frankincense tears are used for cleansing, purification, Sacred, Consecration, Protection, Meditation, Peace, Purification, Protection, Spirituality.
Frankincense tear granules are highly aromatic and are typically burned over smoldering charcoal bricks as incense.
These powerful Frankincense Tears Can be added to Smudge Sticks, or used alone.
COPPER HAND SANITIZER
Copper Hand Sanitizer | Everlasting Hand Sanitizer | Travel Size Hand Sanitizer
The original copper everlasting hand sanitizer offering our proprietary internal ion activation system.
To use:
1: Shake Vigorously for 15 seconds
2: Roll between your hands with enough pressure to create friction and release the copper ions. You should smell the copper on your hands, this will let you know it is working.
✔ MADE IN THE USA Of 99.9% Pure Copper
✔ The Everlasting Copper Hand Sanitizer is All Natural, Chemical Free, and Recyclable
✔ Travel Size Hand Sanitizer
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Each Everlasting Copper Hand Sanitizer is made from 99.9% pure copper, and it doesn’t need water, soap, or anything else to start working. This means no more messes for you to clean up! Even if you don’t carry a bottle of hand sanitizer on you, you know just how easy it is to knock one over and make a mess, so avoid them altogether with one of our amazing copper hand sanitizers!
The Everlasting Copper Hand Sanitizer is smooth and feels pleasant on your hands, but it isn’t slippery like a bottle of alcoholic hand sanitizer or a bar of soap. The Everlasting Copper Hand Sanitizer will fit almost anywhere else you would want it to be: the console in your car, a desk drawer, next to the sink, or anywhere else you can think of!
May the gift of Ayurveda bless your life!
LEARN MORE about Rasa Ayurveda
View our selection of Rasa Ayurveda Offerings
The medical doctor Otto Greither wanted to assist his fellow men and women with natural healing methods and natural alimentation for a healthy life style. Therefore, in 1916, he founded the company SALUS Haus in Munich. Today he surely would be very proud to see that his principles are still valid. So, for one century, Salus has been standing for health and wellbeing in a holistic sense. With utmost care we select the best healing herbs and ingredients according to their effectivity and compatibility, so that in the form of high quality medicinal products and food supplements, they may help people to stay healthy.
Then and now, Salus has been standing for nutrition and remedies without any preservatives, artificial flavours or genetically modified agricultural raw materials. It is our aim to process as many herbs and healing plants from organic farming as possible. Additionally, our products are particularly valuable because we do not only focus on the high quality of the products, but also invest into guaranteeing the future for the human being.
A holistic, sustainable view of the world based on natural commitment understands the human being as a part of their environment. Nature is our livelihood. Therefore we have to care about it. Natural reserves such as water, soil and fossil energies are not endlessly at hand. Permanent use without any regeneration is not possible. Sustainable behaviour is indispensable.
At Salus, environmental protection and sustainability have been a tradition for 100 years. We are proud of our achievements and consider them as an obligation to continue this tradition.
Otto Greither and Dr. Florian Block
Managing Directors
VIEW OUR LINE OF SALUS PRODUCTS
The physician Dr. med. Otto Greither had been suffering from a severe illness for many years – until he found his own way to heal himself with his knowledge as natural scientist. With his Salus cure he laid the foundation for a comprehensive health system and created the basis of our company as manufacturer of natural medicines.
All Salus products – generally also foodstuffs – are tested according to the strict criteria of the pharmaceutical law. The products are the result of all our effort and knowledge. As a matter of principle we are against the use of genetic engineering in agriculture for food. Therefore, the products stand for environmental commitment, support of organic cultivation, sustainability, biodiversity, social responsibility and the creation of training positions.
This is what specifically distinguishes the Salus products:
VIEW OUR LINE OF SALUS PRODUCTS
Medicinal and spice herbs count among the special cultivations, i.e. they need a particular high input of work and capital. Furthermore the farmer needs to know a lot about cultivation, harvest and after-harvest procedures (e.g. drying). In Germany, more than 100 species are cultivated in noteworthy extent. Important cultures are e.g. Camomile, Fennel, Peppermint and St. John's wort.
We have been purchasing an important part of our herbal drugs (dried plant and plant parts) from organic farming in Germany for many years. In future, we wish to ensure and extend our high ratio of organic herbs, which for the tea herbs is already more than 80%. Through our work in the field of cultivation and breeding, we are able to put at the farmers disposal appropriate seeds and seedlings (e. g. of the special Salus species) as well as the respective know-how, thus contributing to the provision of high quality raw materials.
The basic thought of organic agriculture means operating in harmony with nature. The farm is considered to be a "complete organism" with humans, animals, plants and the soil.
"An organism is an organized natural product in which every part is reciprocally end and means", Immanuel Kant
On the Salus testing fields cultivation starts, selection and breeding are realised. Cultivation is according to the EU-Eco-Regulation No. 834/2007.
Our aims for breeding can be classified into two groups:
Pharmaceutical aims: type and quantity of active principles or characteristic ingredients.
Cultivation aims: yield, habitat adaption, technical properties or tolerances against pathogens.
As breeding methods, mostly the positive and/or negative mass selection, set-up of inbreeding-lines and crossbreeds and backcross breeds are used. Great importance has the maintenance breeding and the propagation of seeds in order to stabilize the character and the properties of a breed.
Among the healing plants we use for our products, some are rare. Some species are even protected. So, in order to protect the wild habitats of the plants and at the same time assure a sustainable provision with raw materials, for many years we have been striving for the cultivation of wild plants. Arnica and Cowslip are two successful examples.
A cultivation start is more than just the planting of wild plants or seeds on the respective fields. It is a complicated process of adaption and selection of the plants the genetic potential of which allows optimal results at the respective location.
With view to health, the best is just good enough. Therefore we apply the same strict standards for the processing of our raw materials just as for their selection.
The Salus standards for production are much higher than the legal requirements. So, all products, i.e. not only the medicinal products but also foods, food supplements and teas are produced according to the strict pharmaceutical production rules and therefore are of excellent quality. We seek to realise all production steps by ourselves in order to have the best possible control on each single step, and to achieve the highest quality.
Principally, our products are treated most carefully during each production step in order to maintain all the valuable ingredients.
Who counts on quality has to be prepared to check the own work on a regular basis. Therefore, Salus has created an extensive quality assurance system, every product has to pass.
The Salus own laboratory uses most modern methods of analysis for quality control of raw materials and products. It guarantees that the active ingredient contents required by the European Pharmacopoeia are met for all medicinal products of the company. Every product batch no matter whether food or medicinal product is extensively tested, partly even far beyond the legal requirements.
"Quality is the most important thing. We purchase only the best herbs and raw materials one can get, so we will be always on top", says Otto Greither, Salus managing director. "Therefore, we will continue to invest in our own research, so we can analyse everything, no matter whether cultivated by ourselves or from wild collection: it has to be analysed in the laboratory."
At Salus a team of scientists and laboratory technicians works on the market authorisations and quality controls. "The scope of analyses has changed by far during the past years", states Dr. Hagen Albert. The head of the scientific department points out that the extent of the analyses per year has increased between 2010 and 2015 from 7.000 to 11.000. "We have to have a much closer look on the samples", he explains. Environmental toxins as mycotoxins, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or pyrrolizidine alkaloids have come more and more into the focus of the quality assurers.
The scientific department already takes part in the selection of suppliers and raw materials. The quality control during production is realised in five steps:
The human being is part of nature. If we hurt nature, we hurt ourselves. The very own interest of Salus is therefore to avoid negative effects of the products to the environment, or – if this is not possible – to keep them as low as possible.
The Salus group set itself 13 environmental guidelines, to which all Salus employees commit. Moreover, we introduced a comprehensive environmental management system (EMAS) comprising all company areas – from purchasing to production and shipment of the products. Salus has been participating in this eco-audit since 1996 as first company in the health food sector and was even able to improve its high environment standards. EMAS is more than a management system, because it is performance oriented. The company should improve beyond the legal requirements regarding environmental issues. Therefore concrete aims and measures are stipulated in a so-called environment programme and the implementation is controlled.
Every three years we publish an environment report indicating all actions and data regarding the environment and our ecobalance:
Being a role model regarding environmental protection, Salus joined the "Climate Protection and Energy Efficiency Group of the German Economy e.V." in 2014. Salus is now one of the 28 first companies in Germany which were welcomed as members by experts of the German ministry of the environment, German ministry of economy and the association of the German chambers of industry and commerce.
In 2000 Salus was one of the first subscribers of the project "Medicine and endangered species conservation" of the foundation World Wildlife Fund WWF. The purpose of the project is to take only that many wild growing healing plants from the soil that does not endanger their existence. In 2003 the WWF together with the magazine Capital awarded Otto Greither with the title "eco-manager of the year". In 1999 our environmental officer and technical factory director Thomas Günther was awarded the environment prize by the Bundesdeutscher Arbeitskreis für Umweltbewusstes Management - B.A.U.M. (German environmental management association), honouring his achievements for preventive environmental protection in the company group.
Since its foundation the Salus group is dedicated to health and well-being. The preservation and careful use of our environment is to us the most important precondition. We therefore aim to manage our products and their production and control in a process of continuous improvement, so that environmental harm can be avoided or minimized as much as possible.
To meet our ecological responsibilities we undertake to observe the following environmental guidelines.
Setting an example: in 2014 Salus became a member of the "Climate Protection and Energy Efficiency Group of the German Economy" ("Klimaschutz- und Energieeffizienzgruppe der Deutschen Wirtschaft e.V.").
Only those companies form part of the Excellence Initiative, which set examples regarding climate protection and energy efficiency. As cross-industrial association of German companies of all sizes, Climate-Protection Companies show examples to optimize the use of energy and for climate protection. As role models in the ambit of climate protection they reduce their CO2 emissions and demonstrate: climate protection pays off.
The members of the association are especially committed companies, which are scrutinized and recommended by a board of experts, e.g. the German ministry of the environment, German ministry of economy and the association of the German chambers of industry and commerce.
As "green company" Salus fits in well into this circle, as environment and climate protection have been playing an important role since the foundation of the company in 1916. We have been awarded because many climate protection measures have already been implemented.
The Salus group introduced a comprehensive eco-management system comprising all sectors – from purchasing and production to dispatch.
The eco-management system EMAS is built on the requirements of the EC regulation No. 1221/2009 (EMAS III, Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) and the international norm DIN EN ISO 14001 and is regularly controlled by an independent government-approved environmental verifier (Envizert).
EMAS is more than a mere management system; EMAS is performance oriented: the company should improve beyond the environmental law requirements. Therefore a so-called environment programme stipulates concrete targets and measures, and the implementation is controlled.
Every three years we publish an environmental report, indicating all actions and data regarding the environment, e.g. use of resources and energy, emissions and waste.
Salus has been taking part in the eco-audit since 1996, as the first company in the German health food sector, and could therefore further improve its high standards in environmental protection.
Literally translated biodiversity means "variety of life". The preservation and sustainable use of biodiversity is an important basis for human well-being. However, biodiversity is endangered on a global scale.
As manufacturer of natural medicinal products Salus depends on biodiversity and intact eco-systems. We see our responsibilities from the biodiversity convention held in Rio de Janeiro:
Very close to the Salus company premises in Bruckmühl, Upper Bavaria, at the banks of the idyllic river Mangfall, there is the Salus alluvial forest biotope.
Salus owner Otto Greither bought the alluvial forest area in 1995 and made it his task to maintain one of the last natural alluvial forests in the region for posterity. A varied nature trail leads through the forest with its numerous animal and plant species. Off the trails, nature is mostly undisturbed and represents a safe haven for animals and plants. Fallen trees are left on the ground and become an important habitat for insects and mushrooms.
In order to take care of the 6000 visitors per year, a FÖJ position (voluntary ecological year) was especially created. Close to the biotope there is the nature museum of the community. Otto Greither donated the building, which was constructed from wood in harmony with nature, to the community Bruckmühl.
Being a medium-size company we are conscious of our social responsibility. We understand that a sustainable orientation of the company is only possible if the focus lies not only on economic and ecologic aspects but also on socially responsible action.
As our cells convert food into energy, they create by-products called ‘reactive oxidant species’ or ‘pro-oxidants’.
Pro-oxidants are also made when the body is exposed to toxins, UV radiation, infection, and inflammation. These pro-oxidants can damage our DNA, organs, and tissues1. Basically, when the body is challenged, injured, or burdened in any way, it makes dangerous pro-oxidants that have the potential to cause long term damage and disease.
Luckily, our bodies havecompounds called antioxidants that neutralize the pro-oxidants and heal the damage they may have caused. This microscopic balancing act between damage and repairusing pro-oxidants and antioxidants is called redox balance1.
It can be challenging for the body to keep up with the demand for antioxidants because we are continually inhaling pollution, putting toxins on our skin, eating processed food, and doing hundreds of other actions that create pro-oxidants in the body.If our defences fall behind, we become vulnerable to damage from oxidative stress caused by pro-oxidants. Oxidative stress plays a role in most chronic health conditions, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and asthma2. The more antioxidants we have, the better equipped we are to win the ongoing redox battle against oxidative stress.
An antioxidant is anything that can neutralize andclean up the mess caused by pro-oxidants. These include vitamins like A, C and E, detoxifiers in the liver like glutathione, and compounds from plants like flavonoids and phenols1,2. We get most of our antioxidants from vegetables, as well as some from fruits, spices, herbs and proteins1.
Tips for Boosting Antioxidants
OUR OFFERINGS WITH ANTIOXIDANTS
2. IMMUNE VF1 INC. COLD AND FLU FORMULA
3. HARMONIC ART BIO-SHIELD TINCTURE
4. RASA AYURVEDA MIGHTY MAN POTION
5. HARMONIC ARTS 5 MUSHROOM BLEND
6. RASA AYURVEDA LIVER SCRUB POTION
7. RASA AYURVEDA HIGHER WISDOM POTION
8. RASA AYURVEDA WILD WOMAN POTION
9. RASA AYURVEDA ADAPT TO LIFE POTION
10. RASA AYURVEDA STONG BONES POTION
11. RASA AYURVEDA SKIN PURGE POTION
12. RASA AYURVEDA NIGHTY NIGHT POTION
13. BOREAL FOLK HUCKLEBERRY LIP BUTTER
14. BOREAL FOLK WILD MINT LIP BUTTER
15. UNWRAPPED LIFE STIMULATOR SHAMPOO + CONDITIONER BARS
16. BOREAL FOLK WILD MOUNTAIN BATH SOAK
17. THE WILLOW'S BARK FLOWER & FRUIT FACIAL SERUM
REFERENCES
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THE HARMONIC ARTS' DIFFERENCEThe health of our customers, community and planet is at the heart of what we do. Each day, we align with our core values to continuously improve our business practices and make sustainable, forward-looking choices that minimize our impact on the environment.Learn more about Harmonic Arts' positive environmental and social impact in our 2020 Impact Report. VIEW OUR LINE OF HARMONIC ARTS OFFERINGS |
SOURCING: Our ingredients are ethically sourced from a diverse range of partners: from organic farmers to wild foragers. Our commitment to organic sourcing takes us to every corner of the planet to bring you top-quality, medicinally potent herbs. |
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QUALITY: At Harmonic Arts, we maintain rigorous purity and quality standards. From forest and field all the way to you, our herbs are tested for purity and potency to ensure you receive the best of what nature has to offer. |
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HERBALIST FORMULATED: Crafted in small batches with Organic and Wild-harvested herbs for guaranteed potency, Harmonic Arts products are intentionally formulated by clinical herbalists with whole-body balance in mind. |
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EARTH FRIENDLY: As an industry leader in sustainable business, 76% of our packaging is fully compostable or recyclable. We're active members of 1% For The Planet and have donated over $37,000 to forest conservation to date. |
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COMMUNITY: We are dedicated to making a positive impact on our local community. Each year, we sponsor or donate a percentage of our profits to community-empowering initiatives that benefit environmental and social equity. |
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At Harmonic Arts, our people are our strength. To us, our staff are more than employees - they are family and the embodiment of our collective mission. While not every member of our team is pictured below, each Harmonic Arts employee plays a vital role in maintaining the purity and integrity of our products and upholding our core values. | ||
Brought to you by Harmonic Arts!
Cold and flu season is here, and fortifying immunity is at the top of everyone’s mind. Learn how to support your family's well-being with immune-strengthening herbs and mushrooms.
Join Yarrow Willard Cl.H. (The Herbal Jedi) in exploring the top herbs and best practices to fight off pathogens and build deep immunity- naturally.
In this webinar, you’ll learn:
• How your body’s immune system works
• The top herbs for supporting immunity and resilience
• Herbal tinctures for immunity: Dosage, safety, and best practices
• How to add herbal tinctures, syrups and mushrooms to your daily routine
Explore our collection of Harmonic Arts Herbal Tinctures, Medicinal Syrups and Functional Mushrooms:
https://thepalebluedotshop.com/collections/harmonic-arts-apothecary
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Hear-ye! Cannon St. Soap Co. Proudly Presents our trusted and true Liquid Castile Soap! Inspired by millenia old traditional recipes and perfected by our team’s craftsmen.
Castile soap is one of the oldest known soaps, yet continues to innovate the way we clean our homes today! This simple all-natural soap will revolutionize your cleaning!
Cannon St. Castile Soap’s versatility is what makes it so incredible. Use it to clean practically anything - from your tub to your teeth (yea, it tastes like soap), shampoo, body wash, hand soap, countertop cleaner, dish soap and much, much more.
Here's how to use Cannon St. Castile Soap to keep your home and more clean!
Lets start with the big one!!
LAUNDRY
What You Will Need:
2 Cups of Hot Water
1 Cup of Baking Soda
1/3 Cup of Salt
1 Cup of Castile Soap
*optional* 10 Drops of Essential Oil (lavender is popular)
Combine two cups of warm water, 1 cup of baking soda and 1/3 cup of salt in a gallon jug. You can use an old rinsed out laundry jug if you like. Make sure the lid is placed securely on the jug and shake well.
NOTE…the ingredients will separate. No need for them to dissolve together. Because chemicals are left out of this recipe, they have no bonding agent. Just give it a shake each time before using.
For each load of laundry, use 1/4 cup of this detergent! Clothes come out smelling wonderful and super clean! This mixture doesn’t suds much, making it perfectly safe for HE washers as well! Remember to shake well before each use!
SELF CARE:
Face: 2-3 drops on wet hands, applied to wet face (Add to a small pump bottle)
Body: A few dr on a wet washcloth, applied to a wet body (add to a small pump bottle)
Hair: 1⁄2 Tbsp. in your hand, worked into wet hair, or dilute 1⁄2 Tbsp. in 1⁄2 a cup of water and work that into wet hair
Bath: Completely depends upon water amount, but roughly 2 Tbsp. soap in an average sized tub. (Doesn’t bubble, but still cleans). Add Pure Essential OIls for aromatic effect, and our Bath Salts for detoxification.
Castile can be used with our Bathtub Brush to clean the tub after bath too!
Shaving: Face – 10 drops; Underarms – 3 drops; Legs – 1⁄2 tsp; Work to a lather in wet hands and then apply to area. Check out our Stainless Steel Safey Razor and shave down on waste!
Teeth: 1 drop on a toothbrush. (Yes, it tastes like soap.)
Foot Bath: 11⁄2 tsp. in a small tub of hot water. Add some Pure Essential Oils or Bath Soak :)
OTHER USES:
Fruit and Veggie Rinse: 1 dash (approx.. 1⁄4 tsp.) in a bowl of water. Dunk produce and swish. Then rinse in clear water. Pairs well with our awesome vegetable cleaning tools: Root Brush (for root vegetables) and Mushroom Brush (great for soft-skinned fruit abd veg),
Dog Washing: Amount varies widely depending on size, hair type and length, and overall dirtiness. Wet your pup thoroughly, then start to work in castile soap up and down their body until you have a good lather. Really massage it in down to the skin. Your dog will thank you for it.
HOUSEHOLD CARE:
Dishes (handwashing): Pre-dilute 1:10 with water in a pump bottle or bottle with dispensing top. Apply soap mixture on a dish scrub brush or cloth and scrub dishes.
Mopping: 1⁄2 c. of soap in 3 gallons of hot water
All-purpose cleaning: 1:10 castile to water in a spray bottle. Add 1⁄4 tsp. (15-20 drops) pure essential oil (Popular: Tea Tree, Lemon, Germ Fighter, Sweet Orange, or whatever others you prefer).
Windows: 1 Tbsp. castile soap in a quart of water in a spray bottle. Follow up with pure club soda, or half vinegar/ half water.
Toilet: Pre-dilute castile soap 1:4 with water in a spray bottle. Add 1⁄4 tsp. tea tree essential oil. Empty toilet, spray bowl thoroughly, sprinkle baking soda on the brush, scrub bowl, let sit 10 minutes, turn water on, flush.
Cannon St. Castile Soap! More with Less!
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Essential Oils of plants can be a beautiful addition to our workdays, helping us combat restlessness, lack of focus, stress, anxiousness, and the wandering of the mind.
Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways. They can be diffused with a nebulizer/diffuser, diffused passively (on our clothing or wearable stones), or used topically (diluted in a carrier oil and applied to the skin).
Here are nine essential oils to help your workday along.
1. Germ Fighter Blend
Grounding + Uplifting
Our Organic Germ Fighter Blend is jam packed with everything you need to fight off outside threats. Contains the 100% pure, undiluted USDA Certified Organic essential oils of Lemon, Clove Bud, Eucalyptus Globulus, Cinnamon Cassia, and Rosemary 1,8-Cineole. Organic Germ Fighter is a Pale Blue Dot favourite and for good reason; it does its job and will continue to support a healthy immune system by helping your body get back to its natural state from the seasonal threats that have you down.
2. Lemongrass
Awake + Aware
Lemongrass is known as being a helpful addition to outdoor sprays. It is refreshing and deodorizing when diffused, as well as being uplifting to the spirit. It can also be added, well-diluted, to a carrier oil to boost circulation, bringing warmth to overused muscles and joints.
3. Rosemary
Promote productivity + Concentration
Uplifting + Stimulates Mind and Memory
Our Organic Rosemary 1,8-Cineole is stimulating, warming and refreshing and can be used to help boost memory retention and staying alert. It has many skin care applications, including adding to a shampoo to aid in maintaining a healthy scalp and lustrous hair. When diffused, Organic Rosemary 1,8-Cineole can also be helpful as a respiratory support oil.
4. Blues Buster Blend
Uplifting +
The effect of scent on our moods has been well-documented scientifically. The smell of something familiar or comforting often results in an improved mood. People around us seem friendlier, colors look brighter, music sounds sweeter! It doesn’t take much to move that subtle switch from negative to positive. Our Blues Buster Essential Oil Blend is formulated with bright, cheerful Tangerine, Pink Grapefruit, and soothing Bourbon Geranium to increase your sense of emotional well-being. Blues Busters is excellent for diffusion or a personal aromatherapy inhaler. It can also make a great addition to body care or massage products when diluted in a carrier oil to 4%.
Also available in diluted Roll On
5. Clary Sage
Balancing + Calming
Clary Sage is extracted using steam distillation from the leaves and flowering tops of the Clary Sage plant to create an essential oil that is 100% pure with absolutely no additives or fillers. This favorite amongst oil users is a go-to when it comes to women’s issues. To help relieve the issues brought on by a normal woman's menstrual cycle, Clary Sage can be used topically with a carrier oil at a 2-5% ratio, or diffused to create a balancing atmosphere. The wonderful aroma of Clary Sage is very earthy and has hints that are fruity, floral, nutty, and herbaceous. This very soothing aroma is the key blend that helps create an atmosphere that is balancing and calming when emotions are rampant.
6. Ylang Ylang
Calming + Uplifting
In the language of the Malay people, Ylang Ylang means "flower of flowers". The gorgeous blossoms of the Ylang-Ylang Tree bring to mind visions of the South Pacific. Ylang Ylang Complete is probably best known as an aphrodisiac. When diffused, it can help reduce worry, calm the mind, and help uplift mood. Add to a carrier oil for a romantic massage.
7. Lavender
Lavender is perhaps the most well-known of the essential oils and for good reason. Lavender essential oil is renowned for its many beneficial properties, including promoting calm, relaxation, and being a nervous tension reliever. It can also be added to a carrier oil to help reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles and help soothe alterations in skin integrity, such as during sun exposure or a minor cooking burn.
8. Lemon
Uplifting + Boosting
Lemon is one of the most easily recognized oils because of its refreshing, energizing and uplifting scent. It can help support a healthy immune system and is also frequently added to spray cleaners.
9. Vetiver
Stress Easer
Organic Vetiver is a root oil that is jam packed with therapeutic properties. This oil is known for its abilities to promote relaxation and balance. Organic Vetiver is very popular to use before bedtime to help calm the mind. It has a very strong aroma that has an earthy, woodsy, smoky scent, but is pleasant to the senses.
A perfect lightweight solution for packing lunches!
We have both Beeswax and Vegan Food Wraps available at The Dot!
Earthology is a Hamilton based food wrap offering a vegan alternative to the well known beeswax food wrap!
Abeego is Canada’s original beeswax food wrap maker!\
All of our food wrap is available in multiple sizes!
Variety Packs are our most popular.
Pure Coconut Wax Based Candles or Pure Beeswax Candles
Our Ontario Made Fenwick Candles are 100% natural, Soy Free and scented with 100% Pure Essential Oils. Formulated by a team passionate about Aromatherapy.
Also available are our Canadian and Locally Made Pure Beeswax Candles.
A beautiful gift… unless your co-workers are firefighters… ;)
In which case, may be suggest essential oils for diffusing?
A perfectly designed. compact brush for keeping your workstation tidy and cleanly.
The laptop brush offers two brushes in one - A soft bristle for your screen, and a sturdier bristle for your keyboard.
Single-use sticker-sheet lint rollers, look out!! There’s a new lint brush in Steeltown!
Made of wood + natural rubber, this brush works because of the friction between the natural rubber and the textile you’re using it on. When the two materials rub together a static charge is built up (due to electrons passing passing back and forth), drawing lint and hair to the rubber teeth.
Science, baby. 😎
To release the lint from the brush, simply rinse the rubber teeth under the tap.
Our To Go Wear is comprised of a bamboo fork, knife, spoon, and chopsticks in a pouch made of recycled water bottles complete with a convenient carabiner
We have a large selection of great stainless steel containers.
Perfect for leftovers and lunches
Two of our most popular styles are the Divided Container and the 2-tier container.
These stainless steel containers pair well with our bamboo To Go Ware, Sporks, insulated water bottles, and Joco Mugs
Short List: Red pepper jelly, local jams, maple butter, maple mustard, spreadable mustard pickles, curries rhubarb chutney, and SO much more!
Check out our Pantry section.
Drawing on her life as an indigenous scientist, a mother, and a woman, Kimmerer shows how other living beings—asters and goldenrod, strawberries and squash, salamanders, algae, and sweetgrass—offer us gifts and lessons, even if we’ve forgotten how to hear their voices. In a rich braid of reflections that range from the creation of Turtle Island to the forces that threaten its flourishing today, she circles toward a central argument: that the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings will we be capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learn to give our own gifts in return.
Elizabeth Gilbert, beloved author, digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work, embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.
“Cause everyone needs soap!
All of our soaps in shop are vegan friendly
Here's our most popular:
Creamy Coconut
Magically Moisturizing
Cleopatra's Secret
Salt of the Earth
Cedar + Spruce
Nettle + Mint
Great for diffusing while working. (Either in a diffusing or passively on clothing wearable stones. etc.)
Oils for the Work Day
Germ Fighter Blend
Grounding + Uplifting
Our Organic Germ Fighter Blend is jam packed with everything you need to fight off outside threats. Contains the 100% pure, undiluted USDA Certified Organic essential oils of Lemon, Clove Bud, Eucalyptus Globulus, Cinnamon Cassia, and Rosemary 1,8-Cineole. Organic Germ Fighter is a Pale Blue Dot favourite and for good reason; it does its job and will continue to support a healthy immune system by helping your body get back to its natural state from the seasonal threats that have you down.
Lemongrass
Awake + Aware
Lemongrass is known as being a helpful addition to outdoor sprays. It is refreshing and deodorizing when diffused, as well as being uplifting to the spirit. It can also be added, well-diluted, to a carrier oil to boost circulation, bringing warmth to overused muscles and joints.
Rosemary
Promote productivity + Concentration
Uplifting + Stimulates Mind and Memory
Our Organic Rosemary 1,8-Cineole is stimulating, warming and refreshing and can be used to help boost memory retention and staying alert. It has many skin care applications, including adding to a shampoo to aid in maintaining a healthy scalp and lustrous hair. When diffused, Organic Rosemary 1,8-Cineole can also be helpful as a respiratory support oil.
Blues Buster Blend
Uplifting +
The effect of scent on our moods has been well-documented scientifically. The smell of something familiar or comforting often results in an improved mood. People around us seem friendlier, colors look brighter, music sounds sweeter! It doesn’t take much to move that subtle switch from negative to positive. Our Blues Buster Essential Oil Blend is formulated with bright, cheerful Tangerine, Pink Grapefruit, and soothing Bourbon Geranium to increase your sense of emotional well-being. Blues Busters is excellent for diffusion or a personal aromatherapy inhaler. It can also make a great addition to body care or massage products when diluted in a carrier oil to 4%.
Also available in diluted Roll On
Clary Sage
Balancing + Calming
Clary Sage is extracted using steam distillation from the leaves and flowering tops of the Clary Sage plant to create an essential oil that is 100% pure with absolutely no additives or fillers. This favorite amongst oil users is a go-to when it comes to women’s issues. To help relieve the issues brought on by a normal woman's menstrual cycle, Clary Sage can be used topically with a carrier oil at a 2-5% ratio, or diffused to create a balancing atmosphere. The wonderful aroma of Clary Sage is very earthy and has hints that are fruity, floral, nutty, and herbaceous. This very soothing aroma is the key blend that helps create an atmosphere that is balancing and calming when emotions are rampant.
Ylang Ylang
Calming + Uplifting
In the language of the Malay people, Ylang Ylang means "flower of flowers". The gorgeous blossoms of the Ylang-Ylang Tree bring to mind visions of the South Pacific. Ylang Ylang Complete is probably best known as an aphrodisiac. When diffused, it can help reduce worry, calm the mind, and help uplift mood. Add to a carrier oil for a romantic massage.
Lavender
Lavender is perhaps the most well-known of the essential oils and for good reason. Lavender essential oil is renowned for its many beneficial properties, including promoting calm, relaxation, and being a nervous tension reliever. It can also be added to a carrier oil to help reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles and help soothe alterations in skin integrity, such as during sun exposure or a minor cooking burn.
Lemon
Uplifting + Boosting
Lemon is one of the most easily recognized oils because of its refreshing, energizing and uplifting scent. It can help support a healthy immune system and is also frequently added to spray cleaners.
Vetiver
Stress Easer
Organic Vetiver is a root oil that is jam packed with therapeutic properties. This oil is known for its abilities to promote relaxation and balance. Organic Vetiver is very popular to use before bedtime to help calm the mind. It has a very strong aroma that has an earthy, woodsy, smoky scent, but is pleasant to the senses.
Tulsi Herbal Chai
Tulsi Cleanse and Clarify
Kapha Uplifting Tea
Pitta Soothing Tea
Vata Calming Tea
Ayurveda Cacao
Ayurveda Coffee
Golden Mylk
As exciting as sowing seeds is, there are a few steps before planing that can be very beneficial for your future vegetable garden.
If you haven't already, check out part one of this garden planning series here
Now that you have a better understanding of your space it’s time to make your planting list!
Start with a wishlist and then narrow it down by selecting plants that thrive in the growing conditions you have to offer.
Related:
Growing Plants in Partial Shade
Growing Plants in Full Sun
Getting to Know your Growing Space
Once you have a good list started, it’s time for a little speed dating with each plant. Get to know ‘em a little bit better! Ask them the important questions - That is to say. Ask a book or jeeves or whatever search engine you use :)
Here are some examples of good questions to ask:
Questions? Thoughts? Pop ‘em in the comments below!
Y’all come on back now, ya hear?
Love to you, dear ones!
Happy day
Mary
Dear ones, do not despair ! There are many plants that fare well in partial shade or sun conditions and some that even do better than in full sun (ex. leafy greens)!
Before we get to our list, let's do our best to address the difference between the terms “partial sun” and “partial shade” (‘Cause they’re not the same thing apparently).
You’ll find these terms on seed packets and tags at plant centers, and it definitely won’t hurt to know a bit more about their meanings.
[Little bits of information like this always reminds me that gardening is truly a science. - It also reminds me that there will never be a shortage of things to learn.(INTO IT) okay back to these terms...]
“Partial Sun” refers to plants that need at least four hours of sun per day, but often thrive with up to about 6 houts of direct sunlight a day, (So basically they cooould handle more sunlight than stated on the tag or package but not much more)
“Partial Shade” typically means that the plant would do best with four to six hours of sunlight, but no more,
Alright, now that we got that confusion out of the way… Let’s list out a few plants that are total troopers when it comes to a shady yard!
Chives
Sorrell
Cilantro
Garlic
Mint
Oregano
Lemon Balm
Parsley
Stinging Nettles
Spinach
Green Onions
Mesclun
Mustard Greens
Lettuce
Kale
Collards
Bok Choi
Pak Choi
Komatsuna
Tatson
Chard
Arugula
Endive
Watercress
Plants that Will *Tolerate* Partial Shade:
Peas and beans
Brussels Sprouts
Winter Squash
Root Vegetables
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Cabbage
My best advice is to really get to know your growing space. Form a relationship with your yard (or deck or balcony) as you observe the sun throughout the day. Let this space be your second home. Know it well. Set up a nook that you can enjoy everyday.
Read up on each plant you’re hoping to incorporate into your garden. Know what they like. Think of your plants as good friends, and do what you can to make those sweeties nice and comfy!
“Mmm, dappled sunlight!” said the lettuce joyously.
Thanks for tuning in! Hope you learned something new today!
Check out these resources for more information on planting in partial shade/sun:
https://growagoodlife.com/vegetables-that-grow-in-shade/
https://www.ecohome.net/guides/2295/growing-vegetables-in-the-shade/
https://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/28-vegetables-that-grow-in-partial-shade#ixzz6nLokAIcH]]>When I founded and opened The Pale Blue Dot I was 24 years old. I am so incredibly grateful to the goodhearted strong women who have inspired me to be the creator and entrepreneur I am today.
My vision for The Pale Blue Dot and the ability to bring it to life, are possible thanks to the beautiful women on my team, Pamela and Nancy (BLESS YOU TWO), as well as the incredible people behind the brands The Pale Blue Dot is HONOURED to offer.
Today we’re highlighting 7 beloved Female Owned and Operated Brands offered at The Pale Blue Dot!
I do not know all of these women personally, but in some capacity, I feel like i do - and I am SO. dang, proud of them all. These women are pushing the limits for the love of the Earth and people, making this world a beautiful place with their individual missions. Whether it be offering goods that support your low-waste journey, creations that make you stop and appreciate the splendor of this planet, or intentional skin and body care for optimal wellness.
I speak for myself, and I’m sure many others when I say “THANK YOU” for bringing forth your offerings. Through your endless hard work. passion, good nature, and *hard work* you are making a difference in this world.
Handcrafted Jewellery Inspired by The Mexican Desert
Megan Briggs
Neblina + Noche's roots lie in terracotta soil, on a small farm, in the Mexican desert.
Megan’s creations are inspired by the years she spent living immersed in nature, completely off-grid, in an 150 year old adobe farmhouse in the small village of Santa Rosa, Mexico. Two beautiful years surrounded by wise old oak trees, drinking water from the fresh water spring that lay in the river in-front of the house, eating homegrown food from their garden, connecting with herself and with nature and with this new way of life.
Everything Megan creates is a reflection of the beauty of the place that held her so graciously, that taught her who she was and helped her become closer to herself, the earth and her path. From the dreamy terracotta colouring, to the graceful arched shapes, everything Megan makes is intended to capture the essence of Mexico and all of it's rustic elegance.
Shop Neblina + Noche
Follow Neblina + Noche
Wild Woven Collection was founded in November of 2018, just a few short months after Christine & Katelyn serendipitously met at a pop-up in Toronto. The ladies began chatting about natural dyes and the pretty pink tones that avocado pits release when simmered. Shortly after, the two decided to meet for coffee and the idea of a collaboration was born. Wild Woven began with their stunning tea towel sets which are truly modern heirlooms for the home. Christine & Katelyn are continuously learning, experimenting, expanding and collaborating, fueled by their passion for sharing naturally-dyed textiles with the world.
Keep an eye out for Wild Woven hosted workshops and pop-ups by following them on social media!
Ayurvedic Apothecary and Wellness
Created by: Tiffany Nicolson Smith
With such an intricate and important craft, there it a lot to share about this beautiful company based out of Peterborough Ontario
Founded by Tiffany Nicolson Smith, and stewarded by herself and The Lovely Lisa - Every item in the RASA Ayurveda Apothecary Line has undergone a loving, conscious conception to find its way to birth.
“We yearn to see a world where more businesses offer what is needed while at the same time honoring the land and our home. For that reason, we are in an ongoing effort to make every area of RASA eco-conscious and exemplary. It is our heartfelt longing to step minimally on this earth and to ensure that her bounty is abundant for generations." - Rasa Ayurveda
Shop RASA Ayurveda
Follow RASA Ayurveda on Instagram
Wildcrafted Apothecary Line
Created by: Nadine McCallen
The Willow's Bark Apothecary makes wildcrafted, organic skincare, makeup, soap, herbal remedies, tea, tinctures, and syrups. Located in Peterbourough Ontario.
Everything crafted in the willow's bark studio is produced by hand in small batches with quality in mind. Willow’s Bark only uses certified organic ingredients, or ethically wildcrafted ingredients. as well, their entire studio is 100% cruelty-free, gluten-free, free of artificial scents & colors, and free of endocrine disruptors such as phthalates, bpa, & bcb’s.
Nadine sources her ingredients locally first and foremost, and then extends her reach a bit further for a few sacred additions to their formulas.
The Willow’s Bark team are foragers at heart; they use unadulterated, wild and home-grown plant extracts, as the foundation for everything they create in the studio, to maintain & boost the therapeutic qualities of their products and to bring awareness to the power & beauty of nature in their own backyards. they harvest them by hand with the greatest care to ensure that every flower, weed, and root maintains its nutritional integrity, and that every natural habitat remains undisturbed and preserved.
All of Willow’s Bark bottles and jars are made out of recyclable amber glass, tin, and kraft paper. Amber glass provides the best protection from uv light, giving the products more longevity without leaning on the use of synthetic preservatives.
The Willow’s Bark Promise:
“You can be assured that there is absolutely no fillers, parabens, petroleum, sodium laureth sulfate, coal tar dyes, formaldehyde, or artificial colors or perfumes in anything that we make.”
The Willow's Bark uses 100% pure, unrefined, organic essential oils, organic butters, and organic carrier oils in their products.
Their bee products (wax, propolis, & honey) are harvested locally by a humane, backyard bee farmer.
Shop The Willow’s Bark Line
Follow The Willow’s Bark
LEKKO life goods was born out of Zuzzanna’s personal journey towards a more simple, zero waste lifestyle. Every product solves a problem that she had encountered along the way, from opting for bento bags over jars whenever possible to avoid the extra weight, creating a way to easily bring cutlery and a straw wherever she went, to keeping her capsule wardrobe clean after a day of...living.
To minimize waste, LEKKO has a lean production process where all goods are sewn to order. In doing this, they keep their company’s waste to a minimum and it allows them to be more intentional with their creation processes.
Shop LEKKO and Pre-order
Follow LEKKO on Instagram
Arden Teasdale and Allison Teasdale
Calgary-based
Unwrapped Life is an eco-friendly lifestyle brand that is offering far more than just “paraben-free” products - They revolutionized the shampoo and conditioner bar game! Salon-grade hair and body products without the plastic. Formulated for all hair goals, with healing ingredients derived from the earth. Plastic Free and Vegan/
Created by: Naige and Pippa Blair
Routine deodorant is ethically crafted with natural, wholesome ingredients and using low-waste packaging, this clean and effective product is favourite at The Pale Blue Dot!
Basically, the most effective natural deodorant ever made…
Tested on friends, never animals.
routine’s effectiveness and commitment to maintain a deep connection to local community has resulted in a word of mouth, sought after destination product with a loyal fan following. Ethically crafted with the health of the planet and its roommates as priority, routine was created by sisters Neige and Pippa at the base of the Rocky Mountains in beautiful Calgary, Canada.
routine. is and will always be manufactured in Canada.
routine.contains only clean, wholesome ingredients. No nasty aluminum zirconium, aluminum chlorohydrate, parabens, triclosan, or propylene glycol “because we love all the people and why would we put that in anyone’s products!?” say Naige + Pippa
routine is applied with your clean fingers (or a tiny, clean spoon if you’d prefer). This alternative application method eliminates the possibility for the bacteria from your armpits to contaminate the product (as opposed to the conventional stick method) in turn, making it effective to the very bottom of the jar. Hooray!
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...Knowing this information can help you decide which plants to bring into your garden, and it will give you a better idea of the best layout.
]]>As exciting as sowing seeds is, there are a few steps before planing that can be very beneficial for your future vegetable garden.
The first step is really getting to know your growing space,
Before you begin anything, take some time to get to know your growing space. Where does the sunlight fall? How does the sun move across your space throughout the day? What type of soil are you working with? What is the elevation of your growing space? Are there high and low points on your land? What growing zone are you in?
Knowing this information can help you decide which plants to bring into your garden, and it will give you a better idea of the best layout.
Knowing whether your soil type is clay, sand, silt, loam, peat or chalk will help you choose the right plants for your garden and maintain them in good health.
To determine the soil composition in your growing space, examine the soil texture by rubbing a moist (not wet) sample between your forefinger and thumb or by firmly squeezing a moist soil sample in your hand.
Clay soil is sticky and will easily hold its shape. It is easily rolled into a loaf shape and can be smoothed to a shiny finish by rubbing with a finger. If is it not a heavy clay it won’t get quite as shiny or be as easy to roll into a loaf.
Sandy soil has a gritty element – you can feel sand grains within it, and it falls through your fingers. It cannot be rolled to make a loaf shape. If it is not a coarse sand and perhaps a sandy loam it may stick together better
Loams are comprised of clay, sand and silt that avoid the extremes of clay or sandy soils and are fertile, well-drained and easily worked. They can be clay-loam or sandy-loam depending on their predominant composition and cultivation characteristics. (This is generally what we’re aiming for).
Pure silt soils are rare, especially in gardens. They have a slightly soapy, slippery texture, and do not clump easily
Chalky or limerick soils may be light or heavy, but are largely made up of calcium carbonate and are very alkaline. If soil froths when placed in a jar of vinegar, then it contains free calcium carbonate (chalk) or limestone and is lime rich.
Another important aspect of soil type is the pH (acidity or alkalinity). This will also affect the type of plants you can grow and how you manage your soil.
Now that you know what type of soil you have, you can start to work with it.
Clay Soil
It retains moisture and nutrients, but has poor drainage and can impede root penetration when too compact or dry.To improve soil that is heavily clay based, add soil from your compost and perhaps even some sand. This will break down the clay into smaller pieces, not only improving drainage, but making the nutrients in the clay more readily available for your plants.
Sandy Soil
This soil type is usually low in nutrients, and lose water quickly due to it being free-draining. By adding organic matter (compost), you will increase the nutrients and boost the water holding capacity of your soil. You may also consider using compost tea as a fertilizer to give your plants and extra boost of nutrients in this case.
Silt Soils
These soils are composed of fine particles which are easily compacted. They contain more nutrients than sandy soil and hold more water so tend to be more fertile, however, adding compost can help improve growing conditions as well.
Loams
The gardeners best friend. This soil is considered the perfect balance of all soil particle types. However, adding organic matter/compost regularly is necessary as your plants absorb and deplete the nutrients from the soil.
Chalky Soils
Chalky or Limestone rich soils are alkaline. They are tricky to remediate so it is best to opt for plants that will thrive in alkaline conditions.
You may also want to consider the elevation and drainage of your growing space. Plants that require a lot of water would fare well at the bottom of a slop, where plants that like more drainage will prefer higher scapes. You can manually obtain this by creating micro hills and valleys.
One does not have to get too caught up in this when just starting out, however, it can be extremely beneficial when it comes to water conservation.
The lymphatic or lymph system involves an extensive network of vessels that passes through almost all our tissues to allow for the movement of a fluid called lymph. Lymph circulates through the body in a similar way to blood.
There are about 600 lymph nodes in the body. These nodes swell in response to infection, due to a build-up of lymph fluid, bacteria, or other organisms and immune system cells.
A person with a throat infection, for example, may feel that their "glands" are swollen. Swollen glands can be felt especially under the jaw, in the armpits, or in the groin area. These are, in fact, not glands but lymph nodes.
The lymph nodes swell in response to infection, due to a build-up of lymph fluid, bacteria, or other organisms and immune system cells.
Think of the lymphatic system as your own personal toxic waste system. When it’s working properly, toxins are filtered out through your lymph system and out through your sweat! This is one of the reasons why it’s important to stop wearing antiperspirant / non natural deodorants. Your underarms are one of the main locations for toxins being drained from your body. It’s important to support this system by using natural deodorants that do not disrupt the process.
But what do these brushes have to do with any of this? Something you may have heard of in the past few years .. Dry Brushing.
What exactly is dry brushing?
Basically, dry brushing is… pretty much just what it sounds like. You take a body brush (look for one with firm, natural bristles, as seen here^) and use it to gently massage your body toward your major lymph nodes (when in doubt, brush toward the heart). This process brightens, the skin and also makes your moisturizer more effective, as it sloughs off dead skin. Best to dry brush right before heading into the shower to wash the dead skin away.
If you've noticed that your skin is all red after dry brushing, it's not just a result of irritation, and it actually isn't wholly a bad thing. The redness, which is just a bit of inflammation, is the result of increased circulation in the areas you've been dry brushing. Your body is pushing more blood to those areas, which leads us to our second benefit:
Aside from leaving you with glowing skin, dry brushing can encourage lymphatic drainage. All blood carries lymph fluid, which filters through the lymph nodes. Through dry brushing, you get the blood pumping through at a faster rate, which helps get the lymph through the body, therefore removing toxins and pathogens more quickly.
Dry brushing is a simple way to support your lymphatic system. Using long, light, repetitive strokes directly on your skin in a particular pattern (videos and diagrams can be found online - when in doubt brush toward the heart) can help increase circulation and improve lymphatic flow.
Face Dry Brushing Technique:
Due to the amount of synthetic and poor quality ingredients our bodies take in these days, our lymphatic systems get overworked and blockages can occur. Blockages can also occur due to lack of proper hydration, lack of exercise, prolonged sitting (desk jobs), etc.
By adding dry brushing into your routine you can drastically improve circulation and support your lymphatic system. One of the most important systems in our bodies.
As a general rule of thumb, dry-brush only one to two times per week. And don't forget to wash your brush with natural shampoo at least twice a month. If you have ultra-sensitive skin, try dry brushing once every couple of weeks to start :)
Links to our Dry Brushes:
Face Brush
Dry Brush with Handle
Round Dry Brush with Cotton Strap
A great video explaining how to dry brush your body:
Full disclosure: I’ve never patched my jeans.
I’ve either never had to, or once they ripped I wore them as “camping” pants.
When my favourite AGOLDE jeans got a rip right in the butt, I was pretty well heartbroken. $200 jeans with a hole after 1 year?? I’m not going to knock the quality, because they’re great jeans. I just wore them into the ground! I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve worn them. So they had their fair share of wear and tear. Camping, playing with kids, work, weekends, everything. You know what finally did them in? Spontaneous stretching at a friend’s house because the day before, I had done too many squats. LOL.
Regardless, I was NOT about to toss them. I wasn’t ready to give them up! And with my mandate to make my clothes last longer and only buy secondhand/ethical, it was pretty much my only choice. So out came the sewing machine!
Patching isn’t that hard. What’s hard is making it look really good. I still wanted to wear these to work. Check out my in-progress shots below!
I think I need to go back and give it some more artistic stitching (which I had been afraid to do at first) so it doesn’t look like an amateur job, but it’s been doing the job for now! Holes in the butt are a bit embarrassing, so it’s going to take some extra work to get it there! It’s not like a regular knee patch.
The burning question is: where did I get the scrap denim I used to patch? That’s where old painting jeans come in handy. I chopped off the cuff of one leg, and evened it out to keep some patches for future. Now I have a trendy raw hem on my reno pants!
The next denim project I had to take on was an old pair of GAP jeans that I bought right before the trend of duo-toned denim went full-force. I lived everything about them, in theory – but never found myself reaching for them. Why?
Turns out that being so attentive to my wardrobe has really helped me pinpoint why I’m not wearing certain pieces. And with this one, it was something SO small: the inseam was just a bit too long.
They’re a raw hem jean, so it took me all of 3 minutes to chop an inch off of the bottoms and turn them into true crop fit.
Wanna know something? I’ve been wearing them religiously since.
A 3-minute solution saved them from the “purge” pile.
That’s the great thing about treating your clothes as long-term ‘friends.’ You work at ’em instead of tossing them away!
The last tip for keeping your jeans for a long time is don’t wash them often. If you get good quality denim without a lot of spandex, you can go without washing them for quite a while, with minimal consequence. You’ll save water & energy, and it’s better for the garment in the long run.
Anyone else repair their own denim? Tell us your experiences below!
It’s Fashion Revolution Week. On the 5th anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse, the dialogue around who made our clothes is still going strong. And I’m so glad it is.
I know that not everyone has the economic means to shop 100% ethically – that’s a reality. I find it incredibly difficult to stay ethical with a single-income. Buying a real ethical piece is a once-a-year deal. So I’d better be darn sure.
It’s been 6 months since I made the choice to go full ‘slow fashion,’ and I’m sure everyone can appreciate how difficult it is to NOT shop as often. It’s like recovering from an addiction, really. So below are some tips that I’ve found really help me stay on the bandwagon.
It seems obvious. And I thought it would be harder than it is. But the biggest factor in me keeping my cool and buying better has been completely avoiding mass retailers and malls. When you’re not around temptation, ya don’t get tempted!
This has been a game-changer for me. On Instagram, in email, everything – I weeded out the unethical brands, unsubscribed, and transformed the information I was consuming. I made it clear to instagram that the ads I preferred were better brands. Being able to edit and control the people who market to you, and where you’re getting your inspiration, can make a huge difference. You’ll find that you’re bookmarking lovely products from amazing brands. You’re slowly changing your habits.
Some of my absolute favourite bloggers/sources are @thegarmentlife @leevosburgh @andrea_hartman_ and @thegoodwearblog and thegoodtrade.com
Some fave brands to follow because of great content (and products): @kotn @elizsuzann @sotelaco @matterprints @free.label @azurabay@pyneandsmithclothiers and @weareladyfarmer
This one’s weird, but having my ethical or thrifted clothes separated from the rest of my wardrobe felt good. It made me feel proud, it allowed me to see the progress over the months. It gave me an appreciation for just how many times I reached for those pieces instead of everything else. It’s a slow, intentional build but it’s helped me continue to define my style outside of fast fashion.
You’ve heard me say it before, and I’ll say it again. @leevosburgh’s #10x10challenge is the best way to get used to buying less, living with less, and making the clothes you have work harder. By doing a few of these consecutively, I’ve been able to train myself to style pieces creatively instead of being tempted to buy.
Once you’ve been doing the ethical thing for a while, some things will develop holes, be unrepairable, or you’ll find you’re missing a staple item. Before browsing or buying anything, make a list and identify the most practical place you’ll find what you’re looking for. It’s the first step to staying focused, and it helps me have a lot more fun finding that perfect item!
As you get to know where the holes in your wardrobe, and have them labelled – keep a long-term wishlist you can save up for. I have a private Pinterest board that has links to the exact items I want to purchase. No fluffy inspo here – just the exact items. If I go back weeks from when I pinned something and I still love it, then I know it’s the right thing.
You know the drill. Support is everything. Finding people who share the same beliefs has given me such a feeling of positivity. I thought I’d enter a world of people chastising everyone for their fast fashion choices, but instead on Instagram I found vibrant, amazing, accepting humans.
To anyone who’s just made their own commitment: welcome, good luck, and know that none of us are perfect! We try to move forward with kindness.
To everyone who’s already in the midst of it: thank you for being a part of such a lovely community <3
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR |
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that I proudly sleep on a twin-sized bed. I’m unapologetic, not just because it’s all I need, but also because it makes my room seem so much bigger, and it’s a cinch to make the bed every morning. The more efficient life can be, the happier it makes me.
The challenge with choosing to sleep on a twin bed is that when looking for beautiful bedding for adults, larger companies are often sold out of twin sizes. I was stuck with Ikea sheets, which are basically scratchy cardboard.
So when SOL Organics reached out to me in October, I was over the moon excited. They’re Fair Trade Certified, use GOTS Certified Organic Cotton, and are consciously made. On top of that, they also use no plastic in their packaging—100% sustainable. To top it all off, they produced twin-size sheets—and they were in stock.
Long story short, in a few minutes I was saying yes and they were shipping off a bedding bundle to me.
As soon as I received my bundle, I was so pleasantly surprised by the intentional packaging. It was almost like I was receiving a special gift (and made me remember when I asked for sheets as Christmas gifts when I was a teen). They’d make such a beautiful gift for parents or in-laws!
I actually use the little cotton bags the sheets came in as travel pouches or bags for fruit & veggies when shopping. Reusing to the max!
So okay – does organic cotton really make a difference? I was sceptical at first, but wanted to try it.
We spend 1/3 of our lives in bed or sleeping. That’s a lot. So if we’re making conscious choices during the 2/3 of time that we’re awake, why are we overlooking the last third?
It’s kinder on your skin, and free of allergens. A lot of the pesticides and chemicals used to process regular cotton can affect sensitive skin or respiratory systems. If you or your little ones have been having sensitivity issues and haven’t been able to identify them, this could be a place to turn.
They’re just more comfortable. I thought it was a lie. I seriously did. Until @candicemtay and I tried SOL Organics in our own homes at the same time, and started talking about how our sleep patterns changed. We both noticed a deeper sleep, a calmer, more settled feeling when we woke in the morning. Weeks later, I still feel more comfortable and calm when going into bed. I fall asleep SO fast.
Organic sheets are kinder to the earth, for the same reason that I mentioned above: no pesticides. These chemicals end up in runoff, and eventually into water systems. So by supporting organic and Fair Trade farming, you’re also helping keep communities and farming sustainable
It’s durable (and) biodegradable. The high quality and craftsmanship that is invested into SOL Organics Sheets betters with every wash. Seriously, each time I wash it, it comes out with a beautiful linen-like texture that’s just as soft as before (if not more). When cotton is organic, it’s more easily biodegradable when it eventually comes to the end of its life. Although, if you’re like me, you know that good sheets can last a lifetime – or even to two generations!
Speaking of the end of life, another great advantage of organic sheets is that when they’re eventually too old to go on, they could be used for endless other smaller projects! @papertheory released a pattern for underwear made from fabric scraps, and I’ll often use cotton as rags around the house. They could even make handy little bags for when you’re shopping and want to be zero-waste!
From beginning of life to end, I know these sheets have a purpose. It’s comforting to know that.
This post is sponsored, but all opinions, thoughts and reviews are my own.
The middle is not a sexy place to be, really. That messy phase after you’ve made the decision you’re not shopping fast fashion anymore, and you’re only buying ethical.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that I’m smack-dab in the middle of this phase—and that I’m also a huge advocate of wearing what you have for as many years as you can.
I’ve come from a maximalist fashion state, where I kept buying and buying because I didn’t know what my style was—and I didn’t know how to build a versatile wardrobe.
When most people make the decision to become a “slow fashion ethical minimalist,” the instant instinct is to purge everything unethical from your closet. To get rid of it all so you can cleanse your conscience. It was my first instinct, too. The thing we have to remember, and I’ve said this again and again—is that being kinder to the environment and to garment makers is not something that happens in one step.
We’re not going to solve the world’s problems by throwing out a bunch of perfectly good clothes. So I made the decision to keep everything I had, and slowly, slowly assess if I no longer needed it, if it didn’t fit my style, or if it was so worn out it needed to be transformed.
Enter the INSTAGRAM SELF-DOUBT. We constantly get the impression that every ethical blogger has 100% new and sustainable clothing. I’m here to tell you that it’s not the case! And that’s not a bad thing!
First, no one can afford to buy an entire ethical closet in one fell swoop. We’d all go broke!
Second, we tend to post about ethical garments because we want to make it easier for everyone to find responsibly made alternatives—and we want to support small businesses.
That’ll often give the impression of socially-conscious perfection, but people like Morgan from @thegarmentlife is super real about times when she isn’t the perfect vision of responsibility. It’s so refreshing to see the support and honesty coming out through instagram.
The first thing to do once you make the decision to shop ethical is get to know the clothes you already have, as well as you can.
Since we know we can’t afford a ton of new clothes, the best possible way to slowly get used to a capsule is loving what you have!
As you do this, you’ll start to get more and more creative, you’ll learn what you reach for most, and you’ll really discover the holes in your wardrobe after 4 months.
So you want to shop ethical? Totally, I hear you, I’m with you! But first and foremost, we love what we own. That’s my philosophy, and that’s why you’ll often see me still wearing oldies but goodies from wardrobes past.
Start to follow ethical brands that you vibe with – because that’ll help when you eventually need to stock up.
1. Sharing & wearing my favourite ethical pieces (and talking about why I love them)
2. Ethical or vintage pieces will always be tagged!
3. Non-ethical (old items from my wardrobe) won’t be tagged, buuuutttt…. 4. If you love a piece from my old fast-fashion days, pop a comment and ask where you can find an ethical alternative! I LOVE hunting down where you can find something just as beautiful that’s responsibly made. I’ll send you my recommendations!
5. I try to re-wear my old pieces as much as possible—check them out and join in at the hashtag #WearReWear
Thanks for following, reading and for all your amazing interest in this awkward and empowering journey we’re all on <3
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I never thought I’d be the type of person to start eliminating disposable plastics from my kitchen. I cared about the earth and doing good, but I was no die-hard environmentalist. So it surprised me that when I moved into my own home for the first time, I was slowly replacing disposable items with reusable ones.
“Zero waste” is an intimidating concept. Of COURSE it is! We’ve been raised on one way of life, and we’ve grown to function using the tools most immediately available. So altering those habits on their own can be hard. But even more than that, the idea of “zero waste” is so be-all-end-all. It makes you feel like you need to go all-or-nothing.
Let me tell you – I didn’t start out thinking, “I’m going to go zero waste.”
I prefer the term “low waste” living: eliminating plastics, being more conscious of waste, and being forgiving if you are really in a pickle and use a disposable napkin. “Low-waste” means that we can do our best to eliminate plastics and single-use items, while acknowledging that no one is perfect!
Since I’ve started, and the steps I’ve taken to low-waste are aligned with habits I can easily change. I always encourage people to do something if they feel passionate about it—not just because they feel guilty about it. Positive emotions lead to positive results! When you’re ready and genuinely interested in a lifestyle change, each step will be so much easier. And hey, that may take time. You’re not going to wake up one day and say, “I LOVE THE EARTH SO I’M GOING TO MAGICALLY BECOME SUSTAINABLE!”
And that’s what happened over the last 10 months! The last few were very recent, so I’ll be slowing down a bit to get used to the hygiene changes. The thing is, if you go too fast, it’s hard to adjust!
I found it really effective to just listen to what I wanted to do naturally, and to not get caught up in extremist guilt. Instead, I really enjoy and celebrate every time I do take a step!
I hope the steps I went through can help you identify any areas you might be passionate about!
To be frank, I am not always zero-waste when I’m outside of the home. That’s the biggest step. I hate lugging around a billion things in a bag. Give me a tiny wallet and I’m good to go! (that’s the minimalist fighting the environmentalist in me). The good news is that plastic water bottles are in my past, and I’ve eliminated plastic straws. Now I’ve just got to get the cup commitment going when I can.
String Bag | Straw Cleaner | Glass Straws | Produce/Bulk Bags | Cotton Rounds
So I still have a little ways to go, but it’s always an evolving and ongoing process! Got tips on living sustainably outside the home? Pop them in the comments below!
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