Eco gifts for any occasion

The holiday season is upon us (according to retailers at least), but sweet little gifts don’t need to be reserved only for special occasions. I thought I would share a few things that I have been given over the course of the fall that are perfect for treating yourself, or that eco conscious green beauty (and beau) in your life.

(Clockwise from left) La Bella Figura Daily Elements Defense Face Oil, Juniper Ridge Cedar Soap, Lavender in a Bag, Soi Green Tea Candle

1. Juniper Ridge wild harvested organic soap: For those who love the outdoors but may be stuck in a concrete jungle, Juniper Ridge products are for you. This company quite literally harvests and bottles the wild scents of the west coast mountains, forests, and deserts from their lab (or more accurately field tents) and turns them into intoxicating smelling soaps, colognes, incense, and room sprays. Personally I am looking forward to trying their Douglas Fir Campfire incense to go along with my fireplace channel. (We can’t all have the luxury of a roaring fireplace in a mountain lodge!)

2. Lavender in a bag: Take advantage of this super easy way to grow your own lavender, no pot (or garden) necessary. I had all good intention of growing lavender this summer in my own garden but now that it’s getting cold, I have to thank a dear friend for giving me this lovely gift and a second chance to redeem my lazy gardening skills.

3. Soi Candles: I used to love going into candle stores and smelling every single one until I passed out. Now, really can’t stand the strong synthetic scents of most candles, and so, I was happy to find these all- natural scented soy ones that also double as a skin moisturizer. (I know, crazy right?) The wax never gets hot, so you can safety put it on your skin without getting burned.

4. La Bella Figura: This little bottle of Daily Elements Defense face oil is the cutest thing that I have ever seen (declaimer, I do have a stronger than normal love for mini things). I was given this bottle the last time La Bella Figura was in town, and I cannot get enough. The lightweight oil smells amazing and leaves my skin feeling smooth and hydrated. Good news!  They just launched their limited edition Holiday Essential Mini Set, and so La Bella Figura products (in adorable little bottles) can be yours for your next trip across the globe. I love stashing mine in my gym bag to slather all over my face after the steam room.

What are gifts are you sharing with your loved ones these days? Already shopping for the Holidays? What’s on the list?

– Seanna

Soothing Oatmeal Facial Scrub

oatmeal, chamomile, lavender, and calendula make up this gentle scrub

Hello my natural beauties!

We are well into the summer months and I hope that all of you have spent some great days enjoying the season. For those of you who may have spent a little too much time in the sun and your skin is really feeling the heat (no pun intended!), this recipe is for you! This extremely gentle oatmeal scrub is perfect for inflamed and sensitive skin. . . and doubles as a soothing mask!

Oatmeal is an excellent gentle exfoliant and helps with dry, itchy skin. Calendula, chamomile, and lavender add a boost of healing properties and aid skin through their anti-inflammatory abilities. Smells great too!

** Please note, individuals who are allergic to ragweed may also react to chamomile. If this is the case, leave it out of the recipe.

Oatmeal Scrub (& Mask)

1 cup finely ground oats (preferably organic)

1 Tbs dried calendula petals*

1 Tbs dried chamomile flowers

1 Tbs dried lavender flowers

*I buy the dried flowers/herbs in bulk from a local health food store

Using a spice grinder or small food processor, grind oats until they resemble the consistency of sugar. Next grind the dried flowers with the spice grinder (or mortal and pestle) and add to the ground oats. Transfer to a sealable container. When ready to use, pour about 1-2 Tbs of the mixture into your hand (or a small bowl), and a enough water to mix it into a creamy paste. Apply to a clean face and gently rub in a circular motion, being careful of the eyes. Let sit on face for 8-10 minutes and rinse off with a soft washcloth and warm water. Follow up with a soothing face oil like rosehip or a nourishing moisturizer.

If you want an extra soothing facial, instead of water, add 1 tsp of jojoba oil to the mixture. Continue with the same steps listed above.

Until next time, enjoy the sunshine and protect that beautiful skin!

– Seanna

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