Living Apothecary
Whether you're looking for seedlings to make your garden grow, nature-infused skin care or special books that inspire you to return to sacredness of the earth, the following are some of our favorite places to nourish your green goddess...
Herbal Treasures
La Abeja Herbs is my absolute favorite place for plant magic and medicine. A sacred space created by Herbalist and Folk Healer Sophia Rose, it's carefully curated apothecary features herbal collections from different parts of the country alongside moon medicine that honors the divine feminine and our amazing female bodies that do so much. From rituals and self-care to flower essences, tinctures and elixirs, Sophia offers herbal wisdom through her beautiful writing that accompanies each product, her books and Garden Party subscription. Whether you're in search of luxuriously handcrafted oils and salves, hot chocolate made from cacao and medicinal mushrooms or bath and beauty products that nourish your soul, this is the place to be.
Mountain Rose Herbs is a great place to find bulk organic herbs to create your own teas or beauty products, stock up on spices or find glass containers and kitchen tools for all your herbal makings.
Rocky Mountain Oils is my go-to essential oil company. I did a lot of research when I first got into essential oils and no matter what the ardent fans of the big MLM companies say, Rocky Mountain is still my favorite. When I tried the other MLM companies, one in particular, a scent of alcohol always seemed to linger after smelling or using their oils. But with Rocky Mountain oils, there's a pure fragrance straight out of the bottle and no weird after notes are left behind to make me wonder exactly what is in each bottle of essential oil. Rocky Mountain also offers a lot of information about their product and are great to respond via email to any questions you may have.
Kauai Farmacy is a family-run venture on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. While I am personally not drinking their teas as most of them contain tulsi or moringa, which may not be good for everyone, their curry powder is incredible and their lilikoi tincture is next on my list for a peaceful nights sleep
Juniper Ridge has been a big favorite of mine ever since they came out. Wildcrafted juniper and sage smudge sticks are offered alongside wildcrafted fragrances and teas. Rugged and free, I think what I love most is the serendipitous craftsmanship that follows each season. As the company explains it - "Today we continue to handle every step of the process ourselves, from beginning to end. These formulas vary from year to year and harvest to harvest, based on rainfall, temperature, exact harvesting location, and season. The exact formula depends on what we find in the wind, a conversation with the living, wild ecology."
Good Reads
Braiding Sweetgrass - I'm in the middle of this beautiful book by Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. As she lives a life that embraces both indigenous teachings and science, she brings together two worlds that are often seen as disparate, reminding us of the ancient wisdom that is very much needed at this time. Her experiences reveal how we can learn from nature, plants and animals - our once forgotten teachers, and how through a return to the natural environment, we can not only see more clearly but also envision a more spiritually, emotionally and physically abundant future.
The Hidden Life of Trees - Reading this fascinating book by Forester and Best-Selling Author Peter Wohlleben, I was amazed at the secret life of trees. Like ancestors, they stand tall, feeding us through oxygen and stabilizing the soil. They communicate with each other and help to nourish fallen or sick trees through an intricate underground network of roots. Trees are living beings that sustain our planet through a natural exchange of energy. They provide shelter through a storm and ask for nothing in return. Perhaps, trees are our most ancient ally, weathering through generations and generations no matter how many of them we cut down.
Beauty & Skincare
Aloha Apothecary is a beautifully curated online boutique where you'll find the best all-natural, organic and sustainable beauty care products made in Hawaii. Inspired by a lifestyle spent in the great outdoors, the shop features many hard-to-find, independent brands. The apothecary was created by Style and Beauty Editor Jasmine Lombardi who is on a mission support a safe and sustainable environment through products that are responsibly packaged.
Zenziva is an all-natural beauty care collection handmade on the island of Maui. Inspired by a lifelong, personal journey to transform her health, Founder Andrea Berset created the Zenziva skin care line which features products such as the Zenziva chocolate scrub. Leading scrubs at retreats internationally, Andrea educates people about the power of self care and a lifestyle that cultivates individual well-being. The chocolate body scrub is my most prized beauty care ritual for those days when the opportunity for self care is limited to a 2-minute shower.
Vapour Beauty is a wonderful, natural beauty and make up line. I use their facial oils and lip conditioner as well as this magical little stick of perfume infused with essential oils called Spirit Solid Perfume. It calms me down and makes me feel at ease, yet also like I can conquer the world. Their skin foundation is divine. It's smoothy, creamy texture is light as air but provides more than enough coverage day or night. The Trick Stick in Moonlight adds a subtle, natural glow to my brow bone and upper check area, and keeps my eyes looking wide awake when I apply it to the inner and outer corners of my eyes. The Multi-Use Cheek and Lip Tints are the best and give a soft blush and just-kissed look and all I need is one product in my bag. I can't say enough good things about this line or the ingredients they use.
Oracles & Meditation Tools
Tree Seer is a British artisan on Etsy who handcrafts unusual divination tools like oracle bowls and talismans as well as wooden wands. Yes, I actually said wands. Hand-etched rune symbols allow you to use the works of art for divination and each object is carefully crafted depending on the spirit of the tree that the wood comes from.
Catherine Rising offers the most beautiful sage smudge sticks entwined with dried roses and wildflowers. The sea sponges featured on their website are also a great alternative to those plastic poofs most people use in the shower.
The Frankincense Store is one of my favorite places to visit when I'm in London. The owner sources his resin directly from places like Oman and it's a treasure trove for those who know that frankincense is like fine wine.
All artists and companies featured are based on personal opinion and experience only. Products mentioned are not sponsored. As always, we encourage you to explore for yourself.