A Moment in Gaia Essentials
What more perfect a way to learn and grow in all the healthiest ways than to run to the...
Happy new day!
I wish I had said this. I do feel it in my bones not just at the new year, but with every quiver of energy that vibrates through my body. I hope we all play these words on a continuous mental loop well beyond January 1.
Love and other gifts
As I awkwardly heaved an enormous pot of soap batter into a three foot long mold, I fell in love. I fall in love everyday with the sparkle that the universe shines upon us and here it was again. Love. As magical earthy tones of golden soap spilled into its container and wafted scents of frankincense and myrrh, I melted into another blissful opportunity of Yessss.
Great journeys never end, they just change directions
Hi! My name is Courtney! Some of you may recognize me as a longtime local on the California coast. I am a yoga practitioner, a masseuse, a mother, a lover of nature. And I am extremely fortunate, grateful, exuberant, humbled and proud to be the new owner of Gaia Essentials.
Solutions to summer skin ailments
Let me preface this entry with the disclaimer that I am not a doctor so my advice should not be interpreted as professional medical opinion. That said, I do get a lot of calls from people seeking advice about various skin ailments and, after more than 15 years working in the skincare business, I feel pretty confident about what works for different skin issues.
Earth Day 2021: Embracing the shampoo bar
With rising threats posed by climate change, Mother Nature has never been more in need of our help. And I know it's easy to feel daunted in the face of such a massive problem, but making small, manageable changes can make a difference over time.
Sustainable farming practices: What to know before you consume
So, what do chickens have to do with soap and skincare? On the surface, not a whole lot, but when I came across this little video produced by the Sustainable Food Trust, I knew I had to re-post it. The chicken and farming graphics are adorable but it's the message behind the video that I think is truly worth spreading.
Is this product “certified” organic? Making sense of the labels
It happens all the time. A customer will inform me about a new organic skincare product a friend seems to swear by. Or maybe I'll spot a bunch of soaps in the drug store with the word “organic” plastered liberally all over the label. On the surface the trend appears to be encouraging but the truth is that not every product that is labeled organic is, in fact, certified organic.
Herbal infusions: Making the most of nature's gifts
If you're unfamiliar with the concept of an herbal infusion, you can start by picturing a steaming cup of tea. Hot water is poured through the contents of a tea bag or strainer and the essence of the herbs are suddenly transformed into a warm beverage that carries the flavors and nutritional benefits that were packed into the dry tea leaves.
Choose your vegetable oils wisely!
Okay, let's talk about vegetable oil. Is it good for you, bad for you? The stuff is often billed as a panacea of sorts. For example, some have been said to aid in weight loss, help prevent cancer and—when used as a mouthwash— can even fight gum disease.
Skin sealant for that healthy glow
What is a skin sealant? For those of you who aren't familiar with the product, skin sealants offer a light application of oils that seal in moisture while delivering beneficial nutrients to your skin.
The benefits of genuine aromatherapy candles
Who doesn't just feel good after lighting a candle? The ambiance, that sense of focus, the warmth, the power... Maybe there's a pleasant aroma emanating. The flame's presence helps you clear your mind. The moment is made all the more special, somehow.
YES, chocolate is good for you!
While the dressed up chocolate boxes we purchase for Valentine’s Day are often loaded down with not-so-good-for-you sugar, partially hydrogenated oils, artificial colors and flavors... pure chocolate, at its core, is nutrient, mineral and antioxidant-rich and can do marvelous things for your skin.
Preparing to take the formidable path toward certified organic accreditation
Thirty years ago— two decades before this business was born—I would have never believed I would one day be headed down the long road paved with massive accounting procedures & inspection processes, toward organic certification.