Wednesday, October 29, 2014

We Can Ship Your Gifts For You!


Terressentials Shipping Team
Our talented shipping team is ready to help you get your gifts in the mail.

Let us help to eliminate some of your holiday stress! Did you know we can ship gifts from our stores to folks all across the US and outside the US, too?


Let our small, but well-equipped and expert shipping team handle all the details of getting your gifts boxed and shipped to your family and friends. When you stop by our stores to purchase a gift, just let us know if you'd like us to wrap it and ship it for you. And please do note that we offer our expert shipping service at the holidays and all year-round!

Packaging a gift, getting it to the post office and waiting in line can take more than an hour.  Let us save you some time! So, go ahead, cross another item off your to-do list and relax, we've got you covered.

This Holiday Season, Vote With Your Dollars. Are You voting for THIS?

Vote with Your Dollars. Are you voting for smog?
Vote with your dollars. Are you voting for choking smog in China? (left:china.org.cn, right: AP/Guardian)
Reports of air pollution in China are increasing every year. Thanks to the massive amount of coal burning factories, Chinese citizens are unable to escape life-threatening air pollution as they go about their daily lives. According to a March 2014 article in The Guardian, the pollution crisis in China is more widespread than previously thought, putting millions of people in the path of air pollution that is above emergency levels for a third of the year, with some urban areas reporting poor air quality for twelve months on end. The article reported that Li Keqiang, the Chinese premier " 'declared war' on pollution, saying it was 'nature's red-light warning against the model of inefficient and blind development'. "

Think of how many products are made in China and sold here in the US. Chances are, half of your belongings were made of synthetic materials in a smog-producing Chinese factory. 
The next time we drive out and buy a gift for a friend or for ourselves it is critical to consider where and how it was made. If we continue on the same path of careless consumerism, the consequences will be detrimental. Every dollar we spend casts a vote for the kind of world we live in. Many will say that consumers are not responsible for “blind development” in China, but we cannot deny that in a global economy, all of our purchases have an impact. The key is to make that impact as positive as possible. 

At Terressentials we choose to make our own hand-crafted, chemical free, certified organic skin and body products and we carry artisan-made,fair trade goods from all over the world. Every purchase from our store is a vote for healthy bodies, sustainable income for small communities and fresh,clean air. Join us and help us save our planet and the people that live on it by making healthy everyday choices. Make this holiday an organic, hand-made, fair trade holiday and remember to vote with your dollars for the kind of world you want to live in.


Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Terressentials Certified Organic Lip Protectors:

A Taste of the Tropics

Transport yourself with Terressentials Lip Protectors in Four Balmy Tropical Flavors
Transport yourself here with Terressentials Lip Protectors in Four Balmy Tropical Flavors

Balmy.  Fresh.  Sensuous. Vibrant.

Of all the wonderful products in the Terressentials certified organic body care line, I never expected that the product in the smallest package would have the deepest, transporting effect. Applied so close to my nose while gliding over my lips, my lip protector is the one product that I smell and taste around the clock. And what a magical smell and taste it has!

Waves of tropical memories lap at your soul each time you use a Terressentials White Chocolate Lip Protector. Pure, delicious organic cocoa butter and organic virgin coconut oil, reminiscent of delectable tropical desserts, caress and protect your lips from the harshest elements. Our certified organic white chocolate Lip Protector base is delightfully blended with sweet organic vanilla and one of three delicious organic oils—fruity, aromatic lime, orange or mint—to remind you of the moment when you first touch your lips to the edge of a cool, refreshing tropical drink. Actually, the pure, natural, certified organic ingredients are completely edible should you feel inclined to take a bite of your lip protector, which makes it a safe choice for kids, too!

So, whether sitting at work, running errands, or working outside on a blustery day, my Terressentials Lip Protector keeps my lips moist and comfortable and works its magic as it convinces my mind that my feet are nestled in warm white sand next to a calm blue sea.

 

Try all four flavors of our tropically inspired Certified Organic Lip Protectors and see where each one takes you!

Terressentials certified organic Lip Protectors come in 4 delicious flavors!
Terressentials Lip Protectors: Key Lime, Orange, Mint, Vanilla


Have you every been transported to another place and time by a beautiful aroma? What smells bring back the best memories for you? Tell us about your experience! Post a comment!

Like Us? Like Us! Like Us!

Like Terressentials on Facebook!
Like Terressentials on Facebook.  Join the Fun!

We're on Facebook and we're waiting for you! 

Like us, join the conversation and reap the rewards. Our friends enjoy special event invitations, early sales notifications and other exclusive offers. In addition to the special offers and great conversation, we also share beautiful photography, fun stories, beauty, health and gardening tips, tasty recipes, home and design ideas, music and art happenings and, of course, breaking news on the topics we care about: certified organic skin and body care, organic living, protecting animals and the environment, and the latest fair trade and fair made finds.

See you there! 

(And while you're at it, follow us on Twitter, too!)
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Thursday, October 23, 2014

It's Tea Time at Terressentials

Tea in hard-to-find flavors available at Terressentials
Sumptuous teas available in rare flavors.

It's getting colder and the weather is nearing perfection for a cozy, heart-warming cup of tea. Whether you prefer the mild taste of white, the unique notes of green, the strength of black or the fruity aroma of an herbal tea blend, a wholesome cup of tea is sure to perk up a tired body and fading mind. At Terressentials we have a diverse array of certified organic tea blends perfect for all occasions! Our elegantly packaged teas make great stand-alone gifts or excellent additions to gift baskets. Come see us at 100 East Patrick Street and pick up a stylish jar or a box of organic tea goodness. 

Monday, October 13, 2014

The Last Vibrant Moments of Summer


Vibrant flowers at Terressentials
Everyone knows gardens can feed bellies, but it is also said that gardens can feed the soul. Throughout history flowers have been grown and given to brighten faces all over the world. At Terressentials, we believe that everyone should have access to the joy of natural beauty. With our gardens and our bouquets, one does not have to worry. Our flowers and herbs are grown without harmful pesticides, chemical fertilizers or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that damage our health and the health of our delicate pollinators.

The warm weather is winding down, but gardening at Terressentials couldn't be more peaceful.The grass pathways weaving through the flower beds beg to be walked upon. Bees and butterflies whiz by to nestle on flower petals.  Everywhere you look there are new flowers leaning into the path, tickling your nose with their delicate stems.

Flowers lean into the garden paths at Terressentials.
Flowers lean into the garden paths at Terressentials.
Each flower's home was carefully chosen, each weed is plucked by hand and every flower is carefully cut to encourage future growth. Our work and patience have provided us with sweet rewards of health and beauty. While gardening, we can enjoy the birds that sing in the peach trees that line the fence. Behind the peach trees, two medium-sized bushes explode with fat, juicy organically grown blackberries on the right and delicate dew berries on the left to be picked at leisure by the lucky gardener.

Freshly cut organic bouquets for sale at our Terressentials store in downtown Frederick.
Fresh bouquets at Terressentials
We welcome everyone who enjoys flowers to visit Terressentials' gardens at 2650 Old National Pike in Middletown. If you can't make it, we still have evocative bouquets for sale at our store, Terressentials, on East Patrick Street in downtown Frederick.

Pick up your bouquet today and enjoy the last vibrant moments of summer!



BugZooka: Weapon of Choice

Stop in our Terressentials stores and pick up your BugZooka.
Engage the bellows on your hip, extend the tube, aim, press the red button and WHOOSH...the stink bug that was on your wall is now in the holding tube! Yes, it is that easy to eliminate and neutralize the nasty, smelly stink bug. 

An amazing insect or arachnid catcher, the BugZooka is always ready to suck up the unwelcome visitor in your home.  No batteries needed! No more messy streaks and splatters on the wall from fly swatters. If you are kindhearted, you can catch and release your bugs. If you are more interested in annihilation, the BugZooka should be your weapon of choice.

It will make you a hero as you easily terminate all crawling threats in your surroundings. Even better, as it is so much fun to use, the other members of your family will competitively leap into action at the first sighting of a creeping menace.  You'll be able to sit back, cheer and eat organic chocolate while they pursue the invaders. 

Stop in our Terressentials stores in Middletown or Frederick for your demonstration and to grab a couple of BugZookas (one for upstairs and one for downstairs) for your home today.

The Welcoming Committee

Terressentials' office manager, Debra, "mud" man, Gene, and celeb pup, Ginger
Debra, Gene and Ginger at Greenbrier

Debra, our office manager, Gene, our “mud” man, and Ginger, a smooth-coat collie and Terressentials' adopted mascot, spent the spring and summer at Greenbrier State Park as campground hosts. Greenbrier is a densely forested park located along the gentle slope of South Mountain in Washington County, MD, not far from where we hand-craft our organic body care products. The park boasts a lake, beaches and verdant hiking trails including the Appalachian Trail, which winds its way through the park as it plods along one of the earth's oldest mountain ranges.

As campground hosts, Deb, Gene and Ginger greeted campers. This is where Ginger excelled, especially with children. She mingled and reveled in the attention and petting bestowed upon her by campers as information about nature programs and campfires was exchanged. Later, as the hosts made their rounds in their handy golf cart, everyone waved at Ginger. Ginger was a celebrity and brought lots of smiles whenever she rode by in regal fashion.


After a short vacation, the trio is back at Greenbrier and is hosting campers once again. There are still a few camping weekends left this fall. Do try to make some time to come for a visit and view the beautiful, fiery leaves reflected in the calming waters of Greenbrier lake, take a hike in the quiet woods, and, of course, meet Ginger, Greenbrier's canine celebrity host.

Feeling chilly?

Soft, adorable fair trade felted wool slippers at Terressentials
Fair Trade Felted Wool Slippers at Terressentials.

You need these soft, adorable fair trade felted wool slippers!

Our cozy collection of colors and styles for adults and children was handmade in Nepal by a small community of artisans. Each pair is a unique work of art that helps provide a living for local crafts people. Treat your loved ones to something very special, get toasty and enjoy!

Stop by Terressentials in Frederick to experience our warm and inviting array of one-of-a-kind gifts and accessories from around the world!

Tush Treatment: Not Just For Tushes!

Terrific Tush Treatment From Terressentials
 Terrific Tush Treatment
Last week, during our fall veggie canning enterprise, my husband burned his finger. You know how small burns can hurt like fire sometimes?  Well, though my husband qualifies as a strong masculine type, he can be a bit of a baby about small injuries like this.  So, I dashed upstairs and grabbed my Terressentials Organic Terrific Tush Treatment Push Up.  As I was applying the Tush cream to his wound he asked, “What is this stuff'?” “Uh...uh, well,” I stammered, “it's Tush Treatment from our baby line.” 

Not looking him in the eyes, I went about my work.  He didn't even pull his hand away or complain at all.  Living with me, he has learned to go with the flow...somewhat.  After some minutes, I asked him how his finger was doing and he said it was just fine!  With all those great organic “skinful” ingredients in our Tush Treatment, maybe it shouldn't only be used for tushes.  

So spread you wings and apply your Tush Treatment to elbows, feet or dry skin patches, and of course, small burns.  Our Tush Treatment has a wonderfully fresh “new baby” smell with organic vanilla and organic essential oils of lavender and rose geranium to name a few.  Don't be afraid to experiment with Terressentials organic products.  Our skin is the largest organ on our bodies.

Spread the organic LOVE.

Stop by our Tent at Chartreuse & Co. Tag Sale on October 18th from 9-4

Stop by our Tent at Chartreuse & Co. Tag Sale on October 18th from 9-4
Stop by our Tent at Chartreuse & Co. Tag Sale on October 18th from 9-4

Enjoy the relaxing aromas of our hand-crafted, certified organic body care products. Delightfully overwhelmed by all those antiques and curios?  Take a break and experience the fresh scents and soothing ingredients of Terressentials' organic skin care products. Click here to find Chartreuse & Co. Tag Sale.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Small Miracles


Photos and Text: Mary

What's your favorite animal? Dogs and cats, our best friends and loyal companions, are popular choices. Whales and dolphins, elephants and pandas, eagles and penguins--the cuddly, exotic and majestic “charismatic megafauna” of the world always make the top ten list of favorites.

My favorite animal is an insect. Yuck, you may say. No way. Well, I'd like to rally support for an amazing creature, delicate but strong, beautifully colored, an unbelievable traveler – the monarch butterfly.

The Monarch Butterfly: Unbelievable Traveler
We've been watching for monarchs in the gardens here at Terressentials, and occasionally we're thrilled to find them feeding on the nectar of the many flowers blooming at this time of year. The monarch butterflies we see now started life as small larvae that hatched from eggs laid on milkweed plants (the only food for monarch caterpillars). This summer I temporarily adopted a monarch caterpillar and observed its transformation. The caterpillar fed on milkweed, grew and then entered the pupa stage, encasing itself in a hard, protective covering (the chrysalis). Magically, the gorgeous black and orange butterfly emerged from this shell within two weeks and stretched its wings in the sun for several hours before taking its first flight.


The Monarch Butterfly: An Amazing Transformation
This transformation, from egg to caterpillar to pupa to butterfly, is amazing in itself, but it's common to all butterflies and moths. The truly astounding part of the monarch story begins with the butterflies that hatch in the late summer and fall. They are the ones destined for an epic journey, the same journey undertaken by preceding generations. The monarch butterflies east of the Rocky mountains migrate en masse to their wintering grounds in Mexico. They follow the same route that their ancestors took and may even return to the very same TREE! Somehow, they know the way. These delicate insects, weighing no more than 0.026 of an ounce and with wingspans of 4 inches or less, may travel up to 3000 miles! The same butterflies that make the long journey south in the fall survive through the winter then begin traveling north in the spring, breeding along the way. Three or four new generations of butterflies will live and die before the southward migration begins again in the fall.

After emerging from its chrysalis, a monarch dries its wings.
Now that you're suitably impressed, it's time to become concerned. Unfortunately, our amazing monarchs are in real trouble. The monarch population has declined precipitously since its peak in 1996, due to destruction of its food sources and habitat. Milkweed, which is necessary for monarch caterpillars to grow and develop, and nectar sources for the butterflies (wildflowers, for example) are being mowed and poisoned (using toxic herbicides) along roadsides and in agricultural areas. Pesticides intended to control unwanted insects and weeds are also killing monarch caterpillars and butterflies. Furthermore, the monarchs' overwintering habitat in Mexico is being lost due to illegal logging.

We know what the problems are. The Monarch Task Force of the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC), recommends that we do the following:

  • Plant milkweed! As we've learned, monarch caterpillars need milkweed for food. You can find out which species of milkweed are appropriate for your area, as well as how to grow and plant them, by visiting the Monarch Watch website (www.monarchwatch.org). Monarch Watch sells milkweed plants and also offers free milkweed plants to qualifying schools and non-profits.
  • Plant butterfly nectar plants! Monarch butterflies need the energy from nectar for breeding, for their long migratory journey, and to build reserves for surviving the winter. Add butterfly-friendly plants to your garden, along fence lines and in containers on your deck . . . And do not use pesticides! Nectar sources that grow well in the mid-Atlantic region include marigolds, Zinnias, Cosmos, Asters, Joe Pye Weed, Sweet Alyssum, and Goldenrod.
  • Encourage public land managers to create monarch habitats! Roadsides and public parks are great places to establish “Monarch Waystations”, which include milkweed, nectar sources and vegetation that provide shelter for butterflies and larvae.

    monarch caterpillar on milkweed plant-photo by Mary at Terressentials
    Milkweed is the only food source for monarch caterpillars.
    Because the monarchs are strong, I believe they will survive and their numbers will rebound–but only if we do our part to maintain the habitat that they need. Their survival in a rapidly developing world will be a sign of hope, an indication that human beings truly value the beauty and wonder of these small miracles of nature.

    Resources: 

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

World Beat


Working in a store that promotes fair trade is wonderful because I am surrounded by arts and crafts created by talented people from all over the world. In addition to these beautiful goods, I am also surrounded by global music. Putumayo is a company that makes CD compilations of songs related to a particular theme or ethnic culture. 


The Yoga and World Yoga CD's are both soothing music which inspires both meditation and relaxation. The American Blues and Rhythm and Blues CD's are both classic blues tunes as well as remakes of songs. The Taj Mahal CD has a version of “Cakewalk Into Town” which is a blast! Women of Africa is a great mixture of diverse, soulful and inspirational music from all over Africa, that is fun, upbeat contemporary music that I can really relate to. The Acoustic Cafe and Acoustic America have mellow and fun tracks you can sing along with. 

My favorite choice though, is Arabic Groove. The Arabic Groove CD is a collection of funky contemporary dance party music from North Africa and the Middle East. Women of the World is my second favorite CD. It is a compilation of beautifully written songs by women from all over the world. There is also a Women of Jazz CD that is so good, it makes me proud to be a woman! The Vintage France and French Cafe CD's make you feel like you are walking around the Eiffel tower. I love these compilations because they never get old. I can listen to them over and over again and always hear something new and different. It is so refreshing to hear the diversity of so many different bands compiled on one album. People often ask me which CD is the best and that is really hard to answer! They are all so good!


Stop by soon and pick up a few Putumayo CD's to enliven your life, soothe your soul, inspire your creative muse and burn those winter calories as your feet dance to some fun and lively world beats and rockin' rhythms!

Tea Love


Thanks Ginny!
 It can be argued that the heart is our emotional center. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is believed that the “shen,” which translates to spirit or mind, resides in the heart. You can prove this theory yourself. Think about the last time you were emotionally distraught, you may have experienced a dull pain deep in your chest.



Regardless of whether or not the heart is the seat of our emotional consciousness, it's so essential to take care of this vital organ. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention website states that heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the US. All the more reason to nurture your heart!



Terressentials offers a tasty, nourishing Pukka Tea blend called “Love Tea.” This tea contains a delicious combination of chamomile, elder flower, marigold petals, licorice root, rose petals and lavender flower. While lavender and rose act to warm the heart, the elder and chamomile calm and relax the body, and licorice root adds a sweet, soothing undertone. In its beautiful deep pink box, this tea would make a wonderful gift for your Valentine or any other tea lover in your life.
 Another Pukka blend perfect for when you're in need of a little comfort to get you through these cold winter days, is the “Elderberry and Echinacea with Elderflower.” This tea is super fruity and offers some immune support when you most need it. Along with the elderberry, echinacea root and leaf, and elder flower, this tea also contains licorice root for a rich, sweet flavor while the addition of anise and peppermint lend a minty, spicy bite. To add to the fruity fullness, there's a citrus surprise: orange peel and acerola orange essential oil.



Come to Terressentials and browse our section of Pukka teas displayed on our colorful wall. There's nothing like a hot cup of tea to warm you, heart and soul.

Homemade Cream Cheese Peppermint Mints



Here's a fun Valentine's Day treat you can make which is super easy. These melt-in-your-mouth sweet mints will impress your loved ones because they were made especially for them. It's one of the easiest candy recipes around.

You'll need:

4 oz organic cream cheese, softened at room temperature
3-4 cups organic powered sugar
¼ tsp organic peppermint extract (you can add a little more if you want a bolder peppermint taste)

Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. In a medium size bowl, combine softened cream cheese, 3 cups powered sugar and peppermint extract. Form into a ball, adding more powdered sugar if needed so it isn't sticky. Taste to see if you would like a little more peppermint flavor added.

Roll the mixture into small balls and place on waxed paper. Flatten with a fork dipped in powdered sugar. You can also make cut-outs using tiny cookie cutter, or decorate with chocolate chips, a drizzle of melted chocolate or even sugar sprinkles. Let dry on waxed paper for at at least 2 hours, then put in air tight container, separating layers with waxed paper, and refrigerate.

You will be so pleased to find how delicious these little mints are!

Valentine's Day Everyday



Ah Valentine's Day! The day of LOVE. A day to show appreciation for that special someone in your life, or so the greeting card companies say. We, as emotional human beings, tend to put great value on this day-waiting, sometimes in vain, for that box of chocolate or that bunch of roses or the tender verse from the object of our desire. But, I say, look around! Love is all about you everyday, not just on Valentine's Day and it doesn't always have to be about you. Don't wait for someone to throw you a line of love, cast out yours first! Offer kind words, a smile, a chocolate, a flower, or a small trinket or even a wave! If love comes from the heart it will bestow an awesome vibe on the chosen ones, even if your chosen one is a stranger on the street. This year, my Valentine's Day gift to you is a beloved poem from my childhood:

Thanks plaisanter~!


What the Brownie Kept

A brownie found a feather white.
He gave it to an elf.
He could have put it in his cap
And kept it for himself.

A brownie found a pebble bright.
He gave it to a gnome.
He could have kept it for himself
To brighten up his home.

A brownie found a milkweed pod.
He gave it to a sprite.
He could have kept it for a bed
To nestle in at night.

A brownie found a pumpkin seed-
He found it in a ditch.
Instead of keeping it himself,
He gave it to a witch.

The brownie found some special thing
Almost every day,
But all he kept was just the joy
Of giving things away.

--Leland B Jacobs



Remember, everyday can be Valentine's Day if we treat each other with respect, care, love, compassion, and appreciation.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Around the Corner

Remember the day you came into Terressentials to do a little Christmas shopping and invariably said to the nearest salesperson “I see so many things that I love, but I just can't spend money on myself with Christmas right around the corner!” As a Terressentials team member, if I heard that same statement once, I heard it one thousand times! 



Well you made it around that corner and halfway down the street! It's a new year and time to start appreciating yourself for hopefully satisfying every loved one on your list. So grab your friends and make a day of it in Frederick! Do a little shopping and have a nice lunch to unwind and let go of all the built up stress and anxiety of last year.

Visit Terressentials once again and find those treasures you admired so much on your last visit. Maybe you will treat yourself to a new beautiful and richly-colored, warm and cozy scarf to brighten up those gray winter days. After all, there are certainly plenty more cold days to come this year. Or maybe it was that sumptuous red glass necklace that seemed as though light was shining out through the red glass sphere itself. Whatever your treasure is...treat yourself!
Thanks QuinnDombrowski!

To quote Henry James: “Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” You've given the gifts, remember to be kind to yourself too. Terressentials is the perfect place to begin. Our locally made, hand-crafted wide range of certified organic products: organic skin care, organic hair care, organic baby products, and other goods made with certified organic herbs and certified organic essential oils will LOVE your body, and our Fair Trade/Fair Made treasures from around the world will be a feast for your senses!

Message for this month: Be kind to yourself and others. Terressentials is a good place to begin!

The Power of Love


This Monday we honor and remember arguably the greatest leader of our national history, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is inspiring to reflect on his philosophies and read his powerful words which are still so prevalent today.

A quote that recently caught my attention was from an article published in Christian Century where Dr. King wrote, “the only way to ultimately change humanity and make for the society that we all long for is to keep love at the center of our lives.” In many of his speeches Dr. King made sure to clarify that the love he was so ardently an advocate of was, “nothing sentimental or basically affectionate, it means understanding redeeming good will for all men, an overflowing love which seeks nothing in return.”

While we often do show love for our family and friends, the kind of love that Dr. King speaks of can be difficult to cultivate especially when our patience is tested daily. For instance, think about the last time you became frustrated or angry with a stranger; it's hard to look back without feeling ashamed or embarrassed. Grocery lines, traffic jams, and our workplaces are often prime examples of these instances when love is completely absent from our minds.

Imagine if this love which, “seeks nothing in return,” was always at the center of our hearts. Compassion, understanding and goodwill towards everyone you encounter even on bad days...seems unrealistic, but it can be easily achieved with practice. Think of Dr. King! He and his comrades were beaten, jailed, called horrible, hurtful names and were still able to look upon their oppressors with love and compassion. He had a deep, experiential understanding that hate has no benefit and that no battles can be won with hatred at heart.

Let's honor Dr. King's life and legacy by continuing to put his philosophies into practice. We can remember to always put others first with love as our daily motivation. As Dr. King states, “life's most urgent question is: what are you doing for others?”

Moisturize and Protect Your Winter Skin with Terressentials Organic Body Oils and Cremes

Never mind the calendar, you know when winter has arrived by the change in your skin. Here in Maryland we complain about the heat and humidity in the summer, but at least we do so with moist and glowing skin. When the temperature drops and the dry winds start to blow – and we've had plenty of harsh winter weather already this season – the shriveling begins. Those of us who spend a lot of time outside start getting sandpaper hands. Dry indoor heat also sucks the moisture from our bodies.



Now's the time of year that I cherish my Terressentials Organic Body Oils! Before I tried the Body Oil for the first time I wondered, won't this feel oily on my skin? I was accustomed to using body lotions, and I was a bit wary of applying pure oil. I was pleasantly surprised when the blend of organic sunflower and coconut oils and organic cocoa butter absorbed quickly and completely into my thirsty skin, leaving it smooth and satisfied. Now I spread it over my arms, legs and hands after every shower. The cocoa butter in the Body Oil solidifies at room temperature, but it's easy to heat the bottle up enough to return it liquid form. You can set the bottle in a hot (not boiling!) water bath for a few minutes, or, as I do, keep it on top of the baseboard heater in the bathroom, so it's ready to pour when you need it. You can even hug the bottle close to your body (maybe under your arm?) for a few minutes while you go about your business, since the cocoa butter will melt at body temperature. Just be sure to shake the bottle before dispensing, to mix the cocoa butter with the oils and herbal extracts.

When the cold and dry conditions have left my hands especially wrecked, I reach for my Terressentials Organic Body Crème. In addition to the same moisturizing oils and herbal extracts found in the Body Oils, the Body Cremes contain organic beeswax which seals moisture into your skin. I like to use the Body Crème on my knees, elbows and hands before bed, and as a protective layer on any exposed skin before I head out into the cold weather. The solid “Push-Up” form is fun to use, like a big crayon that slowly melts as it meets your warm skin and then glides over your body.

The only difficult part of using the Body Oils and Crèmes is deciding which “flavor” to choose! I'm partial to the complex earthiness of Seductive Spice, although I'm sometimes more in the mood for Passionate Lavender. Luscious Lemon is true to its name, and fans of the mint/chocolate combination will go crazy for Peppermint Fantasy. Then again, there's nothing wrong with the pure, delicious chocolate aroma of the Cocoa Butter Rich Body Oil, with no added essential oils. Still can't decide? Just for you, we've created the Organic Annointing Body Oil Sampler (containing 2-oz trial/travel sizes of the lemon, lavender, spice and mint oils), the Organic Body Crème Four Flavor Sampler (samples of all four flavors of body creme), and the Cocoa Butter/Creme Duo Sampler (samples of the pure cocoa butter and our cocoa butter blend body creme).

Treat yourself to Terressentials Organic Annointing Oils and Cremes this winter. When your skin is soft and protected, you'll be happy you did!

Terressentials and St. Jude

The Heroes Holiday Bazaar to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital took place at the Lucy School in Middletown on November 9th. Terressentials donated a gift basket that was the most talked about raffle prize! Everyone loved it! The winner was a teacher and she was so excited to win this. The Heroes Holiday Bazaar was able to raise $108 in raffle tickets plus another $300 in sales from the vendors. That is just over $400 for the kids at St. Jude!


Winter Friends and Woes

The icy blast of frigid weather we experienced last week across the country was brutal on humans, pets and our feathered friends. Snow, ice and dangerous low temperatures made going outside treacherous for man and beast.

During this time of year when salt is used to melt ice and snow on sidewalks and driveways, our four legged friends can become ill ingesting these toxic chemicals by licking their paws after coming in from a walk. Walking on treated sidewalks can also lead to chemical burns on paws. To prevent your dog from ingesting these salts, keep a shallow bowl of warm water and a cloth near the entry way of your home so that you can dip their paws in the warm water then dry them off before coming back in the house. It's a good idea to wipe the salt off your boots also so as not to track the salt in on your floors. Larger dogs with a smooth coats and especially the smaller dogs will need a little help keeping warm so a nice dog sweater will not only make a fashion statement, but will keep them warm for a nice winter walk. The doggie boots are another story...it's hilarious to watch them learn to walk in doggie boots. Some never do accept wearing these monstrosities!

Thanks musespeak!

Don't forget our feathered friends who give us so much joy watching them eat at the bird feeder. Keep the feeders well stocked with bird seed even on warmer wintry days. Birds burn a lot of calories in cold weather and really need our help during winter time. Feeding birds is a great way to brighten up a dreary winter day; from the colorful red cardinals, bluejays, and red-headed woodpeckers to the cute little chickadees. It's a never-ending source of free entertainment watching the birds gather around the feeder. 


Thanks jeffreyw!

Sitting at my kitchen table, looking outside with a cup of my favorite hot tea in hand and my corgi sleeping by my feet, brings a peaceful smile to my face. I love watching the colorful array of birds around my feeders, what could be better on a cold winter day? Maybe winter isn't so bad after all.