Molly & Emily of Piel de Miel will be here tonight with their organic bath & body blends. They make herbal bath infusions, salt scrubs, lip balms and more that are handcrafted right here in Olympia. And Kaytlin of Galaxy Bat Pies will be here with samples of her delicious, organic apple pies. Mmm, pie. Come see us!

Marching through GHIJ...

G is for Green Tea Extract:

Topical Green Tea Extract is anti-bacterial and anti-aging, contains high levels of polyphenols and is a rich source of EGCG (an antioxidant) helpful in fighting free radicals and peroxidation. 

H is for Hyaluronic Acid and Honey:

Hyaluronic Acid can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water and acts as a humectant, which means that it draws moisture from the air and into your skin... and keeps it there. It's often derived from rooster combs, so consider your source if you're a vegetarian. Honey is naturally anti-bacterial and moisturizing and has been shown to be a helpful wound healer, especially for burns and even diabetic ulcers.

I is for Iron Oxides:

Iron oxides are one of the most commonly used coloring agents for cosmetics. Manufacturing iron oxides as a coloring agent for cosmetics began around 1900. These natural minerals have also been used for religious ceremonies and skin protection. Iron oxides have various colors which are classified into three major color groups: the yellow iron oxide (yellow), colcothar (red), black iron oxide (black).

J is for Jojoba:

Jojoba liquid wax esters closely resemble our body's own natural oils (sebum) and are highly absorbable. Look for products produced from organically grown, pesticide free plants.

Take advantage of our Signature Facial Treatment + 1 hour Massage combo for only $120. You'll emerge radiant & refreshed... a perfect Spa Saturday. We have limited time slots in March, so call soon to reserve your appointment. And be sure to visit the Skin Spa page to see our new, reduced prices.

When we lived in Minneapolis, back in 2002, one of our favorite weekend activities was a visit to the Walker Art Center. They had Saturday art clinics for kids and after wandering though the exhibits, we would lounge on the lawn near the Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Van Bruggen. I just love that city... the lakes, the parks. Weather permitting, of course! One of the the most memorable exhibits we took in at the Walker during that time period was a photo/video installation of Shirin Neshat's work. Among the videos and stills included was the 2001 trio of short films Possessed, Pulse and Passage, featuring the music of Philip Glass and Sussan Deyhim. Quite a powerful punch. Neshat is an artist based in New York that explores the differing roles of men and women in her native Iran. Her sense of separation and duality loom large. Her images have a palpable intensity, examining the complexity of the social, cultural and religious codes of Muslim societies. They are hauntingly beautiful and remain one of the most indelible art installations I've seen to date. Her work has an open ended quality, asking more questions than it answers, leaving the viewer with sense of ambiguity... but also a connectivity to our essential humanness.

Last month, she was one of three artists including Yoko Ono and Alex Katz, whose work adorned the tops of New York City cabs (instead of the usual advertising). For her contribution, the tops displayed on one side, the poetry of Forough Farokhzad, I Feel Sorry for the Garden, written out in Persian calligraphy in the white of an eye. On the other side, an illustration of a handshake, the artist’s symbol of unity and solidarity. Other recent work includes a narrative short film, Zarin. Also receiving attention at the 66th Annual Venice Film Festival is her first feature-length film, Women Without Men, adapted from a novella by Iranian author Sharnush Parsipur. The movie tells the story of three women from different social classes as their lives unfold against the backdrop of the 1953 CIA-led coup to reinstall the Shah.

The artist Shirin Neshat and her signature kohl eyes.

I tell everyone I know about these fab supplements, so here y'all go: New Chapter Organics. I am concerned with good nutrition and a proponent of getting most of my nutrients through a whole foods diet, but I like to bridge the gap with these. They are food, not synthetic isolates, which makes them more absorbable. They are certified organic and as a company have always made the commitment to sustainability. I could go on... but why not visit their website for yourself?

*Of course, I don't have to tell you this: As with any dietary or herbal supplement, you should advise your health care practitioner of the use of this product. If you are nursing, pregnant, or considering pregnancy, you should consult your health care practitioner prior to using this product. Right?

Their formulas range from multi vitamins, like Every Man, to probiotics, fish oil & more.