March to me has always been a challenge, a series of trying to reinvent the time I had last month but somehow transform it. More weeks in a month should mean more time? Does that mean that March is the month of boredom? What is free time? Is March winter or spring? Why does it feel so long? What should I do? So many questions, good thing I have time!
Let’s break down each question:
More weeks in a month should mean more time?
Technically yes, but then the schedule overloads and boom you suddenly have every week and weekend booked. This March starts off with a trip to Boston with my partner Theo to visit my friend Taylor. Taylor and I met when we were randomly chosen to share an apartment with 5 others in Florence Italy during our travel abroad semester. We laughed that even though I’ve been in Maine since that trip and she’s been in Boston for the past two that this will be the first time we see each other twice in one year. The past four years of our friendship has been a compilation of group zoom calls on birthday celebrations, phone calls catching up and sending letters back and forth.
Then of course, the second week of March is the Town Meeting for North Haven, so I must be present.
The third weekend of March is a trip to New York City!!! A fellow islander’s son is in a Broadway show and has connected Theo, our roommate Allison and her partner Maddie to house seats at the show. The weekend will be filled with fan-girling, cocktails, shopping and giggling.
What’s left is making up hours at work, content creation days with Fiona, Sunday Sound-offs, and Daylight savings.
At least Leap Year has pushed my rent payment a day later.
Does that mean that March is the month of boredom?
From the looks of my calendar, no. But with my weekend’s packed I try to make the weekdays smooth and light, ending most of them around 6. Tuesday’s will remain studio days with Fiona and sleepy Juni. Wednesday alternated therapy with Paula and North Haven’s writing group Scribblers. But outside of those black pen plans are homemade noodle night with Molly, walks for the sunset, calling home and meals at the house. Then of course you have to have the night where you smoke a joint while star gazing to then melt into the couch watching Ink Masters in PJS with semi-hot tea.
What is free time?
According to google, free time is: time that is free from duties or responsibilities. Accompanied by images of people floating in pool tubes, reading, drinking green smoothies and sitting on the couch. The word “leisure” also pops up.
Is March Winter or Spring?
Technically March is both, Spring starts on March 19.
Why does it feel so long?
Well it is, it is the longest month of the year. The blue and bright skies in contrast to the cold below freezing temperatures are hard to navigate, and the 5pm sunsets will never amaze me. I am so grateful for the longer daylight, and my favorite winter days are those sunny and blue. As someone who likes to be productive and busy I find March hard to keep up with. I find myself very reflective in March, thinking of how my winter went, goals for myself as we enter spring and approach my birthday. I’ve always viewed my birthday (April 27) as an individual new year, making March the final month before this shift. Defrosting my feelings and readdressing how I am feeling. Even though I have been out of college for two years I find myself still grieving the schedule and flexibility I had. In college I could measure my time and goals in semesters. Now that I am in the real world I get confused on what decisions are based on how I am feeling or just boredom. But is boredom a feeling I am getting from not being challenged or stimulated in my day-to-day? March brings the madness of being cooped in the house, afraid to ride the ferry in fear of sea sickness and being stuck inside, watching the sunset at 3:30PM over my laptop at work and so on.
What should I do?!
Enjoy the cold and sunshine filled days, make plans with your friends, journal about your stuckness, go on day trips, sleep in hotel beds, call the one friend who you text once in a while. Attempt to make gluten free noodles, binge watch reality TV, play pickleball, go shopping, buy new lip balm, make candles, write a letter, clean your closet, buy concert tickets.
March can be long, but it can also be fun, be bored, have free time, make plans, be busy, take time to think.
]]>To: Valentine’s Day
From: Zoe
I love the moments you bring with you, the way I feel more giddy with my partner, the increase of letter writing and the desire to call and catch up with friends. I tend to reminisce about past dates, or the way I first started becoming friends with someone. How we used to tiptoe around our humor and try not to embarrass ourselves. I like to reflect on the past and Valentine’s day allows me to take all of those sappy moments and thank the person for those moments. Thank you for allowing the fear of vulnerability to be at ease while we host Galentine’s day, or help friends with breakups or cheer on the relationships that are forming and growing.
To: Island Apothecary
From: Zoe
Roses are red, violets are blue, buy the Rose Body Oil and slather it on you.
To: My Mailbox
From: Zoe
I love that you hold messages that have been yet to read, the messages written from my friends. I am sorry you blew away in that storm a few weeks ago, and that the mail lady on the island says you are too short for her to reach from inside the car. Allie, Theo and I chatted, we will bring the pallet from the wood pile over and give you a boost. I also love checking in with you after a long day of work, to see if my Swedish candy arrived, or that package my dad just sent me.
To: L.L Bean slippers
From: Zoe
I have missed you. I hope you are safe where you were last placed. I do not know where you are, either in Laurie and Henry’s pile of shoes by the front door or in a tote bag shoved in the back of my closet, or maybe in Theo’s room next to her painting supplies? Either way it has been too long since we’ve felt each other's warmth and I am dreaming of the day we are reunited.
To: Screen time
From: Zoe
Each week I see our time together grow, sometimes our week is short and sweet and other times hours and hours we spend in each other arms, well more like hand and hand. Know that my time with you is intentional and special.
To: Congregational coffee shop green mug
From: Zoe
After I brew the coffee I reach for you. Your rounded edges and square handle are so easy to hold and sip from. The pale green shade is easy on the eyes and unique to the normal cream shade most mugs come in. I’ve never been to Congregational coffee, but I like your logo. An alligator with a top hat.
To: Online shopping for flights
From: Zoe
I don’t really have anywhere to go, but I think I like to think I am good at comparing prices. I do it when I have daydreams I can’t shake. How much is it from Bangor to New York? Can I fly from Maine to northeastern Pennsylvania? What is a good price to fly from Portland to San Francisco?
You are always there for my and my wandering eyes - the jet fuel to my fantasies. Maybe one day I’ll hit buy, and get a window seat, or a last row middle seat by the bathroom.
To: my purple highlighter
From: Zoe
My friend had gifted you to me for my birthday one year. I used you for studying and journaling and various other projects. When I moved to North Haven you came with me. One day, your pale lilac purple lost its juicy flow. This Valentine is to honor the memory of you and to also give thanks to all of your hard work. You may be gone but your younger sister has taken your place. The purple is more lavender but just as vibrant. FIN.
Whomever you are in love with this Valentines day, remember to thank it and show gratitude for what you have and who you share it with. No matter how you look at it, Valentine’s day is a day of love, and we all have a list of little or large things that we love. Tell your friends, family, lover, favorite pair of shoes, best mug and more that you appreciate them and love the time you get to spend with them. Oh and don’t forget to tell yourself!!
From our studio to you, Happy Valentine’s day!
All my love,
Zoe :)
]]>I was in high school, in a class discussing stereotypes. I was sitting next to a boy named Joey. He raised his hand and said that all Italians were hairy. My upper lip and peach fuzz began collecting sweat. I moved my arms off the desk and out of sight. A giggle started as people put together that this stereotypical comment matched me, an Italian who had a lot of body hair.
I was a swimmer for many years on the varsity swim team. I was a lifeguard and a coach, giving other smaller age groups swim lessons. I shaved a lot. My legs, my armpits, my bikini line, the little hairs that connected my belly to my underwear line.
All this shaving made my already sensitive body even more irritated, dry and super insecure. It made me uncomfortable to constantly be worrying that I missed a spot, or comparing myself to other people’s legs on the pool deck.
After high school I went to college in Maine and began to surround myself with other people who taught me not to care about the "beauty standard". The question of “to shave or not to shave” finally got to be answered. I made the decision to not shave, as a way to relieve and care for my body. You or others could say the same thing when deciding for yourself. Doesn’t matter what way you answer, it’s about caring for yourself sans fear of judgment.
Confidence is about feeling comfortable in your skin and taking care of your body. Yes! This meant I could banish my inner monologue (bye Joey!), stop shaving my legs, invest in a nice pair of trimming scissors and focus on purchasing products that moisturize my body and help my skin.
No more sugar body scrubs that make the bathroom smell like the inside of a candle. Or trying to remember the last time I got a new razor. I didn’t have to worry about how long my armpit hair got. It’s cold in Maine anyways, so my tank top wearing season is short. Plus my friends and I all had the same wave of itchiness from the dry air and natural deodorant. We got to compare leg hair and let the shame disappear.
So now body hair was back! But not without irritation. The cold dry air of Maine winters left my hair brittle and itchy. I needed a solution.
When I started to work for Island Apothecary, Fiona gave me the best goodie bag in the world. One of everything. I started to use each product and see what my favorites were. I like the Everyday Cleanser at night to take off my day. The Sundown Serum sat on my face better if I applied the Rose Serum first. I liked to use the Nightcap serum once a week.
But I got stumped when I saw the Beard Oil.
Inside the Beard Oil are a handful of hair softening and skin supportive elements. Argan Oil moisturizes and restores while the tea tree oil's natural anti-inflammatory properties soothe itchiness and redness.
One night after my shower I used tested out Beard Oil on my pits. The next day the red irritation and dry skin were healing! The following night I applied it again and encouraged my partner to do the same. We woke up so happy to see how the Beard Oil did its work on our body hair.
It makes sense, body hair is body hair whether it's on a face or in an armpit. It's coarse, curly and sometimes itchy and a little smelly.
So I come to you to announce my thesis. Beard Oil isn’t just for beards, or men, or those who have body hair at all. It’s for anyone who tends for their body hair - or lack of body hair! Apply it as a post-shave inflammation relief and slather it on coarse dry hair to soften and support. Shave or don't shave. It’s about celebrating your body and doing what feels best.
I love my hairy Italian body. I love not shaving. That's me. I love supporting and doing what makes you happy and confident. I encourage everyone to try the Beard Oil if you also suffer from dry and sensitive skin, or send a bottle to someone you know who does. From one fellow hairy person to another, tend to yourself.
xx, Z
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Stop and Smell the Flowers
It’s almost Valentine's Day. Chocolate and kitsch may not be your thing, but we’re popping in to remind you to stop and smell the roses both metaphorically and literally. Rose aroma is known to increase arousal and mood...wink wink.
Today we’re talking about the power of smell.
Our olfactory system, which is your sense of smell, is directly connected to our brain. Receptors in our nasal cavities transmit information to our limbic system - sometimes called the “emotional brain.” That means, when you smell specific scents, it has real deal effects on not only your mind but on your on your body, reducing anxiety, depression. Isn't nature amazing?
Jam, Tea, and Love Potions
Aesthetic, edible, and medicinal. Roses are found in the folklore and historical medicine cabinets of Egyptian, Hindu, Cherokee, Greek and Roman cultures. Roses have been seen symbol of love and friendship or a protective talisman to keep negativity away while you sleep. Whatever flower power you abide in, roses have a universal charisma in their distinct aroma.
Science! Let's Get into Geraniols.
Rose Hip Seed Oil is composed of upwards of 300 compounds! That's a lot of chemistry. One of those compounds is the geraniol terpene. Geraniol is responsible for the distinct floral, rose scent (tea, myrrh, fruit, and musk) Linked to relaxation and romance, clinical studies reveal that geraniol can stimulate dopamine. Which is why roses are linked to getting in the mood!
Terpenes, not just for stoners!
Think of them as smell compounds, terpenes are responsible for why an essential oil has a unique scent and biological interactions. Think of it as a scent fingerprint. For example, terpinen-4-ol is responsible for the tea tree scent and its antibacterial properties. Often discussed by cannabis smokers, terpenes are responsible for the way different strains taste and affect the high. Just remember kids, terpenes aren’t just for stoners. If you enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy, that's terpenes in action!
Why Rose Hip Seed Oil?
At Island Apothecary, we enjoy Rose Hip Seed Oil for its topical and olfactory benefits. When you inhale, scent molecules travel to the brain’s amygdala - the emotion center. Which is where you get your favorite scents from.
For those who like the smell of rose, they may achieve a sense of calm and uplift from its scent. Rose scent can give us a sense of delicacy, sexiness, and peaceful beauty.
Topical Benefits and Beyond
Rose Hip Seed Oil is going to do a lot of the dreamy things we love in a facial product. Antioxidants and vitamins A,C, E: brightens and evens the skin tone, heals acne and scarring. Fatty acids and geraniol promote cellular turnover for anti-aging affect. Other benefits include but are not limited to:
Ease of depression and anxiety
Aphrodisiac
Antibacterial & antifungal
Antioxidant
PMS relief
So open up a bottle of Rose Serum or Rose Body Oil and let that calming rose aroma waft over you as you slather it on. Happy Valentine's Day!
You can find it in our wisest wind-down ritual: Night Cap Serum.
Here’s why you want sea buckthorn oil on your skin:
Nutrient Rich
Wow! It's got a lot going on inside. It's stuffed with vitamins A, B, C, E, K and antioxidants that ward off skin pollutants. Sterols fortify the lipid barrier which shields your skin from toxins and keeps the moisture in. Fatty acids promote deep moisture which translates to skin elasticity and cellular regeneration for your face. Plus upwards of a 100 organic compounds found in sea buckthorn oil.
Deep Healing Inside and Out
Sea Buckthorn is used both topically and medicinally. It's made into both an immune-boosting juice chock full of vitamin C and E as well as a nutritional tea to soothe coughs, indigestions and hypertension.
Its holistic topical applications are astounding. Use Sea Buckthorn oil to increase skin elasticity, clear acne, treat burns and inflammation, balance out dark spots and protect skin from UV rays - *Fun Fact* Russian cosmonauts applied Sea Buckthorn to protect their skin from harmful cosmic radiation! Plants are amazing!
A little goes a long way
It may be pricey, but that's because it’s worth it!
Seed oils are set apart by their fatty acid content. Which is great for moisturizing, protecting, and healing the skin barrier. You won’t need much product to achieve an even layer on your face and decolletage before heading to bed.
Why Night Cap?
We recommend sea buckthorn oil for your nighttime regime because of its higher viscosity and nutrient richness. Give it the necessary time to hydrate the skin while working to harmonize skin tone, reduce fine lines, scars, and heal blemishes.
But you do you, boo.
Sea Buckthorn is also a protectant against UV rays and can be used for daytime wear, if your skin and routine permits.
Plays Well with Others
We’ve blended sea buckthorn with 6 other highly coveted, age-defying oils to deliver deeply moisturization via our Night Cap Serum.
Sea Buckthorn in an juicy entourage of Evening Primrose, Black Cumin, Pumpkin Seed, and Tamanu Oil is going to give you a workable and incredibly nutrient dense blend. You can view our entire list of ingredients on any of our product pages.
]]>It may be spooky season but being a practicing witch is a full time gig. There are a number of witch "labels," many of which overlap. Today we're digging up the dirt on what makes a Green Witch!
Green Witchcraft refers to communing with elements of the Earth - specifically plants - to heal yourself and others. It’s all about being attuned with the natural world and knowing yourself to be a part of that greater whole. If you’ve ever felt grounded by and drawn to gardening, tending houseplants, making salves, pressing flowers, or brewing your own tea, Green Witchery may be your path! If you choose to take it, that is.
Here are a few simple rituals to start you off on the Green Witch path. Now remember, there are no hard rules to forming a ritual, you can adapt all of these to fit your life. We looked to practicing witch, @thewoodlandwitch for a few of these ritual tutorials. We definitely recommend giving them a follow on Tik Tok. Alright, now on to our spells.
Manifestation Ritual
Collect a pinecone. Write a list of manifestations in present tense on a piece of paper and tear into small strips. Roll up the strips and tuck in between the pinecone petals. Place your sweet pinecone into a bowl or cup and cover with herbs of your choice. Different herbs attract different things but it’s really about what intention you put in. Refer here for a list of manifestation herbs. Then, drip wax from a favorite or significant candle. Burn your pinecone when your manifestations are achieved!
Prosperity Spell
Find yourself some dry bay leaves. Using a sharpie, write on each bay leaf the amount of money you seek and other financial goals. Hold onto your bay leaves for a while. You could tuck them into your wallet or leave them in a safe place in your home. Once you are filled with positive energy about your goal, safely burn the bay leaves and intentionally dispose of them. Now go get that money!
Brew Intention
A simple tea ritual. Brew a cup of tea using herbs that fit your manifestation. You can refer back to this list if you want. Swirl a spoon in your tea three times clockwise while thinking (or speaking) your intention each time. Pinkies up!
Happy spell-casting, witches!
Want to learn more?
Online Resources from Practicing Witches
banefolk.com
myvillagewitch.com
thehoodwitch.com
Books
The Green Witch, Arin Murphy-Hiscock
Blackthorn’s Botanical Magic, Amy Blackthorn
Green Witchcraft, Ann Moura
Year of the Witch, Temperance Alden
Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham
1 - Green Tea
No, not in your teacup, honey! On your peepers! Any form of caffeinated tea, but green tea especially is an affordable home remedy. The caffeine and anti-oxidants in green tea constrict blood vessels, tighten skin and act as an anti-inflammatory.
Cooler is better. Steep your tea bags for 3-5 minutes, then chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Squeeze out excess liquid and place over your eyes anywhere from 15-30 minutes. Listen to a podcast, call a friend or do absolutely nothing at all.
2 - Drink More Water and Less Wine
I know, I hate this one too. There’s nothing more obnoxious than being told to hydrate but it’s true. Dehydration is a huge cause for under eye circles. Up your water intake to 12 cups a day. That’s about 6 pint glasses for you beer drinkers. Speaking of alcohol, cutting back on alcoholic drinks especially the salty ones will help with puffiness and circles too.
3 - Eat more Vitamin C
Vitamin C and amino acids produce collagen by boosting your levels of hyaluronic acid. Guess what else hyaluronic acid does? It retains water *DING DING DING.* To summarize: eat these foods and drink water, make collagen and retain said water, have healthier skin!
4 - Sleep Sleep Sleep
Easier said than done but worth every second. If you have trouble sleeping, explore changing up your nighttime routine by experimenting with melatonin, cannabis gummies, lavender essential oil, screen time limiting and meditation.
5 - Use an Eye Serum
Try a serum crafted with your under eyes in mind. Our Sundown Serum is formulated to battle fine lines and reduce puffiness with Argan Oil, Jojoba and Rosehip Seed Oil. Leave it by your bedside table, swipe it on and get some dang rest!
Now, we can’t capture that entire perfect day in a bottle but we can get pretty darn close. To find you that mermaid-level confidence, we went straight to the source. The ocean! Our harvest-batch Salt Spray is made from real sea salt collected from Penobscot Bay, Maine and processed entirely on island by our hands.
What Does Sea Salt Spray Do?
It’s pretty simple. The sea salt dehydrates the water in your hair after you swim or take a shower to twist and curl your locks for effortless waves. It’s an almost instant hair transformation and it's so easy! Plus, it is a 100% natural addition to your beauty regiment.
How to Use Sea Salt Spray:
Step One: Damp It
Take a shower, put your hair under the sink. Whatever form it takes, it is important to use a sea salt spray on damp hair. If you use this product on dry hair, it could damage your beautiful locks by stripping away natural oils.
Step Two: Spritz It
Comb through your hair. Give the bottle a good shake, then spritz away! We recommend spraying from your roots to mid-length, avoiding your ends. Experiment with how much spray works for your hair type.
Step Three: Scrunch It
Twist and scrunch your hair in small bunches from the ends up, focusing on your natural wave definition. The more you scrunch, the wavier it gets. Give your roots a little tousle for extra volume. Alternate between spraying and scrunching until you see the look you want.
You’re done! Allow your new ocean inspired do to air dry as it would on a sunny beach in Maine.
Pro Tips
Mix with conditioner
Salt spray can be drying. Combine with your favorite leave in conditioner or hair serum (our Rose Serum is a good choice) to avoid a crispy, crunchy texture. Don’t fret too much, our Sea Salt Spray is blended with organic Argan Oil and Aloe Vera liquid to counteract excessive stripping of moisture.
Don’t towel dry
It’s a good idea not to towel dry your hair…like ever! Rubbing a towel on your head causes frizz and breakage. Opt for a soft cotton T-shirt instead.
Try our Salt Spray and let us know what you think!
]]>I just got married last weekend to my partner of over six years. We had a beautiful garden ceremony in our backyard. As much as we tried to plan every detail, many things were out of our control - one of which was my skin.
I got my period one hour before I walked down the aisle. Poor planning uterus...thank you for that. This meant that, not only was I cramping as I did my makeup but I had vicious hormonal acne for the days leading up to my big day. It’s very common to get hormonal acne on your jawline and chin. That’s what happened to me. Add to that the stress of planning a wedding and you are in for some serious skin issues. Days before the wedding, I stepped back from applying oil serums and leaned into using my toner exclusively. Toners are great for drying out oily skin during hormonal or stress induced breakouts.
Our wedding was very DIY. That meant, I did all my own hair and makeup or I should say...I did very little hair and makeup. When I say, I wanted a “natural” look, I meant it!
So day of, I was in my bathroom drinking a beer that my soon-to-be husband brewed (he owns the island’s brewery) and I started in on my skincare routine - wedding edition!
First of all, I put on absolutely NO mascara because I knew the tears would be streaming. Did I mention, I was on my period?! There was zero chance of a dry face. In fact, I had no eye makeup whatsoever. Our wedding vibe was rooted in nature so it made sense for me to use only green beauty brands for my look.
Here’s how I got radiant natural-looking skin for my wedding day:
Cheers to love and healthy skin!
Have a natural beauty product that you swear by? Let me know! Find us on instagram @islapothecary or send me an email fiona@islandapothecary.com
If you haven't yet heard of Galentine's Day, I am so excited to share it with you! Galentine's Day is space to share gratitude for all your beautifully intimate relationships, separate from your romantic ones. It's a space that acknowledges that we, as humans, thrive when we are supported by our friendships. Our female friendships in particular. Those of us who have deep connections with our girlfriends are aware of the power of these relationships. And now science is on to it as well. These friendships lower blood pressure, boost immunity and create resilience. No wonder us women live longer than men!
Now more than ever, we are craving the loving embraces and all night gathering with our girlfriends. It's truly what I miss the most. This is the year to let your gal pals know how much you appreciate them. Say thank you for her unwavering support, protection, unsolicited (but necessary) advice, her wild confidence or grounding nature. You fill in the blank! Here are some ideas for how you can show your love on our first pandemic Galentine's Day.
1- Superlative Zoom
Soak in some quality time by organizing a virtual hang - with a twist! We all remember superlatives from high school, right? Make a quiz on Surveymonkey and vote for superlatives then announce the winners at your zoom hang. Option for lots of wine and awkward award show speeches. Some examples of superlatives: "Most likely to discover a new planet," "Most likely to become a hermit," or "Most likely to go on the Bachelor." Get creative!
2- Thoughtful Gifts
Send your besties something sweet like a hand-drawn card with a favorite memory or an old photograph and let them know why they are so special to you.
3- Biddy Box
Send something guaranteed to spoil your bestie. There's nothing more fun than getting a surprise box of goodies at your doorstep! This year's Biddy Box features our customer favorite, Rose Body Oil, an organic women-made massage and bath oil, and includes a free Badass Biddy Sticker and a personalized note.
So there you have it. Galentine's Day! A day to give to our dearest friends - be it attention, gifts, quality time or words of affirmation. How will you share the love?
]]>Thankfully, we've got some tips to help your beautiful skin:
1- Wash your mask regularly with a mild cleanser.
Who among us hasn't picked an old mask off the floor of our car in a pinch? We've all been there. But washing your mask after each use not only reduces skin irritation, especially after a sweaty day or a workout, but also reduces risk of viral infection. Wash in a mild face cleanser (like cetaphil) rather than a laundry detergent that could disturb your skin. Here is your PSA - clean ya damn mask!
2- Wear the right mask.
Try to avoid masks where synthetic materials like rayon, nylon and polyester are resting on your face. Instead opt for a double layered mask with an inner natural fabric, like cotton.
3- Lighten up your foundation.
A little makeup under a mask never hurt anybody! But if you're a fan of thick foundation, you may want to lighten your application to reduce breakouts.
4- Craft a consistent skincare routine
Before you mask up for the day, wash your face! Use a gentle cleanser to wipe away grime. Listen! Most important take-away here: toner, toner, toner! Spray toner along your jawline and chin. A good toner will tighten your pores, keeping outside bacteria...well, outside. Finally, add a serum for an extra layer of protection against dryness and environmental toxins.
Looking for the a whole new morning skincare routine?
We recommend our Morning Trio.
I had just moved back to the island after spending a couple of years in Portland exploring all the offerings of "city life". Laura and I were close to strangers when she hired me on as her first employee. From the start, we were a wonderful team. I learned the recipes, made the products, shipped orders, took over Instagram and got caught up in the ins and outs of online marketing - the works. Laura became not only a generous friend to me but a mentor as well. She shared a volume's worth of life advice with me in our time working together, covering all the topics from relationships to finances.
During the pandemic, Laura found out that she was pregnant with her second child. With this news, came a lot of reflection. She thought about the future of the company, weighing what she wanted it to become with what she was able to put into it and it was clear that she did not have the time nor the energy to nurture the business to its full extent. The decision was made. Laura approached me this summer and asked me if I was interested in taking over Island Apothecary. After serious consideration, I answered with a BIG YES. Now I am thrilled to announce that...
I am officially the new owner and chief operator of Island Apothecary!
I feel so honored to be the one to carry the torch. I am dedicated to continue hand-crafting the highest quality skincare at affordable prices, expanding my skill sets to benefit Island Apothecary and most importantly, in my opinion, I will continue holding space for our incredible community to connect. Together, Laura and I have been able to build something that has been really important to both of us. We just couldn't be more grateful for all of you. Laura is looking forward to starting her next chapter and so am I.
Thank you so much for the continued love and support. I'm sending it right back to you!
Want to learn a little more about me? Here's my IA dating profile
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As a Mainer, I know full well that winter is ROUGH on the skin and spirit. Having an invigorating sea salt scrub by your side will help usher you into the season. Salt scrubs exfoliate and hydrate dry skin, encourage healthy circulation and stimulate the lymphatic system. Added bonus - their calming essential oils offer some peace of mind. Here are a couple of easy ways you can use your salt scrub to pamper yourself:
1- Shower Power: Let your shower steam up, take a handful of salt scrub and rub onto damp skin in a circular motion. To encourage lymphatic drainage, start on your extremities and massage moving toward your heart.
2- Soak It In: Put a tablespoon of salt scrub into your hot bath and let it dissolve. Then lower yourself in and relax. The detoxifying salts will do the heavy lifting while the essential oils cradle you to a far off cloud.
3- Luscious Lips: Dab some on your finger and rub on your lips to remove any dry and dead skin. Finish off with our all-natural moisturizing Biddy Balm ;)
4- Sink Support: We're all washing our hands to the bone these days, stripping them of their natural oils. Keep a jar by your kitchen sink and reach for it mid dishwashing to slough off dead skin cells and restore moisture.
5- A Pedi-Cure: Did someone say foot soak?? Fill up whatever vessel you can find with warm water and a tablespoon of salt scrub. Let those tired dogs soak for 10 minutes. Then, use another handful of scrub to exfoliate any dead skin on your heals and toes. Wipe dry with a warm towel and paint your tootsies the color of the month!
Tips:
* Salt Scrubs can be harsh so only use on damp or wet skin. And limit scrubbing to twice a week.
* To lock in even more moisture, finish with a hydrating body oil or lotion. We recommend our Floral Body Oil or Earth Body Oil.
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Who would've guessed such a sweet flower could be a healing force of nature?! It's true. Calendula really is a magical medicinal plant. Edible, these flowers are chock-full of vitamin C making them stellar for an immuno-boost. And used topically, calendula has a whole host of benefits!
Here’s a couple reasons why we jumped at the chance to make a Calendula Oil from flowers grown right here on island:
It’s Anti-Inflammatory!
Eczema, rosacea and breakouts are all symptoms of inflammation. And guess what? Yup. Calendula can help. Properties in calendula actually slow your body’s production of histamines, gently cooling redness and giving you a break from pain, allergies and general inflammation.
It’s an Antioxidant!
Bear with me as I go brush up on my college chemistry...oxidation is essentially a fight over free electrons. It’s a completely normal biological process when the oxygen atoms in your body (say H20) split and become free radicals. This leaves atoms unbalanced and searching desperately for that extra electron. Free radicals sometimes steal electrons from healthy cells causing a breakdown of DNA which leads to sagging, wrinkles and unwanted pigmentation. All this is to say that the antioxidants in calendula oil pair with those pesky free radicals before they can do damage to your healthy skin. Like a skin superhero!
It Softens and Soothes!
Yes, this oil also promotes collagen production (could it be any cooler??) leaving your skin supple and glowing. Calendula oil soothes and hydrates, making it a great option for those with sensitive, dry skin.
It Reduces Scarring!
The moral of this whole story is that calendula is a boss at preventing and repairing skin damage. Calendula oil speeds up the healing process for small cuts and blemishes by increasing blood flow to the affected area while the fatty acids and anti-histamines support growth of healthy new tissue. Whether it is acne scarring, sunburns, scrapes, insect bites or cracked nipples from breastfeeding, calendula is the go-to oil for healing.
To top off my TED Talk on the healing powers of calendula, here is a verrrrry long list of all the ways you can use it topically! Enjoy!
Rose essential oil has been used in beauty for generations. And for good reason. This potent essential oil is beneficial to mature skin, dry skin and sensitive skin too, not to mention a great oil to use for combination skin types.
]]>Rose essential oil has been used in beauty for generations. And for good reason. This potent essential oil is beneficial to mature skin, dry skin and sensitive skin too, not to mention a great oil to use for combination skin types.
Our Rose Serum uses rosa damascena which is a type of Bulgarian rose. Thousands and thousands of petals are distilled to create just a single ounce. No wonder many rose products can be pricey!
Now that you know the backstory, here's all the reasons why rose essential oil is a key ingredient to add to your skincare routine.
It's Emollient!
Dry skin sufferers rejoice! Rose EO has skin barrier reinforcing properties which means it helps keep moisture in.
It's Antiseptic!
The naturally astringent properties of rose helps combat acne. It can naturally combat the oils that lead to breakouts.
It's Anti-inflammatory!
I know, I know. The list just keeps growing. Rose can help keep inflamed skin at bay and also help regenerate skin tissue to help reduce redness and fine lines.
It Heals Scars!
Due to the strong antioxidant properties, roses are a wonderful way to help heal scars over time. This is ideal if you're trying to help lessen acne scars or any other surface skin scars.
It Helps With Depression!
Multiple studies have cited that the aromatherapy benefits of rose essential oil actually helps relieve stress and in many cases, depression. Not only are you bringing benefits to your skin, but to your psyche as well.
We use the best rose essential oil direct from Bulgaria in our award-winning Rose Serum. There's a lot of questions concerning the products we put on our face, but you can feel safe and glad that you've chosen our serum to help fight fine lines, acne and elevate your mood.
]]>Step 1: Say So Long to Soap
Soap leaves behind an invisible film on your skin. Oil removes impurities, unblocks pores AND moisturizes your skin. Our Oil Cleanser is an actual godsend.
Step 2: Stop Drinking Sugar
It's so hard to give up ALL OF THE THINGS so try removing the biggest offender from your diet - sugary drinks! Add some fruit to your water instead! Your skin will thank you!
Step 3: Use The RIGHT Toner
A lot of traditional toners are alcohol-based, which strips your skin and dries it out. Ick! Our Sunup Toner is made from premium witch hazel and aloe vera juice so it helps shrink pores but won't dry out your cute face.
Step 4: Incorporate a Serum Into Your Routine
We're not going to tell you to ditch your existing routine and switch over to all of our products. (But hey, if you want to, please do!) But if there's ONE investment you make going forward, being adding a serum to your face every morning and night.
Serums have condensed active ingredients in one small bottle so you're bringing necessary vitamins and antioxidants to your face in a potent little bottle. You can still use your face creams or cleansers with one. Just don't forget to layer products in order of heaviness: night creams go last.
Learn more about why our Rose Serum has literally transformed the skin of our customers in just a few uses!
Step 5: Establish a Daily Routine
You won't ever know if a skin regime is working for you unless you keep t it. I always recommend trying a product for a minimum of two weeks to see how your skin changes. Not all changes happen overnight, so stick to a morning and evening routine that works for you and before you know it, that skin will glow.
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Still doing all of these things and not sure why your skin isn't clearing up or looking its best? Send us an email and we are happy to connect and help you out! There's no mystery we can't solve!
]]>You can use any empty Island Apothecary bottle you own for this tutorial, but we especially like to do this using our Sundown Eye Serum roller bottles. To each his or her own!
Step 1: Take turns smelling each essential oil and make note of favorites. We like to mix opposites: a muskier scent with a floral scent or a sweet scent with a pungent one.
Step 2: Fill one ounce of Argan Oil into a mixing cup. This will be the base oil for your perfume but any base oil you have on hand can work, like Sweet Almond or Apricot Kernel oil.
Step 3: Add 5-10 drops of each scent you’d like into your base oil. You won’t want to add more than 40 drops to the entire mixture in order to make sure the base oil stays stronger than the essential oils. Too many essential oils can burn the skin! But don’t worry - you have to add a lot in order for that to happen. I also recommend adding a few drops at a time and doing a smell test, to make sure you get a balance that you enjoy.
Here’s a few great combinations you can try out:
Spearmint and Eucalyptus : Energizing and refreshing
Fir and Clove: A great winter scent that’s woodsy and exotic
Chamomile, Bergamot and Vetiver: Calming, slightly citrusy
Lavender and Bergamot: A favorite combo of ours which combines the calming effects of lavender with the orange undertones of Bergamot
Step 4: Roll and enjoy! These are safe to use anywhere on the body!
Have you made your own perfume before? What combinations do you love?
]]>This week I hung out with Ben Lovell, the head brewer and founder of our local brewery aptly named North Haven Brewing Co. I talked to Ben because for years he has worked a number of manual labor jobs on the island and his hands have taken a beating.
His dry skin cracks then bleeds causing him excruciating pain. And only recently has Ben found a product that really works for him --- our Floral Body Oil. He swears by it.
So I pulled him away from his brew day (they’re brewing a batch of the Highliner Pale Ale) to ask him a few questions about his skin and what it’s like to live + own a business on North Haven!
Tell me about you skin history?
Well I’ve always been abusive to my skin in the fact that most of my jobs are pretty demanding especially on my hands. They’re either outside in rough weather cutting wood in the winter and lobstering in the fall or they’re inside of gloves in a steamy hot brewery environment. When I used to lobster full time, I was constantly using my hands and bounding them. I’ve been really rough on my hands.
So what does that look like?
Usually they get really dry, crack and bleed. It’s super uncomfortable and I have a hard time keeping any sort of moisture in.
What skincare routines have you had in the past and what has worked for you?
Really all...I’ve gone through just about every different type of skin moisturizer and it’s been really really hard. I find all these mass market ones and they say they’re not oily or they’re for super sensitive skin but they never really work that well. I use Floral Body Oil now and that’s really is a good way to put some moisture back in especially at the end of the day. And I don’t have to apply it as much either, with a lot of those other ones I had to constantly be applying it. With this, that moisture stays in there which is nice.
What is your favorite self care practice?
Does drinking rye whiskey count?? At the end of the day, especially in the winter time, starting a wood stove, sitting down with some rye whiskey and just putting my feet up is the best.
Where is your favorite place on the island?
There are a lot of them. It depends on the season and my mood. I love the very tip of Crabtree Point. I love all of the North Shore, especially sunsets from early spring to late fall and there’s this one really nice conservation partners trail that goes through a birch stand which you don’t see a lot of out here.
Name your jobs!
Ice Cream Scooper, Road Crew, Gravedigger, Lobster Fisherman, Teacher, Bartender, Wood Cutter and Brewer.
What made you want to start an island business?
Well, because first of all why not? I live out here so I might as well start my business out here. But I think there’s also a cool entrepreneurial spirit on North Haven and the fact that it’s such a small community with so few existing businesses, anyone can really get a free shot at trying whatever it is they want to try in whatever industry they want to try it in without a lot of other competition. And when the end result is beer...it’s great!
Want to learn more about our own North Haven Brewery? Check them out at northhavenbrewing.com.
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We're masters of the dry brush craft so please heed our warnings and follow our best tips before you brush.
It should be noted that dry brushing is slightly harsh for your skin, especially as you start to do it. Be very gentle. There's no need to push down hard, but instead, lightly brush the bristles against your skin. It isn't uncommon to have red or peeling skin after the first few tries. Just make sure you're properly moisturizing afterwards and never dry brush more than twice a week.
For The Body
We recommend dry brushing before a shower on dry skin, but some folks like to do it after. To each his own!
If you have sensitive skin or suffer from eczema or rosacea, I'd suggest you avoid dry brushing altogether. This is a method of exfoliation and it isn't a one-type-fits-all rule.
Your skin will appear red after dry brushing, but that is normal. Be sure to moisturize with our Floral Body Oil or your moisturizer of choice afterwards.
For The Face
We personally don't recommend dry brushing your face with a dry brush. Then is this really dry brushing? I guess not. Let's call it damp brushing!
Your face's skin is much more sensitive than the skin at your knees, which is why we use face brushing as a gentle exfoliant.
Start at the chin and use light upward strokes as you work your way to the hairline.
Another option would be to apply your Everyday Cleanser and brush it in using a circular motion.
It is possible that your face will be red or potentially even break out after dry brushing, but that should not last.
If you want an all-natural exfoliating option to help brighten your skin, using brushes are a great way to do so. Again, proceed with caution! Enjoy massaging and stimulating your skin! And be gentle on yourself, which is really a great mantra in and of itself.
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Step Three: Get Masking + Painting
There’s nothin like a little self care with your friends. We giggled over how silly the face masks looked and gave suggestions on what colors to paint our nails. Oh and it always helps to invite a professional hair and nail stylist!
Step Four: Goal Setting
Something I love to do with my friends is talk about our goals for the future, whether they’re creative, personal or career-based. It’s the perfect combination of vulnerability and support. We all shared what our winter dreams are, talked about our lives and helped each other set goals for the upcoming months.
Step Five: Games
Once our faces were fresh, our nails dry and our futures planned, I pulled out the Bop-It Xtreme, which you may only remember if you were born between 1984-1994. More giggling ensued along with 90’s babies nostalgia. And then the night was over.
What are your favorite slumber party activities I can use for the next one? Let me know in the comments!
My thirties crept up on me without much cause for alarm. But I'm starting to see the signs of a life well-lived: a gray hair on my head, a stubborn chin hair on my face, and three distinct wrinkles on my forehead, mostly due to a terrible case of scrunching my face when I write.
Aging doesn't bother me. But I want to look good while I'm doing it.
Call it vanity if you want, but I'd love to look in a mirror fifty years from now and think, "There you are. I still recognize you."
I hemmed and hawed over whether to create a night serum that "fought aging". I don't want to be one of those brands that thinks we should fight time and try to look 24 years-old forever. But I do want to take the very best care of my skin starting now. And I want that for you too.
Since our culture uses a lot of scare tactics to force women into spending lots of money to fight time, I wanted to simplify it. This is a product you can add to your routine right after cleansing at night. Like all of our products, it's made from the very best oils in the world. And it IS going to help you look younger longer.
We are using the same oils in serums that are four times the price of our product. How? Well, we aren't all about the Benjamins, baby. And the core of what we do is to try and bring world-class organic skin solutions to women at an affordable price. This is our most expensive product because it's most expensive to make. But we wanted to create a world-class night serum for less than $50. And we've done just that.
The one thing all of the oils in our Night Cap Serum have in common is that they are going to boost cell turnover in your skin and continue to decrease fine lines and plump up your collagen to keep that elasticity taut and youthful. And it's all made from organic material so you don't have to worry about any of those scary chemicals doing it for you.
I list the full ingredients on the Night Cap Serum page and as with anything, don't ever hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the product.
Put it on before bed and stop worrying about aging. There's a lot of other things we can worry about in the world today, so let me make room for more stuff that matters.
]]>6:45 a.m. The first thing I do every morning is nurse Austin in the living room. As he's getting older this will likely change, but it's still a favorite part of my routine currently.
7:00 a.m. I make myself a latte. Our espresso machine felt like such a splurge but since we don't have a coffee shop or Starbucks where we live, it's nice to make myself something fancy in the morning. I love the routine of it.
7:15 a.m. I usually sit on the living room floor and sip my drink while I watch Austin play. Currently this means throwing everything out of the toy basket until something piques his interest long enough for him to sit and scrutinize it. On nice mornings, we'll sit on the porch and point out birds and watch the dog get into trouble.
7:30 a.m. Baby handoff to my husband. I usually get ready for the day and I always, ALWAYS start by making my bed. I don't know why this relaxes me, but tidying up my bedroom is important for calming my mind. I spritz my face, neck and chest with our Sunup Toner and apply Rose Serum. I change into real clothes too. In general I don't wear any makeup, but if I were to venture out, I'd swipe on some 100% pure concealer and Pacifica mascara and be on my way.
7:45 a.m. Breakfast time! Usually consists of bananas and blueberries and oatmeal or yogurt for both me and Austin. Although scrambled eggs are a favorite too.
8:15 a.m. Play time with Austin. I like to read him books, play "hide the block" and chase him around the house.
8:45 a.m. Austin takes a nap. I get started on work.
I'd love to know what your mornings are like. Please share in the comments below! xo
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There's no ritual in place. In fact, I'm envious of the Moms that have them. How wonderful to have that in your life every day. I know I'll get there someday, but that day isn't today.
Instead, I want to share some realistic things you can do for yourself when your schedule simply just won't allow it.
Throw What You Think Is Routine Out The Window
I normally do not shower at 2 p.m. But when my son was fast asleep and I was ahead of my work, I decided I deserved 15 minutes of steam. It's not something that happens every day, but when you see a moment open up, seize it! Don't worry about the dishes in the sink or the cat hair on the rug. Take the shower instead.
Rethink How You Do Things
If you follow us on Instagram you've probably heard me mention that I a) only wash my face once a day and b) do it as soon as I put my son to sleep, normally while my husband is cooking dinner. I used to think this was a practice to be done every morning and night like a good student. But now I have put a practice in place that works for me, not the other way around. Consider doing the same for yourself!
Ask For Help
I unapologetically ask for help when I need it. I value childcare when I have it because it frees me to do work that needs to be done and it also offers my son the ability to socialize and learn from people other than his parents. If I need a few minutes to myself, I ask my husband to take over. If I have a weekend trip with friends coming up, I push the guilt aside and realize that being an independent person will only help shape my son into one too. So ask for help and don't feel bad about it!
What do you do to carve out time for yourself? I'd love to hear! xx
]]>And I mean that most sincerely. When I found out I was pregnant with my son, it was the most exciting news ever. It also happened just as business was booming. And as we broke ground on our new home. Life, am I right?
I decided to take some time for myself and my family and give the business a pause. I knew it was a risk, especially when customers were hoping for refills and wondering where the heck I went.
But over the past few months not only have we built a home, but a family too. I welcome Austin into the world on Father's Day and for twelve solid weeks, my focus was just on being his Mom.
Now that we are in our home (it's still not done), I'm in the new IA digs (again, halfway there) and my son is sleeping through the night, things have resumed to normal again. Or at least a new normal!
I've also taken the summer to test products from other organic beauty lines. It has confirmed for me what I always knew: our products are just as good as the ones that cost double what we charge.
Our mission remains simple. Make organic beauty products sustainable and affordable, because they shouldn't be a splurge. We are committed to this now more than ever.
Thank you friends for sticking with us. We're back and better than ever!
]]>Claire is the epitome of a bad ass biddy. She started her own business on island. She's the first person my husband calls when he needs rope cut out of his wheel. She's amazing at mackerel fishing and at being towed on a surfboard behind a lobster boat.
I've always loved the term "biddy". By definition, a biddy is "a woman, usually elderly, that's regarded as annoying". The funny thing is, I can't think of the equivalent term for an elderly, annoying man, so it's time to take back the name!
We've used the term #badassbiddy for awhile now here at IA and when Claire and I discussed doing a collaboration together, she said, "We have to do bad ass biddy tees!"
So without further ado, we give you our Bad Ass Biddy Tee and Tank. This collaboration is very limited so stock up for all the bad ass biddies in your life.
]]>Here's how we use our Island Facial.
Step One
Pour one scoop of our Herbal Steam into a small pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Once pot is boiling, remove from heat. We like draping a towel over our heads and closing our eyes, allowing the steam to seep into our pores and drain all the impurities (and anxieties) away.
Step Two
Once you've enjoyed a good deep steam, try not to dry your face. Instead, take a teaspoon of our clay mask and add to a small bowl. Add two teaspoons of water and mix. We like to apply this once it has a pasty consistency with our fingers, but many mask devotees also like to use a brush. To each her own!
Step Three
Allow mask to sit for up to 4 minutes, once it's just about dry to the touch. We recommend not waiting until your skin is cracking. The purpose of the french clay is to remove toxins, but not to dry out skin. If you let the mask sit too long, it can suck moisture out of your face, which isn't ideal.
Voila!
Admire your glowing skin. Look at you, girl! That must have been one expensive spa treatment.
Please let us know what you think about our Island Facial Kit right here.
]]>Here are my foolproof strategies for making it through the cold, dreary days in one piece!
1. Get Inside Work Done
I love warm weather so as soon as a sunny day hits, I don't want to spend any time indoors. Instead, I put together a massive to do list of things I can finish during the winter months. Whether it's organizing a closet or digging through clutter in your basement, it's a great way to keep your mind busy and your summer to-do's short.
2. Host Frequent Dinner Parties
Invite friends over for a weekly potluck to keep your spirits high. There's nothing that gets me out of a funk faster than good food and laughs.
3. Read Books
Not magazines, not blogs, not email. But a real book. I've been plugging away at some fiction books this winter and though I tend to read a lot year-round, winters tucked at home are a great excuse to catch up on the latest must-reads on your list.
4. Do Ridiculous YouTube Exercise Videos
I am much less active in the winter months which can lead to a lack of endorphins coursing through my body. I take advantage of jumping around by doing a 30-minute YouTube video. The sillier the better. A current favorite is this one. You won't be disappointed.
5. Lather Your Body in Oil
Alright, I know, easy for me to say! But I love taking a warm shower and then just moisturizing myself top to bottom with our Floral Body Oil, slipping into some cotton pajamas and socks and pouring myself a glass of wine. It's called heaven and it is a place on earth.
6. Plan a Vacation
Does this count as cheating? No matter. I love having something to look forward to. Even if a vacation isn't in your budget, plan a weekend to visit friends or invite people to your place for a staycation. Something to look forward to is essential for me in the winter. Though a tropical island does really do the trick.