Green Gifting for the Holidays: A Gift for the Planet

Green Gifting for the Holidays; A Gift for the Planet

Give green gifts during the Holiday Season and introduce your friends and family to ways of caring for the planet. This practice can help green consciousness ‘ripple out.’

As we approach the Holiday Season colder weather and increasing darkness draw us toward thoughts of cozying up to be warm. This is also a season of activities that center around festivities often involving gift giving as a means of honoring relationships with family and friends.

When selecting gifts and preparing for festivities, choices are available that can benefit the planet. Consumers are finding that purchasing from ‘true’ Green Companies can be a positive experience - from the superior value of the products to the pleasant and caring customer service. After all, caring for people is an aspect of caring for our planet. It is a step forward toward individual personalized care that had been left behind when commerce became ‘mega-commerce.’

Seeking out sustainably produced foods, decorative items and gifts has a long reaching positive effect for the planet. Quality products that are produced in an environmentally friendly way are considered to be a purchase of optimum value. There are many types of companies that have built their product offerings on the criteria of caring for the planet. Green gifting is an opportunity to care for our planet and share new ideas about what is available from dedicated environment friendly and fair trade companies. This practice can help green consciousness ‘ripple out.’ As people enjoy their green gifts they may choose to incorporate those products into their daily life.

And so the questions arise – How do we find reliable Green Companies? How can we know that a company is a true environmentally conscious company? Obviously there are companies that are merely jumping on the ‘green marketing wagon’ and their products and practices when checked out are really no better than common commercial mega companies. Just to add to the confusion there are a variety of “green certifications” for which we do not know the standards behind the ‘badge.’ Fortunately there are a few organizations that are known for their diligence in screening companies and their certification is therefore a bona-fide statement of true green companies. Green America.org, Socially Responsible.org, Sustainability Store.com are a few. An internet search of these sites will point to our local green companies.

When shopping in town or on the internet, conversations with staff can lead to interesting, informative concepts about the source of items and the mission of a company that stands for green and/or fair trade ideals. There is much attention these days regarding personal and business practices that are eco-friendly, planet sustainable and green. People are looking closer at the smaller things that can make a positive impact on our life on this planet for both the present and the future. There is much that each of us can do that will cause minimal change to the way we live and yet create a significant improvement to the quality of our lives and the health of our planet. Over the past decade(s) numerous small companies have been bringing attention to their green and sustainable practices.

These are companies that are using natural and organic ingredients free from synthetic chemicals; marketing clothing that is made with organically produced fibers; incorporating and distributing fair trade ingredients and products that are made with such ingredients. There are consultants who guide businesses and teach individuals how to create a purely green existence. Travel companies list accommodations that adhere to green practices for the green traveler. Companies strive to create minimal waste and toxicity by following the three ‘Rs’ of greening – reducing, recycling, and reusing office supplies and packaging materials.

Green companies are producing products that are inspired by a heartfelt desire to produce quality products that are not at all harmful to people and our planet. They usually go the extra step to ensure the superior quality of each ingredient, the perfection of each finished product, and that their customers sense that they are being cared for as individuals. Personal contact with the producer of a product is only experienced with a small hand crafting company. This interaction creates a satisfying experience for both the consumer and the producer.

Do something special for the planet this Holiday Season by thinking green and fair trade when purchasing those special gifts for friends and family. Make Holiday Gifts Choices a Gift for the Planet.

Author, Eve Stahl, Founder/Owner Garden of Eve Skin Care LLC, is a Health Consultant, Herbalist and Skin Care expert. She specializes in using nature’s plants to enhance the health of people and to protect the health of our planet. To achieve this purpose she has created Garden of Eve Skin Care products for sensitive skin and all skin types. You can visit her company at: http://www.gardenofeveskincare.com Ask about local Spas' treatments with Garden of Eve Spa products.
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Life-Energy-Vitality; The role of Vital Force in health and skin care

"What is the essence of life energy?"

"Does the life energy of plants differ from that of man and animals?"


Philosophers, physicians, and every day seekers have pondered the subject since the days of Hypocrites. Early physicians referred to a mysterious energy or spirit-like substance that had a definite role in life and health. They called it “vital force.“


Vital force is an aspect of nature that “orders” our body so that it may maintain or restore health. When the vital force is disrupted or “dis-ordered” the body manifests symptoms of imbalance as colds, allergies, aches, illness and disease.


How does this pertain to skin care?


Similarly the skin shows imbalances in terms of rashes, dryness or oiliness, breakouts, wrinkles and inflammation. This is how the body and skin communicate to us that it is "out of sorts" and in need of help.

It is important to know the elements that support a healthy energy flow i.e. vital force, and elements that disrupt energy flow resulting in signs of physical imbalance. This is the primary principle of how to stay healthy. It is a vital consideration when selecting skin care products.


“What happens when the vital force is ignored?”


The modern commercial skin care approach is to treat symptoms of dryness, oiliness, acne, and such with synthetic chemicals. This approach does not recognize the importance of the presence of vital force in skin and skin care ingredients.


When ingredients are used that do not support the vital force, symptoms may be appeased but the cause is not addressed. Additionally the body may become toxic from the synthetic chemical ingredients thus side effects can occur. Health in general can be compromised. Because synthetic ingredients do not support the body’s vital force it is crucial to seek skin care products that contain only ingredients that do have a vital force, and thereby support life, vitality and beautiful skin.


“How can we support the vital force in its effort to maintain optimum health and vibrant skin?”


The body will recognize and interact with elements of nature which contain vital force. We respond to nature – herbs, flower essences, essential oils, homeopathy, and “grown” food because we are nature. Within nature all organisms share a similar essence of vital force. To restore vital force to the body it is necessary to use these vital energies of nature.


What differentiates plants from synthetic ingredients is the presence of vital force. Plants are living beings. When we work with a plant its vital force interacts with the vitality of our own being in ways that enhance our well being far beyond the capabilities of synthetic ingredients.


When working with plant remedies – herbs, essential oils of plants, homeopathy, or flower essences we are taking in not only the nutritional and chemical constituents of the plants, we also take in the full energy and wisdom the plants offer. Understanding the mind, body and spirit’s responsiveness to the energies of nature’s plants is integral to an holistic approach to health.


“… that which does not support “life” breaks down life.”


Any product we use internally or topically (which in turn enters the bloodstream through the pores of our skin) whether it is food, supplements or skin care products, must have active vital force. If a substance is not “live” with vital force it is dead; the body cannot use it. What the body cannot use, it either converts to a usable state or relates to it as waste (toxic) matter that must be eliminated. Either way this creates an energy burden on the immune and detoxification systems of the body - liver, kidneys and lymphatic system. Thus any food or any product which does not support life breaks down life. Signs of aging, fatigue, toxicity, and poor health – disease will appear.


"Certain energies are known to disrupt the flow of vital force"


Vital force is an innate aspect of all living organisms - plants, humans and animals. However, certain energies are known to disrupt the flow of vital force - chemicals, preservatives, excessive heat, x-ray, microwave, electrical and magnetic frequencies. When foods and other health products are processed or merely come in contact with these energies they lose their vitality; their vital force is disrupted. This renders them less effective or ineffective and sometimes even harmful as they rob energy and vitality from the body.


“Do essential oils and hydrosols have vital force?”


Yes, some do. When distilled properly essential oils and hydrosols contain vital force. However, the vital force is often destroyed during the extraction process. Organically grown raw plant materials and proper life-preserving distillation methods can be costly. Many oils in the market place have been extracted with the use of chemical solvents to speed up the process, and extract greater quantities of fluid, thereby reducing production cost. Unfortunately the solvents are toxic to us and they destroy the vital force of the plants as well. Some essential oils and hydrosols on the market have been diluted and some are synthetic. The essential oils and hydrosols used at Garden of Eve skin care are intentionally distilled by low pressure, low temperature, pure steam distillation. The herbs and flowers are organically grown to ensure the absence of harmful synthetic pesticides. This ensures that the resulting skin care products are of great vital force, readily usable by the body.


The skin deep cosmetics safety database scores products from 0-10 hazard risk, 0 being the safest score. Synthetic ingredient products have high hazard scores whereas the more natural ingredient products have low, closer to '0' hazard scores. Garden of Eve skin care is proud of their 0 hazard scores in that database.

To best support health and vitality everything we eat, drink, or put on our skin is best chosen with vital force as a criteria.


Garden of Eve March Madness Special

Basic Face Care Kits

10% Discount - Use Code MARCH



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Celebraing Valentine's Day with Aromatic Traditions

Valentine’s Day has been referred to as a man made marketing fest for greeting cards, flowers and chocolates. Yet it continues to inspire expressions of romance, honoring of friendships and love ones. This special day inspires hope for continued warm, caring relationships. Garden of Eve offers Special Valentine’s Discounts on personalized presents for both men and women. Use 10 % Discount Code VAL2011.

At Garden of Eve we support the ‘scentiments’ of Valentine’s Day with the aromatic essences of Rose and Citrus which historically have been found to bring ‘Joy to the Heart’ since the days of Cleopatra. An ancient tale of luring the heart speaks of Cleopatra soaking the sails of her ship with Rose and Orange essential oils in order to launch her plan to lure Mark Anthony as her ship sailed into his harbor.

Today anyone can warm their heart while softening their skin with Garden of Eve’s Joy to the Heart Hand and Body Cream. It affords a great opportunity to experience the deep uplifting calm of the aromatic blend of flowers.

Men are not to be ignored on this day of caring expression. Garden of Eve has a special treat for men as well. Men can adorn themselves with pure subtle essences while addressing their masculine skin care needs. Adam’s After Shave Skin Toner is a great introduction to caring for masculine skin with only pure wholesome ingredients. Today men are seeking pure non-toxic skin care products. Garden of Eve offers a complete line of pure quality skin care for men.

Aromatherapy is an age old tradition that can reach the emotions on a deep and subtle level. Aromas can bring forward treasured memories of family and friends. Aromas can also inspire joy and creativity or enhance calm and relaxation. The right aroma can even help to promote a restful night’s sleep. Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity for introducing this ancient ‘therapy’ to a loved one.

Garden of Eve offers an array of aromatic creams that address a variety of possibilities.


Winter season is an excellent time to snuggle up with a book, a cup of tea and treat yourself to the uplifting, heart soothing aromas of nature’s gifts – the aromatic essential oils of plants.

Care for Your Skin Naturally
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Garden of Eve's pure natural skin care solutions.
as pure as it gets