That special occassion will be here before you know it. .

Well, SOMEONE has a 1 year "Gotcha-versary" at the end of the Month.  It's hard to believe it's been a year since we adopted 10-month-old Sunny D. Lab from Chicagoland Lab Rescue. She's easy to get a gift for, though nothing would replace her beloved ocean friend - Claude the Lobster.

Buying for the other women (and men) in your life can be tougher.  I like to buy from small artisan companies, which are women-owned when I can. Two of my favorites are in Canada.  I wanted to share and support one of them here today - SALT AND SEAWEED APOTHECARY on Vancouver Island.  Luxurious, small-batch bathing and grooming rituals for men and women with responsibly harvested raw ingredients from the wild oceans of British Columbia, Canada.  Nicole handcrafts each item, an intimate affair between art and science, business, and passion.  The bars of soap are little works of art and make the BEST gifts. 

• Salt and Seaweed Apothecary

(click on the name to go to the website)

I know many artists and craftspersons in Canada are concerned about sales if/when the US tariffs are enacted.  (Please, no politics in the comments; Sunny will chew them up and hide them behind the couch.) There are some products I will happily pay extra to get, and these are some of them. 

First, I wouldn't be caught on a desert island without it.  I have naturally wavy hair, but on its own, it's NOT manageable without spending an hour with a hair dryer.  Salt and Seaweed's Sea Salt Texturizing Spray makes my natural curls look defined, bouncy, and still soft instead of looking like I had combed my hair with a live ferret.  The Fresh and Flirty Deodorant has an addictive aroma (lime and bergamot, both men and women love it) that doesn’t bother my ultra-sensitive skin.  The Roast and Revelry jumbo Lip Balm (cardamom and coffee) – I buy 3 of these at a time for myself and others. The Pink Grapefruit Lip (and face) Polish (smells and tastes good, though it is probably best not to have it as a snack :-) As for the Island Life Coffee and Cardamom Body Polish -not pictured, I used it all up 🙁 

Other ones that everyone in the family uses.  The Star Anise soap has a faint licorice aroma, but it's not overly sweet or strong, just refreshing.  It's great post-workout and also for any hormonal breakouts on the face or body (got teens?) The Sea Mist Minerals Spritz is perfect for the air, your face, and your pillowcase (lavender helps you drift off to sleep).  I also love the Tranquil Blue cream when my skin (especially my hands) gets really dry.  I put some on at night (it smells SO good), and in the morning, my hands are soft as can be.  There's also a Spa Sunday overnight mask with raw Manuka Honey, green tea, and seaweed that's a wonderful overnight treatment when your skin is irritated, chapped, or just cantankerous because of the weather, dry air, menopause, or an impending Monday. 

For those who are sensitive to lavender (I'm one of the rare ones sensitive to essential oils in the mint family except in very small amounts) - the men’s line of serums and balms have the same essential ingredients as the women’s facial serum and balm but are infused with tangerine and cedarwood instead of lavender.  I may get a raised eyebrow from EJ when I’m putting “beard oil” on my face before going out in the cold, but the men’s serum and (beard) balm is awesome on anyone's skin with the same fresh and natural ingredients with no chemical preservatives.

So go check them out. I'd recommend shipping with tracking and insurance (Nicole can answer any questions you have about shipping to the US if needed).  Trust me, one of the artisan soaps with one of the lip/skin sticks in a little mesh bag is SO appreciated as a quick gift when you don't have time to go out to the store (because someone needs "walkies").