Patchouli, or as some fondly call it, “Patch,” is a beautiful, mysterious, and sensual essential oil.  I do think this essential oil is somewhat underrated, as it is just as practical as it is richly scented. 

To give some background, patchouli is a deeply scented, golden-coloured essential oil extracted by steam distillation that, with time, grows deeper in both hue and in scent.  It comes from the leaves and flowers of a small evergreen herb that grows in several tropical regions including India, China, Indonesia, South East Asia and throughout the South Pacific and in South America. Although many people associate Patchouli with the “flower children” of the 1960s and 1970s, it has a much longer history dating back at least as far as ancient Egypt.

As a base note, the scent of Patchouli gets deeper with time.  It does not evaporate as quickly as top notes (citrus) or middle notes (lavender).  Patchouli has been used in perfumery for centuries as a fixative, to hold together a scent.  Some say King Tut was buried in his tomb with several vials of Patchouli oil. The strong scent of this oil makes it less than ideal to use on its own, and instead, it is recommended for use in a blend that has already been formulated.  

If you do wish to use it on its own, 1-2 drops can be diluted in a carrier oil such as grapeseed oil or jojoba oil.  A couple of drops can also be added to a 100% natural product you are currently using to further enhance its healing capacity. A small amount of Patchouli goes a long way!

Beyond its scent, Patchouli is fascinating because it is adaptogenic, which means it has a balancing effect on physiology, on stress.  Because of its adaptogenic nature, Patchouli is either stimulating and/or relaxing, depending on what it is used for and how each individual’s system responds to it. 

Here are 10 great ways to use the exotic and versatile Patchouli oil:

Insect repellant: Have you ever notice that clothing from India and China often smells like incense? Patchouli has been used for centuries to deter insects, especially moths, from laying eggs in garments and linens.

Skin conditions: For topical irritation, redness, and inflammation, and conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis, patchouli is soothing and calming. Saje has included Patchouli in both the Shaver Saver Soothing Body Bar and the Eczema Ease Lotion.  

Balances oil production: In skin care, patchouli helps to regulate oil production. The pores of the skin secrete an oil called sebum, which helps keep the skin smooth and moisturized. When we speak of skin types such as oily or dry, we are referring to how much or how little sebum the pores release. Patchouli supports the reduction of sebum in oily skin and stimulates more sebum secretion in dry skin.

Meditation: On the mat, on a cushion or in the forest, wherever you choose to meditate, a drop of patchouli mixed into a carrier oil will inevitably help you feel grounded, calm, and centered. Patchouli blends really well with many oils, including those in Saje’s Yoga line.

Fungicide: Combine Patchouli’s balancing nature and it’s ability to inhibit the growth of fungus to create a fantastic, natural antidote to conditions such as Athlete’s Foot and dandruff. Add a couple drops to your lotion, shampoo, conditioner, or other blend or product. For dandruff, let the shampoo or conditioner sit for a couple minutes prior to rinsing.

In the bedroom!  As a powerful aphrodisiac, musky, earthy Patchouli has been known to boost libido.

Deodorant: Patchouli works well in an underarm deodorant and as a deodorizer.  Because it is both antibacterial and antifungal, a drop in each work boot or smelly sneaker will help you breathe better and smell better!

Anti-inflammatory: Patchouli has a nature soothing nature, it eases coughs and calms other respiratory ailments. 

Tension, insomnia, and anxiety: typically, the deeper the scent of an essential oil, the more calming it is for the nervous system.  Inhaling a deep scent like Patchouli causes one to breathe more deeply, causing the whole body to relax and release tension. 

Boost laundry soaps and household cleaners: because of it is both antibacterial and antifungal, adding 1-2 drops of Patchouli into the washing machine or mop bucket will support the wellness of your entire family!

These are just a few ways to use the rich and robust Patchouli. As you uncover the mystery that surrounds it, do be mindful of its strong scent.  Less is more with this beautiful essential oil that has many, many applications and uses that range from very practical to very indulgent.   

Greeks and Romans did not use lavender merely to perfume their bath water with its lovely scent; they used it for its cleansing, antibacterial properties and to calm their frightening, angry gods.

Today, we still use lavender for stress, for cleansing, to boost our immune systems and in perfume. Lavender is, however, so much more dynamic than this. With over 1200 known components in its makeup, it’s no wonder that this herbaceous and floral essential oil is the most well-known, most popular and most versatile of all essential oils.

Steam distilled from the flowers, buds and leaves of the plant lavandula angustifolia, lavender, according to some, is a cure-all. At Saje, you will find lavender in over half of our products. Offering relief from headaches, pain, inflammation, nervous tension, circulatory issues, insomnia and anxiety, lavender is great on its own but it is even more powerful when blended with other oils.

Lavender is a cicatrisant, which means it stimulates cellular regeneration. This is part of what makes it so effective in healing topical wounds and burns and why it is found in so many skin care products for the face and body.

One could even say that lavender is responsible for the existence of Aromatherapy. The serious burn that René-Maurice Gattefossé suffered from in his chemistry lab in 1910 caused him to plunge his hand into the nearest container of liquid, which happened to be lavender. To his surprise, and delight, he suffered almost no scarring or pain. This experience caused him to coin the term Aromathérapie and to dedicate his research to studying the antibacterial and antiseptic properties of essential oils.

He used a variety of essential oils, including lavender, thyme, lemon and clove to treat injured soldiers in French military hospitals during World War I. He was very influential in developing cultivation and distillation methods of lavender in France. He also played a part in creating the very first lavender growers' cooperative. Over 100 years later, many people around the globe share his passion for essential oils, which all began with lavender.

To view Saje products that have Lavender, click here!

DAY 1

We were flown out to Vancouver from Toronto with a packing list and told nothing other than: a shuttle bus is picking us up in the morning. You can imagine our excitement when the shuttle bus arrived at a boat terminal. A boat then took us to Gambier Island; where we then arrived at Camp Fircom.

ARRIVAL

When we arrived, it was clear no detail went unnoticed. Our leadership team greeted us with cheers, hugs and smiles. Our wellness was considered throughout the trip by ensuring our meals were healthy, we were given time in between sessions to unwind or prepare for the next event.

After a warm welcome from our fearless leaders Kate and Jean-Pierre, we then had a team-building workshop with Brett Lloyd. We learned that by compartmentalizing your observations, thoughts, feelings and wants you are able to communicate more clearly. By no longer confusing thoughts and feelings for what actually happened (observations) is going to make for some powerful conversations.

GROWTH

Next up, a happy hour with cocktails and a campfire; Janie our COO shared her story about personal growth during her time at Saje. One by one, everyone stood up and began to share their own stories about how they found Saje and their journey of personal growth. There was laughter and tears as we all sat listening and relating to each other’s stories. This was one of the most courageous and beautiful moments I have ever witnessed.

We were asked previously throughout the day to write down questions we wanted to ask our executive team. Can you imagine being able to ask your CEO, CFO, COO, founders of the company any question you want? How cool is that?! We all sat around a campfire together, made s’mores and listened to their answers.

DAY 2

The day began with a trail run or yoga (you had the option of choosing prior to camp). This trail was all up-hill and basically turned into a hike. I’m glad I toughed it out and completed the trail; it lead us to a beautiful lookout point and challenged us all. Our group all felt pretty awesome afterwards!

VULNERABILITY

The next workshop was lead by Duane and Catherine on vulnerability. By the end of this session, the whole room was in tears sharing stories from their past and the masks or walls that we put up to hide it all. I found a quote after this session that speaks perfectly to what I experienced: “Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they are never weakness.” – Brene Brown

ACTIVITY TIME

Prior to camp, everyone was given an opportunity to choose an activity (kayaking, canoeing, archery, craft time, hiking) I chose Farm to Fork. Camp Fircom has its very own garden and is trying to be thirty mile. I was blown away at all the delicious vegetables and herbs! They also have a top notch compost system at the camp which is re-used back into their gardens. Andrea Potter then lead a session on how to make kombucha while teaching us the health benefits and probiotic properties.

I cannot continue without talking about how awesome the cook staff is at Camp Fircom. They made everything vegetarian and with so much flavour! We were treated to one heck of dinner that night; beet salad, roasted potatoes, sautéed kale, lasagne, smoked salmon, delicious breads and wine. We also had an award ceremony to celebrate our teams’ awesomeness across the country. 

CELEBRATION

The celebration continued with cocktails and lots of dancing. As I walked in, I remember thinking to myself, “ok, I’ve been to camp before but never one that had its very own DJ…how cool is this?!” One moment that really stood out to me was watching him and Kate dance together; the way that they still look at each other with so much love and appreciation, it’s truly inspiring. They are living proof that you can work with your true love every day and still keep that spark.

DAY 3

We packed up then boarded on the taxi boats back over to Vancouver to prepare for the Holiday Launch meeting. As I was sitting on the boat reflecting on my time at Camp Saje; three words came to mind: GROWTH, FAMILY and GRATITUDE.

Since I began working at Saje, I have experienced tremendous growth personally. At camp, I experienced even more personal growth by stepping outside of my comfort zone, making new friends with other managers, hiking up a mountain (that felt like it was never ending), cried in front of other people (something I don’t typically do) and even tried some new foods. I was coming home feeling empowered and supported with all this new knowledge.

I can admit that I have never once worked with a group of people that I felt safe enough around to let all my guards down to just be myself. I have been taught to not hug my co-workers, to not get personal, to always be “professional”. I normally would never friend co-workers on social media; not the case at Saje. To me, my co-workers are much more than that; I truly work with family. I am in my dharma. I am exactly where I’m supposed to be with a posse of individuals that feel the same way. I feel supported always in a way I have never felt before.

To say I had an incredible time at Camp Saje is an understatement. My face hurts from laughing (and crying so hard). My legs are so sore from hiking, dancing and celebrating. Lastly, my heart is so full from experiencing the outpouring of love, positivity and energy from my family of Sajers. I am humbled and grateful to spend every day with individuals who are powerful, talented and the most beautiful people (both in and out). Thank you Kate, Jean-Pierre and Saje for this awesome experience!

Photo credit: Elle Basten at Crossfit 604

As Crossfit continues to grow in popularity worldwide, more people are opting to participate in this high intensity, functional form of fitness.

Pushing physical and mental limits while performing the WOD (work out of the day) is routine for Crossfitters. While the benefits of this style of exercise are immense and produce fast results, as with any elite fitness it can take its toll on the body. Recovery and rest can become just as important as the actual training. 

Here are a few tips to help you recover from this highly intense workout:

• Ensure your body receives proper nutrition. Feeding your body what it needs to repair those torn up muscles is an important element of recovery . 

• Stretching over worked muscles will aid in recovery and diminish the risk of injury.

• Massage and/or yoga can be highly beneficial in muscle recovery, getting rid of toxins in your body and overall relaxation.

• Getting ample sleep is also a vital part of helping your body heal fast from those tough workouts. The body needs to spend quality time in its restorative state in order to keep performing at its best in the gym.

While yoga classes and restful sleeps are highly beneficial to an athlete they are not always possible. Luckily there are things you can do to aid relaxation and recovery in your own home.

• One option is self massage, using the Saje Muscle Melt lotion. You can rub in to tired and sore muscles to release some of the tension caused by hard workouts.  It smells fantastic, is completely natural and will make your skin super soft as well.

• Another way to relax sore muscles is with a hot bath using bath salts. It is fast, inexpensive and also very good for your immune system as it pulls toxins from your body and puts minerals in. A great Saje product is the Après Sport Muscle Soothing Bath Salt.

• Sometimes it is hard to calm down at night when it is time for sleep, perhaps  you can't turn off your brain and find that peace you need to drift off. Diffusing or using lavender, valerian, roman chamomile or a relaxation blend of essential oils is a great aid in calming down. This is a healthy,100% natural alternative to many unnatural and chemical-laden sleep aids available.

• Calloused hands are a trade mark of crossfit workouts. If you let the calluses grow and get too big, they will tear. When this happens it is very painful and can take weeks to heal. The best way to deal with this is to not let the tear happen by keeping your hands soft. The Saje Healing Hands or Tingle Mint lotions work wonders. Just a few times a day is all it takes, they have a nice fragrance and work on the rest of your body as well. When crossfit hands do tear however the Saje Recovery Skin Balm will help the wounds feel better and heal faster.

• After a sweaty workout at the gym one might not always have time to shower, or head home to do so, and a build up of sweat and dirt on the skin can cause acne.  Saje has a great  product called Acne Zap that is an all natural spray toner for acne-prone faces. Its easy to keep in your gym bag and use after workouts to minimize breakouts.
• One of the biggest chemical culprits in the body care department is deodorant

• Most people don't head to the gym without putting some on, and they might hear complaints if they did. Saje has a highly effective completely natural and chemical free  "crystal fresh" spray on deodorant.  This is such a wonderful alternative to drugstore varieties and also to the health store varieties that just don't work or smell nice. 

The delicate balance between work and rest so often lands heavy in the work side. Take the time to take care of yourself, it will help you lead a healthier life. Whether you are at the Box, at work, or just at home with the family, rest and recovery is what keeps you able to continue performing at your best.

Rose has a multitude of healing properties, from the superficial to the energetic. If you were to measure the frequency of rose essential oil, you would discover that it has the highest frequency of all the essential oils at 320 MHz. Some use it for more serious symptoms whereas others use it simply for its lovely perfume. 

Over 300 components combine to make up this beautiful, luxurious oil and next to lavender, rose is one of the most versatile of all the essential oils. Mythological stories of Aphrodite refer to rose as a symbol of eternal love. Rose essential oil is in fact, an aphrodisiac and nowadays, it is the most popular flower purchased on Valentine’s Day.  Decorating the ground and other surfaces with rose petals has been common practice during celebrations, from ancient Roman feasts to modern day weddings.  Commonly used for well-being and happiness, some consider rose to be the most euphoric of all oils. 

For more practical purposes, rose is found to be effective in combatting grief, anger, fear, stress, depression, anxiety and menstrual complaints. Also used in skin care, rose is one of the best oils for dry, dehydrated and tired skin, bringing radiance and softness as it stimulates the elastin-collagen network.  It is also antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, circulatory stimulating and it calms redness, healing broken capillaries, rosacea and eczema. 

At Saje, we use Rose Otto (Rosa damascena) which is steam distilled. 4000 pounds of roses will yield just 1 pound of essential oil.  Approximately 70% of all rose essential oil is from Bulgaria. Hand harvested in the morning before sunrise, the rose harvest lasts approximately 3 weeks.  The flowers are picked while the petals are still covered in dew and the essential oil is distilled the same day, as the best oil comes from freshly bloomed flowers.

We sat down with the amazingly talent artist Dana Mooney to get the inside scoop on the design of our new aromaArt Nebulizer. 

Give us little background on where you came from and how you began painting.

My background has always been in creative industries. I was a makeup artist for 10+ years, working in film and print.  While doing that, I studied Interior Design and then started working at a high end boutique Home Decor shop where we also handled our own private design clients.  It was during my time there that I started selling my paintings (which I had always done just as a side hobby) at the store. And finally in January 2014 I decided to focus full time on my painting career.  Since making that life changing decision, I have realized it was the best move I could have made and I'm constantly excited for what I'm working on and what's next.

What inspires your work?

I am constantly looking at images of trending home decor and fashion. The world of social media plays a big role in supplying me with constant inspirational imagery from all over the world. I am inspired by different color palettes, and just everything around me. Living in Vancouver has given my work a strong westcoast influence, and of course I love being so close to the ocean and nature. I think that this is why I love to have beautiful colors paired with white, to create an airy, light feeling.

Why Saje? You’ve been asked to do a lot of collaborations and did you previously know you wanted to work with us?

When Saje approached me to collaborate I felt like the timing was perfect in my life. I had just completed my first year as a full time painter, and was starting to personally make changes in my life to create balance and overall wellness. My outlook on life aligns perfectly with Saje's brand, so I actually feel like us coming together was sort of destiny! This also came right at the time when I was beginning to think about expandiing my artwork into other areas such as products and textiles. Having come from an Interior Decor background I always want to tie my work back into that, and the aromaArt is the perfect way to do that.

What's your favourite part of this collaboration?

I have 2 favorite parts. First, the fact that I am able to contribute to donating to an amazing company, Arts Umbrella, is so fullfilling for me. It's something that as an artist isn't always financially easy to do, so if my work is able to do that I am so happy. The second part was really the creation process. Saje fully gave me complete trust and freedom to design the artwork on the aromaArt. So choosing the style of artwork, color palette and envisioning what it would look like on the actual product was an entirely new experience for me. It was so fun and still challenging at the same time.

Can you give us a brief breakdown of the process behind painting the aromaArt Nebulizer?

When I met with Saje and talked about the brand philosophy and what they wanted to do with my artwork I was so excited. I immediately started thinking of what I could do. I first had to grasp the idea of creating a piece that would look esthetically pleasing on the round aromaArt form. I realized that this is a product that customers will be displaying and actually using in their homes everyday, so it had to be something that wouldn't be too overwhelming or bold, and also wouldn't be too trendy so that it would have longevity. I also needed to create something that was just simply beautiful, to reflect Saje's brand, and at the same time represent my own art brand. I wanted the artwork to have movement, be abstract and the color palette should be representational of myself being from Vancouver. Because we are giving proceeds to a children's foundation, the artwork had to be exciting, uplifting and fresh.Once I narrowed down the direction and color palette, I started to paint.  It was a real process of first deciding the flow and look of the artwork, and then refining the colors and lastly refining the composition.  I probably painted 30 different paintings to arrive at the final 2 selections, with the imput and feedback from Saje throughout the process.  After that, we had the artwork photoshopped onto the aromaArt for final revisions and approval!

What is Arts Umbrella and why do you feel it’s a good fit for this collaboration?

Arts Umbrella is a not for profit place in Vancouver for children and teens ages 2-19 years to grow and create and be exposed to so many different creative avenues. Art and creativity is such a main building block in who we are as adults, but the fact is this is often overlooked or thought of as extra or a special opportunity. Arts Umbrella provides something that not everyone would regularily have access to. The fact that Saje represents wellness is exactly why Arts Umbrella is the perfect fit, because it begins when we are children.

What's your favourite Saje Product?

I really still have to try them all, but so far my favorite is the Goddess perfume - it smells so pretty! I love the luxe rose quartz roller ball and the fact that you can pack it easily with you for travel.

Favourite ways to relax/unwind?

It really depends on my mood but a walk on the seawall, or catching up with friends always helps me take a time out from running my business, which is really more than a fulltime job these days.

Best wellness tips?

I think one of the more overlooked wellness factors would be making sure to find a balance in how we spend our time.  Life is short and I really do believe in taking risks and doing what you are passionate about, because it pays off in the longrun in many ways!

Favourite music/artist?

Right now the artist I'm obsessed with Yago Hortal. His bold use of color is unlike anyone else I've seen.

Best way to spend a Saturday? 

Saturdays are usually jam packed and social for me. I love covering a lot of ground, checking out what's going on around the city and catching up with as many people as possible during my day off.  

If you’re not familiar with Dana’s work, learn more by checking out her website and social. 

Our Guildford Town Centre store opened in September of 2013 and we couldn’t be more excited to share a little bit about this team and their favourite products with you.

Store Manager: Priscilla
Assistant Manager: Vanessa 

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Meet The Rest of the Team:

What’s your favourite product?

“My diffuser! It allows me to create different moods and provide different benefits very easily. My favourite diffuser blend to use in it, is Liquid Sunshine.” - Jan

“My favourite Saje product is a tie between the Rose Repair face cream and the Goddess mist. After using Saje's skincare for a month, the difference in my skin is absolutely stunning. I especially enjoy the Rose Repair because of its scent, which is why the Goddess mist is always in my bag. The sweet floral scent with a hint of vanilla and citrus notes instantly make me feel calmer and happier - as if I'm ready to take on the world!” - Stacey

"Transition roll on is my favorite as it really helps me with my pre-menopause symptoms like hot flush." - Priscilla

"Unwind. I find it very calming yet refreshing. The cinnamon and orange add a nice spice but it still smells sweet from the florals." - Rebecca

"I love the Owie Magic after one of my co-workers introduced it to me.. LOOOVEEE using it on my lips!" - Nitu

"My favorite product is Super Detox. I love how it detoxifies my body just by applying it!" - Jenny

If you had to give your customers one piece of advice, what would it be?

“If you would like to improve your health, it can be confusing and overwhelming to know where to start. An easy way is just to make one small change. When you are comfortable with that, add another small change. Small changes can include, packing some carrot and celery sticks with your lunch, going for a 15 minute walk after dinner, or replacing a product you currently use with a healthier version. For example, replace your chemical antibacterial hand soap with a 100% natural soap from Saje, replace your spray air freshener with one from Saje, try Peppermint Halo instead of medication for a headache, or buy a diffuser for an easy way to improve the air quality for the whole family.” - Jan

“We live in a society that expects instant gratification, so a lot of customers have hesitations about switching to all-natural products. With natural products, healing can sometimes take longer, however there's no bad side effects in the long run. Think of building a house; you don't use faulty materials when building because you know it will only be a matter of time before the house collapses. So why would you do that to your body?” - Stacey

"You need to try it to believe it." - Priscilla

"To listen to their body and treat it with respect." - Rebecca

"To give our products a shot, even it isn't something they would normally use/try. I'm sure they would love it." - Nitu

"With the Super Detox Roll-On, try applying it on your six lymph nodes before a shower or bath!" - Jenny

What do you love most about working at Saje?

“I like being able to help people learn about natural products and how they can improve their own health, one product at a time.” - Jan 

“Working at Saje gives me a very positive feeling. All team members are very supportive of each other, the environment is so relaxing, and I get to meet new people everyday. It's always fun to meet new customers and teach them about Saje products, but it is even better when I meet returning customers - especially those who have been shopping with Saje for years! They would tell me stories about products that they really, really love, other uses they found for it, and even past sales when they scored great deals!  It amazes me every time when I'm able to meet long time returning customers like them.” – Stacey

"The atmosphere!" - Priscilla

"I learn something new each day." - Rebecca

"I love how we get the chance to be fun and easy going at work, it works well with customers and makes it a quick shift!" - Nitu

"I love how we get trained on our products and learning something new everytime make it fun working at Saje." - Jenny

Drop by Guildford Town Centre at 152 Street in Surrey to meet our team in person!

View an album of this store here.

This year, we asked some of our favourite bloggers which Saje holiday gifts lit them up. Local Vancouver lifestyle and fashion blogger, Alexandra Grant of ToVogueorBust, shared her favourites with us in a curated collection that made us glow with pride and holiday cheer. Among them? Our Optimistic Aromatherapy Necklace, which has already quickly become a #SajeTeam fave. 

To celebrate this joyous time of year we sat down with our VP of Brand & Creative Director Kiara LaBlanc to talk about all things Wellness Wonderland.

What are your favourite Holiday traditions?

For me, Holiday Time could be translated to Family Time. I grew up heading south over the holidays, so no two years were the same geographically. However no matter where I am two things will happen: I will make a mess in the kitchen creating something delicious with my mom and I will get up to something active with my dad, beach volleyball or skiing would be our two favourites! 

If you could describe Saje’s holiday collection in two words what would they be and why?

Beautiful. Textured. The design this year was inspired by pairing old world apothecary with a clean modern aesthetic. Each item is stamped with our 100% natural marking, that we call our “seal”, this is inspired by the days of wax closures and authenticity markings. Layer in clean lines, contrasting pallets and crafty packaging for a look and feel that radiates holiday in a beautiful and subtle way.

What is the Saje gift your friends and family will see a lot of?

Most people in my life have the classics, so I’m all about limited edition when it comes to gifting. That item this year will be Precious Glow. A votive candle collection in chic geometrically shaped porcelain with the candle blends’ name etched down the side. Each candle has a little surprise when you light it, there is a gem stone floating in the wax that pairs with each of the blends.

How do you relax/unwind around the Holiday time?

I have a mild to medium obsession with games, so over the holidays I always make time to play. When I’m engrossed in a good game it is the ultimate relaxation for me. Top 3 would be Euchre, Backgammon and Scrabble. 

When would you diffuse Peppermint Twist vs. Tree Scents? 

Peppermint Twist is perfect for mealtime, it doesn’t compete with whatever delicious smells are arising from your next feast, so I use it near my kitchen and dining area. Tree Scents I keep to the living room, it can amp up a live tree or give the feeling of one when it is not present. 

Best wellness tip to stay healthy over the Holidays? 

Use remedies preventively. Don’t wait until you have a sore throat from being out late and running through the cold, put Immune on knowing that will happen. Don’t wait until you crick your neck mashing potatoes, or have an upset tummy from eating too many of them, keep the Pain Release and Eater’s Digest flowing. Especially don’t wait until you have a headache from all the hustle bustle, take a moment to remember it’s the most wonderful time of year and then roll on Peppermint Halo generously!

Favourite Holiday dish? 

For such a traditional person, my favourite holiday dish is certainly not very traditional! For the last 7 years my Mum and I make Christmas Crepes, and they are an absolute favourite of mine. Being gluten free, I don’t get crepes very often but December 24^th is the annual GF Crepe Cook Off! Usual toppings include, feta, spinach and caramelized onions. 

As the days become shorter and we are exposed to less sunlight, it can be a challenge to maintain a cheerful disposition. Many dread the dreariness of late autumn, the “death” of plant life, heavier cloud covering and of course, as life ramps up near the holiday season. It is possible to be full of joy, or “joy-full” during this time.  It is possible to maintain a sunny disposition despite cloudy, cold, snowy and rainy days. And it is possible to do this authentically, meaningfully, and with practice, effortlessly.

As with all states of being, happiness is a choice. Choosing joy can look like an adjustment in perspective, a change in lifestyle, the addition of certain supplements to elevate nutrition, or a combination of all of these. No matter what path is chosen, as with many things in life, awareness is key.

Awareness of decreased joy can help you in all aspects of your life. Notice the word choice of “decreased joy” rather than “misery,” “unhappiness,” or “disdain.” Our vocabulary is so incredibly powerful.  If the focus is on misery, misery is what is invited in.  Make the focus and the goal joy to so it is more easily attainable.

Beyond heightened awareness of your state of being, here are some tips to help you become more joy-full:

Define joy: What does living joyfully mean to you? I consider our state of being a huge part of wholistic medicine, so each person is unique in how they view and define happiness.  From very simple to incredibly complex, there is no wrong way to view joy.  It’s about finding what fits for you, what makes your heart sing, and what makes your smile wider.

The One Thing: What is the one thing that you have the power to do to make your life happier, fuller, more wonderful?  Of course, lots of things make you happy but one thing would really shift your life to a greater state of joy and bliss? What’s the ONE thing you can do/shift/rewrite to make joy more effortless? Is it a change of habit, removing guilt over an important conversation you haven’t had with someone dear to you, removing sugar from your diet?  Like your personal definition of joy, this one thing is unique to you. 

Give: kindness is contagious.  When you give to others authentically, with no strings attached, it means so much, because it is authentic.  Giving, especially of your time, can help someone change their day, change their mind, inspire them to be more giving.  You never know how your actions will affect others.  When you choose kindness, when you choose to give and share your joy, at the end of the day, you will have received joy in return and that will keep you feeling recharged.

Nutrition: Whole grains, fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and mineral and vitamin supplements are all so very important to our happiness.  When we eat lots of bland foods without much nutritional value, it affects how we feel. We become sluggish, bloated, and uncomfortable.  This affects our happiness, because food is our fuel.  It is tempting, especially as it gets colder, to rely on food for comfort so remember the purpose of eating when you pick up your fork. Food is necessary for survival, for energy. Notice how you feel when you eat foods with great taste and low nutritional value.  And notice the difference when you eat foods that truly nourish you.  

Go Inwards: so many of us seek happiness from others.  So many of us blame others for our unhappiness.  If you could entertain the possibility for one moment that everything in our lives is a choice, how does that feel? If we choose the situations in our lives, the people in our lives, and everything else we have the ability to walk away from, we needn’t seek happiness outside ourselves.  By knowing our values and what our desires are, we have the roadmap to our own happiness. You know deep down whether or not you are deserving of good things, of happiness. (and in case you don’t, I’m telling you, you do!)

Practice Detachment: Deepak Chopra says there is joy in detachment.  When we release our expectations,  we become open to what lies ahead.  When we see the unknown with curiosity and wonder, or as an adventure, we eliminate the stress of thinking about how things “should be” or “will be.” This is especially powerful, as many of us have grown up being taught all about attachment.  The one constant we can truly count on 100% in life is change, so that alone tells us that attachment will eventually lead to disappointment.

There are so many things we can do to bring more joy into our lives, to live more joy-fully. It is so easy to get caught in the details and drama of our daily routines and it’s oh so refreshing to shift perspective and to see how much influence we have over our state of being.  

I wish each of you joy today and every day…and it’s all up to you!

Happiness is a choice.

For Your Home

Using essential oils in cleaning is a great way to naturally kill bacteria while leaving your home smelling refreshed. Use these tips to infuse essential oils into your cleaning routine!

• Add a couple of drops of liquid sunshine, immune or rainforest diffuser blends to the mop bucket to get rid of bacteria and create a fresh smell.
• Yoga mat spray can be used on stinky sneakers, musty coats and clothing to give it a refreshing scent and get rid of bacteria.
• Safe Hands liquid soap gets rid of tough bathtub grime and disinfects at the same time!
• Diffuser blends, especially Liquid Sunshine, can work well for getting sticky stuff (even gum) off floors and other surfaces!
• To deodorize your carpets, add a few drops of essential oil to a cotton ball and place inside your vacuum cleaner bag.
• Add a few drops of essential oil to an unscented dryer sheet and run with your clothes for a lovely, natural scent.
• Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to your laundry detergent. Eucalyptus has been known to kill dust mites.
• Add a few drops of tea tree oil or lemon to a spray bottle, fill with water and spray on your carpets, draperies and other fabrics to kill bacteria and deodorize naturally. You can also use this mixture in your shower to discourage the growth of mildew.
• Sanitize your kitchen counter tops by adding a couple of drops of lemon essential oil in a spray bottle, fill with water, spray and let air-dry.
• Lastly, diffuse your favourite scent to clean and sterilize the air within your home!

Further reading: The Huffington Post voted Lemon, Peppermint and Tea Tree as the three best oils for cleaning. MindBodyGreen published '21 Ways to Detox Your Home'.

For Your Body: 

Spring is also a great time to reflect on what it is your body truly needs. Whether you’ve been neglecting your physical wellness or have felt under-the-weather all winter, consider these tips to start working towards a more optimal you.

• Narrow down what’s really bugging you. Low energy? Chronic pain? Digestion issues? Whatever it is, consult your health practitioner and take steps towards remedying it naturally. Living with aches, pains, skin irritation, allergies, and similar ailments is both frustrating and draining. Explore the healing power of plants with our chemical-free, therapeutic alternatives, rich in beneficial, immunity-boosting essential oils. Here’s a list of common ailments and available Saje remedies!
• Relax! Relaxation and rest is key to your wellness and it’s something that too many of us neglect on a regular basis. Try these stress releasing and tension reducing remedies and products.
• Protect your skin! Your skin is your body’s largest organ. Yes, organ! Protect and hydrate it naturally. If you’re visiting a sunny climate, try these sun, travel and outdoor products. Treat and control skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and even acne with these products.
• Breathe healthy air. If you do nothing else, breathe healthy air. Nebulizers sanitize the air by diffusing essential oils into it. The negative ions created by the vibration in the Nebulizer bind to the positive ions found in allergens and dust, and they fall to the ground where you can vacuum them up! Improve your sense of well-being with these healthy enviro products.

Whether it’s a bath with essential oils or a lovely, natural skin cleanser, give your body the self-care it deserves this Spring. 

For Your Mind

When we think of spring-cleaning, most of us default to thinking of our homes and how we can rid them of the dirt, dust and grime that has built up over the winter.

Instead of only focusing on the tangible this spring, ask yourself, has your mind built up it’s own dirt over the past few months? Have you gravitated towards negative conversations or even allowed the dreary and cold weather to control your perspective?

If the answer to any of the above is yes, you’re not alone. In fact, negative ways of being and negative perspectives are contagious. Fortunately, so is the opposite. Challenge yourself over the next few weeks to be a force of positivity while you focus on clearing away the negative debris in your mind. 

We’ve compiled 3 tips and considerations that we’ve come across to help you on this journey: 

• Be grateful.

Robert Emmons, the world’s leading scientific expert on gratitude, reveals why gratitude is good for our bodies, minds and relationships in this article.

David Steindl-Rast, a monk and interfaith scholar, also suggests that happiness is born from gratitude. Watch his inspiring TED Talk here.

Here’s a powerful take-away: “How can we live gratefully? By becoming aware that every moment is a given moment. It’s a gift. You haven’t earned it; you haven’t brought it about in any way. You have no way of assuring that there will be another moment given to you. And yet, that’s the most valuable thing that can ever be given to us. This moment with all the opportunity that it contains.”

Here’s a great TED Talk that will help instill a feeling of gratefulness.  

• Ask yourself what type of internal conversations you’ve been having.

Most of us wouldn’t be constantly negative, rude or harsh to our friends and family, so why are we so harsh to ourselves? Negative conversations, whether you’re complaining, whining or thinking about your problem and limitations, usually make you feel worse. Don’t allow yourself to fall prey to this negative way of being. Find a way to change your internal dialogue. 

• Consider attending our next seminar hosted by Co-Founder Jean-Pierre LeBlanc. Attendance is free! The topic of discussion: Brain Boost. Improve memory and restore mental clarity. Register here.

We'll leave you with some food for thought:

Clear Away Your Harming Habits – article by Sarah Jamieson, Yoga Teacher
Life Strategies: Eliminating Your Negative Internal Dialogue – exercises from Dr.Phil
Recommended reading list from Eckhart Tolle

Happy Spring cleaning!

Focus is the gift of masculine energy, and November is the month when men are invited, even challenged, to pay attention to their wellness. Men are notorious for doing the same thing over and over; here is our chance to wake up and shake up the monotony. I’ve just turned 60 and I’ve given myself a 3-year goal to grow distinctively younger. 

We can’t make our mark in the world if we represent mediocrity in any part of our lives.  How we do one thing is how we do everything.

Here are 5 points of focus: 

1. Sleep well: Disciplined men value their sleep over almost everything else. It’s always been known that the most successful of us begin our days early. Get the sleep you need.

2. Eat Well: Start by cutting out 3 things you know don’t serve you. Know that alcohol is the antithesis of true masculinity. Yet you can do moderation in moderation. Eat nutrient-dense food. It’s easy; choose deep greens and other deep coloured vegetables.  Real men know that broccoli is full of protein.

3. Get (Stay) Fit – Plan a minimum 1-hour per day of activity that is exhilarating, demanding, and/or fun. If that’s difficult for you, hire a trainer or get a commitment from a friend who will join you no matter what.

4. Build Powerful Relationships with partners, family and friends: the e-book: “The Hero Principles” will guide you effectively in deploying your masculine energy. Restore your integrity wherever possible! Do a Clearmind Institute workshop: http://clearmind.com/ 

5. Go 100% Natural – Look at what is above and below the sink. Get rid of your anti-perspirant and other chemical cocktails and use a natural salt to control your perspiration and prevent the bacteria the cause the smells. We can help you with that. Use a Nebulizer in your home and at work. The Quick Study Diffuser blend will improve your productivity; Unwind will deepen your sleep.

The most successful men I know are exquisitely clear on their values. Become clear on your top 4. I’m talking core values here, not aspirational values. Enneagram institute can help you with a free test: http://www.eclecticenergies.com/enneagram/classictest.php

If you focus all your choices in alignment with those values, you will live an extraordinary life of integrity and success. This results in a happier, healthier, longer life. Cheers to that!

It seems that everyday I find brand after brand popping up selling Beard Oils. With the prevalence of beard growth on the rise, they seem to be all the rage in recent time as the need for proper beard etiquette become a societal standard. With a wide array of brands, as well as new ones entering the market every day it seems, one may find it difficult to discern what beard oils have the highest quality ingredients and what they should contain. Applying Beard Oils can provide one with a luscious and softer mane as well as help prevent itchiness, irregular growth patches and unsightly beard-druff. The ingredients I hold above all others are those that provide nurturing vitamins and minerals that improve the lustre, thickness and strength of my beard all while avoiding leaving my hair and skin with a thick greasy feeling.

Jojoba Oil - Jojoba is a favourite of mine amongst carrier oils. It is naturally rich in Vitamin E, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory with anti-itch properties. It has a considerably long shelf life due to its nature of being an oil-wax and is also used as a natural emulsifier. On top of all that it has a similar molecular structure to ours skins sebum and thus absorbs quickly.

Argan Oil - Known as "Moroccan Gold" for its widespread uses both internally and externally. It has the ability to penetrate the hair follicle, to repair damaged strands and deeply moisturize at the same time as increasing hair growth. It also works wonders for dry skin to nourish and moisturize while also helping to regulate sebum production for very oily skin to keep it at a healthy level.

Cedarwood E.O. - Atlas Cedarwood provides numerous benefits for the skin and hair. It helps to improve circulation, prevent acne and expel toxins. It is antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal. All of this while being a natural insect repellent, nervous sedative, circulatory stimulant and herbal tonic. 

Over the last year I have made various types of beard oil blends but one thing will always remain the same. I will always include a Jojoba & Argan carrier oil base while adding Cedarwood as a base note. For use in the morning I usually add hints of Rosemary or Eucalyptus for uplifting blends for a clear mind and warmer, earthier notes such as Neroli or Vetiver for grounding blends in the evening.

It seemed last week that spring was giving winter a subtle nudge out of the way. I saw people sporting shorts and went jacketless several days myself - I even contemplated an iced latte. Then this weekend, nature tapped us on the shoulder with snowstorms on the Canadian prairies to remind us that spring in Canada is more of a cha-cha than a waltz: we go back and forth a lot instead of gliding forward smoothly. Cultivating warmth is not just important for our mental health, but there are numerous physiological effects to the exercises and techniques I outline below. When it seems like the weather will never warm, we can choose to warm ourselves.

Morning Elixr

When I was on a trip this past fall, the coffee shop near our hotel served a 'Morning Elixr' that seemed simple enough to make at home and full of health benefits. I'd often drink a cup of warm lemon water first thing in the morning to help cleanse my body and start my metabolism, but this recipe added the benefits cayenne and sea salt. In Ayuervedic and Chinese medicine, cayenne is used to help increase circulation which makes it the perfect thing to add to a morning glass of detoxifying goodness. Drink it with a straw to avoid exposing your teeth to citric acid first thing in the morning. Rev up your cirulcation and metabolism by mixing the following ingredients to create this elixr:

1-1/2 cups of warm water
2 tbsp of lemon juice or half a fresh lemon, squeezed
1/2 tsp of celtic sea salt
1 tsp cayenne pepper

Pranayama

Many disciplines of yoga have different pranayama or breathing exercises that help to create mindfulness in the body and push out toxins. When looking to warm yourself up, the most appropriate and appropriately named exercise is one from the Kundalini tradition called the 'Breath of Fire'. It's simple and you can do it anywhere: from your car during rush hour to your office when you need a quick pick-me-up. You simply open your mouth and inhale and exhale rapidly thorugh your mouth, pushing the breath out by pulling in your abdomen right around your belly button. Repeat for 30-40 breaths, then repeat through your nostrils.

Dry Brushing

One of my favorite morning rituals is a brisk dry brushing of my skin before hopping in the shower. Not only does it make my skin supersmooth and glowy, but it helps increase circulation and lymphatic drainage. I like to use dry brush gloves, but you can use any natural medium-firm bristled brush you like.

Start with the feet and legs moving up to your stomach, arms, and chest brushing in vigorous, inward motions. The brushing should get your skin nice and rosy, but should never feel irritiating or painful. This is gentle enough to be repeated once or twice daily.

After you brush, give yourself a nice self-massage with Saje's Pain Relief Massage Oil or First Blush Lotion to help increase circulation and keep the warming effects going. Between the brushing and the steamy shower, your pores will be open to allow the most possible product to soak in and do its job. If your skin feels partiucarly tight or parched, reapply lotion or oil after you towel off.

Even if the temperatures are colder than we would like outside, we can still find warmth inside ourselves and use techniques to maximize the wellness benefits of a warm body.

Soy. For decades now it’s been a hot topic among wellness aficionados.  What is it about this plant that has people talking? What is it about soy wax that has people talking? Is it because it’s an awesome alternative to a synthetic or petroleum-based wax? Is it one of the multitude of benefits of using a 100% natural, plant-derived wax as a clean-burning alternative? Or is it simply because there are some unanswered questions about where it comes from?

The incredibly diverse, high-protein soy plant has so many uses, from food made from the beans to building materials to vegetable ink. The oil from soybeans can be converted into a soft wax that is solid at room temperature. It is a stable wax that works well inside a container and because of its slow-burning nature, it lasts a really long time. 

At Saje, our beautiful soy candles are in glass containers to help hold their shape – remember that soy wax is soft in texture – and we are proud to have candles with so many benefits.

The top 5 benefits of Saje’s Soy Candles:

Sustainability: Perhaps the best thing about soy wax is that it is a sustainable source that is not taxing on the planet. It is completely renewable. Every part of the soy plant can be used, from the seeds (beans) for human consumption to the husks for feed (animal consumption) to the oil for cooking, making soy wax and other commodities and soy production is something we humans can control responsibly.  It is up to us how much or how little we grow.

100% Natural: as an eco-friendly wax, soy is completely biodegradable.  It is also clean burning, with no carcinogenic toxins and very, very little soot.  Our wicks are 100% cotton, and they are lead-free, bleach-free, and chemical-free. Soy candles are not only slow burning; they also burn at a lower temperature than other synthetic candles. The low temperature of the pool of wax created at the top of the candle gradually releases the scent of 100% natural and pure essential oils, making them last for a longer period of time. Additionally, these candles are water soluble, making them easy to clean if there are spills.

Economy: as mentioned, soy wax burns very slowly, giving these candles great value as they last much longer than synthetically made candles. While the initial investment may be higher than what you usually pay, the soy candle will give you better value over the long-term. Some sources say soy wax burns 30% - 50% longer than paraffin wax. 

Supports Wellness with Side Benefits: Chemicals and petroleum bi-products such as paraffin degrade the benefits of pure essential oils. When an essential oil or essential oil blend is added to a synthetic or chemical base, it is unable to provide therapeutic benefit in that foreign environment. Natural soy wax sustains the efficacy of essential oils. As a bonus side benefit, with a 100% natural essential oil candle, there are no headaches or allergenic reactions.

Supports Agriculture: soy is cultivated. Because soy feeds so many millions, and their was a desire to discover what else could be done with this diverse plant, it is now known that it can be grown for a multitude of purposes, including soy wax production.  Supporting North American farmers growing sustainable crops is of increasing importance, especially to us at Saje, where we sing the praises of the healing powers and benefits of plants. All of our soy is harvested from a non-GMO farm in the US.

Candlelight is just about the most cozy, magical type of light to create ambiance and atmosphere in your home. If you love candles, choose to burn candles that are natural, sustainable, and supportive of your highest level of wellness. Soy burns for a long time, so you can enjoy a 100% natural soy candle for a long time.  For your wellness, and for the wellness of the planet.

Every day you have a choice to take a step closer to well-being and contributing to your radiant health. One option that contributes to your overall health is to make the switch to 100% natural body-care products. Take a look at the body-care products you use every day in your bathroom. If you notice a long list of unknown ingredients in your products, chances are high that they may be full of chemicals and irritants. By choosing to reduce chemical exposure, you take a step closer to reducing oxidative stress on the body and this slows the aging process. 

Why 100% Natural Shampoos?

Think of how often you wash your hair. If you could reduce exposure to chemicals in your life, wouldn’t this be an easy place to start?

Shampoo manufactures are able to use a wide variety of chemicals in their products, which have been known to cause possible health risks due to repeated exposure. Research has found a relation between shampoos and the damage they cause to the nervous system.

The following are some of the chemicals that are found in many commercial shampoos. It is important to note that labeling within Canada is not always as it seems. Unfortunately, products which claim to be “all natural” and “organic” still contain harmful chemicals, but “100% Natural” leaves no room for anything but 100% Natural ingredients. Here is a chemical list of top four chemicals used in commercial Shampoo:

• Fragrances: Can contain a number of chemicals and most of them cause headaches and rashes.
• SLS’s or Sodium Laureth sulfates: Chemical detergent known as SLS (found in floor and kitchen degreasers) is a low cost additive that gives shampoo a foamy quality. Such detergents are known to cause scalp and eye irritation, redness, and itching. They are also known to damage the hair follicles, which can lead to hair loss for some.
• Isopropyl Alcohol: This petroleum-derived substance, which cleans and dissolves oil, is also found in antifreeze, wood finish, and shellac. Alcohol is extremely drying and strips hair of moisture, which can lead to hair damage and loss.
• Formaldehyde: The chemical preservative kills bacteria, but it's also a known carcinogen that irritates the eyes and respiratory system and can cause skin inflammation.
• Propylene Glycol: The detergent helps cleaning ingredients penetrate hair, but it also breaks down healthy-hair proteins and irritates sensitive skin and eyes. It is also known to exacerbate allergies.

Benefits of 100% Natural Shampoos and Conditioners

Saje’s new 100% Natural Shampoos and Conditioners contain the healing power of plants married with regenerative, restorative, and rehydrating plant extracts. Essential oils are known to promote new hair growth by naturally stimulating the hair follicles, balancing hormone production, and cleansing the scalp and hair gently.  Here are some of the many benefits:

• Infuses natural oils, vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts into hair follicles to maintain moisture and improve the overall condition of hair.
• 100% Natural ingredients are suitable for all skin types including sensitive and allergy-prone skin.
• Help to maintain healthy hair without having to put your body at risk by exposing it to harmful chemicals.
• 100% Natural Shampoos are environmentally friendly as they contain biodegradable materials rather than harsh chemicals.
• Essential oils are known to naturally repel lice. Using the shampoo and conditioner daily helps to prevent the transmission of lice.

What Shampoo & Conditioner should you use for your hair type?

Choosing the right fit of Shampoo and Conditioner is easy to do when choosing 100% Natural.  Smell the product and see what your body is attracted to, then look at the benefits to choose the right fit for you. Natural Shampoos allows the scalp to breath and regulates oil production instead of the use of chemicals, which are known to strip the scalp and cause irritation. The Shampoo and Conditioners are known to sooth, cleanse, and balance the hair and scalp incorporating a blissful aromatherapy experience.

Lavender Luxury Shampoo & Conditioner

This beautiful cleansing and calming blend is recommended for normal to fine hair types. 

Rosa Rescue Shampoo & Conditioner

This luxurious smoothing and hydrating blend is recommended for normal to dry hair types. The essential oils it contains are known to address symptoms of all forms of scalp dermatitis including dandruff, eczema and psoriasis. 

Rosemary Radiance Shampoo & Conditioner

This invigoration blend is recommended for normal, oily, and fine hair types. The essential oils it contains are known to address symptoms of all forms of scalp dermatitis including dandruff, eczema and psoriasis. 

Breathe in deep and enjoy the benefits of using Saje’s 100% Natural essential oil-based Shampoos and Conditioners which come in both 300ml and 30ml options. Your hair will love the benefits from root to tip!

We’ve spent some time recently getting to know our new friends in St. John’s as we prepare to open our 34^th store and our first in Atlantic Canada.  Saje is now officially coast-to-coast!  We ate, sweat, and saw as much as we could fit into our time there, and in doing so developed a deep appreciation and love for our Newfoundland neighbours.

 We were welcomed so warmly; we just had to give some love back to these awesome folks.

Here are our 5 top things to do when in St. John’s:

1. #RemedyUp at our new Saje store in Avalon mall

On November 5^th, our doors officially opened in Avalon Mall and since then we’ve been sharing the healing power of plants with this fantastic community. If you’re in St. John’s, stop by our store and say hello to our team! They can’t wait to meet you. #SajeTeam

Cathrine Matthews is our lovely Store Manager second from the right!

2. Check out the Maritime’s foodie scene

East coasters sure know how to cook their food. The foodie scene in St. John’s was unreal. With only one week there, we felt as if our trip was planned around what restaurants to eat at next. There were a huge range of incredible restaurants that ranged from farm to fork, fresh Atlantic seafood, to home cooked Canadian- style meals.

Here are some restaurants that you absolutely have to try and eat at if you visit St. John’s:

Adelaide Oyster House

This restaurant made Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants list. Raw seafood, Tapas styled sharing plates! Absolutely splendid and worth a trip.

Merchant’s Tavern

This place defines casual dining at its finest. With locally sourced, high-end ingredients and expert preparation. Definitely a must-go place in St. John’s for all locals + tourists.

Mallard Cottage

Located in the cute Fishing Village in Quidi Vidi. It’s one of the oldest buildings in Newfoundland from the 1800s. Specializing in farm to fork dining, they have a wide array of wild game, seafood & produce in a vital piece of Newfoundland’s built heritage.

3. Tour St.John’s beautiful historical sights

First picture above are of Cape Spear & the last two pictures are Signal Hill.

Cape Spear

Cape Spear was about a 30-minute drive from the Downtown core- but well worth the trip. The view is absolutely stunning, and it is the most easterly point in North America—overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean. It also has the oldest surviving lighthouse in Newfoundland & was a Second World War coastal defence battery back in the day.

Signal Hill

Signal Hill has a spectacular view of St. John's & the coastline. It used to be the site of St. John’s harbour defences from the 18^th century to the Second World War. The view was fantastic; I even managed to go there twice!

4. Get screeched on George Street

Did you know that George Street has the most bars + pubs per square foot in all of North America?  While you are there make sure to get screeched with the locals. A “Screen-in” is a ceremony that the locals perform for people from out of town. It is their way of welcoming us to Newfoundland, and making us an “honorary Newfoundlander.” The ceremony involves singing Newfoundland chants, kissing a cod and taking a shot of Screech rum. Definitely an experience that anyone who visits St. John’s must do!

The #SajeTeam getting screeched at Christian’s Bar on George Street.

5. Put your wellness first—Go to a Yoga or Run class!

While you may want to squish as many activities as possible while traveling to St. Johns—make sure you take some time for your own wellness. There is a huge health & wellness scene in St. John’s and the community is so warm & welcoming. During our short stay, we still made time to relax on our mats & go for a run and connect with the amazing St. John’s wellness community.

 
The #SajeTeam getting sweaty with the St. John's community!

Our favourite studios were:

Moksha Hot Yoga

If you have a chance, try and pop by the Moksha Hot Yoga studio on Ducksworth street. Get warm & sweaty on your mat with a meditative Yin class on Mondays at 8:30pm with the lovely studio owner Jill. @mokshayogastjohns

Nova Yoga

We also had the pleasure of taking a class at Nova Yoga. We practiced Vinyasa Flow on Thursday at 5:45 pm with Melanie. With her amazing positive mantras, and tough flow of moves—it was definitely a class to remember while in St. John’s. @novayogastudio

Running Room

Lastly, be sure to check out a group run with the Running Room on Wednesdays at 6:30pm. Dark and snowing sure did not stop the community at St. Johns from participating. There were over 70 people who eagerly showed up for the group run. It was fascinating to see such a diverse running group, all ages, all come together for one passion- running. @stjohnsrunningroom

Although our time was short, we left with warm yet heavy hearts. We have never met such friendly neighbours; nor have we ever been welcomed so deeply by any community. With gorgeous landscapes & historical sites, an unreal foodie scene, friendly people & a huge health & wellness community--- St. John’s should definitely be on your list of places to go. 

This year, we asked some of our favourite bloggers which Saje holiday gifts lit them up. Alberta lifestyle and fashion blogger, Sandy Joe Karpetz of The Pretty Secrets, shared her favourites with us in a curated collection that made us glow with pride and holiday cheer. Among them? Our Good Cheer Diffuser Blends, which has already quickly become a #SajeTeam fave. 

6 weeks. 4 provinces. 17 locations. Limitless learning, fun, and connection.  This National Tour has been extraordinary and we are grateful and humbled by the response from our greater Saje community.  For those wanting to capture the key points delivered, and for those who were unable to join us, we are honoured to share, teach, and learn with you.

The incredible Saje story began with an "unfortunate series of events" that include Jean-Pierre’s slippery slope from whiplash to pharmaceuticals, and to the terrible side effects thus created.  Each medication created another level of discomfort from ulcers to chronic pain, chronic fatigue, depression, and ultimately, fibromyalgia. Each caused his well-meaning doctors to prescribe more medications until he decided he had to "do something different".

With the support and wisdom of his partner Kate, he made a shift to Wholistic Wellness to find relief, both from the drugs and from their side effects. Having overcome a “chronic condition,” Jean-Pierre is a living testimonial to the incredible healing power of plants. 

If you were to attend a seminar, here’s what we’d encourage you to jot down:  

Wholistic Approach to Wellness: while our title is Introduction to Nebulizers, this is truly the number one point that we at Saje wish to convey.  When you layer your wellness with 100% natural preventative medicines, nutrition, fitness, mindfulness, and self-care, you will elevate your wellness to heights that perhaps, you didn’t imagine were possible.  Just as a piece of plywood has strength in its layers, your wellness will be that much stronger if you incorporate it in many ways and by addressing underlying causes rather than surface symptoms.  

Nebulizers & Diffuser Blends: to be frank, our air is sick.  2000+ chemicals per day in an average city is 2000 too many.  Jean-Pierre explains the 3 key benefits of the nebulizer: 

1-the cold vapour of water molecules assist with everyday breathing. 

2-negative ions are generated, binding to the positively charged toxins in our air, which neutralizes them.

3-most importantly, the molecules of therapeutic essential oil diffuser blends captured through the distillation of herbs, flowers, roots, twigs, barks, and leaves are now released into your air, giving you a similar tonic to walking into a fragrant forest.  Specific ailments such as poor sleep, allergies, fatigue, mental fog, and a depleted nervous system can be addressed by selecting the appropriate diffuser blends. 

Jean-Pierre’s 2 personal favourites are: 

1.  Daytime: Quick Study for mental alertness, focus and productivity, and 

2.  Evenings: Unwind for elevating calm and for supporting a restful, uninterrupted night’s sleep. 

Pocket Pharmacy: through humourous anecdotes and stories of personal experiences, Jean-Pierre reminds us that the best diffusion of essential oils is delivered through us humans.  "Let's be walking, hugging, sweet smelling live diffusers" in our everyday life.

The Pocket Pharmacy offers 5 distinct remedies that can be used in any combination, including a combination of all 5 simultaneously!  Using these remedies turns us into endorphin-generating walking diffusers.  Stories of hotel clerks, restaurant servers, and airline personnel abound. Friends are made and healing occurs; Jean-Pierre takes us on the journey from remedial to preventative, always in a personal cloud of "healthy and happy".

The best example of this is the application of Peppermint Halo to the neck and shoulders for an immediate energy boost, loosening of tight muscles, and attracting people to ask why you smell so good.  

The powerful "Immune remedy", that prevents and treats colds, flus, congestion, and allergies, had our Product Trainer, Linnette and Jean-Pierre duel for the record of no colds or flus for over a decade.  

Also containing Eater’s Digest, Stress Release, and Pain Release, this powerful pouch, with its multi-functional remedies exemplifies how Wholistic medicine can replace (over time and with professional advice) many pharmaceuticals. 

While all Saje products are accompanied by instructions, Jean-Pierre says to “listen to your body and use as much as you like, as often as you like".  He is quick to add: "Common sense and your intuition are key”.  

During the past couple weeks, we also launched #SajeTips, which are really creative ways people are using Saje products.  

Our 3 favourites are: 

1-Liquid Sunshine and a cotton swab to clean your nebulizer disk

2-Sentiva Lotion as a leather cleaner/conditioner

3-Tea tree oil – 3-5 drops on the spool inside your container of dental floss

We are collecting these to share with our greater Saje Community, and we’d love to know your #SajeTips too!

Internal Use of Essential Oils: Typically, essential oils are most effective via transdermal penetration, or topical application to the skin for absorption into the bloodstream or through diffusing. 

The healing benefits of essential oil blends remain intact when absorbed through the skin, whereas putting them through the digestive system can upset the complex chemistry of your digestive acid and that of the essential oil remedy. 

Delicate mucous membranes in the mouth and esophagus can also be damaged through the ingestion of essential oils. Powerful oils, such as oil of oregano, function as natural antibiotics that, while effective for infections and colds, upset the delicate balance of flora inside the gut, often requiring a probiotic treatment to correct. 

The international understanding is that you never ingest essential oils unless a Certified Aromatherapist is guiding you to do so.

Deodorants: Jean-Pierre is especially passionate about natural deodorants.  That “goopy” stuff from the drugstore, AKA "anti-perspirant", clogs pores, prevents the release of toxins, and often stains clothes.  Our natural Crystal Fresh, a simple mineral salt, kills odour-causing bacteria and "controls" perspiration without leaving a mark on your clothing.  The solid crystal can last up to 5 years, making it an awesome investment for both your personal and fiscal wellness! 

Proof of concept: Lastly, your sense of smell, connected to the brain's Limbic System, can confirm the product choices that are right for you. 

It’s simple: what smells good is what your body wants more of. 

When humans first inhabited the planet, they used their intuition and their sense of smell to determine what plants were medicines. 

Jean-Pierre demonstrated this by using the 3 Elixirs from our Skincare line. 

Blindfolded, people invariably choose the right Elixir for their skin-type, based on what smells most pleasant to them. 

The Saje purpose is to help you replace the synthetics and pharmaceuticals in your life with 100% natural alternatives, so you can discover the healing power of plants, and help us build a sustainable planet. 

This year, we asked some of our favourite bloggers which Saje holiday gifts lit them up. Winnipeg lifestyle and fashion blogger, Jennifer of The Pretty Details, shared her favourites with us in a curated collection that made us glow with pride and holiday cheer. Among them? Our Precious Glow Candles, which has already quickly become a #SajeTeam fave.