In 2014 I left England and moved to Vancouver with my lovely boyfriend; one experienced and savvy recruiter from the mean streets of London and one fully trained, super smart Chartered Accountant. We’ve got this! Hello Canada here we come!

Okay, so where are all the jobs? It’s 10AM and we’ve applied for everything we possibly can via the black hole that is the world-wide-web. To the beach then? No. We’ve all heard about the hidden job market, and in a competitive environment filled with many super talented professionals you need to stand out from the crowd. 

Having a strong personal brand that shows the world and prospective employers who you are can really help you to be successful in identifying and securing your #dreamjob.

WHAT DO DREAM JOBS AND PERSONAL BRANDING HAVE IN COMMON?

It seems obvious now, and maybe you have already figured this out. Dream jobs only happen when we are able to totally be ourselves, when we work in an environment that aligns with our values and our Personal Brand aligns with the Company Brand because – we are in our dharma.

GETTING STARTED 

Personal branding is a great tool to provide the world (and future employers) a snap shot of who you are and what you are passionate about. Showcase to the world what matters to you most and what makes you an awesome human being. My Instagram feed is full of cute pictures of animals (namely my beautiful Labrador Finnley because he is my furbaby), epic hiking, running, biking and travelling adventures because that’s my jam! What’s your jam? 

FIND COMPANIES THAT ALIGN WITH YOU AND YOUR PERSONAL BRAND

So if you are the next Bear Grylls, love outdoor adventures and your Snapchat is full of videos of you hanging off a mountain then you might want to check out some companies that focus on adventure, outdoor activities, sports apparel that type of thing. If you are passionate about natural wellness, essential oils and using 100% natural products then maybe you will find your dream job at Saje!

SOCIAL MEDIA & MAKING CONNECTIONS

Connect with awesome people working at your dream employer or follow these companies and join in the conversations that you think you can add something of value to. Grow your brand across the different social media platforms and connect with like-minded people who share your passions and values. Start a Blog, and talk about your passions in more detail, and invite others to contribute to the content.

Working now in my dream job I no longer consider this phrase work life balance because really its just life. Life needs balance and working is a part of that balance the same as not training too hard for my next race so that I don’t injure myself, or making time to connect with my friends and family is all part of the balance of my everyday life too. 

Use personal branding to showcase all these things and find a company that aligns with you. Good luck finding your #dreamjob.

We source up-cycled and recyclable glass, plastic and other materials for our products’ packaging and it’s important to us that you know exactly what this means.

Special Saje Fabric

Our handy kit bags and comforting care products have been made from our special signature Saje ‘all-better-now’ fabric, which is made from the recycling of PET (Polyethylene Terephalate) bottles. PET plastic is designated by a recyclable ‘1’ and does not contain BPA. PET is globally recognized as a safe, recyclable packaging material. For more information, visit this site. 

Saje Tip: Once your remedy is finished, purchase only the refill and you’ll have a full kit again! 

Products that come in a kit bag are marked by “I used to be a water bottle” and include:

• Little Feel Better Bag
• Pocket Pharmacy
• Rolling Pharmacy
• Travel Safe Kit
• Women’s Wellness Kit
• Headache Relief Kit

Recycled Plastics 

For products where plastic packaging is needed, we’ve used 100% PET recycled plastic that is designated by a recyclable ‘1’ and does not contain BPA. Once you’ve used your product, simply place out with your regular recycling. It won’t end up in a landfill, it will be repurposed into something new! 

• Products that come in PET recycled 1 plastic include:

• Body washes
• Lotions

Glass Bottles

Did you know that the best way to store volatile essential oils is in a glass container and in a dry, dark room?

Because of this all of our essential oils, as well as many of our other products, come in containers made out of glass, which is 100% recyclable. Help ensure your empty glass containers don’t end up in a landfill by placing them out with your other recycled items. 

Saje Tip: Refill your remedy by purchasing the 30ml refill, carefully removing the cap and refilling. Popular refills include Peppermint Halo, Stress Release and Immune.

Recycled Paper

For those items that come packaged in paper, you can feel at ease knowing we’ve selected only recycled options. Even our business cards are printed on recycled paper!

Up-Cycle Your Candle Holder!

The glass for our 100% natural soy candle container has been reclaimed from otherwise discarded bottles and repurposed into lovely candleholders; after the candle has burned down, the container can be further repurposed as a plant vase.

The wicks of our candles are 100% cotton and lead-free, bleach-free and chemical-free. Each candle also comes with a multi-use metal cap that can be used as a coaster when the candle is in use and then be placed on top of the jar to extinguish the flame and preserve the precious essential oils in the wax.

What does a nebulizer do? 

A nebulizer releases negative ions into the air that help deodorize and cleanse the air. You’re also able to diffuse essential oils which have health benefits to both your body and mind.

How do I clean my nebulizer?

It’s important to clean your nebulizer about once a month, depending on how often you use it. To clean your nebulizer, it’s best to wipe out the inside of the unit with a soft cloth or paper towel, and either witch hazel or rubbing alcohol. This helps to remove any essential oil build-up or residue that may have formed, and that may cause the unit to malfunction.  A cotton swab may be used to gently clean smaller areas, including the small disk at the  bottom interior of the nebulizer. 

Always remember not to immerse the nebulizer in water, or use soap or vinegar to clean out the interior of the unit, as this is likely to cause the unit to stop functioning. 

What is your reward program?

Our Healthy Rewards program allows you to collect a point for every $1 you spend. Once you’ve accumulated 300 points, you’re able to redeem them for a Remedy Roll-On of your choice. You can sign up in-stores or online!

Do you offer gift cards?

We sure do! A gift card can be purchased in-stores. Not near one of our stores? No problem, give us a call at 1-877-ASK-SAJE and we can ship one out to you.

Can a gift card be used for online orders?

Absolutely but there is a catch, our lovely CX team member will have to place the order for you over the phone and apply the gift card to your order. We promise to make it quick and easy, give us a call at 1-877-ASK-SAJE and we can take care of the rest.

How can I track my order?

Once your order has left our warehouse, you will be emailed a shipping confirmation with your tracking number. If you haven’t received the email, give us a call at 1-877-ASK-SAJE.

What’s your return policy?

Our Outrageous Customer Service Policy means that we welcome you to bring back any Saje product that does not meet your needs, or is not quite the right product for you.  We'd be happy to offer either an exchange/store credit (no receipt is needed) or a full refund (a receipt is required). 

Can I use Essential Oils if I have pets?

We do recommend that on top of our suggestions, that you check with a vet if you have any concerns about the health of your pet. After all, who knows them better than you and your vet?

Many of our pet-loving customers and staff do use our nebulizers with our essential oils and diffuser blends in households that have pets, such as cats and dogs.  Some research suggests that Tea Tree essential oil is not the best choice for pets, but this does apply to topical usage. 

Given the low dilution of essential oils used in nebulizers (typically no more than 10-15 drops), diffuser blends and nebulizers should be safe to use in a household with a pet.  Essential oil toxicity is generally associated with extremely high doses (such as several ml) being applied directly to skin, or with ingesting essential oils, rather than with essential oils being diffused into the air.

Do I need to further dilute my Remedy Roll-Ons?

All of our remedies are blended specifically for topical usage, and therefore are already diluted to make them safe to apply directly to the skin.

Recently, Saje has licensed most Saje remedies with Health Canada as natural health products. These licenses validate that the medical claims we make for these remedies are legitimate. However, Health Canada requires that, in order to hold these natural health product licenses, we include instructions for further dilution.

Should you wish to dilute the remedies, the carrier oil needed can be any skincare-grade vegetable oil that is not too greasy or heavily scented. Popular choices include jojoba, grapeseed, apricot kernel, and coconut oils.

Which Essential Oils are safe for pregnancy?

It’s always best to consult with your doctor or physician before using any essential oils or products.

With that said, the Essential Oils that are safe for pregnancy are: Tangerine, Mandarin, Grapefruit, Geranium, Chamomile, Roman, Rose Bulgar, Rose Maroc, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, and Lavender. Generally there are other essential oils we do not recommend are used during pregnancy, and unfortunately some of our most popular remedies, such as Eater’s Digest Remedy and Peppermint Halo Remedy include some of those oils.

Also a couple other products that are safe and quite refreshing during your pregnancy are our Refresh Mist, which is very nice for if you are experiencing any nausea and our Liquid Sunshine Diffuser Blend can be used in your nebulizer.

Writer: Rachel Frey, Wellness Coordinator 

Supporting the heart chakra with essential oils is both powerful and liberating. With their incredible healing capacity and their high vibrational frequency, essential oils elevate the frequency of the entire physical body while supporting issues in this energy centre, this bridge between the lower and the upper chakras.

The heart chakra, or anahata, affects so much, including:

• the range of human emotions
• love
• physical wellness in the upper torso/upper body

As a sensitive place representing love and balance, the heart is the command center for the emotions. An imbalance in this chakra can show up in a number of ways, including feelings of rejection, abandonment, loneliness, lack of boundaries, and even pain and tightening in the chest. 

Because balance is integral to wellness, when any aspect of our wellness is out of balance, we are vulnerable to dis-ease and illness. Cultivating an awareness of this powerful energy center while layering in the healing power of plants is a fantastic practice for supporting your overall wellnes.

The chakra system is part of the ancient science of Ayurveda, identifying 7+ energy centres, from the lower pelvis through the crown of the head. 

To connect with the heart chakra, it’s imperative that you look at you, inwardly.  All you need to do is notice whether or not your actions are inspired by love, connection, and acceptance.  If the answer is a resounding yes to all 3, this indicates balance.  If your answer is unclear, or if you answered no, it’s time for some balance to be restored!

The mantra for this centre is the Sanskrit vibration or sound of “Yam.”  Simply chanting this while placing one or both hands over your heart will create a sense of comfort, warmth, and joy.  And of course, using a blend such as Goddess to amplify this simple exercise will make it even more powerful. 

Chakra expert Anodea Judith provides these beautiful affirmations for the Heart Chakra:

• I am worthy of love
• I am loving to myself and others
• This an infinite supply of love
•  I live in balance with others

The “colour” or resonance of the heart chakra is green, so essential oils that are extracted by deep, green plants support it.  Instead of simply following a list, just as we encourage you to use your intuition to guide you to the essential oil blends that will support you, check in with your intuition on what speaks to your heart. 

There are many, many essential oils that support the health and balance of the heart chakra. Your heart is your heart, so what you find helpful is very personal. Some essential oils and blends that I find particularly helpful are:

Bergamot Essential Oil: this sunshiny, crisp, fresh essential oil can help give the courage to open the heart and fully express. I like to put a couple drops of Bergamot in my aromatherapy necklace, especially if I know I’ll be stepping outside my comfort zone that day!

Rose Mist: of course the essential oil with the highest vibrational frequency makes the list!  A little mist above the head brings feelings of bliss and euphoria, and connection to self love. This makes it effortless to love others and to support mental and emotional wellness by setting clear boundaries.  

Bloom Diffuser Blend: Containing essential oils of grapefruit, rosewood, geranium, lavender, ylang ylang, neroli & rose, a few drops of this sweet, uplifting blend could melt anyone’s heart.  Each of these beautiful oils is supportive of balance in the heart chakra.

After the Rain Diffuser Blend: This crisp and fresh blend “feels” green, making it easy to visually connect it with the heart chakra. Between the woodsy trees and the refreshing mints of this blend, the chest automatically opens up and expands as the lungs breathe more deeply, and refreshing bergamot and delicious grapefruit uplift and widen the smile.  This lovely combination of deep breathing, open chest, and happiness dissolve doubt, support a clear mind, and give courage to honour the longings of the heart. 

To close this post, I’d like to offer one more exercise for supporting the heart chakra.  This is a beautiful mantra that can be repeated as many times as you wish:

Ra Ma Da Sa Sa Say So Hung

Used for healing and protection, “Ra Ma Da Sa” is a mantra of the earth and “Sa Say So Hung” is a mantra for the “higher realms” of spirit or energy. It is like a bridge between earth and sky, just as the heart chakra is the bridge connecting the upper and lower chakras. Repeating this while inhaling essential oils to support the heart chakra will bring you both protection and courage, supporting the flow of giving and receiving love. 

The Saje Nation is growing as we open our 2nd store in Ottawa community. In case you should venture to our nation’s capital, the #SajeTeam has compiled our top 6 wellness activities to do while you visit.

1. Feeling like you're coming down with something? Want to freshen up—or simply prevent any sickness—stop by and remedy up at any one of our Saje store locations and meet the teams! We have one store located in the Rideau shopping centre, and our newest Saje baby located in Westboro street (an urban shopping district) a few stores down from Lululemon.

2. Settle into your downward dog at Pure Yoga, which is only a block from our newest store in Westboro Village. The beautiful studio space & friendly staff makes for a wonderful place to practice.

3. In for a really authentic small town feel? Head to Pranti Shanti Yoga for an amazing spiritual journey. Our team partnered with them to host a Therapeutic Yoga Class with Aromatherapy from Saje—and safe to say it was a hit amongst the locals.

4. Treat yo self, after all wellness is the holistic approach. Eating healthy, exercising, natural healing & living a little. Try a Canadian classic—a fresh BeaverTail from the ByWard Market. If you are trying your first pastry, we highly recommend trying the cinnamon & sugar flavour! The simple yet delicious mix of flavours will be one to go down in the books.

5. Looking to satisfy your tastebuds? Pure Kitchen, right across from our Saje store in Westboro there is a restaurant that has amazing vegan/vegetarian food. This restaurant is a Saje team favourite. While visiting in a span of 6 days, we ate there a total of 8 times—yes, it was that good! Some recommended menu options include—Cauliflower Wings, Quinoa Onion Rings and their Kale salad.

6. Last but not least. Stretch those legs & explore Westboro, ByWard Market, Banks Street, The Glebe and of course Parliament Hill. This is where the Government of Canada resides. Get a dose of culture and see these beautiful neighbourhoods & national landmark. Behind the Parliament Hill building—you’ll see Major’s Hills Park and have a gorgeous panoramic view of Parliament Hill, and the Ottawa & Quebec side.

Keep healthy and be well while on your traveling to our Nation’s Capital. We hope these wellness tips support your best trip ever to Ottawa!

It’s true what they say, the people in the Maritime’s are some of the kindest and most genuine people you will ever meet. The Saje Team had the pleasure of checking out the amazing community before we opened our 36th Saje store location on Spring Garden Road. The 37th  Saje store is set to open May 13th  in the Halifax Shopping Centre!

Before we delve into our wellness city guide to Halifax… we just wanted to make note, if you are planning travel to the Maritimes, come prepared! You’ll need a diverse wardrobe, on any given day the weather can change in a flash  from sunny to a snowstorm to torrential downpour. It’s never a dull moment to say the least in the city of lobster!

Here are the Saje Team’s favourite things to do while in Halifax.

Hint: Your wellness will thank you.

1. Remedy up at our 2 Saje store locations and meet our awesome team. Did we mention that these are the first two stores in Nova Scotia? Another milestone for Saje, and even better since the Halifax community has been so receptive and loving the natural healing power of plants!

2. Get your yoga on at Shanti Yoga on Spring Garden. This was definitely one of the nicest yoga spaces I’ve ever seen, with a beautiful wooden mural and massive studio that can accommodate about 60. The co-founders Tyler and Kyla are lovely and have a strong sense of community. Be sure to check them out!

Photo: http://www.shantihotyoga.ca/

3. Feel the burn at the RIO rock studio in the North End of Halifax. Our team appreciated the evident care and dedication that went into creating this space. Small intimate classes and awesome music—you forget you’re working out!

4. Sweat it out at Cyclone spin studio at their brand new location on Barrington Street. The space has a cool industrial vibe with exposed brick. It’s centrally located and definitely worth a visit.

5. Eat Vegan at our favourite healthy restaurant, EnVie! This was our go-to lunch and dinner joint when the Saje Team was in Halifax, and better yet, it was also extremely healthy. They only carry produce that is in season, and local. We highly recommend you trying their Kale Salad, or Black Bean Burger—they were fantastic!

Photo: http://eatnorth.com/kathy-jollimore/chef-lauren-marshall-serves-creative-vegan-cuisine-halifaxs-envie

6. Halifax is beautiful--- go explore our favourite sight-seeing spots:

a) Seaport Market on a Saturday. With a stunning view of the ocean, and a mass array of local vendors from produce to arts & craft selections- this is definitely a must-see. Don’t eat lunch, and plan to munch while exploring all the little booths of the massive auditorium.

b) Citadel Hill. It used to be an old military lookout area and it’s located in the centre of Halifax. Plan for a quick visit, you can tour the space in under 30 minutes.

c) Peggy’s Cove- Our favourite. It’s the most stunning place that we visited on the trip. If you haven’t seen Peggy’s Cove, you haven’t seen Halifax—this is the poster card picture that probably attracted you to Halifax in the first place. It’s windy, but extremely scenic. There is also a very cute diner located beside Peggy’s where you can get an entire Lobster with an appetizer and side dish for $20…do we ever love the Maritimes

The rumours about Halifax are all true. The people, the seafood, and the landscapes are incredible and the community is rockin’. We hope to support your best trip ever to Halifax with these wellness tips!

The idea of beginning a meditation practice, of quieting the mind and letting go of thoughts can be downright intimidating. Getting clear on the objectives for meditating can help with getting started. 

Meditation is many things to many people. Quieting the mind is an overarching objective and silencing the mind completely, is arguably, not possible!! Thoughts will be there, no matter how quiet the mind becomes.  

What’s important to note is thoughts will surface, no matter how long you sit in lotus pose in a trance-like state. Saje Co-Founder Jean-Pierre LeBlanc suggests viewing our thoughts as a boat floating and bobbing down the river: notice them, and just let them pass on by. 

In other words, the mind will continue to have thoughts, no matter how deep the meditation, no matter how deep the rest, no matter how grounded the individual. 

The opportunity and the beginning of the meditation practice is the awareness of choice. It is your choice to get involved in those thoughts. Simply noticing those thoughts and not doing anything with them cultivates awareness that a person is not his/her thoughts. This distinction between self (ego) and mind will help you slip into a more relaxed state. 

Here are some tips to help you get your calm on:

1. The Space: taking time to set up your space helps one become grounded and centered, and ready to let go. Some options for setting up your space include:

• Comfortable cushions & a blanket for warmth
• Nebulizer and essential oil diffuser blend – Unwind will enhance relaxation and a deeper sense of calm
• Essential Oil Mist – Tranquility is perfect for calming both body and mind!
• Relaxing Music–instrumental songs are ideal, so you don’t find yourself singing along in your head!
• Other sounds: wind chimes, the sound of rain, and other nature sounds are also helpful
• Dim or no lights
• 100% Natural Candles

2. Time of day: Once you become comfortable with your practice, you can determine what time of day is best for you. Before sunrise, at sunset, and when it’s completely dark are all wonderful times to meditate.  Morning meditations are energizing and help to start your day. Evening meditations are calming and will help you fall asleep.  Add a little Sleep Well to the bottoms of your feet to really support a restful evening meditation followed by a deep, nourishing sleep!

3. Comfort: whether you are in a chair, lying down, or sitting on the floor, be sure you are comfortable and that your spine is not compressed in any way. If you are cross-legged, be sure to have your hips above your feet by sitting on the edge of a cushion.  You can also lie flat on your back on a yoga mat, palms facing the ceiling or sky, open for receptivity. You may wish to bow your head towards your heart or simply shine your heart upwards.  Find the position that works for you, and gently close your eyes.

4. Deepen your breath: take a couple deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth, filling and emptying the belly.  These are cleansing breaths.  After a few of these, shift and breathe in through the nose and out through the nose.  Fill your entire belly with breath before slowly exhaling.  Concentrating on the breath alone can put you into a meditative state.   There are many types of breath work or pranayama you can explore within your meditation.

5. Technology: Podcasts such as 60 Seconds of Solitude and Sip and Om are my 2 favourites. Websites such as gaia, whil & calm all provide instruction on different ways to meditate, showing how you can personalize your experience. And of course, there is an app for that! Headspace and Buddhify are 2 that many Saje Team Members use. What I love about the convergence of technology and meditation is the reminder that I can meditate whenever, wherever.

6. Meditation Group: there are many groups that meditate and what’s wonderful about this is these are typically peaceful, inclusive people!  Check out meetup.com or ask your yoga instructor for a recommendation.

7. Intention: setting an intention for your meditation practice makes it purposeful and gives it meaning.  Some great intentions include: love, self-love, peace, awareness, kindness, honesty, vulnerability.  Feel your intention in your heart, or in any other area in the body that resonates.  If you find your mind wandering, you can always come back to your intention for a focal point.

As a component of Wholistic Wellness, meditation comes with a multitude of long-term benefits. Allowing time for stillness in this active and busy world is such a precious gift, and you deserve that!  Once you begin your meditation practice, you will notice what a difference it makes to slip into even one minute of peace and mindfulness. 

Namaste <3

Mother's day is one day a year where you get to celebrate the “her” in your life. The one who raised you, the women who inspire you to dare greatly or that helped to get you to where you are today. They are strong, they are selfless and they are beautiful. This Mother’s day let’s #CelebrateHer with some great gift ideas, hand picked by the Saje team. Here's to all the awesome women in our lives-- may we celebrate them as they have celebrated us!

How do you get involved?

1. Share with us the women in your life you want to celebrate.

2. Tag your photos on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook with @SajeWellness + #CelebrateHer  (and enter to win a #CelebrateHer Wellness package).

At Saje, there are so many women who have had a profound impact on our lives, so this May we sat down with some of our lovely Saje team members to learn more about how they make a positive impact in the community, work environment and at home.

Annette, Saje District Manager: Ontario

How do you support your own wellness & others?

I try to lead by example in hopes of inspiring others. I am transparent about what activities I'm doing, what I'm eating and what my goals are. I set SMART (strategic, measurable, attainable, realistic, time -sensitive) wellness goals and constantly share them with everyone around me so that I'm accountable. I'm a big fan of vision boards; I use these visions while meditating. Meditation has also been a huge goal for me to help me overcome anxiety and find balance.

What are your favourite wellness rituals?

I love using Saje Goddess Salts in our hot tub to unwind, detox and relax. I also love our all-natural Coconut Kiss Body Butter. My skin is alway so dry and the butter is incredibly nourishing. The smell also reminds me of warm summer days at the beach.

What words do you live by or what piece of advice could you give to others?

Being in a blended family can have its challenges. I've really embraced being open and accepting; it's paid off by showing me a kind of love I never knew existed. I am so grateful for the genuine support and admiration we all have for each other. My advice to others is to be open...you never know what might come of it!  

Kellie Sawkins, Saje Director of Digital

How do you support your own wellness?

Wellness can mean different things to different people. For me, wellness and happiness are interchangeable; when you are well (mentally, emotionally, physically, socially and energetically) you are happy and vice versa.  I’m happy when I’m doing things and spending time with the people I love.  Since the birth of my twin daughters, Aubrey & Mae, now two and a half years old (wow!), I’ve become more conscious of how I spend my time.  It’s precious and I make plans!!  You should see my calendar.  Through all the hustle & bustle I do my best to listen to my body and acknowledge when something seems off-balance.  When that’s the case, I adjust. That could turn into a wine night with my girlfriends, a weekend adventure, a date night with my husband, a long walk or bike ride, a silly exchange with my girls, or sometimes a little alone time.  Whatever it is, I try to be in the moment and enjoy it.What are your favourite wellness rituals?

• My weekly ballet class. I am protective of this time.  Unless I’m out of town, I am in the studio every ‪Monday night.
• Eating a healthy lunch when I’m in the office. We have an awesome in-house nutritional food specialist at Saje who prepares incredible vegetarian and vegan meals for us daily.  Pinch me, I still can’t believe this is real.
• Napping.  #guiltypleasure
• Applying our Immune roll on remedy all over my neck, under my nose, in my ears and on the bottom of my feet at the first onset of cold and flu symptoms.
• Quality time with family and friends.

What words do you live by or what piece of advice could you give to others?

I've always loved the simplicity of the golden rule: 'treat others the way you want to be treated’. Even my little girls understand it on many levels, and I think that speaks to just how fundamental the concept can be. It is so easy to get caught up in our increasingly connected and busy lives. I really try to respect the simple things that enrich the journey. It's amazing how much you can learn about yourself speaking with a two year old.

Kassie Vanderwide- Store Manager: Polo Park, Manitoba

How do you support your own wellness & others?

I like to take a very organized approach to my wellness. I create meal plans every Monday and cook all of my meals as soon as I get home from the grocery store. I keep a food and exercise journal and fill it with inspiration from, not only Instagram and Pinterest, but from my fellow team members and customers. That beings said, to me, wellness does not only include diet and exercise. Other ways that I maintain my wellness include checking my personalized horoscope every day, delving deeply into the enneagram to work on personal growth, having super long candle-lit baths every couple of days and calling my mom to make sure she knows I'm doing well and that I love her. At Polo Park, we also keep a wellness log and have wellness buddies so that we can motivate each other to expand our idea of wellness and to feel supported in accomplishing our wellness goals.

What are your favourite wellness rituals?

My wellness ritual starts as soon as I wake up! I wash, tone and moisturize my face with the Green Tea konjac, Fresh Start cleanser, Skin Fitness toner and (my all-time favourite) Rose Renewal moisturizer. Before I put on my makeup, I apply the Zap roll-on remedy to any problem areas on my face and moisturize my lips with the Sweet Lips lip balm. As I put on my makeup, I breathe in a couple sprays of the Refresh mist, apply a couple drops of Rosewood essential oil to my Sacred Circle aromatherapy necklace and apply the beautiful Tantra roll-on perfume from the absolutely stunning natural perfume collection. With all these gorgeous essential oils emanating off of and through my body, I start my day feeling refreshed, healthy and ready to take on whatever my day throws at me!

What words do you live by or what piece of advice could you give to others?

As an enneagram type 7w8 I easily am able to rationalize my feelings and diminish their value. One of my wellness goals for 2016 is to be more open to being vulnerable and emotional. With that in mind, my piece of advice to others would be to value your instincts, emotions and thoughts as equally as possible.

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Spring is when the scent of nature begins to fill the air. The colour green appears via fresh blades of grass, tiny shoots in the garden, and the leaves unfurling on trees and shrubs. It’s such a gorgeous time of year for the senses, and especially for our sense of smell. As winter falls away and we open the windows a little wider, the desire to freshen our homes is made easy with a nebulizer and a blend that brings nature indoors. 

Winter doldrums cause many of us to hibernate and stay indoors. A solution to clearing the cobwebs and creating some lightness in both the home and in the mind is with our beautiful, citrusy blend Liquid Sunshine. Amazing for focus, concentration and mental alertness, this juicy blend also uplifts the spirits and helps to open the heart. 

Another blend that is equally effective and cleansing is Refresh. A combination of mint, woods/trees, citrus and lavender, Refresh helps to open up the lungs for deeper breathing which helps the body let go of tension. The result is a more relaxed body and mind.  

These are the obvious ways to use Refresh and Liquid Sunshine. Every essential oil has several functions and benefits, and this makes them incredibly versatile.  What’s extraordinary about essential oils is that they amplify one another, giving a blend more power to heal, cleanse, and invigorate than a single note oil. 

Refresh and Liquid Sunshine are interchangeable in many ways including:

• Cleansing the air
• Invigorating/energizing the mind
• Physically Energizing
• Happiness Inducing

What’s really interesting is the uncommon ways to use these 2 blends. Here are some Saje Tips to help you with even more ways to utilize Refresh and Liquid Sunshine, further bringing the healing power of plants into your home:

Clean/Disinfect: There are a multitude of ways to use these 2 blends while cleaning your home. Beyond the nebulizer, adding a few drops to your cleaning bucket to mop your floors or clean your bathroom is a fantastic way to rid your space of unwanted bacteria while breathing in clean air in lieu of toxic products.

Shine: Citrus and eucalyptus are both fantastic for adding shine and removing streaks.  A few drops of either Refresh or Liquid Sunshine on a cloth will help remove streaks from mirrors and windows. These can also be used on chrome fixtures around sinks and tubs for that extra shine.

Protect Furniture: If you have cats who scratch furniture, putting a few drops of either blend on a test strip or cotton ball on your couch/chair will help prevent them from sharpening their claws on your furniture. Cats steer clear of both citrus and mint. I’ve done this with Liquid Sunshine and a faux leather couch – it worked like a charm!

Dresser Drawers: Keep clothing and linens fresh by adding a few drops of either blend to a cotton ball.  Insert these into your drawers so your clothes not only smell fresh; you also feel happy when choosing what to wear! You can take this a step further by adding a few drops to the washing machine and/or to dryer balls so your clothes smell extra fresh!

There are many more ways to use these blends. Let your creativity help you decide how to use Refresh and Liquid Sunshine, beyond the nebulizer! 

The idea of beginning a meditation practice, of quieting the mind and letting go of thoughts can be downright intimidating. Getting clear on the objectives for meditating can help with getting started. 

Meditation is many things to many people. Quieting the mind is an overarching objective and silencing the mind completely, is arguably, not possible!! Thoughts will be there, no matter how quiet the mind becomes.  

What’s important to note is thoughts will surface, no matter how long you sit in lotus pose in a trance-like state. Saje Co-Founder Jean-Pierre LeBlanc suggests viewing our thoughts as a boat floating and bobbing down the river: notice them, and just let them pass on by. 

In other words, the mind will continue to have thoughts, no matter how deep the meditation, no matter how deep the rest, no matter how grounded the individual. 

The opportunity and the beginning of the meditation practice is the awareness of choice. It is your choice to get involved in those thoughts. Simply noticing those thoughts and not doing anything with them cultivates awareness that a person is not his/her thoughts. This distinction between self (ego) and mind will help you slip into a more relaxed state. 

Here are some tips to help you get your calm on:

1. The Space: taking time to set up your space helps one become grounded and centered, and ready to let go. Some options for setting up your space include:

• Comfortable cushions & a blanket for warmth
• Nebulizer and essential oil diffuser blend – Unwind will enhance relaxation and a deeper sense of calm
• Essential Oil Mist – Tranquility is perfect for calming both body and mind!
• Relaxing Music–instrumental songs are ideal, so you don’t find yourself singing along in your head!
• Other sounds: wind chimes, the sound of rain, and other nature sounds are also helpful
• Dim or no lights
• 100% Natural Candles

2. Time of day: Once you become comfortable with your practice, you can determine what time of day is best for you. Before sunrise, at sunset, and when it’s completely dark are all wonderful times to meditate.  Morning meditations are energizing and help to start your day. Evening meditations are calming and will help you fall asleep.  Add a little Sleep Well to the bottoms of your feet to really support a restful evening meditation followed by a deep, nourishing sleep!

3. Comfort: whether you are in a chair, lying down, or sitting on the floor, be sure you are comfortable and that your spine is not compressed in any way. If you are cross-legged, be sure to have your hips above your feet by sitting on the edge of a cushion.  You can also lie flat on your back on a yoga mat, palms facing the ceiling or sky, open for receptivity. You may wish to bow your head towards your heart or simply shine your heart upwards.  Find the position that works for you, and gently close your eyes.

4. Deepen your breath: take a couple deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth, filling and emptying the belly.  These are cleansing breaths.  After a few of these, shift and breathe in through the nose and out through the nose.  Fill your entire belly with breath before slowly exhaling.  Concentrating on the breath alone can put you into a meditative state.   There are many types of breath work or pranayama you can explore within your meditation.

5. Technology: Podcasts such as 60 Seconds of Solitude and Sip and Om are my 2 favourites. Websites such as gaia, whil & calm all provide instruction on different ways to meditate, showing how you can personalize your experience. And of course, there is an app for that! Headspace and Buddhify are 2 that many Saje Team Members use. What I love about the convergence of technology and meditation is the reminder that I can meditate whenever, wherever.

6. Meditation Group: there are many groups that meditate and what’s wonderful about this is these are typically peaceful, inclusive people!  Check out meetup.com or ask your yoga instructor for a recommendation.

7. Intention: setting an intention for your meditation practice makes it purposeful and gives it meaning.  Some great intentions include: love, self-love, peace, awareness, kindness, honesty, vulnerability.  Feel your intention in your heart, or in any other area in the body that resonates.  If you find your mind wandering, you can always come back to your intention for a focal point.

As a component of Wholistic Wellness, meditation comes with a multitude of long-term benefits. Allowing time for stillness in this active and busy world is such a precious gift, and you deserve that!  Once you begin your meditation practice, you will notice what a difference it makes to slip into even one minute of peace and mindfulness. 

Namaste <3

Writer: Emily Smith, Contributor

Since moving to the wondrous North American Pacific Northwest (the luscious land between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, spanning from Oregon to British Columbia), I’ve been putting in some serious tent time. There’s ample land and water to discover between here and there, and I’ve loved dedicating weekend activities to spending time fire & beachside, under the stars in the wild.

My whole life, I have always had the urge to explore. My dad builds cedar canoes and hand crafted paddles, so we were constantly on the water and making our home in the trees. Outdoor adventure was knit into my being by way of my parents, and in my most recent adult years I’ve tapped into it through my very own explorations.

I’ve fancied myself good at packing and prepping for these wilderness adventures, but as I age I’m learning the importance of being compact, and only bringing what I need. Also, as I get more experienced, my needs have changed. Suddenly there are things that I can’t live without – a lot of which has to do with keeping my skin and body healthy and ready for the unknown adventures ahead. Properly preparing for adventures is key – and once you’ve identified some of your very own must-haves (check out the new Let's Get Lost kit for your optimal camping wellness companion)…you’re ready to hit the road (and the trails!) into some of the PNWs best camp zones. 

Cheakamus Lake, British Columbia – hike in, 3 km one way

On the edge of Whistler lies a haven of excellent camping spots, but this one is worth highlighting. A short, flat 3km hike in will bring you to the first campsite, with the option to continue to the far side of the lake for more spots. Campsites are sprinkled along the lakes edge and the crystal clear turquoise water will have you enchanted upon arrival. This one is a Whistler area camping must.

Sombrio Beach, British Columbia – hike in, 800m one way

Like many good things in life, Sombrio takes some dedication. Its captivating coast line and unique beauty is worth the ferry ride to Vancouver Island, drive to the far side of the island, and bumpy cruise down the dirt road. Once in the parking lot, you’ll hike your gear down a well maintained trail (800m) to the first camp spot. From there, it’s a “choose your own adventure” mission; there are many camp spots along the beach. As part of the Juan De Fuca trail, you’ll see people multi-day hiking along the rocky coast that will charm you with their friendly self-discovering smiles, and once you’ve experienced a summer sunset at Sombrio you may just wonder if you’ve found a slice of heaven.

La Push, Washington – hike in, 1.5km each way

Nestled in the far Northwest corner of Washington is a tiny town with no cell phone service and limited supplies. But who needs access to the World Wide Web when you have an ocean view as spectacular as the one at La Push? A short 1.5km hike in and you will find yourself walking along a rugged, yet beautiful sandy beach. Many camp spots have been primed for people, so find one that tickles your fancy, or pitch your tent with enough room to let the tide come in. Then, build yourself a fire and relax. 

Oregon Dunes, Oregon - drive up, hike over the dunes

On the lower end of the PNW you can find the dreamy dunes of Oregon. Rolling sand for kilometers that effortlessly hugs the coast line, glancing in either direction you’ll find yourself questioning where the end is. The drive from BC to Oregon along the highway 101 is spectacular with many eventful stops along the way, and though seemingly “ordinary” campsites along the dunes, the sand & ocean itself are extraordinary. The Oregon Dunes are an unexpected addition to the classic Pacific Northwest scenery, and one that I gladly welcome.

The diversity of this PNW landscape that we call home is truly unbeatable. We have it all, and there’s so much wandering to do. It’s yours to discover. Make a plan; prepare yourself for adventure and infuse your senses along the way.

Great Savings on All Remedies...We’re Changing Our Packaging! 

Soon you won’t have to choose between buying a dropper and a roll-on for your remedies. With just one bottle, you’ll have both at your fingertips! In the meantime, you get the classic packaging at 40% off. 

Shop in stores or online until August 22nd and get 40% off all remedies and roll-ons. This does not include Diffuser Blends and Essential Oils.

We’re welcoming a new dual purpose packaging!

Many of you might already be aware that in early 2004, Health Canada introduced the Natural Health Product Regulations to address the safety, efficacy, and quality of natural health products being sold to Canadian consumers. For a period of nine years, Saje worked with Health Canada in pioneering efforts to help create a modality within the Natural Health Product Regulations that encompasses essential oil based medicinal products. Through this process, Saje provided concrete, in depth and scientific evidence to the government to prove that our products are safe, of high quality, and deliver on their promise. 

As a result of these efforts, Saje's remedial products (ie. Peppermint Halo, Immune & Eater’s Digest) are now licensed with Health Canada as natural health products. These licenses validate that the medicinal claims we are making on these products are real.

What does this mean for you?

Health Canada has mandated that by the fall of 2014, all health products being sold in Canada need to be packaged to reflect the information contained in the licenses. The product formulations remain exactly as is - just the information on the outside packaging changes (we are thankful we get to keep our formulations just as they are).

With this new packaging, customers will also receive the first ever double-ended glass remedy bottle, which includes a roll-on and a dropper all in one! 

We have been in a packaging transitional process for many months now, however as the deadline approaches, it provides a one time opportunity for our customers to purchase the same remedies that they know and love at great prices!

If you have any questions please email our Customer Care team at info@saje.ca. 

Follow us on Facebook for a chance to win your favorite 10 roll-ons!

We’re excited to introduce our new packaging to you this Fall!

“Keep Calm and Yoga On” is about discovering how to be grounded and peaceful, regardless of what happens in your daily life. Yoga can be integrated into so many parts of our lives, from the philosophies to the mantras to the physical practice.

Since we can view anything we do as a practice, using essential oils with yoga and other physical activities that relieve stress, helps seal the relaxed energy cultivated within the practice. This means a sense of tranquility and serenity can be easily recalled if needed in times of challenge or stress. This is done simply by smelling the same essential oils used when flowing through the practice. With the link between scent, memory, and emotion, gentle, grounding essential oils combined with gentle, grounding movement can support all levels of healing and ongoing wellness. 

Some of the harmonious essential oils included in the Saje Yoga Line are:

• Patchouli: balancing, calming, grounding
• Champa: sweet, uplifting, euphoric
• Orange: clarifying, fresh, and uplifting
• Neroli: deeply soothing, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant
• Rosewood: stimulates deeper breathing, relieves stress and tension 

Whether you enjoy a traditional hatha practice or you prefer to spend time outdoors playing sports, the benefits of integrating essential oils into your practice are plentiful:   

Yoga Transition Mist: a gentle mist above the head while taking a deep inhale through the nose can give the body a quick reset to a place of serenity.  A balance of sweet, earthy, and spicy essential oils helps to prepare the mind and body for openness to what’s next.  As an added benefit, anti-fungal patchouli will also protect your vulnerable bare feet.

Yoga Bath Salts: especially after an evening practice, essential oils blended with Epsom Salts, sea salts, corn starch, and baking soda will soothe achy and tense muscles after any practice: yoga, circuit training, running... etcetera! And, as sleep is key for radiant wellness, Yoga Bath Salts will further relax the mind in preparation for a good night’s rest.

Yoga Diffuser Blend: only a few drops of this sweet, soothing diffuser blend are required to transform a space into one of relaxation, calm, and comfort. My preferred method for this blend is to have it float upwards as it diffuses through my aromatherapy necklace.

Yoga Mat Mist: an antibacterial yoga mat spray that kills germs on contact with the powerful trifecta of spearmint, patchouli, and pine, this mist is fresher and more energizing than the other offerings of the Yoga line.  Meant to kill germs on contact, beyond the yoga mat I have sprayed it on clothes to freshen them up, onto hotel linens when traveling, and into shoes to keep them fresh and bacteria-free.

Whether your “practice” is yoga, running, or cycling, it is a way for you to unplug from technology and from the noisiness of the daily grind.  Use these blends or others that relax you during your “practice” so that you can use those same blends in times of challenge to “Keep Calm and Yoga On!”

The rise of natural products are on the rise providing people with a diversity of choice they didn't have a decade ago.

Here are our top 6 reasons why choosing natural products is the only way to go:

Because of Its Proven History

There are many ingredients with little known long term effects, or research that shows they are harmful to your health from either short or long term exposure (think: parabens, sulfates, surfactants etc). These synthetics can be categorized as everything from skin irritants to cancer causing agents.Natural products eliminate these ingredients, and therefore these risks altogether.

 You'll Heal the World

Sustainable products provide environmental benefits, but they also attract others who strive to embody social and economic consciousness. 100% natural products are those that aim to reduce, minimize or cause no harm to our ecosystems or environment, so you can feel proud of lowering your carbon footprint and lessening your negative impact on our planet.

For Future Generations

Some of the most harmful chemicals are sadly found in baby care products. These penetrate the skin and come into contact with eyes, ears and mouths which can lead to skin allergies and other forms of demerits. The immune system develops in the first 2 years of life and using 100% natural products allows the system to strengthen and not be overburdened with chemicals. This helps maintain optimum health for our future generations.

To Keep Your Hormones Happy and Balanced

Products like sunscreens contain hundreds of chemicals that are known to disrupt the many glands of the endocrine system, and these chemicals can also be found up to 3 days after one application. 100% Natural sunscreen uses naturally occurring forms of SPF like carrot seed essential oil and red raspberry leaf extract protect the skin and this delicate system.

For the Constant Detox Benefits

Essential oils naturally detoxify your body from all the chemicals and pollutants you're exposed to every day, so consistently using natural products will aid the body in flushing the toxins out of our systems on a regular basis.

Contribute to a Happier World!

Natural products full of essential oils create endorphins, the same hormone released from laughter, exercise, and sex - AKA happy body chemical!  Want to feel incredibly happy all the time?  Go natural!

In our busy age of multitasking, the modern man’s health is easily forgotten. We all put both our mental and physical health on the back-burner constantly, sacrificing our own well-being in order to complete our endless to-do lists. It is this endless pattern of self sacrifice that eventually leads to severe health risks down the road, problems that are easily prevented with a bit of proactive dedication to our wellness in the present. Start taking the time to introduce a few of these simple changes to your day-to-day habits and your body will thank you later.

Stop the Slump

We hunch over our steering wheel, we slouch at the desk during our workday, and we strain our neck as we constantly check our phones--needless to say, too much of our day is spent slumped over. Bad posture and prolonged periods of sitting can deepen depression, interfere with digestion, worsen our circulation, and even shorten our life expectancy.

• Get up and walk around. Set a timer at your desk so that every hour, you get up and do two minutes of stretching. Small backbends, forward folds, and twists are particularly effective.

• Consider a standing desk. A great way to break up the office routine, standing desks strengthen your muscles and help burn more calories.

Eat Well

We often focus too strongly on exercise as the most important factor in maintaining a healthy weight when in fact our diet should be our primary focus when considering how to improve our body’s overall health.

• Eat the rainbow. Enjoy a wide variety of colours in your daily diet. Each colour denotes a different array of nutrients and vitamins inherently present in raw foods.

• Practice balance. Make sure to include a variety of nutrient-dense leafy greens (such as kale, spinach, and chard), fruits, whole grains, and proteins in your diet. Stay away from processed foods as much as possible.

• Use natural indigestion remedies. When you find you’re suffering from indigestion, turn to a natural remedy such as Saje’s Eater’s Digest to help ease discomfort without the use of synthetic ingredients traditionally found in over-the-counter digestion supplements.

Maintain Close Relationships

When we find ourselves busy, one of the first things to decline is our time dedicated to our personal relationships. We as humans are naturally social creatures, meaning our moods plummet and our stress levels rise when we withdraw and spend too much time focusing on work and not enough time having mindful interactions with the people in our lives.

• Set aside dinner as family time. Leave your work at the door and all sit down to a meal together to create time to engage meaningfully with your family.

• Phone a friend. With modern technology, keeping in touch with the people in your life regardless of location has never been easier. Start engaging with you friends through facebook. Send them emails with updates about your life. Schedule a skype conversation to have a face-to-face catch up with someone you haven’t seen in awhile.

Stay Active

If you drive to work, sit at a desk all day and then go home to spend time unwinding, too much of your day is spent in sedentary positions. It’s important to help maintain proper weight and increase cardiovascular health to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine. Exercise also produces endorphins, which are a great way to boost mood.

• Skip the elevator. Find times where you can add bursts of exercise to your daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking farther away from your locations to get in a bit of extra walking. Volunteer to take the family dog on a post-dinner stroll.

• Find a routine that works for you. Gyms are not for everyone. Try a wide variety of exercise types to discover something that works for you, such as: Yoga, TRX, HIIT, Running, Weight-lifting, or Crossfit.

Protect Your Prostate

Prostate health is no joke. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, be particularly vigilant: having a father or brother with prostate cancer doubles your chance of developing the disease at some point in your lifetime.

• Eat more fruits and vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables are particularly good (such as brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli and kale) as well as fruits with the powerhouse antioxidant lycopene (such as papaya, watermelon, pink grapefruit and tomatoes) and berries, which are high in Vitamin C and are antioxidant-rich. Antioxidants are particularly important, as they help prevent damage to the body’s cells due to free radicals which--when left unchecked--can increase cancer risks.

• Get regular prostate exams. All men should get an annual PSA blood test and digital rectal exam once they reach the age of 50. Men with a family history of PC should start at 45.

Consider saving money on your gym membership for the summer and taking your workouts outdoors. Scientists agree that we get a bigger boost to our mental well-being by exercising in natural environments. There is even a new term for it – green exercise and it comes with a greater feeling of revitalization, increased energy and decreases in tension, confusion, anger and depression. There is evidence that working out in nature can also improve your self-esteem and you don’t have to go all out. Researchers found low-intensity exercise had the biggest positive effects. So that shot of pleasure you get from being outdoors may mean it’s more likely you’ll stick to your program. Here are some activities to get you out in the sunshine.

Run: You stride differently when running outdoors, flexing your ankles more than when you run on a treadmill, which is a good thing. You also run downhill, a movement that isn’t easily done on a treadmill and that stresses muscles differently than running on flat or uphill terrain. Time seems to go by faster when you have changing vistas to admire too.

Tips to get you started

• Try walk/run to get your body ready for running by running two minutes and walking two minutes for a total of 16 or 20 minutes and gradually decrease the walk breaks and increase your run time as you feel fitter. Aim for running 10 minutes and walking one.
• Find a pal. It’s safer, more motivating and your partner may help you be more committed.
•  Stay hydrated by bringing along a water bottle.

Hike: Hiking can take you into a nearby urban park or somewhere a bit more off the beaten path. The first step to a great hike is to be honest with yourself about your fitness and choose a trip to suit. Key factors to consider are distance, elevation change and the type of terrain. If you’re a newbie, start with short, easy walks and work your way up. It’s great to hike with a companion or in a group with more experience.

Tips to get you started

• Pace yourself by starting off slowly and finding a nice steady rhythm.
• Navigate carefully and if you plan to use a GPS or compass, learn how to use it.
• Keep an eye on the weather and turn back if it looks like your sunny day is about to turn nasty.
• Hike with a buddy.

Swim: My particular favorite summer pleasure is open water swimming or as it’s called in Europe, wild swimming.The most obvious difference between pool and open water swimming is that open water gives you an immediate physical connection to nature. This can be both challenging where you have to deal with cool water, waves, wildlife and limited visibility and amazingly rewarding. You see the world in a new way, don’t smell like chlorine and come out revitalized. You may burn more calories doing exercise in a cold environment than in a temperature-neutral environment; the theory being that cold exposure triggers a change in the way the body stores excess calories. There is nothing I like better than a long soak in the tub with Apres Sweat Bath Salts after a refreshing dip in Okanagan Lake.

Tips to get you started

• Open water swimming has its dangers and its mandatory that you buddy up or swim in an area patrolled by a lifeguard.
• Talk to regulars to learn about where it’s safe to swim.
• Swim parallel to shore so you can exit the water easily if you need to.
• Choose areas where motorboats are not permitted.
• If the water is cool, don’t stand around too long trying to get used to it. You get warmer if you are swimming.

Bike: Cycling is a low-impact, aerobic workout that provides a ton of health benefits and can be continued for life without a major time commitment. A bike is a versatile machine that is designed to minimize stress and maximize exercise efficiency. Weird but true, cycling is one of the few activities that reduces cellulite from your thighs. All that being said, cycling is a joy from childhood re-kindled every time I ride. I’ve discovered I’m a downhill fiend. Yippee.

Tips to get started

• Choose an area free of cars like a bike path or bike lane.
• Start out with some shorter rides with relatively few hills and build up.
• If your bike is equipped with a basket or panniers, try parking your car and using your bike to do errands and multi-task. 

Kayak: If you’ve been tempted to go kayaking but think it might be too strenuous, or technical, or just too much of a hassle, it’s actually none of those things. Rather, it’s a fantastic, no-stress way to get some exercise and fresh air and see the world from a new perspective. Kayaking is way more approachable than a lot of people think. You can learn the basics in a matter of minutes and for lots of people, that’s going to be as much as they want so they can paddle around leisurely. And even a leisurely kayaking trip can burn upwards of 350 calories per hour while toning your arm, back, upper body and core muscles. It can be a blast to be out on the water. A nice soak in a tub with Pain Release Bath Salt can ease any shoulder discomfort after a long paddle.

Tips to get started

• Get some basic instruction from a pro who will go over all the safety stuff with you and teach you how to paddle efficiently without straining anything. You will learn basic paddling strokes and how to get in and out of the kayak.
• This again is an activity best done with a buddy as water sports carry some risks you don’t want to downplay.
• Be sure to begin in a safe calm environment.

“Own only what you can carry with you; know language, know countries, know people. Let your memory be your travel bag.” –Alexandr Solzhenitsyn

If you’re anything like me, you're constantly trying to find ways to fit another trip into your schedule. No matter where your travels may take you, it's good to bring an awesome book along for the ride — one that will inspire you, challenge you, and make you even more excited about every new adventure you’re about to embark on. But first, to inspire your own personal wanderlust I encourage you to pick one of the books below, put on your nebulizer with a little Quick Study blend and just try to resist the urge to book a flight. These reads will certainly get you in the mood to jet off to another new place.

First I would like to introduce you to The Geography of Bliss by Eric Wiener.

What It’s About: A pessimistic (but totally lovable) dude out to find why some countries in the world are “happier” than others according to the World Happiness Report. We follow the author as he sets out on a yearlong journey to find the world’s happiest places. He travels to places such as Iceland, Qatar, Denmark, India, and Moldova on his quest, and while he never finds the secret to happiness, his journey makes for an amazing and lighthearted read. In trying to answer the question “what makes a society happy?” Weiner has some interesting interactions with locals and the cultural experiences.

Why You’ll Want To Wander: Although the book very clearly believes happiness is subjective, you can’t deny the obvious pleasure Weiner takes in getting to know and comparing all these unique places and people.

Next on our journey to find wanderlust; The Lost Girls written by Jennifer Baggett is about three friends in their early 30s that are unexpectedly forced to reevaluate their lives and decide to deal with it by taking a trip across four continents.

by Jennifer Baggett is about three friends in their early thirties that are unexpectedly forced to re-evaluate their lives and decide to deal with it by taking a trip across four continents.

What It’s About: A true story about three corporate women living in New York City who decide they need more out of life than the fast paced city has to offer. They save up their money and quit life as they know it to go on a yearlong round-the-world adventure together.

Why You’ll Want To Wander: It makes you stop and think, “If they can do it, why can’t I?” Just don’t quit your job before you have a plan! Their blog has all sort of useful information for when you, inevitably, finish the book and want to book tickets and get out of dodge.

Now I know you all just went to the Lost Girls Blog, but stay with me! Spritz, and inhale some Quick Study mist and dive on into Vagabonding: An Uncommon Guide to the Art of Long-Term World Travel by Rolf Potts.

What’s It’s About: This is the ultimate guide to ditching the familiar for a life on the road, whether it be two weeks or two years. Potts shares his expertise on planning, budgeting, working/volunteering, and dealing with the haters. He advises fellow travelers on the importance of making time to take trips and gives tips on how best to experience the world in a way that's right for you.

Why You’ll Want To Wander: This book basically obliterates any excuse you’ve ever had for not. getting up and going. Potts’s can-do attitude is absolutely infectious, making even the most homebody of people want to hit the road.

And lastly, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

What’s It’s About: This is a story about following your dreams. In fact, this is one of the most read books in recent history. The story follows a young shepherd boy from Spain to Egypt as he follows his heart, goes with the flow, and learns to love and the meaning of life. The book is filled with wonderful and inspirational quotes, like my favorite: “If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man… Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living right now.” 

Why You’ll Want To Wander: This book is about following your dreams, and letting your heart soar.  It is the ultimate read for all the dreamer’s in your life… and we travelers are certainly all dreamers.

After reading one or all four books I hope you are inspired to get out there and explore this beautiful planet we are lucky enough to call home! Whether it be hopping in the car and driving up to the mountains, or jet-setting across the ocean to a new country, let your wanderlust guide you to your next adventure.

It’s vacation time and the summer sun is calling you!  As you gather your belongings for your summer getaway, don’t forget to pack some Saje Essentials to support and protect your wellness and vitality. 

Time outdoors in summer weather is the loveliest; warm breezes, sunshiny days, and salt water remind us of summers past and adventures yet to come.  Those very same things take a toll on the skin and the immune system. Protecting yourself from the elements is yet another way to integrate 100% natural into your life.  Furthermore, planning summer getaways can induce stress for some, and essential oils are amazing for stress busting!   

I recommend some products that can help you maintain radiant wellness, even after late nights, short sleeps, and time in the summer sun:

Sun Sense Sunscreen: a veteran product at Saje, Sun Sense is available in both SPF 15 & SPF 30.  Containing  minerals Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, this  white lotion physically reflects UV rays by sitting on the surface of the skin.  To dilute, mix with Carrot Lotion, which is a perfect lotion for healing and regenerating after exposure to both UVA and UVB rays. 

Stress Release Mist: hydrate your skin and stay on the summer “no worries” vibe with a little mist here and there to keep you calm and present to your vacation! This calming, grounding blend contains several soothing essential oils including lavender, chamomile, and vetiver.

Arrive Revived Roll-on: touted as a remedy for jet lag, this powerful blend is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-microbial, containing eucalyptus, lemon, and niaouli which is related to tea tree oil. It will boost your immune system, give you energy, make you feel fresh and generally invigorate your body and mind. A must-have for overseas travel, Arrive Revived can be rolled onto the sinuses, pulse points, and the bottoms of the feet.

Nebulizer:  regardless of the time of year, it’s always awesome to bring a nebulizer when you travel, providing you have access to power! The light-weight aromaBreeze is my top pick for travel with its flat shape, plus it runs for 8 hours!  Pair with a blend that brings you maximum happiness and your air will be aromatic, pure, and clean.

Wellness isn’t always synonymous with vacation.  I am here to tell you it is possible to maintain wellness while on your summer getaway.  Because vacations are for relaxing and recharging, you may even find that packing some of the gems mentioned above will allow you to come home feeling even more awesome than normal!

Here’s to your wellness while you travel this summer! 

Choose a colour, zone in enough to stay within the lines and zone out on everyday stress. Grown-up colouring books are catching on like wildfire, (orange, red and touch of yellow), and there are some great reasons why.

It’s about flow. Methodically filling in the leaves on the vines surrounding my hidden garden door in my Secret Garden colouring book hones my focus in a meditative way. My mind is distracted with the rhythm of the pencil moving back and forth and voila, I’m firmly in the moment and there is no thinking room left for nagging worries.

The image is there on the page and it’s beautifully outlined. No intimidating blank canvas staring up at you to stress over and ruin your chi. The art that’s left for the “colourist” is doable and the results can be really satisfying. Simply selecting a colour from the box is a pretty low-key way to get a hit of satisfying control missing in the chaos of day-to-day life. Even the act of mixing and matching colours activates the creativity centres of our brains.

There is some nostalgia involved too. Colouring brings you back to a simpler time. Remember when a big huge new box of Crayola’s was a buzz? It’s fun to go back to an activity enjoyed as a kid and blow your old self out of the water. Grown-up motor control makes you able to colour like a boss and you should see the amazing boxes of coloured pencils out there that won’t break the bank.

Once anything takes hold today, the scientists are on it and their studies are revealing that heart rates lower and brain waves smooth out. Concentrating on the colouring task at hand helps replace negative thoughts and images with pleasant ones.

All this newfound creativity might just surprise you and spill out into other aspects of your life. Adults who have embraced this new hobby say they have become great at picking out colours for their clothes and homes and have had breakthroughs at the office.

I have replaced electronics with a tin box of 24 watercolour pencils and a quality colouring book with nice thick pages as a wind-down activity before bed. For a double dose of calm, I add Saje Stress Release to my aromaOm diffuser and spend a few minutes in my flow colouring zone.

Getting fresh and staying fresh while connecting to essential oils and tapping into the incredible healing power of plants is easy. It only requires a desire and a teensy bit of knowledge about these awesome gifts from the earth. This can be done in so many ways here at Saje Natural Wellness.

In describing the healing properties of essential oils, what’s so awesome is this list is by no means exhaustive:

• Antibacterial

• Antiseptic

• Refreshing

• supportive of the respiratory, immune, and circulatory systems

• and so much more.  

Many single note essential oils have all of these qualities plus more!!

How Essential Oils Work

How exactly do essential oils work to keep our bodies and our environments clean and fresh?  We say that nebulizers clean the air and remedies such as Immune will kill germs on contact.  This is amazing, but how?

Essential oils are complex volatile organic compounds that have a multitude of functions.  Tiny molecules absorb into the human body via the skin and the nose/olfactory system to perform a variety of functions. One of their functions in nature is to protect plants from predators and pests, so they are naturally protective to humans as well! They have the ability to neutralize and combat toxins, purifying the air we breathe.

Because they are of nature, the essential oils we use at Saje harmonize perfectly with the human body.

There are a several different ways to apply and use essential oils. Here are some ways to get fresh and stay fresh:

Inhalation/Into the Air: Nebulizers are a fantastic way to purify the air.  Some washrooms don’t have electrical outlets so a simple room spray mist is a great substitute for this situation. AiromaLoo, was formulated as a room spray for the bathroom.  But this isn’t just any old bathroom spray that combines with nasty odours in an effort to cover them up.  AiromaLoo packs a punch with the inclusion of detoxifying peppermint, antiviral and antiseptic tea tree, and antibacterial eucalyptus, killing odour-causing bacteria, fungi, and mildew.  The refreshing aroma of spearmint balances the intensity of the more antiseptic, stronger smelling essential oils in this room spray.  Like all essential oil blends and remedies, AiromaLoo has its wonderful side benefits, one of them being healthier air to inhale!

Topical Cleansers: Liquid Sunshine Foaming Handsoap, is a lovely, citrusy-sweet antibacterial hand soap.  Don’t be fooled by the delicious scent of this soap though!  Have you ever peeled an orange while you had a small cut on your finger? Did that orange burn that small cut?  That’s the essential oil going to work cleansing and killing the bacteria and germs that could potentially absorb into your body and harm you.  The incredible cleansing power of Citrus essential oils is the reason they are in so many cleaning products.  

While we call this a hand soap, it can also be used as an all-purpose cleaner, dish soap, and body wash.  A little of this gentle, fresh hand soap, containing bergamot, grapefruit, mandarin and lime, goes a long way, and it doesn’t absorb into the skin; it simply cleans dirt and debris off the surface.

Topical Application: essential oil molecules are small enough that they can penetrate through the skin and into the bloodstream. Healing Hands, a moisturizing hand lotion is soothing, rich, and non-greasy.  Containing geranium, tangerine and lavender, it helps to balance oil (sebum) production, soothe pain and tension, and stimulate cellular regeneration.  A lotion that is both lovely to use and remedial, the essential oils included in Healing Hands heal and nourish the skin as they enter the body and elevate many of the processes that the body performs once absorbed into the bloodstream.

Using 100% natural products and ingredients is the best way to infuse your skin, hair, air and so much more, with wellness.  When you are well, others around you are inspired to be well.  You can feel confident that when you rinse a 100% natural Saje product off your skin and send it down the drain, you are making a contribution to a healthier planet, as you are sending one less chemical out into the world. So get fresh, stay fresh and remember to use 100% natural!!