Essence of Vali

I first became interested in aromatherapy when I was about 13, thanks to my very cool, very “in the know” aunt. Once I realized the deeply healing affects that plant essences could have on my body and my mind, I was hooked. Since party planning, specifically wedding planning, can include so much stress, I’ve been thinking for a while now that aromatherapy products might be a nice gesture to offer a hostess or a group of bridesmaids.

About a month ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Valerie Bennis, the founder of Essence of Vali, while browsing at the NYC Go Green Expo. Essence of Vali specializes in beautifully packaged aromatherapy products – everything from bath oils to body mists – that leave skin soft and have soothing, subtle scents. Essence of Vali products are all-natural and are made in the U.S.A, which means you can give them entirely guilt-free. Looking for a thoughtful, yet affordable, going-away gift for a couple of honeymooners? Check out the sleep travel set, which comes packaged in a pretty organza pouch. In search of the perfect sexy something to compliment your bridal shower gift? Try the sensual passion-scented massage oil and body mist. I especially like the company’s “Sleep” line; I’ve been dabbing the concentrated sleep-scented oil on my pillowcases for several weeks now and have enjoyed many nights of peaceful, uninterrupted rest. For more about their products, please visit Essence of Vali.

Photos: Essence of Vali

Personalized Vermont Soaps

Because I attended college there, I am a complete Vermont enthusiast. I tend to think of Vermont as my home away from home and, as a result, am a total sucker for anything and everything deemed “Vermont-y.” My freezer endlessly boasts various tubs of Ben & Jerry’s. I take great pride in the fact that I only pour real Vermont maple syrup on my pancakes. On particularly clear nights, I’ve been known to point out that the star-filled sky “looks like a Vermont sky” and on particularly gray winter days, have been known to tell at least one story about one of the five long winters when I lived in the Green Mountain state. You can thus imagine my excitement when I discovered Carved Solutions while browsing at the New York City Gift Show back in January. Carved Solutions is a Vermont-based, family owned and operated company that specializes in all natural, custom-carved, handmade soaps and candles. I particularly like their soaps, which can be personalized for nearly any event – from weddings to baby showers and beyond. And as if their “Vermont-y” quality isn’t enough, their soaps have a subtle, clean scent, making them perfect favors for everyone from an allergy-sensitive grandmother to a queen of the fragrance counter best friend.

Photos: Carved Solutions

Bamboo Charcoal Body Bar

About a year ago, my boyfriend and I began purchasing bars of bamboo charcoal soap to keep at our kitchen sink. Because he is a chef, and because we are both constantly experimenting in the kitchen, we found that bamboo soap is a great kitchen staple. The soap is naturally anti-bacterial and because of its naturally occurring negative ionic charge, it eliminates icky food smells from your hands almost immediately. Fast forward to late January. While enjoying my coffee and browsing through the (endless) aisles of the NYC Gift Show, I met some (sincerely friendly) reps from the company EverBamboo who introduced me to their line of deodorizers and skin care products. Next time you are invited to someone’s home and are looking for an interesting spin on a traditional hostess gift, consider a set of the company’s bamboo charcoal face and body bars. The jet-black soaps are the perfect hybrid between classic and edgy with just a hint of masculinity. And since they are created using rapidly growing bamboo (i.e.: growth rates averaging 2+ feet daily), a natural deodorizer, your gift will be eco-friendly, too.

Photo: EverBamboo