Yoni, the Sanskrit term for the female reproductive system, is the body’s sacred source for creation, sexuality, and intimate pleasure. It’s a dynamic system that has its own ecosystem, microbiome and pH to maintain a healthy equilibrium, however is highly susceptible to stress, trauma, pain, and deeply rooted emotions that may directly impact longterm reproductive health.
The inner workings of the yoni are complex, but precious. Composed of the vulva, uterus, vagina, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries, these organs support the body’s capability to bleed and conceive. And while we still don’t quite have a full, accurate understanding of clitoral anatomy, it can be considered the powerhouse of women’s sexual pleasure due to the sensitive nerve endings that prompt heightened orgasms. Many suggest that its sole purpose is purely to receive pleasure, yet due to societal conditioning, female pleasure and its role in self-healing has been reserved as taboo.
When we treat personal pleasure as a form of intimate self-care and spend time understanding the map of the body and where it is that we hold pain, the journey towards inner healing is possible.
“Vulva mapping is powerful because of our current cultural climate. Women are coming into something new, especially after #metoo. We are being called as a collective to own our bodies and experiences, to be radically honest with ourselves about our histories and desires, and to figure out and advocate for our own pleasure.”
We’re shining a spotlight on yoni care and the techniques that we’re currently finding to be supportive of menstrual wellbeing and reproductive health, from cannabis lubes and yoni serums to the ritual of yoni steaming and abdominal massage.
While sex toys can be wonderful allies in helping to self pleasure the body, it’s the physical, consensual human touch of hands to these sacred body parts that can provide immense relief from physical pain. The use of a proper lube may significantly help to enhance feel-good sensations, and has been making orgasms more attainable for women.
For daily self-pampering and massage, yoni serums are a wonderful way to nourish, lubricate and tone the vaginal tissue and around the vulva. The Pisces Collection by La Lyra Yoni Oil can be used as a part of a self-massage ritual for daily or weekly use, and are also great for women that are preparing for birth, or have just birthed and seeking additional nourishment to the delicate tissue.
Yoni steaming is a gentle technique to restore balance and vitality in the womb that involves sitting or squatting over a steaming pot of water infused with herbs. It is very nourishing to the uterus and know to help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce menstrual pain and imbalances while supporting fertility and reproductive health. The ritual can also be very supportive in emotional cleansing by reconnecting a woman with their sacred feminine center. The vagina itself is already self-cleaning, therefore vaginal steaming does not act as a cleaning mechanism, but works deeply to restore vitality and reproductive function and wellbeing. Natasha Foreman of Lucid Living provides these services locally, allowing for women to address their specific concerns so that she can create a custom herbal steam blend to support these concerns and help provide relief.
The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy (Arvigo Therapy) help to restore the body to its natural balance through a series of non-invasive, external massage techniques, which help to guide the internal abdominal and pelvic organs back into their proper positions for optimum health and well being. The techniques work by clearing congestion and blockages, releasing physical and emotional congestion, from the abdomen and pelvic bowl. This, in turn, improves the flow of the qi and fluids of the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems and prevents the progression of chronic disease. Kelly Sherman is an Arvigo Therapy certified practitioner in Richmond that offers this service as a way to support women with reproductive health.
Original Post written by Allison Walton, 9/6/2018. Edits made to update products and links.
]]>If you’re planning a far-away vacation or have an overseas business trip on the horizon, you may already be dreading jet lag. Jet lag is common when crossing multiple time zones— disrupting your body’s circadian rhythm (internal clock) which can significantly impact your energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. And, we’re here to help! There are several strategies you can employ to minimize its effects before, during, and after your flight.
Before delving into remedies, it’s essential to grasp why jet lag occurs. Our bodies operate on a 24-hour internal clock, regulated by circadian rhythms influenced by environmental cues such as sunlight and darkness. Disruption in the body's circadian rhythm, occurs due to rapid changes in time zones, causing a mismatch between internal rhythms and external time cues. When we rapidly traverse time zones, our internal clock struggles to synchronize with the new time zone, and can lead to:
Headaches
Additionally, the dehydration commonly experienced during air travel further exacerbates the effects of jet lag, making it essential to address these factors when considering strategies for managing its impact.
Before Your Flight
Gradually Adjust Sleep Schedule Several days before your trip, gradually shift your sleep schedule closer to the time zone of your destination. Calm your nervous system with Liposomal Sleep Complex.
Stay Hydrated Begin hydrating well in advance of your flight and avoid alcohol which is dehydrating. (Continue to drink plenty of water during travel, too ;-)
Optimize Light Exposure Expose yourself to natural sunlight during the morning and early afternoon if traveling eastward, or in the late afternoon and evening if traveling westward, to help adjust your circadian rhythm. Take a walk, look up, wear sunscreen.
During Your Flight
Stay Active Engage in light stretching or walk around the cabin periodically to improve circulation and prevent stiffness.
Avoid Excessive Alcohol and Caffeine Both alcohol and caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns and exacerbate dehydration, so it’s best to not consume during the flight. This tea does double duty— pop a few Sleep Sachets in your carry-on.
Practice Relaxation Techniques Use deep breathing exercises, meditation, or listen to calming music to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
After Your Flight
Adapt to Local Time Immediately Upon arrival, adjust your activities and meals to match the local time zone as quickly as possible. Take a Molecular Hydrogen daily, too
Get Exposure to Daylight Spend time outdoors during daylight hours to help reset your internal clock and promote wakefulness. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule Aim for regular bedtimes and wake-up times to reinforce your body's circadian rhythm. A sleep mask is a pro move every night, but especially when trying to (re)acclimate.
You’re going on holiday! All joking aside, the good news is the temporary inconvenience of jet lag can be effectively managed with proper preparation and lifestyle adjustments. By understanding its causes and implementing the above, non-medication strategies before, during, and after your flight, you can minimize its impact and make the most of your travel experiences.
As always, remember to prioritize self-care and listen to your body’s cues to ensure a smooth transition across time zones. Happy trails!
Recent research has shown that the gut microbiome, the diverse community of bacteria and other microorganisms residing in our digestive tract, may also play a role in jet lag. Disruptions to our circadian rhythms can impact the composition and function of the gut microbiome, which in turn may contribute to the symptoms of jet lag. Additionally, changes in meal timing and dietary habits during travel can further influence the gut microbiome, potentially exacerbating jet lag symptoms. Therefore, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through proper nutrition, hydration, and prebiotic supplementation could be beneficial in mitigating the effects of jet lag.
]]>Think of the body as having a particular "wear and tear" that it can contain. For example: Imagine a cup that can handle 32 oz of liquids. You begin to fill the body with stress hormones (7 oz), then lack of sleep (5 oz), and then some sugar (4 oz)… now your cup is already half full. You add in the dust, dander, blooms and trees and mast cell activation that leads to a dumping of histamine and BOOM... you are leaking out your nose and eyes.
We support a three prong approach toward allergy relief. Sometimes, with just a few lifestyle changes, you can decrease allergic responses. Add specific supplements to decrease hyper-immune reactions in combination with lifestyle changes, even better. The trifecta? Decreasing inflammation in the body’s systems. Again, in a nutshell: 1) An onboarding of supplements while 2) addressing hyper-immune reactions by 3) decreasing inflammation in your overall system.
Lifestyle
Home
You want to begin supplementing for Spring allergies one month before spring actually emerges. This is due to as the warmth of Spring approaches, the cold of winter begins to rise and causes condensation in our bodies. Maintaining homeostasis in the body is key to maintaining the its overall function.
Before the “condensation process” begins supplement with:
Beginning treatment in anticipation of Spring allergy season is the best course of action but there’s no bad time to make the above additions and subtractions. If symptoms persist, Acupuncture, is an excellent way to address systemic issues, and Facials with herbal steams is a reliable ways to help make you more comfortable.
As always, don't take any supplements without consulting your PCP or trained professional familiar with your specific situation.
]]>Amidst the abundance of skincare advice, it's crucial to discern between what works best for your skin. The contrasting approaches of washing your face with oil versus cream cleansers— and the concept of double cleansing— can be confusing, but by understanding the differences and benefits of each method, you can make informed decisions to tailor your skincare routine to suit your unique needs and preference.
Let’s break down the differences between washing your face with an oil cleanser versus a cream cleanser, as well as the concept of double cleansing.
Oil cleansers are formulated with various oils (safflower, coconut, or jojoba) that help to dissolve and lift away oil-based impurities on the skin, including makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and environmental pollutants.
The principle behind oil cleansing is that “like dissolves like,” meaning the oil in the cleanser binds to the oils on your skin, making it easier to rinse away.
We like oil cleansing as its suitable for most skin types, including dry and sensitive skin, it can help to balance oil production, potentially reducing the occurrence of breakouts and deeply cleanses the skin by removing impurities without stripping away natural oils. From the archive: How to Oil Cleanse
Our favorite Oil cleansers include:
Marie Veronique Replenishing Oil Cleanser
Living Libations Best Skin Ever Oil Cleansers
Cream cleansers are formulated with moisturizing ingredients such as emollients and humectants, which cleanse the skin while also providing hydration— additionally, typically, they don’t contain the ingredients responsible for creating foam (surfactants).
Cream cleansers work by gently breaking down and lifting away dirt, sweat, and some makeup without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
We like cream cleansing as it provides gentle cleansing for dry, sensitive, and mature skin, it maintains the skin’s hydration levels, and leaves the skin feeling soft and nourished after cleansing.
Our favorite creme cleansers are from Biologique Recherche, currently only available in store or via phone orders (804-354-6707)
Cream cleansers are often used as a standalone cleanser, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin. They can also be used as the second step in a double cleansing routine to ensure thorough cleansing after using an oil cleanser.
Double cleansing is a skincare technique that involves using two different types of cleansers sequentially to thoroughly clean the skin. It typically starts with an oil-based cleanser followed by a creme-based cleanser.
The primary goal of double cleansing is to ensure the removal of all types of impurities from the skin, including oil-based impurities like makeup and sunscreen, as well as water-based impurities like sweat and environmental pollutants. By using an oil cleanser followed by a creme-based cleanser, you can achieve a deeper and more effective cleanse— without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
By thoroughly removing all traces of impurities, double cleansing helps to prevent clogged pores, breakouts, and dull skin. We also find it best prepares the skin to absorb subsequent skincare products.
The main difference between washing your face with an oil cleanser versus a cream cleanser lies in their formulation and cleansing mechanisms. Oil cleansers effectively remove oil-based impurities, while cream cleansers provide gentle cleansing and hydration. Double cleansing combines the benefits of both types of cleansers to achieve a thorough and effective cleansing routine.
Still wonder which is right for you? Reach out! We also off a stand-alone, in-person skincare consultation, and our facials leave you feeling relaxed, informed, well-cared for, and optimistic about the future of your skin health and look.
]]>For those dealing with stress or physical disease, Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a hands-on, light-touch bodywork treatment that works to reduce “restrictions” in the body that can contribute to the buildup of tension and chronic pain.
Benefits of CST can include an immediate relief of accumulated stress, profound feelings of calmness and relaxation, and renewed body awareness. CST can also identify other areas of tension and imbalance through the craniosacral rhythm.
It’s a common misunderstanding, but straight-up CST is not a massage. Now that that’s out of the way… CST was developed back in the 1970s by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger and works with the craniosacral system. Comprised of the cranium, spine, and sacrum, the craniosacral system is connected by the dura mater— a membrane of the body’s deepest fascia, bathed by the cerebral spinal fluid creating a pulse that is six to 12 beats per minute (the craniosacral rhythm).
CST therapists are trained to identify imbalances in that rhythm, looking for rate, symmetry, vibration, and quality. Through gentle motion, CST therapists assess and find where there are deep or subtle restrictions that are compromising one's well-being— anywhere on the body.
CST is performed while you're fully clothed, so you wear loose-fitting clothing and lay on your back, on a massage table, for the session. Depending on the season, the table can be heated.
With a barely detectable pressure, your therapiststarts at the feet, holding the soles for a few grounding moments and then moves up to the top of the body, lightly applying pressure to the head, neck, back, and, eventually, the pelvic area. If we had to put a time on it, it’s roughly 10-minutes per body part. Note: the pressure isn’t a gripping or kneading sensation associated with massage, rather it feels more like a propping up each area with the lightest touch physically possible.
If it’s your first CST session, you might initially think this is it? But rest assured soon you’ll “get it” and future CST sessions will be ones you welcome, and become more attuned to. No matter your first or 14th treatment, CST is a very relaxing, subtle therapy— you might fall asleep for some or most of the treatment, but for sure you’ll spend the session on the cusp of deep relaxation.
The unwinding that happens during CST can resurface emotions that are stored deep within the body. It’s normal to experience release such as crying, sighing, and/or internal body noises. Your practitioner has seen it all. Let what ever comes, flow.
The need for fluid dramatically increases during a session due to the responses the body and nervous system go through while in restoration and healing mode. Drinking water before and staying hydrated after your session is important to gain the maximum benefit from a treatment.
It’s common to feel groggy but also rejuvenated, relaxed, and settled after treatment. One session will not cure anxiety, stress, or fatigue, but you’ll leave feeling a lot better—which, is the first step in feeling better normally ;-) You and your therapist will work together to figure out the course of treatment that meets your needs.
CST can address issues for a range of people, from young to old, and is extremely helpful for newborns— providing help with any sleep issues, colic, other feeding challenges, and overall development (especially C-section babies that don't get the deep vaginal squeeze at birth). Other conditions that benefit from CST include:
A few contraindications include recent cranial injury, fractures and open wounds in the craniosacral area, aneurysms, acute infection of the craniosacral membranes, herniation of the medulla oblongata, and recent brain surgery. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure before you start CST.
We offer Craniosacral Therapy at Boketto, and are lucky to have Pasha Kat Yuen as a practitioner at Boketto.
Pasha is a therapeutic bodyworker specializing in women’s health and the precious time surrounding pregnancy and birth. Her adult practice aims to assist women & families to develop more stability in their mental and physical wellbeing through gentle manual therapies. Pasha’s infant practice supports babies through their transition to life outside of the womb, breastfeeding, and growing into strong and healthy infants.
Pasha’s areas of specialty include abdominal dysfunction, low back pain, pelvic pain & disorders, migraines/headache, TMJ pain & dysfunction, anxiety, depression, prenatal, & postpartum care. She is trained to support women through pregnancy, labor, delivery & the recovery after birth.
Pasha is a seasoned therapeutic bodyworker having practiced in California, New York City, Pennsylvania & Virginia since 2014. She is currently a licensed massage therapist with the Virginia Board of Nursing & the California Massage Therapy Council, with extensive continuing education from the Upledger Institute.
Her work incorporates craniosacral therapy, abdominal massage, myofascial release, mouthwork, herbal compresses & fire cupping as needed to support the body through the different stages of life.
]]>Ever the student, our Founder, Jelena Nikolajevic, was looking for increased results for her Acupuncture patients that suffer with
She knew the origin of most complaints was found in the gut, and her detailed research pointed to the need for anaerobic microbes. Wouldn’t you know it… Pendulum probiotics are the only supplements that contain a proprietary blend of anaerobic microbes. Why are we gaga for Pendulum? Read on!
Strains matter, and Pendulum Pro- and Prebiotics contain a proprietary blend of anaerobic microbes, Clostridium butyricum, and Bifidobacterium infantis, both involved with improved digestive health by way of acetate production. Additionally, Pendulum’s exclusive strains produce the short chain fatty acid butyrate, which binds to specific receptors within the gut mucosa and stimulates glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion. Why does this matter? A deficiency in the production of short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, impairs functional ability to maintain the protective mucin layer of the gut lining. When these keystone bacterial strains are missing or lacking, functional imbalances in the gut microbiome can lead to a variety of health ailments, like the ones mentioned above.
Pendulum Polyphenol Booster is a prebiotic that increases antioxidants to protect cells from damage. Considered “lifespan essentials,” polyphenols help protect the body and neutralize free radicals that cause damage to cells and can increase risk for certain health conditions. Why Polyohenol is important:
Pendulum Akkermansia improves gut health by strengthening the gut lining and reducing gut permeability.
The keystone strain, Akkermansia muciniphila, is naturally found in the gastrointestinal tract, and it’s primary function is to directly interact with and help regulate the gut mucus lining. It’s abundant in healthy (i.e. stable and diverse) adult gut microbiomes, but with modern diet and lifestyles a healthy gut is hard to do. Why Akkermansia is important:
Like it’s name, Pendulm Butyricum is a butyrate-producing probiotic strain that relieves occasional gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation, and helps with bowel regularity.
Butyricum is a powerful probiotic that contains Clostridium butyricum, which stimulates butyrate production, a shortchain fatty acid that’s essential to maintain a healthy gut and that contributes to a diverse and overall healthy gut microbiome. Butyricum works by effectively increasing Clostridium butyricum levels in the gut, helping convert dietary fiber into butyrate, and aid in the growth of good bacteria to improve gastrointestinal discomfort. Why Butyricum is important:
Pendulum Metabolic Daily is a multi-strain probiotic that improves metabolism by helping metabolize sugars and carbs, converting food into energy more efficiently. Why Metabolic Daily is important:
So much fear surrounds conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia, which is understandable. Maintaining a sharp and healthy memory is paramount for overall well-being, but it also helps to combat mental decline. Today we share various strategies you can employ to support and enhance your memory— better ensuring it remains robust and reliable over time.
Quality sleep is fundamental for memory consolidation and cognitive function. During sleep, the brain processes and consolidates newly acquired information, transferring it from short-term to long-term memory storage. Aim for 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to support optimal cognitive function and memory retention. Learn More –>
Nutrition plays a pivotal role in brain health and memory function. Incorporate foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins into your diet. Additionally, consider dietary supplements known to support cognitive health, such as:
Just as physical exercise strengthens the body, mental exercise stimulates the brain and enhances cognitive function. Challenge your brain with activities like puzzles, crossword puzzles, learning a new language, or playing musical instruments. Continuous, non-passive, mental stimulation helps maintain neural connections and promotes neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize.
Chronic stress can impair memory and cognitive function by affecting the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for memory consolidation. Incorporate stress management techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or spending time in nature to alleviate stress and support brain health.
Social engagement and meaningful relationships contribute to cognitive resilience and emotional well-being. Stay connected with friends, family, and community members to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, which can negatively impact memory and overall brain health.
Writing is a potent tool for enhancing memory and cognitive function. When we put pen to paper or type on a keyboard, we engage multiple cognitive processes, including attention, comprehension, and organization. The act of writing helps us encode information more deeply, making it easier to retrieve later. Whether it's jotting down notes, journaling about our experiences, or summarizing key concepts, writing serves as a form of external storage for our thoughts and memories. Moreover, the process of articulating ideas in written form strengthens neural connections and reinforces learning, leading to improved retention and recall. By incorporating writing into our daily routines, we not only document our experiences but also actively participate in the preservation and enhancement of our cognitive abilities.
FUN FACT: Research indicates that writing by hand stimulates neural activity in ways that typing on a keyboard does not. When we physically write, we engage intricate motor skills, sensory experiences, and spatial awareness, creating a unique cognitive imprint. This process of encoding information by hand fosters deeper comprehension and retention compared to digital methods. Studies have shown that students who take handwritten notes demonstrate better conceptual understanding and recall than those who type their notes. The tactile feedback of pen and paper establishes stronger neural connections, facilitating the transfer of information from short-term to long-term memory. Incorporating handwritten activities, such as note-taking, journaling, or sketching, into our daily routines not only preserves our cognitive abilities but also enriches our learning experiences, leading to more robust memory retention and recall over time.
]]>Turning to natural remedies for seasonal allergies is an effective way to treat symptoms and manage discomfort; however, many lifestyle changes can also be implemented in anticipation of allergy season as a solid course of action.
To get your body in the best possible position to combat allergens, it’s advised to start treatment a month before runnysneezyscratchyachey season. Like now.
With Punxswatuny Phil not seeing his shadow, the promise of spring begins. But not soooo fast! We want to welcome the changing seasons with open arms, and first, the time is now to prepare for our fullest expression of well-being and vitality.
Preparing for spring in the winter may seem counterintuitive at first, but it’s a strategic approach deeply rooted in holistic wellness and seasonal adaptation. Why is it important to start preparing for spring during the winter months?
Transitioning Mindset Winter often symbolizes a period of introspection and rest. As nature undergoes its dormant phase, it provides us with an opportunity to reflect on our health and well-being. By preparing for spring in advance, we mentally transition from the quietude of winter to the vibrancy of spring, aligning our mindset with the changing seasons.
Building Resilience Winter can be taxing on the body, with colder temperatures and less daylight potentially impacting our immune systems and overall vitality. By proactively focusing on immunity resilience during the winter, through practices like dry brushing, acupuncture, and workshops, we fortify our bodies against seasonal stressors and set a strong foundation for the energetic shift of spring.
Allergy Management: Springtime often brings with it a surge in seasonal allergies, triggered by pollen, dust, and other environmental factors. By preparing for spring during the winter months, we can take proactive steps to manage and alleviate allergy symptoms. This may include incorporating immune-boosting foods into our diet, such as citrus fruits, leafy greens, and ginger, which can help reduce inflammation and support overall immune function. Additionally, consulting with healthcare professionals and exploring natural remedies, such as herbal supplements and nasal irrigation techniques, can empower us to effectively manage allergies before they peak in the spring. By addressing allergy concerns ahead of time, we can enjoy the beauty of the season without the burden of discomfort, allowing us to fully embrace the vitality and renewal that spring has to offer.
Holistic Alignment Holistic wellness encompasses the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. By engaging in practices that promote balance and harmony— such as Acupuncture, Cranialsacral Therapy, and Reiki— we foster holistic alignment that transcends seasonal boundaries. Preparing for spring in the winter allows us to nurture our entire being, ensuring that we enter the new season with vitality and equilibrium.
Maximizing Benefits Many wellness practices, including dry brushing and acupuncture, require consistency and time to yield optimal results. By incorporating these rituals into our winter routine, we maximize their benefits and create a seamless transition into spring. Building these habits in advance allows us to fully reap the rewards of enhanced vitality and resilience as the season unfolds.
Embracing Renewal Spring symbolizes renewal, growth, and transformation. By preparing for its arrival during the winter months, we embrace the cyclical nature of life and align ourselves with the inherent rhythms of the natural world. Just as nature sheds its winter coat to reveal the vibrant colors of spring, we too shed old habits and embrace new beginnings with vigor and intention.
In essence, preparing for spring in the winter is an act of proactive self-care— an opportunity to nurture our well-being, cultivate resilience, and embrace the beauty of seasonal change. By honoring the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, we pave the way for a spring filled with vitality, growth, and boundless possibilities.
Our Spring Essentials collection is a selection designed to prepare you for the energetic transition that lies ahead.
At the heart of spring well-being lies the "Book of Lymph" and when paired with Dry Brushing, a centuries-old practice revered for its ability to invigorate the body’s natural detoxification process, well… you got this. Through gentle strokes of an Ionic Dry Brush you stimulate lymphatic circulation, helping to flush out toxins, and awaken the senses. As we bid farewell to the hibernation of winter, dry brushing serves as the perfect precursor to embracing the newfound energy of spring.
Also, as the seasons shift, aligning our inner energies allows us to harness the transformative power of spring, fostering resilience from within. Incorporating Acupuncture and Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST) compliment one another by targeting key energy pathways, and promoting balance and harmony within the body— especially when guided by skilled practitioners like Boketto Founder and Acupuncturist, Jelena Nikolajevic, and Bodyworker Pasha Kat Yuen.
The Spring Essentials Collection is full of skincare, gut, mood and allergy support, PLUS free resources.
Now is the time to prepare for the coming season— to awaken dormant energies and embrace the boundless possibilities that spring holds. Usher in a season brimming with vitality and growth by nourishing the body, nurturing the soul, and embracing the transformative journey that lies ahead.
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It plays a role in the autonomic nervous system, which controls actions people do unconsciously, such as breathing and digestion. And is a part of our fight or flight response.
That’s a lot, right?
To go even further, it may also form a link between the gut and the brain, playing a role in what scientists call the gut-brain axis. Experts have been studying the gut-brain axis to look for links between conditions like depression.
So how can you support/stimulate/and tone your vagus nerve for peaceful living?
We have some ideas…
One of the main ways that you can stimulate the healthy function of the vagus nerve is through deep, slow belly breathing. Breathwork is an easy way to (re)learn full breathing to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, and turn the dial down on cortisol. This breathing exercise is good for everyone, even children:
Working with herbs can help to tone the nervous system, including the vagus nerve. Lemon balm makes for an excellent natural sedative.
Along with passionflower, chamomile and mallow, lemon balm is a relaxant par excellence. Fantastic against anxiety and all sorts of worries, lemon balm also stands out for its sedative properties which are really useful against flu symptoms. A little warning: be careful not to overdose: lemon balm can have an exciting effect if taken in large quantities.
In the form of herbal teas and tonics, it helps lower your temperature and eliminate extra toxins. However, this healthy and good mood infusion also alleviates menstrual syndrome symptoms like nausea and cramps. Lemon balm’s essential oil is a natural analgesic and helps treat headaches and relax the nervous system and muscles.
We love the nerve nourishment Sunshine Elixir by Fat of the Land delivers.
Every individual has different reasons for meditating, from relieving job stress and reducing anxiety of all kinds and minimizing physical pain to improving relationships and determining life's direction.
Meditation can provide immediate relief. Longterm, meditation can be used to get to the heart of anxious feelings and make deeper changes. There are plenty of places for you to begin, or so Mr Google says... No matter where you start, our pal Nate Martinez makes music that helps you connect with your breath, explore deep listening, and unplug from your busy life for a moment.
Have a good laugh! Laughter and smiling is a great way to destress. In fact, research shows you can reverse engineer happiness by smiling alone. Gather! Go for a walk with a friend who makes you grin, or call someone who never fails to make you giggle (stop by the shop and say hello!). What does it for you is subjective, and… we’re all for going down a yuk yuk rabbit hole on Tik Tok, a SNL comedy compilation or this Bugs Bunny classic.
Lack of nutrients in the vagus nerve results physical symptoms such as loss of sleep, reduced immunity and reduced mental clarity can show up. Nutrients that support your vagus nerve:
Specific bacterial strains found in the gut have been demonstrated to utilize vagus nerve signaling to communicate with the brain and to alter behavior. The brain-gut axis is a whole topic on its own, but long story short, gut health is directly connected to brain health and thus, the nervous system. A daily probiotic is a great supplement to even the best of diets. We are finding Pendulum’s Butyricum Probiotic to be beneficial to many clients, in addition to the Boketto mainstay, Dr Ohhira’s Probiotics.
All of us at Boketto wish you ease, all ways, and invite you to reach out if you have any questions. We’re here to help.
FOB (Friend of Boketto), Nate Martinez, creates sonic spaces for relaxation and recovery. We feature his beats during many Boketto Services, but for sure use his NTM Sound Spotify channel at home to deliver daily doses of calm. Check his work out, and let him know we sent ya! Pro tip: Go to ntmsound.com and watch the homepage video as you listen. #trust
Many olive oils on the market, regardless of their price, may raise concerns about authenticity and quality. Some producers engage in blending practices that involve incorporating cheaper vegetable oils, such as soybean oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, or canola oil, into their olive oil products. This blending not only affects the overall flavor and aroma of the olive oil but also compromises its nutritional value. Consumers who seek the health benefits and distinctive taste of pure olive oil should be vigilant when choosing products, as the presence of inferior-quality vegetable oils may diminish the authenticity and quality of the olive oil they purchase. It is advisable for consumers to carefully read labels, consider the reputation of the brand, and, if possible, opt for olive oils that are certified for their purity and quality standards.
Total, yuck.
Identifying authentic, quality olive oil involves paying attention to several key factors, from bottle types to specific terms on labels, and information about olive harvests. Here are some guidelines to help you ensure the authenticity of the olive oil you choose:
The olive oil industry has a history of problems, including mislabeling, adulteration with inferior refined oils, and failing to meet minimum sensory standards (SOURCES}. By considering the factors above, including becoming familiar with the terminology used on olive oil labels, consumers can make more informed decisions and choose authentic, high-quality olive oils for their health + culinary needs.
And we’ve done some of the hard work for you by stocking Brightland Artisanal Extra Virgin Olive Oils. Brightland exceeds industry standards, you can 100% taste the difference. Plus the bottles are works of art— making it an excellent gift to give. We like to bring a bouquet of minis to dinner parties as a hostess gift, OR! as a house warming gift with flaky salt and a loaf of crusty bread. In summer, a pint of chocolate ice cream and and drizzle of olive oil is a unique (and delicious) idea, for yourself, your BFF, everyone!
Oftentimes when we’re trying to refine/change/transform our lives, we do it the way we think we should. With Human Design, it’s literally our energetic blueprint, and it flips the transformation process— you can shed your conditioning and then create a mindset that supports the blueprint.
Human Design is a system that gives you a detailed blueprint of how your energy is designed, how you are unique, and what your gifts and life purpose are.
Similar to mapping your astrology birth chart, you calculate your Human Design Chart with your birth day, time, and location (figure out your type, free).
Your chart that represents a snapshot of the cosmos at the moment you were born—and three months before that when your brain was developing in utero. Human design composites those two and layers and then looks at how the energies interacts.
There are five distinct “types” in human design:
1. Manifestors
Manifestors get the ball rolling, initiate, and then back off to let other people take over. They operate through deep bursts of energy followed by deep rest. The catalysts of change, Manifestors make up less than 10% of the world’s population.
The caveat, however, is Manifestors respond to life, and can deal with burnout or shame when they feel they can’t keep up.
2. Generators
Generators are the workhorses of the world, and they respond to gaps, opportunities, and inequities in the world. Propelling the world forward with their work and energy, and they use their body to show them what they actually want, and what they actually love.
Making up 30% of the population, Generators become burnt out when things don’t light them up and they do them anyway.
3. Manifesting Generators
Manifesting Generators use their energy to create what they want, and use their body’s responses to guide them toward those things, like a Generator. But they’re also designed to be trailblazers and to be super impactful and inspirational, just like a Manifestor.
Manifesting Generators are jack-of-all-trades kind of people, and difficulties arise when they don’t hold boundaries, flake-out, or inform others of what’s going on with them.
4. Projectors
Projectors, who make up 20% of the population, are here to offer wisdom and guidance to the rest of the world. They have the sacred role of seeing others on a deep level, and being able to offer apt advice and perspectives.
They have an intensity about them, and take on the energies of everyone around them. Problems arrise when they don’t let people come to them, so that energy exchanges feel harmonious instead of forced.
5. Reflectors
Reflectors are your empaths, who reflect the energies of their environment. They’re exceptionally good at discernment because they’re so open, understanding, and healing for other people.
Because they're constantly taking in the ideas, thoughts, feelings, and emotions of the people and world around them, allowing a lot of time (a full lunar cycle) to decide, process, think is necessary for them to find their own clarity.
Just like your entire astrological birth chart can’t be summed up by your sun sign, there’s much, much more to Human Design than knowing which of the five types you are.
If you are familiar with Human Design, you know it can be overwhelming at first glance. And while there are a lot of online resources to do your own research on Human Design, working with a professional can be really helpful— as they can translate they system into more actionable items.
Join us on Sunday, January 21st where Sam Nacman of Stelluna will be leading the workshop: An Introduction to Human Design. What a wonderful way to kick off 2024, with more tools for self-discovery!
Whether you’re thoughtfully abstaining or pacing yourself through the night, Drømme zero-proof is an option to stay clear minded and present in your moment. We’re thrilled to have Drømme in the shop for the holidays, Dry January, and year-round celebrations.
The below mocktails (created by Drømme) are best served in beautiful glassware, garnished with friends and really good music.
Skål!
A take on the classic old fashioned adds flavor and interest thanks to the ginger and maple syrup found in Drømme Calm. Enjoy this delicious blend of bittersweet and herbs.
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This summery freckled soda with strawberries, lemon, mint, and the herbs from Drømme Awake tastes like sunshine and warm-weather days. It’s sweet and minty with a surprising hint of Sichuan pepper.
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Spicy ginger from Drømme Calm, sweet pineapple juice, and tangy lime make for an incredibly smooth and flavorful pineapple cocktail that’s perfect for entertaining.
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This bold cocktail is made possible by adding a small but powerful list of ingredients. If you like zesty and spicy, this is the drink for you!
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COOL CUCUMBER
Light and delicious! The pomegranate molasses and guava in Drømme Awake blend perfectly together to create an energizing and cooling cocktail.
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As the holiday season continues to unfold, many of us find ourselves surrounded by hearty meals and indulgent treats. While this time of year is synonymous with joy and celebration, it can also bring about challenges for our digestive system.
Proper digestion is a cornerstone of overall well-being, and understanding its importance, especially during the winter season, is essential for maintaining optimal health.
Let’s get smarter about digestion SNAFUs— prevention and, when you over-do, cures.
The foundation of well-being, digestion is a complex process that begins the moment we take the first bite. The food we consume undergoes a series of intricate steps, from chewing and swallowing to absorption and elimination. This process is orchestrated by the digestive system, a network of organs and enzymes working in harmony to extract nutrients and energy from the food we eat.
Proper digestion goes beyond just breaking down food. It plays a crucial role in supporting various bodily functions, including immune system health, nutrient absorption, and even mental well-being. When digestion is efficient, the body is better equipped to extract the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to function optimally.
Holidays or not, nurturing your gut is a crucial role in proper digestion, especially in the winter season. But first let’s identify common digestive issues and their seasonal impact:
Indulgent Eating Habits The abundance of holiday feasts and rich, indulgent foods can overwhelm, the digestive system, causing discomfort, bloating, and indigestion.
Sluggish Digestion Cold weather often leads to decreased physical activity, contributing to a sluggish digestive system. Lack of movement can slow down the digestive process, and impact emotional and physical sluggishness.
Seasonal Stress The holiday season can bring both joy and stress. Increased stress levels can negatively impact digestion, leading to issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and acid-reflux.
Hydration Challenges The colder weather may reduce our inclination to drink an adequate amount of water. Dehydration can lead to constipation and hinder the fluid balance necessary for proper digestion.
Seasonal Ingredients Paying attention to how your body reacts to different foods can help you make informed dietary choices. For example, winter brings root vegetables and hearty stews— these can be nutritious, but they may also pose challenges for some individuals, causing issues like gas or bloating.
By adopting mindful eating habits, staying active, and making informed dietary choices, we can nurture our gut health and pave the way for overall well-being.
As the winter season unfolds, let us not only revel in the joy of festivities but also prioritize the health of our digestive system. Following are tips for supporting digestive health in winter
Mindful Eating Savor the flavors of your meals, and when serving yourself, a good plan is to take smaller portions + multiple trips. Eating slowly also allows your body to signal when it's full, preventing overeating and digestive issues like bloating, indigestion and discomfort. Supplementing with array of complex nutrients and digestive enzymes like those found in Longevity Mushrooms contributes to your overall health, digestion and immune support function.
Stay Active Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine to stimulate digestion and promote overall well-being. Walk the dog longer, bundle up and explore your town on foot, or find a weight resistance YouTube video that suits you, where you are.
Hydration is Key Ensure you stay adequately hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. Herbal teas can also contribute to your fluid intake, as well as supplementing beneficial minerals. Quinton Hypertonic is 100% seawater, offering the minerals needed to help cell renewal and contribute to normal muscle and digestive functions.
Balanced Diet Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, ferments, and lean proteins in your winter diet to provide essential nutrients and support digestive health.
Probiotics Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt or taking a professional-grade supplement to promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria. In addition to diet, we have found regular use of Dr. Ohhira’s Probiotic Capsules delivers results, by combining ancient Japanese fermentation techniques with modern technology.
This recipe by Asha Loupy from Diaspora Co.— makers of the most sublime spices— is shared to mark the arrival of their Garam Masala at Boketto. It’s also the perfect season to be making stewy, warming foods like…
Originating in the late 1940s/early 1950s, Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken) was created by legendary chef Kundan Lal Gujral, of Moti Mahal in Delhi, as a way to extend the life of tandoori chicken. The leftover chicken was simmered in a spiced tomato gravy, made extra luscious by a hearty dose of butter. Today, Butter Chicken has become a beloved dish not only across the Indian subcontinent, but also across the globe.
Like many recipes, this dish has many variations— some use more tomatoes than others, some call for upwards of 2 cups of heavy cream while others just ¼ cup, and, of course, the spice level varies— but there is one thing that remains constant in every iteration of butter chicken: paan methi (or fenugreek leaves). These sweet, herbal, slightly bitter leaves are what gives Butter Chicken its signature flavor.
Diaspora’s version of Butter Chicken is rich in chillies, using both Sirarakhong Hathei to bring mouthwatering smokiness and heat and Byadgi chillies for earthiness and they're bright red color (if you're craving a little extra fire, you can swap out the Byadgi for Kashmiri chillies). Its warm with cumin and coriander, plus a little cinnamon, and has plenty of paan methi weaving its way through the sauce.
This recipe is a labor of love— from gathering the South Asian spices, to marinating the chicken, and slowly cooking down the onions to blending the butter into the sauce so it emulsifies to a dreamy creamy bliss— and the end result is well worth the time. Psst, if you are making tandoori chicken, take a page from Chef Lal Gujral's book, and make twice and much to use to make butter chicken later in the week!
Boketto shortcut alert! You can also use Garam Masala to marinade the chicken— combine 3/4 cup full-fat Greek yogurt with 4 tablespoons Garam Masala, and 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt. Add your 2 pounds of chicken and you’re all set!
For the Chicken
For the Makhani Sauce
When designing our new Gua Sha Oil, we were looking for optimal “slip”— making the ritual easy and effective. But adding Dragon’s Blood Extract was a strike of genius, if we do say so ourselves ;-) The ingredient has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat injuries and pain, and topically, Dragon’s Blood can assist in wound repair and soothe inflamed skin. It’s also been found to have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, as well as help improve blood circulation and minimize inflammation. Finally, due to the high concentration of essential lipids and fatty acids, Dragon’s Blood Extract also works amazingly well to enhance barrier function that is compromised in dry skin.
Dragon’s Blood is but one powerhouse ingredient in Boketto LAB Gua Sha Oil.
Safflower Oil
Not the buzziest of skincare oils out there, but we love Safflower Oil due to its ultra-hydrating properties and ability to tackle acne and hyperpigmentation. Safflower oil comes from the safflower plant's seeds and has a thick, buttery consistency. Commonly used in cooking, it's also great for the skin since it's rich in fatty acids, which keep the skin plump and hydrated. Benefits include:
Goji Berry
Simply put, these little berries are chock-full of antioxidants, fight free radicals, and can provide clearer, brighter skin. Goji Berry also promotes collagen and elastin production, as well as reduces hyperpigmentation and oxidative stress. For those with uneven skin, Goji Berry is an ingredient to look for because of:
Essential Oils
And last, but not least… the scent of our Proprietary Essential Oil Blend encourages you to take a moment, inhale deeply, and ground. (Do take that moment ;-)
Like most natural skincare products, giving it a shake before dispensing is advised. You’ll want to get that goji berry going. Then, add a few drops on clean hands, breathe in the aroma, then apply on face, neck, and decollete. Using a Gua Sha Tool, the general rule is to move lightly “up and out” — or let our free eBook, How to Gua Sha, be your guide to healthy-looking, lifted, nourished skin. But briefly:
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There’s a crispness in the air, family/friend/coworker celebrations loom, and holiday music is playing everywhere. Yes, we are officially deep into making your list and checking it twice season. To mix things up, in lieu of straight Gift Guides we asked a few Friends of Boketto about who they are… and from there teased out their favorite things from our shelves. All four lovely FOBs are popping-up in the shop over the next few weeks, we invite you to them all!
JOIN US
Corner Studio Pop-up
Thursday, December 21st
3:00-6:30pm
tinycornerstudio.com
Describe what you make
I make jewelry! Long before I was making it, I was collecting it and long before I was collecting it, I grew up with it. As a child, I spent a lot of time in my Papa's jewelry store. I have wonderful memories of playing hide and seek with my sisters and my cousins behind the jewelry cases, staring at big, brilliant stones, stacking giant rings on my little fingers, sitting by the watchmaker, waiting for him to show me his gadgets and tools. For all of my twenties, I was really into vintage jewelry. I would scan thrift stores and flea markets and estate sales for silver and gold. I often thought about what I would change about certain pieces, how I would design it a bit differently. Eventually I thought OK I'm gonna take a swing at this. With some dirt cheap tools and a lot of late nights hunched over a workbench in the garage, I started experimenting.
Share the most important thing you’ve designed to date
Every wedding band I've ever made. I love when my work gets to be a small part of a big story. And to imagine it might eventually get passed down to experience another love story— what an honor!
Describe the problem your work solves
I’m not sure if my work solves any problems, but I do think about form and function a lot. I like sculpture so I think that often plays into my work. I like simple designs with odd shapes, uneven surfaces, maybe weird stone placement, and I like my jewelry to have some weight to it. I want it to feel solid and comfortable, like how a good pair of jeans wears in over time. Something you reach for over and over again. Reliable and durable and well loved through all the sweet and messy moments alike. I want this stuff to live a few lives.
Share what you have going on right now
Right now I'm wrapping up a few special custom pieces so that I can focus on a couple events. I love doing events. It's rare that I get to see all of my work laid out in front of me. Everything is usually made to order, so it's cool to see the whole spread. I love the energy behind an event. I like to hunker down and get so wrapped up in the making of it and then to see it all unfold and to meet new people who have been following my work from afar. That part always surprises me. This world is so huge. So much inspiring work and somehow mine will surface in a stranger's life. What a delight.
What’s an object of affection you have in your studio
A set of sterling silver bangles my Grandma gifted to me when I was about 20. I used to always play with hers when I was a little girl. She still wears hers every day. To have a set of my own is so special. I always think that a bangle or two is the absolute best gift to give a loved one. Something about it. Something very simple and sturdy and sculptural and entirely complete on its own.
Where can we find you when you’re not working
With my daughter! She’s my tiny assistant in and out of the studio. When we're not working, we're usually outside taking a walk, hanging at a coffee shop, running errands, thumbing through a thrift store, a vintage shop, an antique mall, meeting with a friend, hanging with family, going on a sandwich date with my husband. Just having fun together, slowing down a bit, staying present.
What’s something that you’re looking forward to
I’m looking forward to running this little business with my daughter by my side, watching my world as a mother and my world as a maker intertwine.
List your source(s) of creative inspiration
Historical objects, old world artifacts, architecture, furniture, sculpture, the natural world around me- all things that inspire what I make. The art of routine is very interesting to me. Getting to see inspiring work spaces can be like fuel when I'm in a rut. I love visiting a friend's studio from time to time. Exercise and movement! When I'm feeling uninspired, I get my blood flowing.
What’s a distraction you want to eliminate
Definitely social media. It's an excellent tool for connecting and learning and expanding. It can be totally inspiring. I’ve met other jewelers, and I’ve learned many techniques thanks to it, but it can really suck the energy out of me fast and become more of a distraction than a tool. Trying to find balance within it.
Lightning Round
Routines, rituals, and having space to work are the things encourage Victoria’s creative energy. Her top Boketto well-being items support their inspired life.
Ikebana Vase by Summer School, Red Wine Gel Eye Masks by Ametta Skin, Washi Paper Incense Strips by Morihata, Turmeric Super Seed Granola by Sweet Deliverance, and Genet Lip & Cheek Stain by Noto
]]>There’s a crispness in the air, family/friend/coworker celebrations loom, and holiday music is playing everywhere. Yes, we are officially deep into making your list and checking it twice season. To mix things up, in lieu of straight Gift Guides we asked a few Friends of Boketto about who they are… and from there teased out their favorite things from our shelves. All four lovely FOBs are popping-up in the shop over the next few weeks, we invite you to them all!
JOIN US
Whitaker & Co. Pop-up
Thursday, December 14th
3:00-6:30pm
whitakerandco.co
Describe what you make
Plain & simple: cozy home staples. Candles & woodworking. We make goods that make your house feel like home; nostalgic & timeless.
Share the most important thing you’ve designed to date
The entire design process for our brand (shout out to Poppykock- Krystle led us so well into this defining process) - logo, website, vibe, names of candles, etc truly came out of the heart of what we love & who we are. Defining who we are as a family business & that being reflected in our business with values like accessibility & inclusivity matter most to us.
Describe the problem your work solves
Provides a soothing, reflective, everyday ritual. Appealing to each of your senses, candles remind you to slow down and pause. It returns you to your instincts & connects you back!
Share what you have going on right now
Soon you can find us in a few shops in the city & Illinois, Hail’s home state. The next few months we will be popping up at some of our favorite spots like phosphene, Na Nin, and of course, here at Boketto!! We have some really exciting collabs dropping soon like Spotty Dog you won’t wanna miss. Each connection point for us is intentional & all about connection/community– you will find us where we love.
What’s an object of affection you have in your studio
Our sweet senior pups river & phinmore- we love to all be together as a family when we’re working. I cannot emphasize what it has meant to have quality time together as we dream.
Where can we find you when you’re not working
HOMEBODIES. We love to be home & cozy— making our craft very natural. Otherwise, you’ll probably catch us walking for lattes in Forest Hill or grabbing Sub Rosa! Local spot gals forsure.
What’s something that you’re looking forward to
Becoming moms. We are preparing our lives for this season & our attention. As queer folks, this is a journey and we are hopeful!
List your source(s) of creative inspiration
Our sources of inspiration are really our everyday life. Everything we create is named from a memory with family, a food that changed our lives, or a place that has a piece of us. We are both extremely sentimental, and scents can take you to another place. We hope to inspire others to hold tight to moments with friends & family: have wine nights, appreciate good food, love hard, and revel. Our inspiration is gratitude for the life we are in & the people that make it all worth it.
What’s a distraction you want to eliminate
TV & too much social media– honestly anything that is “filler”-- the older we get, the more we love the sound of nothing, stillness, and true deep breathing rest. Days seem to go by quickly with rigid schedules, but eliminating filler to be more present & alive is a true value— it is also something we are avid to do this holiday season. To make moments with friends, family, and those we share our art with wholly— eliminate the filler.
Lightning Round
What makes a house feel like home— nostalgic & timeless— are the things Hailey & Lacey gravitate towards. Their top Boketto well-being items support their “homebody” life.
Inner Pile Bath Towels by Morihata, Ceramic Spoons by Ware for Life, Awakening Fertility by Heng Ou, Balancing Shampoo by Sisters, Hinoki Yuzu Soap by Boketto LAB, Tomato Caramel & Liquid Sunshine by Rhea Goods, Women’s Warming Tonic by Rasananda Ayurveda, Artisanal Olive Oil by Brightland, Everyday Endurance by HRBLS.
]]>There’s a crispness in the air, family/friend/coworker celebrations loom, and holiday music is playing everywhere. Yes, we are officially deep into making your list and checking it twice season. To mix things up, in lieu of straight Gift Guides we asked a few Friends of Boketto about who they are… and from there teased out their favorite things from our shelves. All four lovely FOBs are popping-up in the shop over the next few weeks, we invite you to them all!
JOIN US
LEIZU by Elizabeth Few Pop-up
Thursday, December 7th
3:00-6:30pm
elizabethfewstudio.com
Describe what you make
I have always loved creating art using materials that have a story of their own and Leizu is an extension of that. I dye silk charmeuse with flowers and leaves and create pillowcases, kimonos, eye masks - all things that make the experience of home and sleep more luxurious and beautiful. I love anything layered and tactile and creating functional art that can enhance the delight and pleasure in a person’s daily life. That makes it so meaningful to me. I also make collages out of paper and fabric. I just finished a project that was very personal. I deconstructed my mother’s wedding dress, wrote a poem on the lining and cut the chiffon into hundreds of individual circles and pinned them over the poem. A lot of the work I do is about process and transformation and the beauty and resilience we can find there.
Share the most important thing you’ve designed to date
I feel like the Leizu pillowcases are import because they form a connection to people - and we all have such an intimate relationship with our pillowcase, since we sleep on them for 8 hours a night! I try to remember the significance of that when I am making them and set an intention to infuse them with loving energy. I often have people tell me it’s their favorite possession and on their desert island packing list. That makes me so happy! When I travel with friends, so often they have their pillowcases and eye masks in tow. I just love that. The silks are a functional art form and they are beautiful, but as for my art, I think the best thing I have done is a portrait of my ex- husband. It’s just full of powerful emotion. Someone once said they could feel both mine and his emotion in the work.
Describe the problem your work solves
When I first started making silk pillowcases in 2016, people did not know that sleeping on silk was so beneficial to the health of one's skin and hair. Silk is kind of miraculous. The cultivation of silk has a low environmental impact and it’s heavenly to the touch, so sleeping on it is very pleasurable. It’s anti-aging, helps your skin and hair retain their natural moisture. You don’t get bed head— all the things we now know. As I get older and struggle more with sleep (as many women do!) I feel like creating an environment that helps us attain better quality sleep is one of the most important things we can do for our physical and mental health. Wear an eye mask to block out light ( this is a big one!), spritz some calming essential oils on your pillowcase and give your body and spirit the rest that they desperately need.
Share what you have going on right now
Running a business, especially when it requires the labor intensity of creating a product by hand, is very intense. For years, I put my art and poetry on the back burner and it’s just caught up with me and started to make me feel incomplete. So I am working on creating a collection of art that I hope to finish in 2025 - and writing more poems. I am always designing my home, as it’s my sacred space and I love designing spaces with art and meaningful objects at the center of it all. My home is the ultimate creative project for me as it incorporates all the work that I do, but it’s also a place of refuge and a space that I want to share with the people that I care about. There is a lot of female energy! I have portraits of my ancestors, pieces of furniture that have been passed down through the generations and reinvented. I love honoring the past, while focusing on the present. Again, transformation.
What’s an object of affection you have in your studio
On my desk, I keep a picture of my daughter Marlowe and one of myself as a young girl. They serve as a reminder to honor both in my life and work and to always keep moving forward, and that what I create and do matters.
Where can we find you when you’re not working
I am always working haha. But I love to walk and spend time in nature. I live near the river so often walk around the James or the lakes at Byrd Park. I also love being in my bed with all the silks and a great book.
What’s something that you’re looking forward to
I am looking forward to my next trip to New York. I desperately need that creative and energetic infusion! Also, I am learning to love the holidays more. My daughter and I have established a lot of our own traditions and it’s so nice to have those moments and memories with her.
List your source(s) of creative inspiration
Every year I bring more spirituality into my life and work. When I spend time in nature, poems come to me. When I sit and pray or meditate, ideas and colors will come to me. I want to bring more light and expansion to my work— I am very curious about what is unknown and beyond our comprehension. I love women artists and read a lot of biographies! I read poetry every morning, especially Mary Oliver. I love Georgia O’Keefe and the incredibly powerful quilts of Gee’s Bend. I am pretty much moved by radical women whose lives are authentic and whose work is infused with truth and passion.
What’s a distraction you want to eliminate
My phone. It’s not the parallel universe I want to tap into!
Lightning Round
Deep contemplation, making art, and taking rest, (plus, time with Marlowe ;-) are values Elizabeth holds dear. Her top Boketto well-being items support a thoughtful life.
Tenderness Smokeless Incense by Bodha, Getting to Center by Marlee Grace, Charcoal Satin Eye Mask by Morihata, and Ikebana Organic Loose Tea by Leaves & Flowers + a Loose-Leaf Tea Infuser
JOIN US
Opening reception
Thursday, November 30th
3:00-6:30pm
Winding Path
Holland Williams
December 1, 2023 – January 2, 2024
hollandwilliams.com
Describe what you make
Primarily I create works on paper. I love paper, handmade, nubby thick paper is my weakness. I like to deconstruct the patterns and shapes found in nature. I use watercolors, acrylics and sometimes include stitches in my work. It’s all about organic shapes and creating a piece on the page that might look textural. I’d like my work to calm the senses and hope the viewer feels a connection to the outdoors – perhaps without even thinking about nature.
Share the most important thing you’ve designed to date
I tend to work small. Always have. Not sure if it’s because I like details and small repetitive patterns or because I’ve lacked the space to work large, perhaps a combination of the two. Last year, I finished my largest piece.It was 22” x 30” and took two years. It saw many iterations. The piece was my interpretation of lichen on the side of a stone mountain top in Highlands, North Carolina. It was important to me because I held onto the work for several years. Every so often, I would add and tweak the piece. As I became more comfortable and more daring as an artist, I would add more color and patterns to the piece, no longer worrying about every little stroke of the brush. The painting took on many phases and, in the end, it was purchased by a couple who live in those mountains.
Describe the problem your work solves
I don’t think my work is solving a problem but if possible, I’d like my pieces to generate awareness for land conservation. When I’m almost finished with a tree ring piece, I sometimes find myself adding a few drips of paint, that I think look like tear drops or a cut— I will let you decide what that means. Protecting green spaces, leaving dried leaves and twigs in a flower border for the smaller critters, insects and birds— this is important to me. I hope my, deconstructed pebbles, stones, seed pods and tree rings will give the viewer pause and perhaps subconsciously appreciate the often overlooked small wonders that keep our earth regenerating.
Share what you have going on right now
I am drawn to natural fibers, pressed petals, leaves and seed pods. I’m trying to find subtle ways to incorporate these into my work in a creative but respectful way. I’d like to bring aspects of the natural world to someone’s interior space, in a calming, not so obvious way. For instance, this spring I collected, dried, and pressed dandelion stalks. It was important I not cut them before the flower had died and was no longer providing pollen. I’m also collecting the stamens from Magnolia blossoms but again, I wait until the bloom has opened and the bees have finished. Then I race to collect the stamens right before they fall to the ground.
What’s an object of affection you have in your studio
I have a stack of handmade paper that I produced at Penland School of Crafts. Although I’ve used a select few sheets for my art, I still have plenty. I love keeping them in a pile with a small ceramic paperweight that fits in the palm of my hand (also made by a Penland ceramic student). All the colors are very muted. Shades of cream, brown, white with uneven edges. It reminds me of an emotionally difficult period in my life. I gave myself two-week course to escape. Days were spent with my hands in buckets of mushy pulp or pulling sheets through cool water. Those two weeks brought me back to what had been missing— creativity. Keeping these stacked sheets is not only an evolving sculpture but a tangible and visible reminder of going through a rough experience and coming out stronger.
Where can we find you when you’re not working
If I’m not working at my kitchen table, I’m plucking weeds, watering plants and basically enjoying my little patio garden evolve through the seasons. My mother lives in a small coastal Maine town on the border of Canada and I try to visit her a few times a year. It’s a special place where everyone knows each other. The town is full of creative minds, painters, writers, poets, sculptors, photographers. I also visit San Miguel de Allende, Mexico a few times a year. With its hilly cobblestone streets, brightly painted buildings, local textiles and music, SMA has been attracting artists for years— between my patio, Maine and SMA, inspiration is never far.
What’s something that you’re looking forward to
Nothing comes to mind, except for enjoying some dark chocolate, with a cup of warm chai while wrapped up on my porch in a wool blanket.
List your source(s) of creative inspiration
I have a fascination for the patterns and colors found in lichen, fungi, tree bark, exposed tree trunks and seed pods. I enjoy leafing through old books on wood working, embroidery, basket weaving, early American crafts. All these resources seem to ground me and give me ideas for art that bring a small bit of the old and the outside, inside.
What’s a distraction you want to eliminate
Instagram is such a wonderful tool for sharing experiences and for creatives to reach a wide audience but it’s also a rabbit hole. I find new ideas and learn new techniques through the openness of other artists but the temptation to compare, is a slippery slope and can sabotage my spirit. I would like to find a healthy balance with social media.
Lightning Round
Soothing the senses, treading lightly, and spending time outdoors are values Holland holds dear. Her top Boketto well-being items come as no surprise
Bath Soak by Boketto LAB, Mixed Berry Date-Sweetened Chocolate by Spring & Mulberry, Chai Masala by Diaspora Co., A Weed is a Flower by Broccoli, and River Daze by Hazeltine Candles.
]]>From the pragmatic on your list, the the hard to shop for—and everything in between. Our staff did the hard work of finding the ONE gift from our shelves they’ll be giving most.
]]>From the pragmatic on your list, the the hard to shop for—and everything in between, Staff Picks does the hard work for you. From our full list, we each were tasked with finding the ONE gift from our shelves we’ll be giving most and ONE thing we want the most. {Wipes brow} {Phew!}
As we know, the moon causes the ebbs and flows of huge oceans (high tide/low tide) and maybe you’ve felt its effects on your body— which is comprised of 80% water. Did you know the growth of new cells and the death of old ones are also in its power? There are a bunch of reasons to take the moon phases seriously, including that human cultures from our oldest records have used the moon phases to record time and observe the moon phases to understand its influence on their lives.
In honor of the annual delivery of Paris Miller’s Circle & Crescent Moon Calendar, we share some reasons, and ways, to utilize it’s wisdom.
The Gregorian Calendar is the most commonly used around the world. It’s a solar calendar that was adapted from an earlier Lunisolar version by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. He designed it to fix the problems in the Julian Calendar. (In its time of use, the Julian Calendar was found to drift considerably from the solar years. 1 day every 128 years.)
The Egyptians appear to have been the first to develop a solar calendar, using as a fixed point the annual sunrise reappearance of the Dog Star— Sirius, or Sothis— in the eastern sky, which coincided with the annual flooding of the Nile River. They constructed a calendar of 365 days, consisting of 12 months of 30 days each, with 5 days added at the year’s end. The Egyptians’ failure to account for the extra fraction of a day, however, caused their calendar to drift gradually into error [source]
The Gregorian Calendar introduced leap years to make the average year 365.2425 days long. The spacing is made to prevent the drift from the seasons. It counts days chronologically, with the day, month, and the years counted from the birth of Christ.
Today our months don’t sync with the moon’s orbit.
Humans didn’t always live out of harmony with the moon. Evidence of the Lunar Calendar is found all over the world. Some are still in use today. The Jewish and Islamic calendars are purely based on the moon cycle. The Chinese calendar is a Lunisolar calendar, which tracks both the sun and moon.
Some consider the Lunar Calendar may even be more accurate than the purely solar calendar that we use. There may be an argument to change the system we use.
At 1/6 the size of earth, the moon’s gravity is a powerful influence on the planet. As we mentioned, it causes the rise and fall in sea levels known as tides. Tides even occur in lakes, the atmosphere, and within Earth’s crust. High tides are when water bulges upward, and low tides are when water drops down.
The eight moon phases are defined by sunlight in relation to the earth and the moon:
After the waning crescent phase finishes the new moon begins again.
Each lunar phase offers a different energy or opportunity. For example: the new moon gives a push toward goals and the full moon, two weeks later, is a time for rest and release. Essentially, each of the eight major phases are their own opportunities.
Common sense caveat: The above is not based in science. These posts are not intended to act as a prescription to well-being or living well. It's a tool to use, and that has been used for millennia.
]]>We sat down *virtually* with Paris Miller the designer of the Circle and Crescent Moon Calendar to talk about the process of waxing and waning, the creative process, how restorative a bowl of popcorn and a documentary film can be, and the importance of looking up at the sky.
Tell us a little bit about yourself! What do you love to do?
I am a graphic designer and live in the Bay Area. Currently I am trying to keep life pretty simple. I like to making things. I love books and thrift store shopping. I like being outside and being amazed by the natural beauty or things or the bizarreness of man made things. I find a lot of comfort in the practicality and function of objects and spaces.
How did you come to create the Moon Calendar and Circle and Crescent?
The moon calendar really started when I was kid in the 80’s. My mom always had a moon calendar that hung in our kitchen. I loved staring at it. The gradient created by the different moons when laid out for the whole year was so captivating. The image stayed with me. I ended up studying art and being a graphic designer for a living and always wanted to make my own version of a moon calendar. Finally in 2011 as the holidays were approaching I decided to finally create one to have a special gift for friends and family. I designed the calendar and screen printed it myself and the first calendar was born in 2012. The moon calendar has pretty much continued in the same spirit since then, except now I don’t screen print it myself and the scale has gone up a bit.
Your calendars are oftentimes inspired by the California landscape. Can you say more about this process?
[For example] the 2021 calendar was inspired by the Sierra Nevada range mostly in terms of the colors. I went on an incredible 7 day backpacking trip in Yosemite this summer. It was so magical especially with the back drop COVID. To finally be out in nature and feel free after Shelter in Place and all the craziness of the year was such an immense privilege. When I came home I wanted to be surrounded by that feeling of nature in the back country of Yosemite and while beginning the design of the calendar the colors (granite, evergreen, and black) were decided first. When I start the new calendar design sometimes it's a certain graphic image that I start with as inspiration but this year the colors definitely came first.
Where does the name Circle and Crescent from?
The name Circle and Crescent unfortunately does not have an overly romantic story. At the time I needed a name to attached to the Moon Calendar and I more or less threw some options in a hat and pulled that one. 7 Years later I have sometimes wished I had picked a different name but it hasn’t yet felt right to change it. Also, I suppose the name has grown to mean more to me. The idea of “Circle and Crescent” is really about the space between the two shapes in a literal way of how it applies to the phases of the moon but also in a metaphorical way how things are often in a cycle moving from one phase to another. All life is a sort of process of waxing and waining, moving in a way from circle to crescent and back again, and again.
If you could have a tea or take a Boketto moment (a moment of daydreaming and of rest) with any person dead or alive who would it be? What kind of tea would you have?
These questions are always so hard. How do you pick one person or one tea for that matter! But the person that immediately comes to mind for me today is the artists Kiki Smith. I have been a little obsessed recently watching interviews and talks with her and I think it would be amazing to hang out with her for an afternoon. I love the way she talks about her art practice as a process of following and watching things unfold with great attention. She also has some great work that has to do with the moon. I am sure she would love a glass of my iced hojicha tea with fresh almond milk. I am sure we would have a great time.
What does a moment of rest, recharging, or nourishment look like for you?
A huge bowl of stove top popcorn (with nutritional yeast, spices and butter) and a documentary in bed. The best.
What's something you want people to know about you that I wouldn't think to ask.
Confession: I don’t know much about astrology. Because I design this moon print people can often assume I know a lot about astrology and unfortunately I am a bit of a disappointment. I know my sun sign and thats about it. I really design the calendar as a beautiful piece of art that is a celebration of the moon, sun and earth and how they relate to each other and create the structure of our lives. I think of the calendar as a reminder for myself and others to take the time to look up and notice the sky and remember we are part of this great movement a spheres in the universe.
Sun/Rising/Moon sign?
I might not know a lot about astrology but I do know the basics. My sun sign is Aries and my moon sign is Scorpio. Honestly I have never been sure about my rising sign. I was born at home and actually didn’t have birth certificate until I was 16. There is amazingly no agreement about the time I was born. My dad is sure it was sunset and my mom is sure it was sunrise the midwife remembers it was the middle of the day! I error on my moms side of the story pretty strongly so maybe my rising could be Aries or Pisces? I am happy with a bit of mystery.
See Paris’s 2024 Moon Calendar here.
We’re thrilled to carry Biologique Recherche at Boketto. For now, the only way to purchase products is in-store and over the phone. We recommend you begin your “BR” journey with an in-person skin consultation with us or online with Biologique Recherche. Soon, we’ll offer online shopping for this very special line of skincare.
You have not only one but several skins. Your skin’s condition changes numerous times in a single day as well as during the course of your lifetime. Everyone’s personal Skin Instant (in layman's terms, Skin Type) evolves dramatically throughout the course of one day. Lastly, external factors such as climate, temperature, air-conditioning, pollution, UV exposure, passing of time, as well as internal factors such as stress, sleep, hormones and diet, all affect your skin.
Proper diagnosis of your Skin Instant is a cornerstone in the Biologique Recherche methodology. This unique analysis, diagnosis and product/treatment prescription system also monitors changes in your Skin Instant overtime, providing dynamic assistance with the treatments prescribed.
Once you discover your Skin Instant, the following products are recommended. Reach out to us for more specifics about which combination meets your goals— and budget.
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Again, w recommend you begin your “BR” journey with an in-person skin consultation with us or a online with Biologique Recherche.
]]>When you hear placenta as an ingredient in skincare, do you lean in wide-eyed or feel squeamish? No need to squirm. The placental proteins used in ISO-Placenta bear no resemblance to their source; they are extracted from placentas, but they do not look, feel, or smell different from other skincare products. BUT! There’s a lot to like. Placenta, whether from sheep or humans, contains stem cells and proteins that help build up the skin resilience, nourish deeply and visibly improve appearance.
Placenta stem cells encourage skin cell turnover, helping your body naturally defeat acne and replace hyperpigmented cells with those that are not darkened. Also, these products contain nutrients, minerals, and amino acids that promote the production of collagen, which fills in fine lines and wrinkles, too. It all adds up to keeping your skin looking and feeling fabulous.
Biologique Recherche ISO-Placenta Serum and Cream are easy to use. Thanks to their being water-based, you’ll immediately notice that it soaks in quickly. These two products individually, but even more so together, will hydrate your skin— and if that wasn't enough, you’ll see a brightening and a firmer texture quickly.
As with all Biologique Recherche products, you want to layer your products in the right order for the most benefits.
Apply the Serum and then the Creme after washing and your P50— and before putting on additional moisturizer and sunscreen. You can use these products in the morning, at night, or both!
As with any skincare product, some people will be sensitive to ISO-Placenta. If you has sensitive skin and/or haven’t had a Consultation with us, start using it just once per week until you see how you react. For most people, there will be no issues.
ISO-Placenta is formulated to slow down visible signs of aging by brightening and firming up your skin. It lightens hyperpigmentation that naturally occurs as part of the aging process, addresses under-eye darkness and even reduces acne. It’s best when used with its ride-or-die, Creme ISO-Placenta.
The Wood Therapy we know today is actually based on an Eastern practice that dates back hundreds of years. Benefits can include breaking down fat and cellulite, promoting blood circulation, smoothing the skin, relaxation, and more! We’re excited to now be offering Body Sculpt (Wood Therapy) at Boketto.
Reduction of Cellulite
Wood Therapy can help break down fat and cellulite, which the practitioner then moves to where it can be eliminated through the lymphatic system with other waste products. Wood Therapy is a complement to weight loss, incorporating it at the same time you are exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet is most beneficial for Wood Therapy’s ability to reduce the presence of cellulite.
Releasing of Physical Tightness
Fascia is a thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber and muscle in place. A lifestyle of limited physical activity, repetitive movement that overworks one part of the body, or trauma such as surgery or injury all contribute to fascia tightness. Keeping your fascia healthy has many benefits. Wood Therapy can result in moving more easily, having a better range of motion and experiencing less pain.
Increasing the Circulation of Lymph
The lymphatic system (part of the immune system) consists of a network of vessels, nodes, and organs that carry lymph fluid throughout the body. Lymph fluid contains white blood cells that fight infection. It also helps rid the body of waste and excess fluid. Manual lymphatic drainage is a technique used to encourage the natural (and necessary!) movement of lymph fluid. While wood Therapy is different than manual lymphatic drainage massage, many of its techniques address the need to, and benefits of, moving lymph.
Wood Therapy and Body Contouring are officially two different types of treatments— but they have basically the same goals. The difference is Wood Therapy helps to break down your body fat while Body Contouring helps to tighten your skin and improve elasticity.
And it’s not a solution for everyone as every body responds differently to Wood Therapy. There are also other factors like age, weight, and frequency of treatment to consider as well. If you are wondering if you’re a good candidate, next time you are in the shop, ask us! Or call 804-354-6707. We’ll do what we can to get you answers.
Wood Therapy isn’t a one and done treatment. Typically, you’re able to see a small difference after your first treatment— but most clients really start to see the effects between their third and fifth treatments. Wood therapy is most effective as an ongoing treatment, similar to how regular massage therapy works. The more consistent you are with it, the more noticeable and longer-lasting the effects will be.
During a Wood Therapy session, what we call Body Sculpt, specialized wooden tools are used with repetitive motions on certain areas of the body, such as the face, torso, arms, and legs. Deep, continuous, direct pressure is placed on areas you want targeted. The tools are sanitized between uses.
Your practitioner, Anne, begins with applying a ginger oil (great for lymphatic system), then a series of wood tools are used on the body areas wanting to be targeted. Together, you decide the intensity and added pressure to promote the breakdown of fat and fibrous cellulite so that it can be eliminated naturally with other toxins through the lymphatic system. Various techniques, such as rolling, kneading, and tapping stimulate blood flow, break down fat deposits— ultimately improving the appearance of cellulite.
Our service menu is expanding with new offerings: Acu-Lift (Cosmetic Acupuncture), Microneedling, Facial Peels, and Body Sculpting (Mederotherapy) treatments. These new services are next-level ways to make you look and feel your best.
We’re also honored to be the ONLY place in the region to shop for the high-performing, cult-favorite Biologique Recherche product line. #iykyk
Also, our Estheticians have taken the required self-study courses, and have participated in the comprehensive Biologique Recherche in-person training. We’re now exclusively offering a full slate of Biologique Recherche proprietary skincare services— providing new tools and techniques that target your skin’s health and vibrance.
Read on for a brief overview of what’s new
Minimally invasive, Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that uses small, sterilized needles to prick the skin. With multiple-sessions, the treatment aims to generate new collagen and skin tissue to smooth, firm, and tone skin, additionally, it can reduce the appearance of acne scars, scars, stretch marks, dark spots, wrinkles, and large pores.
Acu-Lift is acupuncture that focuses specifically on the aesthetic condition of the face. Like traditional acupuncture, it involves strategically inserting ultra-thin, sterilized needles into different areas of the skin with the aim of stimulating blood flow and balancing the body's Qi (which, when translated, means "vital energy" in Traditional Chinese Medicine). Acu-Lift works to:
Biologique Recherche’s Methodology has earned an enviable reputation for effectiveness, thanks to its winning combination: a clinical approach to personalized skincare; unadulterated, concentrated, and practically raw products; and complex formulas applied with original and rigorous treatment protocols.
Its holistic approach to skin – as an organ that’s directly connected to all the others – brings a particularly groundbreaking vision to all the techniques specific to their proprietary services.
We’re thrilled to carry Biologique Recherche at Boketto. For now, the only way to purchase products is in-store and over the phone. We recommend you begin your “BR” journey with an in-person skin consultation with us or a online with Biologique Recherche. Soon, we’ll offer online shopping for this very special line of skincare.
Maderotherapy, also called Wood Therapy, is a form of body massage that uses various hand-held wooden tools. During a Wood Therapy session, these specialized tools are used with repetitive motions on certain areas of the body, such as the face, torso, arms, and legs. Deep, continuous, direct pressure is placed on “problem areas” to affect change. Anne will be offering this service that:
The four face cleansers by Biologique Recherche begin with the French word for milk, LAIT.
Biologique Recherche face cleansers focus on “milk” formulas over other types of cleansers because the cream-base guarantees optimal skin tolerance without drying or irritating the skin. It also uniquely delivers lipids to protect the hydrolipidic film against external stress factors— thereby maintaining the skin’s water balance and preserving its barrier function.
To match the Biologique Recherche methodology and hyper-personalization skincare at every stage we offer the full Face Cleanser Collection in treatments as well as at retail. Each is formulated to efficiently remove makeup, while the active ingredients effectively address the needs of the targeted Skin Instants:
Don’t know your Skin Instant? Schedule a consultation.
SOOTHING | MOISTURIZING
Formulated for fragile, sensitive skin, Lait Dermo-S (lay dair-mo-ess) features a high-tolerance formula that cleanses skin and removes make-up without causing irritation or redness. It gently removes impurities to protect the primary functions of the most vulnerable epidermises. Its soothing action limits the skin’s reactions to external stress factors and relieves the sensations of discomfort caused by cleansing. Skin feels comforted, clean and moisturized with a light soft milky texture.
PURIFYING | REBALANCING
Ideal for combination, acne prone or seborrheic skin. Lait S.R. (lay ess-air) is a purifying cleanser that removes impurities and excess sebum from the skin’s surface. It gently cleanses and removes make-up to protect the hydrolipidic film and keep skin balanced, which seborrheic acne prone skin needs to function effectively. Lait S.R. unclogs and tightens pores, and balances and mattifies skin. Features a fresh, light gel cream texture.
OXYGENATING | PURIFYING
Lait O2 (lay oh-deuh) is an oxygenating, anti-pollution cleanser that purifies the skin of tiny polluting particles that are sometimes even smaller than the pores on the face. Ideal for asphyxiated and dull skin, its deep-down cleansing action removes the urban pollutants that accumulate on the skin’s surface. Pristine again, skin regains its natural radiance and the complexion lights up with a fresh glow.
LIPID REPLENISHING | REGENERATING
Recommended for alipidic, dehydrated, and mature skin, Lait E.V. (lay euh-vay) effectively eliminates impurities and makeup, even the most resistant, while re-lipidating the driest areas of the face. Its active ingredients help prevent the skin from drying out, in particular for the mature skin which is prone to severe dehydration. Its unctuous texture provides a true moment of comfort and leaves a nourishing veil on the skin. The skin is hydrated, supple, and soothed of its sensations of tightness.
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