Walking in the woods has long been considered therapeutic by many people, naturopaths and grandmothers included. Taking advantage of nature’s simple remedy gets you moving, relaxes you, allows you to think more clearly and sort out solutions to life’s issues. This is what shinrin-yoku (forest- bath) is and does. The technique was developed in Japan in the 1980’s and in 1982 became part of its natural health program.
What is it about luxury perfumes that links them with wealth, prestige, royalty, celebrity, or power? Are there certain aromas that are recognised as signifiers of these states? There was a perfume called “Opulence” put out by Marks & Spencer described as an “Amber Spicy fragrance for women. Top notes are Orange and Ginger; middle notes are Orchid and Pepper; base notes are Vanilla and Vetiver”1 but Marks & Spencer products are not usually considered luxury products.
Egypt was like nothing I have ever experienced before. The landscapes, the people, the atmosphere, the food, the shopping… It was an incredible opportunity and an experience of a lifetime. If you had told me a year ago that I would be standing in front of the Great Pyramids of Giza, I would have thought you were insane. But yes, I did that! Egypt was very eye opening. As a small-town girl, who has always lived in Idaho and has only traveled a handful of places, Egypt was definitely not a place that I had ever considered traveling to, let alone go by myself with a group of people I had never met. However, within the first day of travel and meeting my group, it had felt like I had known them all previously. Our group of attendees for the tour were awesome! Everyone was so nice, and I enjoyed having the chance to learn more about them, and where they were from.
With the onset of winter, the assault of dry air, cold temperatures, wind, and chapping can be a challenge for the skin. Extreme dryness hurts! The skin pulls tightly and can burn and flake. A fatty, occlusive layer will help to keep the skin protected and prevent loss of moisture from the cells. Over the thousands of years of civilization, humans have used all kinds of animal and plant fats to protect the skin and nourish their bodies. Bear fat, seal blubber, tallow and lard, coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil, olive (Olea europaea) oil, and sesame (Sesamum indicum) oil; all have the same ancient uses and applications, and their use depends on geography and climate.
“If you drink from the Nile, you will always return to Egypt.” Herodotus. It has been two years since we have been to Egypt. The airport was bustling, as we made our first meeting before boarding, getting to know our travel buddies before the trip started. It was amazing meeting new friends as well as old friends. Jamie and Justin Lynch were coming back for the third year! The flight was smooth yet long, 11 hours straight flying to Egypt from New York. But we had a lot of leg room, good entertainment, and tasty food.