Latin Name: Eucalyptus globulus

Description: Eucalyptus globulus is also known as Australian blue gum or fever tree. This evergreen tree can reach up to 200 feet tall. There are over 700 species of Eucalyptus trees, and 20 of those are harvested for essential oils. Eucalyptus trees have long, narrow blue-green leaves and creamy white flowers. The essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and twigs.

Largest Producing Countries: Australia, Brazil, and Spain

Scent: Eucalyptus has a distinct fresh, medicinal, camphoraceous, woody scent. Eucalyptus blends well with other wood and herb essential oils, particularly lavender and lemon.

Properties: Eucalyptus is one of the most familiar essential oils, often used as a decongestant, to clear stuffy heads and relieve headaches through inhaling and in vapor rubs. Eucalyptus oil has antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties, so it is often used to treat respiratory problems. It is also great to use as an insect repellant and treating insect bites. Stimulating and refreshing, it is used to clear the mind and promote concentration. Helps neutralize odors, which is why it’s a natural choice to include in our Pedicure Prep Set.

Precautions: Eucalyptus oil should be avoided while pregnant and for those with high blood pressure and epilepsy. Excessive use may cause headaches. As with any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction. Do not use any essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Vintage Body Spa Products with Eucalyptus Oil: Daily Moisturizing Lotion, Salt Soak, Whipped Sugar Scrub and our Pedicure Prep Set.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of eucalyptus oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Further research should be done on each essential oil to determine its proper usage for each individual. Aromatherapy is not intended to be a replacement for care under a qualified health professional, but is to be considered a complimentary therapy

“We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about.” – Charles Kingsley

image by lusi

What are you most enthusiastic about? Go out and do that today!

A few weeks ago I attended the Grand Opening of Koch and Company, our latest stockists. I’m so proud to be a part of this gallery, with our products for sale next to some of the most unique and beautiful arts and crafts that I have ever seen. Deborah, the owner, has a big vision for this shop, and is so passionate to have brought beautiful art to her neighborhood, one that is not known as a cultural epicenter in Louisville. Her gallery is a good place to find gifts in all price ranges. I purchased a gift for my parents’ anniversary (but since they read the blog, I can’t say what it is and ruin the surprise!) Thanks Deborah for sharing more about the gallery and including pictures of some of the amazing products you sell!

Koch and Company
10978 Dixie Highway
Louisville, KY 40272
(502) 618-4069
www.kochandcompany.com

Love how they've displayed Vintage Body Spa - check out the antique tub!

1) Tell us your story – how long have you been an artist, what most inspires you, and tell us about your shop – when did it open, what inspired you to open a store, why/how you chose your location, etc.
I have been an artist since I was four if you count me drawing a shark on a piece of paper and chasing my sister around the house with it! I paint, sew, cook, cater, quilt, do carpentry, design, landscape, graphic and webpage design, mom, work on my own car, love my animals, ect…

Many things inspire me. Smells, colors, flavors, textures, and sounds to name a few. The way light hits a Sugar Maple in the fall and it looks like the tree is on fire is inspiring. Seeing my kids sleep curled up with a cat, watching my husband working on heavy equipment and moving earth inspires me. See our horses play and roll in mud inspires me.

Koch and Company is something I have wanted to do for many years. Being surrounded by the art of others and showing it to people who may have never been to a gallery is just plain cool. The artists in the gallery are a collection of friends with the same goal: Selling their wares to those who appreciate it. We have 43 wonderful artists who are some of the most talented people I have ever met and had the opportunity to work with.

Funny question here, “Why did I open a gallery?” To be honest, I am a terrible employee! Most employers do not like ideas or changing the way things have been done for years. People get comfortable in doing the same old thing because it works. My thing is “What if we do this? Or try this?” That tends to not fit into the normal work place. I am not a cookie cutter kinda girl! I have opinions, a huge heart, a sense of humor, and I take my work very seriously.

I chose Valley Station because it is MY community. From all the research that went into my business plan, Valley Station has a much lower debt to income ratio. This means that more homes are paid off or almost paid off, fewer credit card debts and higher income due to smarter spending habits. I love the values in my community. Neighbors get along, less crime, and we have a lot of community involvement. We need Koch and Company, we need culture, we need a boutique like atmosphere for shopping that doesn’t include Wal-Mart.

2) How would you describe the products you sell?
We sell all sorts of creative goodies! Fine art that includes many types of paintings, pottery, fine jewelry, handmade clothing for children, furniture and stained glass. We have antiques, custom framing and wonderful spa products that everyone is crazy over! (hint, hint)

A Kentucky shop MUST have horses!

3) What’s the best part about being a small business owner? The worst part?
The best part…. I’m in charge.
The worst part…. I’m in charge.
Talk amongst yourselves on this one…..

4) Does your shop have any unique promotions/events to engage current customers or draw in new customers?
We are in the process of running a Groupon in a couple of weeks. Other frame shops in Louisville RAVE of the benefits of running a groupon. We hope that the framing portion of the business takes a huge leap once it runs!

The holidays are going to be awesome! I am a Christmas Addict! I can’t wait to decorate the store with all the items we have! TREES TREES TREES!!! I can’t wait to make a Vintage Spa tree!

5) What is your favorite Vintage Body Spa product?
MY personal favorite is the Vanilla/Buttermilk Bath Soak…. It’s like taking a bath surrounded in my favorite food… SUGAR COOKIES!

We have heard raves about the Sinus Masks and the Passionfruit Rose Whipped Shea Butter!

When people come in, I make them smell the fragrances and try the lotions next to the register. Everyone loves them!

6) If you could request a new product or essential oil scented item for Vintage Body Spa to create, what would it be – what are your customers looking for?
Vanilla Buttermilk Lotion…. I would never be without it!

7) Any exciting news or promotions you’d like to share?
The Groupon coming out soon is awesome! $100 custom framing coupon for $50. You will be able to frame ANYTHING and save $100 for $50. So drag out that picture of the kids, your mother-in-law, or your diploma and get it framed! If you don’t spend the whole coupon, we are extending and making an additional offer of using the remainder on your next purchase! Try us! You will like us!

Koch and Company offers over 200 custom frames for all your art.

8 ) Please feel free to share anything else with us.
We welcome all visitors to our Gallery. You will receive friendly, non-pushy, non-snobby customer service. We are simple people who are knowledgeable about the art and handcrafted items we sell. Stop in… Sit a spell… and have fun!

(Make sure you try the Vanilla ButterMilk Milk Bath… It’s to die for!)

Latin Name: Anethum graveolens

Description: Dill is a perennial herb that grows to approximately 2 feet high with thin stems and delicate white or yellow flowers grouped in umbels. The essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves, stems and seeds of the plant.

Largest Producing Countries: Italy, France, Germany and Spain

Scent: Dill has a fresh, warm and spicy scent. It is very similar to caraway. Dill blends well with citrus oils, nutmeg and caraway.

Properties: Dill has been used since ancient times to ease digestive issues, calm nervous tension and sweating as well as promote healing of wounds. Add dill oil to a carrier oil to create a post-meal massage oil. Rub the oil blend in clockwise motions across the abdomen to ease stomach upset or constipation. Dill has also been used to stimulate milk flow in nursing mothers. Dill oil is also used to combat nervous tension and overwhelm.

Precautions: Dill is considered to be non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing, but should not be used during pregnancy. As with any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction. Do not use any essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of clary sage oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Further research should be done on each essential oil to determine its proper usage for each individual. Aromatherapy is not intended to be a replacement for care under a qualified health professional, but is to be considered a complimentary therapy.

Thanks to Monique, who let me know that this is from Holstee, called their Manifesto Poster. You can bet I’ll be purchasing one to hang full size in my office!

Here’s the phrases typed out for you:

This is your life.
Do what you love, and do it often.
If you don’t like something, change it.
If you don’t like your job, quit.
If you don’t have enough time, stop watching tv.
If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love.
Stop over analyzing, life is simple.
All emotions are beautiful
When you eat, appreciate every last bite.
Open your mind, arms and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences.
Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them.
Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself.
Some opportunities only come once, seize them.
Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them so go out and start creating.
Life is short. Live your dream and wear your passion.

“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” – Thomas A. Edison

I first heard about Clary Sage essential oil while we were preparing for the birth of our son. I now wish I had heard of this great oil sooner – it’s really nice in a diffuser for a quick pick-me-up.

Clary Sage image via Wikipedia

Latin Name: Salvia sclarea

Family: Lamiaceae

Description: Clary sage is an herb that grows to approximately 1.5 feet high with large, hairy purple leaves with many small violet or white flowers. The essential oil is steam distilled from the leaves and the flowering tops.

Countries of origin: United States, England, France, Russia and Morocco

Scent: Clary sage has musky, nutty, herbal top notes and floral undertones. It blends well with citruses and woody scents.

Properties: Clary Sage is a euphoric essential oil that can create an almost drug-like ‘high’. It has strong antidepressant properties, and is often used to combat depression, nervousness, anxiety and stress. Clary Sage is probably best known for its use in regulating menstruation and relieving menopausal symptoms. Midwives and doulas sometimes recommend using clary sage in massage oil during early labor. It can also be used to assist in meditation and promote vivid dreams.

Precautions: Non-toxic, non-sensitizing. Do not use during pregnancy. Do not use clary sage while drinking alcohol as it can exaggerate the effects of alcohol. Overuse of clary sage may cause a headache. Because it has estrogen-like compounds, it is not recommended with estrogen-dependent types of cancer. As with any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction. Do not use any essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of clary sage oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. Further research should be done on each essential oil to determine its proper usage for each individual. Aromatherapy is not intended to be a replacement for care under a qualified health professional, but is to be considered a complimentary therapy.

“If you want to succeed you should strike out on new paths, rather than travel the worn paths of accepted success.” - John D. Rockefeller

photo by Sura Nualpradid

image via Wikipedia

Latin Name: Citrus bergamia

Family: Rutaceae

Description: Bergamot is named after the city of Bergamo, Italy where most of its trade originated. The tree can grow up to 13 feet tall and bears small, inedible (because they are sour and bitter) citrus fruits. Bergamot essential oil is expressed from the peel of the almost-ripe fruit. It takes about one hundred fruits to make 3 ounces of essential oil.

Countries of origin: Italy, Mediterranean countries and United States (California)

Scent: Bergamot has sweet, lemony top notes with warm, floral and spicy undertones. It blends well with other florals and citruses. Some may recognize the scent as it is used in Earl Grey Tea.

Properties: Bergamot is called a ‘sunny’ essential oil and may help to reduce anxiety, depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The oil is cheering, calming and uplifting. Bergamot oil is also the go-to essential oil for treating urinary tract infections because it has antiseptic properties. Some also use it to regulate appetite or in facial creams to help with oily skin and acne.

Precautions: Do not use if you have very sensitive skin. With any new product, always test a small amount for skin sensitivity or allergic reaction. Do not use any essential oils undiluted on the skin.

Phototoxicity: Bergamot oil may cause photosensitivity, which means it makes the skin sensitive to sunlight. Exposure to sunlight or tanning beds after using products containing phototoxic ingredients can lead to irritation. It is best to avoid exposure to strong sunlight or tanning bed rays for 24 hours after using products containing this essential oil.

Vintage Body Spa products containing Bergamot Oil: Our Whipped Sugar Scrub in Lavender Bergamot is a calming blend of these two wonderful essential oils.

Remember, the FDA has not evaluated the above statements. No claims are made regarding any medicinal value of bergamot oil. The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.