Looking cute can come with a cost, and that’s much more than what you see on the price tag. Fast fashion is having a detrimental impact on our planet. The allure of trendy, affordable clothing has come with a significant environmental price tag.
Have you heard of "slow fashion"? This growing movement is emerging as a powerful antidote to the throwaway culture that has been choking our planet. It’s an approach that asks for more careful consideration about an item’s provenance - from the fabric to the hands that made it, to the life cycle of the piece, and more.
At Delish General Store + Jar Bar Refillery, we have passion for fashion, but we're also committed to sustainability. Here’s how slow fashion has reshaped the way we think about style and its profound benefits for the environment.
THE DARK SIDE OF FAST FASHION
Fast fashion is synonymous with rapid production and consumption. It's the system where clothing is mass-produced, quickly dispatched to stores, and then discarded almost as swiftly. Think: being “on trend”, “cheap and cheerful” and “clothing haul videos”. The consequences of this model are staggering. Here's how fast fashion is harming our planet:
1. Excessive Waste: Cheaply made garments often end up in landfills after just a few wears. This creates a massive problem of textile waste, which decomposes slowly and releases harmful chemicals into the environment.
2. Environmental Degradation: Fast fashion's production processes consume vast amounts of resources, including water and energy. Additionally, it contributes to deforestation and habitat destruction, driven by the need for raw materials like cotton and synthetic fibres.
3. Exploitation of Labor: To keep prices low, fast fashion often relies on cheap, often unethical, labor practices in low-wage countries, contributing to poor working conditions and unfair wages.
4. Use of Synthetic Fabrics: Synthetic fabrics are made by chemical synthesis, and would not otherwise be found in nature. Most of these man-made fibres are made from chemicals based on oil products, derived from coal, oil or natural gas. None of these fabrics are biodegradable.
THE RISE OF SLOW FASHION
Slow fashion represents a complete departure from this unsustainable model. It's a conscientious approach to clothing that prioritizes quality, longevity, and ethical practices. Slow fashion focuses on:
1. Quality Over Quantity: Slow fashion encourages consumers to invest in high-quality garments that are designed to last, reducing the frequency of clothing disposal.
2. Ethical Production: It emphasizes fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable sourcing of materials. This promotes both environmental and social responsibility.
3. Timeless Style: Slow fashion isn't concerned with fleeting trends. Instead, it offers timeless designs that remain relevant season after season, reducing the pressure to constantly buy new clothes. Classic pieces that stand the test of time, and you will keep pulling out of the closet, year after year.
THE DELISH DIFFERENCE
At Delish General Store + Jar Bar Refillery, we do not want to be just a fashion destination; we want to be a sustainability hub. We understand the joy of fashion—the feeling of confidence and self-expression that a great outfit can bring. But we also believe that fashion shouldn't cost the earth. That's why we've embraced slow fashion and consignment as part of our mission.
By supporting consignment, you're doing more than just enhancing your wardrobe; you're actively participating in the fight against fast fashion's devastating effects. Here's how:
1. Extending Garment Lifespan: Consignment allows well-loved pieces to find new homes, preventing them from ending up in landfills prematurely.
2. Reducing Carbon Footprint: By choosing pre-loved clothing, you're reducing the demand for new production, which, in turn, decreases the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and transportation.
3. Supporting Sustainable Practices: Consignment shops often have a keen eye for quality and style, curating collections that align with the principles of slow fashion.
Fast fashion may have become the norm, but the rise of slow fashion is proof that change is possible. We invite you to join us on this journey toward a more sustainable and stylish future. Let's embrace fashion that not only looks good but also feels good because it respects people, animals, and our precious planet. Together, we can make a significant difference—one stylish, eco-conscious choice at a time.
]]>It’s getting to be wedding season, isn’t it? We have a nice little selection of cards perfect to give for this special occasion but maybe none that are better than these two - if you are either a guest at a wedding, or one of the betrothed!
This card is actually one we make in-house, and it was designed to acknowledge the HOLY CRAP OMG-ness of the momentous occasion. We know it’s not for everyone - but for those folks who feel this way - this is a perfect little card.
Did you know we have a whole bunch of perfect little cards for all kinds of occasions, to capture all kinds of sentiments? From thank yous to I love yous and everything in between, we have over 50 of our own designs in a few different house brands.
We actually think a card is just about the most perfect medium for communication there is. A great card can help you express feelings and thoughts that you may have trouble articulating otherwise, and you can use a good card to spark a conversation or share a meaningful message.
If you happen to be a store owner who is seeing this post, our in-house designs are available for wholesale! By Monday our wholesale section will be all set up and ready to order from - feel free to DM us for info.
]]>Hot dog - we have had a few burners lately, here in North Van. I can’t help but think about our poor furry friends these days.
]]>
Hot dog - we have had a few burners lately, here in North Van. I can’t help but think about our poor furry friends these days.
We found the dog water bowl, filled it up and put it outside by our sandwich board, so let your pets wet their whistle as needed. We blast the air conditioning every so often to cool down our space, so feel free to bring your four-legged friends inside for a breather.
Another great tip for to keep your pups cool is to grab a fabric bandana, soak it, and put it on either like that, or freeze it and put it on just before going out for walkies.
We have some of these, sewn by @thestitcheryinabby - for your cats and dogs. (This handsome model is the late and great beloved Duane. We miss him so.)
]]>]]>
Do you struggle to keep your home smelling fresh and clean? Are you tired of using harsh chemicals to mask unpleasant odours? Then it’s probably time to try than Mint Cleaning Company’s powder deodorizer! This versatile product can be used in multiple areas of your home to keep it smelling great.
Around the toilet: One of the most common areas that can harbor unpleasant odors is around the toilet. Sprinkle some powder deodorizer around the base of the toilet and let it sit for a few minutes before washing it up with a wet cloth and wiping it away. This will not only keep the area smelling fresh, but it will also help to absorb any excess moisture.
On the mattress: Mattresses can harbour some less-than-fresh odors, especially if they are not cleaned regularly. Sprinkle some powder deodorizer on the mattress and let it sit for an hour before vacuuming it up. This will help to eliminate any odours and leave your mattress smelling fresh.
On the rug: Rugs and carpets can trap odours (especially for those of us with pets!) and make a room feel musty. To freshen up a rug, sprinkle some powder deodorizer on it and let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour before vacuuming it up.
In the shower drain: To prevent your shower drain from emitting unpleasant odours, sprinkle some powder deodorizer down the drain and let it sit for a few minutes before running water. This will help to keep the drain smelling fresh and clean.
In the sink: You can also use powder deodorizer to keep your sinks unclogged and smelling fresh. Sprinkle some powder in the sink and pour vinegar down the drain. Let it bubble up for a few minutes before running water to keep the sink clean and unclogged.
You’ll love Mint Cleaning Company’s formulation, for a completely fresh and clean-smelling home - at Delish General Store + Jar Bar Refillery, we offer a variety of their products that are eco-friendly and safe for all areas of your home. All feature a mint base, with another note provided by an essential oil - like citrus or lavender - that really lend beautifully to your fresh and inviting home.
We hope you find this guide helpful in using powder deodorizer to keep your home smelling fresh and clean. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us!
]]>We believe that reading is a fun and essential activity that should be available to everyone. That’s why we’re accepting donations of gently used children’s books. We started this selection with boxes of books from our own home, from my own boy’s library.
Your donation can help us expand our collection and offer more reading options to families looking for a great read. Let’s spread the joy of reading together and encourage a love of books in the next generation.
Join us in our mission! Bring in any gently used books, and take a few home for yourselves.
]]>Too busy to make it down but you need something from our shop? We are happy to bring it to you!
As long as you don’t need it right-this-minute, we are happy to deliver locally and even further afield.
Where will we deliver? North Van, West Van, Vancouver, even into the Valley. Let us know where you are and we will let you know when we can get there.
What do we deliver? Well, what do you need?! We are stocked up on free jars so can fill up any of our bulk products, as well as anything from our shelves. Floor wash, laundry soap, dishwasher tabs, bubble bath, epsom salt — whatever you need, we can bring it.
We are all busy these days, and sometimes it’s hard to get in during store hours. And we also get that when the weather is gloomy like this, it’s not fun to do anything that requires you to trek through the rain if you don’t absolutely need to. Our sales slow down a lot during weather like this, and while we understand, we also want to help out if you need it.
Reach out today, operators are standing by!
]]>
We’ve been transparent about struggling to keep up with bills amid rising wholesale prices, interest rates and rents, and we just want to let you know that we are not going down without doing everything we can to save our small business.
We have been doing outreach to school PAC lists to see if we can partner on fundraising, to local realtors to let them know about our wonderful “Welcome to your new home!” gift baskets, to local service-based offices and others, to see if we can help refill the cleaning products they use in their offices, and more. We are also about to start a campaign of outreach to the customers who have signed up for email or text updates with a special discount code to encourage them to stop in for a deal on their next purchase. If you want to get in on that, either sign up for our newsletter or text updates by sending your contact info in our DMs!
Don’t forget - we will deliver local orders for free, and we ship worldwide as well.
We are excited to keep providing great service and products to our local shoppers, and thank you so much for your support. Let’s keep choosing refill, not landfill!
These are little powerful and hardworking heroes.
And, they’re easy to use: drop one in the toilet bowl and let it fizz up. When it fizzles out, get in there with a brush and scrub it all down - it’s all natural, so you don’t have to worry about flushing chemicals.
This time we ordered enough to go around, but they sell out pretty quickly. If you are reading this and you aren’t a local, feel free to order some (click right here for that) and we’ll ship them out (or deliver if you’re a local) to you ASAP.
]]>
In today’s delivery run, I had quite a fun time - well, fun until the flat tire…but I’ll tell you more about that later. (Or maybe I won’t, because there’s not much more to say about my poor little Jar Bar Smart car!)
You want to know why I really love delivering flyers? First, it’s of course to get the word out about the business that I love so much, my baby Delish General Store + Jar Bar Refillery , of course.
Second, the exercise - I had a massage yesterday and my therapist says I am looking TIGHT! Let’s be honest, I’m a 51 year old non-athletic type who is a bit more wibbly and wobbly than I’d like but if she says so, I don’t mind a bit. North Vancouver’s hills, and some of the STAIRS on your houses, are working my body so well! Today I put in 5km and my ankles are sore, but hot diggity dog I don’t need to go to the gym tonight, and I earned the hot bath I am going to have!
Incidentally, my favourite places are where I see a big set of stairs to climb and just as I get to them, I spot a mailbox down below on the garage so I don’t have to hike up all those steps. (I say a big THANK YOU for that every time.) I also particularly love homes with an extra suite and two mailboxes - it’s a two-for-one deal!
Sometimes I’ll climb the big set of stairs and reach for the mailbox when I see a “no soliciting” or “no junk mail” sign. I have to tell you, I do wrestle mightily with my conscience at that point. “Is this REALLY junk mail?” I ask myself, trying to justify the purpose of the piece of paper in my hand. (I honour your requests every time and back away with the flyer reserved for the next recipient!)
Now, finally, the real secret benefit of delivering door to door that you may not have even thought about…I get to see so many cute pets and nice home builds! Seriously, I think almost every house has a door camera and almost every one of them will see me cooing at a sweet cat, trying to soothe the nerves of a barking dog through a window or door, complimenting (out loud, so the camera can pick it up, of course) a well-done paint job on a mailbox, stopping to admire a beautiful home, yard or view. DANG, North Van, y’all have some beautiful homes and sweet companions!
I am so glad to see that all the steps and stairs are paying off as people are coming in either because they have been reading my updates on Next Door, or they’ve received a flyer in their mailbox. Old school/grassroots/guerrilla/pound-the-pavement style marketing really WORKS.
I have been spending time the last few delivery shifts in the Grousewoods area while a wonderful high school student named Jordan, who is a great friend of my son’s, has been covering the Village proper. I will keep re-printing and the two of us will keep delivering until we have covered territory as far out as Lynn Valley to the East and Horseshoe Bay to the West.
Honestly, you all coming in to support us…introducing yourselves, giving us a vote of confidence and telling us we are doing a great job, picking up a little something, or starting on your sustainability/refill journey really boosts our spirits! You are GOOD PEOPLE.
Thank you.
]]>I have come across some folks who already know about us and shop here, and I will admit I recognize the expression of surprise on a few faces. It’s an expression that says (and one person even verbalized this): “What are YOU doing delivering flyers?”
I will admit, I may be taken aback by that reaction, or a tone that accompanies the words. I can say that I am just out getting my steps in, or that it’s nice to be out in the fresh air freezing my tail off but loving every minute of it - but the entire truth of the matter is more complex. It costs money to have flyers delivered - sure, Canada Post has a service where the mail carriers will deliver them for us but have you seen their rates? Can’t do it. I can (and do) hire students to deliver them, but I want to cover a LOT of territory with these deliveries, so if I have a few hours in any given day, I may as well get out there myself.
There’s another crucial point, though. The CEO needs to work every position. I clean the toilet, I wash the floor, I sell the products, I deliver the flyers. It has never been important to show up honestly, unabashedly, and with true vulnerability to say hey folks, if you want to see us stay in your neighborhood, you need to come out and support.
Even if that means putting in 5km a day delivering flyers door to door in a pocket of “free” time (aka between appointments and before school pick up, etc.). Even if that means being given the once-over from people who think I “should have people for that”. I AM the people for that. Who is going to save my business? I am.
]]>Yesterday was Valentine’s Day! Do you know what we love? Reusing things that might normally be heading to recycling*.
We one day envision being able to make new products out of the empty pails we end up stacking in the back room, but that requires more research and funds we don’t have at the moment to invest in machines.
We envision taking pails, chipping them down and extruding the plastic. Surely that can be done? Anyway, that’s on the “one day” list (but if you’re someone who is in the know as to how to make that happen - do feel free to get in touch via our contact info on this site!)
A customer recently had a fantastic idea - what about the art departments of local television and film production companies? They mix all manner of paint, concrete and more for sets. So we threw together a database, sent out about 25 emails and now have a regular pipeline to productions where these pails can enjoy a second life (in Hollywood North, no less)! (Maybe that’ll get us a set visit when Ryan Reynolds is in town filming?! A girl can dream.)
Moving these out clears up our space, helps these perfectly good pails and buckets have further purpose, and keeps stuff out of the landfill. It’s getting closer to the utopia that is the true closed loop of production and consumption.
Would you like a pail, bucket or carboy (20L or 4L) for rainwater catchment, gardening or another project or use? Come on down - we are happy to share. (Now THAT’S romantic.)
*The OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) reports that only 9% of worldwide plastic is recycled, while 22% is mismanaged.
]]>
“Will this be cheaper to fill than buying a new one?” - we get asked this question all the time. And - our response (and the entire thesis behind this business) is a resounding YES: It should cost less to refill than buying a brand new bottle, or we aren’t doing it right and this business doesn’t make sense.
Case in point: Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap. Yesterday at Whole Foods I spotted their pricing for a 473 mL bottle: regular price $16.99, sale price $13.99. Want to know what we charge for a refill of that same bottle? $12.25! Including tax it only comes out to $13.72.
We've done a deeper dive as well, and can find pricing that ranges from $12.79 at Well.ca to $14.99 at London Drugs, to $19.29 on Amazon.ca - so we are confident in our pricing.
Price comparisons are one of the steps we undertake every time we onboard a new brand, and also every time we get a new delivery. (Everything seems to be going up in price, so for us it means calculating our pricing and comparing that to what others are charging.)
Just like we as a business are focussed on our survival and our future by minimizing expenditures, so are you! By supporting our business, you’re saving money. It’s plain and simple, the best choice.
Help us/help you. That’s it, that’s the post.
(P.S. we didn’t even talk about the plastic waste prevention/savings, but we will soon!)
In the interest of full disclosure, small businesses are in trouble. We are in trouble.
The cost of everything just keeps increasing, and we are feeling the devastating effects of our slowest Christmas season to date. (The weather was not our friend, and the economy isn’t doing anyone any favours.)
There is a win-win opportunity here, though…because by coming in for a refill, you can help us help you. Not only will your support keep our lights on, it will save you money, too.
Refilling your cleaning and DIY supplies into containers you bring from home is less expensive than buying a fresh “virgin” plastic bottle off of the shelf, and it also helps prevent that bottle from ending up in the waste stream. (So in that sense, it’s a win-win-win - for you, for us and for the planet.)
We are on the edge, but the solution is right on our shelves and our tables, and our web site. You are cutting costs, and getting great service and a healthy product.
We will do whatever we can to earn your business - need a order delivered? You got it. Want a gift basket put together? No problem. We are cranking it up to 1, firing on all cylinders, working to save our small business. We believe in refill, not landfill, and we want to keep being a part of the solution.
We hope to see you SOON - and please, share this post by telling a friend or two, won’t you?
]]>
THEIR PROVENANCE
From the Moss Creek web site:
“Our white wool is from Corriedale sheep from ranches in Wyoming and Montana and is processed in a wool mill in Charleston SC.
Our Gray and Brown wool comes from Corriedale and Polksworth sheep from the UK and the EU and is processed in a mill in the UK.
Each wool colour is from a different breed of Merino crossbred sheep which is why our wool is so soft and fine.
Why don’t we use more Canadian Wool?
Most sheep raised in Canada are for meat and their wool is not fine enough for felting. We do partner with local producers with flocks of heritage sheep with the fine wool fibers we need. However, most can only supply small amounts of wool and it is a challenge finding a Woolen Mill to process it in the quantities we need.”
HOW THEY WORK
Naturally and sustainably sourced, pure felted wool promotes the absorption of moisture by maintaining humidity levels and adding circulation during the drying cycle, which protects clothing against harsh heat, wrinkles, and static, leaving your clothes feeling and looking soft and fresh after every wash!
To test them out for yourself simply add three dryer balls into the dryer for a regular load, or up to six for heavier loads, and watch them add life and comfort to your clothing.
MAKING THEM YOUR OWN
Don’t want to miss out on your favourite fabric softener scent? No problem! Add a few drops of your preferred essential oil onto the dryer balls, rub them together (to ensure the oil soaks in and does not stain clothing in the drying process) and enjoy the scent for up to three loads! Feel free to switch up scents depending on the load - we recommend a relaxing lavender for bedding and a clean citrus and eucalyptus for towels. (If you’re not sure you want oil on all of your dryer balls, choose one to use - for this you may want to buy one of each colour, and use one of them only until you’re sure you like the use of essential oils in the dryer balls.)
HOW TO CARE FOR WOOL DRYER BALLS
Maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your wool dryer balls by trimming away any loose threads or pills that may naturally accumulate over several loads. Should your dryer balls become dirty over time, you can easily wash them along with a load of laundry and watch them come back to life looking as clean and fresh as ever. If the dryer balls come out of the wash looking slightly squished or misshapen they can be easily revived with a little bit of reshaping by hand while still damp from the wash.
These dryer balls have been tested to last at least 500 loads and occupy a small amount of space as you can store them in the machine in between loads. The dryer balls can even be placed in a decorative bowl or large jar, and act as home decor while they’re not hard at work. Choose between our selection of cream, grey, and brown, whichever colour best suits your home’s aesthetic.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Moss Creek is a Canadian based company whose wool is produced ethically and sustainably in collaboration with wool co-ops who prioritize the well-being and livelihood of sheep. The animals are given adequate free range time outside their barn, improving the life of the sheep and the quality of the wool. The sheep are raised for their wool, not to eat, and are never exposed to chemicals, and the wool is shorn while the animal’s skin is never cut. These are happy sheep, producing wonderful wool, without the use of fillers, perfumes, chemicals, or dyes which can bleed onto and damage clothing.
LIFE BEYOND THE DRYER
Once your wool dryer balls come to the end of their lifecycle, you have the opportunity to give them a new purpose! Seeing as the wool dryer balls are biodegradable, they can be used to provide nutrients to soil by being planted in your garden. You may also choose to hang them in a tree, providing high quality nest-making materials to local birds, or even gift them to your cats or dogs as a new toy!
By making Moss Creek wool dryer balls part of your laundry routine, you can feel good about treating your clothing with gentle but effective care, supporting sustainable business efforts, and cutting down on the use of toxic chemicals and waste.
Available here, for $7 each. They are easy to ship, so feel free to order online and we will get them out to you today!
Contributed by Kailey Farrell, team member at our sister store Jar Bar Refillery Dunbar 💚
]]>Made from traditional Japanese paper; bamboo and plant fibres make washi a low-waste choice. This durable and inexpensive tape offers an array of colours and designs that make it an eye-catching decorative accent for gift wrapping or creative uses.
For being something that is used for a short period of time, conventional tape alternatives made of highly renewable resources can very well be your next swap in your eco-friendly repertoire. Considering that most tape can take up to 500-1000 years to decompose, sealing a package with washi can be like sealing a gift intended for mother Earth.
Did you know that traditional paper here in this part of the world is made from trees that are logged, or cut down, but washi is made from branches taken off of trees, bamboo and even hemp? According to https://www.beeco.green/facts/is-washi-tape-recyclable/, “Most washi tape is made from the bark of mulberry, gampi and mitsumata.” The bark can be used without killing the tree, so we can feel really good about that.
Also, the gentle adhesive on the back is made from natural rubber, making this tape as eco-friendly as it gets.
We have been carrying washi at Delish General Store since 2010, even before we opened our first brick and mortar location, and have enjoyed introducing our customers to the colours, designs and uses of this great craft tool. (A fun activity before you even open up the roll of tape is to try to use Siri to tell a friend about washi – you may end up with some hilarious results – our favourite has to be “Washington ape”.)
Get your creative pants on by exploring these 5 ways to use washi:
// Decoupage // spruce up lids of jars by brushing a layer of mod podge on top of a decorative washi print that you want to display.
// Display Artwork // place your child’s artwork on surfaces such as walls and not worry about damaging the paint.
// Gift Wrapping // adhere a sprig of nature on top of a gift or seal it with a fun and festive washi print.
// Card making // fold pieces of washi together over twine to create a wee banner as an embellishment on a card.
// Journaling // jot down temporary notes on washi or use as sticky notes to flag pages of a book.
What started thousands of years ago in Japan as a paper making tradition that ingeniously used local shrubs and plants to create, the art of Washi has grown into a resourceful way to re-imagine our everyday use of tape.
Signed, sealed, delivered.
Love,
Washi tape
]]>
I am writing this quick post from my new cash desk, right in front of a gorgeous green tile wall. I planned this wall, dreamt of this wall, hunted down the right shade of green for this walk…and now am inspired daily by seeing it come to fruition.
I have heard the words, “You must be so happy!” more times than I can count since finally opening our door in the new space on May 7th, and I have to share — I wasn't able to find that emotion for quite some time. While customers were entering into the new space with wonder and delight on their faces and a huge outpouring of love, support and joy for us, what came up most for me was utter relief. I didn’t know if I would actually get to this side of the year-long emergency.
There were a few really low points over the last year when I wasn’t sure my business would actually make it. I even had my first (and I hope only) full-fledged anxiety attack last year. (The water showering down from six light fixtures in our first flood and firemen taking the ceiling down with an axe, after two months of plumbing in the space, had a lot to do with it.)
Now, if you know me, you’ll know I share the nuts and bolts of business - the good days and bads, around the shop and behind the scenes. Rather than focus on a curated presence online, I prefer to go for an honest and realistic depiction of what business ownership is like. I actually don’t know how to be any other way than my good old, honest, unpolished self. And this past year, whether it was in person with friends (masked and distanced), or online in my Instagram stories, it has felt like all I did was a lot of complaining, raging, worrying and wondering. So I really, really wanted to be happy for you!
You were all there for me through the build of this new space, and my hip replacement surgery...through the temporary move into the pop-up space at our neighbouring yoga studio to the ongoing petty sign battle at the old space. You were waiting for this new space to finally open over so, so many days of building and waiting for permits and delay after delay.
I wanted to be happy in those first few days, but it didn’t feel safe enough to be happy, just yet. So you all gave me space to get there in my own time.
I’m really happy to report, I’ve gotten there. Do you know when I was actually happy? When Carl found me earlier this week. In case you don’t know, Carl is our DGS mascot, our friendly pet crow! He was a daily (sometimes several times in a day) visitor, from almost day one in our Edgemont Village space. He’d sit on the front stoop and caw until we fed him. You can only imagine the joy I felt when I heard his familiar squawk designed to get my attention (it works every time) - we even have his peanuts in a jar at the front door for just such an occasion. Welcoming him to my new stoop is the closest I have come to shedding any tears during this whole time.
My Carl is home, and now so am I.
I’m loving this settling into a new routine, and for me it is one that is intended to recalibrate. I’ve been focusing on getting enough sleep, good exercise, making memories with Finn, and indulging in the self-care that was not top priority when all systems were in red not that long ago.
Most days of the week since opening I’ll wake up, get Finn and myself ready, throw on my striped t-shirt, black pants and green French knot, and we hop on our scooters. I drop Finn at school with a smooch and scoot over to my lovely new shop.
Now that we are settling in, I’m planning to hand over the reins to Gemma and the team a bit more to free up some time to work from my office. I’m gearing up for more - writing, production, patient partner work, and what the finance bros call biz dev. Big things are coming. I know you’ll be there with me, and I could not be more grateful for your support.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this new space a reality - Gemma and Team DGS (Hannah, Leyam, Doris, Monica, Erica, Tanya, my Mom, Cynthia, Konrad and Finn), our architects from McFarlane Biggar, CDC Construction, and our new Grosvenor family. We are so happy to be here.
Dry brushing, you ask? Yes! I’d like to say it’s the latest and greatest trend, but the truth is, people have been dry brushing for thousands of years, with all sorts of ancient civilizations and cultures taking dry bristles to their skin in the search for revitalization. Over winter due to colder temperatures and spending more time indoors, our skin tends to dry out much faster.
OKAY, BUT WHY?
Dry brushing is an effective way to exfoliate dead cells from your skin’s surface - this is, after all, where your “winter skin” gets its flaky, dull appearance. The colder temperatures of the season, plus more time spent indoors (especially over this past year), can tend to dry out skin much faster.
It’s important to remember to take this beauty step before you get wet. Brushing your skin under the shower or in the tub can lead to over-stripping of your body’s own natural moisturizer layer.
In addition to being an excellent tool for much-needed exfoliation, using a dry brush also increases blood circulation and unclogs open pores, making skin look fresh and helping to treat blemishes before they get a good start. It can also help prevent ingrown hairs and can reduce bumps on skin caused by excess keratin production, which is very common. Dry brushing also stimulates your lymphatic system, which brings a world of health benefits.
While most of these effects will take time before they’re fully enjoyed, just the physical sensation of dry brushing your skin (or having someone brush your skin for you) is an immediate takeaway itself. It’s like scratching an itch you never knew you even had.
SO, HOW DO I DO THIS?
Body brushes come in a variety of shapes and sizes. We carry a smaller, handheld brush from Sayula, as well as one from the same brand with longer handles, meant for hard-to-reach places. Whichever brush you choose, the bristles should be firm enough to scrub away dead skin cells, but not terribly abrasive to you.
To dry brush, firmly but gently brush your skin upwards in long strokes – think of going towards your heart. Start at your toes and get the tops of your feet, up your calves and your thighs, then your abdomen. Then, start again from the bottom to get your calves and legs at the back, and up over your bottom and your back (this is where the longer handled brush will work wonders if you are less-than-flexible). Now, start from your hands and go up your arms and to your shoulders, and your chest, one side at a time. And, repeat! Go over each section two or three times. I’ve also read that you should go around your belly area in a clockwise motion.
Afterwards you’ll be pink, glowing and nice and warm, almost tingly, as the blood comes to the surface of your skin! Enjoy your shower or bath, and afterwards, allow your skin to air dry and avoid a towel to keep your skin’s moisture locked in. Follow up with a rich and moisturizing skin lotion like our Carina Organics baby lotion or one of our great body oils, to really take good care of your body’s largest organ.
It is recommended that you dry brush only one to two times per week, but if you have sensitive skin it is best to keep your exfoliating methods to a minimum to prevent irritation. And of course, do not use any kind of brush on broken, infected, or burnt skin. Wait until you fully heal!
YOU MUST REMEMBER THIS..
One thing about dry brushing that I would like to clear up with science (as I love to do) has to do with the *anti-cellulite* craze. According to multiple health-related sources, there is no scientific evidence for the reduction and/or removal of cellulite by using a dry brush.
Over time people have experienced “losing” their cellulite by dry brushing their skin daily, and what this may be caused by is the temporary plumping of the skin as the blood flow has increased -- which is a good sign! While these brushes may help with the appearance of cellulite, it doesn’t actually break it down inside your body.
CAN I DRY BRUSH MY FACE?
Of course, your face has skin as well, and we can’t forget about that, can we? Much like a body brush, facial brushes can be used to unclog pores and keep complexions clear – as we know, wearing masks has led to excessive breakouts, dry patches and irritated skin on our faces.
Dry brushes for your face will feel much different as they have to be significantly softer for some of your most sensitive skin. Please note: you should never use a body brush on your face. Because of that, we recommend the Sayula face dry brush.
Brush with light strokes on a clean, dry neck and face, starting at the top of your face and working your way over around your eyes and onto your cheekbones, chin, then neck and decolette. Wash off any dead skin cells afterwards and of course, reward your skin with a drink of moisturizer or facial oil!
By lightly brushing over your skin in specific motions it is thought that you help encourage the lymphatic system to drain properly. Studies began in the 1930s on this subject, but more research is needed to understand its extensive benefit. What we do know it helps drain excess fluid from the bloodstream and reduces puffiness and inflammation when kept up with.
You should only dry brush your face one to two days per week, and these should be on days when no other exfoliators are used. Your skin will benefit from the physical stimulation in moderation, but can experience negative side effects if over-exfoliated. Of course, avoid using your facial brush if you have any broken skin or acne as you don’t want to irritate those further.
So do your skin a favour and clean, buff and polish your skin with fresh new dry brushes this year and you will absolutely see and feel results before it’s time to pack away the winter clothes again! You may as well start working on your soft summer skin already.