Tuesday, July 20, 2010

David Crow of Floracopeia at The Open Center - 7/11/10

Last Sunday, I took off from my show to attend a half-day workshop at The Open Center.  Amanda of A Perfume Organic had told me about this workshop with David Crow, LAc.  It was titled "The Medicinal and Sacred Uses of Essential Oils" and its description promised:


"This workshop offers a practical introduction to the vast world of essential oils. Topics covered will include: how essential oils work-their absorption and effects on the glandular, respiratory, nervous and circulatory systems; the seven best ways of using essential oils effectively (inhalations, baths, compresses, facial steam, massage, palm inhalation, diffusers); what you need to know to avoid adulterated/contaminated oils and use oils safely; how to bring essential oils and resins into your spiritual life-to calm the mind, sharpen concentration, inspire metta (loving kindness), increase awareness of prana, and get into deeply relaxed states of consciousness."

While it did not nearly cover everything mentioned above,  I did learn some, and got to sample a few of Floracopeia's amazing oils.  I loved David's focus on how human beings are "biologically dependent upon photosynthetic beings." This is something he seems especially passionate about: how plants should be revered and respected, and how since plants came before humans, our bodies are literally designed for a close relationship with them; a view which I am very much in line with.

Of the oils sampled, the Pinon Pine was surely my favorite.  It had so many aspects to it,  it came off almost as a finished perfume.  Not unlike a wine tasting, he had us imagine where this plant could have grown... was it a wet, warm climate? was it low or high altitude? It was indeed Colorado, a high, dry, and windy region, and you could smell it, just like you could taste the soil the grapes were grown in, in a wine! I plan to buy some for adding to home-made cleaning products.  I love the idea of my bathroom smelling like Pinon Pine after a good scrubbing--what an incentive to clean!

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

I'm back!

Summer is in full swing.  I spent the rest of winter indulging my new-found chocolate habit, and consuming lots and lots of teas.  Now I am back, and hope to keep this blog as a habit, not letting work stuff get in the way!

I received an Amazon.com gift card a few months ago (mom's friend thanking me for getting he and his family tickets to the play I am working on).  I decided to finally spend it on, among other things, the adorable Takeya Flash Chill Iced Tea Maker.  My boyfriend and I have recently moved 5 blocks from our old apartment in the East Village.  Thankfully we found a new place in the same neighborhood, though it wasn't looking good for a few weeks.  But now, I have a real kitchen! Cabinets, drawers, and a full, suburban-sized refrigerator! I am ecstatic to have a dedicated tea shelf in the pantry, and room for my pots and gadgetry. 

The Takeya is awesome.  I love the design and the color! I love the removable silicone handles in a tonal color.  The BPA-free AcraGlass stays warm to the touch, not hot, while brewing.  I have some PG Tips cooling off quickly in the fridge right now.