In Support of Mama Bear Clan, Winnipeg MB

Manitobamade and Just the Goods are thrilled to offer a limited edition gift set with all proceeds directed to Mama Bear Clan. We deeply value the work Mama Bear Clan does in the North Point Douglas neighborhood of our city, Winnipeg, as a model provider of community care based on non-judgemental empathy, and we are honoured to partner with them in this way.

Mama Bear Clan, led by women and supported by men, patrols the streets of North Point Douglas two nights a week in all weather conditions offering a loving presence that is committed to increasing safety and reducing violence by demonstrating love and compassion to everyone they meet. As often as possible, they distribute donations of food and clothing to people in need. MBC also regularly participates in community events such as vigils and rallies, and have begun to share their knowledge and practices with other organisations and community groups.

The development of Mama Bear Clan relies on consistent interaction between listening, acting, and reflecting to ensure practices and programs that the community owns and feels represented by. The most often repeated refrain in almost every conversation about safety in North Point Douglas – when speaking to participants of the North Point Douglas Women’s Center or neighbourhood residents – is that safety is created through relationship and community building. This is why Mama Bear Clan and its compassionate approach was not only an appropriate response, but perhaps the perfect response, for this community at this time.

Our gift set includes one pair of handmade birch bark stud earrings and a skin brightening face mask…

🌿The birch bark stud earrings stand on rose gold tinted stainless steel posts and are set under a glossy coat of resin for everyday wear. They are 12 mm/ 0.49” in diameter. The birch bark was harvested in Treaty 2 and a tobacco offering was given

🌿The face mask – Glow for Mama Bear Clan – features farmed rosehip seed powder and farmed organic elder flowers blended with kaolin clay to protect and nurture skin while drawing impurities away from pores in a manner gentle enough for most skin types.

We’ve created 25 sets, each available for $40.00 CAD, and will donate 100% of the selling price to Mama Bear Clan to support their work. If this fundraiser generates enough interest, we’ll create an additional 25 sets ✨💚

To learn more about Mama Bear Clan’s history, please visit http://tiny.cc/MamaBearClan. If you would like to donate to Mama Bear Clan directly, please visit North Point Douglas Women’s Center’s website, https://www.npdwc.org/donate.html and use the drop down menu to indicate Mama Bear Clan as the recipient. You are also welcome to send an e-transfer to director@npdwc.org

To purchase this fundraising gift set, please visit: https://justthegoods.net/collections/new/products/rosehip-face-mask-and-birch-bark-earrings-for-mama-bear-clan

Thank you!!

Just the Goods Newsletter – Winter/Spring 2019

Happy new year! I hope this message finds you rested and well, and enjoying a wonderful start to 2019!

As you may know, I like to share a newsletter 3 or 4 times a year, and this one is intended to provide a coupon code,  future product info, and details about an upcoming giveaway opportunity. In this newsletter, you’ll also find a head’s up on a two temporary absences that may affect production/shipping, my tips for at-home pedicures, and more!

Thank you so much for welcoming me to handcraft healthier skin and body care products for you! I look forward to keeping in touch for years to come!

Warmly,
Milena

 

petal, leaf, root. by Just the Goods Sale

If you follow Just the Goods on Instagram or Facebook, you might already know that I’m having a lil’ sale on petal, leaf, root. by Just the Goods products, just because 😉  Take 15% off all products from this 100% organic line with coupon code “15in2019” until the end of January.

  

Beyond this, I’m excited to announce that research is well underway for the next range in petal, leaf, root. by Just the Goods — 100% organic cleansing grains, toner, mask, and serum for oily skin! Many of you have been asking about this, and to be honest, my naturally oily skin has been asking me to get going on this, as well! *haha* Thank you so much for your enthusiasm about the first releases in this line, which makes it possible for me to expand! I’m thrilled!

And, in case you were wondering, there won’t be a new facial steam created for oily/congested skin since the primary Just the Goods line already has something quite fantastic featuring organic lavender petals, organic parsley leaf and juniper berries, so I’d be hard pressed to improve on something that already works so well 😉 If you’re curious to know more about this existing item, please visit: https://justthegoods.net/products/just-the-goods-facial-steam-for-oily-skin

 

Upcoming Giveaway
 

Just the Goods has been proudly certified cruelty-free by the Leaping Bunny program since 2013 and from time to time I get to enjoy the fun of co-hosting a giveaway with them! On February 11 we’ll be teaming up to give away a full-sized bottle of petal, leaf, root. by Just the Goods cleansing grains for normal/sensitive skin so, if you’re on Instagram, be sure to follow @leapingbunnyprogram to learn how to get in on this opportunity!

Photo by @hexmetalsminerals

 

Planning Ahead: Short Absence in March; Slightly Longer One in April/May

In March I’ll be attending a herbal medicine making workshop at The Institute of Traditional Medicine in Toronto, so I’ll be away from the lab March 7 – 12, returning on March 13. I’ll be making extra large batches in the days before my departure, and Amanda will continue shipping during my absence, so I don’t imagine any orders will be delayed during this time. However, if you definitely need to receive something ASAP early-to-mid March, please order before Feb 22 to ensure your order is shipped by March 1. Thank you!

This is also advance notice about a two week absence from Friday April 26 – Monday May 13. As usual, I’ll make extra large batches before I leave, and Amanda will continue shipping, but since this is a more lengthy absence, I’d like to suggest ordering by April 19 to ensure your order is handmade and shipped by April 26. Thank you again!

 

At Home Pedicure Tips

  

When you think about it, foot calluses are quite interesting because even though most people don’t like having them, they can be useful signals from our body. 

For example, if you have any foot, ankle, knee, or hip problems, the location of calluses on your foot could indicate where your body is trying to compensate for an imbalance. One way to prevent these calluses from forming would be to get an insole for your shoe that helps establish better equilibrium. Many people can use generic varieties sold in stores, but in cases where joint pain is pronounced, folks might need to visit a certified Pedorthists for a set of custom orthotic insoles.

Of course, calluses also form to protect the foot from blisters resulting from frequent rubbing of the foot against a shoe. In that case, it helps to thoughtfully pair socks and shoes to minimize both slipping and excess pressure. Adhesive heel cushions and toe pads are useful in shoes not designed to be worn with socks.

With respect to removing calluses, this is something I’ve been thinking about for years, and I’ve picked up some tips through trial and error… but mostly error especially where the long term impacts of certain methods are concerned.

I used to file my feet daily (especially the side of each big toe and around the heels), but it seemed to get worse and worse over time, and *even worse* after each professional pedicure. It wasn’t until I coincidentally learned about bricklaying [and how bricklayers used to rub their hands on bricks to intentionally form calluses as a means of protecting their hands back in the days before suitable gloves were readily available] that I realized filing triggers skin to form calluses for protection from the very abrasion being used to file. And yes, I also tried the blade method (introduced to me at a spa), but I discovered it’s just as bad, if not worse due to risk of injury. And yes, I have tried chemical exfoliating, too… It worked nicely the first time, but did almost nothing the second and third time I tried.

After all my trial and error, what I recommend is the following at night (weekly or more often as desired):

  • soak feet in comfortably warm water for 20 minutes. Add a bath salt to the water that contains epsom salt — also known as magnesium sulfate — to help soften and lift dead skin. In some ayurvedic treatments, I’ve soaked my feet in oil, but while this is very effective, it can be cost prohibitive to do at home on a regular basis
  • lightly exfoliate with a gentle scrub (not hard, high pressure filing)
  • apply a thick plant-based moisturizer and put on a fresh pair of socks to allow the feet to absorb as much moisture as possible overnight. Remember: petroleum based products do not impart nutritional value into the skin; all it does it create the illusion of moisture is draw moisture from deeper layers of skin to the surface. Use of petrochemical products can contribute to drier skin and even cracks
  • in the morning, apply moisturizer again — it doesn’t have to be as thick if you’re worried about an unpleasant slip in your shoes kind of feeling 😉

If you would like to try any of the products I offer, here are some links:

 

Cool News!

  

On January 16 I received news that Brooklyn Decker was a guest on Mom Brain — a podcast co-hosted by Hilaria Baldwin and Daphne Oz — and she mentioned JTG’s deodorant! As she explained, her mom introduced her to it and she has been enjoying it ever since. So awesome! I’m grateful to the client that shared this news with me — I was both surprised and delighted to listen in on this conversation shared so far and wide. It’s so cool to discover all the ways Just the Goods make their way out into the world =-) Thanks again for your shout out, Brooklyn!

 

Keep in Touch!

Don’t forget, the best way to keep in touch for the latest Just the Goods news – especially deadline reminders relating to temporary lab closures – is via social media: 

 

Final Note

You are receiving this newsletter because — as per the conditions outlined by the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation that came into effect July 1, 2014 — you’ve been in touch with Just the Goods in the past either by making a purchase or requesting wholesale information within the last two years, or you have chosen to remain subscribed to this quarterly newsletter rather than choosing to click the unsubscribe link at the base of each of each one. With that said, if you would prefer to no longer receive communications from Just the Goods, please let me know and I will remove your email address immediately. And of course, you may also unsubscribe using the link below =-).

As always, thank you for your ongoing support! It is an absolute pleasure to handcraft natural skin and body care products, providing a healthier, small-scale alternative to the corporate “beauty industry”. I wouldn’t be able to do it without you!

With all my best,
Milena 

Just the Goods (Winnipeg, MB)
handmade natural + affordable skincare for everyone
http://www.justthegoods.net

Local Pickup to be Offered in August

Thanks to the fabulous folks at Organic Planet Worker Co-Op, I’m thrilled to announce that a new approach to order pick up will be available on a one month trial basis beginning Saturday August 19!! Unlike pickup options offered in the past, you can now collect your order from Organic Planet without an appointment at any time during their regular open hours beginning the morning of the date selected when you place your order at justthegoods.net 🌱🌿

The first batch will be ready August 19 followed by additional batches August 26, September 2, and September 9. I’ve updated the website now, so you can start to pre-order at any time for pick up beginning August 19. On August 12 the pick up date will change to August 26, etc. 😊

 

The fee for order pick up will be $4.00 — $2.00 will cover the cost of me paying someone to deliver a batch of orders to OP each friday afternoon/evening, and $2.00 will go to OP to help them cover the cost of administration associated with being an order distribution centre. This brings local orders in line with the 5 day delivery option previously offered by Natural Cycle Courier, and is a considerable savings compared to the cost of local delivery by Canada Post, which begins at $10.67 🌿🌱 And of course, Just the Goods will continue to be available on a retail basis at Generation Green at The Forks ❤️

 

Thank you to everyone who has continued to express interest in a local pick up option these past several months. I’m delighted Organic Planet is able to team up with me on this and — if everything works out — we’ll continue to offer this option into the future. Whooo!! ✨💐🙌

Just the Goods Summer 2017 Newsletter

Hello everyone,

Happy Summer Solstice! And, to friends south of the equator, Happy Winter Solstice!  I hope the sun shines brightest for you today, literally and metaphorically.

As you might already know, I like to send newsletters three or four times per year when I have something new and/or notable to share. Today’s newsletter is marked by a particularly exciting event: Just the Goods is hiring!

That’s right – after eight years of working solo, I’ve decided to invite someone to join me in a full-time capacity. The position will, ideally, begin mid-August so in the meantime I’ll be making changes to ensure a smooth transition for all involved, some of which are outlined below.

For this, and information about a delicious giveaway launching soon, please read on…

Thank you for being part of Just the Goods’ adventures!

Warmly,
Milena

Just the Goods is hiring!

After eight years of working independently, I’m taking the leap and inviting someone to join me in the lab on a full-time basis! As per the job description available at http://tinyurl.com/JTGHiring, I am seeking someone to fill the role of Shipper + Production Assistant. The successful candidate will ideally begin mid-August, so I’m welcoming resumes now until July 15. If you live in Winnipeg and would like to help Just the Goods continue serving clients worldwide, please view click the link above for details, including qualifications and application procedure. Thank you!

New Shipping Schedule

To better facilitate two people working together at Just the Goods, I’m making changes to the weekly production and shipping cycle to achieve more normal Monday – Friday business hours, instead of the currently 7-day work week.

Beginning in July, the weekly deadline for orders will be Fridays allowing for products to be made and shipped by the following Friday. For example, if you place an order between Monday January 1 – Friday January 5, your order will ship on Friday January 12. If your order reaches me on Saturday January 6, your order will ship on Friday January 16. If there is a statutory holiday on a Friday, parcels will be mailed out on the next business day.

As larger batches begin to be handmade, we can begin establishing a small rotating inventory of products that will ultimately assure faster shipping over time. In that case, if an order placed on Monday needs only items that are already in-stock, that order could be mailed later that same week. Depending how production flows under the new arrangements, we may even begin to offer twice weekly shipping!

Thanks for your patience during this transition. I do believe that, in the long run, it will serve everyone far better.

Upcoming Temporary Closure

With big changes ahead in the lab, as well as a few milestone occasions in my personal life, I’ve decided to take a week off in August to rest, celebrate, prepare, and power up.

The lab will undergo a few small renovations in August to improve circumstances for two people working together. And ultimately, I hope all the new approaches will make the traditionally whirlwind months of September – December far more manageable than they have been in the past.

Just the Goods will be closed August 4 – 10. As such, the last day to place an order before I leave will be July 28 for shipping on August 4. Orders placed July 29 – August 10 will be handmade beginning August 11 for shipping starting on August 18. Thereafter, Just the Goods will remain open shipping weekly until December 22.

Thank you!!

New Product: Litha/Summer Solstice Ritual Bath and Lotion Set


The second ritual bath set in the solstice/equinox series for 2017 is now available, Litha/Summer Solstice!

The longest day of the year, Litha (also known as Midsummer), is an opportunity to celebrate the power of the sun that sustains us, and invite it to recharge our hearts and minds. We can rid ourselves of what no longer serves us and fill that space with the heat we need to thrive. It is a reminder to make the most of each day.

Litha sea salt soak features purifying and healing lemon zest, mint leaves and essential oil to promote energy, communication and vitality, and lavender petals and essential oil to encourage love, protection, healing, and peace. The Litha hand/body lotion features sweet orange essential oil to cultivate love and happiness and lavender essential oil for the reasons described above.

Responding to popular demand, these items can be selected as a two-piece set, or enjoyed separately – the choice is yours. These items will be available until Lughnasadh (Aug 1), when I’ll begin finalizing plans for the autumn equinox set. Please find details here: https://justthegoods.net/products/summer-solstice-litha-bath-and-lotion-set

Giveaway with Urban Earth Teas


Recently Mara of Urban Earth Teas sent me a box of the most beautiful solstice and equinox inspired tea I have ever seen!! I was so touched by her generosity that I proposed the idea of paying it forward and sharing. But how? Together we agreed on an Instagram giveaway and we’ll launch it tomorrow — Thursday June 22 — so visit us at @just.the.goods and @urbanearthteas to find out how to enter ❤

Update:  The Humane Cosmetics Act
Good news!  The Humane Cosmetics Act was reintroduced in the US House of Representatives earlier this month. This important legislation, endorsed by Just the Goods among other makers of cruelty-free skin care products, will prohibit the use of animals to test cosmetic products and ingredients as well as end the sale of animal-tested cosmetics.

Animals in the U.S. continue to suffer and die in experiments to test cosmetics like lipstick, deodorant and shampoo. The Humane Cosmetics Act (H.R. 2790), sponsored by U.S. Reps. Martha McSally (R-AZ), Don Beyer (D-VA), Ed Royce (R-CA), Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) and Paul D. Tonko (D-NY), will end this unnecessary cruelty by prohibiting animal testing for all cosmetic products manufactured or sold in the U.S.

Alternatives to animal testing already exist: Humane and safe cosmetics can be made using thousands of existing ingredients, and several non-animal safety tests are already available for new ingredients. These non-animal alternatives are often cheaper, faster and more relevant to humans, and therefore more reliable predictors of safety.

In recent years, 37 countries have passed laws to ban or limit animal testing for cosmetics. The Be Cruelty-Free USA campaign, led by The Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society Legislative Fund, needs your help to make the United States the next cruelty-free marketplace.

TAKE ACTION
If you live in the United States, please make a brief, polite phone call to your U.S. Representative and urge support for the Humane Cosmetics Act. Look up your legislator’s phone number. You can say, “I’m a constituent, and I urge you to cosponsor the Humane Cosmetics Act, if you haven’t already done so. This bill would prohibit animal testing for cosmetics manufactured or sold in the U.S.”After making your phone call (please do not skip that crucial step!), fill in and submit the form below located at http://bit.ly/1HCA554 to automatically send a follow-up message. Humane Society of the United States encourage you to add your own thoughts or comments in the editable portion so your representative knows how important this issue is to you.

Keep in Touch!

Don’t forget, the best way to keep in touch for the latest Just the Goods news – especially deadline reminders relating to temporary lab closures – is via social media. Find me on Instagram @just.the.goods or on Facebook @justthegoods 🙂

Final Note

You are receiving this newsletter because — as per the conditions outlined by the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation that came into effect July 1, 2014 — you’ve been in touch with Just the Goods in the past either by making a purchase or requesting wholesale information within the last two years, or you have chosen to remain subscribed to this quarterly newsletter rather than choosing to click the unsubscribe link at the base of each of each one. With that said, if you would prefer to no longer receive communications from Just the Goods, please let me know and I will remove your email address immediately. And of course, you may also unsubscribe using the link below =-).

As always, thank you for your ongoing support! It is an absolute pleasure to handcraft natural skin and body care products, providing a healthier, small-scale alternative to the corporate “beauty industry”. I wouldn’t be able to do it without you!

With all my best,
Milena

Just the Goods (Winnipeg, MB)
handmade natural + affordable skincare for everyone
http://www.justthegoods.net 

Just the Goods Newsletter – Spring 2017

Hello everyone,

I hope you are enjoying signs of spring wherever you are, and that you’re finding fun in scheduling summer plans!

As you might already know, I like to send newsletters three or four times per year when I have something new and/or notable to share.

The first piece of news is that – in a few short days – Just the Goods will be 8 years old, and I can hardly believe it! From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for being part of this thrilling journey, which is forever taking new and exciting turns. Evolving from a hobby, to a part-time endeavour, to a full-fledged creation with its very own life force, I can’t help being caught aback given that I’ve generally made decisions about JTG quite spontaneously. I’m not entirely sure what direction Just the Goods will take in the future, but being someone who has never lasted longer than 14 months in any job I’ve ever held (*lol*) it strikes me that – for the first time – it’s important to start making plans. It is no longer possible for one person to keep up with all of the orders received each hour of each day, but I want to retain my commitment to handmaking on a human scale, so it’s time to start thinking about how to ensure this without slowing production/shipping time. Thank you for presenting me with this fascinating challenge – I am eager to take it on as Just the Goods moves towards the next 8 years, and beyond.

Apart from this big news, today’s message will be brief in that I mostly want to let you know I’ll be taking a week away at the end of May to recharge my batteries, and to give you an update on recent fundraising efforts and a new collaboration. Please find details below =-)

Warmly,
Milena

Upcoming Temporary Closure

Although I’ve managed to sneak a few days off since the end of February, 12+ hour days are making me sleeeeeepy *lol*. In order to recharge my batteries a little, Just the Goods will be closed May 26 – June 1. Orders placed by May 19 will be shipped by May 26. Orders placed May 20 – June 2 will begin shipping June 7 – 9, with additional batches shipping the following week as quickly as I can manage. I won’t be online during this absence but look forward to replying to any messages when I return. Thanks!

Fundraising for Standing Rock a Success!

Liz of The Granola Goat and I would like to thank you for making our collaborative fundraising effort to support the Water Protectors at Sacred Stone Camp a success – with your interest in Forest Spirit, we were able to raise a total of $534 USD (~$729 CAD). The encampment was terminated in February, but the Indigenous Coalition at Standing Rock continues fighting for all the water, earth, air, and all living things and is calling for global intersectional resistance to fossil fuels and fascism through long-term movement building. I absolutely agree that this is a fight for the long haul, and I’m so grateful to all of you that we could make this modest contribution together as part of the many other actions I imagine many of us are undertaking at other levels. That being said, if you can give more, please do by visiting sacredstonecamp.org, or contributing to other Indigenous led resistance movements in your area.

The image below is of a print by Nicolas Lampert, which is available for sale at Justseeds Artists’ Cooperative, a decentralized network of 30 artists committed to social, environmental, and political engagement. It’s pretty awesome and I thought I’d share it with you ❤

 

Liz and I are looking forward to collaborating on future fundraising projects, and are already concocting something we hope to release in June. Please keep in touch with us via social media to find out more.

Say Hello to Fat Lye Soap Co.!

I love collaborating with other handmakers by offering their awesome work at justthegoods.net. Over the past year, I’ve gotten to know Jennifer Chung of Fat Lye Soap Co., based in Winnipeg and we finally took our Instagram friendship to the next level and hung out in real life. That was super fun on its own, but imagine my smile when I opened a great big box of beautiful handmade soap that I can now share with you. Fat Lye Soap Co., features a range of nourishing plant-based oils and beautiful botanical additives to create a soft, spa-like lather. Every detail is carefully considered, including eco-friendy packaging made from plantable seed paper! Just the Goods is currently offering 4 unique varieties, with a few more on the way. Check it out here.

New Product: Litha/Summer Solstice Ritual Bath and Lotion Set

​In February I co-launched a springtime themed bath salt and lotion set with Canadian online retailer, Tiroir-Noir, designed to welcome the lighter half of the year by gathering our energies and bringing forth new passion and ideas into the world. The soak features dried strawberry, dried jasmine buds, chamomile essential oil and a drop of sunflower seed oil to bring in the light. The lotion features gentle honeysuckle attar. But, as the wheel of the year turns we’re moving toward summer and I’m excited about the plans I’ve been developing for Litha/Summer Solstice! The Ostara set will be available for only a few more days and I’ll be launching the Litha set soon! Stay tuned to Instagram and Facebook for details =-)

 

Keep in Touch!

Don’t forget, the best way to keep in touch for the latest Just the Goods news – especially deadline reminders relating to temporary lab closures – is via social media. Find me on Instagram @just.the.goods or on Facebook @justthegoods =-)

 

Final Note

You are receiving this newsletter because — as per the conditions outlined by the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation that came into effect July 1, 2014 — you’ve been in touch with Just the Goods in the past either by making a purchase or requesting wholesale information within the last two years, or you have chosen to remain subscribed to this quarterly newsletter rather than choosing to click the unsubscribe link at the base of each of each one. With that said, if you would prefer to no longer receive communications from Just the Goods, please let me know and I will remove your email address immediately. And of course, you may also unsubscribe using the link below =-).

As always, thank you for your ongoing support! It is an absolute pleasure to handcraft natural skin and body care products, providing a healthier, small-scale alternative to the corporate “beauty industry”. I wouldn’t be able to do it without you!

With all my best,
Milena

Just the Goods (Winnipeg, MB)
handmade natural + affordable skincare for everyone
http://www.justthegoods.net

Just the Goods Newsletter – Winter/Spring 2017

Happy New Year!

However you decided to ring in the start of this new calendar year – surrounded by friends, or peacefully focused on quiet self-care – I hope it was exactly as you wished!

The past few months have been quite an exciting whirlwind for me, and I want to thank all of you for giving me amazing opportunities to meet you online or in person, and to provide you with handmade, cruelty-free, safe cosmetics. I’m so grateful for your interest and I look forward to keeping in touch with you as part of another wonderful year!

To those of you who placed orders while the lab was closed for year end, thank you! I will be working on those this week – the first batch of parcels requiring in-stock items only will ship out on January 4, and all other orders placed during the temporary closure will be handmade fresh this week and shipped out on January 11. Please enjoy!

As you might know, I like to send newsletters three or four times per year when I have something new and/or notable to share. Today’s message is short and sweet in that it seeks to mention two things: First, a heartfelt collaboration with another vegan skin care maker, The Granola Goat. Second, a quick head’s up about an upcoming temporary closure in February… please find details about both contained within.

Warmly,
Milena

Fundraising for Standing Rock

To support the valiant efforts of the Water Protectors at Standing Rock, Just The Goods and The Granola Goat have created Forest Spirit, a special and limited edition face mask combining the herbal and cultural value of yarrow and cedar. Water is life and we acknowledge that the struggle continues to protect all living creatures relying on fresh, clean water for survival. This is an important time of transition and allyship is needed as much now as ever.

#NoDAPL
We are donating all proceeds from the sale of Forest Spirit to Sacred Stone Camp knowing they will allocate to the fund with the most need: http://sacredstonecamp.org/donate/. With the recent approval of Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain and Enbridge’s Line 3 expansions in Canada, please note deeper resistance is needed here as well. Please visit Treaty Alliance Against Tar Sands Expansion’s website for more information: http://www.treatyalliance.org/. Just the Goods will donate $13.25 CAD per jar of Forest Spirit sold.

Yarrow
Micmac people, as well as ancient Greeks, regard yarrow for its ability to treat sprains by reducing bruising and swelling. In China, it is used to brighten the eyes and promote intelligence. Ancient Roman tradition believes yarrow is ruled by Venus and the element of water. Throughout Europe, yarrow continues to drive away negativity and represent love. The Navajo people consider it a sacred Life Medicine and Anishinaabe people value it for purification. The Teton Lakota people call yarrow “medicine for the wounded.” In the Victorian language of flowers, yarrow represents both war and healing. From the perspective of herbal medicine, it is known worldwide to rid the body of toxins through the provision of anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and tonic benefits, and it can soothe irritated skin.

Cedar
In many cultures worldwide spanning from Cherokee to Ojibwe to Druids to Norse, cedar is connected with ancestors so it is used to drive away negative influences, cleanse, heal, and protect. It can also promote confidence and strength. From a skincare perspective, cedarwood essential oil it is an astringent and can reduce irritation through anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits, making it a positive complement to yarrow, and a wonderful choice for oily or problem skin.

Forest Spirit
In a base of kaolin clay, this mask is soothing, clarifying, and exfoliating. Each tin contains 28 g / approx 10-12 applications. Visit: https://justthegoods.net/products/forest-spirit-facial-mask-in-support-of-the-water-protectors-at-standing-rock for details!

Upcoming Temporary Closure

Just the Goods will be closed February 9 – 25, 2017.

The last day to place orders will be Friday, February 3

for parcels shipped to all destinations on Wednesday, February 8. Orders placed February 4 – 25 requiring in-stock items only will ship on March 1, and orders involving items that need to be handmade upon my return to the lab will ship on March 8. Please note that I will not be checking email during this absence. Thank you! Future temporary closures may take place in May and/or August, but details are not yet confirmed. Please note that I’ll also be trying a different production schedule at the end of 2017 – the last day to order for the year will be November 30 to ensure no one has to worry about late holiday-related parcels 🙂 I will continue to work on orders for retailers and clinicians throughout December. Thanks!

 

Keep in Touch!

Don’t forget, the best way to keep in touch for the latest Just the Goods news – especially deadline reminders relating to temporary lab closures – is via social media. Find me on Instagram @just.the.goods or on Facebook @justthegoods 🙂

 

Final Note
You are receiving this newsletter because — as per the conditions outlined by the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation that came into effect July 1, 2014 — you’ve been in touch with Just the Goods in the past either by making a purchase or requesting wholesale information within the last two years, or you have chosen to remain subscribed to this quarterly newsletter rather than choosing to click the unsubscribe link at the base of each of each one. With that said, if you would prefer to no longer receive communications from Just the Goods, please let me know and I will remove your email address immediately. And of course, you may also unsubscribe using the link below 🙂

As always, thank you for your ongoing support! It is an absolute pleasure to handcraft natural skin and body care products, providing a healthier, small-scale alternative to the corporate “beauty industry”. I wouldn’t be able to do it without you!

With all my best,
Milena

Just the Goods (Winnipeg, MB)
handmade natural + affordable skincare for everyone
http://www.justthegoods.net

End-of-Year Production and Temporary Lab Closure News

Hello!! In case you were wondering, Just the Goods will be closed from December 18 – January 2 this year, which makes December 9 the last day to order for shipment in 2016.

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Orders received by this date will be mailed December 14 (USA), December 15 (Canada/International), or may be picked up at the lab on December 17 between 12 – 4 pm during a lil ‘open house with vegan treats prepared by Organic Planet Worker Co-Op 😊

Orders placed December 10 – January 2 will be handmade as quickly as possible upon my return 😊 Thank you!! ❄♥

Pretty scary… A disturbing report on the toxins lurking in makeup designed for children!

A shocking new report released by the Breast Cancer Fund’s Campaign for Safe Cosmetics revealed the
widespread presence of toxic chemicals in children’s shampoos, lip balms, makeup, nail products and
face paints.

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  • Labels revealed hormone disrupting parabens and preservatives that release the carcinogen
    formaldehyde.
  • Laboratory testing unmasked lead, a neurotoxicant, and cadmium, a hormone disruptor, in face
    paints.
  • Laboratory testing also revealed developmental toxicants like toluene and possible carcinogens, such as ethylbenzene and vinyl acetate in fragranced products.

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The presence of toxic chemicals in products marketed to children is of serious concern because kids are
especially vulnerable to the effects of toxic chemical exposures during critical windows of development.
Toxic chemicals don’t belong in kid’s makeup and face paint, especially when more and more science is
linking childhood exposures to cancer-causing chemicals and endocrine disrupting compounds to later in
life breast cancer or other diseases. Tell Congress to act now to make children’s health and safety a
priority!
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Click here to read the report: http://www.safecosmetics.org/prettyscary

Urge your U.S. Senators to support meaningful, health-protective federal cosmetic safety policy reform that protects children and other vulnerable populations.

We don’t have an active campaign like this going on in Canada right now, but your MP, MPP, and/or MLA needs to know about this issue. It’s a perfect time to contact them, as well sharing the information compiled by Breast Cancer Fund as it is still wholly relevant to everyone on this side of the border, too.

Changes — a post for clients in Winnipeg

Hello Winnipeg! This post is for you!

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In the past 24 hours, some things have changed. Some is bad news, and I’m sorry about that, but it has led to what I hope will be good news 😊

I am grateful for your online orders — it helps me make Just the Goods my full time occupation! However, in order to continue offering public wholesale prices, I need to allocate my energy as carefully as possible because overextending myself is not sustainable. As it turns out, the bicycle courier with whom I’ve been working since Natural Cycle Courier closed feels the same way.

😿 The bad news: I have had to cancel my participation at WEST Fall Market on November 5 *and* Ghost Rider Messenger informed me a few hours ago that it is no longer able to work with Just the Goods at current rates.

😺 The goods news: I will be offering free monthly pick ups at the lab on a trial basis until the end of the year 🙂

🌼Orders placed by Saturday, October 15 can be picked up at the lab on Saturday, October 22 from 12:00 – 4:00 pm

🌼 Orders placed October 16 – November 19 can be picked up at the lab on Saturday, November 26 from 12:00 – 4:00 pm

🌼Orders placed November 20 – December 10 can be picked up at the lab on Saturday, December 17.

🌟 Bonus: December 17 will be an open house event set up like a mini market with cider and vegan treats available for those in attendance 😊 More news about that is forthcoming!

🌟 + I will be attending Vegan Handmade Market on December 3 as a shopper, and I can absolutely bring orders with me for those who will also be there and want to meet up between 10:00 – 11:00 am. I’ll post news about that in November 😊

As Just the Goods, I’m committed to handmaking the healthiest possible skin, body, and hair care products, while also pricing them as affordably as possible. For details about I price, please visit: http://bit.do/JTGpricing. I can make quality products and I can make them affordable, but — at such intentionally low prices — I can not make them faster, nor can I maintain retail space / pay someone a living wage to answer the door for pick ups. And, since I’m reminded again and again why my original goal of offering affordable pricing for healtheir self care products is essential, my decisions always seek to align. With all that said, don’t forget: if you ever need Just the Goods products faster, you can always go to Generation Green at the Forks, which is open 7 days a week and carries the largest selection of JTG body basis apart from my website 😊 They’re wonderful and you’ll surely find other wonderful things you didn’t know you needed 😉

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding — I’m excited about continuing to handmake JTG for you! 💕

Just The Goods Event Schedule

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With my first of three events coming up next weekend, it occurred to me that an “at a glance” schedule might be a good thing to share 😉 So, here it is!

✔ September 24: Etsy Made in Canada, 181 Higgins
✔ October 13 – 16: Etsy Boutique at Scattered Seeds, Red River Ex
✔ November 5: Winnipeg Etsy Street Team Fall Market, 290 Dubuc

To pre-order for pick up on September 24, please use coupon code “madeincanada2016” at http://www.justthegoods.net by September 18 😊

To pre-order for pick up on November 5 please use coupon code “fall2016” at http://www.justthegoods.net by October 30 😊

If there is enough demand, I might be able to offer a day of local ups at the lab on a Saturday in December … If this appeals to you, please let me know!