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:
- bath salt which can be used as a foot soak: https://justthegoods.net/products/vegan-bath-salts
- foot scrub: https://justthegoods.net/products/vegan-deodorizing-food-scrub
- foot butter: https://justthegoods.net/products/vegan-peppermint-ginger-foot-butter (or, if you prefer an unscented option, this also works: https://justthegoods.net/products/unscented-nut-free-vegan-body-butter it’s also made with cocoa butter, but has no peppermint or ginger added)
- moisturizing lotion: https://justthegoods.net/products/extra-rich-vegan-moisturizing-lotion
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:
- Instagram: @just.the.goods
- Facebook @justthegoods
- Twitter: @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
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.
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!
Just the Goods 