How to SHOP SMALL for the Holidays
Whether you’re looking for a high-quality item, you want to support a friend or loved one, or you’re daunted by supply chain issues, shopping small for the holidays is an AWESOME way to gift.
What happens when you choose to shop small?
In short, you’re making a DIRECT, positive, impact in the life of a hardworking business owner. Every time a new order hits the inbox we’re all awash with feelings of gratitude and happiness. No one goes into business by accident. We have a skill, service, or craft that we are passionate about sharing with others.
Making the SWITCH
Shifting from shopping big corporations to small local businesses can feel overwhelming. Here are a few tips and tricks to make the switch with ease.
Do a little social media digging! Do you love organic skin care products (Ahem.. Bee Veda)? A quick hashtag search will connect you with fabulous small brands.
Shop in advance. Shipping is costly! Shop a few weeks prior to gift-giving to ensure the small business can get you your order on time. If not, take a screenshot of the gift to show your giftee, I promise the product will be worth the wait!
Shop your INTERESTS! Search Black Owned, Women-Owned, Indigenous Owned, ECO-CONSCIOUS… The possibilities are ENDLESS! You can knock out your shopping list AND create a positive social impact at the same time.
Search Etsy and Pinterest! You’d be amazed at the hand-crafted and artisanal offerings you’ll find.
GO FOR QUALITY over quantity. Gift giving should be special and sentimental. Buying fewer things creates less waste and encourages more meaningful gifting.
I wish you all a safe, healthy, and JOYFUL holiday season! Feel free to ask questions in the comments section! As a gift from our family to yours enter promo code SMALL20 at checkout to enjoy 20% off of your next Bee Veda order!
With Love,
Allie Tice
Owner/Founder of Bee Veda
Beeveda.com
@bee_veda
Sleep: Skincare’s Secret Weapon
Sleep: Skincare’s Secret Weapon. Enjoy seven fantastic tips for improving your sleep habits.
7 Steps to Better Sleep
Written by: Sheila Olson
You religiously moisturize, cleanse, and nourish your skin using organic skincare products like Bee Veda balms and face masks. However, no amount of balm or cleansers can counter the skin-wrecking effects of poor sleep.
It's true: Clocking fewer than seven hours of sleep per night limits the time your skin has to repair and restore itself. The result is a duller, drier complexion, more wrinkles, and reduced elasticity (not to mention the dreaded dark circles). If that weren't bad enough, sleep deprivation also makes people look sadder and rate themselves as less attractive.
7 Steps to Better Sleep
Sleep deprivation is easy enough to solve if you're staying up late out of bedtime procrastination. But what if you're struggling to get your beauty rest? If you know you need seven to nine hours of sleep a night but can't seem to get it, try these steps.
1. Go to bed 15 minutes earlier
Don't expect to erase dysfunctional sleep habits overnight. Shift your sleep gradually by going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night until you've reached your ideal bedtime.
2. Skip the nightcap
Alcohol may be sedating, but that doesn't necessarily translate to better sleep. Avoiding alcohol three hours before bedtime improves REM sleep. While we're on the topic of liquids, it may be time to cut out that afternoon coffee as well.
Drop the temperature
Body temperature plays a central role in your circadian rhythm. Kick off your socks and dial the thermostat down to 65 degrees before going to bed. If night sweats wake you up, avoid memory foam and try a temperature-regulating mattress pad for help sleeping through the night.
Keep it dark
If you've developed the bad habit of using your smartphone or watching TV before bed, you're not alone. However, late-night entertainment habits may be wrecking your sleep. While blue light glasses get a lot of hype, Gunnar.com states that you'll reap the best results if you turn your devices off and wear a sleep mask at night.
Try a sleepcast
You've heard of podcasts. But what about sleepcasts? Sleepcasts include music, meditations, guided visualizations, and other soothing sounds to help you doze off. You won't want to wear headphones to bed so get yourself a smart bedroom speaker with a built-in sleep timer like the Apple HomePod or Amazon Echo.
Understand your sleep
If you're sleeping through the night but still waking up with your mind foggy and skin sallow, wear a fitness tracker to see what's happening while you snooze. While a sleep tracker won't solve your sleep problems, it will help you identify patterns and decide if it's time to talk to a doctor.
7. Get into a routine
Now that you know the basics of better sleep, it's time to put them together into a soothing sleep routine. Your bedtime routine is also a chance to give your skin an extra boost. For the dewiest complexion, remove dirt, oil, and makeup and wash your face with a gentle cleanser before applying your favorite moisturizers and body balms from Bee Veda.
More Ways to Boost Your Skin and Your Sleep
Now you know why sleep is important for your complexion, but giving your skin time to rest and repair isn't the only way that better sleep benefits skincare. Here are five more things you can do to improve both your sleep and your skin.
Quit smoking.
Stay hydrated.
Exercise regularly.
Eat a balanced diet.
Sleep on your back.
The secret to better skin is simpler than you think: take care of yourself! When you sleep well, treat your body right, and nourish your skin with natural skincare from Bee Veda, you let the glowing, vibrant human underneath shine through. As you start your self-care journey, make sure you're taking care of all of YOU— because health is more than skin deep!
Earth Day 2021
Article By: Isabella Knori @izzyzzyx and Allie Tice @bee_veda
6 Tips for Integrating Sustainable Practices Into Your Life
Climate change impacts all of our lives and our actions/inaction make a difference. These small changes in your routines and consumption habits can make an impact for GOOD.
Thrifting and Buying Second Hand
Constantly buying new clothes, and contributing to the fast fashion industry, takes a toll on both the environment and the workers who are tasked with mass production. Buying second-hand is the best way to shop sustainably and HELLO, vintage is so hot right now! You can even thrift online now by using websites like Poshmark, ThreadUp, and luxury consignment from the Real Real. When do you have to shop traditional retail, choose a small business, and slow fashion!
2. Easy swap-outs to reduce single-use plastics
Soap Bars- A great way to reduce plastic waste is to switch to shampoo and conditioner bars or powder! Yep, just like bars of soap except they replace the single-use plastic from traditional shampoo and conditioner bottles (and yes, they work just as well).
Home Cleaning Supplies- There are many fantastic brands that sell refillable cleaning products with non-toxic cleaning agents! Most of them have easy-to-use subscriptions so refills come straight to your home!
Bulk Markets- How many boxes of cereal, pasta, dried beans, etc, do you go through? Research bulk markets in your area. They often have a list of goods they carry on their websites. You will be amazed at the waste you reduce by refilling glass containers and previously purchased plastics.
3. Request Minimal Packaging
When shopping online there is usually a “notes” section when you checkout. You can often add a note saying to use minimal packaging and no wrapping. This way the seller knows not to waste any extra paper or packaging on your order! Keep it simple and reduce waste :). Reuse the boxes and packaging you have! Let the kids cut up cardboard boxes to make crafts, games, etc.
4. Switch to reusable bags
Using reusable shopping bags at the grocery store and reusable mesh produce bags are so convenient and definitely make a difference long term! I always keep a couple of bags in my car and a small bag in my purse! It comes in handy all the time when I make quick trips to the store!
5. Sustainable Diapering- Did you know that diapers create 30% of landfill waste??? Fortunately, there are some fantastic brands that have designed sustainable and biodegradable disposable diapers!!! Whoohoo! Also, there are some fantastic reusable diapering systems out there as well. Check out our favorites list below for links!
6.Shop SMALL and Sustainable Brands
Make a commitment to shop smaller! Handmade and slow fashion often last longer than mass-produced items and that means fewer of last year’s fashion trends ending up in a landfill. Check out some of our favorite sustainable beauty and fashion brands in the links provided below!
Not only will you reduce waste; shopping small, sustainable businesses, allows these brands to be more competitive in the market. Most small business owners (AHEM!!! Bee Veda) get into business because they’re passionate about their craft! You vote with your DOLLARS… cast those votes wisely.
Check out these brands we love.
Also, if you have small brands you shop with regularly share about them on your social media accounts. I promise they will be incredibly grateful for the support.
Apparel
https://www.ofearthandsalt.com/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SunseekCo
Soaps/Shampoos
Re-usable bags
https://baggu.com/collections/reusable-bags
Makeup
https://www.fatandthemoon.com/
Diapers
Bee Veda “CBeeD”: A Balm for Healing
Bee Veda founder Allie Tice shares her sister’s personal journey through recovery from a double mastectomy.
My sister, Steph is my best friend in this world. In 2018 we got the news that she’d be facing a battle with the very disease that took our beloved mother many years prior. We were shaken, scared, and re-traumatized, but we had no choice but to get through it together. Because of her commitment to her health, and her skilled team of medical professionals, my sis is clean and clear of breast cancer. However, she made the brave choice to undergo a radical double mastectomy to ensure her continued health. The healing process was physically and emotionally grueling. I was desperate to be by her side and I struggled daily with the physical distance between us. Feeling helpless, I offered the support I could via phone calls, visits, and an endless supply of my “CBeeD” balm. Here’s what she had to say about it…
Pictured Steph (top left), Allie (top right), Esme (my adorable niece on the day of her piano recital)
My Sister’s "CBeeD” Review:
“BeeVeda CBeeD Balm has been a true godsend. Lucky for me, Allie’s formulation of the blend perfectly timed with my recovery from major surgery and helped aid in my healing from the two subsequent surgeries, last year. I ended up being her first test case for post-surgical application of the blend and was so grateful for the combined benefits of pain management and scar reduction. Following a breast cancer diagnosis at the tail end of December 2018, I underwent skin and nipple-sparing bilateral mastectomy with tissue expansion reconstruction in January 2019. The initial surgery & recovery was intense, and the added pressure exerted by the tissue expanders extended the pain cycle over a period of months. But, with the daily use of BeeVeda CBeeD on my entire chest wall, I was able to manage my pain without the use of narcotic pain medicine much sooner than expected. Each night before bed and when I woke in the morning, I would rub a dime-sized portion of the balm into my chest area, out toward my underarms, and to the skin surrounding my expanders to nourish the traumatized tissue and encourage blood flow. After mastectomy surgery, the remaining tissue can become necrotic if the blood flow is restricted. So, I took good care to use the CBeeD in my daily self-massage to invite renewed circulation into the skin surrounding my surgical sites. As I rubbed the balm into my skin, I would thank my body for its ability to heal, thank my surgeons for their masterful work, and thank my sister for crafting this balm as it absorbed into my body. And, as soon as it was safe to do so, I used the balm on my scars as well. I did this after my reconstruction surgery, and again after the revision surgery, I underwent in December, as well. My plastic surgeon was blown away by the resilience of my skin and the way in which my scars healed so beautifully and quickly after each round of surgery. I credit that healing to my daily use of the CBeeD Balm. And, the pain relief it provided was incredible. In addition to the surgical areas, I used it on my upper back & neck, as my movement had to be greatly restricted as I healed, along with having to sleep exclusively on my back for months on end. And, every time I applied it, the CBeeD went to work on my muscle pain and soothed my spirit with the lovely fragrance of Frankincense and Tigress Oil. I continue to use it regularly for muscle aches after a workout, when I feel a migraine coming on, or if the low/middle back pain, that has visited me off and on since a car accident in my 20s, rears its head. It’s the first thing I reach for when I am in need of topical pain relief. And, I hope to never be without it. I love that CBeeD!”
Thank you BeeVeda!
Love,
Stephanie Nasteff
Sister of BeeVeda Founder Allie Tice
Embracing Daily Self-Care for Better Overall Health
Article written by: Carla Lopez
What does your self-care program look like? Things like skin care and exercise can be keys to looking and feeling your best. However, one self-care task can’t make you healthy by itself, which is why it’s so important to balance your regimen with other forms of self-care. A well-rounded program will not only keep you from burning out, but it will also help you to achieve optimal overall health.
Bee Veda wants you to be happy and healthy, so read on for some practical advice on how to incorporate self-care into your daily routine.
Find a Workout You Enjoy
Most people don’t exercise just for the fun of it; instead, they exercise because it produces results and improves their lives. However, if your motivation to work out comes solely from the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of fitness, even that motivation will run out eventually. It’s essential that you find an exercise type or routine that you enjoy; that way, your commitment won’t be dependent only on the results.
There are endless movements, styles, and regimens of exercise that will serve you well. And if you figure out what kind(s) you like doing, you’ll be setting yourself up for a consistent and long-lasting routine that keeps the benefits coming. If you like running, for example, try running indoors and outdoors to decide which you like best.
Feed Yourself the Right Fuel
Nutrition is the fuel our bodies run on throughout our everyday lives. When you feed yourself nutrient-rich foods, you set yourself up to thrive — not just survive. Not only will it help you feel significantly better each day, but it will also better your chances for long-lasting physical, mental, and emotional health and overall well-being. Plus, good food choices can influence how you look, and not just weight-wise. Your skin is greatly influenced by what you consume, so aim for healthful options like seeds, berries and leafy greens.
As Global Healing explains, your gut health determines how you feel throughout the day, whether you’re happy or sad. Healthy foods that feed your gut good bacteria trigger the “happy” hormone serotonin, which can put you in a better mood. Add some probiotic foods like yogurt to your diet to boost the good bacteria in your gut, which can also keep your digestive and immune systems healthy.
If extra time in the grocery and kitchen is a little too inconvenient for your lifestyle right now, look into a healthy food delivery service in your city. These services can help make eating healthy easier by bringing proper portions of fresh food right to your doorstep. Moreover, they usually offer a wide variety of options so you can mix up the foods in your diet, which can keep things interesting and motivate you to continue your good eating habits.
Garbage In, Garbage Out?
What you eat isn’t the only type of consumption that affects your well-being. What you feed your mind deeply influences how you feel, and in our fast-paced world, many of us find we’re strongly tied to our devices. Too much screen time can contribute to stress and even depression. Look for ways to lessen screen time so that you are more present with family and friends.
Also, think about the space in which you live and the way it influences how you feel. Do you need to do some decluttering? Address household tensions? Maybe even switch to natural cleaning products and do some scrubbing? Removing toxins from your life, whether in terms of toxic attitudes or toxic chemicals, will have you looking and feeling better.
Your Biggest Organ
Working out is good for your whole body, but don’t neglect your biggest organ: your skin. Just like toxins inside your home are bad for how you feel, natural skin care products can make a big difference in the health of your skin, and subsequently your whole being. Bee Veda lines incorporate essential oils as well, so you have the ability to boost your self-care practice through scent as well.
No one habit can bring you health and happiness. Look for ways to practice self-care so that you can improve and maintain your overall health and well-being. And be sure to make Bee Veda part of how you tend your largest organ.
Tips for Shopping Small Businesses this Holiday Season
Shop Small this Holiday Season
Small businesses are staples in our communities and we love to support them! And now is the perfect time to commit to shopping small. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented amount of small businesses to close and left many more struggling to stay afloat. But, this holiday season we have the opportunity to show our favorite small businesses some love! A lot of people want to support small biz but don't know where to start. Here are some tips for discovering new ways to shop small:
Etsy! Search Etsy first
Etsy is a great tool for discovering all things handmade! As well as vintage, jewelry, art and so much more. If you have a certain gift in mind that you were going to buy on Amazon or a department store try searching for it on Etsy first. It's almost a guarantee you will find something better than what you were originally searching for. It has shops from all over the world and most products have reviews so you can ensure you're getting exactly what you want.Local Small Business Directory
Try searching for a small business directory for your city, county, or state. It's a great way to search by category and spend your dollars close to home. Here in Utah we love to use Utahsown.org and Localfirst.orgYou Know a Small Biz Owner!
Yes you do! Think of your friends and family that you see promoting their business or side hustle on social media. Have you tried their product? Have you bought a print or piece of jewelry? Buy something from them and support people you know.Instagram
A lot of small businesses operate their business model primarily on Instagram and using hashtags can be a great way to find new shops to support. Try #BuyBlack #ShopSmall #WomanOwned and #Handmade to start and then tailor to what you may be looking for! #LineArt #Silversmith #NaturalSkincare #HandforgedBrick and Mortar Shops
Check out some local shops in your neighborhood. Many local retail shops carry their own goods, as well as products from other local makers. It's a win! Some of our neighborhood favorites are Salt & Honey and Animalia in SLC.
Written By: Isabella J. Knori @desert.trash
An Invitation for Self-Care
Join Bee Veda Founder, Allie Tice for a 6-week Yin-Yasa Style Yoga Class via ZOOM
Starting WED 11/11 6:30pm EST
Hello Everyone!
I hope this message finds you in good physical, spiritual, and mental health. If not, I'm here to help! This has been and continues to be a trying year. I feel inspired to share what I can in support of all of you. Join me for a 6-week donation-based yoga class starting next Wed at 6:30 pm EST.
The class will meet weekly Via ZOOM, but will also be recorded and posted to the Bee Veda Vimeo and Youtube accounts to view any time. There will be a weekly theme including physical and mental preparations for the coming holiday season, stress-relief techniques, and general wellness tips to help you feel your best.
What is YIN-YASA? Glad you asked. This style blends the fiery qualities of a power class with the cooling qualities of yin posture to bring you into balance. You will also have a chance to experience guided meditation and learn science-based breathing techniques designed to relieve stress and anxiety.
To sign up, email us at beeveda108@gmail.com, the class is free to the public with an option to donate if you can.
If you're inspired to donate there is a suggested donation of 50$ for the whole series or 10$ for a drop-in for the taped or live session.
Payment options:
Venmo- bee_veda
Cashapp- $beeveda
PayPal- allisonnasteff@gmail.com
Zelle- allisonnasteff@gmail.com
Wishing you all wellness and hope.
With Gratitude,
Allie Tice
500E-RYT
Founder of Bee Veda
Making a Case for Organic Skincare Products – 5 Key Points
How many products do you apply on your skin religiously? Think of the items in your grooming regimen—including the lip balm, makeup, perfume, soap, deodorant, lotion, and body creams. A lot, right?
Now, how many ingredients are in those skincare/beauty products? Let me answer this for you…a study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggests that there are more than 126 unique ingredients in each of the 9 products we use on average every day. Even more concerning, the cosmetic industry is not held to the same standards as pharmaceuticals or other industries that deal with chemicals.
Rather than risk harm from synthetic chemicals such as phthalates, fragrances, parabens, and aluminum, consider organic skincare products. Going natural means moisturizing, exfoliating, toning, and cleansing your skin the way nature intended—and free from toxic chemicals or additives.
Besides, you are selective about what goes into your mouth—so why not what is applied on your skin? Your skin—being the largest organ in your body—deserves the love of mother nature. Read on for more on the benefits of adding organic skincare products to your grooming routine.
1. Better for the Environment—Eco-Warriors, Assemble!
Using organic skin care products is a win-win scenario. Think about it; you leverage the healing/nourishing power of nature through the organic ingredients—and you, in turn, help support mother nature’s well-being.
The products are typically cruelty-free (i.e., not tested on unsuspecting animals) and they don’t undergo harsh manufacturing processes that release harmful waste and chemicals to the environment. Do the earth a solid—as it’s been doing for you all these years.
2. Just as Effective
For a moment; approach your skincare products as food. In order to flourish and function properly, you need natural, nutrient-rich food ingredients, right? The same applies to your skincare regimen. Contrary to the message we’ve been led to believe organic skin care products are just as effective as their drugstore counterparts—if not more.
Carrier oils in these natural products include potent ingredients such as coconut oil, sesame oil, sunflower oil, beeswax, shea butter and a host of essential oils/additive with well-researched therapeutic benefits. Additionally, these organic ingredients are less likely to cause irritation, inflammations, or allergic reactions.
3. Cut Down on the Chemical Load
Contrary to common assumptions, the products you apply on your skin have implications beyond what you can actually see. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), whatever you apply on your skin is absorbed into your system in a number of different pathways. Long story short, only let the good stuff in and keep an eye on the ingredients in your grooming kit.
4. Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle
Using organic skin care products is like a gateway to a better, healthier, and more fulfilling life of appreciating nature. You become more conscious of the world around you; what you eat; how you dispose of waste, and the sourcing of other products that you use. This collectively helps foster a healthier planet for us and future generations.
5. Value for Money – Going Organic is Worth Every Penny
Contrary to common assumptions, you don’t necessarily have to splurge for organic skincare products. Nowadays it’s easy to find organic rejuvenating face masks, oil rollers, and balms for the same price point as their chemical-laden, mass-produced counterparts.
“We must make organic the conventional choice and not the exception available only to the rich and educated.”
—Maria Rodale
Plus, sometimes cost has little to do with the price tag and more to do with the value a product brings. You’ll appreciate the long-term therapeutic effects from the use of high-quality ingredients sourced from nature herself. You’re worth it and so is your skin – go Organic!
Let’s Talk About Self-Care
The idea of self-care is having a moment. From cute GIFS for your Instagram stories, to the wellness and mental health communities—everyone has a different idea about what self-care is and how we should use it during these turbulent times. At BeeVeda, we feel like self-care starts with each individual’s personal non-negotiables. What do we mean?
The personal practices, priorities, and healthy boundaries that YOU require to function as your best self are your PERSONABLE NON-NEGOTIABLES.
For example: How much sleep do you need? What kinds of foods does your body require? How much alone time do you need?How much time “unplugged” time do you require? How much exercise do you need to feel more energized, rather than depleted? What kinds of activities feed your soul? (i.e. reading, journaling, creative projects, time in nature, etc.) How does your environment need to be set up to make you feel your best? How do you manage your work/life balance to be productive and empowered?
We’d love to offer you the challenge of taking stock of your own PERSONAL NON-NEGOTIABLES.
Here goes:
Take some time to get clear about the things you need to feel your very best.
Sit down with a notebook and divide the page into two columns. The first column is for everything that makes you feel nourished and whole. The second is for everything that makes you feel depleted and separate from yourself. Let yourself get really specific here. What foods make you feel great? Which ones make you feel crappy? Which kind and how much movement makes you feel your best? What are you putting into and onto your body on a regular basis? What’s working and what’s not?
From those two columns start to formulate your list of what you must do/have in your life to operate at your own personal best. Now, you’ve got your PERSONAL NON-NEGOTIABLES
How you implement the actions of your day in support of your PERSONAL NON-NEGOTIABLES are YOUR SELF-CARE PRACTICES.
How does BeeVeda fit into self-care? Our handcrafted products are organic, non-toxic, cruelty-free, and based in the ancient science of Ayurveda. They work on multiple levels to support your skin, mood, and personal constitution, encouraging a balanced body, mind, and spirit.
Our products are a wonderful complement to your meditation and yoga practices. They can be used at various points throughout the day either to invigorate or calm your personal energy, depending on what feeling you would like to inspire. The essential oil blends go right to work on your energetic systems promoting increased feelings of energy, calm, openness, and balance while supporting the overall feeling of increased personal wellness.
We’d love to hear about the discoveries you have made through the process of clarifying your PERSONAL NON-NEGOTIABLES, and what self-care practices you’ve put into place in service of your overall wellness. Tag @beeveda in your Instagram stories about your self-care routine and we’ll send you a coupon code for 10% off your next Bee Veda purchase. Bee Well!
With Gratitude, Service, and Love,
The BeeVeda Hive