Friday, March 30, 2012

CLOSED Giveaway! Featured Favorites Friday: Aromatherapy from the Mountains

Essential Oils
This week I had the pleasure of checking in with the amazing Gretchen and Thomas of Adirondack Aromatherapy, one of the fantastic members of the Witches of Etsy team.  Aside from their products being beautiful, natural ingredients are very important to this pair of artisans.  Gretchen is a published author in the subject of alternative medicine and a Certified Aromatherapist in an National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy approved program.  Her 15+ years of education and experience is complimented by the 10+ years of experience her partner, Thomas, brings to the table.
All the oils at ADKAromatherapy are natural, completely derived from Mother Earth herself. I was not aware but there are many ’magical oils’ on the market are made in the laboratory.  Gretchen believes and I agree that these oils might smell good but there is nothing that connects you to the earth. For Gretchen, aromatherapy is really about bringing the sacred into everyday routines and connecting to the natural world with all the senses.  What a great philosophy!

This amazing pair is celebrating 1000 fans on facebook and two years of selling on etsy with a giveaway hosted here!  Read down to the bottom for a chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate to spend on soap, essential oils, amber and perfume oils, aromatherapy mists or whatever else strikes your fancy.  They even offer custom fragrances!  Best of luck!


Forest Jade - Fennel and Sage Glycerin Soap Detox Bar

Q: What got you into your work here on etsy?
A: Three years ago, at the age of 2, my daughter was diagnosed with autism. Up to that point I had been a stay at home mom and I knew I was going to need something to keep myself busy while she was in preschool. I started looking into taking aesthetician classes, one thing led to another and I ultimately decided to take a certification course in aromatherapy, one of my first loves. I completed the first portion of my coursework and established Adirondack Aromatherapy late in 2009. Shortly afterward my husband, with his background in soap making, decided to sign on too. We started selling together on etsy 2 years ago this month (March). This coming July will be the second anniversary of our first craft show together. Our daughter is now 5 and goes to a typical kindergarten program in the fall; she is doing great and is the light of my life. She loves sitting down with my box of oils and sniffing them and especially loves making soap with her daddy so we may have a second generation aromatherapist here :0)

Q: Where does your inspiration come from?
Victorian Flowers Botanical Perfume
A: The plants themselves. I’m a plant person, I love plants. Some people are people people, some are pet people - I love plants! I love to garden, I love spring and summer when the Earth is verdant, vibrant and alive. Since the 90’s I have studied and written about Herbs and alternative therapies, gone on herb walks, and taken Herbalism classes. I feel it is important to connect with the living energies of the plants we work with in aromatherapy as much as possible, it keeps you in a state of gratitude for the true origin of the oils. I most of all adore working with native and local plants as much as possible. Aromatherapy has truly changed my life from the inside out and I feel passionate about sharing that with anyone and everyone who wants to listen. Anyone interested in the subject should definitely get a copy of the amazing book ‘Magical Aromatherapy’ by the wonderful Scott Cunningham, may he rest in peace. This book is invaluable, there is none other out there like it!

Terra Crystal Earthy Soap: Patchouli Vetiver Amber and Ginger

Q: How does what you make support people of faith and earth-based spirituality?
A: Scent and the sense of smell have a rich history in all faiths which is so significant to me. Muslims purify with Rose water, Christians have a long history of practicing anointing rituals, Buddhists and Hindis rely heavily on incense in their temples and worship ceremonies. And it goes without saying that those of us practicing a more earth based spirituality love to smudge and anoint pretty much anything & everything! So there in something to be said there about the universality of scent in worship, and I find it indispensable
(Kat says: Check out the Ancient Aromatics Set!)


Q: Which piece in your shop has the most meaning for you?

Crystal Gem Mini Soaps

A: We are most proud of our trio of tiny crystal gem soaps being featured in Time Out New York magazine last year, as a part of their 2011 holiday shopping guide issue, and also on their website. It was a huge break for us during our first full year of being in business together, and got us lots of exposure in our home state. Holiday season sales were phenomenal that year and we were pretty much in a state of shock that such a big city publication would feature a small new business from Upstate NY. Every single person who ordered from our website ordered the item that was featured in the magazine so I guess New Yorkers really stand by what they see trending in Time Out New York!

White Cedar and Sage Sacred Smokeless Smudge


Q: Which piece is your favorite to make?
A: I love making my smokeless smudge! I got my own small copper distiller this past winter and have been having a blast distilling some our native Adirondack plants like the sacred white cedar, which grows wild all around here. To these distilled waters from our local trees I add the oils of sacred plants from around the world - such as a rare wild white sage from California, Chinese Cedar and Hinoki White Cedar from Japan. It smells so crisp and fresh; I am really proud of creating this blend and my customers rave about it.



Enter Below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway ends in two weeks at midnight on 13th April 2012 .  Open WorldWide!  All winning entries will be verified.  If a winning entry cannot be verified a different winner will be chosen.
The Winner will be notified by email and has three days to reply or another winner will be chosen.
 ***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way.  Please note that I  am not responsible for the delivery of this prize and can not be held accountable if, for any reason, is it not received. Furthermore, I am in no way liable for any injuries that may result from the use or misuse of this product. **

71 comments:

  1. Kat, I love this post, thank you! And, thank you for introducing me to Gretchen and Thomas ;o) I don't have facebook, so I guess I can't enter the giveaway? Take Care ;o)

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  2. Ok, I think I entered correctly. I left my e-mail and then it said to tell you a favorite item from their shop. I loved everything, but the energizing herbal mint soap, sounds so refreshing ;o)

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  3. Crystal Gem Soaps Minis - Three Varieties with Soap Dish

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  4. Love Lavender, thanks for the giveaway.

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/80131070/lavender-lovers-goats-milk-soap-with

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  5. Thanks for the giveaway. I love http://www.etsy.com/listing/47902396/love-is-blue-oil-de-amour-gardenia-rose
    susand1408 at googlemail dot com

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  6. http://www.etsy.com/listing/55807733/as-seen-in-time-out-new-york-crystal-gem

    This caught my eye the second I saw it....I will be visiting this shop often.

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  7. Kat, thanks for doing the facebook for me ;o) Hugs ;o)

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  8. Hello there! Found your through the Etsy Giveaways and would love to win!

    Please stop by our facebook as well: Sprayed Expressions.

    We are also holding a giveaway. :)

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  9. The Lime Cyrstal soap looks amazing! And the Lavender one, I'm not a fan of Lavender but it looks amazing

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  10. How great! Would love to try the Amber and Sandalwood Botanical Perfume! So nice!

    Best,
    Danielle
    loveandlookpretty@gmail.com

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  11. I like soaps, especially Sunny Days Lemon and Lime Aromatherapeutic Golden Quartz Crystalline Glycerin Soap
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/53906446/sunny-days-lemon-and-lime
    redalepou(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  12. I think the Key Lime Aromatherapy Mist would be great to spray around the shower first thing in the morning, what a great way to start the day!

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  13. I love the Lemongrass and Calendula in Salmon Stripe and Quartz Crystal Glycerin Spring Soap! all the soaps are so gorgeous.

    carizzatabobo@gmail.com

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  14. My favourite is: Floral Essential Oil and Absolute Aromatherapy Set - Rose, Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Rose Geranium and Ylang Ylang

    DESPINA
    deb_oro@yahoo.gr

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  15. Oh, I think this sounds LOVELY: Victorian Flowers - Feminine Balancing Aromatherapy Mist

    Katy M. A.

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  16. this looks cool: As Seen in Time Out New York - Crystal Gem Mini Soaps

    roniros (at) gmail.com

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  17. I would love to get this

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/46765422/victorian-flowers-botanical-perfume-oil

    sunnybrookdc1@yahoo.com

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  18. My favourite item is Amber Jasmine Botanical Perfume Oil.

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  19. Energizing herbal mint....but they are all so pretty!!!!!!!!!!!

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  20. They have aged Patchouli & dark Amber, I'm in Heaven!!
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    lunrei at yahoo dot com
    Sharon S

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  21. I like the amber, vanilla and sandalwood aromatherapy mist. Thanks for the chance.

    sweetascandy579 at yahoo dot com

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  22. i like lavender.
    crisgabrisa@libero.it

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  23. I like the Victorian Flowers - Feminine Balancing Aromatherapy Mist
    niuniuzheng at gmail dot com

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  24. I like the Lavender, Spike Essential Oil for a State of Peace and Calm
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/94304675/lavender-spike-essential-oil-for-a-state

    2dogs5catscrew@att.net

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  25. I'd love the Sweetgrass Aromatherapy Mist. I've never seen it as an essential oil before!
    kirbycolby at gmail dot com

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  26. Love the Polyjuice Potion Aromatherapeutic Soap Bursting with Juicy Scents of Sweet Orange and Citrus.
    sparmeland(at)optonline(dot)net

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  27. like the key lime crystal aromatic
    gkuroda(at)gmail.com

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  28. I like the http://www.etsy.com/listing/52215294/botanical-perfumers-kit!
    dluckyz at excite dot com

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  29. The oils of the Bible set sounds cool!! :)

    http://munchtalk.blogspot.com/
    dailydealsjc (at) gmail.com

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  30. I can already smell them! Lovely!

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  31. sunny days blend
    taraz9 at excite dot com

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  32. I love the crystal gem soap minis.

    hrfarley at gmail dot com

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  33. They have some amazing things in their shop, but I would love to try the Lavender Bubble Bath. Homegrown in the Adirondack Mountains, Herb Infused Aromatherapy Soak 16 Ounces. Thanks for this giveaway and have a blessed day

    moniquehasana @ hotmail .com

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  34. These are beautiful and so creative
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/55807733/as-seen-in-time-out-new-york-crystal-gem

    swak50 at hotmail dot com, http://journeysofthezoo.blogspot.ca/

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  35. My favorite is Sandalwood Undiluted Essential Oil Blend Sustainably Harvested!!
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/46753828/sandalwood-undiluted-essential-oil-blend

    Aleka Nikolaidou
    alekakizim@hotmail.com

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  36. I d like to win this http://www.etsy.com/listing/55807733/as-seen-in-time-out-new-york-crystal-gem
    :)))
    xxxxx
    joxy88@gmail.com

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  37. Lemon grass Calendula!!!

    The items are all lovely!!!

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  38. My fav is this one> http://www.etsy.com/listing/88107953/lavender-bubble-bath-homegrown-in-the
    selmicak3@hotmail.com

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  39. Forest Jade - Fennel and Sage Glycerin Soap Detox Bar

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  40. My favorite is http://www.etsy.com/listing/53906446/sunny-days-lemon-and-lime

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  41. would love to try the sunny days soap!

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  42. I'd love to check out the Key Lime Crystal Aromatic Soap!

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  43. Oh Chai Tea Aromatherapy Mist - for sure! I love all things spicy! Thanks, kath dot grahn at gmail dot com

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  44. http://www.etsy.com/listing/46754605/orange-blossom-botanical-perfume-oil-all

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  45. I like http://www.etsy.com/listing/80131070/clearance-lavender-lovers-goats-milk

    alessandra lalla vercelli on form

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  46. I'd love to try the Amber and Sandalwood Botanical Perfume Oil, All Natural.

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  47. My favourite is: Floral Essential Oil and Absolute Aromatherapy Set

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  48. I like the Key Lime Crystal Aromatic Soap

    Thank you for hosting this giveaway

    Louis
    pumuckler {at} gmail {dot} com

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  49. http://www.etsy.com/listing/66039714/le-bon-aromatherapy-mist-for-aphrodisiac?ga_search_query=JASMINE&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5622735

    I WOULD LOVE TO TRY THIS!

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  50. I'd love to try this one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/58361075/victorian-flowers-feminine-balancing

    My e-mail: blackasphodel(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  51. I like this: http://www.etsy.com/listing/57193689/terra-crystal-earthy-aromatic-soap

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  52. http://www.etsy.com/listing/88107953/lavender-bubble-bath-homegrown-in-the

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  53. my fav is http://www.etsy.com/listing/88108895/herb-mint-lip-balm-with-basil-rosemary

    GFC Francesca Scirpoli

    piukina81@gmail.com

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  54. I like the terra crystal soap
    earthdancedaph@yahoo.com

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  55. I love the look of this soap:
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/58617060/chai-tea-glycerin-soap-scented-with-all

    debyeo at hotmail dot com

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  56. Lavender, Spanish Essential Oil for a State of Peace and Calm

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  57. the crystal gem mini soaps are beautiful!
    sammybigtoesure at gmail dot com

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  58. I would like to try the Lemon and Lime Glycerin Soap-very refreshing scents!

    Elaine R
    emrosser@shaw.ca

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  59. The crystal gem mini soaps! They're so gorgeous and i think i'd end up using them as ornaments for a while first :)

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  60. I would love to smell like the 15 Fold Sweet Orange Essential Oil, Extra Strong Cirtrus Scent all day long :) ambrerose at[aol]dot[com]

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  61. Dark Roses sounds great! I also like the Sunny Days Synergistic Essential Oil Verbena and Lime Blend
    crluckystar at yahoo dot com

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  62. favorite: http://www.etsy.com/listing/66497714/amber-vanilla-and-sandalwood <3

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  63. I really like the Forest Jade - Fennel and Sage Glycerin Soap Detox

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  64. fav
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/43618360/24-crystal-gem-soaps-at-wholesale-price


    :D
    sieteinvitaciones gmail.com

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  65. I like the Lavender Bubble Bath.

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  66. oooo can't choose between the Chai Tea Aromatherapy Mist, for Warming, Immunity and Empowerment and the Cocoa Mocha Mist, All Natural, Blended to Delight Chocolate and Coffee Lovers Alike! I would have to just get both! LOL mmm! Bet they are AWESOME!!!!
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/66110598/chai-tea-aromatherapy-mist-for-warming
    http://www.etsy.com/listing/78858614/cocoa-mocha-mist-all-natural-blended-to
    Angie aka Tofu Fairy
    14earth at gmail dot com

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  67. i would like to try the lavender milk goat

    lmurley2000@yahoo.com

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  68. I really like the 4 Elementals Soap Gift Set - Earth Air Fire and Water by ADKaromatherapy four soaps with Wood Soap Dish! Looks fab.

    kui900@msn.com

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