Tag Archive for: anti-oxidants

Meet Amy Christiansen of Sana Jardin

While Sana Jardin is an award-winning luxury fragrance house, it’s the first of its kind that also functions as a vehicle for social change by empowering women at a grassroots level. We asked founder and CEO Amy Christiansen to share her most important memories tied to scent, her motivations to drive social change through her business, and how to be a more conscious consumer.

What is your earliest scent memory? What notes and imagery sticks out to you?

I traveled to many exotic destinations with my grandmother as a child. I grew up surrounded by the heady scents of North Africa and the Middle East; neroli, jasmine and amber in particular. It’s fuelled my passion ever since.

What fragrance notes do you gravitate toward when you need a moment of peace?

Vanilla is historically thought to soothe, calm and calm. I find it incredibly reassuring when I feel frazzled and need a moment of solace!

Who or what opened your eyes to the powerful effects of scent?

Around 14 years ago, I was gifted ‘The Scent Trail’ by Celia Lyttleton and it literally transformed my life! I became fascinated by the use of essential oils and how they’ve been used for thousands of years, in so many different cultures. I learnt about the sacred rituals associated with flower harvests and was quite literally mesmerized instantly! The rest you can say is history…

Describe your relationship with your skin. How has it evolved over the course of your life? 

When I was young, I was concerned with breakouts. Now I am fixated on tightening my skin and having it as radiant as possible! 

What skincare step do you never, ever skip? Does it include a favorite Goldfaden MD product?

I never miss my evening double cleanse (especially after spending a day running around London!) I love Goldfaden’s Pure Start Facial Cleanser; it effectively cleanses without stripping the skin and removes all signs of makeup.

You credit your grandmother with showing you what it means to be a social entrepreneur. Do you recall any of the aspects of your beauty routine? How did she impact your dedication to beauty? 

My grandmother taught me the power of an aura. She always radiated YSL’s Opium perfume and wore exotic jewelry. She had an adventurous life and was interested in those around her, which made her magnetic to others. 

What are the steps you’ve taken to living a more sustainable day-to-day life?

I am a huge believer that every little counts. I’ll walk to the office when I can; use re-useable coffee containers, shop locally etc. I try to shop wisely too. I am always on the lookout for brands that source their products ethically, in addition to fully recyclable or biodegradable packaging materials.

What aspects of the beauty industry do you hope to impact in your career?

It’s my dream to become a beacon of light in the luxury industry and set a precedent for not only fragrance but food, beauty, fashion and manufacturing brands going forward, proving that social change and luxury do not have to be mutually exclusive. I want to inspire other businesses to engage in a language of Beyond Sustainability™ and look at ways they can be creative with their use of waste in the supply chain and give back to their low-income employees. I truly believe every brand can incorporate more humanitarian values into their supply chains.

What advice do you have for readers who hope to live more sustainably?

I think one of the most important things we can all do is vote for change with our wallets when purchasing something; try to support companies that are actively working in an eco-friendly or humanitarian way. 

Consumers also need to consider how far a product has traveled. Food is the perfect example; fruit and vegetables are picked out of season all year round and flown across the world with a huge carbon footprint to boot! Shop local and eat seasonally! 

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Lisa Goldfaden’s Holiday Gift Guide

SHOP LISA’S PICKS

The Travelers’ Gift Guide

Girlfriend Collective: I can’t get enough of the athleisure looks from Girlfriend Collective, and I especially love that their clothes are made from recycled materials. They’re great for working out, of course, but also for long days of travel, running errands, and yes—if your clothes need some extra give after big meals during the holiday season!

Noshinku: If you’re constantly sanitizing your hands (at the airport, hopping from one party or excursion to the next, etc.), I highly recommend opting for the gentle, moisturizing sanitizing sprays from Noshinku, which are made from organic and plant-based ingredients.

Private Suite: Air travel is notoriously stressful—especially in the COVID era—which is why gifting a loved one access to the Private Suite at LAX will earn you tons of brownie points.

Lunya Silk Sleep Mask: To ensure my friends and family members get enough shuteye throughout the holiday season and beyond, I plan on gifting them these super luxe (and washable!) silk sleep masks from Lunya. Tip: The silk eye mask doubles as a headband for your nighttime skincare routine, which naturally should include Goldfaden MD products!

​​The Under $100 Gift Guide

Freedom Moses: Yes, I know that winter is upon us, which may mean that sandals and bare feet are out of the question for some… but I’m still recommending the colorful slides from Freedom Moses since they’re offered in fun prints and colorways that the whole family can enjoy.

Goldfaden MD Ultimate Hydration Duo: Well under $100, Goldfaden MD’s Ultimate Hydration Duo—which packs Hands to Heart and Lip Therapy—will keep your hands and pout supremely nourished, no matter how cold it gets or what the elements throw your way.

The Home Chefs’ Gift Guide

Baroncini Sicilian Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This buttery EVOO straight from Sicily is as tasty as it is shelfie-worthy; I especially appreciate that it’s non-GMO certified and that the brand employs 100 percent sustainable and zero-waste production methods.

The Fullest Warm Feelings™ Jar: I love this warming latte blend of saffron, coconut, and cardamom made by our friends at The Fullest—and I’ll be gifting it in spades so that my loved ones can enjoy their cozy winter nights in through the new year even more.

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Kabocha & Ginger Soup with Creamy Coconut

We believe that radiant, healthy-looking skin starts from the inside out which is why we are so excited to share this mouthwatering recipe from one of our favorite nutritionists, Elissa Goodman. Renowned for her insanely delicious soup cleanses, Goodman is pioneering the landscape of how we view nutrition as a way to heal our bodies and mind.
Find the full recipe below for Goodman’s immune-boosting Kabocha & Ginger Soup with Creamy Coconut––it’s super easy to make! We promise you won’t be disappointed.
To learn more about Elissa Goodman check out her Detoxing Tips on The Daily Scrub.

Kabocha & Ginger Soup with Creamy Coconut 

 Serves 4-6 

Ingredients:

1 kabocha squash, halved with seeds removed
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 small fennel bulb, cored and chopped
4 inches fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
1 bay leaf
2 T. organic coconut oil
40 oz organic vegetable broth
1 tsp. Herbamare seasoning (could also use sea salt)
pinch sea salt
1 cup coconut cream
Juice and zest of 1 small, fresh lemon

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Rub olive oil all over the squash, then place face down on the baking sheet and place in the oven.  Cook until tender, approx. 45-50 minutes.  Then remove squash and set aside until cooled.  Once cooled, you can scoop meat into a bowl and set aside.

In soup pot, heat coconut oil over medium heat.  Add the onion and fennel with the Herbamare seasoning (option to use sea salt). Saute until onions and fennel are softened, then add the garlic and ginger, stir often and cook another 5 minutes, until soft and fragrant. Add the bay leaves, scooped squash, vegetable broth and stir frequently bringing soup to a simmer for approximately 20 minutes.

Carefully transfer soup, in batches, to your blender.  Add coconut cream and blend until smooth.  Transfer soup back to the pot and keep on low.  Add fresh lemon juice and zest, a generous pinch of black pepper and adjust seasonings as desired. Garnish with fresh herbs and a drizzle of coconut cream.

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