Category: Health and Beauty

  • DIY Bug Bite Balm!

    DIY Bug Bite Balm!

    Everyone loves summertime, from swimming in the pool, to going on hikes, and having lots of outdoor parties and barbecues. The one downside to being outside… getting bug bites! We tried this DIY Bug Bite Balm and we had to share with everyone! The “pulling” action from the activated charcoal helps remove the toxins from the stings and bites, while the soothing properties from the lavender essential oil help the inflammation and itching. Plus, the coconut oil and shea butter offer a nice anti-bacterial and rejuvenating effect (respectively).

    Ingredients

    3 Tablespoons Coconut Oil

    1 ½ Tablespoons Shea Butter

    15-21 Drops of Organic Lavender Essential Oil

    1 Tablespoon Activated Charcoal (grab some from our bulk section!)

    1 Reusable Container (we used U-Konserve’s Big Mini Stainless Steel Container)

    Method

    1. Melt down coconut oil and shea butter.

    2. Once fully melted, add essential oil and activated charcoal. Mix well!

    3. Carefully spoon the liquid into reusable container. Allow to rest for 2-3 hours.

    4. When needed, rub the balm on the affected area, allowing it to run into the skin. Place a bandage on top of the balm and allow it to work its magic before rinsing off later.

    NOTE: During extremely hot days, you want to make sure to keep your new bug bite balm in a cool spot so it doesn’t melt.

    Tell us how much you love your DIY Bug Bite Balm and where you take it on-the-go! Leave us a note, email us, tag us on social media, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares

  • DIY After-Swim Chlorine Neutralizing Spray

    DIY After-Swim Chlorine Neutralizing Spray

    Summer is the best time of the year to go swimming! Unfortunately, summer is also the worst time for chlorine. Some of the unwanted benefits of chlorine is that it dries out your hair and your skin- which is never fun to deal with in the hot summer heat. But good news! We have a DIY After-Swim Chlorine Neutralizing Spray that is simple to make and is perfect to keep in your bag when you go to the pool this season.

    Ingredients:

    1/4 Cup Filtered Water

    1/4 Teaspoon Powdered Vitamin C

    Essential Oils (we recommend using 1 drop Orange)

    2 Ounce Blue Glass Spray Bottle

    Method:

    1. Add water to glass spray bottle.

    2. Add powdered vitamin C to spray bottle.

    3. Add drop of essential oil.

    4. Put lid on bottle and shake to combine.

    5. Add to hair and/or skin after swimming and rub in. Shower as usual when you return home.

    NOTE: You might want to use this solution within 1-2 days of making it as it might lose its effectiveness afterwards.

    Tell us how much you love your DIY After-Swim Chlorine Neutralizing Spray. Leave us a note, email us, tag us on social media, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares

  • Have a Safe Summer with Boiron!

    Have a Safe Summer with Boiron!

    Your day at the beach doesn’t have to end in misery if you keep your first aid kit stocked with natural summer essentials from Boiron like Arnicare and Calendula medicines. These multi-purpose homeopathic products are available in easy-to-apply topical forms such as gel, cream, lotion or ointment. Arnicare works on muscle aches, stiffness and bruising, while Calendula helps heal cuts, scrapes, bug bites and minor burns and soothes irritated and sunburned skin.

    Calendula

    Whether you have small burns from the grill, outdoor firepit, or even just minor sunburn, calendula is what you need! Made from Calendula officinalis, a garden marigold, it can help moisturize and heal sensitive burned skin.

    Arnicare

    If you’re constantly on-the-go and doing some fun summer activities, make sure you keep arnicare in stock! Made from Arnica montana, a mountain daisy, it can help relieve bumps and bruises after a long day working in the garden, after a long hike in the woods, and even after playing some beach volleyball.

    Regardless of which products you use this summer, let us know! Leave us a note, email us, tag us on social media, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares

  • Guilt-Free Brownies featuring PlantFusion!

    Guilt-Free Brownies featuring PlantFusion!

    For the chocolate-lovers out there, these brownies are not only the guilt-free treat we all look for but they’re also gluten-free! The fun thing about making brownies is that you can change up the recipe to include some other fun treats; like fruit, nuts, candy, cookies, or even your favorite supplements! In this recipe, we used two PlantFusion supplements for an added health benefit. The Chocolate PlantFusion Complete Protein not only is packed with 21g of plant-based proteins but it keeps you energized while building and repairing muscle (this would be the perfect treat for after your daily workout)! The Vanilla PlantFusion Complete Plant Collagen Builder should be your go-to for building, hydrating, and protecting collagen. BONUS- the Vanilla PlantFusion Complete Plant Collagen Builder is also featured in our Smoothie of the Month for July- our Strawberry-A-Go-Go!

    Ingredients

    1 Cup Almond Butter (we used our fresh almond butter from our bulk section!)

    1/2 Cup Maple Syrup

    1 Egg

    1 Tablespoon melted butter (you can also use MCT oil or liquid coconut oil)

    1 Scoop Chocolate PlantFusion Complete Protein

    1 Scoop Vanilla PlantFusion Complete Plant Collagen Builder

    1 Teaspoon Vanilla

    Pinch of Salt

    1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips

    1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda

    Method

    1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and spray a 9×11-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.

    2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients together and whisk until smooth.

    3. Spread batter into pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked around the edges.

    4. Allow to cool for 20-30 minutes, even though it’s hard to wait!

    5. Cut into squares or fun shapes and enjoy!

    Before you enjoy your decadent guilt-free PlantFusion chocolate brownies, make sure you take a picture of your masterpiece! Post it on social media and tag your favorite local organic market, Basil Bandwagon Natural Market! #basilbandwagon #wellnessrecipe

  • Calling All Mamas! Say Hello to Earth Mama Organics

    Calling All Mamas! Say Hello to Earth Mama Organics

    Earth Mama Organics created an entire line of herbal products for women who take on the journey of motherhood: starting with pregnancy, to postpartum, to breastfeeding, and finally baby care. Their five core beliefs stand tall as the pillars of their company and ensures that every product does not land in the hands of a mother unless they are perfect. The core beliefs are as follows: 1) Do No Harm; 2) Nature is Our Pharmacy; 3) Education Empowers; 4) Honor the Body’s Integrity; and 5) Mamas Need One Another. Whether your a mama, a mama-to-be, or know a future mama, check out some of these Earth Mama Organics products that we carry on our shelves! If you can’t decide which product to get your mama-to-be, grab a Basil Bandwagon Gift Card so they can make the decision!

    For the Mamas

    Morning sickness is no joke! Check out their Morning Wellness Body Wash created with natural ginger citrus for that uplifting feeling. Worried about stretch marks? Their Belly Butter and Belly Oil help ease the stretch marks and keep your skin moisturized!

    For the Babies

    Diaper rash is real and raw- make sure you grab their Diaper Balm to help keep your baby’s bottom smooth and safe. To keep the rest of their little body’s soft like their bottom, check out their Natural Non-Scents Body Wash, Natural Non-Scents Baby Lotion, and Sweet Orange Baby Lotion.

    For the All Day Comfort

    Their deodorants not only keep you smelling fantastic and fresh, but they are formulated especially for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and sensitive skin. We carry all of their scent too- Calming Lavender (fresh, effective, and soothing), GingerAid (to help with that brutal morning sickness), Natural Non-Scents (for sensitive noses), and Bright Citrus (for a fresh tangerine-y scent).

    For the Fun in the Sun

    Keeping you and your loved ones safe with their NEW SUN CARE! Dermatologist and Pediatrician approved, they are clinically tested for irritation. All four of their sunscreens are reef-friendly broad spectrum SPF 40 and covers all moms, kids, and babies too! What’s really exciting is their KIDS Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion features organic colloidal oatmeal to keep your skin moisturized and soothed from eczema, bug bites, previous sunburn, and other inflamed skin conditions.

    No matter which product you use, let us know! Leave us a note, email us, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares

  • Grads & Dads Gift Guide 2019

    Grads & Dads Gift Guide 2019

    ‘Tis the season for dads and grads! Check out these perfect gifts that they will LOVE. Don’t forget- Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16th!

    Be Bold

    Decorate their “man cave” or dorm room with a giant tapestry or sphere salt lamp!

    Always On-The-Go

    Your dads and grads need the best while they’re on the go- make sure to get them a Hydro Flask or a Basil Bandwagon Mug!

    Keep It Simple

    Don’t know what to get them? Grab a GoodPaper card and write something sentimental for their special day.

    The Best for the Best

    Have you ever seen IPA soap!? Well now you have! Treat dad this Father’s Day with premium men’s body care from Indigo, Olivina Men, or Dr. Bronner’s!

    Hungry? Let’s Grill!

    Celebrate with a backyard bbq! Spice it up with delicious spice rubs from Teeny Tiny Spice Company or Saltopia. Then top your bbq in paleo friendly sauces from Primal Kitchen!

    Their Healthy Energy Boost

    Make sure you treat them with the healthiest sweets- A GIANT chocolate bar from Tony’s Chocolonely, chocolate energy bites from Good Day, or maybe some high performance plant-based mocha protein from Sunwarrior!

    The Best Gift of All

    Not sure what to get them? Or do they want EVERYTHING we have? Grab them a Basil Bandwagon Gift Card and watch their eyes fill with joy!

    No matter what you get your dad or grad this year, let us know! Leave us a note, email us, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares

  • Celebrate Hemp History Week!

    Celebrate Hemp History Week!

    June 3rd-9th, 2019

    This June, celebrate the 10th Annual of Hemp History Week with Return of the Plant! Demand for hemp extracts (CBD), foods, and body care products continue to grow. The plant’s ability to regenerate soil is motivating more farmers to grow hemp in the United States. With hemp’s return to U.S. soil through passage of the 2018 Farm Bill coinciding with the campaign’s 10th year, it’s time to make 2019 the Year of Hemp together! Visit HempHistoryWeek.com to learn more! 

    Click here to check out our Produce Recipe of the Week including hemp!

    Drinkables

    Don’t like the taste of hemp but want the healthy benefits? Try these hemp products that you can use as a substitute for your favorite drinks- water, tea, coffee additions, smoothies, juices, and more!

    Eat Up

    Hemp comes in all different shapes and sizes- granola, crackers, seeds, oils and more! It’s high in protein and omegas which makes it the perfect addition to your healthy lifestyle.

    Spread It Everywhere

    Everyone needs to spread a little love! Grab some hemp butters to spread on your morning toast or some hemp honey for your cup of tea throughout the day!

    A Healthy Clean

    Take a clean approach to your cleaning habits. You can use Dr. Bronner’s Hemp Pure-Castile Soap in so many ways! For more ideas and recipes using Dr. Bronner’s soap, click here: https://www.drbronner.com/all-one-blog/2017/06/dilutions-cheat-sheet-dr-bronners-pure-castile-soap/

    Supplements and Salves

    Support your body’s natural endocannabinoid system with hemp extracts! We carry different formulas such as capsules, drops, salves, proteins, and more!

    Treat Yourself

    Are you always on-the-go? Grab a hemp bar from Evo Hemp or a cannabinoid rich morsel from Rise Relief!

    Regardless of how you celebrate hemp history week or what hemp products you use, let us know! Leave us a note, email us, tag us on social media, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares #hemphistoryweek2019

  • Clean & Safe Home Care Recipes with Aura Cacia Essential Oils!

    Clean & Safe Home Care Recipes with Aura Cacia Essential Oils!

    Summertime calls for fresh, clean scents- even though our homes may not be. Check out these clean and safe cleaning recipes made with Aura Cacia Essential Oils!

    Air Freshening Spray

    Ingredients

    -12 drops Aura Cacia Lemon Essential Oil

    -12 drops Aura Cacia Tea Tree Essential Oil

    -2 Ounce Mist Bottle

    -2 Fluid Ounces Water

    Method

    1. Into bottle, combine all ingredients, replace lid and shake until well blended.

    2. To use, shake bottle and spray into airspace.

    General Cleaning Spray

    Ingredients

    -1/2 Teaspoon Aura Cacia Lavender Essential Oil

    -1/2 Teaspoon Aura Cacia Tea Tree Essential Oil

    -1 Teaspoon Unscented Liquid Soap

    -15 Fluid Ounces Water

    -16 Ounce Spray Bottle

    Method

    1. In bottle, combine soap and essential oils.

    2. Top with water, replace lid and shake until well blended.

    3. To use, spray on surface and wipe clean with damp cloth.

    Pet Home Cleaning Spray

    Ingredients

    -1 2/3 Cups Water

    -1/2 Teaspoon Sodium Borate

    -1/4 Teaspoon Unscented Liquid Soap

    -1 1/2 Teaspoon Aura Cacia Lemon Essential Oil

    -1 1/2 Teaspoon Aura Cacia Peppermint Essential Oil

    -16 Ounce Plastic Spray Bottle

    Method

    1. In bottle, combine all ingredients. Replace lid and shake until well blended.

    2. To use, shake bottle and spray into a cloth, sponge, or onto surface and wipe area clean.

    *NOTE: Test on an inconspicuous area before general use.

    No matter which product or recipe you use, let us know! Leave us a note, email us, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares

  • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

    Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

    It’s time to hop on the bandwagon and start living your sustainable lifestyle! Reduce your waste footprint, reuse what you have, and recycle what you don’t need anymore. Every little bit helps you and the Earth stay healthy and happy.

    Check out some awesome ways Basil Bandwagon can help you jumpstart your new lifestyle below! BONUS- today only (Friday 4/26/19), all reusable products (i.e. Hydroflasks, Ukonserve containers, Stasher, Lifefactory bottles, Conscious Cutlery, and more!) are on sale for 20% off! DOUBLE BONUS- if you forget your shopping bag take one from our Bag Tree or if you have extras, leave them for someone else to use.

    Buy in Bulk

    Start small and work your way up! We carry a large assortment of teas, herbs, grains, coffee, snacks, and more in our bulk section. You can even use your containers from home (just make sure you weigh them at our cash registers before filling them with product)! Don’t have any at home? No worries, we carry all shapes and sizes of bulk containers for purchase!

    Stay Hydrated

    Everyone has their specific “cup of tea.” Whether you drink coffee, tea, water, or kombucha, look no further for your bottle of choice! We have a large assortment of sustainable drinkware- including stainless steel straws, straw cleaners, and awesome tea infusers!

    A Foodie’s Heaven

    Don’t forget your lunch! We carry containers of all shapes and sizes to pack your healthy meals in. Are you a meal prepper? The Stasher is a perfect product as you can cook, store, and freeze your meals for as long as you like!

    On-the-go? Say no more!

    If you are constantly traveling, make sure you always carry these necessities. Squeezable containers for your shampoo and conditioner, essential oil bottles, produce bags, assorted size bags for makeup and jewelry, and reusable storage bags are perfect for your suitcase.

    Package Free Goodies

    Have you checked out our package free soap from Zum Bar? This awesome goat’s milk soap comes in a variety of scents and is perfect to try before you buy their entire line! At $1.49 per ounce, you can’t go wrong!

    Regardless of how you live your sustainable lifestyle, let us know! Leave us a note, email us, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares

  • Loving Your Furry Friends is a Walk in the Park!

    Loving Your Furry Friends is a Walk in the Park!

    We love our furry friends so much, that we’ve made today Furry Friend Friday! Our furry friends deserve the best- inside and out. We’ve compiled the top products for 6 different categories that you should be looking deep into to make sure you give your pet nothing but the best. BONUS– this Thursday (4/11/19) is National Pet Day! Make sure you keep an eye out on our social media pages for all of the great pictures of our Basil Furry Friends. DOUBLE BONUS- Our baker, Allie, is making pet friendly treats that will be available at both cafes on Thursday only!

    Bath Time

    No matter what pet you have, bath time is a necessity (especially during the upcoming rainy season). kin+kind has a variety of products that are very clean (literally and figuratively)! Made with natural and organic ingredients, they have waterless bath shampoos for both cats and dogs, healing clay shampoos for the itchy dog, and for those pets who happen to run across the unfriendly skunk, a shampoo to help de-stink them!

    Time to Eat

    We all know that when your furry friend is hungry, they’ll tell you. They’ll also tell us if they like what your giving them or not. Thankfully for them (and us too), we have a wide range of both dog and cat food. From dry food to wet food, we have it all. Some brands that we love to give our Basil Furry Friends are Stella & Chewy’s, Tender & True, PetGuard, and Castor & Pollux. Each brand has their own unique quality to them, but every brand is safe to feed your loved ones and keep them by your side for many years to come.

    Health Bonus

    It’s extremely important to give your pets an added health perk to their diet. Health supplements not only keep them healthy and living a long, loving life, but it also keeps them active and wanting to play with you more! Some supplements that we carry are similar to treats like Happy Hips Jerky and NaturVet’s Omegas so your pets won’t know the difference! We also carry powders that you can sprinkle on their daily meals like Enzymedica’s GI Recovery and kin+kind’s Hip & Joint care.

    Ticks Be Gone

    ‘Tis the season for ticks and we’re prepared. Nantucket Spider and kin+kind have pet friendly flea and tick spray that is not only deet-free but they’re also made with essential oils that are safe! Spray your loved ones from head to paw and worry less!

    Play Time

    This is everyones favorite time of day. We carry both cat and dog toys that they will fall in love with (but don’t worry, they’ll still love you more than their new favorite toys). Some of our pet toys that we carry are Throwbowl from Paww, Hedgehog from Spot, and catnip monsters from OurPets.

    Treats for All

    No matter the time of day, make sure you show your pet how much you love them with some treats! No matter the size of your furry friend, we have your perfect, all-natural pet treats ranging in many different flavors! A couple of our favorites are MyDoggy soft baked cookies, Castor & Pollux rawhides, and Buddy Biscuits for cats and dogs!

    Regardless of which product you get your furry loved one, make sure you tell us how much you’re in love with your product! Leave us a note, email us, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares