Do you feel like you need a fresh start or a clear path for 2025 and your life beyond? Do you often wish you could take time out at the start of the year for yourself, just to breathe and re-focus? Now is your chance! Join Andrea Hobbs and Jacqui Christie of OrganicaJ and owner of Christie’s Croft, in a supportive small group setting, for a unique, warm and inspiring residential retreat, where you’ll create your own Vision Board: set your personal intentions, reflect on your heart’s highest hopes, and leave with an inspiring vision for your future.
What’s Included:
Small group environment for personalised attention (max 6 people)
All materials provided to inspire and create your vision board
Expert guidance from your experienced hosts Andrea and Jacqui
Guided meditations with Andrea
A unique simple method to help you focus on your heart’s true desire
Integration and awakening ritual to help you embody your vision
Quality single & shared accommodation at our Scottish rural cozy cottage
Gorgeous log burning stove to enjoy.
A beautiful, quiet small village with access to walks amongst the birch & pine trees
Stunning views of Clachnaben/hills/woods to wake up to (breathtaking sunrises when weather allows)
Nourishing vegan/vegetarian food prepared for you, using organic produce where possible
Communal eating and sharing for a warm, informal experience
Personal guidance on your oracle card messages
Outdoor activities (if the weather is kind!)
Fire ceremony & sharing outside/inside around the log fire
Free ‘How to’ sheet to take away for your own use in 2026!
Free WiFi in all rooms
Free advice on using Organica J products and the opportunity to try out and purchase
All meals are included in the retreat price and provided at our cozy croft
Organic soaps/shampoo bars in all bathrooms
Free parking will be available at the venue or very close by (easy short walking distance)
All bed linen and towels provided
This Retreat is unlike most vision board creation days, as we delve below the surface of our thinking mind to find inspirations from our heart and soul using a unique methodology inspired by Colette Baron-Reid. You will be guided through thoughtful and gentle activities, supported to bring focus to your soul’s true energy, set meaningful intentions, and bring your inner visions to life and into embodiment through uncomplicated ritual, and a visual representation that you will take away with you to keep. Simple collage is used to put together your actual board, so no art or craft skills are needed, just an open heart.
Andrea’s own vision board 2024
What to Expect:
Friday Evening: Arrive to a welcome dinner, followed by a guided meditation to help you land at the retreat, quiet your mind, and gain inspiration for the heart of your vision board….
Saturday: Enjoy a full day of gentle indoor and outdoor activities (weather permitting!) to spark insight and creativity. You’ll be supported by Andrea and Jacqui to listen to your own soul, intuition, and imagination using guided meditations, oracle cards, use a vision board framework inspired by Colette Baron-Reid, and have access to an inspiring range of materials to choose from. Throughout the day you will gradually collect images and words that resonate with your goals, before assembling your board using simple collage, in front of a cozy log fire in the afternoon.
Sunday: We’ll close the weekend with a powerful activation ritual to help bring your vision to life.
No experience of meditation, spiritual practice, or any art or craft skills are required to be able to fully take part in this retreat. The retreat takes an expansive pan-spiritual approach. You will be guided every step of the way by Andrea’s gentle voice and her natural warmth. She brings a depth of experience as an artist, crafter, and Wild Therapist, as well as facilitation of small crafting and slow-stitch groups, an original training qualification in art therapy, and leading Wild Way Retreats, therapeutic residential retreats for women in the U.K.
Jacqui’s knowledge of the area, her warm welcome as venue host, and her vast experience as an aromatherapist will help you feel supported and taken care of during your stay. Both Andrea and Jacqui are trained as Mind Calm Coaches / Calmologists with the Calm Clan Academy led by Sandy Newbigging.
Christie’s Croft, Finzean.
Single and double rooms are available at our cosy venue Christie’s Croft, on a first come basis, in the beautiful, quiet village of Finzean, near Banchory in Aberdeenshire. You will wake up with stunning views of Clachnaben and be able to access the woods near by, or just relax in front of the wood stove.
We have 4 rooms available (maximum capacity is 6 women with 4 people sharing).
2 upstairs flexible rooms offer a more economical sharing option. Why not invite a friend to come with you? Or let us know if you’d be willing to make a new friend by sharing during your stay. Shared accommodation is £75 per person for the whole weekend.
2 downstairs rooms can be booked for single occupancy if this is your preference. Single occupancy is £120 per person for the whole weekend.
Finzean, Autumn skies
Quote from guest at Christie’s Croft 2024 “The attention to detail is evident in their great website…It was very cosy and the wood-burning stove worked well and added to the cosy feel…We loved the small bars of artisan soap in every bathroom…It has been tastefully modernised and is also very functional.”
The house has 2 spacious bathrooms and an extra toilet, so no queues!
All food and meals are included, and will be nourishing vegan and vegetarian dishes. We will eat together as a group, and we will ask you about your dietary requirements at booking so that any allergies can be accommodated.
Feel free to bring your own snacks, although there will be some available.
We do not provide alcohol and we are not licensed. Due to the nature of the retreat, we suggest that alcohol is avoided, but we understand that you may enjoy a glass of something with your meal. Please bring your own.
Smoking is prohibited inside the house. Please only smoke in the designated area outside.
Please do not bring/use illegal drugs at the retreat.
We’re really sorry but we cannot accommodate your dog or other pets at the venue.
.Because the venue and group are small and intimate, this is a WOMEN ONLY event.
This is the perfect opportunity to take a break before Spring. Supported by the waxing moon energy you will align with your deepest desires, listen to your quietest whispers, and connect with like-minded individuals. You will leave feeling refreshed, supported, inspired, and ready to manifest your vision.
Quote from Retreat participant led by Andrea in 2024 “The retreat reminded me that I can listen to my own heart, make big scary choices for myself and place myself back in the centre of my own story, with love.”
The retreat content only is £300 per person and is payable in full at booking (not including accommodation/non-residential option).
The retreat price includes all the guidance and support you will receive, all materials required, plus food and the preparation of your meals. See below for our cancellation policy.
One of 2 bedrooms that can be shared – with wonderful views of Clachnaben. Other rooms available.
HOW TO BOOK
Full payment for the retreat and accommodation is required on booking and details for bank transfer are on the booking form.
Please complete the short booking form that is available to download here and email to the address above.
Cancellation Policy
Both Andrea and Jacqui are small business owners, and due to the nature of this Retreat we cannot accommodate cancellations without a charge or cut-off point as this may mean we have to cancel altogether, disappointing people who have committed their time and money. We are very happy to answer all and any questions prior to taking your booking so that you can be sure it’s right for you. Just contact us and we will be happy to arrange a chat with you by phone, or answer any questions by email.
Cancellations can be made before 31st December but will incur a £150 non-returnable deposit.
Cancellations made after 31st December will be non-refundable.
Living room and log burner for cosy times (all pictures by Mel Shand)Clachnaben at sunrise, Finzean
1. it can help regulate the nervous system, and dispel stress and tension 2. balancing on mood, relaxing and uplifting. 3. pmt and menopause, wonderfully balancing for hormones 4. it is regulating on sebum in the skin 5. can be helpful for eczema & psoriasis 6. for bruising, as it is astringent and can help with minor wounds 7. helpful for fluid retention, as it has a stimulating effect on the lymphatic system. 8. eases frustration and irritability
9 it has deodorant properties
10 can help speed up healing on minor wounds
Where geranium comes from
The geranium that I offer and use in my products is pelargonium graveolens (Latin name) and I prefer to use the rose variety of geranium. That is not a geranium that has rose in it, but rather it is the name given to the best quality (I believe) of geranium. The geranium essential oil is obtained from the leaves of the plant. It is obtained by steam distillation and can vary in colour, but usually green colour.
The plant itself can grow up to 1 metre high and has hairy leaves and is a perennial. Over the years I have fallen in love with the Egyptian rose geranium, I just think it is way above the others in terms of fragrance and quality. Other places of origin include Algeria, Morocco and Bulgaria . Even within one variety there is such a difference in the oil that it productes coming from different countries of the world.
Uses of geranium sinceancient times
Geranium essential oil was used by the Greeks and the Romans. Geranium was brought from South Africa to Europe in the 17th century and was highly prized in the perfume industry. It blends incredibly well with a wide range of oils including, frankincense (one of my favourite combinations), also bergamot, roman chamomile, sweet orange and rose otto. It always creates a great synergy when blended.
If you feel that geranium essential oil would be a useful oil for you, buy it here from Organica J. There is also available a range of other essential oils, with information on their uses, available in the essential oil category on the website. Always use on the body blended with a carrier/vegetable oil.
If you require further information on any oils, feel free to contact us by email or phone.
NB if you have a medical condition/take medications check with your GP and/or a qualified aromatherapist before using essential oils.
This topic is very much in the forefront right now – AT LAST! So as my own personal journey with menopause has unfolded and I have found more insight, learnings and tools to share with you. I am updating hugely a previous blog on peri-menopause and menopause from an aromatherapy and meditation toolkit point of view.
I have included more aromatherapy and general information, that I have personally found to be useful and some more blends that you may enjoy to help with this time in your life.
Now at age 59 and I have been incredibly lucky in this menopause journey, while listening to clients and friends experiences. However I must give myself credit for being fully aware and taken a great deal of preparation and care with self. Everyone is different and unique with this, as in anything. That is how I treat my clients, and myself.
My Choices
I went pescetarian in my 40’s actually because of my beliefs around animals, but also very much in preparation for menopause. My initial plans were to only eat organic meat. However, I found that I just didn’t want any meat of any kind, and did not miss it. I am now fully vegetarian since autumn 2023. My body & mind is still happy with this choice.
A healthy balanced diet is extremely important to me and I do enjoy drinking Deeside Water (so not just for using in my Aloe Vera gel, Muscle Rub and Midge & Mozzie Balm, ha ha). I seem to now need salads and green vegetables each day to keep my energies up and I eat a regular amount of seeds too, which I enjoy.
I keep my sugar intake modest. Largely avoiding cakes, biscuits sweets, but plain crisps are my downfall, but do not seem to affect my hormone balance.
A glass of wine or two at the weekend used to be very fine, but I now find that alcohol and sugar can sometimes just cause hot flushes, so I’m finding even the organic wine does not agree with me. So I replaced that with a whisky topped up with water when I feel I wish to celebrate along with friends or my partner and that in moderation appears to be ok for me.
I take the Protecta blend of vitamins, which includes the B vitamins from G & G Vitamins who are a great company. I also find that highly processed foods with additives create problems for me, but I have never really had them in my diet regularly, but I am now aware they are not supportive at all.
Exercise
I have also returned in the last 14 months to regular swimming (twice a week). I need fresh air, so I do a fabulous weekly, outside (yes outside!) boot camp with Rhona of Deeside Fitness and all the ladies – in the summer Rhona is looking at going back outside with her weekly Boxercise class, which I also love. t least a walk for exercise regularly before work (even in the bad weather).
I also enjoy a walk out in the lovely countryside where I live (even in the bad weather) and play the occasional game of badminton, and yoga class too. For me personally exercise has always been a really important part of my life and I think it is incredibly helpful in this transition stage of my life.
It is not my suggestion that everyone does this amount of exercise, less or more is fine of course, but I think it is hugely empowering to have it as part of your menopause support strategy.
I love, of course, also use essential oils and my blends a lot, as a fantastic support for me, alongside short daily meditation (morning and night).
Now that is just MY chosen journey so far. Yours could be totally different and that is all absolutely fine and how it should be! I haven’t mentioned HRT, simply because I haven’t used it myself. So I cannot talk from personal experience, but I definitely work with many clients who are, or have. I have supported clients who experienced many different kinds of things in menopause and peri-menopause. Many various blends and treatments have been used to support my clients, working with each person individually.
Stress & Insomnia
These can be big issues in peri-menopause and menopause. I have experienced both and they cause a spiral downwards when they catch hold. After big personal losses over the last four years, the ongoing business stresses of this present climate, plus setting up another business in partnership with my daughter recently, both stress and insomnia have been present and affected my wellbeing and menopause symptoms hugely. However again I am lucky to have all the tools at my disposal to support myself (that includes great family and close friend support).
We can return to balance only when we are aware that it has been lost. So stopping and taking stock of what is going on in your life that is helping and what is not – is always a great exercise. I can definitely recommend journalling along with meditation to support with this too.
Aromatherapy Blends recipes
Here are a number of blends that you can try to help you with hormonal and mood balance plus alleviating anxiety, insomnia or stress in menopause or peri-menopause .
I am using low levels of essential oils, it is definitely a case of ‘less is more’ . The blends that you will reach for will change – maybe even on a daily or weekly basis and that is just perfect. Some blends that I reach for are not a traditional blend for menopause, but right now it could be calling my name! With aromatherapy use your intuition, and go with what your body needs, it will talk if you let it, I believe. You must really be drawn to the blend for the best results.
The oils I would choose for use in menopause or peri-menopause generally are:
b) frankincense 2 drops, 2 drops geranium, 1 drop cypress You can use this blend in a diffuser or burner with water, or blend with a vegetable oil (around 15ml – approx. a dessert spoon) for use on the body.
Other blends that I would recommend or have used, the top two maybe more specific for hot flushes, but they also more widely helpful too.
All these can be used in a burner or diffuser with water, or blended with the vegetable oil (around 15ml) for use on the body. What I often recommend to clients and use myself a lot too is to put the oils blended in vegetable oil on your pulse points and on the upper chest area (where easily inhaled). Do this practice both during the day, if possible, and at night time before sleep.
For ease of use the ready made Roller Ball Pulse Points and the After Shower Bath & Body Oils are also great for this. The I Am So Calm Collection is ideal for peri-menopause and menopause, you can choose from
Joy – great for reducing anxiety, lifting mood (while still relaxing) and balancing hormones.
Love – for full relaxation, emotional balance and enhanced femininity.
Meditation – for stilling your overactive mind, enhancing mind, body and soul connection and slower breathing.
My go to recently has been using one of the the After Shower, Bath & Body Blends after my bath or shower. I give to myself a relaxing and caring little ritual of self nurture. Choosing which one I need by using my intuition each day and then massage one of the the blends on my body ,and go to bed relaxed and nourished with well moisturised skin. I can definitely recommend shutting off your phone entirely prior to going to bed. Allow your mind to slow down and you can enjoy a short meditation before bed to enhance your relaxation and as part of your sleep ritual.
Alternatively you can use the blends above (without further blending in vegetable oil) – on a tissue by your pillow overnight.
You can also add these blends above once blended in vegetable/carrier oil in your bath too (just be careful with slips getting in and out of the bath and wipe down your bath afterwards). I most definitely have, as I bath almost every evening before bed. Or you can simply use them as an after shower body moisturiser and gain the benefit of the blends with a calm and more balanced mind – and nourished skin too!
Be Kind to Yourself Always
I hope that you find this blog helpful for you, just go with what is in tune with you right now, and be aware that this could well change either in time, or regularly. Use your inner guidance and if you use the blends enjoy them
Be kind to yourself always, and take regular time out for you – even 10-15mins twice a day. I cannot recommend enough the synergy of these amazing oils. Use alongside meditation, mindfulness and/or silent relaxation during menopause and peri-menopause
If you have a complex medical history/medications always check with your GP before using essential oils, or ask a qualified aromatherapist
Immerse yourself in an empowering WILD WAY RETREAT with Andrea & Lucy
at Summer Solstice at the beautiful and peaceful Embercome in Devon inclusively from Thursday 20th June til Sunday 23rd June 2024.
This retreat is exclusively for women and there are only limited places available.
Join us for a transformative 3-night retreat surrounded by peaceful and lush shared spaces.
Andrea and Lucy have designed and created this unique experience to bring you a retreat like no other.
The wild way retreat is especially and only for women and it offers you
a profound journey of self-discovery, growth, and connection with nature.
Highlights of this wild way retreat include:
Solstice Celebration: share this magical time of renewal.
Nature Immersion: connect deeply with the natural environment at Embercombe. Spiral Walk: take a symbolic journey of self-reflection.
Holistic Practices: meditation, dreamwork, movement, crafting, group-work, oracle card readings, and more, to deepen your connection with self and nature.
Shared Space: be present with like-minded women in a supportive and restorative environment.
Andrea and Lucy’s aims for your wild way retreat experience
Feel calmer, connected, and embodied
Gain insight into your triggers and patterns
Step into your unique power
Gain clarity about what you want and need for yourself
Feel free to be you and explore new things
Feel rested and relaxed
Explore and express emotions in a safe and professionally held environment
Supported by nurturing new friendship
Reserve your spot for this empowering retreat by contacting Andrea & Lucy at contact@lucyfurniss.co.uk
Meet Your Retreat Guides Andrea Hobbs and Lucy Furniss
Lucy Furniss Experienced Gestalt Therapist and Wild Therapist
We are delighted to introduce Lucy Furniss, an experienced Gestalt Therapist and Wild Therapist, who will be guiding you through transformative experiences during the Wild Way Retreat.
Background: With a rich background in Gestalt Therapy and Wild Therapy, Lucy has been actively working with individuals and groups in and around the New Forest and Bournemouth since 2016. Her private practice reflects her commitment to guiding others to discover and expand their inner wisdom and strengths.
Guiding Philosophy: Lucy is passionate about helping you to find your inner wild and living a spontaneous and creative life, and is dedicated to supporting you on an enriching journey of self-discovery. She believes in helping individuals connect with their inner selves, fostering psychological growth and healing. Her unique approach involves exploring and nurturing your connection to the outdoors, with a belief that the natural world has much to teach us and transformative potential.
Environmental Advocacy: Beyond personal well-being, Lucy is committed to protecting and healing our planet. She actively advocates for humanity to find its place as an integral part of the natural world, emphasizing the importance of harmony and interconnectedness.
Personal Touch: Lucy finds her greatest joy outdoors, often seen walking her dog, and immersing herself in the restorative surroundings of the forest, beach and water. Her connection to nature is not only a professional commitment but a deeply personal and fulfilling aspect of her life.
Experience Lucy’s calm presence, therapeutic guidance and knowledge as part of this Wild Way Retreat, to support you in an inspiring journey, bringing you to a deeper relationship with yourself and the world around you.
More about Lucy: For more detailed information about Lucy’s work and extensive experience, you can visit her website www.lucyfurniss.co.uk
Andrea HobbsExperienced crafter-artist, Wild & Art Therapist, Meditation Mind Calm Coach, Tarot and Oracle Card Guide.
Joining us on this transformative journey is Andrea Hobbs, a seasoned expert in various realms of creativity, mindfulness, and therapeutic practices. Andrea brings a wealth of experience and a unique blend of skills to enhance your Wild Way Retreat experience.
Background: Originally trained in Art Therapy and now as a Wild Therapist, she also works for a charity. Andrea is dedicated to the holistic well-being of individuals. Her journey has led her to become a certified Meditation Mind Calm Coach, a facilitator for mindfulness art & craft groups, and a skilled guide in the realms of tarot and oracle cards.
Guiding Philosophy: Andrea offers a distinctive blend of wild creativity and intuitive pragmatism to every experience. Her approach is rooted in the belief that exploring our creativity, connecting with nature, and delving into the intuitive self can lead to profound personal transformation. She has traversed a path of alternative spirituality for over four decades, exploring a myriad of avenues and paths, and returning to nature as a primary source wisdom.
Connection to the Unseen: Andrea’s deepening connection with the unseen aspects of life infuses a unique energy into the Wild Way Retreat. Her observations will open doors to the mystical dimensions, fostering an explorative and transformative experience. By blending the mystical with her well-grounded approach, she creates a harmonious balance that can guide you through your own journey of self-discovery.
Personal Touch: Andrea is based in the picturesque County Durham. Her happiest moments are spent in nature, whether it’s the simple joy of sitting beneath her favourite oak tree with her dog in the ancient woodland close to her home, or exploring the untamed beaches of Northumberland, scanning for driftwood, shells and pebbles.
Prepare to be guided by Andrea’s vibrant expertise as you embark on this journey of self-discovery, creativity, and connection during the Wild Way Retreat. Be prepared to embrace the wisdom of nature and uncover your own beauty and power.
More about Andrea: For more detailed information about Andrea and her expansive portfolio, please visit her website at andreahobbs.co.uk.
We are launching our Spectacular 12 days of organic Christmas promotion for 2023
We are pulling our all the stops this year to bring our lovely customers a brilliant offer every day from 1st December through to the 12th December. Enjoy on savings on all your favourite organic skincare this Christmas.
The best part is that you know that you are buying sustainably. All ingredients used are organic or wild-crafted and all the packaging is either recyclable or biodegradable.
Throughout our 12 days of an artisan organic Christmas starting from the 1st December, we will be running a different deal on each day. The code for each unique promotion will last 24 hours, but it will change everyday at midnight.
Enjoy this fab 12 days of Christmas offers.
This year we are starting early with the first offer – at 6pm on the evening of the 30th November . To celebrate St Andrews Day with FREE Delivery on all orders. This first offer will run until midnight on the Friday 1st December.
We don’t want to spoil the surprise of all the amazing offers we will doing, but for example, one day could be a big discount on a particular item. Then the next could be a free gift with each order!
It’s up to you whether to order on one day, or whether you wait until another day to see if it’s an offer more suited to you!
All we can guarantee is there will be a lot of great promotions. The promotion is a thank you to all our customers, old and new.
The codes will be announced on our Facebook and Instagram pages each day so please make sure to like/follow these accounts.
We hope you manage to get something that’s been on your Christmas list this year in our 12 days of Christmas offers!
Don’t forget you also have free entry to our Prize Draw with each online order. You could WIN an I Am Calm Collection Gift Basket worth over £70.
One lucky customer who orders between now until 6pm on the 18th of December will win.
Terms and Conditions:
The codes must be used at the checkout. The codes will be announced daily on our social media channels (Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/OrganicaJ) (Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/organicaj)
The codes are only valid for 24 hours. Customers cannot request to change codes for another day’s code.
It may be the case that some promotion codes will not show up in order confirmation or at the checkout. In such cases, you will be contacted once your order is placed with details about the promotion you have applied for.
