We would like to extend a warm welcome to you and introduce you to our lovingly renovated family home in the heart of Royal Deeside, Scotland.
Christie’s Croft is run by myself – Jacqui of Organica J and my daughter Josephine, who runs her own gym, `(that she co-owns with James), called Thrive, in Brighton. Our home has become a great family partnership, which we are loving.
Our cosy retreat features 2 bedrooms, sleeping 6 guests.
Lots to See and Do in Royal Deeside
Located in the beautiful Royal Deeside area, there is no shortage of activities and sights nearby. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy scenic walking and hiking trails, while avid salmon fishers will find plenty of prime fishing spots in the river Dee. There are many golf courses nearby and great cycling opportunities aplenty too.
In Highland Games summer season there is much fun and local splendour. From Highland Dancing to Tossing the Caber and other traditional sports to enjoy. You don’t have to wear the kilt or tartan to enjoy them, of course, but there will be plenty tartan to see.
Balmoral Castle is an easy drive away, but there are other Castles even closer to visit, if history is your interest. We have stone circles too around the close by area.
During the winter months, nearby ski resorts offer fantastic ski and snowboarding activities.
We are situated very close (two minute walk) to Finzean Hall, where there are many great special celebrations such as weddings, etc and other events held.
About Christie’s Croft
Our old two story house is now made modern and cozy with a large garden and driveway where you can park up to 3 cars easily. There are two spacious bedrooms (one double and one twin) and a double sofa bed in the living room, which sleeps up to 6 very comfortably.
For your comfort Christie’s Croft has two bathrooms and one WC, our modernised bathrooms include a bath with a shower downstairs and upstairs a large shower cubicle. In the dining room there is a fabulous and cozy wood burning stove for those relaxing and convivial meals spent with friends or family. When enjoying those evenings often you just want to spend a lot of time chatting and laughing at the table, but when you need a more comfortable seat by the stove there is a sofa to chill out on too,
There is a separate modern, well equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar for two. Plus a living room that has relaxed seating, including a sofa and rocking chair. You can socialise with your fellow guests, play games or watch TV. You can log in and stream your own entertainment packages from your phone too.
Escape the Rush and Just Relax
If a stay away from TV, etc is what you would love, we have books and games that you can enjoy reading and playing during your stay. Or just wile away many a quiet moment by the window enjoying the scenery, as some of our guests have said they enjoyed very much!
Enjoy the mountain view and the many forest woodland trails around Finzean and beyond. You can walk on a trail off the road most of the way to the Finzean Farm Shop (approx a mile away) and enjoy shopping for food or gifts there and a delicious bite of breakfast or lunch.
In the finer days, you can enjoy the outside life, we have an outside gas BBQ and under cover seating area where you can sit even if there are light showers and enjoy the morning/afternoon sun and views of the garden. We also have a patio area for sitting out at the back door where there is a table and four chairs.
Pet Friendly
We are dog friendly, and welcome up to two, well behaved dogs, who will really enjoy exploring the local countryside (on a lead of course) as much as you will. Doggies are not allowed on the furniture or upstairs, but there is plenty scope for them to roam on the wooden flooring downstairs or curl up in their beds or by your feet at the wood burning stove.
Christies Croft is within a 15 minute drive of supermarkets, many other cafes, bars, restaurants, activity centres and much more.
Local Produce Welcome Pack
We have a welcome pack for every party of guests staying, so that you can enjoy a cuppa and a snack on your arrival, which folk have fed back is great when arriving late at the house.
We include local produce wherever we can, most times it includes Katy’s Eggs (I was at school with Katy!) and Deeside Shortbread (they were our neighbours for many years and I helped out many years ago at the factory, when it was in Finzean at Christmas time!.
Also Deeside Water . Organica J uses the amazing Deeside Water as an active ingredient in the Aloe Vera Gel, Muscle Rub and Midges and Mozzie Balm as it has so many scientifically proven healing properties. Interestingly many moons ago, Queen Victoria used to bathe in it as she enjoyed its properties.
Eco Credentials
Of course, you can be assured of complementary Organica J organic soaps in every bathroom and free wrapped soap to take home too.
We only use eco cleaning materials and recycled toilet roll and tissues in Christie’s Croft and much of the furniture was our own or lovingly inherited, recycled, reclaimed or restored.
Christie’s Croft New Website
We are very excited to have just launched our own booking website christiescroft.com where you can get a 15% discount for booking direct with us.However through Organica J we are offering an EXCLUSIVE Organica J Subscribers a MASSIVE 20% off our rates. You can find the code in your newsletter, or email Jacqui at Organica J for information. Enjoy a look around and make a great saving on your well earned break away.
For any queries email Jacqui or Josephine on christiescroftfinzean@gmail.com.
There is so much going on in the external/outside world today, it is difficult to disengage with all that is going on. Also our ever increasing to do lists, just seem to get bigger and bigger and we are back to running faster than ever, with work, with family, and all the rest of the pulls on our time and energy.
I know that it feels counter intuitive when everything is requiring your attention to STOP and take time out, but this is the best way to allow a reset and restore of your energy and motivation. I experience this hugely and especially over the last two years, running a business, while renovating the house and building a new venture to run alongside the other. It was easy to feel overwhelmed and quite frankly exhausted. My relationships with my daughter, my partner, my closest friends (or indeed anyone) were not so easy under that strain.
Aromatherapy and meditation, I have found, can be a refuge from that constant pressure within yourself to do more (I am great at pushing myself to the very limits of my energy with work) and the external world shouting as well. I was feeling overwhelmed!
I love to be busy and productive, but realising that by taking time out with regular holiday breaks and supporting myself with aromatherapy and meditation, allows me to achieve more while having that all important ‘me time’ even within the busiest of days. My creativity needs those free times to fully flourish and blossom
I Am So Calm Aromatherapy Blends
I have returned to using the I am So Calm blends as a self massage after shower or bath at the end of the day. This takes me to bed having undergone some self care through touch and inhalation of the calming oils. I enjoy reaching for the oil blend that I intuitively feel is right for that day. It is fun to do that to and allows me to tune in to how I feel in that present moment. Allowing a holistic connection with mind and body.
The meditation blend is great if I also have some body aches and pains from the strenuous day, as well as stilling the mind and readying me for a before bed (or in bed) meditation (however brief – the intention is the important part).
The Love blend I have often used when I have been unable to connect properly to those I love during the days as I have been so busy and/or to soothe and give myself a loving hug with these oils. It is a great blend for de-stressing at the end of a hectic day.
The Joy blend I use the most, if I am honest, to uplift and balance and nurture. I absolutely adore petitgrain and along with the rose geranium, bergamot and rose. It is such a balancing blend to help with anxiety and hormonal balance. Which at my current menopause stage of life I find incredibly helpful.
I tend to use the oil blends, maybe just as being a massage therapist oils are most definitely my thing. However the Pulse Point Roller Balls are incredibly popular and make the blends more accessible to use during the day when you feel overwhelm strike. Keep them in your bag, on your desk, or in your home, so that you can easily reach for them and put a little on your wrists (pulse point) or from of chest to enjoy the gentle, but powerful fragrance to transport you to a calmer place.
Organic Essential Oils
Although I have had to stop offering essential oils to buy through the website, I would like to continue to offer aromatherapy blend ideas here, as well as my ready made blends that you can buy from the website or my lovely outlets that stock them.
If you wish to purchase essential oils to use I recommend using organic essential oils, of course, and I further recommend NHR oils from Brighton, who have fabulous ethics and high quality.
Aromatherapy Blend Recipes to Ease Overwhelm
When you are feeling overwhelmed, here are a couple of essential oil blends that I would recommend in addition to the I am so Calm range.
1 drop of Neroli, 2 drops of frankincense and 2 drops of rose geranium used in an oil burner or diffuser with water or blended in a dessertspoon of vegetable oil (such as organic olive, sunflower or sweet almond).
Alternatively
1 drop of rose Otto, 2 drops of sweet orange, 1 drop of sandalwood used in an oil burner or diffuser with water or blended in a dessertspoon or vegetable oil.
Take a Breath
Using essential oils in the diffuser, the I am So Calm Blends, or the Pulse Point roller balls while meditating is also a really great ritual/practice to enjoy a little longer when you can.
When I become aware that I am working too hard/too long or feeling overwhelmed and stressed, that is when it is time to pause -yes sometimes right in the middle of the busy-ness! and even if it is just to apply the roller ball, close my eyes for a minute and take a few of deep breaths. Return to right here and now out of your mind for a moment. I cannot even write this without doing just that.
Make a promise to yourself to set aside some time in the near future to have specific time out to yourself, and to do what you love. You find find (as I definitely have) that the feeling of overwhelm is so much less, or indeed not there at all when you do.
If you have complex medical issues and/or medications always check with a qualified aromatherapist or your GP before using your own blends.
Peppermint essential oil is one that I often overlook when using oils in therapy for some reason. But I used it without fail every time I travel as I find that inhaling it from a tissue was incredibly helpful to prevent any nausea or anxiety when travelling. I now find that I have used it for so many years (literally decades) for this purpose that I can just close my eyes on take-off when flying and I can smell it!
For skin a tiny amount is all you need as an anti-itch (blended in an oil/cream and peppermint is extremely helpful also in aftersun to soothe skin.
I use peppermint leaf tea as a digestive aid and is my favourite herbal tea. A small amount of Peppermint essential oil 1/2 drops only can be carefully blended with a vegetable oil and massage the stomach/abdomen in a clockwise direction for indigestion and digestive issues.
In our own products, I use peppermint essential oil as an active ingredient in our highly effective Midges & Mozzie Balm. Prevents and also soothes after any bites.
Our top 10 uses of peppermint oil
1. soothing on the digestive system
2. for nausea & travel sickness 3. for mental fatigue 4. with a cold compress for headaches 5. relief from neuralgia & muscle aches 6. for colds & flu 7. sinus issues 8. relief of skin itching/irritation 9. aids clear thinking & concentration
Peppermint Essential oil is steam distilled and is perennial herb native to Europe and was brought to USA later. USA is now a large producer of peppermint essential oil. It is pale yellow or olive coloured. It has a strong minty fragrance. Peppermint has been used since ancient times as a flavour. It is best to use peppermint during the day rather than evening/before bed, as it can be a stimulant.
When using essential oils where you have specific medical problems always contact a qualified aromatherapist or consult with your GP
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 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: Andrea has a BA (Hons) degree in art and design, and also gained a Post-graduate Diploma in Art in 1993. She has continuously built up her skills and experience over many years, including training 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.
We are so excited to launch the rebranded, apothecary style, I Am Collection. The fresh, distinctive new biodegradable labels on our After Shower Bath & Body Oils, Aromatherapy Pulse Point Roller Balls are available for you in time for Christmas. These are complemented by the three soaps in the I Am Calm Collection with their full biodegradable packaging. I am sure that you will enjoy buying for yourself or for the special people in your life.
Enjoy the highest quality of aromatherapy oils, with minimal recyclable or biodegradable packaging. We believe that excessive and expensive packaging is entirely unnecessary, it is about the quality of the contents that is important.
The new artwork has been intuited and created for Organica J by the wonderfully talented Andrea Hobbs.
The I Am Calm Collection contains three different blends to choose from.
Joy
This is ideal when more happiness is needed. This blend encourages uplift, emotional balance and deep nurture. Bring in more joy to your life in a fabulously natural way. Connect with the strength and synergy of this oil blend that is bubbling over with joy.
I feel that this blend is ideal for women, especially when you are in a life transition, it is supportive and uplifting. It can also be helpful to balance body and mind, especially at pre-menstrual and menopause.
The premium organic essential oils in this blend are Rose Geranium, Petitgrain, Bergamot and Rose Otto.
Feel Joy More
Love
Sometimes it can be difficult to find the time to look after your own needs while you are busy looking after everyone. Use this blend to bring you self care and self love, definitely a hug in a bottle.
So soothing for your heart and emotions .
Connect with the power and synergy of this love-filled organic blend.
Love blend contains organic essential oils of sweet orange, patchouli, ylang ylang and jasmine.
Be Love
Meditation
In our fast paced life this blend is excellent for quietening your busy mind..
Connect with stillness within yourself with our Meditation Blend. Encourage more calmness and peace, exceptionally restorative to your mind and body.
Ideal to use as a meditation tool, it can assist your meditation practice and help you connect more regularly with the present moment.
Meditation blend contains organic essential oils of frankincense, lavender, sandalwood and vetivert.
Be Present More
Suitable for Vegans and Gluten free
The after shower, bath & body oil can be used on the body as a powerful moisturiser after shower, bath or as an excellent pre-blended massage oil. The base vegetable oil blend contained in these luxury oils is the highly prized rosehip oil, nourishing olive oil and vitamin and mineral rich sunflower oil.
Right now I am really enjoying using these blends on my super sensitive, eczema prone skin – and it is smooth, soft and what is more it is entirely rash free.
The aromatherapy pulse point roller balls can be easily carried to work or wherever you are. You can reach for the pulse point to bring calm whenever you need it. They are so easy to apply and a little is all you need each application.
These are nicely complemented with a creamy and moisturising organic soap, that skin just loves. Gently cleans and protects and is very long lasting
All the I Am Calm Collection are vegan friendly and are gluten free.
Biodegradable packaging for our Gift Boxes
An excellent choice for Birthdays, Christmas or indeed any special occasions. These I am Calm Collection Organic Gift Boxes are presented in a totally biodegradable gift box. The box is made from recycled card finished with recycled tissue paper, wood wool and rafia. You can be sure that you are gifting while still supporting our extremely precious planet.
Perfect for Birthdays, Christmas or indeed any special occasion.
Each Gift Box Contains: I am Calm After Shower, Bath & Body Oil 50ml, I am Calm Pulse Point Roller Ball, Organic Soap 45g. They are available in Joy, Love or Meditation.
The I am Calm Organic Gift Boxes come to you packaged either for you to send them out in the post or to give direct to the lucky recipient.
Welcome to another of Organica J’s Top Ten Uses. Here we will be focusing on 10 helpful uses for Frankincense essential oil.
We use frankincense essential oil as an ingredient in our I am Calm Collection Meditation Blend which is available in an essential oil blend, after shower, bath and body oil, a pulse point roller ball and a nourishing soap. All these products are ideal for ultimate relaxation and as a meditation tool.
Frankincense is also in our Orange and Frankincense Blend. this blend is wonderful to create a calming atmosphere all year around, but optimum around the festive time, the perfect antidote for taking the stress out of the Christmas frenetic energy.
Working as a clinical aromatherapist and skincare creator, frankincense is one of my most used essential oils, I love it! and I find it so gently powerful. Helping with clearing the mind when over stressed or anxious and with moving forward in life. It is an ideal choice for meditation. I just couldn’t do without frankincense oil – I take it with me anytime I am away from home! Here are what I think are its top ten uses.
