Gilden Tree, Inc.

The Picnic Basket

2011-07-22T15:16:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago, my mom was piling stuff up for Good Will, including her old picnic basket.

I've been seeing this picnic basket all my life and it always meant good things to me. As a child I loved the idea of picnics - eating outdoors, eating mostly without silverware and being together with my family.

On an impulse I asked my Mom if I could have the old picnic basket, and she said, "Of course, but do you really want that old basket?" Visions of lazy picnics and sunny days dancd in my head. So I brought it home.

I took this photograph of it a couple of days ago. It's a good, old-fashioned picnic basket: simple, practical and well-made. No, it doesn't keep cold things cold, or hot things hot. It doesn't have a drain in the bottom, or wheels. It doesn't have flashing lights and wouldn't float worth a darn.

But... it holds everything you need, and it's solid as a rock even after 50 years. It holds all the food, even casseroles and odd shaped bowls, and dishes and cutlery. It holds a picnic blanket (I have a Sage Green Modern Design Blanket in there.) It holds books, and crayons and notebooks. And when the handles are folded down, it makes a fine low tabletop.

It is clearly something my mother would buy. My Mom never bought cheap stuff - she just didn't believe in it. If she wanted something, she saved up and bought the very best she could get. And then she took care of it.

You may wonder why on earth I'm writing about this picnic basket and my Mom.

I think it's because she's had such a profound impact on me, and by extension on Gilden Tree. What it means is that I don't want us to sell something that my Mom wouldn't have wanted to buy.

I want every product we sell to be well-made and to do what it's supposed to do. I want it to be the best quality we can make it. I want it to be amazingly good.

I know you can buy cheaper stuff, much cheaper in fact. But if Gilden Tree is going to offer you something, I hope it will be something you'll hang onto. Something you'll take care of and maybe - just maybe, something one of your own kids will rescue from the Good Will pile one day.

Summer Foot Care Tips for Diabetics

2011-07-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

For people with Diabetes, summer can present a real challenge - but by using a little common sense, you can still enjoy the beach, the pool and the great outdoors.

Over time, the feet of a diabetic lose sensitivity and may not be able to "feel" as well as the feet of a person without Diabetes. They also take longer to heal from infections and injuries, so you need to protect them from the elements: sun, hot pavement, rough surfaces and sharp objects.

Little problems can become big ones if you don't take care of them. The California Podiatric Medical Association says "Most [serious foot health issues] begin as minor injuries that were left untreated."

So enjoy the summer and protect your feet by following these common-sense tips:

1. Wear real shoes and clean socks. Avoid sandals, flip-flops and going barefoot - it's just not worth the risk to your feet. Clean, unwrinkled socks and comfortable shoes will mean you can enjoy the outdoors safely. (The American Diabetes Association also recommends that you buy shoes at the end of the day, when feet are the largest.) Going swimming? Wear water shoes that hug your feet and be sure to check them frequently for debris.

2. Shake out your shoes before you wear them, in case there's any gravel or other objects in them. Check with your hands to be sure that nothing in your shoe will rub against your feet. (Good advice anytime!)

3. Wash feet daily with warm water and gentle soap, and moisturize with a good foot cream like Gilden Tree's Nourishing Foot Cream. Always dry feet gently first and don't moisturize between your toes.

4. Inspect your feet daily, using a hand mirror if necessary. Look for bruises, cuts rashes, blisters or anything which looks odd.

5. Schedule regular appointments with your podiatrist - especially if you plan a lot of outdoor activities. If you have any doubts or concerns about your feet, do check with your doctor. Better safe than sorry!

6. Control your blood sugar, and don't smoke. Goes without saying but especially important in the summer.

All the pleasures of summer are waiting for you, if you just use a little common sense and take good care of your feet!

Father's Day Gift Guide

2011-04-27T14:22:00.001-07:00

Stumped for a Gift Your Dad Will Like?

Want to get something extra-sweet and extra-special for your Dad or the man who's been like a Dad to you this Father's Day? Forget it.

Sorry, but most of the men I've spoken with said their favorite gifts were the practical ones they received; ones they could use every day, that actually served a particular purpose or that they could eat. Okay, the odd hip flask was a cool gift or the retro cocktail shaker, but those somehow don't seem like Father's Day gifts to me.

So what can you do? Think outside the traditional gift box. Here are four of my favorite Father's Day Gifts:

1. Does Dad love to work outside, but have really dry hands from doing so? Get him a great new shovel, or garden fork or whatever he's been eying, and include some heavy duty salve, or some Shea Butter Balm. Throw in a home-made certificate for a hand massage and you're good to go.

2. Are your Dad's feet a wreck? Get him a terra-cotta Foot Scrubber and a Foot Cream. And include a massage certificate, except this time for the feet. Ignore his protests that he doesn't want anyone touching his feet - he would secretly love to be spoiled a little, and he'll be hooked within 10 seconds of the first touch.

3. Does he cruise around the house in a pair of disreputable boxers? Maybe it's time for him to get a robe of his own. But make sure you get a robe that's comfortable and practical - there's nothing worse than a "luxury" robe that's too hot to wear, or gets musty-smelling because it doesn't dry quickly.

For summer, our most popular robe is the Classic Waffle Weave Kimono Style Robe. These robes are very generously sized, they're super-comfortable and they wash and dry like a dream. (They were actually developed for use in a spa and look just as good on a man as they do on a woman.)

4. Another great option are the new Waffle Weave Towels. These 100% cotton towels are soft, absorbent and dry quickly. They're available in two styles, Classic Waffle Weave Towels, and Modern Design Waffle Weave Towels, in a range of colors and sizes.

Need Gift Wrap? Gilden Tree offers gift wrap for just $5.00, and a free gift message. Items are placed in a nice brown kraft gift box, and tied with a real green ribbon. See? That was easy, wasn't it?

GildenTree.Com

Graduation Gift Guidelines

2011-04-27T13:18:00.000-07:00

Choosing a Great Gift for Graduates is Easy!

Graduation, leaving home and going away to college are big steps in anyone's life.

Traditionally, a watch or piece of fine jewelry would be a treasured graduation gift. But these days, more practical gifts top the list for most grads.

Being independent and making your own decisions can be as challenging as it is exhilarating, but you can help ease that transition by helping your graduate be prepared.

For most students, dorm life is their first experience in communal living. Habits which made sense in the privacy of your own home are simply impractical in shared living spaces.

What do you wear to and from the bathroom, especially if you share a large bathroom down the hall? How many towels do you really need? What kind of robe or shower wrap is appropriate where men and women may be housed on the same floor? It's not always easy to anticipate.

So, here are our recommendations for the most practical and appreciated graduation gifts:

Robes:

A robe should be comfortable, easy to care for, quick-drying and a little more generously sized. (Many freshmen gain a few pounds that first year as they adjust to a changed diet.) Steer away from anything too short, revealing or see through.

An ideal solution would be Gilden Tree's kimono style Waffle Weave Robe, or shawl collar Waffle Weave Robe. These robes are comfortable, attractive, dry quickly, and wash and dry well.

For more full-figured students, you may want to consider a Full-Figured Waffle Weave Robe, designed to look and feel just like the regular kimono style robe, but redesigned especially for full-figured folks.

Shower Wraps:

These are a godsend for just after the shower, and for applying makeup and doing your hair. Most dorms have either a communal bathroom with rows of sinks, or a suite type arrangement, where one bathroom is shared amongst 4 or more people.

In either case, sink and mirror time is always at a premium, and being able to get ready without having to go back to the room and get dressed first is very convenient. All shower wraps should be longer than the knee, with a good front overwrap and should wash and dry well.

I recommend our Waffle Weave Shower Wraps, or our super-soft Velour Shower Wraps. Both are soft, comfortable and secure across the chest with a series of snaps, so they're very adjustable. Once again, full-figured versions are available in Velour and Waffle Weave.

Towels:

Most dorm rooms have miniscule closets and limited towel bars in the bathrooms, plus you may not want to leave your towel hanging in the bathroom for everyone to use, so it's smart to avoid thick, heavy, terry-cloth towels. Aim for a slightly thinner, more quick drying towel and avoid having damp towels draped over every available surface.

Often students will only do laundry once a week or perhaps only twice a month. A minimum or four to six towels should be included, and the same number of hand towels to use as a hair towel for girls. If your student uses them, plan to get at least a dozen wash cloths.

A great new option are waffle weave towels. These 100% cotton towels are light, soft and very absorbent, plus they dry very quickly, even in humid climates.

Gilden Tree offers towels in two styles: Modern Design and Classic Waffle Weave, in a range of sizes and fun colors.

Monogramming:

Monogramming is a wonderful way to personalize a gift, but be careful to choose a style that your student will enjoy. You may love a classic monogram in a curly Olde English letter style, but your graduate may want something a little more low key.

A pretty safe bet is to go with a clean, modern letter style in the same color as the item being monogrammed (white thread on a white robe, etc.) Single initials are very popular right now and should always be the first initial of the student's first name.

Avoid using nicknames that are babyish or silly - no matter how much you love them. Your student is doing his or her best to appear mature and together and a "Punkin'" monogrammed robe defeats the purpose.

The Real Gift:

The most important gift you can possibly give your student is your attention. Don't forget to check in with them from time to time, via email, phone or mail while they're away at school.

My mom sent my brothers and I letters, little gifts and home-baked cookies "packed" in popcorn. The taste of home and the feeling of being loved are something I've never forgotten. Even if they say they don't need it - they need it. So don't forget that most important gift of all.

GildenTree.Com

Shall We Dance? Foot Care For Dancers

2011-04-07T13:39:00.001-07:00

April is National Foot Health Month!

All dancers whether ballroom, bebop, ballet, boogie-woogie or belly know that a lot is riding on their feet - and we can learn a lot from them about foot care tips and routines that really work.

Perhaps one of the most demanding types of dance is Pointe Ballet, which looks so graceful and so uncomfortable both at the same time. Here's a great article from e-how about foot care for serious ballet dancers.

The author recommends "soaking in Epsom Salts after dancing, and applying thick moisturizing foot balms on your heels and areas where corns, blisters and calluses may develop. Do this every day, if possible, and even before getting your feet ready to wear pointe shoes."

We've worked with a lot of dancers over the years - and two crucial products are our Revitalizing Foot Soak Crystals, which feature Epsom Salt, Sea Salt and Shea Butter, and 95% Shea Butter Balm, an incredibly rich balm that melts into dry skin.

And of course, if you have any serious issues like bleeding or significant pain, you should visit your podiatrist. With just a couple of products, you can be sure to keep your dancing feet healthy and tip-top!

Foot Care for Runners

2011-04-04T13:14:00.001-07:00

April is National Foot Health Month!

Although it's still pretty chilly, serious runners are already out in force, and they need to be especially careful about foot care to enhance performance, prevent injury and protect their feet both while they run and afterward.

Amongst runners, there's a lot of discussion about calluses, preventing blisters and moisturizing. Calluses are a natural way for your feet to protect themselves against rubbing that's not serious enough to cause a blister. So in a way, they're good, but allowed to grow too large, they can alter the way your foot fits in a shoe, and you can still get a blister there.

The key seems to be finding a balance, and the Foot Scrubber is excellent because unlike a razor or a grater style callus remover that can cut off too much, you only remove a little each time.

Another issue is the problem with feet getting hot and sweaty during a run, which can exacerbate blisters. We have heard of people using petroleum jelly to coat their feet, but really prefer 95% Shea Butter Balm, as it seems to provide a better barrier to moisture.

It's also important to keep your feet well moisturized - and Gilden Tree Nourishing Foot Cream is excellent. The main ingredient is Certified Organic Aloe Vera, which helps reduce swelling and inflammation, and can help soothe burning.

One of our favorite bloggers on running is Jon Vonhof of fixingyourfeet.com. He's written an excellent book, "Fixing Your Feet", now in its fifth edition. Jon has a common sense approach to taking care of your feet and is easy to read and follow.

Whether you're a serious runner or a casual jogger, don't forget to start taking care of your feet now!

Home Decor Trends

2010-10-28T13:55:00.000-07:00

I was reading Organic Spa Magazine recently (which I love) and came across an article by Elaine Williamson, "10 Home & Decor Trends." I'm always a sucker for numbered lists - and reading about new trends is always interesting.

Among other fun trends, like the focus on vintage accents, it was her Trend #4: Elemental Color that really caught my eye.

Elaine writes:

Trend #4: Elemental Color

"Boldly colored accent pieces give a space visual interest and appeal. Brightly colored and/or patterned pillows, rugs and other accessories will bring an otherwise bland space to life and can be transitioned by season."

I was thinking how true that is based on my own experiences. I have an original 1920s era bathroom, with white tile and black accent tiles. (No awful greens or pinks, thank goodness!) But still it's primarily a white bathroom.

I've always used white towels - I love how clean and fresh they look and that they can be bleached in case of a disaster. But when we introduced colorful towels, especially the gorgeous colors in our Modern Design Towel line, I took some home for myself. What a transformation! The Sage Green and Espresso towels just "pop" on that white tile. I don't think I'll ever go back to White.

There is just something so summery and fresh with the Sage Green Towels and the Espresso ones are so warm and rich for Winter.

If you want to add a splash of color - you can even add a jewel of a hand towel. It's an easy way to get a bright fresh note in an otherwise bland room.

Now I just need some Orange towels for Fall, and maybe a Cream set for Spring?

Does Anybody Have a Monkey Wrench?

2010-07-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

Gone are the days when you could fix things with a few simple tools, or what my college roommate Cecilia called "percussive maintenance." (Basically just whacking whatever wasn't working, which worked surprisingly often.)

Alas, websites are a little more touchy and due to a technical problem, our website is down. We're working diligently to get the site back up again, but we've already received some calls with orders over the phone, and thought we'd make it just a bit easier for you.

Please click on a link to see our new retail catalogs:

Then call us toll-free at 888-445-3368, and we'll be happy to take your order by telephone. Just ask for Carrie or Rosemary and they'll take care of you. (Isn't it nice to have real people help you?!) Our office is open from 8:30 to 4:30 CST Monday through Friday.

If you'd rather place an order via email, please include your telephone number so we can call you for your credit card information. Please do not send your credit card information by email as it is not secure.

We'll let you know as soon as the site is back up and running consistently.

Thanks!

Ann
Toll-free 888-445-3368

The SHE Show and Summer Sandal Season

2010-06-09T13:36:00.000-07:00

Update: Spa Hospitality Expo

Well, the SHE Show (the virtual spa show we just exhibited at) was really interesting. I think our booth looked pretty cool and we had tons of information for spas and hotels. We "chatted" up lots of really nice people and want to welcome our new rep in Florida, Cheryl Locke! Welcome, Cheryl!

For me the strangest part was connecting with people all over the world, while being in my office, sipping tea and petting Jeanenne's dog Pogo, a golden retriever who comes in quite often to visit. (He and I have a special connection, a sort of meeting of the minds. That is, I have dog treats in my desk and he wants them.)

I'd say it was not bad for a first try, and that there is definitely a future for virtual shows. (I may need to get more dog treats.)

Time for Summer Sandals: Ready.... Set.... Stop?

Have you been letting your feet go a bit this winter? Or have you been gardening barefoot? I know I have been doing both, so until I get busy with my feet - I'm not showing them to anyone!

Fortuntely, it's not that hard to get your feet in shape, if you have the right tools. Click here to get tips on a fast fix for neglected feet. Make good use of your Foot Scrubber - after more than 20 years, I've never found anything I like better than mine. If you've never tried one, for heaven's sake order one now!

Welcome to our booth at the Spa Hospitality Expo!

2010-05-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

We are exhibiting at the first "virtual" trade show for the Spa Industry.

If you're like me, you're wondering just exactly what 's going to happen when they "flip the switch" and the show is live.

Will there be fireworks and smoke coming out the back of our computers?

Or will the silence be broken only by the quiet tick-tock of the clock on the wall?

Probably somewhere in the middle.

We're hopeful that like in a real trade show, that we can make you feel welcome, and that you'll let us know what you're looking for, so that we can help you.

There are going to be so many things to look at - it is all visual, after all.

What will we be showing at Gilden Tree?

Well for starters, we offer perhaps the best quality Waffle Weave Robes and Wraps in the country. Our spa waffle weave is not thin or prone to becoming the incredible shrinking robe or wrap.

This is the real stuff: the thickest, softest waffle weave you've ever felt, made with a blend of Natural Cotton and Polyester.

And of course you noticed that word Natural, right? Seems like you see that everywhere these days. If it's any help, our cotton is made without chemical processing, from defoliant-free cotton. We've been making our robes that way for about 18 years.

So, I'd say you should definitely look at our waffle weave spa robes and wraps.

But we also make wraps and headbands in a velvety soft French Velour. A few years ago at a trade show, a spa owner came to our booth on the last day and said she'd looked at all the wraps at the show, and that ours was the "Gold Standard of Spa Wraps."

The second thing you should look at is our Velour Wraps and headbands.

We also carry some beautiful, pure Natural Cotton Velour Robes, that are made of a thick terry that's sheared one side and brushed to velvety softness. These are luxurious robes, thick and lovely enough to be given as a gift.

What else?

Laundry: It's a six-letter word that couldn't be less glamorous, but it's something we need to talk about.

Because you'll want to know that every Gilden Tree robe, wrap, headband, blanket and towel is made to be machine washed and dried. Not just once or twice, but hundreds of times.

For a lot of waffle weave, machine washing and hot drying cause major, major shrinkage. But our robes, wraps and headbands are a blend that's stable, so you don't have to worry about laundry.

What about Personal Care?

We carry a line of foot, hand and body care that's so effective and offers so much natural healing that it's carried by podiatrists and other health care practitioners.

We actually say our products help your skin heal itself.

That's because we use ingredients that have been shown over time and in many cultures to offer genuine healing effects: Certified Organic Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter and Comfrey Extract.

These are in fact, the building blocks of our line, which makes our products very concentrated without being overwhelming.

So be sure to check out our personal care products. We offer them in Pro sizes, and retail sizes so you can use them in treatments and then sell them to your guests. Our footcare displays are really special, too. Black metal with our signature regimen: Soak, Scrub, Moisturize and Protect.

We're looking forward to getting to know you and finding out how we can help you. Don't forget to sign up for our email prize drawing, and if you'd to chat by telephone just give us a call at 888-445-3368.

Thanks!

Ann Thariani
President

Gilden Tree at the Naturally Green Expo

2010-05-05T14:11:00.000-07:00

Never say it can't happen - and right here in our own backyard!

Omaha was finally host to a "green" show and Gilden Tree was there as an exhibitor at the "Naturally Green" Expo last Saturday and Sunday.

It was fun to be around other "greenies" for the weekend and to get a chance to chat with many of the other vendors: especially organic farmers (nice to have great cheese across the aisle), the Slow Foods Nebraska folks and Safe Earth the organic lawn care company we use.

We met tons of neat people, and of course like any hometown event - bumped into old friends! Thanks for everyone who stopped by to chat and try Gilden Tree, especially the out-of-towners who were in Omaha for the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting. We never realized how many people already use and love Gilden Tree!

Thought you'd enjoy seeing some of the photos (albeit with poor lighting) and the expo commercial where our towels make a very brief appearance.

Special thanks to Carrie, Kumy and Mark for working the show. Our daughter Maya was there too, but she was pretty much glued to the Beak N Wings Bird Rescue Society's booth. We've talked about getting a bird for a long time, and so we adopted Apple, a friendly and cheerful gray Cockatiel. Maya's totally thrilled, and the Beak 'n' Wings people were incredibly helpful - I can't say enough good things about them.

And of course the biggest news: Joanie K. from Omaha was the winner of our Prize Drawing: 2 Modern Design Sage Green Guest Towels!

All in all it wasn't bad for a first event - and hopefully, the first of many.

2010-04-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

National Foot Health Month: April

Cracks and Calluses Hurt! How to Treat & Prevent Them

If your heels develop “cracks” or your feet develop calluses, your body is trying to tell you something.

Cracks or “heel fissures” occur when the skin gets so dry and thick that it actually splits, which exposes tender inner skin. You can have bleeding, and infection is a possibility.

Calluses are your body’s way of protecting skin from pressure, which can be due to a shoe rubbing, or a repetitive activity. It does protect your skin, but like anything, it can be too much of a good thing.

Both of these are handled by increasing moisturizing, and exfoliating after soaking. Here’s more extensive information about Preventing and Treating Cracked Heels, and a helpful article about Calluses.

Nothing beats 95% Shea Butter Balm for cracked heels in my opinion. You can use it everywhere - but it's super rich - perfect for feet which have fewer oil glands - and you only need a tiny amount. For best results, exfoliate feet every time you shower or bathe, (a Footscrubber works well) and afterward massage Shea Butter Balm into feet. It helps seal moisture in.

Also find a time that's easy to remember for using your Shea Butter. Just before bed is good, or first thing in the morning while you're getting ready.

My sister-in-law applies Shea Butter in the morning, puts on a pair of cotton socks, and wears them while she's getting ready. When she's ready to leave, she takes off the socks, the Shea Balm's absorbed and her feet are already softer!

Find the time now to work on your feet - you’ll be back in Sandals in no time.

2010-04-19T01:00:00.000-07:00

National Foot Health Month: April

Diagnosed with Diabetes?
Put Your Best Foot Forward!

Everyone keeps saying Diabetics need to special take are of their feet, but why?

As they age, people with Diabetes have more trouble with their feet. This is for two reasons: Diabetes eventually causes people to lose some sensitivity in their feet, which can mean that they may not feel a cut or scrape. Second, people with Diabetes may heal less quickly, so even a small cut or scrape can become a bigger problem.

But by following a good footcare routine, Diabetics’ feet can remain healthy and soft.

There are some really simple but important steps to follow. Examine your feet every day, using a mirror if necessary, looking for cuts or rough areas so you can treat them. Moisturize your feet regularly. Do not go barefoot, and visit your physician or podiatrist at least once a year.

The American Diabetes Association has a really great Guide to Diabetic Foot Care, that explains these steps in greater detail.

On GildenTree.com, we're very focused on foot care, and every product that's safe for Diabetics to use has a blue button that looks like this:

If you or someone you know is diagnosed with Diabetes, don’t wait to start taking care of your feet. It’s the best investment you can ever make!

2010-04-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

National Foot Health Month: April

Healthy Toenails & Cuticles - The Dos and Don’ts

Even if you can only occasionally get in for a professional pedicure, it’s fairly simple to have healthier, prettier toenails and cuticles. Just moisturize regularly, cut nails correctly and be gentle with your cuticles. Read Six Top Tips for Healthier Cuticles for a great summary.

But what is the right way to cut toenails? Diana Rodriguez has some helpful Tips for Cutting Toenails. Find out how good toenail cutting techniques can help your nails to be their best, and how to avoid problems like ingrown toenails.

Already have problems with ingrown toenails? Read Christine Dobrowski’s excellent article on How to Treat and Prevent Ingrown Toenails.

For really superior moisturizing, try our amazing Hand, Nail & Cuticle Salve.

Then just follow the advice from these experts and in no time - your toenails and cuticles will be healthy and beautiful!

2010-04-05T01:00:00.000-07:00

National Foot Health Month: April

Shoes: the Highs, the Lows and the Just Rights

There are some shoes which are clearly so bad for your feet you don’t even have to ask.

For a special night out - you may be willing to suffer a bit - but what about for every day?

If you’re tempted to wear high heels every day, check out what Dr. Eric Silvers says are 10 Problems with High Heel Shoes. (There’s an interesting bit on high-heeled shoes for toddlers, too.)

So what should you wear? It turns out that a little heel (about an inch) is fine and may even help keep your feet more comfortable. Susan Aldridge has great advice about choosing good shoes.

What about athletic shoes? They need to be fitted carefully to prevent hurting your feet. Christine Frank has 10 Tips for Choosing Athletic Shoes.

So choose wisely, save the stilettos for special occasions and you’ll save yourself trouble and pain down the road.

Welcome to Gilden Tree!

2010-03-19T12:23:00.000-07:00

My husband Kumy and I have owned and run Gilden Tree for over 20 years and it's been an amazing experience.

When we started in 1990, we were among the very first "green" companies in our field. The early 90s were what I call the "granola" days. The eco-movement was in its infancy and grew out of a longing for a simpler, more communally-connected, and nature-based lifestyle.

It wasn't hard to spot the "natural" products back then: they were often brown, often very "simply" packaged and you had to accept a certain amount of compromise in the way a product worked, because hey - it was all natural!

We started with a terra-cotta pumice stone I'd found in Pakistan. I loved how it worked, I loved that it never wore out and that it was a traditional, hand-crafted tool. (Every Foot Scrubber is still hand-crafted, by the way.)

(In the beginning, we packed 10 Footscrubbers in a reusable fruit basket stuffed with excelsior (shredded wood) and then shipped each basket in a box of air-popped popcorn!)

Our next offerings were Natural Cotton terry robes, and then velour robes, made from defoliant-free cotton, in a process that was as chemical-free as possible.

An early customer in Omaha, a shopkeeper in our Old Market district said something that had a profound influence on us.

He said, "I sell a lot of those velour robes because they're beautiful, comfortable and look really great on people. I know that they're made in a very environmentally responsible manner, but I'm so glad that you haven't compromised on quality or appearance."

We were surprised to realize that he was right. We just hadn't thought of it that way.

Going forward we decided that our commitment to environmental and social responsibility would remain the foundation of our company, but that every product must also look great and work well. This was kind of revolutionary at the time, but has since become the norm.

We even created what we called the DNA for our products. Every product we created or introduced must honor these principles:

Be Simple - things you use every day should have good, clean design and simple, time-honored ingredients proven effective over time. We all deserve these everyday luxuries, and yet products should be easy to use and care for.

Be Serious - products are made to be used, to have a real effect and to offer a true benefit. The world doesn't need another "fluff" product, and we won't sell one.

Be Human - products are designed to appeal to all the senses, and to make a connection between the maker and the user. Our products should surprise and delight the people who use them.

Be Genuine/Celebrate what it is - don't hide a terra-cotta product away in a box - celebrate the material: let people see it, touch it and smell it. Use good quality and let it show.

Be Crafted - we use only the highest quality materials, and every product product is clearly thought through. We'd rather charge a little higher price for an excellent, concentrated product than compromise on quality.

Be Natural/Organic - use materials and ingredients that come from the earth, not a lab. Strive for "wholeness" in ingredients, recognizing that "trace" ingredients may also offer benefits. Use as many Certified Organic Ingredients as possible.

Be Unisex - in scents, design, packaging and products, we stay away from the flowery and frilly, choosing instead to offer products and scents that appeal to both sexes.

We were and are slow to jump on bandwagons. We still believe that we had the right idea in the first place, and we that the many people who contact us each week think so too.

Try something for yourself. Try a Footscrubber, or Nourishing Foot Cream. Maybe take the plunge and order a waffle weave towel. I know you'll love it and you'll be glad you did.

Ann Thariani
President and Co-Founder