Here at Vesta Living we are obsessed with the original savon du Marseille. It’s completely plastic free and replaces so many products we have come to rely on, but are often contained in plastic.

See all the ways you can use this incredibly versatile soap everyday, reducing the amount of plastic headed to landfill and being easier on the wallet!

1. Body Wash: Use Savon du Marseille as a luxurious body wash. Its gentle formula cleanses without stripping the skin’s natural oils, leaving it soft and moisturized.

2. Hand Soap: Keep a bar of Savon du Marseille by the sink for an elegant and effective hand soap. It effectively cleanses while being gentle on the hands, making it ideal for frequent use.

3. Shampoo: For those with sensitive scalps or looking to reduce exposure to harsh chemicals, Savon du Marseille can be used as a natural shampoo. Simply lather the soap in your hands and massage into wet hair, then rinse thoroughly.

4. Face Cleanser: The gentle and natural ingredients in Savon du Marseille make it suitable for cleansing the face. Create a lather in your hands and gently massage onto damp skin, then rinse off with lukewarm water.

5. Shaving Soap: Create a rich lather with Savon du Marseille to use as a shaving soap. Its moisturizing properties will help prevent irritation and leave skin smooth after shaving.

6. Laundry Detergent: Grate Savon du Marseille and add it to your laundry detergent for a natural alternative that effectively cleans clothes without harsh chemicals. It’s especially great for delicate fabrics.

7. Stain Remover: Wet the stained area and rub a bar of Savon du Marseille onto the fabric before laundering as usual. Its powerful yet gentle formula helps lift stains without damaging the fabric.

8. Household Cleaner: Dissolve grated Savon du Marseille in hot water to create an all-purpose household cleaner. Use it to clean surfaces, floors, and even dishes for a natural and effective cleaning solution.

9. Pet Shampoo: Dilute grated Savon du Marseille in warm water to create a gentle pet shampoo. Its natural ingredients are safe for pets and effective at cleaning fur without causing irritation.

10. Drawer Freshener: Place a wrapped bar of Savon du Marseille in your drawers or closets to naturally freshen clothing and linens with its clean and subtle scent.

Remember to store Savon du Marseille in a dry place between uses to prolong its lifespan and prevent it from becoming mushy. Enjoy the versatility and benefits of this traditional French soap in various aspects of your daily life!

🌿 **Embrace Sustainable Cleaning with Vesta Living's Cuban Mop!** 🌿

At Vesta Living, we're on a mission to redefine the way you clean your home with our exceptional Cuban Mop. It's not just a cleaning tool; it's a sustainable lifestyle choice that might just eliminate the need for another mop in your life.

**Discover the Cuban Mop Difference:**

The Cuban Mop, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, stands out in a world cluttered with disposable options. Crafted from naturally antibacterial beech wood, each mop is handmade by local artisans, ensuring longevity and a touch of artistry in your hands.

🌍 **Key Search Terms: Cuban Mop UK, Buy a Cuban Mop, How to Use a Cuban Mop, Cuban Mop Cloth**

**Why Choose the Cuban Mop?**

1. 🌱 **Sustainability at Its Core:** Unlike plastic alternatives, our Cuban Mop is a champion of sustainability. Say goodbye to manky mop heads and endless replacements – with proper care, you might never need to buy another mop again.

2. 💪 **Durability Redefined:** Crafted from beech wood, the Cuban Mop is not just sturdy; it's a statement against disposable culture. Made to last, it's a nod to sustainability that echoes in every swipe.

3. 🧹 **Efficiency in Every Swipe:** Experience effortless cleaning with the Cuban Mop's unique design. Reach every nook and cranny without the need for a bucket, making it a space-saving, eco-friendly alternative.

**How to Use Your Vesta Living Cuban Mop:**

1. **Preparation is Key:** Wet your Cuban Mop cloth and wring out excess water, ensuring the perfect dampness for effective cleaning.

2. **Simple Assembly:** Attach the cloth securely to the mop head, embracing the traditional charm and functionality of the Cuban Mop.

3. **Effortless Maneuvering:** Glide your Cuban Mop over surfaces with ease. Its ergonomic beech wood design ensures a comfortable grip, making cleaning a breeze.

4. **Sustainable Cleaning Ritual:** After use, detach the cloth and toss it into the wash for a sustainable, zero-waste cleaning routine.

5. **Homemade Cleaning Solution:** Enhance your cleaning experience by soaking the cloth in a homemade solution of essential oils and dissolved olive oil soap. It's a natural, eco-friendly alternative that complements the Cuban Mop's ethos.

**Where to Buy Your Cuban Mop:**

Ready to revolutionize your cleaning routine sustainably? Visit our online store to buy your very own Cuban Mop – a space-saving, eco-friendly, and elegant addition to your home.

🛒 Explore Our Cuban Mop (https://www.vestasustainableliving.com/shop/cubanmopuk)

Vesta Living's Cuban Mop transcends the boundaries of conventional cleaning tools. It's a step towards sustainability, an ode to efficiency, and a celebration of mindful living. Embrace the Cuban Mop experience today, and let your cleaning journey be as exceptional as your commitment to a greener world.

🌱✨ **Vesta Living – Redefining Homeware, Sustainably.** ✨🌱

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, finding moments of calm and relaxation is essential for maintaining overall well-being. One underrated gem in the world of self-care is the weighted eye pillow. Let's delve into why these cozy companions are not just a luxury but a health-boosting necessity.

1. **Soothing Stress and Anxiety**

Weighted eye pillows provide gentle pressure, which has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system. As you place the pillow over your eyes, the subtle weight helps alleviate tension and promote a sense of tranquility. It's like a mini-hug for your tired eyes, instantly easing stress and anxiety.

2. **Enhancing Quality Sleep**

Struggling with sleep? Weighted eye pillows might be your new bedtime BFF. The comforting pressure on your eyes can signal to your brain that it's time to wind down. This can be especially beneficial for those who have difficulty falling asleep or suffer from insomnia. Say goodbye to restless nights and hello to a more restful slumber.

3. **Relieving Eye Strain and Headaches**

Whether you spend hours staring at screens or dealing with daily life's pressures, your eyes and head deserve a break. The gentle weight of an eye pillow helps release tension around your eyes and forehead, offering relief from headaches and eye strain. It's a simple yet effective way to pamper yourself and alleviate the toll of a busy day.

4. **Meditation and Mindfulness Aid**

Weighted eye pillows are perfect companions for meditation and mindfulness practices. The added weight encourages a deeper sense of grounding and helps you stay focused during your sessions. Close your eyes, breathe in, and let the gentle pressure guide you into a state of mindful bliss.

5. **Versatility in Temperature Therapy**

Many weighted eye pillows come with the added bonus of being heatable or freezable. Heat therapy can soothe tired eyes and alleviate sinus discomfort, while a chilled eye pillow can provide a refreshing and invigorating sensation. It's a versatile tool that adapts to your needs and preferences.

6. **Portability and Instant Relaxation**

The compact and portable nature of weighted eye pillows makes them a convenient relaxation tool. Whether you're at home, in the office, or traveling, simply slip on your eye pillow, and instantly transport yourself to a serene oasis of calm.

Incorporating a weighted eye pillow into your self-care routine is a small yet impactful step towards prioritizing your mental and physical well-being. So, go ahead, treat yourself to the luxurious comfort of a weighted eye pillow, and discover the transformative power of relaxation. Your eyes and your overall health will thank you for it. 🌿💤

#SelfCareRevolution #WeightedEyePillowMagic #RelaxationJourney

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Vesta: The Ancient Goddess and the Modern Homeware Connection

In the ancient Roman pantheon, Vesta was revered as the goddess of the hearth, home, and family. Her timeless influence has transcended millennia, and today, a modern homage to her legacy can be found in Vesta Living, a sustainable homeware brand that shares not just a name but a commitment to warmth, connection, and ethical living.

Vesta: The Goddess of Hearth and Home

In Roman mythology, Vesta was considered the guardian of the sacred flame, symbolizing the heart of the home. Her presence was believed to bring warmth, protection, and a sense of unity within the family. This connection to the essence of home and the hearth resonates with Vesta Living's mission to create homeware that embodies these same principles.

Vesta Living: Channeling Ancient Wisdom into Modern Living

Just as Vesta tended to the sacred flame, Vesta Living tends to the flames of conscious living and sustainability. The brand draws inspiration from the goddess's nurturing and protective qualities, infusing them into each meticulously handcrafted product. By choosing Vesta Living, consumers are not just acquiring homeware; they are inviting the spirit of Vesta into their homes – a spirit that cherishes the environment, ethical practices, and the timeless beauty of craftsmanship.

Ethical Sourcing: A Sacred Commitment

Vesta Living's dedication to ethical sourcing mirrors the goddess's commitment to the well-being of her sacred space. The organic cotton used in their products is a nod to the purity and natural essence associated with Vesta, fostering a connection to the earth and honoring the principles of sustainability.

Reusable Wipes: A Modern Ritual

In the spirit of Vesta's enduring flame, Vesta Living introduces a modern ritual with its organic cotton reusable wipes. These wipes not only embody practicality but also represent a commitment to sustainability, echoing the timeless practices of the goddess herself. It's a small yet powerful way to weave ancient wisdom into the fabric of our daily lives.

Tableware and Kitchenware: Building Bridges Across Time

Vesta Living's tableware and kitchenware collections extend an invitation to bridge the gap between ancient reverence and modern living. By incorporating sustainable materials into these everyday essentials, the brand encourages a connection to the timeless values of Vesta – warmth, unity, and a profound respect for the environment.

Embracing Vesta's Legacy

In embracing Vesta Living, consumers embark on a journey that goes beyond acquiring beautiful homeware. It's an acknowledgment of the goddess's enduring legacy – a legacy of creating a sanctuary that nurtures, protects, and aligns with the values of conscious living. As you invite Vesta into your home through these thoughtfully crafted pieces, you become part of a tradition that spans centuries, connecting the past with the present in a celebration of sustainability and mindful living.

Embracing Sustainability with Vesta Living: A Deep Dive into Ethical Homeware

In an era where conscious consumerism is on the rise, finding sustainable and ethical homeware brands has become a priority for many. Vesta Living, a UK-based brand, has emerged as a beacon of eco-friendly practices, offering a range of handcrafted products made from organic cotton sourced with utmost ethical considerations.

Handcrafted Excellence

Vesta Living stands out in the homeware industry for its commitment to craftsmanship. Every product is meticulously crafted by skilled artisans, embracing the beauty of handmade quality. This dedication not only ensures unique pieces but also supports local craftsmanship, contributing to the preservation of traditional skills.

Organic Cotton: The Heart of Sustainability

At the core of Vesta Living's ethos is the use of organic cotton. Ethically sourced and cultivated without the use of harmful pesticides, this cotton is not only kinder to the environment but also ensures the well-being of the farmers involved in its production. By choosing organic cotton, Vesta Living takes a stand against the negative impacts of conventional cotton farming.

Biodegradable Elegance

Vesta Living understands the importance of responsible product lifecycle management. All their products are designed with sustainability in mind, ensuring that once their life cycle is complete, they gracefully return to the earth. This commitment to biodegradability aligns with the brand's dedication to minimizing environmental impact and fostering a circular economy.

Organic Cotton Reusable Wipes: A Step Towards Zero Waste

In a world grappling with excessive waste, Vesta Living introduces a practical and sustainable solution with its organic cotton reusable wipes. These wipes not only offer a soft and gentle touch but also contribute significantly to reducing single-use waste. The washable and reusable nature of these wipes aligns perfectly with the brand's mission to provide products that are both convenient and environmentally responsible.

Tableware and Kitchenware: Elevating Sustainable Living.

Vesta Living extends its commitment to sustainability beyond personal care items to tableware and kitchenware. From elegant table linens to functional kitchen essentials, every piece is designed with the environment in mind. The use of organic cotton in these products ensures that your dining experience is not only aesthetically pleasing but also leaves a positive impact on the planet.

Vesta Living's dedication to sustainability, ethical practices, and the use of organic materials positions it as a frontrunner in the realm of conscious homeware choices. By choosing Vesta Living, consumers not only invest in quality and style but also contribute to a more sustainable and ethical future. Embrace a lifestyle that harmonizes with nature – choose Vesta Living for homeware that cares.

Step into the radiant glow of the holiday season with Vesta Living's Beeswax Candles, where natural elegance meets sustainable splendor. Explore the captivating benefits that make these locally sourced candles the ideal choice for illuminating your festive table.

**1. Natural Elegance for Festive Sophistication:**

Immerse your holiday decor in the natural elegance of Vesta Living's beeswax candles. The golden hues and locally sourced charm elevate your festive table, creating an ambiance that exudes sophistication and style.

**2. Sustainable Illumination: Vesta Living's Eco-friendly Commitment:**

Embrace sustainability with Vesta Living's commitment to eco-friendly practices. Our locally sourced beeswax candles not only provide a radiant glow but also contribute to a greener holiday season, making them the responsible choice for environmentally conscious celebrations.

**3. Clean and Non-Toxic Atmosphere:**

Transform your space into a haven of cleanliness and non-toxic serenity with Vesta Living's beeswax candles. As they burn cleanly, these candles ensure a healthy atmosphere for your holiday gatherings, free from harmful byproducts commonly found in conventional candles.

**4. Subtle Honeyed Fragrance for a Warm Atmosphere:**

Infuse your festive atmosphere with the subtle, honeyed fragrance of Vesta Living's beeswax candles. The delightful aroma creates a warm and comforting experience, enhancing the sensory pleasure of your holiday celebrations.

**5. Visual Appeal with a Festive Glow:**

Picture your holiday table aglow with the warm flicker of Vesta Living's beeswax candles. Beyond their benefits, these candles serve as visually appealing centerpieces, casting a festive glow that enhances the overall allure of your celebrations.

**6. DIY Joy with Beeswax Candle Workshops:**

Delve into the joy of crafting with Vesta Living's beeswax candle workshops. Learn the art of candle-making and infuse your celebrations with a personal touch. Share the satisfaction of creating sustainable decor with friends and family during this joyous festive season.

As you plan your holiday gatherings, let Vesta Living's Beeswax Candles take center stage, offering benefits that go beyond illumination. Illuminate your holidays with a touch of natural elegance, sustainability, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that only beeswax candles can provide.

Hey there, wellness enthusiasts! 🌟 Ready to step up your self-care game? Let's delve into the world of the Vesta Living Weighted Eye Pillow – a cozy haven that not only brings a touch of luxury but also has a fascinating link to the Vagus Nerve, your body's gateway to natural relaxation. 🌈✨

The Weighted Eye Pillow by Vesta Living: A Retreat of Calm 🌿💖

Our Weighted Eye Pillow is more than just a yoga accessory; it's a holistic relaxation experience. Filled with organic grain for weight and a blend of healing herbs and crafted for ultimate comfort, it's your perfect companion for unwinding after a demanding day.

The Vagus Nerve: Your Body's Stress-Relief Highway 🛣️💆‍♂️

Let's talk science for a moment! The Vagus Nerve, often called the "wandering nerve," is a key player in your body's relaxation response. Connecting the brain to various organs, including the eyes, it plays a crucial role in managing stress levels. Activating the Vagus Nerve promotes a state of calmness, reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being.

The Harmony Between Weighted Eye Pillows and the Vagus Nerve 🤝

The gentle pressure applied by our Weighted Eye Pillow provides a delightful stimulus to the Vagus Nerve. As you rest with the pillow over your eyes, it triggers a series of calming effects throughout your body. This natural response helps lower heart rate, decrease stress hormone production, and envelop you in an overall sense of tranquility.

The Relaxation Ritual: Enjoying Your Weighted Eye Pillow 🌙🌌

1. **Create Your Zen Zone:** Set up a quiet, comfortable space just for you.

2. **Adjust the Weight:** Place the pillow over your closed eyes, letting the gentle pressure work its magic.

3. **Breathe and Unwind:** Take slow, deep breaths, immersing yourself in the present moment.

4. **Activate the Vagus Nerve:** Feel the relaxation spread as the Weighted Eye Pillow stimulates your Vagus Nerve.

More Than a Pillow: Versatility and Style 💫🌸

don’t be surprise if you develop a deep emotional connection with your weighted Eye Pillow. It will become a symbol of self-care and you’ll be so happy when bed time rolls around and you can slip into a deep relaxing slumber.

Choose from our different prints and designs to match your unique style and elevate your self-care routine.

Elevate Your Well-Being with Vesta Living 🚀💚

Invest in your well-being with the Weighted Eye Pillow from Vesta Living. It's not just a product; it's a journey to unlock relaxation, activate your Vagus Nerve, and embrace a life filled with tranquility. Treat yourself because you deserve it.🌿💖

#VestaLivingWellness #WeightedEyePillowMagic #RelaxationRevolution

Whilst I’ll be over here in my favourite witchy dress (I have a wardrobe full of them), making my ancestors altar and burning dragons blood (a type of powerful incense) and collecting pine cones, my kids require the kind of Halloween celebration that can only be described as significantly more commercial.

 Whilst it’s hard to be entirely sustainable in the face of mass Halloween consumerism, there are things you can do for celebrations to stay as green as possible.

 Costumes

 I always try to make homemade costumes from things we already have. One year I fashioned a white shirt into a full Penny Wise costume… and we tore up some old clothes for a zombie. On the rare occasion I have bought a shop costume,  I always ensure that it gets passed on to a younger friend to be used again.  However, shop bought costumes really are a last resort.  They are always made from non sustainable fabric, and I’m pretty sure that despite what the labels say, plastic masks near faces and noses cant be good for you.

Decorations

There are amazing spooky decorations we can make, using the nature around us.  I like to string up pine cones and love using gourds and pumpkins to decorate.  They can be made into some thing tasty after the event..

However, the kids do enjoy a more explicitly Halloween decorations, so in this case, if I have to buy anything new, I buy paper.  Paper banners and bunting that can biodegrade.  Or you can make your own banners from fabric scraps on a sewing machine. Get creative and make things out of waste.  If you have cardboard in the recycling, cut into silhouettes of ghosts and creepy things and stick in windows. 

 If you have to buy new, make sure you take care of what you buy.  Pack them away and use them year after year. There’s something traditional about bringing out the same decorations year after year.  It brings such a nostalgia.

Food

If you’re hosting a party.. focus on food that is simple, local and homemade.  I love a big chilli cooked in one pot at a party.  Throw some spuds in the oven.. and voila.. this can be done relatively easily and with limited plastic. I would advise staying away from plastic covered platters bought in super markets,  There’s always far too much packaging for the food. 

Or ask your guests to bring something.. a salad, a desert. With everyone bringing one item, they can focus on the thing they’re bringing.. Explain to guests that being sustainable is important to you and why in the invitation and most people will understand. And maybe learn something too.

Its important to feel ok about changing something.  We don’t have to continue doing the same wrong thing we’ve done for decades.. announce it proudly with intention.  Make a statement.. “This is how I do things now.” 

This quote by Louise Hay is my mantra…

 “The point of power is always in the present moment”.

 We can change what ever we want.  We just have to decide now.

 

Trick or treating

If you’re headed out for trick or treating.. I recommend staying as local as possible rather than driving.  Maybe your community is great at making a fuss around Halloween (ours is incredible).. If not, maybe you could ask neighbours who would welcome trick or treaters..

 Buying sweets to give out as treats can be tricky, because many sweets today are packaged in plastic.. However, a basic google search of sustainable sweets will throw us some incredible businesses selling sweets wrapped in plant based, degradable packaging.

The clean up

 Try to use the insides of the pumpkins your carve, or any decorative gourds.  Pop on to Pinterest for some inspiration for festive recipes. Compost your pumpkins rather than throwing in the bin.

 Make sure you look after anything new you’ve bought and put it away safe for next year.

 

The main takeaways are this

 1 – always try to use what you already have..

2 – if you buy new, ensure that items are made from biodegradable materials or are high enough quality to last for years to come.

3 – use natures bounty where you can.

Solstice marks the longest day of the year. A potent day in the astrological calendar. Our ancestors built monuments, including stone henge, which on the sunrise light up the monument directly. So we know how revered these cycles are.  

The prosperity of our ancient ancestors would have been directly related to the crops receiving the abundance of sunlight at this time of year.  

And as above, so below. All the cycles of nature relate to us humans too… how we prosper during summer months.  

I marked the day by heading to the Lickey Hills in Birmingham for a panoramic view of the sunrise.. which was at 4.45am today. But it was well worth it.

I went with a friend and we took cake and cacao, journals and a deck of cards.  

Scroll below for the ritual we developed at our recent candle making worship at  Blow Water.  

Markets… not just crocheted doilies in church halls…

Markets… Do you love them or hate them?

They are so much hard work, always take longer than you think to get ready for.

Usually at the weekends impacting social life.

Seemingly entirely unpredictable based on takings and footfall…

But I have started to think about markets as an overall marketing activity… sales are a requirement, but meeting sales targets don’t indicate success and not meeting them doesn’t mean failure.

Markets can be an opportunity to talk about your products and your ethos and really deliver the personality behind a brand.

Customers are entirely captive, they have walk to your stand to engage with you and once they’re there, assume they are interested since they made the effort to come over. It’s a great way to recruit future potential customers, even if they don’t buy on the day you can ask them to sign up to a mailing list, follow your socials and direct them to your website. Not to mention being a familiar face at the next market.

Have postcards on hand to give out to people who don’t even want to engage. If it looks good, they may stick it up somewhere or find it in their bag months down the line.

It can feel clunky speaking to people that are unsure if they want to engage, but approach them anyway. It doesn’t matter if it’s a bit awkward. You don’t have to be perfect and neither to they.

Usually, and entirely in my experience, the other stall holders are wonderful. You can make great connections for collaborations, share info about markets and your businesses, and get an idea for how the market was overall… ie, if everyone says it was slow, chances are there’s an environmental reason people aren’t buying. And if everyone had a cracking day, whilst you didn’t, you have information. You can start to look at why you didn’t perform. Bare in mind, some people aren’t always 100% truthful about their takings, so speak to people you trust.

Some days sales at markets are off the scale. Some magical days, people turn up with cash burning a hole in their pocket. And they can’t wait to buy from you. At some markets, a days work can be that of a good week, or even couple weeks. There’s nothing better than coming home after a super successful sales market.

So whilst markets aren’t a pivotal part of my business plan, they are full of wealth for product based small business and I intend to make the most of the Christmas market season ahead.

#business #marketing #sales #experience #brand #smallbusiness #markets #vestaliving #markets

I never really know what to say on international woman’s day.

The posts that speak specifically about a woman and her achievements for me miss the mark and there’s still too much inequality in the world.

The point is that woman are usually judged to a much higher standard than men. We have to be exceptional to be noted, to be praised.

I want to dedicate my international woman’s days post to the woman who have been living the status quo, towing the line and are exhausted. The ones that have suddenly noticed that they’ve done all the things they’re supposed to, worked hard, looked after their kids and the family and the home. They’re noticing maybe for the first time the discrepancies between men’s and woman’s lives and how their time is allocated. What a man has to do to be exceptional, vs a woman.

What it has cost them to be seen as a good woman. Their physical health, their mental health, their ability to build their own wealth. Their ability to live a life that feel truly authentic and genuine.

The woman that have started to notice that this world with its patriarchal structure is starting to feel like a cage.

The woman that is starting to question. Is starting to commune with other woman. Is working to change the programming of a life time.

I see you.

I see your strength.

I see you if you are changing and I see you if you feel you cannot.

I see you beginning to trust your own instincts… I see you on the beginning of this journey.

This day is for ALL the woman.

I have tagged some of my favourite woman in the post.

#vestaliving #vestasustainableliving #internationalwomansday

Seeing all the #marchmeetthemaker has made me want to share my origin story again…

I came to Vesta in many ways… in someways it feels like a life long path…

I grew up in a socialist home, where we talked often about ethics and people… my mum was a community development manager and my dad a family solicitor so conversations were often political and we were encouraged to think about others..

Along side that I worked in retail always, in a shop, as an account manager developing watch and jewellery ranges for higher street brands and as a lingerie, nightwear and swimwear buyer.

I was made redundant from my buying role after I had my first baby, and got a job working for a very local but very unethical retailer, and left after 6 months or so. I had a renewed realisation that good ethics was KEY.

I started my own kids clothing company soon after and specialised in scandi and British organic cotton brands, but with brexit the profit margins weren’t enough to continue..

Fast forward two jobs, another baby some PND I decided to start another business… mainly watching blue planet in 2018 was the catalyst.

I knew I didn’t want to stand by whilst our seas and marine creatures were being so affected by our human impact of disposable plastics…

I wanted Vesta (named after the Roman goddess of hearth and home) to be a beacon of a better more sustainable way of living..

#vestaliving #vestasustainbaleliving #originstory #meetthemaker #marchmeetthemaker

Honouring nature is what we’re all about at Vesta, and the cycles of the moon are integral to nature. Sewing seeds and Harvests always used to take place in line with moon cycles. Certain plants sea creatures and fungus spore specifically in line with the light of the  moon. It is also said that more births happen on full moons!

The moon controls the tides!!! And what are we as 90% water if not entirely at the will of the moon. We’re just mini oceans inside our human containers.

And since so many of you loved my last post on the full moon, here’s your full moon update for tomorrow.

So the moon is full in Scorpio. And whilst during full moons we let go of what doesn’t serve, Scorpio is the sign of death and creation… but death usually comes before and to make way for creation…

This month we have a super rare lunar eclipse in Scorpio too.. eclipse energy can be intense.. as the light comes and goes as the earth blocks the light from the moon so it can feel like a storm or lightening (energetically). Since lunar aspects tend to control our emotions, we can expect to feel this on an emotional level.

So intense Scorpio full moon, intense Scorpio lunar eclipse…

What doesn’t serve needs to be let go of… the phrase that keeps coming to me is we must descend to ascend, hold on to let go. I

It’s like we have to hit those depths, those shadowy places, understand them and then let go let go let go… it might be dramatic too..

The caveat to this is… I always think you need to feel into your own feelings around astrology. This isn’t a foreboding message. Just astrology pieces I’ve picked up along the way, and how I feel the energy right now.

But… just to say, if there is something that is pulling from your grasp, don’t be afraid to release.. you’re creating space for the next phase..

So go easy… look after yourself.. plenty of space and plenty of grace. Naps and lots of water too.

Lunar and eclipse blessings to you all.

Since the coronation isn’t exactly sustainable for the environment or for the economy right now, we’ve got some easy sustainable ideas for your celebrations. 

Leave the plastic bunting in pound land… it will exist forever, until it degrades into micro plastics and heads into the stomachs of marine creatures… instead, decorate with fabric bunting.. organic cotton is best if you’re buying, or paper that will eventually bio degrade. Or if you’re handy, cut up some old sheets and make your own. Simplest sewing project ever. 

Rather than buy plastic trays of shop bought food, support a local caterer or deli. It will have a lower carbon footprint and support a local business.  Avoid buying mountains of food. Food waste in landfill causes methane, a green house gas more than 86 times more toxic than carbon dioxide. Make a big batch of something like chilli or tagine, fresh salads and bread. Anything uneaten can be frozen for meals later in the week. Spend the money you might have spent on donating to the local food bank.

Rent partyware rather than buying loads of plastic disposable stuff. Any thing disposable causes the hugest strain on our carbon footprint. From the processing of trees and forests being felled, to the enormous production required to turn trees into paper and card for plate, the printing and dying of the paper to be turned into a decorate plate and then packaged, probably in plastic and shipped from China, only to be binned after one use, is quite frankly, an outrage and should be banned. 

Decorate your table with foliage and flowers and candles for when the sun goes down. Pick out your favourite vintage glassware.. life’s too short to leave it on the shelf.  Use your best luxury napkins. Make flower crowns and honour your self as a resplendent and powerful king or queen in your own right.

Witch by Lisa Lister, on a Frieda Khalo Cushion.

To anyone who is interested in honouring the pagan rituals and festivals… the ones that are deeply ingrained in our psyches. The ones that follow the seasons and nature and honour feminine principles as well as masculine… the ones that our ancestors would have celebrated during their lifetimes pre industrialised life… i whole heartedly recommend this book, Witch by Lisa Lister @sassylisalister. https://www.lisalister.com/

This was one of the first books I used to start me on my journey of a more authentic and empowered lifestyle. It helped me connect with the seasons and gave more spiritual meaning to my life without being at all religious.

The principles in this book are wholeheartedly connected with sustainability in that, it is the only way to live. Consumerism isn’t mentioned. There’s nothing you need to buy to be more sustainable… simply honour the seasons as our ancestors would have. Create a simpler, more beautiful and more grounded lifestyle.

#vestaliving #vestasustainableliving #witch #pagan #beltane #seasons #nature #sustainable #sustainableliving 

True story… when i went to university, i couldn’t understand why the bath kept getting dirtier and dirtier.. I remember thinking about how the bath at home never looked like that, but it was a blue, so I figured maybe that was the reason. Obviously my mother was cleaning it and I never saw her do it.. but when my housemates girlfriend came to visit, she pulled me aside and gave me some step by step instructions as to how to clean the bath.. I was hugely confused, i mean, i kinda thought baths were self cleaning and also, why wasn’t she telling her boyfriend about it? It was a very confusing time for a young,never cleaned a day in her life, girl from birmingham. I’d like to say, since then i never cleaned another bath in my life… but instead, the opposite is true and i clean the damn bath every goddam day.

And I like a luxury bath, with oils and salt etc, so there can be a rim of dirt… especially if the boys have been playing rugby. Not quite as bad as my uni bathroom… thanks to @claire.barley.50 for finally teaching me to clean in my second year… (tho I wish i could still fain ignorance).

Anyway, i was using harsh sprays on the bath, as my homemade sprays didn’t make the impact I needed them too.. but even the method sprays made me cough when I used them due to the harsh chemicals.. 

One day I got my bar of dish soap and rubbed the bath with it directly.. and holy Jesus, it came up sparkling. So i created our dish soap saver, which is the best thing EVER!!! Cleans the bath shower and sink and even the loo… just as well as harsh chemical cleaners, but zero health damaging chemicals and Zero plastic. Just chop off a piece of dish soap, pop it in the saver. The best thing is that if you’re a little casual about getting all the soap residue off the sides, it’s perfectly fine if some ends up in the water, as its totally natural and fine to use on the skin. 

Total winner all round, apart from all the actual cleaning…

#vestaliving #reluctantcleaner #sustainablecleaning #bath #pinkbath #toxicfreecleaning #marseillesoap #soapsaver #dishsoap #dishsoapsaver #sustainablebathroom #plasticfree #plasticfreebathroom #sustainableliving #plasticfreeliving #zerowasteliving 

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY OF THE EARLY BIRD OFFER FOR OUR MOTHERSDAY WORKSHOP!!!

Book via link in bio.

This workshop is for you if you are sick of buying the same old stuff and you’re looking for a unique gift or experience. 

 If you are looking to connect with other people 

If you are looking to learn a new skill 

Eye pillows are a welcome addition to your daily routine and rituals… 

If you are looking to deepen your meditation practise. 

If you struggle with falling asleep. 

If you practise yoga and want to deepen into savasanna. Integrating your practise. 

 Included in the workshop 

Learn to sew your very own eye pillow from scratch 

Learn the basics of how to use domestic and industrial sewing machines 

Fill your eye pillow and learn about the benefits of herbs 

Herbal tea, fizz and nibble provided 

All in the setting of our green corner of  digbeth 

Living your dreams isn’t always easy.

Since I’ve started Vesta, we’ve been through a pandemic and homeschooling.

I signed a lease on the studio when went into Second Lockdown measures and Digbeth has become an inaccessible building site.

Last year I lost my seamstress because I couldn’t afford to pay her the increased rates she needed to charge because of the cost of living crisis.

I had a cash flow issue as I messed up my tax return. I ended up paying a bigger bill than I should have… so I had less money in my account when I had my big orders come in.

The big orders are amazing.. but in retail you don’t get paid until at least 30 days after your order is delivered.. so with a cash flow dip I had to use our family savings to pay for materials and rent until I was paid.

Speaking of rent, that’s also increased in line with the cost of living.

I did the majority of making the products last year work, with some help from my angel friend Penny.

I barely took any time off through last summer, my only holiday was 6 days in a tent… which was actually bloody lovely.

Every so often I feel like I should give this all up and get a job… but reading job descriptions gives me anxiety. I haven’t been employed in a “proper” company for 10 years… I worry all the time that my skills are completely out of date for the jobs that exist now should Vesta not stand the test of time.

Mentally, running my own business has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, tho actually second to post natal Depression.

I’m an emotional person. I’m a flawed person, with my self esteem tied to my perceived success. Sometimes i judge my own position in relation to friends who have continued climbing the corporate ladder and have reached some high highs. In a world where value is placed on a financial success and provision.

In honesty I’ve hit a low… I haven’t experienced one like this for 18 months or so……… I’m tired, I’m lonely and I’m aching for something.. the ocean i think.

There’s always a voice though. Sometimes it’s quiet and sometimes it’s loud. Right now it’s a quiet voice and I have to search for it… but it says… you are creating something different. Not just a shop, not just products but a blue print of a way of life, a simple

way we can improve life for humans on earth.

Living this way takes strength… and it isn’t weakness that makes me question what I do. It’s part of the cycle. It’s part of me. It’s part of the process.

I know that I am putting into the world something that I want to see. Sometimes it’s hard to describe it in any other way.

That thing is sustainability and true integrity in process, in fabrication and in relationship to our earth. It also is in reverence to the feminine… creativity, rest, community and care. It’s about questioning systems and institutions that try to dampen critical thinking.

It’s about the knowledge that lives in our bodies, that exists in our ancestral lineage. The knowledge that is key to caretaking and stewarding the land.

The idea that rather than leaving wealth in currency and assets and inheritance that we leave this planet having taken care of our piece. That we got involved in something bigger than ourselves. That we pass down the knowledge of how to steward the land.  How to take care of ourselves. Sharing our histories and herstories.

It’s about shining the light, a beacon of what could be. Of a better way in my eyes.

And beyond everything… it is about love. A deep love of the ocean and her watery depths. Understanding that the key to health of the world is held in the health of the waters here.

I’m not giving up on that.

Brand new stockists

This year we were lucky enough to secure some of our dream stockists.

Let me introduce you to some of them..

RSPB

Their work is diverse and comes in many forms - from species recovery and large-scale conservation, to policy-influencing and inspiring change or action.

The RSPB have taken a selection of sustainable and plastic free hand warmers for their fabulous birdwatching and outdoor loving patrons. We loved working on these products with bespoke prints for RSPB. They chose nature based prints which perfectly compliments their ethos, as well as ours.

You can take a look here.

Abel and Cole

The OGs of vegetable delivery boxes..

We are so happy to be stocked by Abel and Cole so you can shop Vesta whilst you shop your groceries..

They have taken a selection of gifts and everyday items. Shop here

HUSH

Hush are one of those companies Ive been looking at forever.. since the beginning of my buying career, so when they reached out asking to stock us, i was delighted. This is our second year stocking Hush and we love the simple balck and white gingham print they chose for our cosiest products.

Take a look here

DAYLESFORD FARM

WE love what Daylesford does. A working farm entirely dedicated to organic farming

They say… “Nature is at the heart of everything we do at Daylesford. We farm, eat and live in a way that nurtures and nourishes her. We hope to inspire you to connect with and celebrate nature, by living in season and in balance with our beautiful planet.”

We couldn’t agree more…

If you want to see our products you’ll have to visit their beautiful farmshop at Kingham, in the Cotswolds. Find them here..

What happened when we spoke to Hush for their International Womans Day campaign.

On the 14th February, I boarded a train to London to go and speak to spend a day with the Hush team, having my hair and make up done and being photographed for their international womans day campaign.

The train station was perfectly quiet and i boarded the train with zero issues, however, a weather warning had been issued as Hurricane Eunice was set to cause damage but the shoot was going ahead and i didn’t want to miss it. Sure enough the train halted at Beaconsfield due to a trampoline on the over head lines and we had to vacate the train.

Happily, Hush found a way to include us in the feature with a variety of other brands and their female founders.

HUSH interviewed their favourite brands who are setting out to Break the Bias.

https://www.hush-uk.com/inside-hush/she-started-it.html

You can read the full feature above…

We were thrilled to be involved, despite missing the fun of the shoot.