Rose Buddha’s lava stone mala bracelets are made of volcanic rocks, derived from a volcano’s eruption, or its magna. Also called basalts, these popular lithotherapy stones conserve and emanate heat. They are believed to promote motivation and the rebuilding of the self. To reap additional benefits, each bracelet is accompanied with a mix of essential oils from PURIFI de Floressentia.   PURIFI de Floressentia is a 100% organic, almost entirely Quebecois essential oils formula. Its energetic aromatherapy effects act on the psychic sphere by creating emotional balance. Fresh, woody and lightly camphoric, these oils may also be used as a diffusion to cleanse the air, to counteract a recent virus, or to purify unpleasant odours.  Key essential oils:  Balsam fir, lemon, lavender   How do I use my essential oils with the Lava Stone Mala Bracelet? To combine PURIFI’s benefits with your lava stones, simply apply 1-2 drops of your mixture onto your bracelet. For optimal immersion, repeat this procedure every week. Adjust your use to determine your ultimate satisfaction.  (Each 15 mL flask contains approximately 350 drops.) Spotlight on Floressentia Natural Cosmetics Laurie Duguay is a Quebecois aromatherapist. A former public servant for the federal government, Laurie quickly developed a love for plants and decided to devote her career to this passion.  Laurie told us the story behind her journey in an interview:  About 15 years ago, I suffered from a chronic rash. Conventional medicine was not able to help me. I had to turn to alternative medicine, and this was how I was able to heal myself. From here, I discovered my passion for plants! –Laurie Duguay Now a proven expert in the field, Laurie is the founder of Floressentia, a natural cosmetics company that offers synergic products created from wild or organic essential oils.     A fervent participant in the Slow Cosmetics Movement, Laurie singlehandedly creates her own therapeutic formulas, each one derived with mindfulness and love. In her Montréal workshop, she combines her knowledge of plants with nature’s purest elements to devise her original, customized formulas.  Laurie strives to remain local and therefore uses a Quebec distiller and Quebecois suppliers. She remains committed to providing high-quality, safe and effective products, with each one adhering to strict selection criteria. Over 95% wild or organic formulas Unrefined oils Made in Quebec Paraben Free No artificial fragrances Cruelty free We believe in eco-responsible production and stand behind the work and values Laurie embodies through her company. We are touched by her commitment to organic, local, and artisanal quality products. As such, we are proud to be able to collaborate with this true expert in aromatherapy.

“Design is not just about product. It’s about responsibility.”- Carmen Hijosa Rose Buddha’s pineapple leather bags are made out of Piñatex, maintaining the utmost respect for both the planet and her people. Why Piñatex? Piñatex is a material derived from pineapple fibers. It provides a vegan alternative to leather (tanneries are among the ten most toxic industries in the world) and is less polluting than other synthetic petroleum-based leathers. Its production doesn’t require any pesticides or fertilizer, and no animal is sacrificed or mistreated in the process! While this textile is extremely sturdy, ethical and eco-responsible, its raw materials are very expensive. A Brief History of the PineappleThe magnificent leather alternative is the creative collaboration of Carmen Hijosa  (PhD, research textiles) and a co-op of farmers from the Philippines. After seven years of research and development, Hijosa and a team of researchers perfected an avant-garde technique that transforms pineapple leaves into a material that is beautiful and sturdy enough to replace leather.   Every year, the pineapple industry produces 40 000 tonnes of pineapple leaves globally. These leaves are typically burned, or left to decompose. It takes approximately 480 leaves (the waste of 16 pineapples) to create one square metre of Piñatex. Farmers earn a very modest living from their pineapple crops. The ability to transform their waste provides them with supplemental income. Everyone wins in this process. Farmers can improve their quality of life while helping to heal the planet. But how do we make pineapple leather? Before they are fully transformed into a stunning textile, pineapple fibres must undergo a long process. It starts with the pineapple First, long fibres are extracted from the pineapple leaves through a decortication process that takes place right at the farms. In the Philippines Next, the fibres are washed and dried, and then sent to a partnering Filipino factory where a team of experts separate and felt the strands into a non-woven textile. This is how we obtain the raw material. A Stop in Spain The raw material now travels to Spain, where a specialized finishing process gives the textile its final look, a similar texture to leather, but entirely biodegradable. Off to its final destination where it’s made into a product Finally, the finished Piñatex can be bought by companies like Rose Buddha and transformed into bags, shoes and accessories. At a Fair Price Here at Rose Buddha, we were fascinated by this new initiative and material. We therefore decided to support the innovation and create a high end product at a fair price. For our first step, we worked alongside a Quebec designer to create the ideal template that would fulfill all your most beautiful dreams for a bag. Next, we purchased pineapple fabric samples from Piñatex. Once we received the samples, we got to work with our artisan tailors. Each step of the way, in our quest for the perfect product, we tested, adjusted, tested, adjusted, tested, adjusted… Well, you get the idea! We realize that people make this sort of purchase to last them a lifetime.  It’s a choice. The entire production process takes place here, by local artisans.  For this reason, it is impossible for us to compete with the prices of industrially-produced bags. We stand behind the fact that you will love your pineapple bag and carry it with you for years to come.  

Rose Buddha vous propose des idées-cadeaux dans le respect de la planète et des gens d'ici. Encourager les artisans d'ici, c'est leur permettre de poursuivre leurs rêves, même les plus fous !     Pour prendre soin de soi  Avoir de beaux cheveux sans utiliser de plastique : Shampoing solide ylang-ylang de La vie en blóm Favoriser un beau sourire complètement naturel : Gamme complète de soins dentaires à la menthe de Floressentia   Pour le corps et l'esprit Une merveilleuse invitation à prendre soin de soi… tout naturellement : Nature & Ayurveda de Krystine St-Laurent Simplifier la mise en forme et l'équilibre de l'esprit à partir du confort de la maison : Vidéos de yoga et de méditation sur la plateforme Mon Yoga Virtuel.    Pour la maison Pour créer une petite ambiance hygge avec une bougie biologique faite à 100% de soya et de matières végétales : Bougie de Noël Ma Forêt Enchantée de Ma Candle  Pour des lunchs plus écolos en 2019 : Ensemble de 10 sacs réutilisables de EKÖ SÄK.   Pour le confort Se détendre en douceur dans un pyjama fabriqué avec amour à Montréal dans l'atelier de Bigarade : Pyjama Bigama modèle Lac-Delage Bien équipé pour jouer dehors avec des bottes recyclables et fabriquées au Canada : bottes de pluie modèle Jennifer de Kamik   Pour le style Affronter le froid avec une tuque tricotée à la main par des grand-mamans et fait à partir de fourrure entièrement recyclée : Tuque gris pâle de Les Emmaillées Renforcer votre confiance en vous, augmenter votre sagesse et apporter AMOUR à votre vie en portant des pierres semi-précieuses : Trio de bracelets Mala Amour de Rose Buddha        

The wind upon your face, the sound of your footsteps, rustling leaves or fluttering birds, the different smells of moss, wood, earth, and the green and brown hues that soothe the eyes and soften the light. Have you ever noticed how when you enter a forest, your shoulders drop and your jaw releases as your breath begins to deepen? All this happens unconsciously, since the forest provides a true refuge. It’s a call for all oxygen deprived city-dwellers to rejuvenate. In leaving behind the commotion of the city, social media, and technology, and immersing ourselves in nature, we get back in touch with what’s essential: our lives. Herein lies the heart of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Though truly simple, the therapy is indispensable, and to be practiced as often possible, that we may take a step back from the stress of urban life and make the most of the many benefits of trees, animals, wind, and the earth beneath our feet. What is “shinrin-yoku” In Japanese, the word “shinrin” means forest and “yoku” means bath. Therefore, the term refers simply to the art of taking a bath in the forest. These forest baths offer countless benefits to both our physical and mental health. The concept has been the main research subject of studies that Dr. Qing Li has been conducting in Japan since 1982. While the theory is oversimplified, it remains essential: an increasing number of health problems and illnesses are associated with stress. The principle of Shinrin-Yoku, which consists of simply getting back in touch with nature, brings rapid relief of several symptoms. Among its effects is the almost immediate reduction of cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the blood. Some research also shows that depressive symptoms may decrease in nature. A Good Dose of Phytoncides Phytoncides are molecules that are excreted by trees. They serve as trees’ defence against bacteria and other harmful fungicides. The Russian biologist (Boris Petrovich Tokin) who made this discovery also put forth the idea that phytoncides and phytohormones allow trees to “communicate” with one another.If you have a cold or are feeling congested, one of the first tricks natural health enthusiasts will suggest is to go for a walk in the woods.By simply standing in the forest, we are able to inhale these molecules, assisting in the reduction of cortisol levels and lowering blood pressure.   Benefits In addition to reducing anxiety, stress, and symptoms of depression, some research confirms that forest bathing: Lowers blood sugar levels Improves concentration and memory Increases circulation and therefore, energy Strengthens the immune system How do I do it? You need only take a slow stroll in the woods or a natural setting and connect with the environment through all your senses. There’s no need to think too much about the right way to do it. Just relax and let yourself be guided by the feeling of well-being that takes over your body and your felt experience. Turn off all technology (cell phones, cameras), as well as any possible source of distraction, with the goal being to disconnect from city life and connect to another reality. Take the time to examine the moss on the rocks, discover the different varieties of mushrooms that you pass, listen to the sound of the brook, touch the trees, the stones… Take your time.   Conclusion The practice of shinrin-yoku is simple, inexpensive and effective. It is starting to become popular in North America, where we are all seeking solutions to reduce our stress and anxiety.   Learn More Lecture: Dr. Qing Li:  Shinrin Yoku, The Art and Science of Forest Bathing In Quebec: The organisation Shinrin-Yoku Québec organises outings to forests. http://www.shinrin-yoku-quebec.org/