Did you know that appliances that are turned off still suck electricity? Apparently, 75% of energy used by appliances occurs while they are turned off. Prevent this by plugging them into a power strip that actually cuts off the energy flow when you flip the switch to off.

1. Eliminate paper statements from your bank, utilities, and credit card companies by switching to online
2. Practice the three Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
3. Paper or plastic? Neither - bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store
4. When purchasing products, look for items made from recycled materials
5. Buy local and reduce pollution and fuel use
6. Switch to natural cleaners without the harsh cleansers, such as Caldrea
7. When showering, turn off the water while lathering and shaving
8. Wash loads of laundry on cold water setting
9. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs, which use 75% less energy than regular
10. Save paper by adjusting margins from 1″ to .75″ and use both sides  - I was able to purchase a duplexer for my all-in-one printer, which makes using both sides easy; I just love this feature!

What makes bamboo an environmentally sustainable choice?

• Doesn’t require pesticides
• As a renewable resource, is the world’s fastest growing plant and regenerates without replanting
• Reverses the effects of global warming & helps reduce carbon-dioxide gases
• A unique building material, bamboo is termite and rot resistant and has the tensile strength of steel

Make a difference in the future of our planet by looking for eco-friendly alternatives for everyday products. Bamboo products to look for: cooking utensils, serving trays, cutting boards, bowls, baskets, clothing, bed linens, towels, rugs, floors, and fences.

Did you know these scents can raise our body temperature and/or our libido?

• Cinnamon
• Jasmine
• Sandalwood
• Patchouli
• Musk
• Rose
• Ylang-ylang
• Vanilla
• Ginger
• Clove

Look for candles, linen mists, bath products, and massage creams that are made with these essential oils. I think you will find it well worth the effort to incorporate them into play with your partner.

Keep in mind when looking for quality products that it’s best to stick to items made with natural ingredients, pure essential oils, are free of parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, dyes, formaldehyde and synthetic fragrances.

Tip: products made with pure essential oils tend to be easy to spot since they are proud to boast, as they should be, whereas items that promote the word ‘fragrance’ are generally chemical based.

What’s your favorite aphrodisiac?

If you’re ready to spruce up your home with some wood flooring but want to be environmentally conscious, consider EcoTimber. They offer alternatives that are healthy and sustainable.

Here’s what makes them a better choice:

• Reclaims wood from fallen and dead trees from urban forests or salvaged from old structures that’s headed for the landfill
• Selection of fast growing sustainable bamboo flooring
• Adhesives and finishes certified by GreenGuard Indoor Air Quality, VOC free and no hazardous chemicals
• Offers selection of flooring from Forest Stewardship Council-certified well managed forests
• Certified under the SmartWood Rediscovered Wood Program, a Rainforest Alliance program

You’ll find EcoTimber at 1611 Fourth St., San Rafael, (415-258-8454). Country Oak flooring, $10-$15/sq ft.; bamboo flooring, $5-$7/sq ft.

Ohhhh, because relationships matter! When it comes to romance we’ve got this down. It’s about creating the whole experience - you need to appeal to all of the 5 senses.

1. Sight: dim the lights and get the candles going
2. Smell: Think aromatherapy - use fragranced candles and mist the sheets with scents that stir passion, like ylang ylang, clove, patchouli, etc.
3. Sound: add to the romantic ambiance with music - some smooth jazz, sexy Bossa Nova, or good old Blue eyes himself, Sinatra
4. Touch: Pamper each other with a Hammam-like experience by taking turns scrubbing each other with an exfoliating mitt and aromatherapy bath gel. Follow with a loving massage with a quality cream or oil.
5. Taste: Chocolate…chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate truffles, chocolate syrup…

So, now that you know what you need to do, let us simplify this with one of our gift ensembles that will appeal to all of your 5 senses:

With Romantic Escape, you and your partner will be swept away with the luxuries nestled in this basket: Couple’s Aromatherapy ‘Inspire Romance’ Travel Kit* (a sleek metal case filled with candle, linen mist, bath & shower gel, sea sponge, & massage cream), Chocolate/Bossa Nova music CD, chocolate truffles, assorted bath accessories and wooden body & foot massagers all for $119

Couples Aromatherapy ‘Inspire Romance’ Travel Kit*: Using pure essential oils, these scents are fresh and natural, with notes of fruit, herbs, and spice, plus calming accents of lavender, frankincense, bergamot and more. The Inspire Romance Collection helps renew your loving closeness and shows your partner “I cherish you.” In this sleek and sexy metal case that’s ready to go on an overnight get-away at a moments notice, you will find a candle, linen mist, bath & shower gel, sea sponge, & massage cream for $48

Couples Aromatherapy ‘Create Passion’ Travel Kit*: Again, using pure essential oils, these scents are rich, warm and sensuous with hints of spices, fragrant flowers, and fruit, along with exotic notes of ylang ylang, black pepper, ginger and more. The Create Passion Collection lifts you out of the ordinary and gives you thrilling ways to say, “I want you!” As with the ‘Inspire Romance’ set, this travel kit includes the candle, linen mist, bath & shower gel, and massage cream, but also has a personal lubricant and towelettes for $55

To order, call 805-234-2051 or email info@EnWraptureByElise.com

*This line of products is made with 100% pure essential oils, all natural ingredients (except the lubricant), free of parabens, petrochemical solvents, sodium lauryl sulfates, dyes, formaldehyde, synthetic fragrances, and not tested on animals. Candles are made of natural plant wax derived from soy and are free of lead, paraffin, petroleum and dyes. They are made in the United States by a green company that practices sustainability.

Good for you, good for us, good for the environment, so go green this Valentine’s Day!

Aromatherapy is an age old alternative medicine, and in recent years has become all the rage as a natural way to feel better physically and psychologically. The inhalation of certain essential oils (oils that are extracted from plant parts through distillation) stimulates the brain, causing reactions that affect our mood and overall well-being. In additon to their mood enhancing capabilities, they also provide pharmacological benefits, with antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties to name a few.

There are over 90 essential oils, each with their own benefits, and often combined with others for a particular effect. My favorite is lavender oil since it has a plethora of benefits worthy of a post all by itself (I say this while I slip around on my keyboard after just applying a liberal dose of lavender hand cream to help me relax).

Here’s a list of some of the benefits of the more common oils:

• Stress Relief & Calming: lavender, chamomile, sage, bergamont, rosemary, peppermint, frankincense, myrrh
• Insomnia & Restlessness: hops flower, valerian, chamomile, lavender, sandalwood, marjoram
• Depression: lemongrass, mandarin, rosemary, basil, clary sage, jasmine
• Revitalize: grapefruit, cinnamon, rosemary, juniper, vanilla, geranium
• Memory Aid: sage, jasmine, peppermint
• Headache & Migraine: rosemary, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, sandalwood, lavender
• Cold & Flu: eucalyptus, lemongrass, thyme, chamomile, peppermint
• Antiseptic: tea tree, bergamont, juniper, sage, clove, lavender
• Anti-Inflammatory: chamomile, peppermint, juniper, bergamont, sassafras
• Insect Repellant: citronella, cedar, lemongrass, peppermint

Keep in mind, essential oils tend to be highly concentrated and some should not be applied directly to the skin without first being diluted, while others are unsafe for people with certain conditions, like high blood pressure or pregnancy. Please read up before you begin experimenting with a new oil so you can do so safely.
Tip: Check out our portable aromatherapy for when you or someone you know needs a little boost.

What’s your favorite aromatherapy remedy?