Karin's Deli and Health Foods

Keep Bugs Away Naturally

 

Warm weather has finally arrived! And with it, the sounds of summer:

 

BUZZZZZ.... SMACK!.... OUCH!.... BUZZZZZ.... SLAP!.... OUCH!....

 

Sound familiar?

 

Although just an annoyance to some, to others this can be quite a problem. Reactions to bug bites can range from itchy skin to severe rashes to scars left behind from the infections of scratching. Some people may even have allergic reactions to bites and this can become dangerous if air passages become blocked due to swelling.

 

Interesting facts about pesky insects:

• they are attracted to dark or bright floral designed clothing
• they also are drawn to sweet smelling perfume, hair products and sunscreen that are similar to, or contain flower scents
• consuming alcohol causes the skin to flush and blood vessels to dilate which then attract insects
• garlic is a natural deterent for bugs - so consume often or rub on skin...
• consuming nutritional yeast also deters insects from biting you
• high doses of vitamin C can help in combatting allergic reactions and subsequent symptoms of bug bites
• Citronella Oil is a natural insect repellent
• Aloe Vera Gel can be used to soothe bites after they occur

Finding bug repellents that are suitable and safe for ALL members of the family has been tough in the past - but not any longer!

 

Karin's Deli & Health Foods has many options for you to be able to keep bugs away naturally!

 

Broody Chick (which is a product line made right here in British Columbia) offers an effective repellent in a lotion form that is safe for adults and children called BUG BE GONE! With essential oils and moisturizing butters, you can be sure that your skin stays hydrated and healthy while keeping bugs off.

A local company based right here in Quesnel called Porcupine Designs, makes a great OUTDOOR SPRAY that includes the essential oils of:

• lemon
• lemon tea tree
• rose geranium
• lemongrass and
• peppermint

It may smell divine to us who are wearing it, but luckily it does not to those pesky insects!

 

LAFES also makes an excellent children's bug repellent as well that will be available shortly at Karin's. It is both chemical and DEET free!

 

 

So if the bugs at this time of year are bugging you, come on in to the store to see what many options are available for your use and get back to enjoying the warm summer days... bug FREE!

 

photo credits: Zaser, Kelby93, Broody Chick, Lafes

Turn Your Bottled Water Into Sports Water With ElectroMIX

We need water to survive, plain and simple.

Our bodies are made up of approximately 70% water.  All of our body processes including nutrient transportation, digestion, circulation and elimination need water to perform optimally.  As well, most common ailments can be relieved by drinking more water.

 
Are you getting enough? 

Are you drinking the recommended daily amount of 8 glasses per day?

Are you a regular exerciser or are possibly training for an event this year that requires you to replenish your fluids more often?

Emergen-C now carries a dietary supplement that may aid you in replenishing minerals lost during exercise by way of electrolytes.

 
ElectroMIX combines calcium, magnesium, chromium and potassium in an easy to mix powder form.  It contains NO artificial ingredients or sugar like other name brand sports drinks and is also sodium and calorie free.

CALCIUM is a mineral known for ensuring strong bones and teeth, but it also helps muscle contraction and healthy hydration.

MAGNESIUM works with calcium to conduct nerve impulses and contract muscles.  It is also vital to healthy hydration as it increases enzymatic activity during metabolism that is required for the production of energy in the heart, brain and other organs.

CHROMIUM stabilizes blood sugar by regulating insulin.

POTASSIUM assists in regulating the water and acid-alkaline balance in the body and stimulates muscle contractions with calcium.  As an electrolyte, it sends electrochemical impulses that regulate the heartbeat.

Working together, these electrolytes in ElectroMIX will turn your water into a healthy drink that will not only replenish and hydrate your body, but add the necessary edge you may need to perform at your best!

photo credits: John K, Emergen-C 

SUKIN & NEOBIO Skincare

Last week's blog post featured Karin's Deli & Health Foods' all new 100% natural cosmetic line LAVERA.  This week I will be going into more detail about two new skincare lines available: SUKIN & NEOBIO.

SUKIN is an organic, all natural product line from Australia that uses the highest quality botanicals, essential oils and all natural ingredients to restore and protect the natural radiance and vitality of your skin.

 
Check out what this carbon neutral and vegan skincare contains in replace of the unhealthy ingredients that are commonly found in other brands:

• NO sodium lauryl sulphate or sodium laureth sulphate ~ instead SUKIN uses: coconut derived, non-drying Decyl Glucoside & Cocamidopropyl Betaine to remove oil, dirt & bacteria without removing the skin's natural oils  
• NO animal derivatives ~ as a vegan brand, no animal products or by-products are used including honey, lanolin or beeswax - instead SUKIN uses: natural plant & soy products such as shea butter & jojoba
• NO synthetic fragrances or artificial colours ~ instead SUKIN uses: Australian essential oils and natural color
• NO triethanolamine ~ instead SUKIN uses: natural emulsifiers such as vegetable derived surfactants, vegetable oils and vegetable based glycerin
• NO mineral oils ~ instead SUKIN uses: natural plant and seed based oils
• NO parabens ~ instead SUKIN uses: natural preservatives such as Citrus Paradisi (grapefruit seed extract) and Phenoxyethanol at very safe and low levels

 
With products ranging from cleansers, toners, moisturizers and deoderants,  to shampoos and conditioners - you can find all your much needed products in this all natural form from SUKIN.

 
NEOBIO is a German company that also offers an extensive choice of products that include facial, body and hair care.  In addition to making the environment a priority, NEOBIO ensures all products are 100% natural and of top quality.

Keeping specific skin requirements in mind, the following facial product lines are available:

• Cherry Blossom for dry skin ~ to revitalize & relax in the essence of springtime & beauty
• Cotton Bloom for sensitive skin ~ to protect, strengthen and promote the skin's own repair mechanism and combat aging
• Red Clover for mature skin ~ to stimulate collagen production, activate defence cells and protect against free radicals
• Magnolia for combination skin ~ to improve skin's natural balance & cleanse oily areas

 
NEOBIO's bodycare shower gels, lotions and deoderant sprays include the following fragrance creations:

• Chili and Orange 
  
  
• Chardonnay and Blackcurrant 
  
• Spicy Chocolate 
  
• Amarena and Vanilla 
  
• Sandalwood and Jasmine 
  
• Lemongrass and Coconut 
  

Wow!  With delicious and healthy scents such as these, how can you not make the switch to a product line such as NEOBIO that delights not only your senses but your overall health as well!

So please make the stop in to Karin's to check out these great new products!  The helpful staff will be able to answer any questions you may have about LAVERA, SUKIN & NEOBIO and try them out for yourself!

photo credits: Sukin, Neobio 

Put The CARE In Your Skincare

Every day we put thoughtful care into what we consume and put into our bodies by way of food.  We take vitamins & supplements that our bodies need.  We care for and clean our homes with natural and eco-friendly products.  We protect and boost our immune systems to withstand the circulating seasonal viruses.

AND... we slather on skincare products and apply cosmetics - each and EVERY DAY.

What did you apply to your skin today? 

Was it all natural and safe for both yourself and the environment?

Karin's Deli & Health Foods can now help you make the better choice when it comes to caring for your skin as well as you care for all the other areas in your life, with all natural and eco-friendly cosmetics and skincare!

 
Our skin is the largest organ of our body and the conduit by which outside elements can be absorbed in through our pores and into our beings.  Unfortunately most people neglect to think about this fact.  They mindlessly cover this precious part of their anatomy with any and all products without thinking about how the inside of their bodies are having to therefore absorb and process all of the possible chemicals found in any non-natural products.  This puts stress on how the body detoxifies and runs in general. 

If our bodies are busy protecting our insides from the products WE put on it each day, how can we expect them to do other more important jobs like fight illness, boost immunity, or provide us with the basic energy and vitality we need to perform our daily responsibilities? 

Our face may be the easel upon which we color and display how we want to look on the outside to others.  Was the makeup you put on this morning good for you?  Was it made from all natural and organic plant oils, herbs and extracts?  Was it made in a cruelty free environment?  Is it free from harmful substances such as parabens, petroleum & synthetic preservatives, emulsifiers & fragrances?

If your answer is no, then switching to an product line such as LAVERA may be the answer!

 
LAVERA products not only have the power to make you look beautiful on the outside, but feel good on the inside.  You will know that what you are putting on and subsequently in your body is good for you, and the glow that will inevitably show externally will be that of health and radiance!

Here is just a small sample of some of the great LAVERA organic product ingredients:

• Aloe Vera - to revitalize, hydrate, refresh & smooth
• Argan Oil - to smooth, firm & calm
• Beeswax - to protect, shield & nourish
• Blossom Butter - propietary blend of cocoa butter, shea butter, mallow, lime & rose to nourish and smooth
• Camelina Oil - rich in essential fatty acids to help keep skin healthy
• Jojoba Oil - nourishing vitamins & minerals to regenerate & smooth
• Magnesium - strengthening & nutrient rich mineral for the skin
• Rice Powder - absorbent & mattening
• Shorea Butter - velvety soft & light protection film
• Natural Fragrances - mixture of pure essential oils & distillation of flowers, leaves & roots

From foundation & concealer to lip gloss & lipstick - this line has all the items you may need to put together your most healthy and beautiful face.

 
 
So take the time to care for you skin as well as you care for all other areas of your life.  And consider the positive impact you can have on your body by adding a positive change to your daily routine by using great products such as these!  Come in to Karin's to have a look at these new products and try them out for yourself.

As well, stay tuned for next week's post where I will feature and discuss all natural skincare in more depth.  SUKIN and NEOBIO are two new lines available at Karin's and have all the items you may need for haircare, skincare and bodycare.  Cleansers, moisturizers, specialty treatments, deoderants, lotions - if you use it, they have it!  In a 100% natural form!

 

photo credits: MyTudut, Lavera, Neobio 

All Natural Gift Giving with Kiss My Face

Looking for last minute Christmas gift ideas and stocking stuffers?  Karin's Deli & Health Foods is carrying a new line of goodies from Kiss My Face!

The Peace Holiday Collection of soaps and candles bring together a superb product and the gift of giving.  Kiss My Face is giving 10% of all proceeds from the sales of this line to Seeds Of Peace - their mission being to help young people from regions of conflict develop the leadership skills necessary to advance reconciliation and coexistence.

 
 
The liquid castile soaps and foaming hand soaps are simple and effective and are:

• Biodegradable, environmentally safe
• Vegetable based, vegan formula
• No SLS, parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrance

The candles are hand poured soy wax with unbleached cotton wicks. 

 
 All three products come in delicious scents such as

• Grassy Mint
• Lavender Mandarin
• Pomegranate Acai
• Lemongrass Clary Sage

So give the gift of a wonderful product, as well as helping contribute to a great cause!  Wishing you and yours a Healthy & Happy Christmas and New Year!

photo credit: Kiss My Face

QUASH 100% Natural Hand Sanitizer

In the fight against cold and flu viruses, hand sanitizers are commonly used.  There is no doubt that this is a smart option as nearly 80% of all germs are spread via the hands, and hand washing is not always an available option, particularly when we are out and about Christmas shopping, running errands or driving our children to and from school and events. 

But some important questions arise:  Are the hand sanitizers we use effective?  Are they safe?  And why are they so drying?  Specifically given that we live in a dry northern climate to begin with?

Karin's Deli & Health Foods now carries an answer to all those problems surrounding hand sanitizers, and it is called QUASH.

QUASH is 100% Natural Hand Sanitizer that is effective, safe and will not dry out your skin as it is alcohol and chemical free!  QUASH has been proven in laboratory tests to kill 99.9% of common bacteria, viruses and fungi that can cause illness. 

Commonly used hand sanitizers on the market that contain alcohol actually do more harm than good, as not only does the alcohol strip the natural oils from your skin which act as our bodies protective barrier against infection, but the subsequent small cracks can trap germs leaving you more susceptive to infection. 

By combining all natural ingredients that fight germs and nourish the skin, QUASH products are genius!  Some of these ingredients include:

• Manuka Honey - antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, antiseptic and antifungal
• Radish Root Ferment - antimicrobial
• Zinc Minerals - a vital component in the proper functioning of enzymes required by the body to protect skin
• White Willow Bark - powerful antiseptic
• Aloe Vera - nourishes & moisturises skin while reducing itching 
• Vitamin C - antioxidant, stimulates collagen
• White Tea - anti-aging
• Lavender & Lime Essential Oils - antiseptic, antifungal, deodorizing

Since our skin absorbs 70% of what we put on it, why not be sure to use the safest and the best on ourselves and our loved ones?  Come in to Karin's today to get your very own QUASH!  Be kind to your skin, the environment and protect yourself from the cold and flu all in one!

photo credit: QUASH

 

New Jewellery & Gifts

Karin's Deli & Health Foods has ALL NEW jewellery and gifts!  If you have not been in to see them yet, then you must!  Not only are they unbelievably beautiful, but truly unique as well.

Here are some enticing photos of just some of the great pieces they have available:

 
 
 
 
 
 
In addition to Karin's well known selection of Baltic Amber, sterling silver and genuine gemstone pieces, new collections have been added such as Chantale from Isreal and Toca from Brazil.

I leave you with one last photo of an amazing piece that is a must see - DRUZY Quartz - these stones contain a thin layer of quartz crystals covering the surface of a host stone.  The formation of these stones involves ground water carrying dissolved silica being forced into the porous host stone.  Rapid cooling then occurs, causing the delicate crystals to be formed inside.

Druzy Quartz is said to aid in balancing and increasing energy.  It has also been believed to elevate natural intuitive perception ablilities and has been used to diagnose disease.

 

Local Organic Turkey

Thanksgiving is only 2 weeks away!  If you and your family envision turkey upon the table to share, then come in to Karin's Deli & Health Foods to order your own locally raised, fresh, organic turkey!

 
 
Family Tree Farms is a local family farm in the Barlow Creek area, whose goal is to provide our community with local, quality and healthful turkey for your family to enjoy during the holidays. 

Their organic standards and practices include NO antibiotics, NO genetically modified products, NO pesticides or herbicides.  As well, their turkey farming practices include providing the turkeys with healthy & happy lives, giving them the freedom of the outdoors to roam and eat natural vegetation including wild strawberries.

The average cost for a Family Tree Farmsturkey will be approximately $55 for a 15-pound bird @ $3.75 per pound.  The sizing can vary to suit your needs.  Special orders and requests can also be accommodated, including those for heritage or wild birds.

Since the turkeys are sold fresh, orders must be booked in advance to get a firm commitment, and to provide adequate processing time.  Shawn and Melanie from Family Tree Farms can be contacted at 250-249-5755 or email familytreefarms@live.com.  And for your convenience, Karin's will be able to take your order as well! 

Let's make this Thanksgiving not only a time to share and enjoy good food with our family, but to provide them with the best, most healthful quality kind that we can!

HEIKO Skincare

Healthy skin is an outward sign of a healthy body.  Karin’s Deli & Health Foods is now carrying an excellent line of skincare products called HEIKO, which is inspired by homeopathy to balance and energize the skin.  In fact, the name HEIKO means balance in Japanese!

 

HEIKO products are 100% Natural with Organic Ingredients.  They are also:

• Chemical FREE
• Parsol and PABA FREE
• Dye and Synthetic Fragrance FREE
• Paraben and Panthenol FREE
• Alcohol and Nut Oil FREE

 

The HEIKO products include Cleansing Lotions, Exfoliants, Facial Moisturizers and Body Butter.

 

I was especially excited to see a Sunscreen as well in this line.  SPF 30, SPF 40, as well as SPF 40 Kids is available, so given the recent hot streak we have had here in our area lately, this all natural product could not be at hand at a more perfect time!  It blocks both UVA and UVB rays, as well as being water-resistant due to the natural oils included.

 

So have a stop on by the store to check out all the HEIKO products that Karin’s has to offer.  Protect and care for your skin, and your outward glow of health will be remarkable!

 

 

 

photo credit: Heiko

Looking closer....

Here at Karin's we have become known for great natural health products, but we also have a love for beautiful, handcrafted things. We carry some gorgeous lines of genuine gemstone jewellery in the shop, as well as handbags and other carefully chosen items for your home.

 

 

We hope that you will think of us the next time you need a little pick me up in the form of a beautiful piece of jewellery or when you need a perfect gift for a special occasion!