Remembering our Mothers...

The first fragrance ever given to me was from my mother. It was a delicious floral, not unlike the Aqua di Parma Magnolia Nobile 

 My earliest Mothers Day memories are of my mother and grandmother and Greece and the foods; ahh so wonderful. I can still smell the fig trees, and every time I smell the Jonathan Adler Fig candle it takes me back to that special time and place.

 As a mother, one of my first Mothers Day gifts was the wonderful Eau d'Hadrien by Annick Goutal. It smells like the lemon and orange trees in my native Corfu.

I have passed on my love of fragrance to my daughter Eleni, who's current favorite is Not a Perfume by Juliette has a Gun. Strange name, great fragrance!

My grandmother was the matriarch of the family, and was a strong, powerful women. She would have loved this brand new jasmine fragrance from Rodin!

For the first time ever, I will be with both my mother and my daughter for Mothers Day; three generations of women under one roof! We are very different and very similar at the same time.

My mother loves traditional things like Blanc Lilac Body Mousse, which is very yummy and sweet.

I love the classics, but with a bit of a twist, and I am a huge fan of hard-to-find products, like our good friend Montgomery Taylor's sublime Ambra di Venezia.

Eleni loves the new and unexpected, like cult brand Tokyo Milk

And of course, we all love our New London Soap!

Whatever you do this Mothers Day, just be sure to make it special for the special women if your life, no matter where they may be.

Happy Mothers Day, from me to you.

Abby

April...Month of Flowers

Spring is in full bloom with flowers of all shapes, sizes and colors bursting forth from the earth. These precious gifts bestow far more than a beautiful landscape: for centuries they’ve been prized for their potent medicinal, aromatic and homeopathic essences. Even the scent of certain flowers can transport us to a different time and place, conjuring up distant memories and instantly altering our moods.

“I love the scent of Osmanthus in the garden,” says Abby Fazio, New London Pharmacy’s co-founder. “Its floral perfume lingers and pervades the garden with an uplifting, optimistic bouquet,” she says. You can experience Osmanthus’ intoxicating aroma via The Different Company’s Osmanthus Eau de Toilette.

Even though the concrete streets of Manhattan are a far cry from the gabled gardens of the Greek Isles, there are plenty of opportunities to take advantage of spring’s floral bounty…without plucking from a neighborhood park.

“Every perfume and body oil that I wear is derived from flowers,” explains Fazio. “Body oils that contain rose are my favorite since roses are prized for their natural anti-inflammatory capacities.” Roses also tout antioxidant properties, which help guard the skin against free-radical damage from the sun, smoke and smog, which can spur on signs of premature aging like wrinkling and sagginess. “If I take a bath, I use REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash, “ notes Fazio, “And immediately after I bathe, I apply Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose Massage & Body Oil,” she adds. As a final touch, try Jurlique’s Rose Moisture Plus with Antioxidant Complex Moisturizing Cream to quell irritation and fortify the skin’s delicate lipid layer against oxidation. It also makes an excellent base for makeup, particularly for dry or sensitive skin types.

Not every essence is derived from roses, so take heart if you prefer the scent of another varietal. To steep your next suds-up in an aromatic burst of flowers, invest in a body soap brewed with fragrant floral essences like Mistral’s Organic Shea Butter and Olive Oil Soap with Verbena Flowers, Patyka’s Body Wash in Iris Wood, or Plant Life Aromatherapy Soap in Sandalwood. And don’t forget to refresh your face with Ligne St Barth’s Visage Cleansing Milk, which is imbued with heady frangipani flowers. Finish by anointing skin with Rodin’s Olio Lusso, a coveted blend of 11 essential oils derived from rare botanicals.

Infusing your home with the scents of spring requires little more than a carefully placed candle, even if your street is clogged with honking cabs. At New London Pharmacy, we stock sunny scents like Claus Porto’s Ilyria Candle in Honeysuckle – a vibrant aroma that’ll whisk you away to the quaint cobblestone roads of Portugal. If you’re looking to purge stale odors, try Paper d'Armenie, which pre-dates the Eiffel Tower. Born in 1885 in Paris, Paper d’Armenie is the brainchild of a chemist and a pharmacist and its unique, eco-friendly composition helps eliminate unpleasant smells from food sources and furry friends.

Although April heralds the season of botanical rebirth, for many of us, this arrival also brings with it an unwelcome guest: allergies. To thwart any ill effects, arm yourself with Heel Luffeel Nasal Spray, which temporarily relieves itchy, watery eyes, runny noses and congestion. To soothe a sore throat, try Quantum Echinacea and Zinc Lozenges. And since chapped lips tend to go hand in hand with a change in temperature – and increased sun exposure – protect your pucker with Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Moisturizing Stick.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter during this fabulous month of flowers where we’ll be sharing our seasonal tips, tricks and recommendations. And don’t be shy about asking us a question or sharing your own experiences!

Psoriasis...What is it and how do I treat it?

Psoriasis is something that many people have questions about, but don't want to talk about. I think it's time to bring the discussion out of the dark, and to shed some light upon this very common, and quite often,  treatable condition. 

The best method for treating psoriasis involves both internal and external treatment. As with any ailment that involves the immune system, I always recommend starting with a detox. Doing a detox starts us off with a clean gut, liver, and kidneys. The kidneys and liver can have a buildup of toxins that need to be released before true healing can begin. 

The best detox on the market is from The Organic Pharmacy. The Organic Pharmacy Detox is super-safe, easy to use, and does not have a traumatic effect on the body, unlike many other detoxes. The Organic Pharmacy Detox consists of 4 main components 

1.The Organic Pharmacy Phytonutrients Capsules

Based entirely on organic green superfoods, nutrients and antioxidants, this formula also includes digestive enzymes, immune enhancing mushrooms, acidophilus, linseed & MSM, making this a perfect daily vitamin supplement. Also for strong hair, skin & nails. Unlike most synthetic supplements, your body will recognize these nutrients and readily absorb them.

2. Organic Pharmacy Superantioxidant Capsules 

Working from the inside out this unique formula contains: Vitamin A, Ester C, Alphalipoic Acid, DMAE, L- Glutathione, CoQ10, Betacarotene, Grapeseed, Pycnogenol, A, C, E, Zinc, Ginger, Gingko, Gotu Kola, Tumeric, Bilberry & Green Tea; all the antioxidants you need in one formulation. Protecting your skin, body & cells from free radical damage. Clients have reported improved energy, mental clarity, immune strengthening as well as skin tone. This unique formula forms part of our daily essential trio as well as our detox program. 

3. The Organic Pharmacy Detox Colon Cleanse and Gut Repair

This detox is to cleanse the gut, blood and entire body at a cellular level. The formula not only cleanses but also repairs the gut lining. We suggest you use the liver detox drops and immune tincture in conjunction to support the eliminatory organs. Superantioxidants and Phytonutrients are also recommended to help detox and maintain cell stability. Cleansing the gut has the added effect of cleansing the entire body. Toxicity is one of the main causes of illness and skin problems, and a detox alleviates, many symptoms such as Candida, acne; it induces weight loss, improves and rejuvenates the body and mind. 

4. The Organic Pharmacy Essential Fatty Acid and B Complex

A unique Essential Fatty acid blend of Evening Primrose, Linseed and Borage blended with EFA co-factors to aid and enhance absorption. Lecithin breaks down and emulsifies fats as well as detoxifying and regenerating the liver. Phosphatydyl choline and inositol help stabilise cell membranes supplying the building blocks for skin renewal and elasticity. B Complex, Calcium and Magnesium are added to this formula to support the nervous system.  Essential Fatty acids are particularly important during times of stress, to keep the skin youthful and elastic, to help balance hormones and support healthy joints and gut. If you have dry skin it is essential. 

5. The Organic Pharmacy Liver & Kidney Drops

Ingredients: Aqua*Grain Alcohol *Cardus Marianus *Cyanara *Taraxicum rad *Schizandra chinesis *Berberis *Althea officinalis .Detoxifies your liver & kidneys. 

Of course in order for any detox to be effective, it is equally important to know what foods can exacerbate the symptoms of psoriasis. It is best to avoid spicy foods, alcohol, seafood, and red meat during and detox, and beyond. And although it is sometimes easier said than done, reducing stress and getting enough sleep are major factors in combatting any condition. 

There are 2 other wonder products from The Organic Pharmacy I always recommend for treatment of psoriasis, and I have many patients achieve great results with these products:

1. The Organic Pharmacy Ultra Dry Skin Cream

This super rich cream loves dry itchy scaly or chapped skin. Enriched with Evening Primrose, Chichweed, Tamanu, Neem and Rose Hip, it goes to work quickly, restoring skin to its former smooth glory. Developed originally for eczema suffering clients, it has become a firm favorite. Also ideal after sun, to soothe and repair dry dehydrated skin.

2. The Organic Pharmacy Skin Tincture

This tincture has in it herbs like Sarsaparilla, Burdock, Oregon Grape, Lyycium, Yello Duct, and Neem. It cleanses the blood, modulates the immune system and protects the liver. This tinture protects the skin with its anti-imflammatory and healing properties.

You have probably noticed by now that all the recommendations I have made are totally organic and completely natural. This is definitely not by chance. I firmly believe that allowing the body to heal itself through natural processes is far better than using just using drugs, which many times target the symptoms and not the causes of a condition like psoriasis. This being said, there are situations that do require medical attention, and can be greatly improved by medical science. I just think that the first defense should always be the natural choice.

I am confident that by treating psoriasis externally and internally, you will see a great improvement in your condition, and in your general health.

$100 Gift Card Giveaway for Valentine's Day

In honor of Valentine's Day, we're hosting a very special $100 gift card giveaway. You can tender the card on bended knee, or pick out a goodie of your choice!

Head on over to our Facebook page to enter. Better hurry, it ends soon!

Back to School Giveaway - CLOSED

*******Giveaway Now Closed: Congrats to Lorelei!********

Hi-ho, hi-ho it's back to school we go! We're wishing you a very happy "Back to School-year" by offering a chance to score a boatload of swag worth $100.

To win, leave us a message below telling us what you're most looking forward to this year!

And don't forget to include a way to contact you in the event that you win...

Here's a sneak peek at what's up for grabs:
Elmer's All Purpose Glue Sticks
Oxford Blank Index Cards
Post-it Page Markers
Papermate No. 2 Pencils
Tokyomilk Dark Cherry Bourbon Bee Balm & Jasmine Lip Balm
Refillable Spray Atomizer
Juara Candlenut Hand & Body Balm
Emergen-C Acai Berry Flavored Fizzy Drink Mix
Rachel's #12 Acrylic/Medium Disinfectable
Sally Hansen Salon Effects Wild Child Real Nail Polish Strips
ABH Antibacterial Honey & Cherry Lozenges
Cool Heat Listerine Pocketpacks
Burt's Bees Aloe & Witch Hazel Hand Sanitizer
Lavishy Faux Leather makeup pouch/pencil case with cat motif

Giveaway ends September 1st, 2011 at 5PM EST. Open to US residents only.

This giveaway can be found at Giveaway Scout