A PURA Muse is a woman who inspires us with their content, business, work ethic, values or beliefs. This woman is aligned with the goals and motivations that we strive for each day here at Pura Botanicals (if they are already a Pura lover, it makes it all the better!). Our monthly muse is working to elevate their community through their business, volunteerism, or their commitment to wellness, and they consistently advocate for well-being & intentional living.

The PURA Muse November 2019: Sarah Chan

Having grown up in the City of Edmonton, how do you think the city has evolved in the past five years?

There has been a surge in local creators building their reputations and businesses! There is cross-promoting and collaborating within those spaces as well! Our food scene also continues to get better and better. Yum! 

We love your passion for music & dance. Can you tell us about being a piano teacher, and how music and dance have impacted your life?

I never planned on having a career in the arts, I always thought I was going to be a lawyer. The reason I have continued to work as a musician and teacher is because it brings me so much joy. Nothing comes close to the deep connection I feel with my students and their families. Nothing is more gorgeous than playing music every day, it is beautiful and therapeutic.

I was playing a student’s song the other week and his mom said, “what a gift, to be able to do that” - I sometimes take for granted that what I do is a gift. On the logistics side, owning and operating my own business has given me flexibility over my time. This is especially important as I handle the bulk of parenting at our place, and I invest a great deal of free time in social advocacy within our community.

As for performing arts - music & dance - these creative outlets are my foremost resources for self-care and neuroplasticity! I am learning more & more that if you want to build your capacity and think differently, you need to have arts in your life. They help your brain sparkle - creating is fun! 

I wear so many hats. It can often be disorienting and I sometimes feel misunderstood. The lowest common denominator, though, is that I am 'Miss Sarah'. My values and work ethic translate across all my roles. Whether it’s being a mom, teacher, social advocate, citizen, wife, mentor… my integrity, instincts, and sense of humour are always present.

What I’ve learned within myself is to trust my instincts. There are so many people, priorities, and it is noisy out there. It has been quite a journey for me, to return to my confidence in knowing who I am. And, discovering new depths within! I’ve learned a lot about myself and the big, wide world out there. Sometimes I feel like public life has chewed me up and spit me out. I had to gather new tools; I needed to rely on the love, support and encouragement of the best friends you can imagine. I had to face the saddest and most wounded parts of myself and dig deeper than I ever have before. 

I am happy to report that challenge has been purifying and galvanizing - I am stronger than ever! I have gained much through struggle. I love the power in being softer, more refined and, leading through love. 

What do you find to be the greatest challenge that you face when trying to balance the many things you are passionate about?

I’ve gotten much better at this! I try to always ]trust my gut and ask myself a series of practical questions including...

• Am I the best person for this job?
• Does it have to be me or do I know someone who would be a better fit?
• Do I have enough time to do my best?
• How can I best help & serve?
• How does this request align with my work and my values?
• Is it fun? 

We are inspired by your infectious energy and passion for community engagement & volunteerism! Can you give us an idea of what a day in the life of Sarah Chan looks like?

A lot of people ask this, and I find that each day is a little different. I have also refocused much of my time on self-care (hence the return to trusting my instincts). I think my life is better represented as a week. Regular things I do each week include...

• Getting the kids all breakfasted and off to school each day
• Yoga, pilates, or somatics
• Hip-hop at Kore Dance Studio every Tuesday night 
• An unsatisfying amount of administration
• Connecting with my friends & loved ones
• Teaching 33 students per week
• Sexy mom stuff like planning meals, grocery shopping, making lunches, laundry, project managing the kids, taking kids to appointments, and cleaning. Working from home has its advantages and disadvantages!
• Spending time at Spruce Ave Junior High with my mentee from BGCBigs
• Meeting with one of the organizations or initiatives I am involved with.
• Attending events with Mayor Iveson 
• Snuggling my babies

The great thing about my schedule is that there are lots of weird curve balls that are random and fun! This fall I have guest-hosted a Drag Queen Bingo in support of The United Way, and I went as a DRAG KING! I got to go to Jasper on a sweet vintage train as a member of the CN Community Giving Board, and the family enjoyed an outdoor concert at the new Jim Venas stage. I raced as “Secret Spice” in a University of Alberta plasma car derby - in support of United Way. I was Honourary Co-Chair for the annual BGCBigs Lobster Lovers dinner. I visited a different school or sometimes two every day during read-in week. Finally, I delivered a keynote on wellness to grades 4 to 9 at a local school. 

Each week has hilarious, joy-sparking stuff peppered throughout it - I am really lucky!

Can you share some of your favourite self care rituals with us? Do you and your husband have any joint self care rituals or ways you like unwind together? We know Don is a fan of our Nobleman Face Oil, but we have heard that he enjoys using your Cocoa Honeycream Mask once & a while.

I am ALL about the self-care these days! I love seeing every little opportunity to do something nice each day. I’ll treat myself to a Kashmiri Chai at Remedy Cafe. Buy myself flowers. Drink a coffee in bed. Have lunch with a friend. Write down things that make me happy or hilarious stuff my students say to me, so I’ll remember it later. And, of course, PURA is a huge part of my life. Each time I use a PURA product, I pause & focus on how good it smells and how I am using clean products made of real ingredients by real people. It is totally luxurious. Those moments are golden for me, especially on the days when I feel like a pile of trash. 

As for rituals Don and I practice together - we’ve recently started going to yoga! It’s a game-changer for mindfulness and release. At home, I force him to wear whatever mask I happen to be wearing, if he is within arms reach. He often invades my bath soak! Cost of entry is applying my Cocoa & Rose Body Oil for me. 

We're flattered that you have loved and supported PURA for such a long time - even before we rebranded, when our original logo was an egg with a flower growing out of it. What attracted you to using our potions and how do they make you feel?

My first Pura Botanicals product was a rose facial mist. It was divine. PURA products are gorgeous, smell amazing, have fantastic results, and are extremely flexible. I love that there are no rules to using the products. You can tailor them to what you need that day and be your own chemist. I like to mix the Overnight Masks on my face as I have combination skin; the acne parts are REALLY bumpy and the aging/dry parts are elsewhere. 

I am currently really into the Ambrosia Beautifying Serum. Massaging my face every night has become ritualistic and I even say nice things to myself while I do it. It’s sort of embarrassing but, I’ll tell myself good job on something that went well that day or just something gentle & kind like, “let’s be nice” or “now you get to rest”! It is just one of the ways I appreciate myself each day. 

Overall, my PURA potions are an everyday treat, and an incredible value - They go a long way! Plus, I feel really good knowing real, very fine, and loving people are behind creating and producing the brand. It is a win-win-win! 

XOXO, Sarah Chan

@misssarahchan

Miss Sarah Chan

From Left to Right: Overnight Garden Mask, Zingara Gypsy Mist, Cocoa & Rose Body Oil, Ambrosia Beautifying Serum, Rosemary Clarifying Mist, Seashell Mane Mist, Nurturing Nova, Overnight Watermelon Mask

The PURA Muse is a woman who inspires us with their content, business, work ethic, values or beliefs. This woman is aligned with the goals & motivations that we strive for each day here at Pura Botanicals - and if they are already a Pura lover, it makes it all the better!

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At Pura Botanicals we take pride in being part of the green beauty movement. Our all-natural skincare, body care, baby care potions, and botanical fragrances contain plant and flower-derived essences, organic and wild-harvested ingredients. When you use a Pura potion, you can feel confident knowing that it is earth-friendly, nutrient-rich, non-toxic, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. While we have worked very hard to perfect our formulas and in-house production processes, there are some areas that are out of our control - and that is just way it goes with natural skincare. If you are new to natural, there are a few things you might need to know...

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My name is Dr. Mecca Fayad and I am a chiropractor living and working in Edmonton. I am extremely passionate about providing individualized & evidence-based treatments to all of my patients...

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Our incredible team has put together 10 'Pura Hacks' - that you can use to turn your Pura favs into multi-tasking, skincare superheroes. Who knows...maybe some of these will inspire you to imagine new ways you can use your Pura potions! 

Lane Edwards: Pura's Founder

Tip #1: When I use the Overnight Masks, I like to use each mask in a different area of my face to target different skin concerns or goals. The Overnight Watermelon Mask is great for areas in need of deep hydration, the Overnight Garden Mask balances an oiler t-zone or blemish-prone areas, while the Overnight Mango Mask is perfect for fine lines, discolouration, and wrinkles. 

Tip #2: I enjoy using Pura's Neroli Eye Ritual as a hydrating and preserving lip oil. When I apply this throughout the day, I find that it adds a beautiful glow to my cupid's bow and softens my lips with its gentle ingredients. The Neroli Eye Ritual also works as a luxe perfume oil; it has a soft & gentle scent that fades beautifully throughout the day.  

Tip #3: When I feel like my evening cleaning routine needs to be taken up a level, I enjoy mixing a small amount of Exotic Pink Coffee Dust into my Countess Cleansing Nectar. By adding this exfoliating mask to the facial cleanser, you create an incredible creamy cleansing experience. This blend is so aromatic and leaves the skin GLOWING! 

Sophie: Wholesale Lead

Tip #4: I add a few drops of Radiant Face Drops to my Exotic Pink Coffee Dust, after I have mixed it with water. It adds additional nourishment & hydration to my face mask ritual. 

Tip #5: Whenever I use an Overnight Mask, I take whatever is left over on my hands and apply it to my elbows or the tops of my hands. These masks are extremely luxurious & hydrating, so it is is wonderful way to treat some areas of the body that are often forgotten about. 

Tip #6: Our Cocoa & Rose Body Oil is an incredible treat for the skin and when I am feeling like my nails & cuticles need a little love, I use this oil as a beautiful hand treatment. 

Tip #7: To make sure that I get the most out my Pura potions, I like to mist either the Botanical Bloom Essence or the Rosemary Clarifying Mist into my hands and then gently pat it into my skin. 

Emily: Digital Development Lead 

Tip #8: I like to add a couple of drops of Ambrosia Beautifying Serum to my Overnight Garden Mask, for an extra luxurious treat for my skin. I find that it really helps when my skin is dull, tired, or breaking out. 

Tip #9: I have also found that the Overnight Garden Mask works as a great foot treatment, perfect for after you have done an at-home pedicure. The ingredients in this mask are incredibly refreshing and hydrating, and fresh-smelling - the best thing for tired, achy feet.  

Lindsay: Community & Content Lead

Tip #10: The Neroli Eye Ritual is a staple in my evening skincare routine; I apply it around my eye area, as well as on my brow bone & eyebrows. It is great after I have tweezed my eyebrows - the jojoba oil and aloe vera are both incredibly hydrating & soothing.

Share with us your Pura Hacks using the hashtag #puramoments - we want to see how you use your Pura!

My name is Nimi and I’m a lover of all things natural when it comes to health, wellness and beauty. Most would call me a kind and fiercely passionate ECO-Warrior! The idea of HauteCoton came to me while sitting in a nutrition class about organic farming vs. conventional farming. That’s when I made the connection between food and natural textiles. Not many people realize the textile industry is one of the most toxic industries and one of the biggest polluters of our time. I started questioning what I was putting in and on my body through food, bath and beauty products, then eventually textiles. Our skin is our largest organ and we spend 1/3 of our lives in bed. I didn’t want to lay in conventionally grown ‘natural’ fabrics and synthetic materials that were laced with formaldehyde, petroleum and microplastics every single night. We all deserve to be informed and have the power of choice. That’s when HauteCoton was born.

Tell us about your inspiration for HauteCoton. Is there someone or something that drives this vision you have for the brand?

There are many reasons but first and foremost it was my health, my family’s health and realizing the impact our choices have on our collective home…our planet. I also became ‘awakened’ of what actually goes on in the textile industry. It was heart-breaking to learn that textile workers were developing disease, illnesses and serious health implications such as cancer and nervous system dysfunctions just by being in contact with textiles and fabrics that were conventionally grown, man-made and chemically dyed. It upset me enough to do something about it. Especially knowing that I too almost developed cervical cancer from basic lifestyle choices. Thank goodness we caught it early enough and I made the decision to live a preventative lifestyle.

What is it like to have created an eco-friendly brand here in Edmonton? Is there anything interesting or surprising you have learned about your community throughout this journey?

I’m humbled by the excitement and the community we have here supporting a natural living lifestyle. You can even see the shift happening through food and more plant-based options being available everywhere. It’s beautiful to see. We still have a long way to go but you can see change is happening and people are starting to put two and two together. They’re paying more attention to their health, not only through food and physical exercise but what they put on their skin through skincare and bath and beauty products. I’m so glad businesses such as Pura exist. It shows people that clean, green beauty and conscious products can be good for you without having to use all the toxic and synthetic preservatives that conventional beauty products do. It shows that natural beauty products can be good for us, be kind to our planet and offer powerful results all at the same time. Sustainability X Luxury. It’s possible.

Do you have any simple tips or special tricks for making your home for clean and environmentally-friendly?

Plants! Lot’s of plants. It’s a natural air purifier. Using simple things from your own fridge as cleaning products such as vinegar, lemon and a few drops of essential oils. Getting rid of plastic containers, having reusable shopping bags on hand for grocery shopping and definitely environmentally friendly cleaning and laundry products.

What are your must-have products from your own line? 

Definitely our most popular products are our Sheet Sets, Duvet Covers and our Crib Sheets. Parents-to-be only want the healthiest, safest and purest product for their little ones, especially when their skin is in direct contact. People love buying our products as gifts or to indulge for themselves. And with our natural colour, you can actually see the cotton seed embedded in the sheets. I personally love slipping into my sheets at the end of a long day. There’s nothing like when your head hits your pillow at night and you slip into pure softness that feels like your sleeping on a cloud. Our linens have a sateen finish so they only get softer and more comfortable as you wash them. They’re temperature regulating as well, so they will adjust to your body temperature helping you sleep better at night by allowing your skin to breathe. In the summer they keep you cool and in the winter, warm and cozy. It’s great for people with partners who are the opposite body temperatures from each other. Everybody wins! And we always get compliments on the lining of our duvet covers. They’re lined with buttons made from coconut shells from the communities in which we work with in India. We’ve visited the factory ourselves and seen with our very own eyes the coconut shells being hand-sewn onto the duvet covers.

Are there any Pura Botanicals potions that you cannot live without?

You can tell how important it is to me that our skin only gets the safest and purest products, especially while sleeping. We spend 1/3 of our lives in bed and we’re doing the most rejuvenating at night. For the past 2 years now I’ve been using my Overnight Watermelon Mask from Pura! It’s a product I can’t live without. It was given to me as a gift and now I can’t go to bed without it. My bedtime ritual consists of doing a little self-care before falling asleep. I’ll first cleanse my skin with Pura’s Countess Cleansing Nectar, put on my hydrating Overnight Watermelon Mask and gently massage my skin with Pura’s Jade Face Roller to help with circulation and rejuvenation and then I slip into my luxuriously soft HauteCoton sheets. Nothing beats that feeling! My bedtime routine with Pura products leaves my skin feeling so hydrated and nourished and the texture of my skin feels so incredibly soft every time I wake up. These are products that are must haves in my daily and nightly routines!



I’m incredibly happy to see that self-care comes in many forms of health and wellness for most people now, not just the mainstream way of manicures, pedicures and massages. Yes, they too are relaxing ways to take care of oneself but self-love extends beyond just spa treatments. It’s in the little things, life’s simple pleasures. If we all take the time to invest in quality lifestyle products that make us feel good in our daily lives as we trek-on with our busy days, we can always, quickly revert back to the things that make us feel comforted, taken-care of and nourished at the end of the day. That in itself is a form of self-care.

Enjoy 15% off anything on HauteCoton.com & free shipping in North America on purchases over $100 CAD, use the code PURA15 at checkout!

XOXO

~ Nimi Kelloway, Founder HauteCoton  @hautecoton

REDUCE • REUSE • RECYCLE

We've all heard this motto growing up and we all know it's importance. The responsibility lies with both the brand and consumer to make a lasting impact and reduce their respective environmental footprints. 

As a green beauty brand, one of the things that's extremely important to us is our beautiful earth, all it's creatures and our impact on both. From sourcing ingredients to packaging we put a lot of care and intention into everything we do to ensure the highest quality and eco-sustainability. For these reasons we love using glass for most of our packaging as it can be easily recycled an infinite amount of times or repurposed into other uses. We'll go over 6 amazing ways to reuse your Pura packaging and reduce your environmental impact. 

1. VANITY ORGANIZATION

From makeup remover pads to bobby pins and hair ties, our cream jars make wonderful little storage containers for all of your vanity essentials. Use the mini travel sized jars for rings and earrings. Store your favourite Gemstone Face Roller and mini potions for easy access on your countertop. 

2. TEA & SPICES

Have a loose tea or spice collection that could use a little organization? Reuse your Pura cream jars and label the lids or sides of the jars to give your kitchen drawers a beautiful update.

3. PLANT VASES & POTS

Stop by your local greenhouse and grab a few succulents to plant in your old cream jars. Amber coloured glass and greenery look amazing together! Your empty Countess Cleansing Nectar bottle or Botanical Bloom Essence bottle also make great vases for a few blooms.

 

4. PERSONAL ORGANIZATION

Is your backpack or purse always a disaster? It's ok, you're not alone! Repurpose your Pura Travel Kit bag or Gemstone Roller bag for carrying your essentials like sunglasses, office goodies or jewelry.

5. DIFFUSER & HOMEMADE POTIONS

Turn your old Pura perfume bottle into a non-toxic diffuser to enhance any room in your home. Simply add a carrier oil like sweet almond or jojoba with a few drops of our favourite essential oils and wooden reed sticks. Repurpose your finished Pura mist bottle and create a homemade bug repellent for the summer months, or store your most beloved bath salts in a jar beside your bathtub.

6. CRAFT SUPPLY STORAGE

For kids or adults that love playing with glitter, pom poms and all things crafty, a wonderful way to keep your items tidy is by separating different materials into your empty Pura jars and labeling the lids. 

What are some ways you reuse your Pura packaging? Share and tag us on instagram and use #purarepurposed.

Meet the Mother's of PURA

Wishing all of our friends and community a very happy Mother's Day weekend! We wanted to share a little bit about our lives with you, and how we survive and thrive through the journey of motherhood. We also included some of our pet mommies too!

We are always celebrating mama's with our clean beauty potions. Becoming a mother is what inspired me to create PURA. I marvel at the mother's around me, and I'm so grateful for the journey and everything's it's taught me. 

 

LANE EDWARDS

I'm the Founder of PURA, and the mother of Morgan, Cove and Emery. Our children are really the reason why PURA exists at all. Having them inspired me to innovate our natural skincare collection. Family is everything to me, and being a mother has been the most rewarding and challenging journey! 

What are some #puramoments you create or self-care rituals you have for yourself?

I really try and be conscious of my stress levels and how much I commit to. My favourite rituals to stay in harmony and feel grounded include getting on a really good sweat, even for 20 minutes. I love a quick home workout with 5 pound weights, core exercises and yoga. Before PURA, I was a yoga teacher for many years. I'm so grateful to call on even a few deep breaths, some deep stretching and meditation. I also love reading self improvement books before bed. I find it very relaxing and sets me up mentally for the next day. I love a long bath in our Cocoa & Rose Body Oil and Whimsical Bubbles. I also love masking while I'm bathing. The Exotic Pink Coffee Dust, followed by the Cocoa Honeycream Mask is so skin rejuvenating and heavenly to my senses. I usually end up with one of my kids in the bath with me, but I love that they're growing up with all of these natural products and rituals. Almost all of my self care habits come from my mom. Especially as a single mom, she instilled the importance of self care and the love for high quality beauty care. We used to mask with egg whites and honey all the time. The Ambrosia Beautifying Serum is always the bookend to my day. Nothing makes my skin feel more healthier and radiant than that powerful and soothing potion. My husband also thinks it smells like apple pie. So a win-win at bedtime.;)

Who are some women or other mothers that you look to for inspiration and motivation?

My girlfriends and I are always sharing beauty wisdom. I think it's one of the most fun things about being a woman. As a mother, being consistent is challenging, but it's consistency that drives results. Creating good habits you crave and commit to really make all the difference. I really do my best to listen to my body and pay attention to my mental health. My self care rituals might look a little different each week. I've recently incorporated massaging my scalp at bed time with organic rosemary and jojoba oil. It's so relaxing and stimulates hair growth. It's simple, but feels so good. 

Top three things in your mommy survival kit?

Sparkling water. I know that sounds a bit odd, but I feel so much better when I'm well hydrated, and I find it so much more appealing to drink than still water. It's the healthiest addiction! LOL. I also take some vitamins to help maintain my energy such as vitamin D, B, omega oils, cod liver oil, zinc and apple cider vinegar. Kleenex... a mom always needs Kleenex. The reality- I actually rarely have it in my purse, but it's a goal. Also, I keep the Neroli Eye Ritual with me all the time... it's good for everything- instant glow and hydration for my lips, cheeks, eyes, and can even be used as a perfume. Obsessed with the delicate aroma. It's so soft and a little sexy. 

What has been your greatest joy, since becoming a mother?

Watching Morgan, Cove and Emery grow into little individuals. It's fascinating how different they each are and all their little corks and unique qualities. Morgan my oldest recently had her first improv show. She nailed an elegant English accent, made everyone laugh, and was so at ease being on stage... and here we thought Emery was our little performer. She's a cool kid, and by cool, I mean self-assured. I also love her balance of serious and silly. I think about how my sense of humour has gotten me through some really tough times. Cove is my soft and intuitive one. He's always asking deep questions about life and nature, and savouring time with us. His name suits him. Emery is an explosive, old soul. She teaches me things about life all the time. She's so in her body and loves to express herself. I can really identify with her spirit. It's like, wow, it's me, but lightyears ahead! 

The cuddles are also absolute gold from all of them. We are enjoying having them all under our roof right now, sound asleep and safe in their beds. Holding on to these years. It's not always easy. Rarely actually, but we can see already how quickly they are growing up. Weekends are my favourite. We love making a big breakfast on Saturdays when the sunshine is beaming into our home. Music fills each room, and everyone is happily doing their thing. I'll miss that when they're older and more independent. We are such a social family, and laugh about being weekend warriors.

I also grew up with divorced parents since I was two- so having my husband around for everything is such a gift. It's like hey, we're in this together- the good, the bad, everything. 

 

CATHY EDWARDS

I am a mother of 3 children (1 girl and 2 boys), and 7 grandchildren, of which two are married. I enjoy time with my husband, travel, reading and cooking. My family is the best accomplishment in my life and my pride and joy. Grandchildren have enriched it even more! My role at Pura Botanicals is Director of Operations, in which I oversee production and the back end of the business. I work with my daughter-in-law, Lane, who is the Founder of Pura and one of my very best friends.

What are some #puramoments you create or self-care rituals you have for yourself?

My generation did not do a great deal in the way of “self-care” as it was not focused on much when I was younger, and also any excess money went for other things. I always use my Countess Cleansing Nectar and love my Overnight Masks, which I alternate as I see fit. My favorite products by far is the Neroli Eye Ritual, which has decreased the fine lines around my eyes significantly, and made my skin soft and supple. I have recently been told by a dermatologist that I have “lovely skin”, which is a testament to Pura and our lovely potions.

Who are some women or other mothers that you look to for inspiration and motivation?

My mother has always provided inspiration with her keen mind and positive outlook on life. There are too many women who inspire me to be named, but as I have an incredibly close family my sisters – Karen and Connie – sit at the top of my list. I feel whenever you can grasp something positive from someone, and learn, it is a motivator.

Top three things in your mommy survival kit?

Well, at this point in my life it is absolutely a great glass of wine, something luxuriously sweet and time well spent with those you love! I do not require as many monetary things in my life as I once thought I did!

What has been your greatest joy, since becoming a mother?

It is a gift to be able to grow “old”, and to be able to do it with those you love around you is more than anyone can ever ask for. I am honoured that they want to spend time with me, and hearing their joy and laughter is my greatest joy.

 

SANJA SPEERS

Hello, I am Sanja Speers, 52 year old mother of two boys, aged seventeen and nineteen. I work behind the scenes as the bookkeeper at PURA, and have always had an interest in natural beauty products. I fell in love with PURA through my pilates teacher who carried the line at her studio. I'm also a yoga teacher, avid skier, and very passionate about healthy & holistic living. 

What are some #puramoments you create or self-care rituals you have for yourself?

My Pura self-care ritual is using Cocoa Rose Oil in my bath and I spray my pillows with Enchanting Lullaby Mist. Overnight Watermelon Mask is a staple in our house.  My entire family uses it in the Winter before we head out to the slopes to ski as a protective cream.  My skin use to get so weathered and dry in the Winter, this amazing mask gets my skin protected.  We also use the Watermelon Mask in summer months after a day of being out on the water. 

Who are some women or other mothers that you look to for inspiration and motivation?

My own Mother is an inspiration for her work ethic. She is 78 and still is a work horse in her own home, with her family and in her garden.  I love how she re-purposes everything.  Princess Diana's life continues to be a inspiration in my life.

Top three things in your mommy survival kit?

Running, Yoga, short getaways, and a bath everynight.

What has been your greatest joy, since becoming a mother?

Experiencing their accomplishments. Learning from my own children. Just recently I came home to find my son massaging his girlfriend's feet with Petal Fudge! How Fantastic.

 

EMILY SCHUTZ

Hey, I'm Emily, the Digital & Graphic Design Lead at Pura. I'm responsible for the photography, website, promotional materials, packaging design and all things techie! I'm married to an awesome guy named Corey and we have two cats and a dog. When I'm not at Pura you can find me photographing weddings or binge watching netflix and cuddling my pets. The rest of the Pura team would probably tell you that I'm the office clown, I tend to be the one making ridiculous jokes, weird faces and starting random dance parties.

What are some #puramoments you create or self-care rituals you have for yourself?

I tend to be an all or nothing kind of person. So when I decide to do a some self-care, it usually turns into a daylong process. I'll take a long, luxurious shower, do special hair treatment and then cover myself in Petal Fudge or Cocoa & Rose Body Oil. Then I'll put on Overnight Garden Mask and paint my nails while watching a movie and eating chocolate.

Who are some women or other mothers that you look to for inspiration and motivation?

My close friend group is full of badass, passionate, kind-hearted women that I look to for support on the daily. They're all pretty different from me which is wonderful, I've chosen to surround myself with people that have qualities I'd like to develop more in myself. I'm not a mom yet but I'm always inspired by my cousins and aunts and what an amazing job they do raising their families.

Top three things in your mommy survival kit?

As a fur baby mom my must haves include Dr. Bach's Rescue Remedy which is an all-natural anti-anxiety tincture which has a pet friendly version. My dog Layla is a nervous little thing and this helps when she's having a hard time relaxing. A spray bottle is another must for our naughty kitty Farley, he loves trying to steal food off our plates and enjoys knocking items off counters to get our attention. The only deterrent is spraying water at him haha. Lastly many amazing toys to keep the babies happy and entertained.

What has been your greatest joy, since becoming a mother?

Animals bring so much joy into your life and generally they don't ask/need much in return. Their entire world revolves around you and their love is so pure and unconditional, that's absolutely priceless. Seeing their sweet little faces everyday and the fact that they're always excited to see us is my greatest joy. I feel so spoiled considering how much they add to our life and how little I feel we offer in return.

 

INES VIZCAYA

What are some #puramoments you create or self-care rituals you have for yourself?

For as long as I can remember, self-care rituals have been part of my life. I have always loved to use special products that make me feel pampered & relaxed. Being a woman and a mom of three now, my favourite retreat is the bathroom where I disconnect by taking long baths at night. Using all of Pura’s clean and pure potions during that time really has became my favourite self-care ritual. 

Who are some women or other mothers that you look to for inspiration and motivation?

Inspiration comes to me from many women and mothers that I deeply admire. There are two very special women that always come first to my heart and mind - my mother Almudena, and my grandmother Maria. They are very different people, with many similar qualities. My mom is the most loving and caring person I know. Her unconditional love to everyone she is surrounded by, and her caring soul are some of her amazing attributes. Her favourite skincare potion is Pura’s Ambrosia Beautifying Serum, so of course she is a very supportive human being. My grandmother is a wise and positive person. She has an amazing attitude towards life, ”Enjoy every minute Ines, life is precious”. I am sure everyone has heard this phrase before, but really, she means it. At 102 years old, she keeps meeting with her friends every Wednesday and family gatherings on Saturdays at her place are a MUST. She loves beauty rituals and at this moment her favorite potion is her Pura Overnight Mango Mask, day and night. I could actually write a book about why they are my motivation and how they inspire me really.

Top three things in your mommy survival kit?

Mmmmh...I wish sometimes that motherhood came with a manual, hehe. My mommy survival kit includes, deep breathing, patience, and a positive attitude.

What has been your greatest joy, since becoming a mother?

Loving and being loved in return and the little things our kids do that put the biggest smile on my face every day.

It may only be April but we're ecstatic that Spring is finally here! More sun, a fresh breeze, melting snow and little green buds sprouting from the trees. Spring is all about rebirth, a fresh start and the multi-coloured beauty of the world. Who doesn't love a good spring cleaning?! But what are some other ways we can renew and start fresh at this time of year. We'll dive into all the ways to refresh inner and outer beauty... read on!

  

1. Drink More Water

This seems like a no brainer but many of us get in the bad habit of drinking too much coffee and cocktails throughout the winter as way to comfort us on those freezing mornings and dark evenings. Swapping out that first morning coffee for water is a simple way to improve digestion, energy levels and promote clearer, more hydrated skin. We love to infuse our water with fresh lemon and cucumber as it reminds us of being at the spa!

2. Be In Nature

Nature is therapeutic, its scientifically proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase short-term memory and boost creativity. A few ways we love to get out in nature more including planting a garden with our favourite veggies, going on a hike in the river valley and picnics in the park with friends. Hit up the Italian Centre or any local market and grab items to create your own charcuterie board for your bespoke picnic experience!

3. Try Something New

To help us get out of that winter hibernation, we love to jump feet first into new activities and experiences.  Spring is such an energizing time, it's full of excitement and possibilities, which feels like a great opportunity to try something new! Painting, pottery or dance classes are a wonderful way to get creative. We've all been drooling over From Tree To Sea Ceramics and we're dying to learn the art of creating pottery as beautiful as hers. 

If classes aren't your thing, visiting a new city could be the fresh excitement you need. Taking in the sights and sounds of a new place always enriches the soul. We also love trying food at as many restaurants as humanly possible in a new city. Isn't that what travel's really all about?  

4. Add More Colour To Your Dinner Plate

For us winter is all about carbs! Pasta, breads, treats, any warm comfort food. By the time spring arrives our bodies are screaming for fresh fruits and veggies. In Alberta late May is generally the time local farmers markets start their season and many of us start planting our gardens at home. Take advantage of all the amazing food that's in season and explore new recipes. Some of our favourite resources for healthy and delicious recipes are; Minimalist Baker, Nutrition Stripped, Oh She Glows and Pinch Of Yum.

5. Let Your Beauty Bloom

Rather than looking at beauty from a point of what you should change, instead focus on how you can care for yourself. A few ways to care for your natural beauty include wearing SPF everyday and not just on your face! Our favourite SPF line is COOLA, they offer amazing products like an SPF 30 makeup setting spray.

Exfoliation is another amazing way to promote natural radiance. We love using a dry brush with our Cocoa & Rose Body Oil, it's so invigorating and your skin just glows afterwards. For facial exfoliation we use the Exotic Pink Coffee Dust, it's gentle yet effective and smells heavenly.

Spring is all about beautiful bright colours, why not spice up your makeup routine with a pop of colour? We're obsessed with the stunning lip colours from Axiology, a vegan, all-natural focused company offering over 30 lipstick and lip crayon colours that are perfect for spring! Aether Beauty's celestial eye shadow palettes are infused with gemstones and chalked full of amazing ingredients like rosehip oil, they're sure to leave you feeling absolutely angelic!

 

What Are Some Ways You Usher In Spring?

We'd love to hear about your spring activities and rituals to enhance inner and outer beauty. Tag us on instagram with the hashtag #puramoments to share your moments of self-care, inspiration and nourishment!

At Pura we are obsessed with all things ethereal and celestial. Our love of gemstones and incorporating them into beauty rituals inspired our own collection of gemstone facial rollers.

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Pura Botanicals Gift Under $50: Muscle Melt // Winter's Eve // The Nobleman // Mini Cocoa Honeycream Mask // Zingara Gypsy Mist // Mini Exotic Pink Coffee Dust // Neroli Eye Ritual // Rosemary Clarifying Mist // Jade Face Roller

FAVOURITE LOCAL SHOPS 

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