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How to Keep Skin Healthy this Winter

Because who wants dry, itchy, and flaky skin? Here are some tips and tricks to maximize hydration and enrich your skin during these cold Winter months!

City skyline in the Winter

Read Those Labels

Having supple skin begins with the ingredients found in your products. Avoid harsh alcohols or over-processed ingredients and instead opt for natural and soothing butters or light oils. Our favorites to look for are cocoa butter, shea butter, Jojoba, and almond oil. 

Work While You Sleep

Moisturizing while sleeping is perhaps the easiest way to care for your skin this winter. Grab your favorite lotion or oil (might we suggest any one of Etta+Billie’s hydrating body lotion or oil) and cozy socks before tucking yourself into bed. You’ll wake up to baby soft feet with little to no work! 

If your hands are really needing some extra TLC from the harsh weather and constant hand-washing, sleep with some moisture-rich products and gloves. Might seem a bit ridiculous, but it is sure to get the job done. Who knows, you might just save some money from the heater now that you’re all bundled up!

Steam is your Friend!

Let steam be your best friend during these cold months. It opens up your pores to further absorb any moisturizing products. Apply product before you hit the shower to optimize hydration. Just don’t forget to also moisturize after you’re out!

Yes, we’ve got more winter skin tips! Check out previous blog post for some extra (but much needed) advice on how to whip your skin back into healthy shape.

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Everyday Habits for Your New Year Goals

The turn of a new year is always met with an onset of prompts and questions about one’s new year’s resolutions. While some goals are notoriously made to be broken, (such as that resolution to get in the gym everyday) there is something so special about creating goals for oneself to take on in the new year. Rather than honing in on individual goals, here are some simple but everyday habits to implement into your routine that will help bring some transformation to your new year: 

Etta and Billie product layout with computer and journal

Make. Your. Bed.

Sounds simple enough right? But how many of us simply forget or chose to bypass this step every morning? While the task might seem rather insignificant, the act of making your bed when getting up is proven to increase productivity and a feeling of accomplishment. Plus, it adds an additional neatness to any room, helping it to feel less cluttered and therefore promoting clarity of thought for the day. Don’t believe the hype? Check out this book titled “Make Your Bed: Little Things that can change your Life… And Maybe the World” to hear more about the significance of this small, but impactful task.

Slow Down

While trying to implement change and accomplishing goals can sometimes make us feel like there is no time to waste, there is actually a great benefit in slowing down. Whenever it is most convenient for your schedule, designate a time to pause everything for meditation and grounding. This healing practice can be as short as 2 minutes. Slowing down each day to meditate has proven to strengthen one’s mental health, focus, and reduce stress. 

Avoid the Devices

This tip might be the most difficult of them all, but also one of the most valuable. I can speak for myself and say when it comes to the morning, I oftentimes reach for the phone before I even have my first thought of the day. It is a daily struggle to remind myself that the notifications on my phone are not as important as what is happening in real life. While it is not the most realistic for us to avoid devices for a majority of the day, try implementing a no-phone zone for the first 30 minutes to an hour of the morning. Our world is run by technology, we can say no to using it for the sacred beginnings of our day.

For more tips on how to set and accomplish your goals, check out our 2019 New Year’s blog post about some Go-To Tips for Getting S#@t Done!


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Holiday Food Traditions Around the Globe

There are so many holiday food traditions enjoyed by those around the world. This week, we take a look at a handful of special ways that different cultures celebrate the holiday season:

Germany– Marzipan is a sweet treat that has been enjoyed for years during the holiday season by those in Germany. Commonly referred to as candy potatoes, marzipan is not only delightful, but also so easy to make!
Not to mention, we have the Germans to thank for the ever-popular advent calendars we see around this time of year. 

The Spruce Eat's German Christmas Candy
Image by: The Spruce Eats

Italy – It is common on Christmas Eve for Italians to ditch meat and instead serve a bounty of fish, also known as the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Eel is oftentimes served during the holiday meal as it is a common catch off of the Amalfi coast during the winter season. 

The Spruce Eat's Fried Eel
Image by: The Spruce Eats

Japan– Japan has practiced a long standing tradition of indulging on soba noodles every New Years Eve. Toshikoshi Soba, which translates to “New Year’s Eve Noodles” are meant to be slurped while reflecting and transitioning from one year into another. 

Just One Cookbook's Toshikoshi Soba
Image by: Just One Cookbook

The South– Also as a way to ring in the New Year, it is common for those in the South to serve up some black-eyed peas and collard greens. Greens represent paper money while the beans are symbolic for coins. This comfort food must be eaten on New Year’s Day for optimum luck the rest of the year. 

New York Times Cooking: Black-eyed Peas and Collard Greens
Image by: New York Times Cooking

Scandinavia– Sweden and Norway have a love for Cardamom as they consume anywhere from 18 to 30 times more of the spice per capita each year. With Cardamom being such a staple in their spice racks, it is common during the holiday season to see it featured in their dishes, especially their baked goods. Their Fyrstekake (a Cardamom-Almond tart) is the perfect Scandinavian holiday food.  

We at Etta+ Billie love cardamom as well! Our favorite spice is offered in our Grapefruit Cardamom line or our special edition holiday Ritual Coffee + Cardamom Soap!

Cafe Johnsonia's Fyrstekake (Norwegian Cardamom-Almond Tart)
Image by: Cafe Johnsonia
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Holiday Gift Guides Featuring Etta+Billie!

We’ve been featured in some pretty sweet gift guides this holiday season. From foodie lovers to the eco-conscious, you’re sure to find something to please everyone on your list with some goodies from E+B. For all of your shopping needs, check out some of these gift guides featuring our products:

7×7– Who doesn’t love supporting their local retailers? The 7×7 has curated a list of local SF makers with some unique holiday gifts.

Loyale– Loyale’s gift guide features women-owned, ethical businesses in their guide this year. Our very own Cedarwood soap is one of their favorites!

Loyale's 2019 Gift Guide
Image by: Loyale Studio

Core 77– More gift ideas for the Locavore who loves to travel. Featuring our handy travel kit, perfect for all of your holiday traveling needs.

Parsnip– Parsnip’s list is perfect for those lovers of all things natural and a little self-indulgence. 

Parsnip's 2019 Ultimate Gift Guide
Image by: Parsnip

Brit + Co– We’ve all got that coffee addict in our life, and Brit+Co has the perfect list of gifts for them. Featuring 58 coffee-centric items from candles, t shirts, to our very own Mint+Coffee scrub. 

California.com– A compilation of great gifts made from some California makers. 

Charliemadison– Our products make the best stocking stuffers and Charliemadison agrees! Their guide features useful gifts for almost anyone and includes our Bergamot Ginger Hand+Body wash.

Charliemadison's Originals Gift Guide 2019
Image by: Charliemadison Originals

Lucky Break– More stocking stuffers with beauty in mind featuring our wonderfully robust and moisturizing Cedarwood Soap

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Cookie Recipes for all your Holiday Party Needs

The holiday season is no stranger to plenty of sweet treats and desserts ranging from pies, cakes, pastries, and more. Whether you’re looking for a new treat to bring over to your next holiday party or are hosting a cookie decorating celebration, here are some festive cookie recipes that are sure to please a crowd. The best part is, all of these cookie recipes have a delicious Etta+Billie scented goodie to accompany them!

Easy Holiday Cookie Recipes Image

Chai Spice

The warming and invigorating spices of chai are flavored so well in this vanilla chai spice shortbread. Pair these with your favorite take on the classic chai tea drink on a cool winter’s day. If you’re looking to take your chai love to the next level, try any one of E+B’s chai goodies. They will not disappoint. 

An Edible Mosaic's Chai Shortbread Cookies
Image by: An Edible Mosaic

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice 

Pumpkin season is not over yet! Make these scrumptious and fluffy soft pumpkin cookies with brown butter glaze for your next holiday party. E+B’s spin on the classic pumpkin spice is found in the Pumpkin Porter soap bar. Trust us, it’s anything but basic. 

The Food Charlatan's Soft Pumpkin Cookies
Image by: The Food Charlatan

Coffee Galore

For those coffee lovers that just can’t seem to get enough. This coffee thumbprint cookie recipe is so simple and is an excuse to get your daily-intake of caffeine in a fun and unique way. Looking for more ways to enjoy some coffee? Our Coffee Cardamom soap & Cold Brew Mint scented line are just for you. 

Marsha's Baking Addiction Coffee Thumbprint Cookies
Image by: Marsha’s Baking Addiction

Lavender & Earl Grey

Another shortbread recipe that pairs so well with its inspired-drink! Lavender Earl Grey Shortbread cookies embody just the right amount of floral and the light, cool flavor of earl grey. This combo will never go out of style, which is why we carry plenty of Lavender goodies and our favorite Earl Grey bar soap. 

Let's Eat Cake's Lavender Earl Grey Cookie
Image by: Let’s Eat Cake
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What We are Thankful for at Etta+Billie

As we reflect on the Thanksgiving holiday, the E+B team shares what they are most grateful for during this season. What are you thankful for?

Etta+Billie's Team

Sonia Leticia- Production+Operations Manager

“What I’m most grateful for this year is my little sister Samantha. She has been a huge supportive force for me this past year and I would be completely lost without her. We’re currently 3,000 miles apart but keep in touch every day and support each other through all kinds of ups and downs. I’m so grateful to have such a wonderful and inspiring human as my sister and best friend.”

Natasha Osmidoff- Studio Assistant

“I am thankful for my friends and family that not only lift me up but brighten up my days! I am also grateful for my ability to work and live in San Francisco! Oh – and I’m so thankful for my dog!!”

Jasmine Watt- Marketing Assistant

“This year I am thankful for my family. They are my closest friends and are always so supportive of me. Also, I am super grateful for my university and school-year. With it being my last year of college, I am especially thankful for the experiences and education I have received.”

Gianna Zamora- Production Assistant

“This time of year always provides a great deal of perspective for me when I look around and observe the close connections in my life. Of course I am grateful for my health, the privilege of living in a beautiful home in one of the dreamiest cities in the world, and the ability to nourish myself well. Beyond all of that though, I am most grateful for my family, my friends, my partner, the people who remain close even when there is physical distance between us. The family I was granted and the family I have chosen while on this wild ride of existence provide honest reflections of who I am and who I aspire to be. They are my guiding forces, my eternal heartbeat, and the love I receive from them is the most essential resource I have.”

Alana Rivera- CEO+Soap Maven

“I’m so thankful for my team and my small business community this year! After becoming a mom last year, things in my life changed dramatically (surprise, surprise!). Throughout everything, my team and my community helped ease the transition and offered so much support both personally and professionally. I’m so grateful to have them in my life!”

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Etta + Billie Gift Guide 2019: Foodie Traveler Gifts

Gifts for the Foodie Traveler with natural skincare with culinary scents, cooking classes, brew and sip coffee bottle, and culinary travel journal!

A few gift ideas for the person in your life who loves to travel almost as much as they love food.

  1. All-Natural Skincare Travel Kit | Etta + Billie – $35
  2. Culinary Travel Journal | Nourishing Notes – $8 (buy multiples!)
  3. Dia de Los Muertos Cooking Class | Los Dos – $185 per person
  4. Set of Reusable Shopping Bags | Baggu – $36
  5. Soma x Ritual Brew Bottle | Ritual Coffee – $45 (coffee lovers rejoice)
  6. Evergreen Tangerine Soap | Etta + Billie – $14

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Etta + Billie Holiday Gift Guide 2019: Zero-Waste Gifts

Zero-Waste Design conscious gifts including enamel bowls, cotton napkins, fabric storage bags, bar soap and plastic free natural deodorant.

We know A LOT of people who are trying to make a few lifestyle changes to reduce their environmental impact on our planet, which is pretty darn great. Here are a few of our favorite ways to go zero-waste without compromising on style (or practicality)!

  1. Natural Deodorant in a Paper Tube | Etta + Billie – $15
  2. Enamel prep and storage bowls with lids | Food 52 – $36
  3. Fabric Food Bag Kit for Storage or Lunch | Aplat – $62
  4. Cardamom Coffee Soap | Etta + Billie – $14
  5. Insulated Stainless Steel Coffee Flask | Hydro Flask – $32.95
  6. Cotton Color Block Napkins | Dot & Army – $26

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Etta+Billie Holiday Gift Guide 2019: From You to You!

Holiday Gift Guide 2019- Gifts for You

Yes, even you deserve some extra TLC during the Holiday Season. So go ahead and treat yourself with these great gift ideas to give from you, to you:

  1. Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown – $16.20
  2. Barefoot Dreams Blanket – $147
  3. Plants for Beginners Monthly Subscription– $35/mo
  4. Etta+Billie Bergamot Ginger Bath+Body Oil– $20
  5. Blue Light Glasses– $50
  6. Slip Satin Pillowcases– $85
  7. The Mini Book of Mindfulness- $6