Merry Mojito Man Movember to you!

Ready for Movember? Get the Mojito Man Organic Shave Set here!

  Our new and improved Mojito Man Organic Shave Set contains everything you need before, during & after for a natural, smooth, close shave! Enjoy the intoxicating scent of mojito man created from pure, natural essential oils, all specifically chosen for their active anti-microbial properties to help eliminate razor burn. 

  This set includes a 4oz prep scrub to first remove dead skin cells and get a closer shave, 9oz shave gel in our new convenient pump packaging, then 4oz moisture mist and 2oz aftershave balm for some organic skin pampering at the end. This set comes wrapped in biodegradable cello print bag and makes a great gift for any guy looking to style his 'stache the natural way this November and beyond!

Features
Includes: 4oz scrub, 9oz shave gel, 2oz aftershave balm & 4oz moisture mist

80-90% certified organic ingredients

recyclable containers

made with love in CA

Mojito Man Mustache time!

NEW RELEASE: Jet Set Wood Box

NEW RELEASE Jet Set Wood Box

  The straight up Grapeseed Co. travel necessities to keep you clean and fresh on your journey. Travel size vine thairapy shampoo and conditioner will keep your mane shining while the assorted organic soap slivers of the wine soap stack will take care of that travel funk you pick up along the way. Plus the travel tin soy & grapeseed candle will spread sweet essential oil aromas into the atmosphere of any space you have to occupy while out there on the road. All of these goodies are packed into a reusable natural wood box making it a perfect gift for the traveller in your life!

Features

over 78% certified organic ingredients

TSA approved for onboard travel

re-usable wood box

made with love in CA

Fall Delights: Pumpkin Pie Seasonal Soap is back

IT'S BACK:Pumpkin Pie Santa Barbara Seasonal Soap 

  One sniff of Pumpkin Pie seasonal Santa Barbara soap and you’ll know it’s fall... the yummy, warming notes of pumpkin, vanilla, clove and cinnamon make you wonder if you should lather up or take a bite! Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A and beta carotene while avocado, grapeseed & coconut moisturize as they gently cleanse your skin.

Also try it with matching massage candle in the Pumpkin Pie Seasonal Soap & Candle Set

Be Mine, Valentine . . . and get 15% OFF Grapeseed Co. Products

SHOP for Valentine's Gifts and more 

at www.thegrapeseedcompany.com

Receive 15% off your purchase with 

code: VAL15

cheers friends, xoxo!

NEW: Santa Barbara seasonal organic soaps + gift sets

The holiday season is just around the corner... 

enjoy two new LIMITED EDITION organic soaps and sets to celebrate the season!

{new release} HARVEST CIDER SANTA BARBARA SEASONAL SOAP

Harvest cider is a yummy comfortable aroma with notes of clove, cranberry, cinnamon & orange that froths up in a moisturizing, creamy lather. Pink clay and strawberry extract purify and deliver a dose of antioxidants and vitamin C while you wash. Grab it HERE.

{new release} PUMPKIN PIE SANTA BARBARA SEASONAL ORGANIC SOAP

 One sniff of Pumpkin Pie seasonal Santa Barbara soap and you’ll know it’s fall... the yummy, warming notes of pumpkin, vanilla, clove, oats and cinnamon make you wonder if you should lather up or take a bite! Pumpkin is rich in vitamin A and beta carotene while avocado, grapeseed & coconut moisturize as they gently cleanse your skin. Pick it up HERE.

{new release} SANTA BARBARA SEASONAL SOAP SET

This perfect for anyone on your list, superbly priced gift set includes a limited edition organic Santa Barbara seasonal soap, a travel size vine thairapy shampoo, mesh bath pouf and woven gift bag. ONLY $15, get it HERE.

{new release} PUMPKIN PIE SEASONAL SOAP + CANDLE SET

Everyone loves a yummy soap and candle. We've paired our delish pumpkin pie scent organic soap and candle in a limited edition set for the holiday season! Pumpkin Organic Soap is rich in vitamin A and beta carotene while avocado, grapeseed & coconut moisturize as they gently cleanse your skin. The complementary scented natural soy candle will provide a delicate glow and yummy scent to relax by. Buy it for $35 HERE

visit our new, improved scent bar & lounge in Santa Barbara

the new shop located at 21 W. Ortega St. in downtown Santa Barbara, CA

When we opened our first store on Carrillo Street three years ago, I had this idea of bringing the fun and endless possibilities of the creation process to all of you through our self scent bar. This has been a huge attraction to our shop, and we love sniffing your amazing custom scent blends. We also love hearing the stories of who you gift these to, and why you love to create and name the gift! Our new location in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara (across from Macy's at 21 W. Ortega Street) has a gorgeous new expanded scent bar and lounge!

 We invite you to come in anytime Mon-Fri 10:30-6PM or Sat 11-5PM to create your own custom blended organic bath products. You can relax with a cup of tea in our beautiful, sunny scent bar lounge and peruse over 100 essential oil and fragrance offerings!

we have added:

a dozen new essential oils and phthalate free fragrance oils

create your own shampoo & conditioner

PLUS, a brand new create your own SCRUB BAR 

 where you can pick your own herbs and extracts to blend in,
plus the scent of your choice!

Join us October 12th for the  

Grand Opening Celebration 

& save at our scent bar

Stop by and check it out, we have closed both the Carpinteria and Carrillo St in SB stores and moved everything to this wonderful new location.
We can't wait to share it with you :)

NEW RELEASE: Santa Barbara Seasonal Soaps

Santa Barbara Seasonal Soaps | limited edition     
Pink Jasmine | Walk on any Santa Barbara street in the springtime and you will experience the delicate, sweet aroma of pink jasmine in the air. This deliciously moisturizing soap is formulated with local pink jasmine and grapeseed combined with antioxidant rich olive & avocado in a vegan formula made with the finest quality certified organic oils. Enjoy the local, fresh scent of spring in Santa Barbara with our Pink Jasmine Seasonal Soap. 4.5oz $10.00

Lavender Olive Leaf | Sometimes called the American Riviera, Santa Barbara is known for many the same crop as it's Mediterranean counterpart. Lavender and olive trees abound here, and are captured in this deliciously moisturizing soap. Formulated with local organic lavender buds and olive leaf, plus antioxidant rich grapeseed & avocado oils. This vegan formula is made with the finest quality certified organic oils. Enjoy the local, fresh scent of spring in Santa Barbara with our Lavender Olive Leaf Seasonal Soap.  4.5oz $10.00

The Grapeseed Company's new seasonal soaps are handmade with 
fresh grown seasonal Santa Barbara ingredients 
~ We have a limited quantity available ~

ORDER HERE!!

Featured Retailer: Soaps by Nature

Just in time for the holiday shopping season we're proudly featuring Soaps by Nature.  Soaps by Nature is an online retail company that specializes in high quality, hand crafted skincare.  They have been wholesale partners with The Grapeseed Company for many years, but they also carry a number of other natural & organic products.  This is one online retail store that you should surely check out!  Owner  Mary Hemminger shared some information about what makes Soaps by Nature unique..

1. Tell us about your business...

 Soaps by Nature is an online retail company offering a carefully curated selection of artisan-crafted soaps, skincare, shampoo and mineral makeup. With the variety available at our site, customers can dabble with one or two items, or create a very unique gift set around a theme, such as a love for Vanilla!

2. What makes your business unique/different?

Our focus on artisan, handcrafted “well-kept-secret” products is unique among online bath and body products retailers. We proudly bring visibility to companies, whose products are known primarily within their local / regional market areas.

From a customer standpoint, this means access to unique products they might not otherwise know about, with the convenience of shopping at one website. In addition to product variety, customers benefit from easier product comparison and lower shipping costs vs. purchasing from many separate websites.

We hand package every order with care, honoring the artisan quality of the products within. Each order comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. How have you taken initiative to become a greener business?

We choose to work with companies whose practices and philosophies are environmentally aware. In general, their product ingredients and packaging are much simpler and greener than national brands. We routinely use recycled bags and packaging for our orders.

4. What is your best selling Grapeseed product?

The Chamomile Grapefruit Facial Moisturizer gets great reviews, and has become a customer favorite!

 5. What is your personal favorite Grapeseed product?

Vanilla Almond Cinnamon Sugar Scrub! I’m a scrub fan in general, both for body care in the shower hand care at the sink. The scent of this scrub makes it a real treat, and my skin loves the high-quality ingredients.

Soaps by Nature

Handcrafted Skincare Emporium
Rise Above the Routine!

http://soapsbynature.com

http://www.facebook.com/soapsbynature

http://www.twitter.com/soapsbynature

http://www.youtube.com/soapsbynature

custom green wedding & party favors

Did you know The Grapeseed Co. can create custom soy candles, lip balms, lotions & more for your wedding, party or special event?

                            locally handmade in Santa Barbara, California
               elegant green favors for your event
 customize... 
select from over 80 essential oils & phthalate free fragrance oils or our signature scents available at our Santa Barbara store & virtual scent bar
personalize...
we can work with your colors to customize labels, hang tags or place cards

contact us today to discuss your project and learn more here

join us Saturday for Scrub-apalooza at The Grapeseed Co.

Eco~ Beauty Classes at The Grapeseed Co. 
are a great way to customize your own product &
learn tricks and recipes to blend your creations at home! 

In this class you'll create 2 custom large scrubs and learn about the benefits of certain clays, herbs, essential oils, flowers and more! You'll make 2 different jars of scrub (10oz each) to take home plus simple DIY recipes for even more scrubs!

Register online for a spot:
date: Saturday March 3, 2012
time: 4:00-5:30PM class with refreshments, chatting & fun! 

location: The Grapeseed Company 201 W Carrillo St. in downtown Santa Barbara

~You may also call our store at (805)456-3655 to register. 

~Only registration reserves your spot and there are just a few left!

my urban garden

As those who've read this blog for a while know, I'm pretty passionate about living green and being creative. Three years ago we bought a cosmetic "fixer-upper" in downtown Santa Barbara and have been working to harmonize green and city living in our own DIY, creative style (on a major budget!).... It's all about maximizing your space and making every inch usable space. I'm excited we've found a nice balance of growing food, trees and flowers in our tiny backyard that both feeds our family and please the senses. Living green doesn't take acres of land,  just mindful and creative uses of the space you have. Here's a few of our current favorites...

top left: greens, greens and more greens, please! Spinach, chard, various lettuces and micro greens make up this 10x5 foot raised bed garden and provide salads nightly in our home.
top right: climbing pink jasmine is scattered next to pink mini daisies. Jasmine is a beautiful, fragrant bloom that will continue to grow and weave through the lattice to provide privacy from our neighbors!
bottom right: Our "dwarf citrus grove"! A sweet Meyer lemon tree is thriving in an old syrah barrel. Behind it is a dwarf orange that consistently provides fruit.
bottom left: I grow lavender anywhere we have an open pocket, or empty wine barrel. We use it in our wine bar organic soaps. Our tiny yard can't provide enough for all of The Grapeseed Co.'s needs, but it's fun to grow some of our own lavender.
Have you created an urban garden? I'd love to see it and hear about your creative uses of space!

Fresh From Your Kitchen: Chocolate Valentine Scrub

Our delish Chocolate Valentine Scrub combines the natural antioxidant rich powers of cocoa and gentle exfoliating qualities of brown sugar and yogurt to create a home spa-treatment ideal for achieving smooth, silky skin. As always, the ingredients are easy to find organic staples in your local grocery or health food store. Enjoy!

ingredients
1C organic brown sugar
1/4c sunflower oil
1/4c plain or vanilla organic yogurt
1 T organic cocoa powder
15 drops vanilla essential oil (EO) 

directions
~mix brown sugar and cocoa powder in a small bowl with a spatula
~add yogurt, oil and EO, blend until smooth
~massage your warm, damp skin from the feet up with gentle, upward circular motions
~rinse
~apply a natural moisturizer, body butter or body oil. You can even custom make a chocolate lotion or oil to match your scrub here.
~any remainder can be saved in an air tight container in the fridge for up to a week

benefits
brown sugar is softer and fluffier in texture than traditional white sugar, making it an ideal choice for exfoliating sensitive skin. It's also a great source of vitamin B due to the molasses content of the sugar.
chocolate is rich in potent antioxidants that help fight free radicals. It also helps promote healthy cell turnover, which is a great combo with the gentle exfoliating properties of this scrub.
sunflower oil like grapeseed oil, sunflower oil is rich in polyphenols. It's a terrific choice for sensitive skin and even gentle enough for use on babies. It's rich in omegas, oleic and linoleic acid in addition to beta carotene which provides renewing nutrients to the skin.
yogurt contains a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid from lactic acid that exfoliates and renews the surface of your skin.
vanilla EO is known for it's soothing, relaxing qualities; some even say it's an aphrodisiac! Check out The Grapeseed Co. vanilla EO and entire steam distilled EO collection.

upcoming Eco~Beauty Classes

Eco~Beauty Classes at The Grapeseed Company Store 

in Santa Barbara

D'Vine Valentine: Saturday February 11th 4-5:30pm
create your own scented soy & grapeseed candle and massage oil ~ sign up here*

Scrub-a-palooza: Saturday March 3rd 4-5:30pm
select your special concoction of herbs, clays, essential oils & antioxidants to create 2 different scrubs ~ sign up here*

*spaces are limited, only your purchase reserves a spot in the class. You may also visit us or call (805)456-3655 during store hours Mon-Sat 10:30-5:30 to purchase your spot.

can't make the class dates? contact us to book a private party with your friends

subscribe to our google calendar or newsletter to see when new classes are added 

new release: 6 vinotherapy gift sets, perfect for Valentine's

Introducing 6 new value gift sets to kick off 2012! Grapeseed gifts are a unique choice for wine lovers, organic enthusiasts, Valentine's or an indulgent treat that's sure to be appreciated on any occasion. Check out the fabulous selections for him and her, plus new luxurious and budget gift options...

1. VINO LUXE BATH & BODY BASKET

 A gorgeous, large woven bark basket is filled with organic, vinotherapy bath goodies in your choice of signature scent for the complete spa experience, right at home ~ $99

2. VINOTHERAPY FOR HIM GIFT BASKET

He'll enjoy a generous sampling of full size grapeseed skin, shave & shower products for daily grooming. Experience the benefits of vinotherapy with mojito man, formulated with a yummy blend of essential oils to help prevent ingrown hairs ~ $79

3. VINOTHERAPY FOR HER GIFT BASKET

A large, hand woven bark gift basket filled with anti~aging skin care from the vine™ so she can experience the natural, luxurious benefits of vinotherapy daily by turning her bathroom into a wine country spa! $94

4. BE MINE BOX

A sweet little token for Valentine's day. Select your favorite grapeseed co. essential oil blend in the organic bath & massage oil and room & body mist plus sweet lips in a festive box made from recycled materials ~ $16.50 

5. PINOTHERAPY™BATH TOWER 

Select your favorite grapeseed co. essential oil blend for the travel tin soy candle and pinotherapy™ wine infused bath salts. We'll wrap them up in a cute reusable gift bag complete with a wooden scoop & lip balm. Just add a glass of wine for the perfect bath... instant relaxation anytime for just $32!

6. SWEET TREATS BOX

A sweet treat without the calories for Valentine's day! Select your favorite grapeseed co. signature essential oil blend in the organic bath & massage oil, soy candle and our indulgent whipped grapeseed & shea butter. We'll add organic lip balm and a festive box ~ $38

As always, orders $75 and over ship for free automatically at checkout. Grab a gift for your special Valentine today!

Be Mine, Valentine! Check Out New Valentine Gift Ideas

SHOP VALENTINE GIFT IDEAS

We've created a whole new category, dedicated to our favorite ideas for him and her... indulge in delectable bath & body treats with chocolate, roses and (of course) vinotherapy!

Vanilla Almond Cinnamon Scrub ~ Women's Health Magazine

Thanks for mentioning our Vanilla Almond Cinnamon Scrub in this month's Women's Health feature, "Beauty & the Feast"! Vanilla Almond Cinnamon is one of our original scents and always a top selling treat for the holiday season! Try this delectable, 100% natural scent in our more of our organic bath & body products, handmade in Santa Barbara:
lotion  
body wash
soy candles
bath & massage oil
room & body mist

top 10 grapeseed gift picks under $40

{the gift of grapeseed} pampering eco-friendly products in thoughtfully pleasant packaging

While most have just begun thinking about holiday gift giving, ideas have been floating around The Grapeseed Co. since last year! We wanted to offer an even wider selection of quality, green, consumable gifts at a great price point. Here are my top 10 picks under $40 from some of our new releases this year, and what I'll be gifting this jolly season.... cheers!

grapeseed room & body mist {$9-16}

1. New grapeseed room & body mists, made with over 90% organic ingredients and available in all of our classic scents. Spritz on your linens, use as a light body fragrance or scent your room.

dirty dog organics gift tote {$24.95}

2. A fun combo including the new itch & ouch balm, shampoo and fur freshener in a super cute tote you can use for treats and treasures!

the sole surfer pedicure kit {$35}

3. Our top selling surf sea salt foot scrub (8oz) surf lotion and the amazing 4-in-1 pedi tool will scrub and buff your feet into shape, leaving them smooth, soft and sweet smelling!

grapeseed skincare essentials travel set {$36.95}

4. Generous travel sizes of your favorite vinotherapy skin care products, packaged in a beautiful cosmetics pouch made from natural, sustainable sinamay & hemp fibers.

vineyard rose custom vinotherapy mask gift box {$23}

5. Vineyard Rose is used at some of the most exclusive spas in wine country! You can get the same product to create an amazing facial at home with this affordable custom mask gift box kit.

grapeseed gal gift box {$32}

6. A gorgeous gift box upgrade to the 3 original products that started it all! Now available in all of your favorite signature scents including: pink grapefruit ginger, vanilla almond cinnamon & sunshine day

create your own reed diffuser {$32}

7. Visit our virtual scent bar™ to create your own concoction from over 75 different essential oils and fragrances! You even get to name your own product... you can make lotion, perfume, body wash and many other custom gifts with the click of a mouse!

red & white wine bar organic soap gift set {$20}

8. A great idea for a hostess gift, your wine loving friends or just about anyone... we all need soap!

four favorites gift basket {$38}

9. This beautiful woven bark basket is filled with your choice of scent in lotion, scrub, soy candle and lip balm, all for under $40!

wood lid soy & grapeseed butter candle {$24}

10. Our new elegant wood lid candles are hand poured in a thick glass base container and come wrapped in a sheer fabric gift bag. A gorgeous and useful gift to grab for anyone on your list.

fresh from your kitchen: summertime tea skin buff

An excellent emollient and exfoliant to buff your skin into shape for summer! Summertime tea skin buff combines the natural powers of green tea with a slice of lemon and gentle scrubbing powers of brown sugar and yogurt to create a home spa-treatment ideal for shorts and swimsuit season. As always, the ingredients are easy to find organic staples in your local grocer or health food shop.

ingredients:
1C brown sugar
1/4c sunflower oil
1/4c plain yogurt
1 bag green tea
15-20 drops citrus essential oil (EO) of your choice

directions:
~rip open tea bag and mix with brown sugar in a small bowl with a spatula
~add yogurt, oil and EO, blend until smooth
~massage your body from the feet up with gentle, upward circular motions
~rinse
~apply a light, quick absorbing and hydrating moisturizer like our lavender infused grapeseed oil
~any remainder can be saved in the fridge for up to a week

what it does:
brown sugar is softer and fluffier in texture than traditional white sugar, making it an ideal choice for exfoliating sensitive skin. It's also a great source of vitamin B due to the molasses content of the sugar.
sunflower oil like grapeseed oil, sunflower oil is rich in polyphenols. It's a terrific choice for sensitive skin and gentle enough for use on babies. It's rich in omegas, oleic and linoleic acid in addition to beta carotene which provides renewing nutrients to the skin
green tea is an antioxidant powerhouse found in many anti-aging skin care products
yogurt contains a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid from lactic acid that exfoliates and renews the cellular surface of the skin
citrus EOs many citrus essential oils like tangerine, sweet orange, lemon, pink grapefruit, red mandarin and others we carry are known for their uplifting effects in addition to smelling juicy, ripe and fresh. Check out The Grapeseed Co. entire steam distilled EO collection.
learn some cool facts we bet you don't know about lemons... they're good for more than just a slice in your ice tea!

Green Skin Care Blog brings simple spa delights to your home with Fresh From Your Kitchen: DIY skin care recipes & treatments you can create with a trip to the grocer or health food store. Direct from the creator of The Grapeseed Company's personal stash of fresh beauty creations and concoctions.  

free 100% recycled & 100% adorable Mother's Day gift wrap!

Mother's Day is right around the corner.....May 8th. Starting today, we're offering this adorable, 100% recycled (from the bag to the tissue!) eco gift wrap FREE with your $20+ purchase. Your grapeseed goodies will arrive via 2-3 day priority mail, ready to gift!

Grab the free gift wrap 

code: lovemom

shop here

 

*valid in store and online through May 7, 2011 or until we run out!

*Place online orders by May 3rd for Mother's Day delivery

eco-beauty class is back in session this April!

I'm thrilled to announce that we're bringing back our sold-out Scentual Blending class, where you and a friend can Create Your Own Perfume and Massage Oil, then nosh on yummy treats for just $35 a person! We had a waiting list for this class when we ran it in October, so reserve your spot here.

Space is limited and only registration grabs you a seat in this interactive, hands on class taught by The Grapeseed Co. founder & formulator, Kristin Fraser Cotte
Register online or call the store (805)456-3655 for a spot! 

date: Saturday April 16th, 2011
time: 4-5:30PM 
location: The Grapeseed Co. store
201 W Carrillo St. in downtown Santa Barbara, CA

Scentual Blending: Create your own signature scent with natural essential oils or phthalate free fragrances. You'll learn about blending scents and take home a roll-on perfume in a beautiful cobalt glass container and a massage oil, complete with your own creative name on the label!  Bring a friend and enjoy yummy refreshments after we create our signature scents.