Photo Credit: Renee Preuss for Distilled Bath & Body

Your New Favorite Clean Candle

We're all a-buzz about our new beeswax candles! Pour up your favorite relaxing drink. Draw a warm bath. Light one of these lovelies and give yourself some deserved R&R.
April 23, 2021 — Laycie McClain
New Year, New You

4 Ways to Have a Great New Year

 

Can we all just agree right now that 2020 was the worst? I think we're all breathing a collective sigh of relief that the year is over. And here we are: 2021. A fresh start, a blank canvas, a chance to renew ourselves.

A lot of people talk about goals or resolutions this time of year, and it sure feels like a year to make some new plans or ideals. But instead of specific "new year's resolutions" that you can break by February (unless it's Creed's cartwheel, then you've got this) what if we create something more achievable, more customizable?

Today we're sharing five general categories for you to think through. Each one is broad enough to encompass any person, any lifestyle. We'll give you a few ideas to get you thinking, but you can take each category and make it what works for you. The goal? To help you have the best year yet. Your goals are your own, and we want to come alongside you and cheer you on.

1. Personal Health

If we've learned anything this year, it's that your health is worth protecting. We want you to find yourself happier and healthier in 2021. And let's be clear: this doesn't mean you need to go run a marathon or lose 20 pounds. Maybe you want to do that, and that's cool with us, but don't put yourself into somebody else's expectations. You can be healthy, active, and happy, no matter who you are or your life circumstances.

Here's a few ideas to get you started:

  • Switch to natural deodorant: (You knew this was coming!) Get rid of those carcinogens and do your pits a favor with Pit Liquor's natural and organic formula. Wondering why this matters? Check out this post on natural deodorant.
  • Move your body every day: No matter your circumstances, your body needs to move to stay strong and healthy. Rather than putting yourself into a "go to the gym everyday" mold, make a goal like "move for 20 minutes every day." Then you can check off that gym day, a walk with a friend, or chasing your toddler around the house as care for your body.

2. Self-Care

Your self needs some love, wouldn't you agree? 2020 depleted every one of us. We hope this year you'll show yourself some kindness and do things that really matter to you, things you love and that bring you joy.

  • Do more of what you love: We can all agree there are things in our life that we love but just can't seem to find time for. Make this be the year you finally carve out the time! Maybe you want to read more book or run local trails or try good beer or perfect your underwater basket-weaving skills. Whatever your passion, we hope you'll make time for more of it this year. 
  • Sleep: Can the importance of sleep ever be overrated? Let's collectively agree to catch our 8 hours so we're a happier, healthier version of ourselves.

3. Kindness

If we've learned anything in 2020, it's that kindness matters in big and small ways. We hope in the coming year we can all make an effort to show kindness to everyone around them.

  • Choose a small act of kindness every day: Thank your grocery clerk, smile at the woman in line behind you (with your eyes, or maybe a smiley face mask!), pick up trash on the sidewalk, call an old friend, you get the idea. Small kindnesses matter deeply to others and boost your own mood as well.
  • Deepen your relationships: Show others how much they matter to you by taking the time to care about them. Send a card, make a phone call, even meet in person if you're able. Choose one or two people in your life specifically this year to find a truly deep and loving relationship with.

4. Giving Back

 One of our top values at Distilled Bath & Body is giving back to the world. We have a sustainability program, and what we're most proud of is the Tolos Project. In your own life, we hope you make our beautiful world a better place.

  • Find a charity that matters to you: Maybe it's working with animals or children across the world or revitalization in your neighborhood. Big or small, find a charity and give! You can donate your time, possessions, money, or support in a variety of ways that will be meaningful to you and those you're supporting.
  • Spend time each week giving back: Maybe you want to tutor kids or serve meals to the elderly or snuggle puppies at the pound. Whatever matters to you, go beyond a charity to your own neighborhood and find ways to invest your time in what matters to you.

We believe this year could be your best one yet. Tell us your goals for each category so we can cheer you on!

 

Melanie lives near Raleigh, NC with her husband and three kids. She loves hot coffee, good books, and deep conversations. Connect with her on Instagram via @melaniesallen

January 01, 2021 — Melanie Allen
7 Holiday Gifts for Everyone on Your List

7 Holiday Gifts for Everyone on Your List

It's that time of year, when you think about those you love and choose gifts to exchange, Christmas cards to send. Some years this seems fun and easy: a new apron for Mom, a thoughtful gift for your partner, a popular new toy for your kids. But other years? All you can think about it how hard it is to give gifts! What do your family members need or want? Santa is seriously underpaid. 

Never fear, we've got you covered! We have a gift idea for every hard-to-buy-for relative or friend on your list. Even better? Every gift has been thoughtfully selected from small, eco-friendly businesses, many run by women just like our own CEO. So sit back with a cup of coffee and get ready for some truly great gifts for all your hard-to-buy loved ones.

1. For your beloved grandmother across the country.

Talking over Zoom is the worst, especially when you're trying to call sweet Granny who still uses Windows 98. All you want to do is give her a hug and talk about her memories over a warm cup of tea. In years past you would visit once or twice a year, enjoying the Florida sunshine and Granny's company. But this year, everything has changed, especially for higher risk folks like your grandmother.

Try the Felt greeting card app. You can send beautiful cards with your very own handwriting straight from your phone to your grandma's mailbox. Now she can see pictures of your dog or her great-grandkids with a few thoughtful lines from you. The app makes it easy to send cards regularly so she won't feel forgotten after the holidays. She'll feel all your love, even from far away.

2. For your over-achieving, on-the-go sister-in-law.

Every time you call her she's in the middle of another volunteer event while simultaneously running fifteen miles and updating her color-coded planner. She seems to be everything and do everything while still maintaining her figure and somehow squeezing in some sleep. Just thinking about her makes you feel exhausted, but you still have to buy her a gift (wrapped perfectly, of course) before you can take a nap.

Try Girlfriend Collective leggings. These fair-trade, eco-friendly leggings mesh with her on-the-go lifestyle and even better, they're made from post-consumer plastic bottles and recycled polyester. The high rise pocket legging can hold her phone and keep her comfortable any day of the year. Throw in a few of Kate's Real Food bars in her stocking to fuel her on busy days and she'll be happy all year long.

3. For your kind-hearted aunt who has room for everyone around her table.

It might be a virtual table this year, but your aunt is the most compassionate, down-to-earth woman you know. She's never met a person she doesn't like, and she's always making new friends. Every time you're at her house, you feel like the most important person in the world to her. Her relaxed manner, her simple home, and her focus on kindness instead of competition make her everyone's favorite person.

Try Pit Liquor! Our products are as kind to her body and the earth as she is to everyone around her. You can choose a scent that's just right for her (pineapple is a favorite!), and give her a practical gift that will keep her hug-ready all year long.

4. For your best friend who has been virtual-schooling her kids all year.

It's been a year for parents, and your best friend is right in the thick of things. She's juggling two elementary school kids learning online this semester plus a toddler who needs her attention. She's holding it all together beautifully, but you know this is too much for any one person to handle. She needs (and wants!) to send her kids back to school so she can take a breath and gather herself back together. 

Try Wander + Ivy wine. This woman-owned company offers delicious organic wine in 6oz single-serve bottles. Now she can pour herself a glass at the end of a long day and take a well-deserved bubble bath. Order a holiday gift bundle so she can try a few different wines and she'll love you forever. 

5. For your brother working day and night on his new start-up.

It's been a hard year for businesses across the world, and your brother is no exception. His startup is doing well, really well, but it's requiring everything he has night and day. You've barely connected with him this year, and next year will likely be another year going full throttle to get this amazing company off the ground. You want a gift that tells him you're thinking about him and believe in him, even when you can't see him.

Try Copper Cow coffee. This pour-over Vietnamese coffee is easy to make at home and comes in a variety of delicious, organic flavors. No matter how busy his days (or nights!), your brother can make a quick cup of coffee to fuel his work. Try the Best-sellers Bundle or splurge on a Coffee Club gift subscription. He'll be ready to start the new year off right! Try

Bonus: this woman-owned, sustainably sourced company is definitely worth supporting, just like your brother's startup.

6. For your extra-tidy, extra-thoughtful mom.

Every time she calls (which is often), she's cleaning something around the house. She tells you all about her bunco club or your dad's latest project while she does the dishes, mops the floors, or dusts the shelves. Lately she's been in overload adding Christmas décor so her grandkids have something to see over Facetime when they call. Her house is warm, cozy, and always immaculately clean. While you could never achieve this level of housework perfection, it's nice to know you have a neat and tidy house to visit at the holidays that's brimming with holiday cheer.

Try Whoa Nellie cleaning supplies. This delightful company, handmade in Iowa, offers non-toxic cleaning supplies, cleaning accessories, and a few personal care products in pretty colors and patterns. Their Swedish dishcloths are as practical as they are festive, just like your mom. Send her a holiday cleaning bundle and she'll be all ready to welcome the new year.

7. For your always-drunk-at-Christmas uncle.

At this point you can't imagine a holiday without Uncle Bobby saying something inappropriate while drinking liquor out of Aunt Shirley's favorite holiday mug. You still have no idea how he manages to hold down a full-time job and take the family to Disney World every summer but props to him for pulling it off. You need a gift as unconventional as he is.

Try a Viking horn cup. He'll be delighted by the unconventional shape and history, while Aunt Shirley can finally get her mug back. Instead of picking a fight with your dad, he will feel ready to set sail with the Norse gods. 

 

 Looking for even more companies with a great mission and fantastic products? Click here to check out a few brands we love and join us in shopping small this holiday season to make the world a better place.

 

Melanie lives near Raleigh, NC with her husband and three kids. She loves hot coffee, good books, and deep conversations. Connect with her on Instagram via @intentional_motherhood

December 01, 2020 — Melanie Allen
A little kindness goes a long way.

A little kindness goes a long way.

"Always be a little kinder than necessary." JM Barrie

As 2020 draws to a close, we could all use a little extra kindness in our lives. Kindness to ourselves, kindness to others, kindness to the world around us. Here at Pit Liquor, we're committed to showing kindness to our world through our sustainability program, and through our top-notch customer relations. Did you know that National Kindness Week is November 9-13? Let's kick off the celebration with a few stories about kindness, both big and small. 

Small Kindness

When I think about small acts of kindness I often think of the classic "pay for the person behind you" idea where you pay for your own food or groceries as well as the person in line behind you. I'll be honest, I was a skeptic about this idea for many years. I always worried I would be the one using my last $5 to cover a millionaire's coffee order. Of course, good judgement is always wise, but let me tell you how much of a difference this can make.

One day not very long ago, I was having the absolute worst week. Everything that could possibly go wrong did. I was upset with my partner, our house was  a mess, our money wasn't stretching as far as it should. Our children were being generally terrible, I was in a particularly bad disagreement with a family member, and I was feeling really lonely. While I was out running errands, I stopped by my favorite local coffee shop for a much-needed caffeine boost. As I stood in line, all I could think about was the weight of bad things I was carrying in my heart. It took everything within me not to cry right there at the coffee counter. I managed a small smile and half-hearted "How are you?" to the barista, who joyfully responded with the news that someone had paid for my drink. I was flabbergasted. I could have afforded to pay for the drink myself, but the fact that someone else cared enough about me to cover the cost meant the world to me. I'm not exaggerating when I say that small act completely changed my day. I suddenly realized there was a big wide world out there beyond my own struggles. Everything was going to be ok.

Kindness Through the Mail

I imagine almost every person in the world, including you, is feeling the pain of being separated from loved ones this year. My best friend lives several states away, and it has felt particularly difficult lately to live far apart. We spend time on the phone or using video-message apps, but it just doesn't feel the same as a hug or in-person conversation. It probably doesn't help that we have five children between us, so our time is often full-to-bursting with online school and parenting and potty-training.

My best friend holds that title for a variety of very spectacular reasons, but one of her extra-amazing qualities is her talent of sending thoughtful notes and gifts through the mail. Every month or two, she'll send me a handwritten note or small gift: a box of chocolates, stickers for my kids, a little something she picked up because she was thinking about me. None of these have been expensive or elaborate, but her kindness on an ordinary Tuesday often transforms my whole week.

In our digital age, I have forgotten the power of a handwritten note. The notes my friend sends always make a point to tell me something specific that she loves or appreciates about me, and to speak kindness and encouragement to my heart in some way. Now that we've been in quarantine for over six months, I have a whole stack of notes in her loopy handwriting that I can look through when I'm feeling especially discouraged or lonely. This small, seemingly insignificant kindness on her part has bolstered me through the one of worst years ever. Imagine if we all began writing notes to those we love, near and far.

Sacrificial Kindness

Have you ever noticed how hard things seem to hit all at the same time? You lose your job and break up with your partner in the space of a few weeks. You lose multiple people who matter deeply to you in one season. It sometimes feels like all the hard parts of life gather together into one giant rain cloud that unexpectedly lets loose in a life-storm of difficulty. I've certainly experienced my share of painful seasons. A few years ago my husband and I battled infertility and then a miscarriage while he was working extremely long and stressful hours at work. We lost two grandparents in the space of six weeks while I was in my third trimester with one of our daughters. Another time my then-4 year old had her tonsils out the same day my youngest was almost hospitalized with bronchitis. (I have a lot of children so it seems my struggles regularly coincide with something child or pregnancy related. I now refer to some memories as "that year when I was pregnant with somebody." Clearly, I live in a zoo of small humans.) 

Here is what I have found to be true about these difficult times: When your life feels like it is literally falling apart at the seams, people show up. It might not be the people you thought it would be, but there is always someone who brings kindness right when you need it most. When my husband and I lost his grandparents, his boss sent me flowers and a few friends made us dinner. When I miscarried while my husband was out of town, a friend drove me to the hospital. Another friend simply sat on my couch with me while I cried. Last year when I had two very sick children, a friend brought milkshakes and stayed with one child while I took the other to the doctor. Even in the darkest seasons, there are people in your life who truly care about you, and who will cross oceans, literally or metaphorically, to offer kindness in your times of greatest need.

 

I hope each of these stories inspires you to spread kindness to those around you in small and big ways. Happy World Kindness Week!

 

Melanie lives near Raleigh, NC with her husband and three kids. She loves hot coffee, good books, and deep conversations. Connect with her on Instagram via @intentional_motherhood
November 07, 2020 — Melanie Allen
Out of the Frying Pan and Into the New Year We Charge!

Out of the Frying Pan and Into the New Year We Charge!

Eve learned to walk. Alongside her, we've learned to help our business walk. It's been quite a dazzling parallel, actually. She has fallen more times than anyone cares to count in her quest to walk, and though she's pretty good at it now and chooses walking over crawling, she still falls. So we are the same.
January 07, 2018 — Jason and Erica Feucht