When we think of an environment that we would consider one of "wellness", we don't often think of our workplace. On the contrary, many workplaces actually create (or amplify) feelings of stress, overwhelm and anxiety. When the desired outcome of being at work is to be inspired, creative, positive and hardworking, this type of stress-filled setting clearly does not help to achieve this! We firmly believe that the energy of any environment greatly affects the people, how they feel, how they behave, how they think and, ultimately, how they perform. Therefore, it's essential to take steps to foster a positive work environment in order to create positive outcomes.
"We firmly believe that the energy of any environment greatly affects the people, how they feel, how they behave, how they think and, ultimately, how they perform."
Many people believe that it is the role of the employer to create this positive work environment. And, while this is true to some extent—employers should be taking steps to provide a healthy and productive environment—there are certain tips, tools and behaviours (we like to call them workplace wellness hacks!), that you can adopt to create this positive energy for yourself.
What if we told you that you can (easily) increase the wellness that you feel in your workplace, simply by making some small changes to your environment and to your behaviours and actions while at work? The fact is, we all deserve to feel happy, healthy and inspired. By taking the time to incorporate some easy wellness hacks into your daily routine, you can make your workplace more like your favourite Zen space (think Yoga studio, spa or retreat!). And, when your friends and colleagues see you looking relaxed, fresh and happy, they too will quickly follow suit.
Keep scrolling for our top 7 workplace wellness hacks that'll boost your happiness and productivity at work.
Start your workday with a favourite morning ritual or routine
How we start our day has a huge impact on how the rest of our day plays out. We have all had those mornings where we have one crappy experience at the start of the day (you sleep horribly or stub your toe getting out of bed) and the rest of your day is a cascade of one crappy experience after another. By starting your work day with something that you love to do (taking an extra 10 minutes to savour your Americano or matcha latte, having a quick catch-up session with your work bestie to gossip about last nights Scandal episode or simply spending 5 minutes doing deep breathing exercises), you greatly increase the chance of having a happy and productive day. By making a habit of this, you will find that you begin to look forward to that first 10 minutes at work and it will help set up the rest of your day to be happy, productive and well, awesome!
"How we start our day has a huge impact on how the rest of our day plays out."
Take mini-stretch/yoga breaks
Sitting for 8 hours a day at work not only contributes to a more sedentary lifestyle, but it also wreaks havoc on your posture and your stress levels. Taking mini breaks to do some stretching in your office (you can even do a quickie Yoga session), is a very easy way to help combat all of these things. Simply set a reminder on your smart phone every hour and take 5 minutes to stand up, move around, stretch your body from side-to-side, breathe and expand. This small amount of moving and breathing will have a huge impact on how you feel at the end of the day.
Go for a power walk
Getting outside in the fresh air to take a power walk is one of the best ways to increase energy levels and decrease stress during the workday. Simply grab your sneaks before you head out the door in the morning and lace up, either before the day begins or during your lunch break. The simple act of getting outside, raising your heart rate and soaking up some Vitamin D (even if it's just 10 minutes!) can help re- energize and re-focus you and even get you through that dreaded 3 pm slump. Even better? Ask a friend or group of colleagues to join you and make it an every day occurrence. By making it a group effort, you'll not only engage in some stress-relieving social time, but you'll keep each other accountable to help create an everyday habit.
Do some deep breathing exercises at your desk
One of the absolute best ways to combat the feelings of anxiety, stress and frustration that can arise in many work situations is to incorporate some deep breathing exercises into your day. And no, we're not suggesting you engage in a 30 minute zen-style meditation. It can be as easy finding somewhere where you can sit quietly and then focus on your breath for 5-10 minutes, a couple of times a day. Think you're too busy? You can also incorporate this type of breathing exercise while you're doing other tasks. All you need to do is practice breathing deeply for the duration that you are doing the task (checking over a document, creating a social media post, writing a report). Make it a daily habit and you'll be amazed at how much easier and stress-free your days will go, a feeling that we like to call Flow.
De-clutter your desk, cubicle or office
Visualize it—you walk into your office space, hoping to bang out something creative and amazing, but all you see is clutter—old work items, used coffee cups and stacks of paper. Feeling inspired? Didn't think so. Our advice? Make an effort at the end of everyday to tidy up, freshen up and de-clutter. That way, when you walk in to your office space each morning to start a new day, you can simply sit down, be productive and create. But that doesn't mean you can't have a few beautiful items that help boost your happiness in that space. Fresh flowers, a piece of art, a vision board, a pink Himalayan salt lamp and an essential oil diffuser can all help create a sense of calm and keep those creative juices flowing.
Eat healthy, clean, Zen-like foods
The fact is the foods we choose to put in our bodies affect how we feel, think and act, even at work. So, by choosing to eat clean, healthy, unprocessed and whole foods, you are enhancing the state of wellness that you will feel at work. Try starting off your day with a breakfast brimming with antioxidants, healthy fats and protein (think a protein-packed berry smoothie or Ezekiel toast with mashed avocado and baby spinach). This will not only keep you feeling satisfied, but it will give you that energy-boost you need to get through your morning meetings without crashing. We love coffee just as much as you. But, if you consume pot after pot, make sure you are hydrating enough to compensate for the dehydrating effects (which can make you crash long before that lunch break). Opt for snacks such as nuts and seeds, veggies with hummus or apple slices with almond butter that give you a good dose of protein and healthy fats. For lunch - pack it! Create a habit of making your lunch in the morning and filling it with fresh and seasonal veggies and greens, fruits, healthy whole grains and fats, and lean sources of protein (chicken, turkey, fish, beans). By eating this way, you will have sustained energy levels throughout the day and end the day feeling as fresh as when you started it.
Take time to feel grateful
We believe that being grateful is one of the most important components to creating a healthy and happy life. Being grateful for the things that we have in our life (and this includes at work), greatly enhances our feelings of happiness and joy, and we actually attract more of those things to us. So, if your favourite part of your day is your morning team meeting or you're most passionate when working on a big project, take time (all you need is a couple of minutes) to be thankful and grateful for those moments. If you make this a regular part of your day, we promise you will start to see more and more of these moments that make you happy and satisfied at work come your way.
Check out Nourish Live Flow by Danielle McGrath and Lindsay Evans for more healthy recipes and wellness tips!
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Lemon Lily Loose Leaf Tea
Lemon Lily Tea is a Toronto-based loose leaf company that guarantees and prides to offer the best quality organic tea in the market. The focus tea is our favourite blend for those who need the afternoon pick-up without the high levels of caffeine from coffee. The natural blend of green tea with ginkgo, gotu kola, and maca would help with your concentration and mental acuity to help you get through the rest of the day. And we can't forget the organic Canadian maple that gives this tea a natural subtle sweetness to have you reaching for this cup of tea over coffee.
Pukka Tea
Why not finish off your afternoon on a strong note? Pukka Tea picks the highest quality of herbs to be blended. Along with the boost from the black tea, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamon will warm you up and set a fire up within you. This is the best cup of tea to cradle in between your hands for warmth!
The Honest Leaf
Check out our website for baskets for any occasion - birthday, anniversary, thank you, get well soon, sympathy, or for no particular reason but to gift health and happiness.
xo,
The Jule's Team
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Our modern approach on the classic gift baskets are mindfully curated and include an assortment of health-conscious, mouth-watering artisanal local goodies that won’t be tossed or re-gifted. It's truly a gift that will leave a lasting impression!
We are your full-service gift basket company that will ensure you have a stress-free holiday season! Add a personalized card with your personal message to make the gift special, pick your delivery date, and the rest is covered on our end.
Check out our holiday collection for healthy and happy gift options!
]]>I am so excited to be guest posting today with Jules Baskets! I am Catherine, the owner and Lead Planner of the creative details. An event and wedding planning company that specializes in intimate celebrations loaded with personalized details.
I consider my style simple, airy, and romantic with a love for natural textures and sometimes, a hint of sparkle!
My favourite part of celebrations is the guest experience we are able to create. The attention to detail and personalization is what makes each wedding so special.
What first attracted me to Jules Baskets was not only their amazing selection of products but also their purpose for business. Julie notes “This is isn’t an ordinary gift basket. This is a relationship curator”. I love this because isn’t that true? A gift is a special thought. A gesture to let someone know we were thinking about them or are celebrating with them. Those sweet moments that bring us together and help love grow.
The bridal collection has me giddy with excitement - that feeling you get when scrolling through the website and wanting to buy them all immediately. I am a strong believer in buying local when you can and when you find something great, you want to share it with the world - so hello brides, I am so happy to share this find with all of you!
Bridal gifting ideas:
My personal favorite? The Everyday Living Basket - it’s filled with tons of great products to make a girl feel pampered!
A few more reasons we love Jules baskets:
Bridal Box Bliss | Bridal Box Heavenly | Bridal Box Scrumptious | Bridal Box Rejuvenate
Are you a business owner? A curated basket/bag/box is the perfect way to thank your clients, tribe and referrals!
xo
Catherine
For the coffee lover. Help them revamp their morning coffee ritual with an organic, fair trade coffee beans and cafe style coffee press.
For the home owners who love to cook, we have the Ultimate Culinary Gift Basket that is sure to fill their pantry with unique artisanal essentials. It is an assortment of hand-selected products that are sure to impress guests and are health-conscious.
We also have the perfect basket for the Independent Lady moving out on her own! It has got a bit of everything, from tasty treats for the foodie to kitchen wear and luxury body products. You can help her save on the household essentials.
If you liked products from each of these baskets or from the website we can make a customized basket for that new homeowner on your shopping list!
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Here are our top 5 ways to stay healthy at work:
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Here, I'm breaking the whole "eating clean" thing down to five simple steps. Where would you say you fall in the process? Still researching? Feeling lost? Making changes and feeling the difference in your life? Wherever you are, I hope you'll find something helpful here. Remember, it's not a race. It's a journey, and the idea here is to do a little better all the time.
I have a Bachelor's in Secondary Education, a Master's in Science, and 5+ years experience working as a Trauma/Emergency Department registered nurse, and I still had to go back to school to figure all this stuff out!
Your story, surely, will be different from mine. And I'm certainly not saying you need to do everything I did! But in some form or another, you're going to need to begin to dig a little deeper and explore a little further than what you've always heard about health and wellness. (Hint: Counting calories, buying the non-fat options at the grocery store, and popping "magic weight-loss pills" will not be getting you to where you want to be, my friends. At least not in any lasting way!)
For me, it all started with the documentary Forks Over Knives. (You might like Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead or GMO OMG!) From there, I devoured book after book on the subject of food as medicine. A few favorites are The Omnivore's Dilemma, Keep It Simple, Keep It Whole, and UnDiet. If you haven't read these, I assure you, they will shed new light on old "truths".
Having experienced what felt like was my own "health miracle", I wanted expert guidance, to deepen my understanding of nutrition, and felt a very clear calling to help others to take back their health, too.
I enrolled in T. Colin Campbell's Plant-Based Nutrition course, followed by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, which truly expanded my vision of health (so much more than food!) and taught me the concept of "bio-individuality", that what works wonderfully for one person may not be what's best for another. It was throughout my time at IIN that my vision of health and wellness (and happiness!) began to take shape.
If you're anything like me, you'll find that what makes you feel happiest and healthiest may (and likely should) change over time. Be gentle with yourself as you explore and, ultimately, discover what works best for you. Consider hiring a coach to help you every step of the way. There's something extremely powerful about having a loving, supportive, empowering person in your corner, especially when you're taking on big changes like these.
As soon as you start re-educating yourself, you'll begin to feel like there's a lot in your fridge and pantry (and perhaps hiding under the bed or in the piano bench?) that simply must go!
Warning: This could be a little painful! You may want to enlist the help of a supportive friend (maybe after watching one of those documentaries together!), family member, or coach. But, I promise you, this is a critical and crucial part of the process of getting you feeling amazing again. You must must must get rid of the bad if you wish you bring on the good. (And I know you do!) If it hurts too much to throw it away, considering donating it. Remember, the longer you keep it around, the longer it will take for you to get healthy again! This is something you're going to want to go "all in" on.
Crap: I mentioned earlier that I'm of the belief that what's best for me might not be best for you. That being said, my experience and education has taught me that there are a few key offenders that seem to cause a lot of trouble for people. If only for a while, I urge you to consider removing things like dairy, gluten, and processed sugar. Processed anything, really, should go! What you want left over is, quite simply, food. Real food. (Not the creations of the food "industry", not those long ingredient lists of unrecognizable items, and definitely not
Here's where all the real food comes in!
And the produce department of the grocery story becomes your favorite place! Think seasonal, local, and organic whenever possible! Wary about spending more on organics? This little video on The Organic Effect will inspire you to choose "cleaner" options.
I also love the Environmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen lists, which will help you choose the cleanest foods while also being budget conscious. Grab your copy here! Shopping the perimeter of the grocery story is another good guideline. (Skip all the processed stuff in the middle spaces.)
A couple of my favorite rules of thumb from Michael Pollan (and your great-grandma) that I like to use are: Eat food. Mostly plants. Not too much, and Rule No. 19 from his fabulous (and highly recommended) book, Food Rules: If it's a plant, eat it. If it was made in a plant, don't.
Beyond these, if you're eating animals, please be mindful of their source, what they were fed, and how they were raised. Always look for words like pastured, organic, and non-GMO. If you're interested in learning more about conscious "clean" farming, check out the work of Joel Salatin.
And if you're looking for another excellent guide to help you identify the crap (and get rid of it), check out Meghan Telpner's easy-to-understand and super inspiring take-back-your-life book UnDiet. You will love it!
(And make it delicious!)
After throwing together random "plants" for a year or so, I realized I should probably actually learn how to cook!
As much as I'd always loved food, I'd never felt comfortable in the kitchen, until I found Meghan Telpner and the Academy of Culinary Nutrition!
Mind = Blown!
I learned that delicious, nourishing, healing food can (and must) taste mouth-wateringly delicious! And I learned that even Icould make amazing food! (This shocked me, I tell ya!) I started by watching her free videos, reading her blogs, and experimenting with some of her recipes (which are, to this day, my favorites to recommend to clients, friends, and family!).
If you're not used to cooking with lots of plants and doing it in a way that is nourishing and healing to the body, just do what I did and start trying out a bunch of different recipes, until you find the ones you looove. Over time, as you practice and play and experiment in the kitchen, you'll develop a natural intuition about food and ingredients, and you'll begin to find it easier and easier to throw together something both delicious and nutritious for you and your family!
I've got a bunch of recipes here! A couple other favorites are Rachel's Nourishing Kitchen, Green Kitchen Stories, and Sondi Bruner. Oh, and definitely take a few minutes to browse all the awesomeness in the Academy of Culinary Nutrition's Top 50 Clean Food Blogs!
And there you have it! Educate yourself (lots of great books, documentaries, and classes out there to explore), get rid of the bad (seek support if you need it), bring in the good (lots of plants, think seasonal, local, organic), make it delicious, and eat it!
That's how you transition to cleaner eating. In a nutshell!
But the learning doesn't stop there, and there are certainly going to be ups and downs as you find your way. So, I'd like to say a word about your support system.
Finding a group of encouraging, supportive, like-minded folks will do wonders for your health, both mental and physical! If you can't find one you love, join mine!
Making changes to the way you eat isn't always easy. And you're going to want to have someone to turn to when you're looking for that amazing recipe for rainbow chard, or your husband isn't exactly thrilled about your newfound plantiful ways, or you're wondering if that new "all natural" sweetener is really all it says it is.
Why? Because this is important stuff. This whole "figuring out what to eat" thing will keep you living and thriving and loving life for a very long time. It's completely changed my life, and I know it can do the same for you.
About Katie:
Katie Hussong is a Baltimore-based Registered Nurse turned Holistic Health
Coach and Culinary Nutrition Expert. Certified by the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, American Association of Drugless Practitioners, and Academy of Culinary Nutrition, Katie is a firm believer in the transformative power of all things natural, from vibrant, nourishing food to living a life of passion and purpose. Through her writing, coaching, and classes, she offers a healing hand and loving heart to help stressed out folks get healthy, naturally. Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up here to keep in touch as she explores good food, mindful living, and the power of gratitude throughout the year.
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As Entrepreneurs, we know that it can be a challenge to keep stress levels in check while eating healthy and getting enough sleep. Being mindful of your nutrition, sleep and exercise will increase your energy to give you the edge to succeed in your business. Here are a few simple wellness tips to get you rocking your biz.
1. Get Rest. This first tip is imperative for good health, yet difficult for many entrepreneurs and that is to get plenty of rest! When we sleep, our bodies can repair themselves from an often stressful, busy day, while our brains have a chance to process all the information taken in. If you use the evening as a time to unwind, you will have a much better chance at getting a good nights rest. Try going to bed no later than 10:30 and waking around 5:30-6am. You are more likely to be productive early in the morning with a fresh start which will invite relaxation later in the evening when you feel accomplished. It may take time, but eventually your body will get used to this schedule.
Here are some simple tips to help you sleep well to increase your energy and productivity.
Here are some helpful tips for ensuring adequate fuel without the stress:
5. Drink more. Water of course! Try to limit your intake of sugary soda, juice, alcohol and dehydrating coffee as they interfere with your energy levels. Get yourself a reusable water bottle that you can pack with you on the go or keep in front of you at your desk. Make it your goal to take a few sips every half hour. We love S’well Insulated water bottles because they keep your beverages cold for 24 hours. They also come in bright and fun colours so you’ll always be reminded to keep sipping! Also, try swapping your coffee for tea. If plain water is too boring for you, add some lemon or fruit for flavour.
6. Supplements. The quality of our food and our high levels of stress increase our requirements for additional nutrients. By adding a high quality multivitamin, vitamin C and absorbable magnesium can extremely helpful for our energy levels and keeping our minds sharp. It is recommended to take your supplements throughout the day. Remember, most supplements and vitamins from your local drug store are not the quality that you are looking for.
Energizing Smoothie Recipe:
These tips work for us, but feel free to adapt any of these to fit your schedule best. Remember to always listen to your body and it’s cues. If you feel like your head is spinning give yourself permission to shut off until you’re ready to step back in the ring and tackle your next plan.
For more information or a free 15 minute consultation, please contact us at hello@juleswellness.ca. One of our Holistic Nutritionists and Holistic Lifestyle Coaches would be more than happy to help you.
- Emily Sawyer, CNP & Julie Tadeson, Founder of Jule’s Wellness
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With Mother's Day around the corner and joyous news from our favourite holistic nutritionist, we decided to do a special interview!
Read on to learn more about this inspiring woman and what she's looking forward to most when it comes to being a mom.
The unconditional love and admiration I already have for my sweet bambina and I haven’t even met her yet.
Not sure yet.. My hubs is happy with one probably because he’s an only child, but I’m open to more. I guess we’ll see how much energy we have once our baby hits the toddler years!
When my grandmas were both still alive we would all get together for a family dinner — it was a big event with my cousins, aunt and uncle. Now that they are no long around, I always treat my mom to something special by taking her and my dad out for brunch or dinner. I talk to my mom every day either by phone or text and I try to let her know as often as possible that I love and appreciate her whether it’s Mother’s Day or not — she’s the most generous, kind and sweet woman I know.
Not direct advice, but just by being her sweet and kind self she has shown me what unconditional love is all about.
Definitely the importance of eating a meal together, as a family. My mom never missed a day of making my brother and I a healthy meal. She worked a full-time job, so did my dad, but somehow she always managed to have dinner on the table and the four of us ate together. Both Walker and I are firm believers in the importance of making healthy and yummy meals. I can’t wait to cook with my sweet little girl in the kitchen!
The three of us spending time together whether it’s going to High Park to play or baking together, seeing her discover new things and find her passions in life. I’m looking forward to pretty much everything but most of all I can’t wait to see her beautiful smile. :)
Yes we are getting together with both of our mamas (Walker and I) for dinner. Plus my dad and Walker’s stepdad. It will be a joyous occasion I’m sure!
For some great Mother's Day ideas check out our Joyous Wellness Baskets below:
Wishing all you amazing moms a very happy Mother's Day!
]]>One of our most popular collections are our Lifestyle and Wellness baskets and boxes For Her. With a mixture of everything from gourmet chocolates, loose leaf teas, delicious treats, natural skincare, popular books and more, we promise you nothing will go to waste!
We have deconstructed this popular Wellness basket to show you why you can trust that you're giving mom the best quality, natural products.
Merben Dry Skin Brush
Dry skin brushing is great for circulation by increasing blood flow throughout the lymphatic system. Encouraging movement in this system is important for removing toxins, dead skin and helps to tone.
Inspired Soap Works Soothing Dead Sea Salts
Dead sea salts contain high amounts of minerals like magnesium and potassium. Magnesium is amazing for it's tension and fluid reducing action on the body. Soaking in a hot bath with these salts encourages deep relaxation while improving joint, muscle and osteoarthritis pain.
Pretty Organics Chamomille Bath Fizz
A luxurious, heavenly scented bath treatment to replenish skins moisture with pure shea butter, organic flowers and pure essential oils. For the ultimate spa experience at home!
Consonant Foaming Face Wash
This 100% natural cleanser is gentle, yet effective, packed with nourishing botanicals like tea tree oil and grape seed oil to hydrate skim, even skin tone and flight blemishes.
Dr. Bronner's Citrus Castille Soap
Made with citrus essential oil, this organic, fair trade soap invigorates the senses and leaves skin smooth without any harmful residue.
Crate 61 Grapefruit Body Body
A delicate, super rich whipped formula made from 100% natural coconut oil, shea butter and grapefruit essential oil. This long lasting butter is perfect for improving dehydrated skin leaving it moisturized and even toned.
The Honest Leaf: Serene
With a refreshing, smooth mint flavour this potent mix of naturally dried herbs will promote deep relaxation.
Tealish: Detox Blend
Another delicious blend of naturally dried herbs such as: sencha green tea, lemon verbena, ginger, lemon myrtle, apple bits and Calendula petals to help encourage the removal of toxins and excess water in the body leaving a healthy, light feeling.
Giddy YoYo Vanilla and Salt
Pure, raw and vegan dark chocolate with a flavour explosion of pure vanilla bean and sea salt.
Chocosol Hemp Seed
Hand made, velvety melt in your mouth pure dark chocolate with the added benefit of omega rich hempseeds and a hint of sweet & natural maple sugar. Our favourite!
S'well Bottle
BPA free, non toxic S'well bottles keep drinks cold for 24 hours, or hot for 12. They also support charity efforts to bring clean water to the poorest communities.
Ecojot Notebook
Designed and made in Canada, these notebooks and cardboard covers are made from 100% post consumer waste material.
For Life Tea Diffuser with Ceramic Dish
The lead-free extra-fine tea infuser with porcelain dish set is complete with unique designed handles that allows for easy steeping of loose leaf tea in her favorite teacup or teapot.
This gift basket is just one of many from our Wellness collection. You can trust that we have selected the purest, natural products that will be sure to impress her on her special day!
Want to customize one for Mom? Get in touch with us!
We would be honoured to put together something more personalized.
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I have a passion for reading labels and finding great products. I love to share my finds with as many people as possible. I knew that I wanted to offer health and wellness but I wasn’t sure how. I was driving home from an appointment with my holistic healer and a light bulb went off. I wanted to curate health-conscious gift baskets with only the best products, all of which I would hand-select. My brand was clear. It was me, Jule's. Standing behind these products, prompting health and wellness, while being mindful and conscientious. I won’t get into the whole thought process I had, but I knew that I had a mission.
What inspired this mission and passion? I took a program by Meghan Telpner through the Academy of Culinary Nutrition. What I learned in that program was immeasurable. I value education, but I am not the scholar type. I am hands-on, multi-passionate with a short attention span. I can’t do 2-4 year educational programs. I like to experiment and try different things, all of which I am passionate about but that will also contribute to bettering myself and evolving.
I can wholeheartedly say that taking this program steered my life in a totally awesome direction. Today I am well on my way with my business, which has now turned into businesses.
It is quite incredible how one choice changed my whole path. You can read more about my interview with the Academy of Culinary Nutrition here.
Want to learn more about the program? If you have any questions, feel free to email me. True to my mission, I love to share good suff. I want you to succeed, find your passion and to evolve. You never know what’s possible.
Tomorrow April 11th, I will be taking over the Academy of Culinary Nutrition’s Instagram account.
Follow along!
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Spring is finally here and it's real estate season! As the temperatures rise, so does real estate activity. Notice all the for sale or lease signs up on lawns.
Did you know that a large part of our business is curating custom housewarming gifts? We are gifting experts... and for all the real estate agents out there, we have a unique yet simple solution for you!
50% of homes are sold during the spring and summer months. That’s a lot of housewarming gifts in your near future! Don’t worry, we have you covered!
]]>Did you know that a large part of our business is curating custom housewarming gifts? We are gifting experts... and for all the real estate agents out there, we have a unique yet simple solution for you!
50% of homes are sold during the spring and summer months. That’s a lot of housewarming gifts in your near future! Don’t worry, we have you covered!
The process of searching for the perfect new home is often a thrilling experience and can be stressful for your home buyers. Present them with a thoughtful closing gift to celebrate their exciting purchase to say welcome home.
After spending months with clients trying to find the perfect property, the relationship between a home buyer and a real estate agent can be everlasting.
Customized gifts show the home owner you value them and the journey you have been on together over the last few months.
Incorporating small details of past conversations into a beautifully presented arrangement will create a sentimental gesture that goes a long way.
1. We don't do regular gift baskets, we are relationship curators!
Whether you are a real estate agent, home builder or developer, cultivate your important relationships with a Jule’s Basket as they are sure to make a long lasting impression and lead to blissful business referrals.
2. Take the guess work out of gifting.
Put your trust in us to curate the perfect, custom basket to welcome them home. We offer small to large size sleek white boxes, wood crates, or modern looking iron and metal baskets that can be re-used in their new home. We promise you nothing will go to waste!
3. Our products are health-conscious and hand-selected.
Jule’s Baskets has a great selection of heart and housewarming gifts that are sure to impress your clients whether they are building, buying or selling. Treat them to a hand-selected basket brimming with gourmet goodies, healthier alternative lifestyle products or a culinary assortment to stock their new pantry.
Some examples of our high-quality, natural and organic luxury items and are safe for the whole family to enjoy.
If you want to make a big impression and lasting relationship with your clients, friends or new neighbours, warm their home and hearts with a Jule's Basket custom designed by you and hand curated by us!
You can also shop our housewarming collection on our website to see other examples of basket arrangements and products.
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What is so special about this day? Well, it's International Women's Day. Not a statutory holiday, but a very beautiful day for many across the world. In some countries, it has the equivalent status of Mother's Day and is an official holiday. International Womens Day has been recognized since the early 1900s in European countries.
Many improvements have been made with greater equality in legislative rights, more women in power positions, as entrepreneurs and in boardrooms. However, not only does the glass ceiling still exist, but so is abuse and stereotypes towards women.
This holiday isn't for feminists, but for all to celebrate women's equality and emancipation. Men and women honour their mothers, girl friends and colleagues with flowers and small gifts.
In recent years, International Women's Day has moved from being a reminder of the past to a celebration of the positive changes.
Celebrate the great women in your life on International Women's Day with a hand-selected assortment of delectable treats, wellness gifts and self-care products.
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But if you want to really impress your sweetie, surprise them with a Jule's Basket brimming with organic self-indulgent body products, artisan chocolates, tasty teas and delectable treats and top it off with some sexy products for the bedroom!
Chocolate is a great gift for lovers for good reason! It is actually derived from a plant and called cacao in it’s raw form. Cacao has for a long time been known as an aphrodisiac; you can thank the potent plant chemical anandamide, which in sanskrit means “bliss.” This chemical releases feel good neurotransmitters in our brain similar to those we experience when falling in love!
The super sweet, milk chocolates that often come in heart shaped boxes at your local drug store actually have a higher ratio of sugar and milk to the true cacao bean. Therefore, they don’t have the same health benefits. Dark chocolate varieties have a higher ratio of cacao, making them a more nutritious choice.
Aside from the “love chemical” we mentioned, dark varieties contain higher amounts of flavenoids: antioxidants found in green tea, grapes and berries that improve cellular regeneration, prevent aging and protect the brain. Studies show that regularly eating small amounts of dark chocolate is associated with lower blood pressure and in fact, better over-all cardiovascular health.
If you’re looking to reap the aphrodisiac benefits of chocolate than this bar is for you! Not only are Giddy Yo Yo’s bars vegan, but they also contain low amounts of unrefined sugar. In addition to it’s high concentration of raw cacao, this bar contains a super food by the name of Maca. Maca is known for it’s ability to increase energy, physical strength, improve mood and libido.
Chocolate is an obvious treat and gift for your Valentine but here are some others we love:
Not only does Giddy Yo Yo make incredible chocolate bars but they’ve whipped up a rich and decadent edible moisturizer made with real cacao butter and coconut oil. This cream will leave you smelling (and tasting) like chocolate!
Check out our romance collection here!
]]>No matter what cold climate you live in, a warm and sunny getaway this time of year can be so beneficial to the mind and can ignite your imagination and passion for life! You must know that the sunshine is necessary for life. This burning star is not only great for our minds but also for our bodies and overall health.
A healthy dose of vitamin D does wonders to reduce stress and leave you feeling totally rejuvenated. But, what does it do for your health? Vitamin D is different from other vitamins because our bodies can manufacture it with sunlight exposure. This vitamin is essential for regulating calcium in our bones, proper immune function and the prevention of disease.
Julie likes to get away a few times through the winter months as she starts to go a little stir crazy and loves her sunshine and adventure. She travels quite often with her husband and two young daughters. She has some great tips to alleviate travel pains, keep the body and stress in check and most importantly keep immune system strong. Being sick on vacation is not fun.. and your vacation is supposed to be rejuvenating, relaxing, enjoyable and stress-free.
Photo taken at sunset at The Four Seasons, Hualalai on Hawaii's Big Island
Nothing makes a vacation more enjoyable than being prepared.
If you are lucky enough to be jet-setting this winter, Jule’s Wellness and Jule’s Baskets has you covered with some of our favourite travel essentials!
Join us on our Jule's Wellness Instagram where we will be hosting a giveaway for this box filled with natural, organic and health-conscious essentials! (valued at $200!!)
S’well Water Bottle - S’well bottles are beautifully crafted, composed of non-leaching and non toxic stainless steel that keeps your drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12. We also love that S’well gives back to the community as a proud partner of charitable organizations.
Living Libations Everyone Loves The Sunshine - Nourishment for sun-soaked skin: this organic formula uses the rich oils of the desert jojoba plant, virgin coco-creme, red raspberry seed oil, seabuckthorn berry oil, tamanu berry and essential oils of schizandra berry, immortelle, carrot seed, rose otto, cape-chamomile, frankincense, sandalwood, ginger, lavender, turmeric, calendula and palmarosa as a cooling canopy. So nourishing, this Beautiful formula harmonizes your time in the sun. This is must and a personal favourite of Julie's.
Hurraw SPF 15 Lip Balm- Moisturizing lip protection in a juicy, tangerine and calming chamomile scent. Airplane travel can dry out your lips, but most importantly, so can the sun. If your body can burn, you can bet your beauty pout will too. Lathering sunscreen on your lips isn’t very cute.
Love Fresh Deodorant- This super soft formula offers long lasting odour and sweat protection in fresh scents like lemon verbena, rose and lavender - great for men or women! Throw it in your bag and apply anywhere. Because it doesn’t look like deodorant, you can sneakily apply it anywhere (ahem... airplane).
Pur Gum- We aren’t big gum chewers, as it’s not the best habit for optimal health.. (can cause gas and digestive issues).. But if we do need to freshen our breath in a pinch and keep airplane ear at bay we will use this gum. It is aspartame free, sugar free, vegan, NON-GMO and safe for pregnant women! Peppermint flavoured to keep your breath minty fresh and to give your ears some love through airplane travel and with elevation.
Simply Protein Bar - Having healthy and high protein snacks on hand are a must for keeping blood sugar levels stable especially for those long airport waits and plane rides. We like to avoid the airplane food when possible!
Nud Fud - This crispy, irresistible snack is full of antioxidants, fibre, magnesium, and healthy fats to help keep you healthy during your travels. They’re also free of common allergens such as gluten, dairy, soy, corn, wheat, nuts, eggs and anything artificial!
Jaxcoco Coconut Water- Factors like lack of humidity in air plane cabins, hot days and maybe too many cocktails can cause dehydration very fast! Essential minerals in coconut water hydrate quickly and reduce water retention (hello bikini!) But pack carefully in your luggage bag!
Four Sigma Instant Teas: Chaga, Reishi and Cordycepts
These three teas come in a conveinient, fast dissolving packet composed of 100% wild picked mushrooms free from preservatives or chemicals. With a lengthy list of benefits, you could say mushrooms are the new super foods!
Chaga is a good source of antioxidants important to support immune function and kill foreign pathogens.
Reishi is a whole body tonic, especially good for anxiety and promoting restful sleep.
Cordycepts is a wonderful invigorating energy boost- perfect for the jet legged days!
Inspired Soap Works Bath Salts- Have you ever showed up at your hotel to see a lovely soaker tub, but nothing to put in it? Or, if you’re like Julie and her family and rent houses or condos, you’re pretty much on your own for supplies. She always brings a travel bag of her favourite locally crafted dead sea salts. These salts help promote deep relaxation and detoxification. Perfect for a chill late night tub soak!
Wedderspoon Manuka Honey Lozenges: These sweet lozenges are made with pure manuka honey to soothe and coat a dry throat that often accompanies airplane rides. They are free from refined sugars, and contain beneficial B vitamins to keep you healthy and energized.
Frankincense First Aid from Living Libations: This first aid friend is an essential oil medicine-cabinet in a bottle. It’s a fabulous anti-fungal formula that just takes a drop to quickly heal burns, bites and rashes bringing your skin back into balance.
Epiphany Elixir by Living Libations: Maybe you are headed somewhere exotic to do some soul searching? This blend of essential oils can heighten your experience by bringing awareness and inspiration to your mind and senses. Add a couple drops to your skin while doing morning yoga, relaxing with a good book, or a drop in some water when needed to centre the mind. It is amazing
Immune Illume by Living Libations: Another amazing blend of pure essential oils with anti-viral, anti-bacterial properties that will kill anything in it’s tracks! The last thing you want to do is spend your vacation sick in bed. Make sure you are prepared with immune support.
Now back to the basics with...
Hurraw Lip Balm
All of the beauty & spa products we carry in our baskets are health-conscious, organic and natural. We carry so many great products and lines.... we couldn't mention them all , so skip over to our online boutique to see the variety!
Josh Gitalis’ Elixir - With powerful super foods such as maca and ginseng, this elixir will de-fog your brain and boost your energy levels! Enjoy in the morning in place of your coffee, stir into hot oats, or blend into a creamy, rich smoothie *check out our recipe for "the best smoothie ever" below
The Honest Leaf Relieve - Hand crafted, natural herbs ginger, camomile, peppermint and fennel help to reduce gas and bloating often associated with too much food. Steep a cup and sip between meals.
Truth be told, the whole idea that sickness has a “season” seems like a perfect ploy to hitch a marketing wagon to. The reality is, your chance of getting ill has less to do with the month of the year and a whole lot to do with the health of your immune system. And immunity has many influencers. Nutrition, quality of sleep, and the presence of stress, are just some of the key factors that play a vital role in immune function. In a perfect world, you would be consuming a whole foods diet rich in veggies and fruit and the nutrients you need to function at your optimal level of health every day. You would be going to bed at a regular time that gives you eight hours of restful sleep. You would be getting exercise daily, fresh air, and engaging in activities that help relieve stress. These are the healthy habits that can boost immune function, making us less susceptible to illness when nasty germs come around.
What happens when even with the best of intentions, we slip up on the healthy eating or have a week of commitments that keep us up past our bedtime or feeling extra stressed? This is when it’s great to have some reinforcements. I like to think of it as a back-up team of immune-boosting superheroes. Julie Tadeson, creator and owner of Jule’s Baskets, is making it really easy for you to stock your pantry {or your loved ones} with the very best in immune-supporting products. Health-conscious and hand-selected, this Immune Supporting Collection includes some of my favourite immune helpers…
Jax Coco Coconut Water - you might not know it, but not all coconut water is created equal. Many brands on the market today contain additives and/or preservatives. Jax Coco Coconut Water is 100% pure, no added anything, just as nature intended. It’s naturally isotonic, meaning it contains the same level of electrolyte balance as we have in our blood, making it a perfect choice for hydration and energy.
Holy Crap Breakfast Cereal - gluten-free, rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats, and high in protein and fiber, this cereal supports healthy brain function so you can stay on top of that to do list, provides sustained and balanced energy and is healing and gentle for your digestive tract.
Four Sigma Foods - Instant Chaga Herbal Mushroom Tea Sachets - Chaga is known as the “King” of mushrooms and it’s no wonder with its tremendous therapeutic properties. With an antioxidant benefit 10x greater than other vegetables and fruits, high levels of polysaccharides to support the body’s own immune system, and triterpenes to support the body in fighting viruses and bacterias, this tea is a must-have in any immune boosting toolkit. This Instant Chaga is so easy to enjoy - it tastes lightly sweetened and can be consumed as tea, a cold beverage or even added to smoothies in its powdered form.
Wedderspoon Raw Manuka Honey & Organic Manuka Honey Lozenges - the natural compounds in Manuka honey are what stimulate the body’s production of immune-boosting cells and set this variety apart from other honeys for its antibacterial properties. In fact, in some studies, Manuka honey was found to be more effective than antibiotics at killing the bacteria that cause chronic sinus infections.
Living Libations Immune Illume Essential Oil - this essential oil is one no immunity toolkit should be without. Fortified with antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral agents, just a few drops is all you’ll need for strengthened immunity. The combination of hyssop, thymes, ravensara, rosemary, eucalyptus, and oregano works wonders on the respiratory system - like liquid gold during cold season when you might feel more congested! Inhale, add to the bath, massage, diffuse, or ingest drops of this wonder oil for good health through the winter months.
Orange Naturals Oil of Oregano - Oil of Oregano, is hands down one of my go-to products when I feel illness rearing its ugly head. It’s a potent antioxidant with antimicrobial properties to fight off infections, especially colds and flus. It’s the naturally occurring carvacrol that lends to its antioxidant/antimicrobial benefits. I love the Orange Naturals brand because it contains one of the highest concentrations of carvacrol at 75 - 80%, it’s suspended in coconut and palm oils (keeping the molecular structure of the oil intact and minimizing chances of rancidity), and it has an added hint of natural orange flavour.
Cleanwell Natural Hand Sanitizer - when circumstances prevent you from getting to the sink for a proper hand wash, most of us turn to hand sanitizers. Unfortunately, conventional brands can be harmful - stinging cuts, smelling nasty and leaving your hands looking and feeling like the Sahara desert. That’s why I love this version from Cleanwell. You won’t find any harsh chemicals or alcohol here. Clean Well uses a patented form of thyme oil for all-natural antibacterial goodness. That’s right, thyme isn’t just a tasty herb used in cooking. For thousands of years, it’s been used in Roman, Greek and Ayurvedic medicine as an antiseptic and to ward off sickness. So now you can clean without the mean!
As you can see, the Immune Boosting basket from Jule’s Baskets packs a powerful immune strengthening punch and contains everything you need to supplement those healthy habits for a season that’s clear of Colds & Flus.
Keep you and your loved ones healthy with this Winter Wellness Basket
About the author
Carolyn White is a graduate from the Academy of Culinary Nutrition, a Certified Personal Trainer, and the Owner of Take Care Wellness and Firm Believers Fitness Bootcamps for women. She is passionate about her family, being a healthy role model for her daughters, living a faith-filled life, and helping others discover their best versions of themselves. For more information about the services Carolyn provides at Take Care Wellness or Firm Believers Fitness, contact her by email.
]]>If your go to gifts are poinsettias, conventional chocolates, or a gift card, then it's time to thoughtfully express yourself with a memorable Jule's Basket that they will truly treasure. Surprise them with the best-tasting, hand-selected nutritious delights. Not only will it delight their taste buds, but also deliver a unique, healthy alternative to the refined processed foods they are used to receiving.
Add a freshly designed holiday greeting card, featuring blank interiors so you can add your own personal message. Cards are printed on a folded 3" x 5" quality card stock.
The holidays are FAST approaching! Get your holiday orders in soon to ensure availability. You can select your desired delivery date when adding the items to the checkout.
Check out our Holiday Collection !
We carrying some of the best selling brands: Consonant Skincare, Pretty Organics, Living Libations, S'well Bottles, Love Fresh, Tealish, Chocosol, Giddy YoYo and more!
]]>Purchase a raffle ticket for $15 and you will be entered into a draw to win.
All money raised will be donated to our charity of choice, Nellie's Women & Children's Shelter,
which is located downtown Toronto.
Price: $15 / each
Tickets will be available for purchase until December 15th, 2014
Winner will be announced on our website and via email on December 20th, 2014.
PLEASE NOTE: At checkout, please choose Bank Deposit as your method of payment as well as the No Shipping Necessary option.
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THE ONLY REUSABLE BOTTLES THAT LOOK GREAT & DO GOOD
Our bottles are beautifully crafted composed of non-leaching and non-toxic 18/8 stainless steel, that keeps your drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12, while giving back to those in need. S’well is a charitable community member and proud partner of charitable organizations such as WaterAid, American Forests, and Drink Up. As the premier fashionable and reusable water bottle, we have found that our customers love these bottles worldwide!
1. Living Libations is a Haliburton, Ontario natural skin care company created by Nadine Artemis. If you aren't in the know on this awesome company and their gorgeous products, check them out here. We are carrying their Vanilla and Seabuckthorn Best Skin Ever, Jai Baby Oil, Sweet Sleep Serum, Organic Hemp Cloth, Seabucktorn Shampoo and Conditioner and a few more!
These products are super high quality and made with pure essential oils. Baskets containing these products will be on the pricier side. Totally worth it though!
2. Chocosol is a Toronto Based, artisanal, socially responsible, raw chocolate company. Delicious! You can learn more about them here. We carry their drinking chocolate, and their small and full size bars. Hemp Gold, Sinfully Vanilla and Luscious Coconut.
Take a look at this Chocolate & Coffee Lovers Basket! It contains the Vanilla Choc-latte Drinking Chocolate and the Luscious Coconut half bar amongst other chocolate goodness and organic coffee.
We are always discovering yummy, awesome, health-conscious products and will continually be updating our baskets!
If you have an awesome, health-conscious product that you think belongs in Jule's Baskets, I would love to hear from you. Please contact me by email.
Yours truly,
Julie Tadeson
Founder, Jule's Baskets
This program is life-changing!
Take a look at my Expert Spotlight! It might inspire you to take this program as well.
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I'm so excited to share the details of the 2nd Jule's Baskets Launch Giveaway Prize!
Contents include:
~ Undiet by Meghan Telpner
~ Giddy YoYo Raw Chocolate
~ The Honest Leaf Tea
~ Love Fresh Natural Deodorant
~ Love Fresh Hand/Body Wash
~ Love Fresh Hand/Body Lotion
~ Dr. Bronner's Citrus Castile Soap
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Short answer: Yes, absolutely.
Every product in Jule's Basket is a quality product..as well as luxurious, unique and health promoting! I have spent hours and hours sorting through the good and the bad. The truth and the lies. Quality is always important. Especially when it comes to skin care products, baby products and most important, our food.
Do you know what the ingredients are in your skin care products or your perfume and even your vitamins and supplements and food? Do you know how to read the ingredient list? Do you know what organic and non-GMO even mean? Do you know the horrible truths about soy, corn, dairy and wheat?
Most of the time you pick up a product, you will likely NOT know what the ingredients list means, let alone be able to pronounce it. Obviously, this isn't a good thing. This second you hit an ingredient that doesn't sit well with you, you can put the product down and stop wasting your time.
I have gone through this process with all the products in Jule's Basket's. Not only have I ensured to only choose products that don't include nasty, chemical-laden ingredients but to focus on offering products that emphasis health and wellness with health-promoting ingredients. There is the occasion that an ingredient description like 'natural flavours' falls in the ingredient list. Depending on the brand, the origin and the company beliefs and standards will determine whether or not I overlook this vague ingredient description. Some companies claim to do this to keep their flavours secret and others are just purely for health-washing reasons.
Bottom line is that all ingredients, whether it be in your body care products, baby products, tea or food you should always go for organic, non-GMO, health-promoting, high-quality ingredients.
I know that it is hard to decipher between honest health-promoting ingredients and confusing toxic ingredients. As I have said before, I don't like waste. I don't like spending money on crap products. I don't like contributing to the success of toxic companies and their products. I don't like being fooled by fancy marketing campaigns. It's one thing to openly choose something that is full of chemicals and crap, but it's another to think you're buying a quality, clean product which is totally not that.
This was definitely an inspiration for Jule's Baskets. I want everyone to enjoy truly health-promoting products; true quality products. You will notice the difference. Not only are these quality products, they are selected with intention and purpose. Everything in each collection is there for a reason. Quality, quality, quality. I know it's an overused word. Probably because it is so important.
You'll notice that I favour certain companies and brands. When I feel strongly about their products or ingredients I will promote it. Companies that use organic, non-GMO, natural, health-promoting ingredients need recognition! I am here 100% to support them. Especially the smaller brands!
Everyone wants to live a quality life. Everyone wants quality friendships and relationships. Quality is what makes life worth living.
Don't cheat yourself or your loved ones with anything less than exceptional quality. Spend your money wisely. Reap the life-giving rewards of truly healthy food and products.
]]>I’m Julie McLachlan, culinary nutritionist, holistic lifestyle coach, fitness coach, and mindful mom to three daughters.
I’m on a mission to share my passion for health and wellness, inspire others to find happiness in nourishing their bodies, and improve access to healthy living for everyone.
Jule’s Baskets isn’t an ordinary gift basket company. It’s an easy approach to health-promoting gift-giving.
The world today is filled with an abundance of unhealthy food. Not to mention, a lot of people spend the majority of their workdays sitting at a desk. We’re all on auto-run and overdrive. Nothing is really conscious anymore. We’re always on-the-go, we rush meal time, we race our kids around the city, and we rarely get time to decompress and nourish ourselves. (Even healthy people are guilty of this. I know I am!)
This often applies to gift-giving too—an occasion that should be a positive, emotional and thoughtful one. After all, we’re usually giving a gift because we love this person, or we want to show this person that we care or that we appreciate them. Since gift-giving is always coming from a positive place, I believe the whole experience should be positive.
On the other hand, gift-giving can be unenjoyable when you don’t know what to get. All of my friends and most of my acquaintances know that I live for health and wellness, and I also dislike waste and clutter. But sometimes, in an effort to express a kind thought, they give me foods that I can’t and won’t consume. Things I feel guilty about throwing out or re-gifting, since I know they had the best of intentions.
Sometimes it’s better to receive nothing than something that doesn’t support you, your health or your lifestyle. Because really, it’s not just the thought that counts. It’s how much thought you put into it.
This is what has inspired Jule’s Baskets. I believe that we don’t have to sacrifice quality and health when we’re showing some that we care. I’ve hand-selected hundreds of my favourite brands and products that promote wellness to help simplify the gift-giving process. No fillers, no junk, no worries. Your recipient will feel loved, respected and cherished.
I’m all about making things a little bit easier. Life a little less stressful. Life a lot more full. There are many beautiful baskets to choose from at many different price points, all packaged in a crisp white re-useable market tray with recyclable materials. We even offer a great selection of greeting cards to accompany the basket. No detail has been left to chance.
This will be a gift that you’re proud to give and one that you would probably also love to receive! We have something for everyone, from wellness baskets, to stress-busting and spa baskets, to new baby and expectant mom baskets, to sweets & treats and snacking baskets, and even culinary baskets!
Are you into health and wellness? Or is the recipient a health-nut? Then these baskets are for you. If the recipient is new to health and wellness, a Jule’s Basket is a beautiful way to introduce health-conscious products into their lifestyle. And if you don’t know the first two things about health and wellness, then you’re in for a healthy treat!
Remember: It’s far more important to give than to receive. This is your chance to give a gift that will truly be appreciated and welcomed. Giving health and wellness is always well-received, and everyone deserves to feel great.
Yours in health,
Julie McLachlan
Founder of Jule's Baskets
You can follow me on , Facebook, Twitter or Instagram (hastag #julesbaskets). Don't forget to subscribe to emails for great information and discounts.
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