Finding the best local market is the first thing I do when exploring a new city or town. I am always fascinated by the people, products, and energy that is radiating from each stall and stand. After hearing so much about the food, coffee, and culture in Seattle, I was thrilled when I arrived at Pike Place Market.
I was blissfully overwhelmed by the bustling market stalls and winding aisles packed with products, produce, and flowers. I stopped to smell the hundreds of vibrant flowers that quite literally drowned the women who cut and arranged them.
I browsed the racks of local wines, tried, smelled, and tasted local chocolates, teas, and spices, and embraced my inner hippie while testing out various essential oils and chakra beads. While I wanted to buy everything that I had seen, smelt, and experienced… there were a few products that I simply couldn’t pass up.
This is what wound up in my shopping bag:
Bee Propolis Chewing Gum: Bee Propolis is the substance used by bees to seal their hives and keep out infection. They collect sap from trees, and convert it to this waxy sealant. People can use it for sore throats, and use it as an antiviral as well as warding off infections or sickness. The owner of this amazing Bohemian shop, called Tenzing Momo, adds peppermint to this gum-like consistency and created a gum that is not only freshening your breath, but also improving your health.
Chakra Mala Necklace: I purchased a Chakra Mala with beautiful colored gemstones that represent all 7 chakras. There are 108 rudraksha beads that make up this necklace, which is the traditional number for chanting and prayer. Each rudraksha bead has been handpicked, blessed, and chosen for its energy level. Created by Aum Rudraksha Designs.
Almond Coconut Chocolate Bar from Theo: Not only are these chocolate bars absolutely delicious, they are also USDA organic, Fair Trade, and non-GMO. The Theo brand is involved in every step of the process: From the cacao farmer in the Congo, to the truck driver in Seattle, to the chocolate lovers like me all around the world. I bought this 65% dark chocolate as a “celebration of spring” that has crunchy almonds and toasted coconut making a smooth, and rich dark chocolate that is nutty and refreshing.
Zodiac Essential Oil Aquarius: I thought this concept was so fascinating and of course had to buy it. The bohemian shop, Tenzing Momo, hand blends essential oils based on your zodiac sign. Each astrology sign has different strengths and weaknesses, which creates a unique combination of essential oils to become most beneficial to the user. Being a Valentines baby, I bought the Aquarius blend and love wearing it on the inside of my wrists and neck.
Sage Bundle: As I walked around the market, the smell of something burning wafted into my nose. Originally I figured it must have been weed, after all... Washington is one of the places where marijuana is legal, so this concept was not too far of a stretch for me. However, shortly after my nose picked up this scent, I came to a table covered in small sage bundles, some of which were on fire. I learned about smudging, which is the cleansing of energetic and metaphysical aura’s completed through the burning of a sage bundle. It is said to help with conflict, anger, illness and evil energy, while also calling forth energies of peace and love. So I bought this little bundle of wonder to burn in my New York City apartment to bring in good energy and burn out anything negative.
Rejuvenating Rub: After a long weekend of skiing the slopes, my body was aching and exhausted. So when I hit the stand for Moon Valley Organics... I was so pleased to find their Rejuvenating All-Over Body Rub. Moon Valley is a “Farmacy” nestled in the majestic foothills of Washington's Cascade Mountains. Their herbalists take nature's healing agents and turn them into truly effective and luxurious care products. The Rejuvenating Rub combines mint and lavender with arnica to create the ultimate cooling and calming experience, perfect for my aches after workouts, long plane rides, and strenuous activities.