Centered Lotus Bodyworks

I'm so pleased to announce my newest retailer: Centered Lotus Bodyworks in Philadelphia, PA.  They will be carrying my Lip Balm, Lotion Bars, Perfumes, Room Sprays, and new Massage Oils.  FYI they are currently running New Client & Valentine's Day Specials for a variety of massages - take advantage of these fantastic deals!

New Customer Special Offers!

Receive your first 60 minute massage for just $49.96 (Promo Code NEW60) or a 90 minute massage for only $69.95 (Promo Code NEW90)!

A Touching Gift

Couple's Massage SALE for $150 ($175 value). Tell your partner you love them this Valentine's Day by sharing a private couple's massage. We are more than glad to coordinate with you to make it a true surprise!

 

You know I'm making this my go to place for all my aches & pains!  Founder & Licensed Massage Therapist Jessica Petty is simply amazing, ask her about her Thai Massage!

The End of Market Season

Whether you are a shopper or vendor of farmer's markets, you know the season is coming to a close very soon.  My local weekly market, the Lansdowne Farmers Market, closes for the season on Sat. 10/27.  While I love vending at markets and seeing all the regulars, it's a bit of a relief to be finsihed.  Being caught up with weekly inventory demands, loading and unloading the car, taking up a large chunk of garage space... all while maintaining a full time day job takes a toll after a while.  It will be nice to have a break.  The LFM does host several special winter markets, the first being 11/17 (I will be vending!)  There are some other markets, holiday gift fairs, and festivals for which I am awaiting vending approval.   I also hope to teach some classes on making bath & body gifts during the holidays.  I intend on staying fully active during the "off-season" in vending and working hard on my business. 

My fall/winter business plans are:
~Refine my hot process soap recepies - and make lots more soap!
~Create new perfumes in specially themed lines
~More internet promotion, marketing, networking & eCommerce
~Marketing to local retail shops, and networking with local business owners
~Tweak & finish www.akimabotanicals.com
~Research and possibly venture into making incense cones, bath bombs, bath salts, massage & aromatherapy oils
~Blog more frequently

What are your "off-season" plans?

New Harmony Vegan Chinese Restaurant, Philadelphia

I found New Harmony Chinese Restaurant in 2008 or 2009 when I worked in Center City Philadelphia.  Being just blocks from Chinatown I often walked through, and one day I just stumbled upon what would soon be one of my favorite places for eats in Philadelphia.  Located on 9th St. between Arch & Race, everything on their impressive menu is vegan & kosher (see the certified letter from Rabbi Roth in the back of the menu).  Even the air & water is filtered for purity.  Here are pictures of their Sweet & Sour Tofu and Lemon "Chicken", respectively:

Lately I've been ordering the Sesame Beef with a special "mayo" sauce... it blows my mind.  Make sure you try the veggie pancakes - they have the same "mayo" sauce.  Fried yes, but vegan which makes it ok, ha ;P.  Freshly brewed tea comes with every menu, as does a greeting & smile from owner Ming - our buddy.  New Harmony has a devoted following of those vegan and meat-eating alike.  No matter what you eat, you can't deny how delicious their food is.  Oh yea, and all you can eat Dim Sum buffet on Sundays!  Save room for dessert!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Harmony-Vegetarian-Restaurant/192359379755

The Celtic Classic: Highland Games & Festival

 

This weekend (9/28-30) the Celtic Classic will be hosted by the Celtic Cultural Alliance (CCA), a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the Celtic heritage through education, musical presentations, and traditional competitions in athletics, piping and dance.  This year marks the 25th anniversary of the festival.

Events and activities include a Haggis Eating Competition, Tartan Parade, Pipe Band Competition, Whiskey Tastings, Fiddle Competition, traditional Highland Games, Irish Dancing performances, Celtic bands, Border Collie herding demonstrations, kids crafts, vendors, and lots off food & drink.  The Celtic Classic has since blossomed into one of the largest Highland Games and Festival in North America. Annually, over 250,000 visitors come to Historic Bethlehem to join in this celebration of all things Celtic.

My Irish-and-Proud sister, cousin, and I will be attending in full force, representing for our Shanahan and Dwyer ancestry:
  

We are so very excited to be attending, here is the schedule for each day.  I fully plan on buying from the local vendors, eating and drinking traditional Irish fare, dancing my bum off, and participating in what Highland games I can (look out!)  Last year we attended the International Celtic Festival at Hunter Mountain in the Catskills of New York.  It was a good time, but unlike years past they did not have any highland games and a few other events.

HipCityVeg's Crispy Hipcity Ranch, Philadelphia

I'm one of those annoying people that always posts pictures of what I am eating on Facebook.  Well guess what?  I will now post them here!   Expect to see vegetarian & vegan recipes, grocery items, cocktails, desserts, and wonderful restaurant choices. 

Let's start with my latest obsession: HipCityVeg, located at 127 S. 18th St. (at Walnut) Philadelphia, PA 19103.  Everything they make is 100% plant based, right down to the straws & compostable wrapping. Here you will find my absolute favorite menu item, the Crispy HipCity Ranch!

It is a "chik'n" sandwich with lettuce, pickles, tomoato, onion, a fresh & fluffy bun, and a peppercorn ranch dressing.  Did I mention it's huge?  I used to get their sweet potato fries with this, but I just couldn't finish it all.  I've instead taken to ordering a Green Lemonade (freshly made lemonade with added kale juice...don't worry, you don't taste the kale) 

For all you skeptics out there, this sandwich proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that vegan can equal delicous!

AVA Wellness to carry Akima Botanicals product

It's official, and I couldn't be more excited!  Akima Botanicals products will be available for sale at AVA Wellness, opening very soon at 350 South 15th St. (just before Pine), Philadelphia, PA 19102

This is a total body care spa.  Taken from their website: "At AVA we combine a holistic approach to skin care, that includes prevention and maintenance, with friendly, highly trained staff.

AVA believes in using wholesome products that are Organic and Natural, we support our local entrepreneurs, so please come by and see our locally handmade body products by Akima Botanicals."

 

Owner Vernell Alexander has been my massage therapist for months, and gives the most relaxing, healing massages I've ever experienced.  I will post updates as I receive them. 

 

You're in for a real treat, Philly!

 

Pssst!  Like AVA Wellness on Facebook!

 

Animal Friends of Lansdowne Fundraiser & Silent Auction

Animal Friends of Lansdowne Fundraiser: Dog Days of Summer Silent Auction

This Sunday 8/19, 2-5pm at 2312 Garrett Bar (located at the same address, Drexel Hill, PA)  $20 advance tickets, $25 at the door.  There will be a silent auction with some incredible items, including celebrity owned items, Phillies memorabilia, and an Akima Botanicals gift basket valued at $75!  Come out for a free buffet, cash bar, and lots of fun for a great organization that helps local animals in need!  Visit their website for tickets, silent auction items, and more: http://www.animalfriendsoflansdowne.org/events.shtml#dogdays