One of my favorite, must haves products is the Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Milk. It is a gentle, silky smooth cleanser that not only is great at removing dirt & oil but also serves as a magnificent makeup remover. It’s packed full of organic ingredients to cleanse, soothe and nurture the skin. It is perfect for all skin types and is delicate enough for even the most sensitive of skin conditions. Here are some of the key ingredients I want to focus on:

Fermented Grain Extract removes dirt & impurities. It’s sourced from sourdough bread made of freshly milled oats, wheat and rye is subjected to a fermentation process, in which naturally occurring lactic acid probiotics transform the bread into a highly nutritive substance. The liquid portion resulting from this process is called Brottrunk which literally means “bread drink” and is a traditional European health drink. The fermented grain extract used in the Dr.Hauschka Cleansing Milk is derived from Brottrunk and is rich in proteins, calcium, iron, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, E, and co-enzyme A. The natural ferments protect the acid mantle of the skin (protective layer), as well as have humectant, anti-allergenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Fermented grain extract also helps break down impurities while bringing moisture and vitality to the skin. Fermented grain extract contains gluten. (*info taken from the Dr. Hauschka Skin Care site)

Bentonite Clay, a white volcanic clay found in the US soothes & cools irritation while also drawing out impurities.

Anthyllis; known as a “wound healer” is native to Southern Europe, aids in detoxifying, reducing swelling, and toning & balancing the skin. Anthyllis has a generally stimulating and normalizing effect on the skin and the ability to stimulate the skin’s natural functions and support its regeneration.

Dr. Haushcka’s Cleansing Milk comes in a
4.9 fl. oz bottle for $36.95 and can be purchased in store at Halcyon Mode or shipped to you by emailing Kate
or calling 414-745-6877.

If you haven’t already marked your calendars, or are just now making plans for the weekend, be sure to stop by our tent outside our building this weekend during Strawberry Fest! It’s all day Saturday & Sunday filled with warm weather, oodles of shopping, music, friends & strawberry goodness everywhere you turn! We will have Dr. Hauschka products on sale, fun gift sets, organic soy based candles, organic herbal teas, and great gifts on all purchases!

For more information or directions click here.

We hope to see all of our friends and even meet some new ones!

Many times in skin care when looking for calming & soothing properties, the first thing that comes to mind is Chamomile. And though Chamomile is absolutely, positively wonderful for calming nerves & soothing redness on the skin there is another herb/flower that has many similar characteristics. Calendula.

Calendula is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the daisy family native to the Mediterranean region. The name, Calendula, stems from the latin word, kalendae, meaning “first day of the month”. This is due to the Calendula being a *pot marigold* and marigolds are in bloom at the start of most months of the year. **It is important to note though; that not all household plants *called* marigolds are part of the Calendula family.

Calendula contains high amounts of flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants that protect the body against cell-damaging free radicals. It has been used in the past primarily for stomach upset, ulcers & menstrual cramps. Though no research has been able to show why; Calendula has many anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, & anti-microbial properties. It has also been shown to speed the healing process of wounds.
It is the dried yellow-orange petals of the plant that are used in tinctures, washes and even ointments. It is not usually taken orally.

The next time you are looking at a product label or need something to soothe that red, warm, irritated skin make sure to look for Calendula. This is an amazing ingredient that is often times overlooked.

This week we are taking a closer look at Neem Oil. In preparation of our Valentine’s Day Pomegranate Love Affair Treatment; where there is a warm oil scalp massage using the Dr. Hauschka Neem Hair Oil, we thought it proper to indulge you with some know how of Neem.

Neem - Melia Azadirachta is a tree native to India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and other sub-tropical regions. In East Africa it is called; Mwarobaini in Swahili meaning; the tree of the 40 because it is thought to treat up to 40 different diseases. Most commonly it has been used for centuries in cooking, Ayurvedic medicine and for hair and nail care.

It is anti-microbial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. It’s strengthening to keratin protein, making it ideal for hair and nails. Neem leaf extract stimulates circulation to the scalp and supports hair growth and discourages flaking and irritation of the scalp. Traditional Indian hair treatments use a neem tea rinse for hair loss and packs of neem leaf pulp for conditioning. Poultices and washes are applied to skin wounds, infections and eczema. Neem is so gentle it is used internally for gastritis and as an eye wash.

We carry both a Dr. Hauschka Neem Oil for the hair and scalp as well as one for the nails. Both are extremely beneficial and have become quite popular especially during the long, dry months of winter.

There is something to having a great skin care regime; but there is something to be said when you know how to care for your skin (and overall body) from the inside. Getting that radiant glow and defending against the wicked signs of aging come from WAY more than what you put ON your face. So much comes from what you put IN your body.
The less meat and the more organic fruits and vegetables; especially raw foods are so incredibly beneficial for an all around healthy body.

Living in Milwaukee; which for many years has been and still is a prominently beer, meat & potatoes type of town; it’s hard for vegetarians and even healthy organic meat eaters to find a place to dine at. But we are growing and expanding our horizons and lucky for us some really fabulous people have brought some great restaurants into the area that can truly leave you feeling satisfied without the sluggish, guilty feeling.

My heart belongs to a few key places that I would love to share with you.

~ Beans & Barley on the East Side.
~ Roots Wine Cellar in Brewers Hill.
~ Café Manna in Brookfield.

So do something good for yourself (and your skin) and go grab a bite to eat at one of these exceptional establishments!!

Bon Appétit!

Recently an article was featured in The New York Times discussing the extraordinary way that Dr. Hauschka grows it’s ingredients. This is not only very interesting, but extremely exciting as well!

Click on the link below to read the article and then find out how you can experience the Dr. Hauschka products yourself! Call or email Halcyon Mode and receive 25% off for your first treatment!

NEW YORK TIMES - GARDEN IS A SEEDBED FOR GREEN COSMETICS (pdf)