Shopping can be hard for me, as I'm always trying to find products that are ethical, zero waste, and free of harmful products. But I think my wait is over...why? Because I found Cero!

Located just off of Broadway Boulevard in Tucson, Arizona (228 S Tucson Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716), Cero is a vegan and zero waste store that offers the best products for your home and body. When you purchase an item here, you don't have to feel guilty that you're contributing to ruining the planet, because everything here is designed with the planet in mind. Reusing and recycling are a big deal here, and I can't say that about a lot of stores!

I came into contact with Cero last year when I reached out about selling products at their store. At the time, they were brand new spot, focusing on products that a lot of places in the Old Pueblo really don't do. In the past year, I've gotten to know the owners Val and Nelene. They're great businesspeople and even better people. Why? Because they're not just here to make a buck, they're here to make the world a better place. Being a part of that is a huge honor!

As you can see below, this is a clutter-free store, filled with only the essentials that you need. That's a good thing for this gal, because too much stuffed in the aisles can be a lot to take! So good points already for the clean presentation.

Cero is designed for you to purchase their products without wrapping them in wasteful plastic or aluminum. To wit, I'd recommend you bring a jar of your own if you come to refill products like dish soap or laundry detergent. It's a super-affordable way to purchase household essentials and honestly, it's gonna wind up being cheaper too.

You'll see plenty of products from your's truly on there too, so stop by and check it out...I consider it very big time of me to be in there!

Besides that, Cero also sells items like shampoos, razors, straws, cleaning brushes, tote bags, and even shot glasses. Yes, because you CAN party sustainably! I'm gonna note that...

I just can't get enough of this Soy Wax Candle from Art Over Order. I always appreciate a local company that offers handmade vegan and cruelty-free products, and these candles act as agents of calm on a chaotic day. Stick one in your office and the day becomes a little easier to take -- I'd know because I use them a lot!

Better yet, the candles come in a reusable jar, so you can come back and refill your order at Cero. Good for the environment and your soul!

Product above: the "Naps in the Garden" candle, which contains smells and ingredients of lilac, potting soil and fern. Good for people that want to live a growth mindset, just like a healthy plant!

You can go to the address above to shop at their physical store. Or you can call/text them at 520-600-7664. If emailing is better, shoot 'em a message at hello@cerotucson.com. Both walk-ins and private appointments are available too, whatever you prefer!

They're also super-committed to the community, so you can look at their calendar of events here: https://cerotucson.com/pages/calendar

Check out their website here: https://cerotucson.com/

Now that all of these covid restrictions are losing up or maybe your going back to work?  It is time to get out and about again.   Indie Business Network features several amazing handcrafted fragrances for this spring and summer.  Check out number 5 - that me :) Wisdom Body and Soul! Check it out HERE

I have teamed up with several female entrepreneurs to Celebrate and Love Mother’s this May. 

Best part is there is a Giveaway! 

If you are on Instagram, you need to head over HERE before the end of May 6th. 
May 6th, 2021 is the last day to enter to win this amazing set of goodies.  
Read more about these ladies and check out there sites below. 

Angela Carillo decided to take her career in chemistry in a new direction after children left Long Island to pursue their own dreams. Soap making took her on a journey that led her from library research to classes, conferences and communities of other soap makers.  Creating new products by mixing and blending ingredients, scents, and colors grew into a passion, and she knew it was time to bring that hobby to a new level.
Alegna Soap
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Benardett (Ben.ar.dett) is the founder of Sénica and a natural product formulator and enthusiast. I know first hand what it is to struggle with dry skin, eczema & dermatitis and how such issues can impact your level of confidence and self awareness. So, in 2007, I created Sénica to offer the products that helped me nourish my skin while tackling eczema and the side effects of the prescriptions that were a bit harsh. Sénica products remain a staple for me and many clients who have tried them over the years. 
We take care in creating every product from scratch with organic and food-grade ingredients that work. And, the Sénica Learning Lab serves as the educational component to our holistic approach to skin care, because great products work best when paired with well-rounded lifestyle choices. You'll see imprints of my love of natural ingredients and Caribbean heritage through the rich-plant based formulas, the Creole words and terms used in some product names, and vibrant colors of our product packaging. 
Senica Naturals

Cheryl Keys - CEO & Founder of Keys 4 Life, Inc:  Cheryl is passionate about maintaining a healthy balance in every aspect of life and advocates taking time to relax, renew and refresh the mind, body and soul.  Between family, caregiving, a full time job, serving her community, and pursuing her dreams of entrepreneurship, Cheryl understands the importance of being “still” if just for a moment.  Through combining her passion and creativity, Cheryl launched a line of handmade bath & body products and  hand poured soy candles designed for a journey of relaxation.
​Keys 4 Life, Inc

Cassandra Wisdom is the founder and designer at Wisdom Body and Soul.  She is a mother of two, wife, desert dweller and knee deep in trying not to abandon her selfcare.  She enjoys bringing peace and stress relief to the community by sharing handcrafted goods that promote wellbeing and relaxation.    "Scents are an essential part of our lives and when they can help you take that moment to just be you, just be present, just be, I think it is important to take that time. I want to share my jewelry designs and self care products that allow you to relax and find pleasure where you can.
My hope is to assist you and I'm glad to be here with tools that will help you find that time!"
​Wisdom Body and Soul

Don't forget to enter to win HERE before the end of May 6th 2021
Winner will be announced May 8th 2021 

#ThankfulThursday Day 5 of @wearestrob 

#PreserveYourselfChallenge

1. What are you thankful for today? 
2. Pause and take the time to appreciate. 
3. Demonstrate gratitude to others.

Taking the time to cherish what is beautiful, what is going well, your wins, thank your loved ones or friends.

#wellnessWednesday Day 4 of @wearestrob #PreserveYourselfChallenge

Okay yes booking a massage would be ideal, but not happening over here!   
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This is how I relieve some tension and pamper myself right at home

1. Dry body brushing
2. Gua sha massage
3. Myofascial release.  All you need is a ball, tennis ball or even a foam roller. 
4. Stretching
5. Massage chair pad
6. Electronic massage tools
7. And of course, hands

 
I recently was even looking at buying a cupping set.  

​I bet there are other options out there, want to let me know how you relieve tension at home?  

​Meditation
Just take a moment to slow down.
5-30 min a day! I stick with 10.
So many options to practice this self-preservation I bet I am missing a few.
1. Guided Meditation
2. Mindful Meditation
3. Visualization Meditation
4. Shower Meditation
5. Spiritual Meditation
6. Loving Meditation
7. Progressive Relaxation Mediation
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Guided is my go to most of the time.
I also love the shower one, must wash anyway. Might as well get it in then!
Do you practice mediation? What is your favorite?
#mindfulmonday #PreservationCheck #STROBChallenge #PreserveYourselfChallenge

Self-preservation week is about making intentional choices to radically practice self-care.
How does it work?

1. Follow us @wisdombodyandsoul & @wearestrob on Instagram or www.facebook.com/wearestrob
2. Take some time before the week to evaluate where you're at physically, mentally, and spiritually. This is a great time for some journaling!
3. Decide how you'll practice your self-care for the week. You might decide that you need to go to bed earlier each night, or that you'll take a walk outside every day, or you'll cook a healthy meal for yourself each night. Self-care is open-ended! Pick one thing that you think will benefit your physical, mental, or spiritual health. Our co-founders and other small-business co-sponsors will be participating along with you!
4. Use #PreserveYourselfChallenge and #PreservationCheck to check in with everyone throughout the week! STROB Apothecary and our small-business co-sponsors will be responding to your #PreservationCheck tagged posts under the hashtag #STROBChallenge to keep the conversation going and offer our support in your journey! You may offer your own self-care tips, talk about your own journey, or comment on how important you find self-care in pushing forward.
5. At the end of the week, make a wrap-up post or video using #PreserveYourselfChallenge. How did your week of self-preservation go? Was it difficult to devote the time to self-care? Do you feel more rested or otherwise able to tackle the challenges that lie ahead of us? How can you make this practice more important in your every day life?

At the end of the day, self-care by itself is not going to solve the systemic problems that we're facing today. But, we know that to keep pushing forward, we have to take care of ourselves as well as others in our community. We're big believers in the old adage, "You can't pour from an empty cup!" Therefore, STROB Apothecary's Self Preservation Week is about keeping our cups filled so that we can all keep moving forward.

Check out the main event and other cosponsors HERE

Choose your intension and need tools to help archive your selfcare goals and pamper yourself check out the Owlet Membership Box HERE

I will be posing a few of my favorite self care tasks on Instagram! 

​You can also check out the bingo card below for ideas.  

I'm a total rock nerd, but it's what's inside that intrigues me, not the outside. As a jewelry maker, I always research what's in rocks to see if I can incorporate them into my bracelets, jewelry, and earrings.

I want to take this time to tell you about the benefits and significance of each of these semiprecious rocks, and why I put them into my jewelry.

2) Sodalite

Sodalite is fairly new to me, I found it on my search for stones for my stress, anxiety and boom this is it.  Definitely a keeper.
Imagine deep blue ocean waves crashing on the rocks.  Watch the water receding the white veins of foam receding.  Kind of like the calm after all the chaos.  All your worries, fears, stress just receding and fading out to sea.  Sodalite will encourage this release, bring the calm, allow peace and restore balance. 
The sodalite rock can help bring supreme calm and relaxation to your day, creating an unbreakable aura of triumph in the tough times.

3) Lepidolite

Sense a pattern? The lepidolite rock is known for providing calm, as well as a laser-sharp focus. I put on a bracelet with one of these when I'm faced with a big task, as the lepidolite helps me hone in on what needs to be done and helps me relax.  Lepidolite contains lithium a mineral used in many anxiety medications and some could say that this is a mom's favorite piece of jewelry...

Check back in the next few months as I talk more about other rocks! If you'd like to check out the jewelry made up of these high-quality stones, click here!

My last few blogs have been all about stress relief and building a more positive mindset. Let me tell you what gave me the script to do both!

As a mom and business-owner, burnout is always on my mind. One day I might just snap from the mountain of responsibilities that are on me. That's not even getting into when setbacks happen! Gah...can somebody get the wine already?

But the book Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Ameila Nagoski changed all of that. Not only is it an intriguing exploration into why women experience burnout more frequently than men, but it offers easy-to-follow and science-backed methods to breaking the stress cycle. 

One of the best ways that it helped me was in how it taught me to monitor my brain for negative emotions like stress. Often, I've found that when you examine and look at your emotions, it allows you to keep the more negative ones at a distance and not be overwhelmed by them -- only whelmed! That was a joke.

Check the book out, and let me know how you reduce stress! I'm always willing to talk and help with some essential oils.