“For the love of”-GARLIC!

Garlic. It’s a staple in cooking world-wide. It’s one of the most common, easily accessible, delicious, nutritious and potent herbs on earth.

Garlic is capable of many things. As an immune boosting herb, it has the ability to affect our organs involved in immunity in such a way, that our bodies can produce more immune boosting cells, increase the activity level of existing cells, or both. Hence, why our elders would say “eat more garlic” when we suffer with cold/flu symptoms.

Not only will immune boosting garlic reduce cold/flu symptoms and potentially help us avoid them in the first place, but garlic can help rid our bodies of parasites, lower blood pressure, and aid in reducing risk of cardiovascular type dis-ease. The list goes on…purifying the blood, detoxifying through lymph and the rest of the body, lower the blood clotting factor.

Let’s talk antioxidants. What do they do? Combat free radicals, that’s what. Why is that awesome? Because a free radical is an unstable molecule that can cause irritation and breakdown of our tissues unless they are neutralized by antioxidants in the body. Garlic is just one of those antioxidants.

Garlic gives us anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties. It’s been used as a supplemental herb for more than boosting immunity. There’s more garlic has been used for; anti-ageing, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, circulatory aid, energy boosting, immune support, and on a spiritual level, century old tales tell us that, in theory, garlic keeps away evil spirits (or any spirits for that matter). Hollywood has certainly brought these stories to life!

So eat your garlic! Cook with it, use it raw, source organic, local, good quality stuff. Keep some on hand to ward away those spirits, and most importantly, live long and strong!

Beauty from Within
















#ESMEINK : "Mother Earth" Day 26


{Mother Earth}

I've been busy preparing for September. September is going to be a significant month. I will either be residing in Calgary or Chilliwack, and it's still not going to be determined until August 30th.

So, I've been busy preparing for a fresh start no matter where I may be. I have a few little classes in the works for mid september. My focus has been so much on the preparation of the future, that in the past week I haven't put time into my journals. It's so easy to forget to take the time to take care of 'self'. My mind races to find journal ideas, and i've forgotten to just go with the flow.

This weekend I spent lots of time barefoot and free in mother nature. The sun kissed my face, and my feet felt grounded. My kids went for their longest hike with us thus far, and wildlife was plentiful.

I know, that whenever I'm feeling a bit lost-in my self, in life, in my work, in my purpose, in my future, that when I turn to mother earth, she speaks. The only thing that matters is here, and now. She calms me.

"The mountains are my bones, the rivers my veins The forests are my thoughts and the stars are my dreams The ocean is my heart, it's crashing is my pulse The songs of the earth write the music of my soul" -unknown

#ESMEINK Journal Entry by Lise-Marie Johnson

Earth Day : 5 Ways to Make a Difference.

Rockies, Bow Falls, Banff  


Loving our community & environment is a value that Esme Beauty Bar rallies behind & a subject we are always seeking more knowledge on. We believe in continually trying to decrease our impact on this beautiful planet that we've been given.

10's of millions participate in Earth Day events & activities each year - bringing knowledge and a call to action against pollution, pesticides, oil spills, global warming & deforestation. At times many of us don't get involved because we simply feel too small to actually be able to make any positive impact on something as huge as our PLANET - but there are some very simple & easy ways you can actually help out in a big way.

Earth Day is the perfect time to personally pledge to start a new good habit!


Here are 5 easy ways you can start loving your planet TODAY: 

1. CONSUME LESS: Our fascination with throwaway packaging and plastic is harming wildlife, the ocean and maybe even ourselves. To decrease waste, purchase durable, long-lasting products that can be reused, refilled or recharged. If you do use disposables, choose those made with recycled/recyclable materials. Just CONSUME LESS STUFF.

2.BECOME A PICKY EATER: Our food system is broken. Industrial agriculture is polluting water, destroying habitat and harming our health. The livestock sector alone contributes to climate change at least as much as all trucks, cars and planes combined! But you can fight back, starting in your own kitchen. Make a personal commitment to help change our food system – from starting a garden, to eating less (or no) meat. (

Organic agriculture limits input of toxic and persistent chemicals in the air, soil and water…and thus in farm workers and your own family. (

3.FLIP THE SWITCH: The most simple step of all. Just turn your lights off - and while you are at it - unplug appliances while not in use.

4.WATCH THE WATER: Taking a shower uses less water than filling a bathtub, and a water-conserving shower head is even better! Keep a big pitcher under the faucet while waiting for the water to warm and use that water for your thirsty plants.

5.BELIVE IN THE POWER OF PEOPLE TO MAKE CHANGE:  Get involved - in your neighborhood, city - in the world around you! Believe and encourage others that each of us has the power to make the world a little better.