the wellness onion journal

explore self-care rituals + sustainable living tips: one layer at a time

Make Space for Me Time: How to Design a Self-Care Space at Home

Make Space for Me Time: How to Design a Self-Care Space at Home

A self-care space is your personal haven, a designated area designed to help you unwind, relax, and practice any activities that support your well-being. It's a personal space that says, "Hey world, I’m off-duty for a bit." Now, setting up a self-care space might sound a bit overwhelming, but I promise it’s easier than trying to convince yourself that folding laundry is a form of meditation. Let’s walk through the steps and design elements that will help you create a self-care space that works for you.

October 13, 2024 — Brienne Derosier
A Brief History of Self-Care: From Bathhouses to Bubble Baths

A Brief History of Self-Care: From Bathhouses to Bubble Baths

Self-care. The term is everywhere these days, conjuring images of LED face masks, Gwenyth’s vagina candle, face yoga tutorials, and endless Instagram captions encouraging us to "take a break." I certainly did not grow up with the term, let alone the principles of self care, yet there is no doubt that it has exploded in mainstream popularity over the last couple of years. Before we dive into the modern obsession with self-care, let’s take a stroll down history lane to see where it all began.
September 25, 2024 — Brienne Derosier
From Waste to Wellness: See How Brands are Transforming Ocean Plastics

From Waste to Wellness: See How Brands are Transforming Ocean Plastics

10 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean and one of the biggest offenders is "wellness products". In light of this ever-expanding issue, some forward-thinking brands are taking the initiative to keep humans–and the planet–protected from plastics. While ocean-polluting plastics are still a menace, read up on how some brands are turning plastic waste into wellness essentials.
August 09, 2024 — Team Mache
Beyond "Plastic-free July": 5 Ways to Embrace a Non-toxic Home Year Round

Beyond "Plastic-free July": 5 Ways to Embrace a Non-toxic Home Year Round

Ready to design yourself a plastic-free home? As a wellness design professional, I’m here to help you transform your living spaces into havens of natural beauty and sustainability. This article outlines the first five areas I suggest you start to detox your interiors from off-gassing chemicals and cultivate healthy indoor air quality at home.
July 29, 2024 — Brienne Derosier
5 Honest Lessons Learned When Mom Became My First Employee

5 Honest Lessons Learned When Mom Became My First Employee

Picture this: you're starting your own eco-product manufacturing and e-commerce company, and in a bold move, you hire your mom as your first employee, your number two.  I'm sharing five life lessons learned from the rollercoaster ride of running a family business with my mom/b.f.f. by my side. Strap in, folks, and get ready for some retrospective wisdom served up with a side of gratitude for Mother’s Day.
May 12, 2024 — Brienne Derosier
2Yoke Design modern eco-living

Explore Wellness Design: A Guide to Creating Health-positive + Hi-vibe Interiors

Welcome to the era of "Wellness Design", where aesthetics meet functionality to promote well-being in our indoor living spaces. In this article, we'll embark on a journey to understand the principles of Wellness Design, with the help of our founder and wellness designer Brienne, exploring how they manifest in interior design to create life-supporting indoor environments.
May 08, 2024 — Brienne Derosier
Clean Out Indoor Environmental Toxins: A Functional Medicine Approach to Heal Chronic Illness

Clean Out Indoor Environmental Toxins: A Functional Medicine Approach to Heal Chronic Illness

We had the joy of sitting down with registered nurse, yoga teacher and functional medicine practitioner Ashley Shrader to discuss how one might explore the basic principles of functional medicine to root out the causes of mysterious and/or chronic illness. Read on to find out why Ashley looks into possible environmental toxins first when working with many of her new patients.
March 30, 2024 — Team Mache
Hidden Health Hazards at Home: Explore 6 Ways to Avoid Environmental Toxins

Hidden Health Hazards at Home: Explore 6 Ways to Avoid Environmental Toxins

In this pursuit of optimal health, the role of environmental toxins cannot be overstated. From mold lurking in the walls to pesticides lingering on our produce, these unseen assailants pose significant threats to our well-being. Understanding their impact and implementing measures for screening and intervention is paramount in safeguarding our health. 
March 29, 2024 — Team Mache
Green Living: The Role of Algae in Creating Biodegradable Home + Sporting Goods

Green Living: The Role of Algae in Creating Biodegradable Home + Sporting Goods

Environmental consciousness has made its way to the forefront of global discussions, which has led to the increasingly focus on sustainable goods and everyday products. Algae is emerging as a promising new eco-friendly, biodegradable material and this article explores the fascinating journey of algae from ponds to products, highlighting its role in promoting green living.
February 26, 2024 — Team Mache
Healthwashing: Unraveling the Predatory Practice of Toxic Products Disguised as Wellness

Healthwashing: Unraveling the Predatory Practice of Toxic Products Disguised as Wellness

To shed light on dangerous marketing practice known as "health-washing", we sat down with Dr. Meg Christensen, a naturopathic physician and founder of Interior Medicine, an online consultancy, resource hub, and marketplace offering accessible, evidence-based information on the role of interior materials in health and disease prevention, along with actionable solutions to shop smarter for optimal wellness.
February 12, 2024 — Team Mache
Understanding "Sick Building Syndrome": Causes + Prevention Tips for Healthy Indoor Air

Understanding "Sick Building Syndrome": Causes + Prevention Tips for Healthy Indoor Air

Sick Building Syndrome serves as a stark reminder that our human well-being is intricately linked to the indoor environments we design and build. By implementing these tips and fostering awareness about indoor air quality, we can ensure our homes and workplaces promote health and vitality, not discomfort and disease.
The Best Sustainable Yoga Products of 2024

Wellness Product Roundup: Best Sustainable Yoga Accessories of 2024

We've rounded up sustainable yoga props that beautifully marry functionality, comfort, and environmental responsibility. From yoga mats made of natural materials to fitness props designed for durability and eco-friendliness, the options are both diverse and inspiring. Check them out here...
January 05, 2024 — Team Mache