Willow Cottage Lotions and potions Workshop- helping me to take it to the next level

The morning was beautiful, more like an August morning than late September. I had an odd feeling in my belly, a mix of both excitement and nervousness. I felt like a child on the first day back to school not knowing what to expect and if I was out of my depth. My first impression of Willow Cottage located on the grounds of Wells House was really good. Situated in a beautiful courtyard made of stone, the smell radiating from the shop was so enticing and pleasant. Meeting Angie, the owner of Willow Cottage I knew instantly I was in for a treat. From the beginning she radiated kindness and positivity and it was easy to see it would be an enjoyable day with her guiding us.

There are a couple of different workshops but I completed the Lotions and Potions workshop where you learn to make 100% natural luxury skincare products such as hand, face and body creams, cleanser, toner, lip balm, eye serum, body oil, make up remover, bath bomb and detoxing foot spa treatments. The workshop was small with only seven of us present allowing for an intimate atmosphere in the cosy backroom. From the start Angie eased any nervousness or awkwardness sometimes associated with workshops by her bright and bubbly personality. The conversation flowed easily among us all and quickly it felt like we were all friends. A cup of tea and biscuit later we entered deep into the world of natural skincare.

I was always a woman who never questioned what I put onto my skin always dreaming of being able to afford the best brands. Listening to Angie for only five minutes changed my whole outlook on this. She has a massive interest in foods and believes there should be a strong link between foods we eat and what we put on our skin. After all 60% of what we put onto our skin is absorbed into our bloodstream. She believes we can make the choice to harm ourselves with toxic overload or heal ourselves with essential oils and foods full of nourishment. Essential oils are natural oils extracted from plants and are known to have a multitude of health benefits. Essential oils along with oils and butters make up the basis of Willow Cottage skincare products. They are 100% natural and completely safe to use with absolutely no chemicals used, how amazing!!

The workshop was full of information that even a dummy like myself could follow. I got so many tips and tricks on how to use essential oils and how to adapt them to my own condition. I learned how to make my own products and came away feeling confident that I could do it properly. I came away from the workshop feeling genuinely excited to start a new chapter in my life, one that is full of natural goodness. What I really loved about my time at Willow Cottage was Angie’s desire to educate and spread the good word. She was not hesitant in any form to give information and would love nothing more for us to go out and tell our friends and family. Trust me, my family were sick of listening to me go on and on about it when I got home.

I absolutely recommend a visit her lovely shop. There are a range of products for sale including products known to cure psoriasis and eczema among other things. Keep an eye out for her workshops also as the €85 will be money well spent. Extra little things like free lunch as Mrs. Stone Tea Rooms and a goody bag full of the products I made myself were a lovely little touch. The icing on the cake though was receiving mini detox foot soak and a back massage from the beauty therapist Caoimhe. Pure Heaven!

Check out the website http://www.willowcottage.ie/ and facebook page here.