Truly-Life Eco Gifts

07/12/2023

We learned something new about Spanish roof tiles. Our roof tiles vary in size. A local explained that tiles were once made by using the worker's upper leg to create the shape. Fascinating fact.
We noticed our tiles are covered in moss and lichen. We ask the neighbor next door, that is an original owner how his roof is so clean. He told us the orginal owner of our home paid extra for vintage tiles, so the home would not appear new. Now we have an even greater appreciation for the roof and its weathered appearance.

06/30/2023

Music to our ears. We just love sounds of nature. We also love the music being played around us, such as two young Spanish men in traffic, trying to sing Rihanna's Under My Umbrella or the next-door neighbor, Spanish woman born in the 1940's gardening to Bruce's Born in the USA. Yesterday was the best. We were listening to backyard neighbor kids, both under the age of five playing in the pool. They were speaking Spanish when out of nowhere "all the single ladies, all the single ladies, all the single ladies...o, o, o...oh, o, o, all the single ladies, all the single ladies, all the single ladies". Those were the only words they knew from Beyonce's song, but it was hilarious. Hope you're enjoy some songs too - from nature or the neighbors.

05/03/2023

It's been six months since moving operations from Alexandria, Virginia in the U.S. to Naquera, Valencia in Spain. Considering everything, we're holding up really well. We wanted to be challenged in new ways and we are. Visiting in a tourist area is very different from living in a country full time. What's different 😁 time zone with a six hour difference; military time; temperature; language; measurement, dates (try giving your date of birth quickly); fuel measurement; financial currency; currency is written differently with decimals not commas; electricity; outlets; housing; climate zone; plants; driving rules (and you must be retested with written, medical and practical exams); speed limits, so many speed limits; eggs and milk require zero refrigeration in stores; healthcare; mail system; alphabet; keyboards; standard paper size - just to name a few. With all of it, we've grown and learned a lot. Life is precious. Dream big and challenge yourself.

04/01/2023

It's been five months in our new environment. Some of our biggest changes include living more outdoors, eating almost entirely from scratch, steady physical movement, understanding a new language and a very different culture. We feel very connected to our new home and look forward to the next phase.
This water source is in the national park. Pools are installed to help the wildlife.

02/28/2023

It's been almost four months since relocating and we're still learning. On one hike we came across emerging caterpillars. My first reaction is normally to softly touch them, it's a sensory thing. For whatever reason I didn't. Later I noticed how they were traveling in a line and some of the nests were bright blue, not just white. That night we found out these are pine processionary caterpillars. They have millions of tiny hairs that serve as poisonous arrows. Each year many dogs must have their tongues removed or many die with any caterpillar interaction. Small children and adults can also have temporary blindness and extreme swelling at contact points. And we were focused on vipers and boars - never heard about killer caterpillars.

01/31/2023

It's been three months since relocating. Today we delivered cookies to the neighbors moving in across the street, a joyful family from Ukraine. We're no longer the newest people on the block. We're grateful for so much.

01/19/2023

New discovery for us: seeing these bright birds flying around was baffling. They're actually painted pigeons. When Arabs settled Spain in 711 (you read that right) they brought everything including their pigeons. The pigeons were used for meat, feathers and their waste as a garden fertilizer. In the 1200's the Arabs were expelled, but the pigeons remained. In 1773 the first pigeon sporting club was created in Murcia. The male birds are trained to compete for the longest flight to win the heart of a female, basically. In 1994 pigeon competitions became a recognized national sport. The birds are painted to identify the family lineage. We thought this history was fascinating.

12/31/2022

We started the last day of 2022 with an early morning hike in complete darkness to catch the sunrise over the Mediterranean. The thrill was worth it. Hope your new year is filled with joy and enthusiasm for life.

12/23/2022

Still need a gift idea? Here's a few healthy options: *12 days of hiking with a friend, hike a forest or urban streets. Spending time together is the true gift. *Visit our friends for some honey (or local flowers) this stuff can save the day during cold and flu season. *Host a game night. Playing games can release some of the holiday stress, so it's just good mental health. *Create some note cards. It's never been easier to take a picture of a family picture and have it made into notecards or a notebook for someone. Keeping loved ones around in our memories warms the heart. *Make a meal - breakfast, lunch, dinner or late night snacks. It's all about the thought and care of nourishing someone. Find great additions at local farmers markets. *Best for last, buy a round of drinks or two. Our favorite place is STILL margaritas at Taqueria Poblano . The world has never been more connected with technology. Be sure to connect with friends and family this year - even if it's virtual from around the globe. Love is the true meaning of the holidays. Enjoy.

12/19/2022

It's been two months since relocating. Level of hiking and music consumption - UP. Level of stress and body weight - DOWN. We look forward to sharing our discoveries with you in the coming months. This is truly-life.

10/31/2022

Baking soda and vinegar will get anything cleaner and cheaper without the toxic chemicals Baking soda and vinegar are the only products you’ll ever need to clean just about anything from your bathroom, kitchen, floors and windows to peed mattresses. Below are 5 reasons you’ll never want to waste...

10/17/2022

A sign I made for one of my customers. It’s a great reminder that so many of our insects need plant debris to survive winter. So be lazy and don’t worry about cleanup until the weather is in the 50s come spring.

09/23/2022

As you may know Truly-Life is moving the operations. The final step is to find an occupant for the house. Our happy home is just half a block off Mt Vernon Ave. Some of our favorite aspects of this home - the front porch, extensive basement, and the garden space in the backyard. Contact for complete details.

08/02/2022

Truly-Life bar soaps and soap infused loofahs are available at 632 N. Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Check out this GREEN salon today.

07/26/2022

Truly-Life products are available at The Old Town Shop. Visit them today for an authentic piece of Alexandria.

06/27/2022

We have 900 bars curing and being packaged. If you've made a large order it may not ship or be available until after our closing date June 30 COB, but you will receive it. It's Mellenie's first time at closing down a manufacturing location. Thank you for understanding.

06/17/2022

Best friends having fresh clover this morning. Simple pleasures.

06/10/2022

One thing you can do today is detox your cleaning supplies. First, use up what you have. As you need to replace those supplies learn what is possible using natural ingredients because they won't cause cancer for humans, pets or the environment. Vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda can do most EVERYTHING. Simplfy and stay away from disposable items because we don't have space in our landfills for all these single use, expensive items. Detox your cleaning supplies and help save the planet.

06/09/2022

Moisturize your skin with Truly-Life solid lotion bars. We're a plastic-free, chemical-free and bicycle delivery company focused on your health and the health of the planet. Alexandria operations will close in 22 days. Last orders accepted COB June 30, 2022. Thank you for your support in this small GREEN business.

05/10/2022

It's been a pleasure making your local skin care products for over 13 years.
We will be closing down our Alexandria operations for Truly-Life with the last orders accepted on COB Thursday June 30, 2022. Our lovely home and permaculture garden will remain in Del Ray, but Andy and I have decided to embark on a new adventure in the Valencia region of Spain.
We're organizing coordinated retreats to Spain in the near future to share the peaceful Mediterranean lifestyle with meditation on the beach, yoga in a pine forest, hikes at twilight in the mountains, and food tastings with local drinks poolside. Rejuvenate your heart by helping an orange farmer and learn new ways to truly simplify your life and Green the environment. Let's take this adventure together! And of course, we'll load up your suitcase with soaps - the perfect travel gift. Thank you.

04/25/2022

Truly-Life bath fizz - not just for baths. They make the perfect, relax your feet after a long day treat too. What could be better? Soaking with a date. Available in Oh Peppermint, Lemon and Lavender. Enjoy ~

04/22/2022

Appreciate Mother Earth on this special day. Plant a tree, pick up some litter, reduce your energy consumption, volunteer for a clean up, bike or walk instead of driving, recycle and donate usable items instead of placing them in the trash. We only have one planet to save. Let's get started.

04/18/2022

Give a Sample Soap Box for your next gift. Everyone can use soap. It contains zero plastic packaging. It's handmade in Virginia. It's locally sourced ingredients. It's only $10. It's perfect.

04/12/2022

One thing you can do today is let your yard go back to natives. We often call them w**ds, but many of those w**ds are actually edible and full of nutrients. Check out the benefits of dandelions including fighting cancer! The irony is that people spray this w**d that fights cancer with Roundup, which causes cancer. If you don't spray chemicals on your yard insects, wildlife and nature have a fighting chance to survive. What's more important to you? Let go of a need for a perfect lawn and help save the planet.

04/11/2022

We've decided to not return to the Old Town Farmers Market. This has been our home every Saturday morning since 2010. Products are still available at the retail stores, our online store and for curbside pick up. Thank you.

04/05/2022

Ready for a Spring shave? We've got you. Check out our Shaving Lather Kit or a Shaving Lather bar on Truly-life.com today.

03/21/2022

We just got this picture of a friend's new family member munching on a Truly-Life lip balm. We're not exactly sure why dogs love them, but at least you know they're chemical-free. You are super cute Blaze!

03/08/2022

In honor of International Women's Day - this was Olha of Kyiv Ukraine. Her estimated birth was between 890 - 925. She was the ruler of Kyivan Rus for 17 years. She died on July 11, 969. Women around the globe do have inspirational leaders from the past - you just have to search for them. Help women return to power. Remember girls are not bossy, they're showing early signs of leadership just like any boy.

03/07/2022

One thing you can do today is reduce your use of fuel. As we watch people being killed in the war, we can help by reducing our demands for gasoline and natural gas. Why? Russia is a provider of both fuels to many parts of the world. The less we use, the more our resources can be offered to others. Russia is not only killing innocent people, it's also killing animals (domestic and wild) and OUR environment. Please consider walking or biking. Turn down or turn off your heat. Reduce your fuel consumption and help save the planet.

03/04/2022

03/03/2022

We are struggling to function as one man murders people and holds the world hostage.

02/25/2022

Check out the talents of Janis on Etsy with these fun Face Scrubbies in red and white. They are 100% cotton - what's not to love? Visit today at https://etsy.me/3p0gTNc

02/24/2022

One thing you can do today is not use landscape fabric. You need to hold back w**ds, but you can use paper or cardboard to hold back w**ds under soil and or mulch. Landscape fabric is plastic and will never allow biodiversity and healthy soil to exist. We need less plastic in the world. Please consider reducing the level of plastic with every purchase you make. Use biodegradable solutions to help save the planet.