Media & Awards
It was our biggest contest yet—we sent not one but two winners on Grand Prize trips! Kirsten Rash and Natalie Barrios, winners of the Win A Trip To Budapest online video contest, recently returned from unforgettable visits to Hungary and the Eminence Certified Organic Farm. We were thrilled to hear about their adventures. Here’s our first interview—with Kirsten—about her dream trip to Budapest:
If you could describe Hungary in one sentence, what would it be?
Hungary is absolutely beautiful, rich in culture and history.
What was your most unforgettable moment during the trip?
Aside from the farm, my most unforgettable moment was one evening after dinner, sitting on the wall of Castle Hill just steps from our hotel and Matthias Church. We looked across the Danube at Parliament—everything was lit up, and birds circling in the lights looked like golden glitter in a giant snow globe. A violinist was playing nearby. It was pure magic.
What was the most surprising thing that you discovered on the trip?
I knew Budapest was two cities, but seeing how different they are was surprising—Buda is hilly and Pest is completely flat.
Tell us three fun facts about the Eminence Certified Organic Farm
The farm was amazing. First, there were so many edible plants—I couldn’t get enough of the purple grapes. The strawberries tasted so much sweeter than what I’m used to. There were frogs in the pond, which was a fun surprise. And the variety of plants was impressive: pumpkin and melon patches, three kinds of lavender, and ricinus—the plant castor oil comes from—which looks like something out of Dr. Seuss.
If you could give tips and tricks to anyone planning to visit Hungary and Eminence Certified Organic Farm, what would they be?
Plan to spend plenty of time in Budapest—we barely scratched the surface. Visit both Pest and Buda and don’t miss Castle Hill. Thanks to Boldijarre for the recommendation—I’m still thinking about the chicken paprikash. One of our favorite things was wandering the streets and discovering small, charming squares; you see so much when you walk without a plan. And definitely go to the Eminence farm—it’s beautiful and was a dream come true for me.
How did your visit to the farm help you get to know our company better?
Visiting the farm gave me a new appreciation for how many ingredients are grown for each product. I saw the care that goes into organic practices and how every plant is chosen for the benefits it provides to the skin.
What is your all-time favorite Eminence Organics product and why?
Don’t make me choose! But I’ve always loved the Linden Calendula Treatment Cream. As an esthetician, I use it in facial massage and recommend it to clients with very dry or sensitive skin. Everyone inhales and says how wonderful it smells. I also use it myself for reactive skin. And the calendula flower is so bright and cheerful.
Thank you, Kirsten, for your lovely answers. Keep an eye out for our interview with the second winner, Natalie, to hear more about her trip of a lifetime. Which places are on your dream vacation wish list? Tell us in the comments below or join the conversation on social media.