Monday, August 31, 2009

New Soap!

Recently, I made a soap batch using a new technique. It's made with beer. Why beer, you ask?

Good question! When I first heard of it, all I could think of was the stale beer smell, and of course, it didn't appeal to me. Somewhere along the line, however, I learned that beer contributed to great lather, and that it's often considered essential for a good shampoo bar. It's also pleasant smelling--really, even without added scent! I threw in some cornsilk and calendula for color. The beer of choice is a raspberry wheat beer brewed by Southern Tier Brewing Co. in Lakewood, NY, so I scented it in raspberry.

Try some today! It's even included in the August sale.

Emily and I will upload a couple of photos for your viewing.

On the garden front, the news is not so happy. My tomatoes fell victim to Late Tomato Blight. It wouldn't have been a great crop to begin with because the area they're planted in gets shadier every year, and because of the cold weather. Tomatoes like it warm. The Blight, however, was devastating to them. My cukes didn't do too badly, though, the peppers are OK, and I have some squash coming, so it's not all bad. Today, I cleaned up a fence garden along my front walk. I got some herbs such as strawberry leaves, lemon balm, and violet leaves to preserve and use, so I feel good about that. One more garden to tackle in the front, and we're ready to move to the back.


This week's AD


What's on special? Everything! Take 10% off of your order. Everything on the site or below is included, no minimum purchase. If that's not enough, I'll add a free bar of soap with any $25 purchase! Patchouli excluded. Just put 10% in the comments section or email me at beth@soapandgarden.com.

Not on my site are:

Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - $2/ea.
Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00
Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7
Foaming Soap: Comes in scents listed on site. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.


Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Summer fun

What kind of fun are you having this summer? I hope you get to do all of the things that you longed to do during the winter months. Summer has finally arrived here, so I'm doing some of the things that I enjoy.

Friday, my two girls and I went to Genesee Country Village & Museum, a 19th century living historical museum, nestled in Mumford, NY. We have visited this museum many times through the years, but each time brings something new to learn and discover. The highlight of Friday's trip, for me, was visiting the Shaker House and Gardens. A docent was there to give us a tour and to explain the Shakers' interests, primarily in growing and using herbs.

The Shakers were very industrious people, with many inventions to their credit, and they used herbs extensively for healing. In the Shaker house, rosewater was infusing, calendula petals were drying, and boxes were filled with herb and seed for sale. It's probably my favorite place in the museum.

I wanted to pick the brain of the docent of the pioneer log cabin about soap, but they were very busy readying the cabin for guests, so I decided that was best left for another visit.

The flower gardens were proudly displaying themselves to best affect for visitors to enjoy, and were particularly noteworthy because they were heirloom flowers.

On Sunday, the Henrietta Garden Club went to the Canandaigua Wine & Culinary Center and then to Sonnenberg Gardens. I doubted that we could do them both justice in one day, but we really did.

CW&CC is devoted to showing off what NY has to offer in wine and produce. For those who don't know, NY is a leading apple producer, has many wineries in the Niagara, Finger Lakes, and Hudson areas, as well as other growing crops. At the center, cooking classes are offered, including food and wine pairings, and there is a fine restaurant offering NY dishes.

One may simply tour the facility and visit the gift shop, nevertheless, and catch a beautiful view of Canandaigua Lake from the balcony of the top floor.

Our second stop, Sonnenberg Gardens, is a tour of a mansion and its grounds. The Thompson family, wealthy NY bankers, built it as their summer home, one of five residences, and had gardens created in various styles. We visited the Japanese Garden, the Roman Bath, the Rose Garden, the Perennial Garden, and the Italian Garden, as well as the greenhouses. It had been years since I was there last, and they've done an immense amount of work in restoring the house and grounds to its former glory. It was all amazing, and we enjoyed ourselves, despite the intense heat.

Pictures will follow as soon as I can coax my camera to upload them. :-)

Remember our August special!

What's on special? Everything! Take 10% off of your order. Everything on the site or below is included, no minimum purchase. If that's not enough, I'll add a free bar of soap with any $25 purchase! Patchouli is excluded. Just put 10% in the comments section or email me at beth@soapandgarden.com.
Not on my site are:

Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - $2/ea.
Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00
Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7
Foaming Soap: Comes in scents listed on site. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.
Thanks for reading, and have a great week!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Catching Up!







I guess it's been awhile! In reading my last post, I see that it was before the gathering that took place more than two weeks ago. I am happy to report that the CNY Soapmakers Gathering went very well. We enjoyed good attendance, many vendors were represented with their contributions to the goody bags and doorprizes, our demos were very informational, lunch was delicious, and everyone had fun. All of this and perfect weather at an ideal site. We could hardly ask for more. The weather in general hasn't improved tremendously, although we have reveled in a few sunny, warm days. Too often, though, it seems that if it isn't raining too much to go outside, the mosquitoes run me right back in. I can hardly wear enough repellent to keep them away. Nevertheless, I have to admit that my perennials are quite happy, even if I'm not as enthusiastic. I have posted a photo of my gaggle of geese (Gooseneck Loosestrife), my dog, Beau, with his new hairdo, and some recent soap batches. I've also included photos of the herbs Marshmallow and Mountain Mint. You may be surprised to learn that Marshmallow is an herb, and what's more, it was the basis for the confection we enjoy today. Historically, it has been used for inflammation, among other uses, and eaten by the Romans and other civilizations. Cosmetically, it makes products and the skin feel smoother. The botanical name is Althaea officinalis. Mountain Mint (my variety, Pycanthemum virginianum), is a more unusual type of mint. Even the taste and smell is different than the more traditional spearmint or peppermint. I like it because it is very sturdy, the flowers are beautiful and attract bees, and it dries well to use for potpourris and dried floral arrangements. I have only used it for culinary purposes, mainly tea. In reading up on it, however, I see that I should work to expand my use of it for myself and my family. Cosmetically, it may make the skin look fresher, used in soap or bath, and the mint aroma is very pleasant, of course. It's going on my "to-do" list!

So, what's on special for August? Everything! Anything is 10% off, no minimum order. Just put 10% off in the info. box, or email me, beth@soapandgarden.com, and I'll make sure you get your sale price. If that's not enough, you'll get a free bar of soap with every $20 purchase. It has to be something I have in stock besides Patchouli. See what's offered at www.SoapandGarden.com

Not on my site are:
Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - $2/ea.

Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00

Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7

Foaming Soap: Comes in scents listed on site. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.