tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49442527747079196872024-03-18T21:06:08.351-07:00Garden MeanderingsA blog for those who love handcrafted soap and body products with a garden flair. Herbal enthusiasts will enjoy it, as well.Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-25671702505275719022013-01-08T21:17:00.001-08:002013-01-08T21:18:31.031-08:00After the Holidays, Now What?<br />
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<em><span style="color: blue;">It's January. The tree and decorations are down and the parties and gift-giving are over. Here in New York, we have a heavy cover of snow so deep that it nearly buried the little lighted deer in our front yard.</span></em></h3>
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Now what? What do we do and where do we go now that our lives are not caught up in holiday activities?</h4>
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Indeed, everything begins anew on January 1st, so I should be hustling from one thing to another-- bookkeeping and readying for tax time, re-organizing my supplies and workspace and producing my Valentine's and not far behind, my spring line, right? Instead, on January 2nd, I felt like hibernating. In fact, just between you and me, I spent one whole day in sweats and didn't even make dinner!</h4>
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It seems to me that a little downtime is a good thing, in reality, especially if it is used to think about and plan how to get out of the After-the-Holidays Funk. (There, I named it, so it's official). Nevertheless, getting back to normal is extremely important to me, so allowing myself to wallow in my mud pit of fatigue is simply not acceptable. I'm actually using this Funk time to think about what needs to be done to get where I need to be.</h4>
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For instance, until about two weeks before Christmas, I was doing well at getting some exercise and eating a healthy diet. All of that went the way of a sled on an icy hill somewhere between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was made worse by the fact that my birthday is on January 1st, thus extending the fun and games for a little while longer. This doesn't have to become a habit, however, so I am working back to better healthy habits that will help restore my energy and outlook. I even bought kale yesterday.</h4>
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I'm planning my schedule to accomplish my goals, knowing that I have to set deadlines. This is very good for me because, as the old saying goes, "If you aim at nothing, you'll hit it." And yes, I'm moving toward those goals--the tree is down, the carpets are scheduled to be cleaned, and I made soap!</h4>
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How about you? Can you relate to my feelings? What do you do to make January a meaningful and productive month?</h4>
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*Watch out for a clearance sale--it's coming!</div>
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-66964191813431806072012-07-08T23:19:00.001-07:002012-07-08T23:19:03.867-07:00Fireworks and Flowers<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Independence Day. For those of you in the US, what's the first thing you think of? </b></i> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My guess is that it's fireworks, the traditional way of celebrating this holiday. My town does a spectacular job of hosting a fireworks display at one of our town parks. People from all over come to enjoy the show</span>. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iDfPm1s2kFEjJi_stTSVkmGY4LEQGZgE2rUo0pLNSgLlpfvxkj-Ww34PIxyZZfP7dtxr6_MGvHu_stHckPKH92nYh4XVX9xP8-Z1Uoh4m3jJM8p-DwiqdYWgihg9-y_zjjsd9kPK-KSN/s1600/DSCN3337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iDfPm1s2kFEjJi_stTSVkmGY4LEQGZgE2rUo0pLNSgLlpfvxkj-Ww34PIxyZZfP7dtxr6_MGvHu_stHckPKH92nYh4XVX9xP8-Z1Uoh4m3jJM8p-DwiqdYWgihg9-y_zjjsd9kPK-KSN/s320/DSCN3337.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I see a Chrysanthemum</td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Just as a tidbit of information, one of our founding fathers, John Adams, expressed his desire and prediction that the day would be filled with fireworks, picnics and all sorts of celebration of our independence; and indeed, he was right! Picnics were the order of the day, and thousands of people in my area made their way to enjoy fireworks.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLe8Mv8DPKR8FPK6xjvAZaiPIW8Nx2eaxD0d2utpTDNnHVk38uDzRJ0vIyTkY7Lk8oI04X2ZyWxJ3_TrAlNsXTHikjtJ_hTGXj2AIHyq4t2aMOuS2hkPgJcpYVrGb65Vo7dgIdh4Vus2nn/s1600/DSCN3346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLe8Mv8DPKR8FPK6xjvAZaiPIW8Nx2eaxD0d2utpTDNnHVk38uDzRJ0vIyTkY7Lk8oI04X2ZyWxJ3_TrAlNsXTHikjtJ_hTGXj2AIHyq4t2aMOuS2hkPgJcpYVrGb65Vo7dgIdh4Vus2nn/s320/DSCN3346.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shasta Daisy<br /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue;">This year, as the show started, a ground display of the US flag glowed and the crowd rose to sing the national anthem. It sent shivers up my spine to see the patriotism displayed.</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">I was able to take a few pictures of the display, a few that I'm sharing with you here. What do you see in looking at some of them? To me, many of them look like flowers. If you were wondering what this post had to do with either gardening or soap, now you know. I just thought you'd enjoy the connection. :-)</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">What do you think? Do you see flowers?</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spider Mum</td></tr>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Soap and Garden AD - In honor of the 4th, the sale is Buy 3, get the 4th free! Buy any three products and get the 4th one free. The free item is the least expensive one. Simply mention BLOG4th. Sale is good through July 13th, 2012.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Featuring Gardener's Soaps: </span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Original - essential oil blend with natural exfoliants</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Cedarwood - for gentlemen</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Floral Garden - blend of floral notes</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Gardener's Salt Soap - exfoliating salt spa bar exfoliates and softens. Pretty pink!</span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Summer Scents:</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Creamy Dreamsicle - Smells like a creamsicle; made with carrots</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Spun Sugar - Smells like cotton candy</span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Pina Colada - Pineapple and coconut to take you to the islands</span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-21182231654253451892012-02-29T20:40:00.000-08:002012-02-29T20:40:12.387-08:00Garden Meanderings: Good Soap or Bad Soap?www.soapandgarden.com<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://soapandgarden.blogspot.com/2012/02/good-soap-or-bad-soap.html">Garden Meanderings: Good Soap or Bad Soap?</a></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-10413290568266834882012-02-29T20:39:00.000-08:002012-02-29T20:39:02.953-08:00Good Soap or Bad Soap?<span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What's the big deal about making good soap? How do you know if a person makes good soap? </span><br />
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</span></div><div><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was asked these questions not too long ago, and they are very good questions! The first one is quite easy to answer, but the second one I had to ponder.</span></div><div><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Generally speaking, the goal of a soapmaker is to create a bar that is well-balanced, meaning it lathers and cleans well, is hard enough, and yet, not drying. This is accomplished by using various fats and oils. Some oils make a hard bar, others a conditioning bar, and so on. Nevertheless, there are times when a soapmaker will want one that is extra-conditioning, such as a facial bar for mature skin, or extra-cleansing for a mechanic's soap. Non-soapers would be surprised at all of the possible oil combinations a soapmaker could use, but that's part of the fun for most soapmakers, and thus the big deal about making good soap.</span></div><div><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The second question, how one determines if a soapmaker makes good soap is much more difficult to answer. Aside from what is probably obvious-- if the soap looks or smells funky or has rotting matter in it, you'll have to dig a little deeper. </span></div><div><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 1. If you wash with the soap and it stings or dries out your hands, it may be that the soap is not mild enough. Personally, I have never used a handcrafted bar of soap like this, but it is conceivable. Conversely, if the soap is on the soft side and doesn't seem to clean well, it may not be strong enough.</span></div><div><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> 2. Question the soapmaker. How long have you been making soap? What oils do you prefer? How do you know you have made a good batch? If the person doesn't mind sharing the oils used, the process, her experience, and other details, chance are, you are purchasing good soap! Although it is possible for one to make a perfectly good batch on the first try and to use the same recipe for each subsequent batch, it's research and experience that produces a really good, knowledgeable soapmaker. That's the person you can buy with confidence from.</span></div><div><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you're really nervous about whether the soap is OK or not, you can do what most good soapers do, the tongue test. Ready? Very gently and quickly, touch the tip of your tongue to a bit of the soap. Don't lick it. Don't keep your tongue there for 30 seconds! Just a quick touch will do. If you feel the "zing" like a 9-volt battery, the soap is not skin-worthy. If it just tastes like soap, you're OK. Or, you could ask your soapmaker how she (or he, of course) tests it!</span></div><div><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFPiA14T6P4f_-MtaVmuJ6aQUTPas-vxmhQnSX-bC5KKn-OI6MVjALcc_Vf1nTtYLGlnWiouhnkCmHIRZYFac7Ox8sSWIY0q9YXk6mJ0K2QCtJGiOUU3bNuqh4qQMlEo6wgYVv-caKznW/s1600/DSCN2765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFPiA14T6P4f_-MtaVmuJ6aQUTPas-vxmhQnSX-bC5KKn-OI6MVjALcc_Vf1nTtYLGlnWiouhnkCmHIRZYFac7Ox8sSWIY0q9YXk6mJ0K2QCtJGiOUU3bNuqh4qQMlEo6wgYVv-caKznW/s320/DSCN2765.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batch #1, "Dig My Patchouli" Soap</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilPKIXtanpAQmyn1bfdZtbh32Hg4Fc6ahpamy5WWZugmT4BbHISUFmVcpWENQoGMPQQz7ueUBk1tv0T2nOaUVoi_R5tSYFByjhZZuQl_l4Pv8wN3xjtHE-k8uhh54xmFRVstuOjiQCbKT/s1600/DSCN2814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiilPKIXtanpAQmyn1bfdZtbh32Hg4Fc6ahpamy5WWZugmT4BbHISUFmVcpWENQoGMPQQz7ueUBk1tv0T2nOaUVoi_R5tSYFByjhZZuQl_l4Pv8wN3xjtHE-k8uhh54xmFRVstuOjiQCbKT/s320/DSCN2814.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Batch #2, "Dig My Patchouli" Soap<br />
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</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"> <span style="color: #351c75;">Please Vote!!!</span></span><div><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++</span></div><div><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This week's ad: </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Clearing out lotions! All 8 oz. bottles I have in stock are a whopping 25% off. Regularly $12, now only $9 The bottle is metal and features a pump for your convenience. Scents include:</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Gingered Orange (tangy orange with a tiny bite of ginger)</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Black Raspberries & Vanilla (nice berry scent. Everybody likes this one)</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Spun Sugar (cotton candy sweet)</span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla (smooth sandalwood with a bit of sweet vanilla. Very sultry!)</span></span> <br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">*Note: I am not discontinuing lotion altogether, I just want to sell these last few before I make another batch.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">Get them while you can for gifts and for yourself!</span></span></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-48818854205680157302012-02-09T21:32:00.000-08:002012-02-09T21:32:39.003-08:00Do These Three Allergens Affect You?<span style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm9wZwQzSDz1FC6-_D5Dp4SL0Ek1RZton4hPotUDN-Ef9oibxjqvr_n4zF3PpXATXTMoFncwtmxyHl-CUG4hVFKVygcU3mmHcVVi_lu7mMFY38wWrxA0kPKZG7D8UFYq5h0PWmLPdgL_v/s1600/DSCN2767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm9wZwQzSDz1FC6-_D5Dp4SL0Ek1RZton4hPotUDN-Ef9oibxjqvr_n4zF3PpXATXTMoFncwtmxyHl-CUG4hVFKVygcU3mmHcVVi_lu7mMFY38wWrxA0kPKZG7D8UFYq5h0PWmLPdgL_v/s320/DSCN2767.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some are even allergic to the lovely lavender</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What about allergies? Often, customers come to me because they are allergic or sensitive to the commercial products they use, and are hoping that mine will be kinder to their skin. Often, it's true. Products crafted with natural oils and other ingredients may be just the ticket for sensitive skin. Unfortunately, as much as I would like that to be true, it isn't always.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The fact is that people can experience sensitivities or allergies to any number of substances, either natural essential oils or synthetically created ingredients. What's worse is that they can show up at any time. A product that you have used for years may suddenly cause a rash. Your threshold for tolerating a particular ingredient has been crossed, causing a problem for your skin.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">(Please note that I will be using sensitivity and allergen interchangeably in the rest of this piece, even though they are not the same. It just reads better and whether you're sensitive or allergic, both are negative reactions.)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Nevertheless, some substances are more likely to be culprits than others. My first suspect when people speak of reactions is scent, or fragrance oils. Scents are made up of an unknown number of components, both natural and synthetic, and are proprietary, meaning that only the developer knows exactly what they contain. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) is constantly working to keep fragrances as safe as possible, but it is unlikely that it will ever be possible to create fragrances that no one reacts to. Moreover, if it is not synthetic fragrance, then it might be essential oils, which are derived from various parts of vegetation. Just as we may or may not be allergic to Poison Ivy, we may or may not be allergic to other plant matter.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If the problem is not due to scent, it may be due to color or a preservative. A small percentage of the population is sensitive to some preservatives, which hold down microbial growth in products. Some are very allergic to various colorants. Virtually any other ingredient, with the exception of water, is on the list of possible allergens or irritants, as well.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What's a person to do? One method of determining sensitivity is to dab the product in the inside of your forearm, just below the elbow. Cover with a bandage and go to bed. In the morning (or sooner, if it bothers you), remove the bandage and check the spot. If it is red and irritated or itchy, something in the product does not agree with your skin. Wash it off well and take note of the ingredients. With time and careful notes, you may discover the offender.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is important to be very careful if you suffer from many sensitivities. Taking a bath using a soap you're sensitive to is going to be a bigger problem than a dab on your arm, so do the test with any new product. Read product labels carefully if you know your allergens so you can avoid them. If you purchase handcrafted products, tell your vendor that you have many sensitivities and list those you know. Your soapmaker extraordinaire might head off troubles at the pass by steering you toward or away from certain products. Keep in mind that the manufacturer is responsible for accurate listing of ingredients and you are responsible for checking before using and using them safely.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Good business owners want to please thier customers and provide safe products. I strive to do just that. Realistically, however, I know that it would be impossible to manufacture a product that no one is sensitive to, so I want to make my customers aware of the possibility. Together we can keep reactions to a minimum so that you can have the most beautiful, healthy skin possible!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Weekly ad</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Clearing out lotions! All 8 oz. bottles I have in stock are a whopping 25% off. Regularly $12, now only $9 Scents include:</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUdV1Uq_WCXx0r1EtovgroyFC8RYqDml2mu0HVQF-gevTjgTan2tQvgGg8HjeOuPdFKQRpIkp-tsJGut_WIym6Jk-zR6EFstiMVzRCucv8_JXV4Up46oK6VQR3c9Q2eG_9a19rL2UqdO8/s1600/DSC_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUdV1Uq_WCXx0r1EtovgroyFC8RYqDml2mu0HVQF-gevTjgTan2tQvgGg8HjeOuPdFKQRpIkp-tsJGut_WIym6Jk-zR6EFstiMVzRCucv8_JXV4Up46oK6VQR3c9Q2eG_9a19rL2UqdO8/s320/DSC_0094.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This isn't one of the scents on sale, but the can looks like this.</td></tr>
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</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gingered Orange (orange with a bite of ginger)</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Black Raspberries & Vanilla (nice berry scent)</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Spun Sugar (cotton candy sweet)</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla (smooth sandalwood with a bit of sweet vanilla)</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Valentine's Soaps: each bar is $5; package of three conversation hearts is just $10</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">In addition, orders of $75 and up get free shipping. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sale good until 2/18/12. Orders right around Valentine's Day may be delayed.</span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-22736830027145083742011-11-27T21:59:00.000-08:002011-11-27T22:02:42.800-08:00Thanks and Black Small Cyber Sale!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0huNLX84UOW7KkdRKTGozAf2nePghZquhCYtiiL2ri24-ZXb-4i0zo3FYtjB269i5uRK940000IQHcpRiAfz3KmxTYT4VUgQomvlZau2y5ZSv2Cv30O-NKRn84ZYxUmhGG1ltujcS3J4/s1600/DSCN2610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0huNLX84UOW7KkdRKTGozAf2nePghZquhCYtiiL2ri24-ZXb-4i0zo3FYtjB269i5uRK940000IQHcpRiAfz3KmxTYT4VUgQomvlZau2y5ZSv2Cv30O-NKRn84ZYxUmhGG1ltujcS3J4/s320/DSCN2610.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cucumber Soap made for a garden club talk </td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday, hopefully with loved ones. My husband, three of my kids, and my friend, Janet, spent the holiday together, enjoying the delicious feast of turkey and trimmings, as well as good company. I sincerely thank Jesus for his provision and bountiful blessings.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thankful is one of those things that is often hard to really be. If you're like me, and I suspect that you are, you find it easy to fall into complaining and self-pity, especially when things are not going the way we want them to go. Sometimes, it's just inconvenient or annoying; other times, things really are bad. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's important to take a step back and think. Some of the best advice I've ever received was, "Don't sweat the small stuff." It's actually profound and yet, practical. If it's not small stuff, face it head-on. Either way, count the blessings you <i>do </i>have, and find a way to help someone else. That will help your attitude and eventually, your (our) circumstances.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Surely, you've heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. You may also have heard of Small Business Saturday. Well, I'm rolling all three into one event.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">******************************************************************</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="min-height: 7px;" title="Description"><u><br />
</u><u><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></u></i></div></td><td style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b><i><u>Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday Sale!</u></i></b><br />
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All three days, rolled into one<br />
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FIVE & FREE SALE! - Buy any 5 products and get one free<br />
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Note terms and conditions below:<br />
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*Sale continues until midnight EST, Monday, Nov. 28<br />
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*Free product is same or lesser value to products purchased<br />
<br />
*Possible limitations due to my unlikely limitations in offering product, meaning if I can't get the supplies in a timely manner I may not be able to offer it to you. I don't anticipate it as a problem, but, just in case.<br />
<br />
*Shipping for heavy objects, such as large terra cotta pots, incur higher shipping costs. I will email you with the exact shipping price.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">Not on my site, but also available:</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, <span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span style="background-color: #70bd36;">and</span></span> Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. </span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00; 8 oz. $11 - In any scent listed above.<br />
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Lotion: Hand </span></span></span><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span style="background-color: #70bd36;">and body lotion - 4 oz., $7, 8 oz., $12</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span style="background-color: #70bd36;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">Foaming <span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span style="background-color: #70bd36;">Soap</span></span>: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, <span style="background-color: #70bd36; color: #eeffe2;">Summer</span> Tropical, <wbr></wbr>Lavender, </span></span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span style="background-color: #70bd36;">and</span></span> any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.</span></span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></div><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"></span></span></span><br />
<div><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #66bb33; color: #191919; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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</tbody></table>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-83542709708045416922011-11-07T22:30:00.000-08:002011-11-07T22:30:00.538-08:00Where Does the Time Go?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where does the time go? The last time I posted on my blog it was summer, and now here it is, mid-fall! Apparently, the fall hustle-and-bustle took its toll on me and my blogging. Now, instead of sitting in shorts and eating a peach, I'm in jeans and a sweater, eating an apple.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was a weird summer, weather-wise, and autumn no different. I didn't get any Hydrangea blooms (boo hoo), but I have some flowers blooming now that one would never expect in NY in October. I'm posting some of those pictures, but I've also noticed Clematis, Centaurea Montana, and even a rose blooming. Honestly, I don't know if that's good or bad! Thankfully, my area was not part of that east coast ridiculously early and awful snow storm of last Saturday!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">How about you? Does hustle and bustle describe you? Has your weather been weird?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">About soap: I've been slowly working at labeling and shrinkwrapping my stockpile of soap. If you want something, go ahead and ask. I might have it ready, or I may have it ready in a hurry.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTiBKBcjT0kBBH5wIE_1_3E3BV1i9sTsxq2wxjC6BEOKnAQbf1ly1INXf_-0hj-1hf1CVlArjWJNIoURo_dtGEUxNjpvA0UyWgaxNiXUB1-wkP_EEeKAoSkXliZ7mPOMhdrqc2y9NrtCe/s1600/DSCN2578+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPTiBKBcjT0kBBH5wIE_1_3E3BV1i9sTsxq2wxjC6BEOKnAQbf1ly1INXf_-0hj-1hf1CVlArjWJNIoURo_dtGEUxNjpvA0UyWgaxNiXUB1-wkP_EEeKAoSkXliZ7mPOMhdrqc2y9NrtCe/s320/DSCN2578+-+Copy+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Begonia is what is showy here</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24ZdgaUgHTgFxe2ZfCifqAQB-GAWNgQSBJkG-Ieqhl2TLE2WFxRhCMqbXIPoauDt_YopXhGpz6QnYXfJPdjmVCjiTQISaZkrcOUeYIWWkLiKP9Xgj4eMrJtNXJhkOphLUwzuDWxTNWr-G/s1600/DSCN2579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24ZdgaUgHTgFxe2ZfCifqAQB-GAWNgQSBJkG-Ieqhl2TLE2WFxRhCMqbXIPoauDt_YopXhGpz6QnYXfJPdjmVCjiTQISaZkrcOUeYIWWkLiKP9Xgj4eMrJtNXJhkOphLUwzuDWxTNWr-G/s320/DSCN2579.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coryadylis, usually blooms in May</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5pkF0DheMP5yXEZKLy-CPddpAPj8U6RBUwRR6U2jzCFwaOpj5S4fZcY3qaYmd2dgIUjkYEW065smawVGEBHLyAwBGHw09yYva4xwjoteZ5I_bPw3nB83tS9WeO72T-RDY49znijjKhCp/s1600/DSCN2580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5pkF0DheMP5yXEZKLy-CPddpAPj8U6RBUwRR6U2jzCFwaOpj5S4fZcY3qaYmd2dgIUjkYEW065smawVGEBHLyAwBGHw09yYva4xwjoteZ5I_bPw3nB83tS9WeO72T-RDY49znijjKhCp/s320/DSCN2580.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pixie Lily</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHoEmlb3v9nlueM67MCiOCCOH_tgulG6jkz9Felbf4xGI0a4rQ5JdNcWF9ddtYKRjEzE2f4LPSPCy9SJp3H5PO0qI85fwNi1XyACadwJ2Yqp1LWeFKKEkeG7ydYGhAq2Be2htYhaiOmE3/s1600/DSCN2581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHoEmlb3v9nlueM67MCiOCCOH_tgulG6jkz9Felbf4xGI0a4rQ5JdNcWF9ddtYKRjEzE2f4LPSPCy9SJp3H5PO0qI85fwNi1XyACadwJ2Yqp1LWeFKKEkeG7ydYGhAq2Be2htYhaiOmE3/s320/DSCN2581.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geranium</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVBmQ63TAqc-wsWgMSapbr8YJcgTwQ0NnVriCxDCeucTGWvrH_h6Xu4USjWptuapl1AWARbDZCNkPual2qqT7HaJ5q_cXQm3uMYyL6hV_JP_1oSzpZsPAAQ6cC3wI7J5uF2M3CjI-Pctw/s1600/DSCN2582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEVBmQ63TAqc-wsWgMSapbr8YJcgTwQ0NnVriCxDCeucTGWvrH_h6Xu4USjWptuapl1AWARbDZCNkPual2qqT7HaJ5q_cXQm3uMYyL6hV_JP_1oSzpZsPAAQ6cC3wI7J5uF2M3CjI-Pctw/s320/DSCN2582.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Begonia</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Here is the current ad. Order Today!</span><br />
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">It's gotten cold here in NY. Leaves are falling and we're getting our first hard frost. We're thinking chili, hot tea, and our favorite autumn scents, pumpkin and apple and spices.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;">To celebrate, we are featuring our two fall soaps:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Spicy Pumpkin Pie</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cinnamon Apple</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They are available for just $5/bar, $1 off of our usual $6. Don't hesitate, though, they are available only while supply lasts!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: small;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<wbr></wbr>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<wbr></wbr>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<wbr></wbr>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">Not on my site, but also available:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, <span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span style="background-color: #70bd36;">and</span></span> Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00; 8 oz. $11 - In any scent listed above.<br />
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Lotion: Hand </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span style="background-color: #70bd36;">and body lotion - 4 oz., $7, 8 oz., $12</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span style="background-color: #70bd36;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;">Foaming <span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span style="background-color: #70bd36;">Soap</span></span>: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, <span style="background-color: #70bd36;">Summer</span> Tropical, <wbr></wbr>Lavender, </span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span style="background-color: #70bd36;">and</span></span> any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.</span></span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;"><br />
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</span></span></span></div></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-63893888696315345982011-08-13T21:59:00.000-07:002011-08-13T22:07:32.785-07:00Summer Love<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">You might think this post will be about summer romance, but nope. It's about loving summer.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I do. I love summer. I love the warmth and sunshine, going outside without donning boots and coat. I really love gardening and watching my gardens growed, dressed in their summer finery of flowers, fruits, and herbs. I love eating summer fruits and veggies and using fresh herbs in my meals. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Indeed, every meal can be an adventure for the summer-hungry palate of a northerner!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take tonight, for instance. I had a very healthy Lamb's Quarter (Chenopodum album) plant growing in one of my containers. Crazy? Maybe, but I'd be hard-pressed to agree. I cut it down to the soil and removed the leaves. Then, I steamed the leaves in a little water as you would for spinach. I sauteed it for just a minute in butter and then added lemon juice. Yuuummmm. Better than spinach.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcGu4uEGwbX5XnuuV-vR2xHM3IQzFcTmBjz5QnuNJIMSP4U5zHcTDfqpECWBvtXpwut-bwLzS9uri_FhMwymXoK9nB8u9W14QGvY66UQahuBhgbn_qKahXSbjZydOPhIPFq2d77kapEX8/s1600/DSCN2385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcGu4uEGwbX5XnuuV-vR2xHM3IQzFcTmBjz5QnuNJIMSP4U5zHcTDfqpECWBvtXpwut-bwLzS9uri_FhMwymXoK9nB8u9W14QGvY66UQahuBhgbn_qKahXSbjZydOPhIPFq2d77kapEX8/s320/DSCN2385.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lamb's Quarters</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lest you think that Lamb's Quarter is a useless weed, consider this: it's high in fiber, vitamin A and a bunch of other vitamins, calcium, protein, potassium, calcium, and iron. Certainly worthy of vegetable status! I've even seen it for sale at the public market.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEoWRZOCopuGLUeQ1Q9q32CfCqHoDmZlfTSfUSRGDftJZOdTrYDfvJJcSsdLl9HjEKFTRZhwMW5LPoTXSZDI0Yaqy13TRWff0VmIZxvrrS_y8D7vsvnhL_cFs0-KLIlz48p_EuaUxeP2W/s1600/DSCN2386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEoWRZOCopuGLUeQ1Q9q32CfCqHoDmZlfTSfUSRGDftJZOdTrYDfvJJcSsdLl9HjEKFTRZhwMW5LPoTXSZDI0Yaqy13TRWff0VmIZxvrrS_y8D7vsvnhL_cFs0-KLIlz48p_EuaUxeP2W/s320/DSCN2386.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A closer look at Lamb's Quarters</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">What about you? What do you like best about summer? Do you ever eat weeds?</span><br />
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</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #66bb33; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;"></span></span><br />
<div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: large;">A simple summer sale: Buy 5 products, get the 6th free! Your free item will be the least expensive one. We carry <span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #70bd36; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">soap</span>, lotion, scrubs, lip balm, everything a gardener needs.</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #38761d; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #38761d; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not on my site, but also available:</span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #38761d; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #38761d; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, <span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #70bd36; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">and</span></span> Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. </span></span></div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #38761d; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00; 8 oz. $11 - In any scent listed above. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span><br style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Lotion: Hand <span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #70bd36; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">and</span></span> body lotion - 4 oz, $7; 8 oz., $12</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Foaming <span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #70bd36; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Soap</span></span>: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, Lavender, <span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #70bd36; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">and</span></span> any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Look for <span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #70bd36; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Soap</span></span> <span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #70bd36; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">and</span></span> <span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #70bd36; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Garden</span></span> on Facebook <span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #70bd36; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">and</span></span> Twitter. We just love gardeners!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Soap and Garden - http://www.soapandgarden.com</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><br />
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Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-4929971817567516472011-07-15T22:44:00.000-07:002011-07-15T22:44:25.464-07:00Let's Talk Soap!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hJK_iPwywJQOvQKy2iDHKTRTjUbgqoCG9qy_ur1jucZdBv5AKJ89bb66AfwK5aIflQuBLuCL3QxejY1HsNCUc5vzTK0TnG6BACyl_ms72qtgMvILvORNMhJobMfJfyWewV9-7rgtnPHm/s1600/DSCN2065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hJK_iPwywJQOvQKy2iDHKTRTjUbgqoCG9qy_ur1jucZdBv5AKJ89bb66AfwK5aIflQuBLuCL3QxejY1HsNCUc5vzTK0TnG6BACyl_ms72qtgMvILvORNMhJobMfJfyWewV9-7rgtnPHm/s320/DSCN2065.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Independence Day Fireworks. Looks like Globe Thistle!</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Misconceptions regarding soap abound in our society. Gone are the days when all soap was truly, soap. Nowadays, anything that cleans is called "soap."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">You see, real soap is a chemical reaction created when oils meet an alkali. Yes, modern soapmaking involves an alkali, a caustic soda, if you will. Before you recoil in horror, it's important to understand that like a relationship, the two meet, become closer, and finally marry. We soapmakers call this point, "trace." They're such a good match that they become a new product--soap; and not just soap, but a mild, yet cleansing product.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">How does this differ from the commercial soaps you'll find in the store? Well, the short story is that commercial cleansing bars and liquids are usually at least partially synthetic detergents. If you didn't know that's what you were using when you bought soap, you likely are. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">You might be wondering if it matters. The answer is, not if you only care if you're cleaner after using the product than before. If you simply want to wash up, then commercial soap might suit you best. But, if you want something more pure, you want soap. Since it's made with natural oils and fats, it's not synthetic, the only synthetics being the alkali (which changes on the molecular level once it's soap), some colorants (added at fractional levels), and scent, if it's not an essential oil. In addition, a by-product of soapmaking is the presence of glycerin, a humectant, in the final bar. Humectants draw moisture to the skin.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Real soap, in fact, has been used throughout the ages, being spoken of even in Biblical times. It is biodegradable. You can purchase beautiful soaps that you will enjoy displaying in your bathroom or kitchen. You can get soap in literally hundreds of scents, whether from essential oils (gotten from plant material) or fragrance oils (at least mostly synthetic, but used at a very small percentage of the total). Soap is biodegradable. Soapmaking is a time-honored skill that has been passed down by men and women throughout the ages, and although some practices change with the times, the basic concept remains.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">What's not to like? </span><br />
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</span></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">A simple summer sale: Buy 5 products, get the 6th free! Your free item will be the least expensive one. We carry<span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #70bd36; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">soap</span>, lotion, scrubs, lip balm, everything a gardener needs.</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Not on my site, but also available:</span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, <span><span><span><span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #70bd36; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">and</span></span></span></span></span> Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. </span></div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00; 8 oz. $11 - In any scent listed above. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span><br style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Lotion: Hand <span><span><span><span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #70bd36; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">and</span></span></span></span></span> body lotion - 4 oz, $7; 8 oz., $12</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Foaming <span><span><span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #70bd36; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Soap</span></span></span></span>: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical,<span><span></span></span> Lavender, <span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #70bd36; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">and</span></span> any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.</span></span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Look for <span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #70bd36; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Soap</span></span> <span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #70bd36; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">and</span></span> <span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #70bd36; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">Garden</span></span> on Facebook <span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #70bd36; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">and</span></span> Twitter. We just love gardeners!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Soap and Garden - http://www.soapandgarden.com</span></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-12167252124834669742011-06-26T22:31:00.000-07:002011-06-26T22:31:49.372-07:00Three Things I Loved About Portland<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkYEgXXuCrww7JQL_qGrRRIMsM5qNLusofhdSn8IAGg8YcQ37veReUxjqOvGKJlwC-0-rpmUmfwpmbjeCt3aeZj6cgMLDOyCaC9m4heQXY1auRUKe6RpiTOOYZnjXfgHZfm_fErCGJ-eg/s1600/DSCN1869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkYEgXXuCrww7JQL_qGrRRIMsM5qNLusofhdSn8IAGg8YcQ37veReUxjqOvGKJlwC-0-rpmUmfwpmbjeCt3aeZj6cgMLDOyCaC9m4heQXY1auRUKe6RpiTOOYZnjXfgHZfm_fErCGJ-eg/s320/DSCN1869.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rhodies in Portland</td></tr>
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I recently made a combined business/pleasure trip to Portland, OR. The Board of Directors strategy meeting for the HSMG was held there and involved me, so that was the business part (not to say it didn't include pleasure), and meeting my newest granddaughter was the pleasure part (it didn't include any business, unless one were to call changing diapers, work).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Of course, being the gardener I am, seeing the local flora was also on my to-do-in-Portland list. I wanted to visit the Portland Rose Garden and see what was growing in the area.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxkakqqTjmIKlWK2NtecoS24VrSqf8O8CDThVoF1DjMWkZm1y0C9gobE2lPMZWrrneyk-uBLk9x7jc97uDWaFY7M4pJNWANfVenYDCcVeT7Rzb-Br-PoVQM5hW1ph0I_-5VJFKhRLto1E/s1600/DSCN1814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxkakqqTjmIKlWK2NtecoS24VrSqf8O8CDThVoF1DjMWkZm1y0C9gobE2lPMZWrrneyk-uBLk9x7jc97uDWaFY7M4pJNWANfVenYDCcVeT7Rzb-Br-PoVQM5hW1ph0I_-5VJFKhRLto1E/s320/DSCN1814.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isabella and Mommy</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We came in a little early so we could spend time with our dd, sil, and grandbaby, Isabella. This is a totally unbiased opinion, of course, but she is nothing less than adorable! A mostly happy baby, she smiled and cooed and charmed her grandpa and me in a moment. We loved spending time with her.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">She was very nice about taking me to the rose garden, as well. For those of you who don't know, Oregon is an ideal location in terms of climate for rose growing. The famous rose company, Jackson & Perkins, began not too far from me in New York, but moved west when somebody saw how well roses grew in Oregon. After visiting the garden, I could easily see why. And it isn't just roses that grow well there! Oh, no, the Rhododendron was absolutely spectacular, with large bushes just bursting with color, from white to pink to purple and red, and every shade thereof! I even saw one that was blue-violet, which I had never seen before. Our trip to the garden, with a baby in tow, was short, but not too short to fill my eyes and</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> brain with breathtaking color and beauty!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAGst904XV38gSryAbLCHPR-aMXTo1fLEfhf1ZEOVyl3UKUU_-90G3FsvDpUd3VoiJBChgo7-rDtM78v7NJv0xTDsUxu1zTsRq2gERLyPBGIhGbi1CS4PTefaM4SwBMqv_klbrUiUaKJZ/s1600/DSCN1871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAGst904XV38gSryAbLCHPR-aMXTo1fLEfhf1ZEOVyl3UKUU_-90G3FsvDpUd3VoiJBChgo7-rDtM78v7NJv0xTDsUxu1zTsRq2gERLyPBGIhGbi1CS4PTefaM4SwBMqv_klbrUiUaKJZ/s320/DSCN1871.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gorgeous rose in Portland Rose Garden<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The strategy meeting, my first, went very well. Charting out the course of an organization is never an easy task, but necessary, and I believe that we made some strides and decisions that will benefit the HSMG members for years to come. I was privileged as a newbie to be in the company of some very smart and dedicated women, working to make the organization the best it could be.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Once we finished the meeting, instead of jumping on a plane for the east coast, we lingered in Portland and visited Multnomah Falls. It was awesome! Beautiful, majestic, picturesque, all could be used to describe the waterfall and area. Again, I enjoyed checking out the flora and took lots of pictures. Soon, it was time to head to the airport to begin our long trek home, and that's all I'll say about that! Well, except this note to myself: "Self, never, ever, book a flight with two stops again!"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oh, wait. One more thing about the flight. It was overcast much of the time during our stay in Portland, so I couldn't see Mt. Hood until the plane went above the clouds after taking off. Wow! It was amazing! We saw not only Mt. Hood, but Mt. Rainier, St. Helen's, and Mt. Adams (I think).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I will say for home, though, it felt good to be back in the warm weather and sunshine! Photos of Multnomah to follow.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Reminder: June is still bustin' out all over here, and so is our sale, but just through the 30th! </span><br />
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<div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Here's this month's offer: With any $30 order, get a bar of soap free!</span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Not on my site, but also available:</span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span></span></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, <span><span><span><span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">and</span></span></span></span> Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. </span></div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00; 8 oz. $11 - In any scent listed above. </span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span><br style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Lotion: Hand <span><span><span><span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">and</span></span></span></span> body lotion - 4 oz, $7; 8 oz., $12</span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Foaming <span><span><span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">Soap</span></span></span>: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical,<span><span></span></span> Lavender, <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">and</span> any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Look for <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">Soap</span> <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">and</span> <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">Garden</span> on Facebook <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">and</span> Twitter. We just love gardeners!</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Tell me the three things I loved about Portland, and get an extra gift with your order. :-)</span></span></span></div></span></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-47224392581496702742011-05-29T21:29:00.000-07:002011-05-29T21:36:38.315-07:00Moon Over Miami<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLY6aCNgqaa4nwzl-RCWpdahQvtmZ3Upz59faKR0OvjtSDHMAvo3EgV6IWis8hEEiaNko2qGQrNixAYSkO8MWFVgYr5oxjKyPhFghf4FQhfsm1biGcSIcTmXqXVHpLXSeyPUmdu6WZhk0/s1600/DSCN1679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLY6aCNgqaa4nwzl-RCWpdahQvtmZ3Upz59faKR0OvjtSDHMAvo3EgV6IWis8hEEiaNko2qGQrNixAYSkO8MWFVgYr5oxjKyPhFghf4FQhfsm1biGcSIcTmXqXVHpLXSeyPUmdu6WZhk0/s320/DSCN1679.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;">View of Miami from my hotel room</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I recently attended the Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild conference in Miami, Florida. It was not only my first trip to Miami, but my first conference being a member of the HSMG Board of Directors. The conference was fantastic, offering attendees a variety of informative speakers, good food, and even a couple of great parties!</span></span></span><br />
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</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">You might be asking yourself, "Do soap makers really have conferences? Are there enough of them to even have a conference?"</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">The answers are yes and yes. The HSMG boasts some 1,500 members worldwide, although the majority of members are from the USA. Over 300 of them attended the conference. Our members are either in the process of making a business selling soap or are in business selling soap. The guild exists to support those members, offering programs and services to promote them.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each person who attended returned home inspired and motivated to put into practice what she has learned. Keep in mind that while most members are female, we do have male members, also. It's just difficult to be grammatically correct without excluding one gender or the other. But, I digress. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our keynote speaker was Barbara Corcoran, of NBC's <u>Sharktank</u>, as well as appearing on the <u>Today Show</u>, showing homes for sale throughout the US. Barbara was in turn funny, a little crude, and motivating. She was also kind enough to sign her book and take photos with attendees. We certainly enjoyed her and gained tools to use in our businesses.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Other speakers helped us with business or with soapmaking techniques, and I for one, hope to swirl better, making soap with greater artistry. I will employ better business methods that I hope will help my business grow and will serve my customers better, all without losing that personal appeal.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'll be posting more photos this week, so stay tuned!</span></div><div><br />
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<span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">We northerners are just getting out in our gardens. It's muddy, but it's now time to transplant perennials <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">and</span> to sow outdoor seeds. It's also Lilac time! The lilacs are ending their bloom, but the scent is still heavenly.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">We are getting dirty, so I've been making good use of my Gardener's <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">Soap</span>. It features natural "scrubbies" to help clean out the dirt, yet it's still moisturizing.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">It comes in several types:</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Classic: essential oils <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">and</span> exfolliants such as cornmeal <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">and</span> poppy seeds for men <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">and</span> women</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Salt Bar: uses salt for exfoliation <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">and</span> a floral scent. Lovely lotion feel. Very pink!</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Cedar & Sage: same exfoliants as Classic, but specifically for men</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">Garden</span> Walk: fragrant floral for women, with exfoliants</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Get 5 bars for 25.00!</span></span></span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Don't forget about our lilac-scented products! Get 10% off of any Lilac scented products totaling $20 or more!</span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Not on my site, but also available:</span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span></span></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">and</span> Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. </span></div><div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #6600cc; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00; 8 oz. $11 - In any scent listed above. </span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span><br style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Lotion: Hand <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">and</span> body lotion - 4 oz, $7; 8 oz., $12</span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Foaming <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">Soap</span>: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, Lavender, <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">and</span> any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Look for <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">Soap</span> <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">and</span> <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">Garden</span> on Facebook <span style="background-color: #a9da92; color: #222222;">and</span> Twitter. We just love gardeners!</span></span></span></div></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-53949739758269983212011-05-04T22:01:00.000-07:002011-05-29T20:27:34.844-07:00Sweet Violet<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8jF-X-obylh9SaevIvsL667M8cq2SfKa9YuWwUPbZ6wUIXBkx5eBTgJddupDimMtFAPzIXxjrWWJDNU4NN5kRdqt14GpzdM-DdKPmFaDvrqZDOAifuto2tlFtm4v6x4Uk7ZBdeJCR5qL/s1600/DSCN1584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd8jF-X-obylh9SaevIvsL667M8cq2SfKa9YuWwUPbZ6wUIXBkx5eBTgJddupDimMtFAPzIXxjrWWJDNU4NN5kRdqt14GpzdM-DdKPmFaDvrqZDOAifuto2tlFtm4v6x4Uk7ZBdeJCR5qL/s320/DSCN1584.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Violet Flowers & Leaves</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I picked a bowl of violets and their leaves a couple of days ago. I'd pick more, but it's been raining.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Did you know that violets are useful herbs? They are! They've been used infused in oil and as a tea for centuries, and are even known as an herb that inspires courage, which is rather interesting, since it was thought to help a person sleep. Ah, the dichotomies of life! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Assigned as a cure in the past for respiratory illnesses, it was taken as a tea or oil. It was used to fight insomnia and as a laxative, and contains an aspirin-like property. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Considering how prolific violet is, it's no wonder people used them extensively in the past; and yet, they are rarely used today. A pity, methinks.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It seems unfortunate to me that the violet's scent is so fleeting. If I pick a handful of flowers and take a sniff, I catch a momentary fragrance that never fails to delight. It's a light, refreshing floral, to my mind. I would be a very happy camper if I could bottle that scent!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You might be wondering what I plan on using mine for. First, I make a batch of Violet Eye Cream every year. I love how it smells and how it makes the skin around my eyes feel moisturized and appear non-baggy. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">For the last two years, I've made violet syrup. Yum! I wish I could think of more things to use it on, but alas, only ice cream for now.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This year, it's the eye cream, for sure. Then, assuming I can harvest more before their short season ends, I will make tea and try it in lemonade. One of my Facebook friends suggested that, so I hope I get the opportunity to experiment. Since I can dry it, I can create at my leisure--even though uttering the word, "leisure," makes me laugh!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">If you're in a region where violets are blooming, go ahead and pick them, provided they are subjected to pesticides and herbicides or vehicle exhaust. Make a tea and allow yourself to sit and enjoy one of the plants that God gave us.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">May Ad</span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;">I</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"> would like to introduce you to my Classic Gardener's Soap. </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; background-color: #b6d7a8;"></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; display: inline !important; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal;"></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; display: inline !important; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>It took me several tries before I found the formula and additives that made it a winner in my book, but I am very pleased with my final product. It's as natural as soap can be, with exfoliants to get the dirt out, but not harsh and drying to the skin--and it contains skin-loving essential oils, to boot! Both men and woman use this one.</b></span></b></b></b></div><div style="text-decoration: underline;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRuhIS7JVHqt46e-eO6k4aFtLXF55XCKg0FR38F9TdPjLH8YUJzZGso1GU8o1e0mmX_GFgF-W_NEx1yOEuVoutaze8ArTWXzAxRe8_PyrZ0nSYyllv8TZTxt8vu0vkaQHcc7tazEGlBgC/s320/DSCN1542.JPG" style="cursor: move; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Classic Gardener's Soap</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: both; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRuhIS7JVHqt46e-eO6k4aFtLXF55XCKg0FR38F9TdPjLH8YUJzZGso1GU8o1e0mmX_GFgF-W_NEx1yOEuVoutaze8ArTWXzAxRe8_PyrZ0nSYyllv8TZTxt8vu0vkaQHcc7tazEGlBgC/s1600/DSCN1542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b></b></span></a></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>I'm so concerned about products for gardeners, that I now have gardeners in mind for all of my products and tailor them for gardeners using herbs and other wonderful things from the garden. Of course, any of them can be used and appreciated by those who claim to have brown thumbs, too!</b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>If Classic isn't enough, you might like one of our other types:</b></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Classic: essential oils and exfolliants such as cornmeal and poppy seeds for men and women</span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Salt Bar: uses salt for exfoliation and a floral scent. Lovely lotion feel. Very pink!</span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Cedar & Sage: same exfoliants as Classic, but specifically for men</span></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Garden Walk: fragrant floral for women, with exfoliants</span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Get 5 bars for 25.00! Try it today.</span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Not on my site, but also available:</span></span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span></span></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. </span></span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #6600cc; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: #6600cc; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #6600cc; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00; 8 oz. $11 - In any scent listed above. </span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: #6600cc; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #6600cc; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span><br style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7; 8 oz., $12</span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: #6600cc; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #6600cc; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, Lavender, and any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.</span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: #6600cc; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #6600cc; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: #6600cc; font-weight: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #6600cc; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Look for Soap and Garden on Facebook and Twitter. We just love gardeners!</span></span></span></span></span></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><u><br />
</u></b></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-50908136855199954672011-04-29T10:14:00.000-07:002011-04-29T10:24:34.563-07:00Into the Garden!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #38761d;">I<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>t dawned glorious, sunny and warm, a treat for us in upstate NY as we experienced a difficult winter and spring. Wednesday was just lovely, and it was a pleasure to help in the herb garden at the Tinker Home in Henrietta.</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>The garden was the brainchild of my friend, Arleen, a number of years ago. She was instrumental in its design and implementation. She also did a great deal of the maintenance, keeping the garden spiffy and beautiful for park-goers to enjoy. </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>It was a lovely garden, with interest for both adults and children; but, due to circumstances, it quickly fell into the chaos that gardens do when left unattended. Occasionally, groups would come and do some weeding and tidying, but as anyone with gardens knows, a garden must be tended faithfully in order to keep it in check.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Along came a group of Master Gardeners, headed by John C. and Kathleen R., with a plan and an army of gardeners to renovate the garden. Hallelujah! Since I have an interest in and history with this garden, I was immediately enthused by their project, and offered to help. They have developed a plan for the garden and the work that needs to be done, and Wednesday was the first work day. </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>I am happy to report that in just a couple of hours, we were able to lay down cardboard and mulch on almost 1/4 of the garden's perimeter. I wish I could get that crew to come to my garden and work. Just think how fast it would go!</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>The work wasn't easy, but it felt good to be out in the fresh, warm air and sunshine and to work outside with the herbs. It gave me a spring in my step for the remainder of the day. I came home and took a shower, using my freshly made Classic Gardener's Soap. It took me several tries before I found the formula and additives that made it a winner in my book, but I am very pleased with my final product. It's as natural as soap can be, using exfoliants to get the dirt out, but not to be harsh and drying to the skin--and it contains skin-loving essential oils, to boot!</b></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRuhIS7JVHqt46e-eO6k4aFtLXF55XCKg0FR38F9TdPjLH8YUJzZGso1GU8o1e0mmX_GFgF-W_NEx1yOEuVoutaze8ArTWXzAxRe8_PyrZ0nSYyllv8TZTxt8vu0vkaQHcc7tazEGlBgC/s320/DSCN1542.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Classic Gardener's Soap</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcRuhIS7JVHqt46e-eO6k4aFtLXF55XCKg0FR38F9TdPjLH8YUJzZGso1GU8o1e0mmX_GFgF-W_NEx1yOEuVoutaze8ArTWXzAxRe8_PyrZ0nSYyllv8TZTxt8vu0vkaQHcc7tazEGlBgC/s1600/DSCN1542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b></b></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>I'm so concerned about products for gardeners, that I now have gardeners in mind for all of my products and tailor them for gardeners using herbs and other wonderful things from the garden. Of course, any of them can be used and appreciated by those who claim to have brown thumbs, too!</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #38761d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Here's to hoping for many more of those beautiful gardening days.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: black; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">We are getting dirty, so I've been making good use of my Gardener's Soap. It features natural "scrubbies" to help clean out the dirt, yet it's still moisturizing.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">It comes in several types:</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Classic: essential oils and exfolliants such as cornmeal and poppy seeds for men and women</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Salt Bar: uses salt for exfoliation and a floral scent. Lovely lotion feel. Very pink!</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Cedar & Sage: same exfoliants as Classic, but specifically for men</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Garden Walk: fragrant floral for women, with exfoliants</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Get 5 bars for 25.00! Try it today.</span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Not on my site, but also available:</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span></span></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #009900; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. </span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #6600cc; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"></span></span><br />
<div style="color: #6600cc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #6600cc; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00; 8 oz. $11 - In any scent listed above. </span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #6600cc; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span><br style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7; 8 oz., $12</span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #6600cc; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, Lavender, and any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #6600cc; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #6600cc; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Look for Soap and Garden on Facebook and Twitter. We just love gardeners!</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #888888;"></span><span style="color: #888888;"></span></span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-32051862989424924922011-04-23T22:06:00.000-07:002011-04-23T22:06:17.129-07:00Get Outside!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"> This is the time of year where I begin to get very excited. Why? Because I can finally get outside and into the garden. Even though I realize that I have an overwhelming amount of work to do trimming and weeding, it's yet energizing and refreshing. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">Of course, I also regret not starting seeds indoors, but that's another story.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">If you are like me and just getting outside, it's time to clear away all of the flower stalks that provided winter interest. I know some gardeners do it in the fall, but I prefer to complete it in the spring. This is also a great time to weed, but make sure you harvest the dandelions now, before they bloom! The greens are great for salads or cooked like spinach as long as you get them early. The roots can be dried and used, as well. Dandelions are very nutritious, providing us with vitamins A & K. In fact, people used to make a spring tonic with dandelions, giving themselves a shot of vitamins they had likely been lacking over the winte</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;">r.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">This is prime time for planting or transplanting perennials and shrubs, as well. Everything is small and easier to divide and plant, and the roots are already full of power to propel your plants into new growth, so they'll be growing into hardy and healthy specimens.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b>What are you working on in your garden?</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">With all of that work, you'll be getting dirty, and you'll need soap for cleaning up. Soap and Garden has just the thing--Gardener's Soap! We have worked on this formula for several years, wanting to create a soap that cleans well, yet isn't like sandpaper to use and keeps your hands in the best shape possible. The result is just that--cleansing without being harsh.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">This soap comes in a few different varieties. First, is our Original, made with gentle scrubbies, rich oils, and skin-loving essential oils. It is great for both men and women.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Second, is our "Men's Only," a Sage & Cedar scent sure to appeal to any man. It includes the great oils and scrubbies found in our original formula.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Third, since we had something just for our male gardeners, we had to create something special for women, and so our Summer Garden Spa Salt Bar was born. Salt bars feature gentle exfoliation and a lotion-like feel upon use. It's also very pink!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Last, we offer a "In the Garden" bar that is a floral blend, admittedly, quite feminine and lovely.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">All of our bars include great oils and scrubbies and are priced the same as our other bars, $6/ each or 5/$25.00.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">If that's not enough, our April Showers sale continues throughout the month of April.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGwhgBmC91w0IIjQYv9GT7KKq9LyTwUMosZMDNzP1rG26beIkeZSbKZK5eErTUhri6MOEP48Kyi-jFvel3DfBQpLJ9PYlCQ2KYc_7dO7zjV6bQ1QtGDJjqxdHNt6sjCEkolyprFc6uo0l/s1600/June+10+pictures+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGwhgBmC91w0IIjQYv9GT7KKq9LyTwUMosZMDNzP1rG26beIkeZSbKZK5eErTUhri6MOEP48Kyi-jFvel3DfBQpLJ9PYlCQ2KYc_7dO7zjV6bQ1QtGDJjqxdHNt6sjCEkolyprFc6uo0l/s200/June+10+pictures+009.JPG" width="200" /></span></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFGYhAb9oxlWpQJ5WGSCs8Y0QizfCiFjJkL2vXUgaZNq7nldS74huriOTe9s-l2xy2DPmiGAagToqAsdOQJzCLTz0i3gzvqVA32XJl62KNTxe3B-RumWG-LQUP7wedImCtZSdL0fYuIAQ/s1600/DSCN0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><"In the Garden"</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7;"><"Sage & Cedar"</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFGYhAb9oxlWpQJ5WGSCs8Y0QizfCiFjJkL2vXUgaZNq7nldS74huriOTe9s-l2xy2DPmiGAagToqAsdOQJzCLTz0i3gzvqVA32XJl62KNTxe3B-RumWG-LQUP7wedImCtZSdL0fYuIAQ/s1600/DSCN0448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFGYhAb9oxlWpQJ5WGSCs8Y0QizfCiFjJkL2vXUgaZNq7nldS74huriOTe9s-l2xy2DPmiGAagToqAsdOQJzCLTz0i3gzvqVA32XJl62KNTxe3B-RumWG-LQUP7wedImCtZSdL0fYuIAQ/s200/DSCN0448.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #a9da92;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Ladies Salt Bar ></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #674ea7; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">April Showers Sale!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Yes, the <span style="background-color: #a9da92;">April</span> <span style="background-color: #a9da92;">Showers</span> have arrived in my region, and even though warm, sunny days are more to my liking, I take hope in the adage, "<span style="background-color: #a9da92;">April</span> <span style="background-color: #a9da92;">showers</span> bring May flowers."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">I'm celebrating by offering you a Shower of Savings!</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">5% off purchases $20 - $30</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">10% off purchases $31 - $40</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">15% off purchases $41 - $50</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">20% off purchases $51 & over</span></span><br />
(before shipping totals)<br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><b>Save on everything for the month of April!</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Featuring Body Glow, a wonderful exfoliant for the shower. It comes in a jar, so you can just scoop out what you need. Start with your hands, working up your arms, gently massaging your skin. Then, go to your feet and work your way up your legs. Finally, massage your torso toward your heart. Rinse. This product will not "oil up" your shower, but it will help remove those dead skin cells from winter, and clean those gardening hands for those in milder regions.<br />
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Soap scents include: Lavender*, Gingered Orange, Lilac Breeze, Groovy Patchouli*, Black Raspberries & Vanilla, Rice Flower, Mint Medley*, Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla, Fresh Clean Herbs,<span></span> Spun Sugar, Daybreak* (spearmint & eucalyptus), Oatmeal, Milk & Honey in scented or no scent added, Black Raspberry Vanilla, Midnight Merlot, Peppermint Breeze*, Cucumber Mint*, Biergarten, Busy Bee, and Rice Flower. *denotes essential oils</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Not on my site, but available: </span><br style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, <span><span><span>and</span></span></span> Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. </span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span><br style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00; 8 oz. $11 - In any scent listed above. </span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span><br style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Lotion: Hand <span><span><span>and</span></span></span> body lotion - 4 oz, $7; 8 oz., $12</span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Foaming <span><span>Soap</span></span>: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical,<span><span></span></span> Lavender, and any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Look for Soap and Garden on Facebook and Twitter. We just love gardeners!</span></span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></div></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-55814011005635166312011-04-16T20:43:00.000-07:002011-04-16T20:46:24.707-07:00Getting Ready for Summer Fun--What You Need to Know<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span>I hope this isn't a topic that's a turn-off. My hope is, rather, that it will serve as helpful advice to my female readers.<br />
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Awhile ago, I read something interesting. It was a short piece explaining how, over the winter, dead skin cells build up in the armpit area. The result being that come summer, aka sleeveless season, if you look at your underarms, you'll see a darkened area where those cells are caught up in your deodorant or anti-perspirant. Not too attractive, is it? The article I read claimed that this was a particular concern of blonde-haired women, but I think it probably applies to others, as well.<br />
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What's the answer? Fortunately, it's quite simple. Give that area a good cleaning and some good exfoliation. I use soap with "scrubbies," such as a salt bar or something with seeds or pumice. Additionally, a good shower scrub, such as my Shower Glow (I know, a shameless plug) will make this an easy task.<br />
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Use it once or a few times, and you'll be ready for tank tops! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuIVforOdFcH1F9LJCJpU1E1wuGMy564PL4jNMmPunJ_4OCqG176FTDtS0rqzJna1t3XkvSFPNL8MnShzsNg1zJOhQMwKBMJfKmjsaV2fKpPO91ODf8piFlJ3jzO0nhjBVCEYjY3RFIF3/s1600/bathsalt+%25283%2529.JPG"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuIVforOdFcH1F9LJCJpU1E1wuGMy564PL4jNMmPunJ_4OCqG176FTDtS0rqzJna1t3XkvSFPNL8MnShzsNg1zJOhQMwKBMJfKmjsaV2fKpPO91ODf8piFlJ3jzO0nhjBVCEYjY3RFIF3/s320/bathsalt+%25283%2529.JPG" /></a><br />
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Now, if the weather would just cooperate.</li>
</ul><br />
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<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 18px;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #93c47d;"><b>Yes, the April Showers have arrived in my region, and even though warm, sunny days are more to my liking, I take hope in the adage, "April showers bring May flowers."<br />
I'm celebrating by offering you a Shower of Savings!<br />
<br />
5% off purchases $20 - $30<br />
10% off purchases $31 - $40<br />
15% off purchases $41 - $50<br />
20% off purchases $51 & over<br />
(before shipping totals)<br />
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Save on everything for the month of April.<br />
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Soap scents include: Lavender*, Gingered Orange, Lilac Breeze, Groovy Patchouli*, Black Raspberries & Vanilla, Rice Flower, Mint Medley*, Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla, Fresh Clean Herbs, Spun Sugar, Daybreak* (spearmint & eucalyptus), Oatmeal, Milk & Honey in scented or no scent added, Black Raspberry Vanilla, Midnight Merlot, Peppermint Breeze*, Cucumber Mint*, Biergarten, Busy Bee, and Rice Flower.<br />
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Not on my site, but available: Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00; 8 oz. $11 - In any scent listed above. Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7; 8 oz., $12Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, Lavender, and any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.<br />
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Look for Soap and Garden on Facebook! We just love gardeners!<br />
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<a href="http://www.soapandgarden.com/">http://www.SoapAndGarden.com</a></b></span></span></span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-62055968266736224542011-04-04T22:53:00.000-07:002011-04-04T23:04:01.785-07:00Is it Spring Yet?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Although we will likely get snow before spring and summer slide in for certain, I can say with all certainty that spring has arrived in my corner of the world. My crocus are blooming, enjoying their place as the stars of the garden. My earliest daffs are swelling with buds and the promise that they will shortly be smiling at me with sunny faces. My tulips and hyacinths are no longer hiding their location.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yes, it is spring and I am ready for it. My dogs are ready, too! Beau and Mickey go outside more often and they stay out longer. All is well--except for the old and too true adage, "after winter comes mud." Ugh. My pooches are tracking in so much dirt! We (I) clean their paws at the door, but they just seem to accumulate the mud until it looks as though they're wearing boots.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is for them that I developed my Pooch Soap. It is a solid bar of soap with egg yolks and essential oils that help clean, relax, deodorize, and repel fleas. I love it because it's such a rich, creamy soap and it leaves their fur smelling good and feeling soft and fluffy. To be more specific, our Peek-a-Poo is fluffy and our Cockapoo, whom we like to describe as a lot of Cocka and not much Poo, is silky. It's more fun bathing them because I like the soap so much and the results, too! And believe me, it's happening often now.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pooch Soap, like my others, retails for $6/bar. Tax for New Yorkers, of course is added on, as is shipping for those not local. Get yours today!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_nBzEFT3XvOisDCsZPXLMJElBklKD4XaQH26qcrweSq_8Y8zc186e4YIkgKrngS7B9biOJYxmgvTz_IV14ex7g9RIvK58GJJuV99vcYaCpnJ84qlB43f1nwQDUxtn2pJgdHmYzrBmDb3/s1600/DSCN1278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><ul><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_nBzEFT3XvOisDCsZPXLMJElBklKD4XaQH26qcrweSq_8Y8zc186e4YIkgKrngS7B9biOJYxmgvTz_IV14ex7g9RIvK58GJJuV99vcYaCpnJ84qlB43f1nwQDUxtn2pJgdHmYzrBmDb3/s1600/DSCN1278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_nBzEFT3XvOisDCsZPXLMJElBklKD4XaQH26qcrweSq_8Y8zc186e4YIkgKrngS7B9biOJYxmgvTz_IV14ex7g9RIvK58GJJuV99vcYaCpnJ84qlB43f1nwQDUxtn2pJgdHmYzrBmDb3/s320/DSCN1278.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pooch Soap that Beau is advertising</td></tr>
</tbody></table></ul><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Yes, the <span style="background-color: #a9da92;">April</span> <span style="background-color: #a9da92;">Showers</span> have arrived in my region, and even though warm, sunny days are more to my liking, I take hope in the adage, "<span style="background-color: #a9da92;">April</span> <span style="background-color: #a9da92;">showers</span> bring May flowers."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">I'm celebrating by offering you a Shower of Savings!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">5% off purchases $20 - $30</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">10% off purchases $31 - $40</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">15% off purchases $41 - $50</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">20% off purchases $51 & over</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;">(before shipping totals)</span><br />
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<div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #330099; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"></span></span></div><span style="color: magenta; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Save on everything for the month of April.</span></span><br />
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Soap scents include: Lavender*, Gingered Orange, Lilac Breeze, Groovy Patchouli*, Black Raspberries & Vanilla, Rice Flower, Mint Medley*, Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla, Fresh Clean Herbs, Spun Sugar, Daybreak* (spearmint & eucalyptus), Oatmeal, Milk & Honey in scented or no scent added, Black Raspberry Vanilla, Midnight Merlot, Peppermint Breeze*, Cucumber Mint*, Biergarten, Honey Good, and Rice Flower.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Not on my site, but available: </span><br style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. </span><br style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00; 8 oz. $11 - In any scent listed above. </span><br style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7; 8 oz., $12</span></span><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, Lavender, and any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #ffd966; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">Look for Soap and Garden on Facebook! We just love gardeners!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #ffd966; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #ffd966; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.soapandgarden.com/">http://www.SoapAndGarden.com</a></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #6600cc;"><span style="color: #ff6600;"><span style="color: #009900; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: medium;"></span></span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-size: medium;"></span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-36526611738496011052011-03-29T23:32:00.000-07:002011-03-29T23:32:02.590-07:00Spring and Body Butter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJHuGRiupBtg6SNAN37cCYKCpHIWTnJqZsG5QnGB-ihxjcIPowJol6ZaTelaVB7kTOUsbp6UAGL5SdkZyDJb59Bof-pb1FfUxPE5tTYYX4eMf8nBC1DAMrvr5KIIkgXUHQgWRUfqAOFVm/s1600/DSCN1514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJHuGRiupBtg6SNAN37cCYKCpHIWTnJqZsG5QnGB-ihxjcIPowJol6ZaTelaVB7kTOUsbp6UAGL5SdkZyDJb59Bof-pb1FfUxPE5tTYYX4eMf8nBC1DAMrvr5KIIkgXUHQgWRUfqAOFVm/s320/DSCN1514.JPG" width="320" /></span></b></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Spring is beginning to make it's appearance in my neck of the woods. Like a baby playing peek-a-boo, we see its happy face for awhile, then it's gone; but we know it will come back. Soon, spring will stop playing this silly game, and we will shed our winter coats, boots, and gloves. Oh, how we look forward to that!</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>I still find, however, that my skin is dry. It's just not warm enouogh or humid enough to keep things moisturized. How about you?</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>This is why I developed Whipped Body Butter, for deep, rich moisturizing. Made with a majority of Shea Butter, along with other nourishing oils, it moisturizes and makes skin sleek and supple. I just take a dab and rub it in, wherever I need it most--hands, knees, elbows, wherever. My friend Janet tells me she just loves it and finds that it's the only thing that helps her dry skin, ravaged by the effects of swimming in a chlorinated pool.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>We agree that it sinks right in, feeling oh, so luscious, but not leaving the skin greasy. In the summer, I like to use it for my gardener's hands and feet.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>It's quite likely you've heard of shea butter. It's been found to be a wonderful cosmetic ingredient from the African Karite seed. Traditionally a labor of African women, and a business for them, they take the raw material from the seed and process it to clean it and make it the product we use. I like to make my end product using mostly shea butter, but adding other skin-loving oils until I get a light, airy product. I add scent and keep some with no added scent, for those who either like the natural or simply want to avoid scents.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Use something you can feel good about, both for your skin and for the environment! Choose Whipped Body Butter today.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Sampler - $5.00</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b> Jar - $9.00</b></span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-7335964481454817332011-03-12T19:56:00.000-08:002011-03-12T19:56:00.938-08:00Sobering Times<div style="color: #6aa84f;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>As a departure from my normal light and informational banter, this post is serious, and there is no ad today. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, but I just felt that it would be inappropriate, given the circumstances.</b></span></div><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<div style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">The earthquake in Japan has jolted many of us awake. No longer are we completely lost in our lives, successfully ignoring the rest of the world. Yes, we saw and prayed for the other recent earthquake victims and other events, but the magnitude of this one in Japan just won't be overlooked or forgotten, even temporarily. If you're like me, you're simply overwhelmed by what's happened, by so many losing their lives, families being torn apart, losing everything suddenly, the fear for the nuclear plants, and more. It seems like nothing we can do is enough to help.</span></div><div style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now, this is where it gets personal. What I will say is who I am and what I believe. I know not all share it, and my intent is not to offend, but as the saying goes, "it is what it is." </span></div><div style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">The only hope I have is that even with all of this, God is in control and the Japanese people are in His hands. He loves them. My prayer is that God will show Himself to the survivors and that they will come to know Him, and that people from around the world will demonstrate that love by giving of themselves to help.</span></div><div style="color: #38761d;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;">Monetary help is of course, at the top of our minds, knowing that it will be expensive to get help to the people, Nevertheless, billions of dollars are worthless without actual bodies going to help feed, clothe, protect, clean up, and rebuild, and prayer is always the most powerful action of all.</span></div><div style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #38761d;">What can you do? What can I do?</span></span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-22573301864987900052011-03-02T19:49:00.000-08:002011-03-02T19:49:10.135-08:00It's March!<div style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">March is by far not my favorite month. </span></b></div><div style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">For some of you, it's spring and you're getting out and beginning your gardening. It's cold and snowy here, and quite windy--not an exciting combination for a warm-weather lover like me, and certainly too early to do any gardening. Nevertheless, I do appreciate the increased sunshine and the longer days that are evident this month.</span></span></b></div><div style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="background-color: lime; color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #274e13;">The Ides of March are coming up, but who cares, really? Only Shakespeareans, I suppose. Did I spell that correctly? </span></span></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: #b6d7a8; clear: both; color: #274e13; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhghRZU_UD0r6cAOI7Omgi9FnjBYo0pK47iPq0jrtfqtMCKLBdbSOm0LPJk-kLZCUyR8gCe_tvH90eljfOKudrV-43glqaapK8hBisWxJfffFIDC0p9JplF-KqauZ-xwYcEtE2Tg-dzT2T/s1600/SOAP_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhghRZU_UD0r6cAOI7Omgi9FnjBYo0pK47iPq0jrtfqtMCKLBdbSOm0LPJk-kLZCUyR8gCe_tvH90eljfOKudrV-43glqaapK8hBisWxJfffFIDC0p9JplF-KqauZ-xwYcEtE2Tg-dzT2T/s320/SOAP_09.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>More interesting, perhaps, is St. Patrick's Day. Green beer, green clothes, green water (in Chicago, anyway), green everything! For most of us, whether true Irish or Irish-for-the-day, St. Paddy's Day is a day for at least a bit of celebration. If you're invited to a party or hosting one, you like to acknowledge your Irish heritage, or perhaps you just like a bit of holiday whimsy in your home, we have something. It is, of course, soap! A round soap with a shamrock design, scented in "Irish Mist," and sure to please, is a terrific gift for someone else, or to keep for yourself. Why not?</b></span></div><div style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #274e13; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">This attractive soap is packaged with green shred in a special box. You won't have to do a thing except hand it to the recipient. Possibly the best part is that it costs only $6.50! Get a bit of "the luck o' the Irish!"</span><span></span></span></b></div><div style="background-color: #38761d; color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="background-color: #38761d; color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">What do you do for St. Patrick's Day? Leave me a comment.</span></b></div><div style="background-color: #38761d; color: white;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hurry, this is a limited edition soap, and you don't have much time!</span></span></b></div><div style="background-color: #38761d; color: white;"><b><br />
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</b></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-8553673892775348772011-02-23T21:58:00.000-08:002011-02-23T21:58:55.308-08:00It's Back!<div style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I have been gone for such a long time, too long, and it feels so good to be back!</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Rather than launch into the discussion about why such a long hiatus, I'll just jump right into today's comments. </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">We have another new grandbaby in our family! Little Isabella Joy was born on Valentine's Day, just as her parents desired. Daughter Rachel and hubby Ethan post pictures on Facebook and Rachel sends me photos via her cellphone. From the looks of things, baby Izzy (or is she Bella, depends upon whom you ask), is doing well and is just adorable. Thank the Lord for a safe birth and Mom and baby both doing well.</span></b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dJnub_mb4mOdp9DsqASDQ8wppQqwrub_DIhGeKxk-Y_AUUv_V2bsf5iIAQzq46VwNoba0ez-WG5wrT2JTcXYMCCitEHnoso5alqGcnlijPqoTqanwlC9sfQ42qTsEHeyquD7ytoTUD8Q/s1600/Isabella+Joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dJnub_mb4mOdp9DsqASDQ8wppQqwrub_DIhGeKxk-Y_AUUv_V2bsf5iIAQzq46VwNoba0ez-WG5wrT2JTcXYMCCitEHnoso5alqGcnlijPqoTqanwlC9sfQ42qTsEHeyquD7ytoTUD8Q/s320/Isabella+Joy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="background-color: #a64d79; color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">What else is going on? Well, I have a cyber friend for whom I painted a custom bird bath. If you didn't know already, I make birdbaths, some small enough to be soap dishes, others larger, decorative pieces. They could even be used outside.</div><div style="background-color: #a64d79; color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #a64d79; color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Anyway, this person's friend ordered it as a surprise, and I was happy to oblige. As it turned out, said friend became quite ill, and having that connection brought the person to mind several times daily, so I prayed for healing. I am happy to report that although weak, my friend is home from the hospital, and recovering. Thank the Lord for that, also!</div><div style="background-color: #a64d79; color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #a64d79; color: white; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Here are a couple of photos of the birdbath.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0vIIJB2v2vojdc-kDvt3wdNwD7hKflQnCV_AV5q9VlxpG3V7jRHah5xgvEZztyjm8ak_w4JnR9su-3J435pGelP8Zn3rAcDByhavDkmR8-aaYi9-A1U1m0xZRa8vYBOsXzSrTk3DekHg/s1600/DSCN1175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0vIIJB2v2vojdc-kDvt3wdNwD7hKflQnCV_AV5q9VlxpG3V7jRHah5xgvEZztyjm8ak_w4JnR9su-3J435pGelP8Zn3rAcDByhavDkmR8-aaYi9-A1U1m0xZRa8vYBOsXzSrTk3DekHg/s320/DSCN1175.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQLMCADEEU4PNcaDBUbPD6q8m_XwEKPjBYGdG83hMc3gcMVA-HS0aeM7EH6zysYwS-UYXsdqa0AfChoIWKX470z6EZ_Jooi-1xU67wUuXaocdG8ZvncpnK1dEK3xxrVY10Ggb8n1Rmn-8/s1600/DSCN1176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQLMCADEEU4PNcaDBUbPD6q8m_XwEKPjBYGdG83hMc3gcMVA-HS0aeM7EH6zysYwS-UYXsdqa0AfChoIWKX470z6EZ_Jooi-1xU67wUuXaocdG8ZvncpnK1dEK3xxrVY10Ggb8n1Rmn-8/s320/DSCN1176.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #a64d79;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">I could do one for you, too! For those ordering from my website, be aware that additional postage applies. The postage price in the shopping cart is not the price you'll pay. It'll be about $11 more.</span></b></div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Birdbath, soap dish: $12</span></b></div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Birdbath, large: $21</span></b></div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></b></div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Order through the end of February, and get your choice of one bar of soap, free!</span></b></div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a name='more'></a></span></b></div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"> <!--more--><!--more--><hr xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" /><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </span></b></span></b></div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #38761d;">Perhaps you're thinking about St. Patrick's Day, and want a little luck o' the Irish in your home or to give as a gift. I have just the thing, a bar of shamrock soap. It is attractively packaged with green shred and in a decorative box, ready to give, and scented in "Irish Mist." Just $6.50 each.</span></span></span></b></div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyO8Ns21sdWCBE0U-_eQ0h2KZWxvnQ9yP4ypYaVHapqzBAohOf8U1DsmglEJp4HtqGqhqj0ShP6FjJCCKdfv4CG_x4JQA5JjlQJIukpe68qZFxeOZiZlSQred2y4TYnXgjNyZCQCNDiHr/s1600/SOAP_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLyO8Ns21sdWCBE0U-_eQ0h2KZWxvnQ9yP4ypYaVHapqzBAohOf8U1DsmglEJp4HtqGqhqj0ShP6FjJCCKdfv4CG_x4JQA5JjlQJIukpe68qZFxeOZiZlSQred2y4TYnXgjNyZCQCNDiHr/s320/SOAP_09.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div style="color: #a64d79;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="background-color: #38761d;"> </span></span></span></b></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-6802691563513001622010-11-26T13:14:00.000-08:002010-11-26T13:21:16.518-08:00Black Friday/Cyber Monday - What are you doing?<div style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #990000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's probably poor marketing, but I'm going to do it anyway. I'm going to complain about American consumerism and Black Friday, which is enough, but is now moving into Thanksgiving Thursday.</span></div><div style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #990000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #990000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We need hospitals on Thanksgiving. We need police and fire fighters. One could make a case for drug stores and even supermarkets for at least part of the day. We do not need department stores, and I am appalled at how many more are open on Thanksgiving each year. This date was set aside for US citizens to stop their daily activities, gather together with loved ones, and to be thankful, not to go shopping. I fear, however, that Thanksgiving Day will become just another Black Friday, the thanks part, all but forgotten. </span></div><div style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #990000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #990000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I understand the importance of Black Friday and selling and buying. My son has a computer biz and I have my biz, both of which depend on sales. I've worked in retail for a few years now, and that brings even more understanding of profit and marketing, so I am not ignorant, but I have to say that the feeding frenzy in stores seems to show off the worst in us, and I am not proud of that part of being an American. </span></div><div style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #990000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #990000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We all know that this is the season for buying, and there are few of us whose spending does not increase from pre-Thanksgiving until the after-Christmas sales. It's part of our culture, but let us not forget to be kind to others, love one another, see the big picture, and be good to ourselves and our families down the road. </span></div><div style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #990000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="background-color: #d9ead3; color: #990000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Let's put reason back into the season! </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">What are your thoughts? </span></div></div><br />
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<div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRhn3OmOyRehlgRIF53lQ5rkMPfBj4QKmxSJPcUXjVDmRXR9L8Nnrq3RVkv5HpLRchoiHfkOXGp6LSvNYOhBmPiTMi2TV6f2M9xXE_YAz172jAQmvs5icQc3P1bRylDfnG8OL53p0BIsZ/s1600/DSCN1036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRhn3OmOyRehlgRIF53lQ5rkMPfBj4QKmxSJPcUXjVDmRXR9L8Nnrq3RVkv5HpLRchoiHfkOXGp6LSvNYOhBmPiTMi2TV6f2M9xXE_YAz172jAQmvs5icQc3P1bRylDfnG8OL53p0BIsZ/s320/DSCN1036.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="background-color: #ea9999;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #e06666;">Cinnamon Apple Soap</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6MSa5Y6YrVMxJdpYXesDMMxBW8TETQasoR1bGa9kA7RguPX5A7qOBRxsid0evGWy_a6xefuFNSsBRuiU5RTZcouk6MS9QVXiu0DOglpvHfFxI1qlqbFzTEG0w936w8eM9nxe0iA-fUw3/s1600/DSCN1037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf6MSa5Y6YrVMxJdpYXesDMMxBW8TETQasoR1bGa9kA7RguPX5A7qOBRxsid0evGWy_a6xefuFNSsBRuiU5RTZcouk6MS9QVXiu0DOglpvHfFxI1qlqbFzTEG0w936w8eM9nxe0iA-fUw3/s320/DSCN1037.JPG" width="320" /><span style="background-color: #e69138;"></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #e69138;">Pumpkin 'n Spice Soap</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;">Now that I've put everyone off, LOL, here are my offerings for Black Friday - Cyber Monday specials. Order from now until Monday at midnight, only, to get these specials.</span></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Order $10 - $25 in product and get one product ($6/under) of your choice, free!</span></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Order $26 - $50 in product and get two products ($6/under) of your choice, free!</span></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Or: </span></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Order a gift set from $35 and up and get the set upgrade, free! No charge for container and packaging.</span></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Order $70 and up get free shipping!</span></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">*All offers are before shipping. Specials cannot be combined.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">**In addition, each order will receive an extra full size product, regardless of the order size</span></div><div style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #cc0000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #cc0000;">Just think: shop in comfort and have your gifts delivered. Easier on you, and handmade, too!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #cc0000;"> </span></span><span style="color: #990000;">New 8 oz. lotion! Winter is coming, and so is the need to moisturize your skin. Do it with our larger size lotion. Scents include: Love My Lavender, Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla, Spun Sugar, Gingered Orange, and Honey Good (with honey)!<br />
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S<span>oap</span> scents include: Lavender*, Gingered Orange, Lilac Breeze, Groovy Patchouli*, Black Raspberries & Vanilla, Rice Flower, Mint Medley*, Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla, Fresh Clean Herbs,<span><span></span></span> Spun Sugar, Daybreak* (spearmint & eucalyptus), Oatmeal, Milk & Honey in scented or no scent added, Black Raspberry Vanilla, Midnight Merlot, Peppermint Breeze*, Cucumber Mint*, Biergarten, <span>Honey Good, and</span> Rice Flower.</span><br style="color: #009900;" /> <br />
<span style="color: #333399;">~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;">~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;">~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;"><wbr></wbr>~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;">~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;">~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;">~~~<wbr></wbr>~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;">~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;">~~~~</span><br />
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<span style="color: #ff6600;">Not on my site: </span><br style="color: #ff6600;" /> <br style="color: #ff6600;" /> <span style="color: #ff6600;">Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, <span><span><span>and</span></span></span> Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. </span><br style="color: #ff6600;" /> <span style="color: #ff6600;">Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00; 8 oz. $11 - In any scent listed above. (see special above)</span><br style="color: #ff6600;" /> <span style="color: #ff6600;">Lotion: Hand <span><span><span>and</span></span></span> body lotion - 4 oz, $7; 8 oz., $12</span><br style="color: #ff6600;" /> <span style="color: #ff6600;">Foaming <span><span><span>Soap</span></span></span>: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical,<span><span><span></span></span></span> Lavender, and any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.</span><br />
</div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-63975480053416264852010-11-23T22:40:00.000-08:002010-11-23T22:45:58.736-08:00Thanksgiving thoughts 2<div style="background-color: #f1c232; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, I never got to this yesterday. I'll have to double up. It's not that I don't have a lot to be thankful for, after all. :-)</div><div style="background-color: #f1c232; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f1c232; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My daughter has just come back home from college for Thanksgiving, so I thank God for allowing her safe travels and for our relationship.</div><div style="background-color: #f1c232; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f1c232; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I also thank God for our abundance. It is hard for me to fathom, but it has been said that the poorest person in America is wealthier than most people in third world countries. It boggles my mind to think that as we work harder and push to get ahead because we "need the money," we are already wealthy. I'll bet everyone who reads this post has a roof overhead, warmth, clothing, enough food, and. . . toilet paper! Yes, toilet paper. </div><div style="background-color: #f1c232; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f1c232; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My daughter, Amy, spent several weeks some years ago on an island in the Philippines. When she returned home, she tried to describe life there, and one thing that came up was how many people had no toilet paper. Well, I don't know about you, but I consider that a necessity, not a luxury! Yet, it illustrates how rich we are; what what is basic to us, is not really essential if million of people throughout the world are doing without it.</div><div style="background-color: #f1c232; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #f1c232; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">In this vein, I am thankful that I can have the business that I do. I live in a country that allows me to make soap and cosmetics and sell it, and my result will be a direct result of what I put into it. I also have access to some of the most marvelous ingredients to make it. Few products are unavailable to me in the USA, where some of my friends in other countries find it very expensive or difficult to make and sell their product. What's more, I am assured of the quality safety of what I get, so I am confident that my customers are also safe. Now, that's something to be thankful for!</div><br />
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<div style="background-color: red;"><b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> SALE!</span></b><br />
<div style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><b style="background-color: white; color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">New 8 oz. lotion! Winter is coming, and so is the need to moisturize your skin. Do it with our larger size lotion. Scents include: Love My Lavender, Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla, Spun Sugar, Gingered Orange, and Honey Good (with honey)!</span></b><br style="background-color: white;" /> <b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000;"> <br />
</span><span style="color: #990000;">November is the traditional month for giving thanks. I would like to thank my customers by offering 20% off of any sale $40 and up (before tax or shipping). Not to be combined with any other specials. This is your chance to pick and choose what you would like to save money on!<br />
<br />
Soap scents include: Lavender*, Gingered Orange, Lilac Breeze, Groovy Patchouli*, Black Raspberries & Vanilla, Rice Flower, Mint Medley*, Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla, Fresh Clean Herbs, Spun Sugar, Daybreak* (spearmint & eucalyptus), Oatmeal, Milk & Honey in scented or no scent added, Black Raspberry Vanilla, Midnight Merlot, Peppermint Breeze*, Cucumber Mint*, Biergarten, Honey Good, and Rice Flower.</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333399;">~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;">~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;">~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;"><wbr></wbr>~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;">~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;">~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;">~~~<wbr></wbr>~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;"></span><span style="color: #333399;"></span><br />
<br />
<b style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Not on my site: <br />
<br />
*Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. </b> <b style="color: white; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
*Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00; 8 oz. $11 - In any scent listed above. (see special above)<br />
*Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7; 8 oz., $12</b><span style="color: white;"> <b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, Lavender, and any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.</b> </span></div><div style="background-color: red;"><br />
</div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-22163013578940596122010-11-21T23:39:00.000-08:002010-11-21T23:41:01.083-08:00Thankfulness: Day 2<div style="background-color: #660000; color: #ffd966;">Today, my son, Ethan, my daughter, Megan, and I went to Syracuse to visit my freshman-in-college daughter, Emily. We traveled back and forth safely, had a good visit to an exotic pet store, to CiCi's Pizza, and then to Five Below. I returned home to a rested and happy hubby.</div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #ffd966;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #ffd966;">In one day alone, I thought of so many things I am thankful to my Lord for. I already mentioned love, but I have to reiterate that I love my family! We had a good time together and that's a wonderful thing.</div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #ffd966;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #ffd966;">But here's the rest of the list:</div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #ffd966;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #ffd966;">A car to travel in and safety in travel</div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #ffd966;">The comfortable, safe apartment my daughter is living in, with a nice roommate.</div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #ffd966;">The amazing array of life of the animal kingdom, from anemone to zebra! </div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #ffd966;">Bargains</div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #ffd966;">Warm clothes</div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #ffd966;">A husband and two dogs to come home to and who are happy to see me.</div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #ffd966;">Computers</div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #ffd966;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #ffd966;"></div><div style="background-color: #660000; color: #ffe599;">As soon as I publish this, I'm sure I will remember other things that I wished I would have shared, but if it inspires you to be thankful for what we consider ordinary things, then it's enough.</div><br />
<div style="background-color: #660000; color: #ffd966;"></div><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: #660000; color: #ffd966;">What would you like to add?</div><br />
<div style="background-color: #f1c232; color: red;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div style="background-color: #f1c232; color: red;">Again, my November 20% off special applies, and I will be posting a Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale. Just scroll down for November.</div><div style="background-color: #f1c232; color: red;"><br />
</div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-25768111731914049392010-11-19T22:36:00.000-08:002010-11-19T22:36:12.447-08:00Thanksgiving thoughts<div style="background-color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>I'm consumed right now with planning the perfect Thanksgiving dinner, work, and business, not to mention my family coming in early December. So consumed, in fact, that I'm forgetting why we're celebrating to begin with! Whoa. Take a step back and breathe.</b></div><div style="background-color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="background-color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Recall the story of Thanksgiving in the US. The pilgrims had suffered in Europe for their beliefs. They'd been run around with no real home and no real rights; so, when the opportunity came for them to go to the new land, a place they could call their own and live as they saw fit, they took it.</b></div><div style="background-color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="background-color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>The journey across the Atlantic was miserable. In truth, they traveled at a difficult time of year, just before winter. Many were terribly sick and the conditions on the ship were ghastly. Once they arrived in Plymouth, it was already cold. Nothing was growing and nothing could be started. They had no shelter and had to quickly build basic places to live out of what they could find close by, and forage for any food they could, besides the meager rations they had brought with them. The winter was brutal, and many died. By spring, a great many of their number had in fact, died. </b></div><div style="background-color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="background-color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>How did any of them survive? Because of the kindness of the natives. They brought food and taught the people how and what to grow, as well as teaching about their native medicines. The settlers realized this and were so grateful to the natives and to God for allowing them to survive that they held a huge celebration, using the very foods that saved their lives and by celebrating with the very people who assisted them in their time of need. They celebrated for three days. </b></div><div style="background-color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="background-color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Jesus brought help to the settlers in their most dire time of need, both in taking them to Plymouth and in the help of the native Americans who knew the land, and they were careful to give Him thanks for his provision.</b></div><div style="background-color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="background-color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>I dare say that none of us have lived through the horrific experiences that the Pilgrims and company did. We have not known real persecution, sickness, hardship, or poverty as they did. We are so blessed.</b></div><div style="background-color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="background-color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>I hope to list something I am thankful for each day until Thanksgiving. Yes, I am still busy, but too busy to thank God? I don't think so. Join me, if you like, listing something you are thankful for.</b></div><div style="background-color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="background-color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Saturday, November 20: I am thankful for love--the love of my family, my friends, and mostly my God, whose love is unfathomable. He loves you and me with a perfect love.</b></div><br />
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">I wish I had a fitting image to post here because, as they say, "a picture says a thousand words." Alas, I have no appropriate photos and can't think of any copyright free pictures to post. If you have any ideas, please let me know!</span><br />
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<div style="color: #783f04;"><b>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</b></div><br />
<br />
<div style="color: red; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you came to the blog to check out products and sales, please scroll down to my previous post for the November sale. And yes, I am planning something for Black Friday. :-)</span></div>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4944252774707919687.post-86922079621602542042010-11-07T19:38:00.000-08:002010-11-07T19:39:32.864-08:00November Fun<div style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>What kinds of things do you do in November? At our home, we're preparing for the quickly approaching winter. The leaves are off the trees and in the yard. We attempt to capture any dry days for mowing the leaves, which we either toss in the composting or leave on the lawn to compost themselves.</b></div><div style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>I've planted all the plants I bought, which I am happy about, but neglected to get in those I wanted to overwinter. I had a nice geranium, some begonias, stevia, and more. If there's anything left tomorrow, I'll get it in, but if I don't, well, that's the way it goes.</b></div><div style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>We went to the Rochester Public Market yesterday and bought a bushel of apples and a large bunch of bananas. Guess what I'll be doing this week. Yes indeed, applesauce and banana bread!</b></div><div style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="color: #b45f06; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>What are you doing with your November?</b></div><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TWFqCOODhg-lJggQ4z86k_v3sHotA5WvZR9pd_4vd4PUr6UClSlR2YuKdAa3MCGriC9OWpzZXynv-Cvz8dpb9RoTHy8bCJtI0Pz7Mc2v4DOnNlslvy1s_fEU15r8u0WYaRqNzO_BLrq1/s1600/DSCN0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TWFqCOODhg-lJggQ4z86k_v3sHotA5WvZR9pd_4vd4PUr6UClSlR2YuKdAa3MCGriC9OWpzZXynv-Cvz8dpb9RoTHy8bCJtI0Pz7Mc2v4DOnNlslvy1s_fEU15r8u0WYaRqNzO_BLrq1/s320/DSCN0921.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosemary & harvest goodies from the Agricultural Fair at Genesee Country Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<div style="color: #b45f06;"><b>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ </b></div><br />
<br />
<div style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Below is a photo of my new 8 oz. lotion. I am offering it in the following scents: Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla, Gingered Orange, Love My Lavender, Honey Good, and Spun Sugar. At $12, it's a great deal!</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgti5b4tK3nsme_wbOk4hEzyVWCyCXt2m8nuUw-H4I7E08ljyfXbFC6f5lq9MzKQNzsoIH6zzIAqufMA3H7z_zGDIQgqTSHe0eLSQJwStq4se95c7_bylFztxkqKNivw83fF3aKEeyPfaWI/s1600/DSCN0996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgti5b4tK3nsme_wbOk4hEzyVWCyCXt2m8nuUw-H4I7E08ljyfXbFC6f5lq9MzKQNzsoIH6zzIAqufMA3H7z_zGDIQgqTSHe0eLSQJwStq4se95c7_bylFztxkqKNivw83fF3aKEeyPfaWI/s320/DSCN0996.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><b style="background-color: white; color: #783f04;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ </b><br />
<br />
<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></b><br />
<b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> SALE!</span></b><br />
<div style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></div><b style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">New 8 oz. lotion! Winter is coming, and so is the need to moisturize your skin. Do it with our larger size lotion. Scents include: Love My Lavender, Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla, Spun Sugar, Gingered Orange, and Honey Good (with honey)!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #990000;"> <br />
</span><span style="color: #990000;">November is the traditional month for giving thanks. I would like to thank my customers by offering 20% off of any sale $40 and up (before tax or shipping). Not to be combined with any other specials. This is your chance to pick and choose what you would like to save money on!<br />
<br />
Soap scents include: Lavender*, Gingered Orange, Lilac Breeze, Groovy Patchouli*, Black Raspberries & Vanilla, Rice Flower, Mint Medley*, Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla, Fresh Clean Herbs, Spun Sugar, Daybreak* (spearmint & eucalyptus), Oatmeal, Milk & Honey in scented or no scent added, Black Raspberry Vanilla, Midnight Merlot, Peppermint Breeze*, Cucumber Mint*, Biergarten, Honey Good, and Rice Flower.</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333399;">~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;">~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;">~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;"><wbr></wbr>~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;">~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;">~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;">~~~<wbr></wbr>~~~~</span><span style="color: #333399;"></span><span style="color: #333399;"></span><br />
<br />
<b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #ff6600;">Not on my site: </span><br style="color: #ff6600;" /><br style="color: #ff6600;" /><span style="color: #ff6600;">*Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. </span></b> <b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br style="color: #ff6600;" /><span style="color: #ff6600;">*Liquid shower gel: Natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00; 8 oz. $11 - In any scent listed above. (see special above)</span><br style="color: #ff6600;" /><span style="color: #ff6600;">*Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7; 8 oz., $12</span></b> <span style="color: #ff6600;"><b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, Lavender, and any other scent I sell. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.</b> <br />
</span>Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00212053612393475607noreply@blogger.com0