Good Soap or Bad Soap?

What's the big deal about making good soap?  How do you know if a person makes good soap?  

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.

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.

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.  

  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.

  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.

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!

Batch #1, "Dig My Patchouli" Soap

Batch #2, "Dig My Patchouli" Soap

Which one do you like better?

 Please Vote!!!

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This week's ad:  

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:

Gingered Orange (tangy orange with a tiny bite of ginger)
Black Raspberries & Vanilla (nice berry scent.  Everybody likes this one)
Spun Sugar  (cotton candy sweet)
Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla (smooth sandalwood with a bit of sweet vanilla.  Very sultry!)


*Note:  I am not discontinuing lotion altogether, I just want to sell these last few before I make another batch.


Get them while you can for gifts and for yourself!

Is it Spring Yet?

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.


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.


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.


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!

Pooch Soap that Beau is advertising

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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."
I'm celebrating by offering you a  Shower of Savings!

5% off purchases $20 - $30
10% off purchases $31 - $40
15% off purchases $41 - $50
20% off purchases $51 & over
(before shipping totals)

Save on everything for the month of April.


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.


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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.

Look for Soap and Garden on Facebook!  We just love gardeners!


http://www.SoapAndGarden.com

Vacation!

Pere Marquette Park in Muskegon

It was time for our annual summer trek to our home town of Grand Rapids. We went to our daughter's home in the Chicago area first, however, because her kids are so cute. :-).

We then visited old friends, Terry and Renee', for a wonderful dinner in Indiana, finally ending up in Grand Rapids to visit more family.

We went to the gorgeous beach of Muskegon, MI one day to soak up the sun and cool off in Lake, MI.  Lake Michigan beaches are amazing!

Great nephew, Caleb

Sailboat on Lake MI

Can't resist visiting a garden center!  Emily took photos.

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August Sale!

How did August come so quickly? Marshmallow, Anise Hyssop, Catnip, and other late summer herbs are blooming here, along with Black-Eyed Susans, Japanese Anemone, and a few straggling daylilies. Gardening hasn't let up here, with more than adequate rain ensuring grass growth as if it were still June. I know you're all busy with your yard and garden work, also, getting your hands dirty and sweating in the hot summer sun. Feels good, though, doesn't it? The harvesting of all your efforts is rewarding, too.

Need a great soap to clean up with? We offer 4 varieties of Gardeners' soap so that you're sure to find at least one you like. We carry our Original, with ingredients to really help clean, but yet gentle to your skin. It contains skin-loving essential oils, too. Next, we have soap just for men in a masculine Cedar & Sage scent. Next, we offer Summer Path, a delightful blend of summer scents. Finally, we have a Gardener's salt spa bar that we call, Petal Power. It is a floral blend.

Get a set of all four bars for $24, shipping included! It's a great opportunity to try all kinds. Just email me and mention Blog Sale.

Gardener's Salt Spar Bar in Petal Power

Other 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, and Rice Flower.

Not on my site:

Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea.

Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00. In any scent listed above.

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

Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, and Lavender. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.

Order Today!

Soapers Weekend & Legislation

I went to a gathering this past weekend of soapmakers and chandlers, most of whom were from New York. We had one from New Jersey, one from Pennsylvania, and one from Russia! It was so much fun to see old friends again and to make new ones. We had garage sales, watched product demonstrations, ate a delicious lunch, won prizes from our favorite suppliers, participated in an ugly soap contest, and enjoyed a couple of swaps. We sorely missed our friend, Kim, and spoke of her often, but managed to enjoy ourselves in spite of our sadness.

On another note, legislation has been recently introduced that, if passed as it stands, will place severe restraints on small cosmetics businesses. The requirements in the bill are onerous to small business, effectively forcing most of them out. It is my opinion that big cosmetic businesses are in favor of the law, not because it will make cosmetics safer, but because it will squeeze out competition. In fact, I believe that's why it was sought in the first place. The safety of the American people is not really even a concern, but just a ploy to get public support. If you'd like to read more and sign a petition against this legislation, please go to http://www.personalcaretruth.com to read more about the situation and to sign if you agree. My thanks to all who do.
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How did August come so quickly? Marshmallow, Anise Hyssop, Catnip, and other late summer herbs are blooming here, along with Black-Eyed Susans, Japanese Anemone, and a few straggling daylillies. Gardening hasn't let up here, with more than adequate rain ensuring grass growth as if it were still June. I know you're all busy with your yard and garden work, also, getting your hands dirty and sweating in the hot summer sun. Feels good, though, doesn't it? The harvesting of all your efforts is rewarding, too.

Need a great soap to clean up with? We offer 4 varieties of Gardeners' soap so that you're sure to find at least one you like. We carry our Original, with ingredients to really help clean, but yet gentle to your skin. It contains skin-loving essential oils, too. Next, we have soap just for men in a Cedar & Sage scent. Next, we offer Summer Path, a delightful floral blend. Finally, we have a Gardener's salt spa bar that we call Petal Power. It too, is a floral blend.
Get a set of all four bars for $24, shipping included! It's a great opportunity to try each kind. Just contact me and mention blog Sale.
Other soap scents include: Lavender*, Gingered Orange, Lilac Breeze, Groovy Patchouli*, Black Raspberries & Vanilla, Rice Flower, Mint Medley*, Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla, Fresh Clean Herbs, and Spun Sugar, Daybreak* (spearmint & eucalyptus), Oatmeal, Milk & Honey, Black Raspberry Vanilla, Midnight Merlot, Peppermint Breeze, Midnight Merlot, Cucumber Mint, Biergarten, and Rice Flower. *denotes essential oils only
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Not on my site:

Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea.
Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00. In any scent listed above.
Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7
Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, and Lavender, plus the scents listed above. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.

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Did you know that many people in the world cannot afford the basic necessity, soap, and that many become ill and die simply from the lack of something we take for granted? We at Soap and Garden participate in efforts to provide people with life-saving soap. Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful week!


See me at http://www.soapandgarden.com or find me on Facebook: Soap and Garden.

Time Flies!

Yikes! So much has taken place since I last blogged. My daughter graduated high school, her grad party is an event of the past, my other daughter and her family came to visit have have returned home, and everything that was blooming in June is gone and deadheaded, LOL.

I thought you might enjoy a couple of photos of my family.

First photo: we got to the grad. ceremony early, so we had a lot of time on our hands for silliness.

Second photo: Emily with Ken and me before the ceremony. Em was almost too tired from her trip to Kansas City to go!

I want to add more photos to this post, but it's not letting me, so I'll post the ad and quit for now.



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Celebrate your independence by making your own sale. Take 50% off any one item with a $30 order (before shipping). Just let me know which item you want 50% off of.


Soap scents include: Lavender*, Gingered Orange, Lilac Breeze, Groovy Patchouli*, Black Raspberries & Vanilla, Rice Flower, Mint Medley*, Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla, Fresh Clean Herbs, and Spun Sugar. (*essential oil), Daybreak* (spearmint & eucalyptus), Oatmeal, Milk & Honey, Black Raspberry Vanilla, Midnight Merlot, Peppermint Breeze, Pina Colada, Gardener's regular, Cedar & Sage,and Petal Power Salt Bar, Cucumber Mint, Biergarten, and Rice Flower.

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Not on my site:

Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea.
Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00. In any scent listed above.
Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7
Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, and Lavender. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.
Shower Glow: 10 oz./$10 in any scent I carry.

You must email me to get the savings. Simply mention Blog.

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Lovin' Summer

Why do I like being out in my garden? It is peaceful, the most noise coming from the bird songs around me. I am alone with my thoughts and it gives me time to pray and to contemplate. I love the fresh air, the sunshine, the scent of "green," and whatever flowers are blooming at the time.

Today, I smelled lovely Valerian flowers. What a stark contrast to the dirty sock scent of the roots! I'm wondering if I can use the flowers or leaves in tea or some other herbal preparation. I'll have to do some research on that one. Many of my hardy geraniums are blooming, a welcome sight, for sure. Sweet Cicely, always one of my favorite herbs, is beginning to form seedheads. Soon, I'll have to deadhead so I won't have so many volunteers next spring, although the seeds are tasty to munch on. Roses are blooming with their welcome, heady sweet scents. They are always pleasurable to me, and I must make a point of gathering petals tomorrow. I use them for various purposes, from potpourri to cosmetic oils to syrup.

I have been reading on The Essential Herbal Yahoo Group about rose syrup. Mmm . . . If you love herbs, join the group! It exists for the magazine, "The Essential Herbal," which is a treasure trove of information, recipes, and ideas. Check it out!

Now, it's confession time. I nearly always wear gloves when I garden. Surgery several years ago on a sliver that went right to the bone on my thumb pad convinced me they were a good idea. Today, however, I didn't follow my own rules, and was amazed at not only how dirty my hands could get, but how the mud dried them out! Ugh. Of course, I have the advantage of a good supply of my own gardener's soap, which helps me clean my hands well, without being drying. A good washing, including a brush for under my nails, and my hand lotion, and my hands don't look too much worse for the wear.

Still, gloves are on the agenda for tomorrow. . .

What's up this week on the business front? Our 5 for 25 sale continues. Get five bars of soap for just $25.00, plus only $4 shipping! You'll save $1 on each bar, and a bunch on shipping. What a deal!

Scents include: Lavender*, Gingered Orange, Lilac Breeze, Groovy Patchouli*, Black Raspberries & Vanilla, Shea Flower, Mint Medley*, Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla, Fresh Clean Herbs, and Spun Sugar, and/or anything on my site. * indicates essential oil

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Not on my site:

Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea.
Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00
Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7
Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, and Lavender*, plus any other soap scent listed above. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.
Body Glow - A delightful exfoliant. It does the job without taking your hide off or drying out your skin. $12/jar

You must email me or message me on Facebook or my blog to get the savings. Simply mention BLOG.
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Donations made to Missionary Flights International and Cleantheworld.org., bringing soap to people who can't afford it, fighting disease in third world countries.

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Favorite Herbs

*Please note: Soap and Garden is closed for business from April 27 - May 1. Questions will be answered and orders filled in the order they were received beginning on May 2. Thanks for your understanding.*

It's no secret that I love herbs. I love to grow them, I love to cook with them, I love to make home herbal remedies for my family, and I love to make soap and cosmetics with them. One of my passions is gardening, and I love herbs because most of them grow well for me, they're beautiful, and they smell/taste great. I love to use them in soap and cosmetics because they either contribute to better looking skin or they provide color. I'm going to spend some time introducing some of the ones I like using the most and why, but it's important to say upfront that my usage in my product line is limited to color and cosmetic value, not medicinal value.

It's interesting to note also, that herbs contain vitamins and minerals that make them a nutritious part of any diet, as well as delicious! Using them on the skin may impart qualities that make you look and thus feel, more beautiful--or handsome, as the case may be.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis) - I grow this outside in the summer, and inside in the winter. Because of our northern clime, I can't grow enough to supply all my needs, but I do use it in soapmaking and a few other things. Aloe is native to East Africa, Spain, Indonesia, and the Caribbean, and has been used for thousands of years, and is still used as a laxative and for burns. In soap and cosmetics, Aloe is emollient.

Marshmallow (Althea officinalis) - This is an herb I can grow, but again, I supplement with purchased product as the root is a little difficult to harvest and deal with. Marshmallow is native to cool, wet regions, and of course, grows best in those areas, still. It was mentioned back in the 4th century for coughs, and yes, it was used to make the original marshmallow confection, as well as eaten as a vegetable (roots). Soaked in cool water, the mucilage is extracted, and that's what I use in soap and lotions to make them even more smooth feeling.

Pot Marigold (Calendula) - Not to be confused with the common garden marigold, Tagetes, Calendula is a wonderful herb. It's a beautiful annual to grow, the flowers are edible, and it has numerous cosmetic uses. I love how soft the petals are. Historically, Calendula was used for general health; in fact, the English and Germans ate it all winter long to boost their health, and to heal ulcers and liver ailments. I have grown Calendula in the past, and appreciate how easy it is to grow, harvest, and dry, as well as its uses in my products. The leaves can be ground and added to soap or left whole and will keep their color where most other herbs will turn black. It will add some yellow-orange coloring, also. Calendula contains mucilages, and will make soaps and other products feel better on the skin.

May special - Gardener's Soap - It's time to get out in the garden! If you're like me, you're just beginning to get out and survey what needs to be done and getting started at digging out weeds and dividing perennials. Our Gardener's Soap will help you wash off that dirt and grime.

For the month of May only, get two bars for $10 + shipping. Save $2.

or. . . Spend $50 (before shipping) and get a free bar of soap

or. . . Spend $70 (before shipping) and get a free bar of soap and free shipping

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Not on my site: Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea. Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00 Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7 Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, and Lavender. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.

http://www.soapandgarden.com
Find me on Facebook: Soap and Garden

Flowers, Flowers, Flowers!

After a week of colder, rainier weather, we seem to be in for another week of sunshine. Temps are expected to be more seasonable, in the 60's, which will be good for the blossoming trees and flowers. And there are many blooming flowers and trees! We have yet to see tulips, but magnolias, Bradford Pears, Redbud (a personal favorite), and others are in their glory.

I watch my lilac bush every day, observing the flower cluster developing, anticipating that distinct scent when it blooms. Of course, I'm hoping it doesn't bloom before our Lilac Festival in mid-May! It's always more fun when the lilacs cooperate with the festival dates.

For my job, I am taking classes in floral design, so I am posting a picture of the two-tiered arrangement I made. What fun!

To continue on with my favorite oils, I'd like to feature a few of the ones I haven't mentioned yet--fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, and rice bran oil.

Fractionated coconut oil is a unique one. The solids are removed, making it a colorless liquid. Besides containing many of the properties of coconut oil, it has the following benefits: it remains liquid, it lasts virtually forever, and it "glides" nicely for massage, with the added advantage of not staining sheets and clothing. Besides massage, I like using FCO for lotions, whipped body butter, body spray, and cream.

Jojoba Oil - Pronounced, "ho-ho'-ba," this oil is actually a wax pressed from the seeds of the jojoba plant, found in the US Southwest. Jojoba is closest to human sebum, and as such, is thought to help regulate the skin's natural oil flow, benefitting both oily and dry skin. I use it in a wide variety of products, such as creams and lotions, lip balm, moisturizer, and body spray.

Rice Bran Oil - A light oil which rarely elicits allergic reaction. It is high in vitamin E and many other antioxidants which benefit the skin. Women in Japan having been using RBO for centuries in their beauty treatments. I like to use it in soap and many cosmetics. Lotions and creams and lip balm, as well as hair products, are greatly improved by the addition of rice bran oil.


Now, on to business:

It's time for the April showers so we can have May flowers. It's also time to be showered with savings!

Make your own sale:

10% off of any 3 items
20% off of any 6 items
30% off of any 9 items
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Scents include: Lavender*, Gingered Orange, Lilac Breeze, Groovy Patchouli*, Black Raspberries & Vanilla, Shea Flower, Mint Medley*, Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla, Fresh Clean Herbs, and Spun Sugar. (*essential oil)
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Not on my site, but available by contacting me are:

Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - just $2/ea.
Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00
Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7
Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, and Lavender. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.

You must email me to get the savings. Simply mention: April Showers B.
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Oil, Good or Bad?

Life is swimming along for me, more accurately, it's like an olympic race! On the work front, I'm taking a series of classes to further my floral skills. It's total fun for me, being a flower and botanical lover, but it does take time and makes my week just that much more jam-packed. I'm very thankful for the opportunity, nevertheless.


Getting down to the skin business. . . How do you feel about putting oil on your skin? Do you cringe at the thought, or does it feel good just thinking about it?
Read on and learn more about oils and skin care.

You may never have given it a thought, but a general question when talking about oils for skincare arises. What is oil/fat's purpose? Why do we need it?

If you've heard the terms, lipid, fatty acids, Omega 3's, and even anti-oxidants, you're hearing about fats. Internally, fats contain vitamins that help heal, prevent cancer, and so on. They even help fill us up so we may not eat as much. Unlike the low-fat/no-fat mantra of the 80's and 90's, we now know that fats serve a purpose and we need them in moderation.

The same is true of our skin. Fats provide anti-oxidants and other nutrients to our skin, and also fulfill other essential functions in good skin care. They are nothing to be afraid of, even for those with already oily or acniede skin, although certain ones are better for individual skin types.

Now, we can talk about individual fats and oils, and I'll feature just a few at a time so that you can get to know them.

Sunflower Oil - One of my favorite, sunflower is wonderful because it is light with very little odor, making it ideal for many body products. In addition, it contains tocopherols (vitamin E), conditioning fatty acids and carotenoids that make the skin more supple, help prevent wrinkling, and aid in healing. It is also considered non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores. Sunflower oil is beneficial for all skin types, as well. Incidentally, studies were conducted that found sunflower oil to help prevent preemies from getting infections in their delicate, thin skin. What's not to like?

I use sunflower oil in many of my products, such as soap, lotion, body glow, and others. It's probably the one I use most. It makes a very conditioning soap, a light, ungreasy lotion, and with all of the goodies in it, it's a perfect all-around oil.

Sooo. . . this week, I am asking you to comment on my blog. Tell me what your basic reaction is to using oils on your skin. Did you learn anything from the post?

This week's special

March is Body Glow Month. Get this luscious salt/sugar and oil mix that will remove those dulling dead skin cells and moisturize besides! It is formulated not to be oily, so you won't slip and slide in the shower, you'll just sing about how good your skin feels and smells. Sale is good through March 31st.

You pay just $10 for an 8 oz. jar.

Scents include: Lavender*, Gingered Orange, Lilac Breeze, Groovy Patchouli*, Black Raspberries & Vanilla, Shea Flower, Mint Medley*, Sultry Sandalwood Vanilla, Fresh Clean Herbs, and Spun Sugar. (*essential oil)

Buy today!

Just check out my website at www.SoapAndGarden.com and then send me a message at beth@soapandgarden.com to order if you want something that is not on my site, such as the new body glow. I'll get you a total and then we can get your goodies out to you.

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

Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $5; 4 oz. $8

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

Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, and Lavender. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.

Have a wonderful week, and thanks for reading.

February is for Lovin'

Here we are, it's February already! January flew right by, don't you think? There are a couple of things I like about February. The first is that it's a short month. The second is that soon we will notice the days getting longer. Those are great things! The best thing of all, though, may be Valentine's Day.

I'm not a terribly romantic, pink and hearts kind of person, but V-Day is a bright spot at this otherwise cold and sometimes dreary time of year. I've got some celebration tricks up my sleeve to help you with your special day.

One idea is to surprise your spouse to an overnight stay at a nice hotel. Include dinner and a spa day. Who wouldn't feel romantic?

Not in your budget? Choose one of the above and you'll still be a hero--or heroine. Perhaps you're on a budget this year, or your situation doesn't allow you to go out. Don't let that dampen your enthusiasm! Some of our best Valentine's memories were in years when we didn't have extra dollars for mini-vacations.

Here is an idea that you can alter to fit your preferences: Fix your favorite meal. Set the table with a nice tablecloth and napkins, candles, flowers, whatever sets the mood. One year, hubby and I dined in the dining room while the kids dined in the kitchen. We ate shrimp cocktail, and other favorite dishes, and chocolate dipped strawberries for dessert. I don't remember what the kids ate, but it was easy to make, and something they all liked. They watched a movie afterward, while hubby and I had nice conversation by ourselves. Everybody was happy, and thought the day was very special. It was actually quite romantic.

The point is, really, to make Valentine's Day special and romantic, whether expensive or inexpensive, elaborate or simple.

If you have some great ideas, please comment. We'd love to hear them.


Make someone's Valentine's Day with special bath and body gifts. As you might imagine, I've got a whole line for you. Descriptions follow and pictures will be posted tomorrow:

Premium Valentine's gift set: You get one full-sized soap bar, a 4 oz. bottle of luscious body lotion, 1 oz. dry body/linen spray, and rose bath fizzy. Comes in Romantic Rose, unless you request another scent. Beautifully packaged in red. All this for $20!

Petite Valentine's gift set: This lovely set includes a full-sized soap, 2 oz. luscious body lotion, and bath fizzy. This one is also beautifully packaged, ready for gift-giving, and scented in Romantic Rose, unless you request another scent. Just $12 for this set!

Conversation Heart Soap Set - This cute set includes scented soaps that look like oversized conversation hearts. They are packaged three in a row in a clear box with filler. They're adorable, and only $10!

Soap & Heart Petals: soap dipped, scented hearts and petals, nestled on colorful shred in a corsage box. Ready for gift-giving. It's a great little something for a wife, girlfriend, friend, anyone you'd like to bestow a novel, but inexpensive gift on. Romantic Rose scent. Only $5

Scents: Fragrances: Sandalwood and Vanilla, Patchouli, Gingered Orange, Romantic Rose, Blackberry Vanilla, Rochester Lilac. Special requests possible. Essential oil: Lavender, Lavender Patch (lavender & patchouli), or Romantic Herbal Blend (notes of Palmarosa, lavender, and Clary Sage marry to create a provocative blend), or anything on my site,
www.soapandgarden.com

I couldn't resist posting a photo of my Midnight Merlot soap. It's at the top of the page. :-)

Winter Musings and Haiti

I'm feeling almost guilty these days with the weather we've been having in the Finger Lakes region of NY. We haven't had that much snow, and except for about a week, where the weather was frigid, it's been deceptively warm. In fact, it was rainy today. It's been strange for the whole country, for sure.

The weather certainly calls for nice, warm, relaxing baths and showers, does it not? Remember your beauty prescription of one bath per week! Just a fifteen minute soak, followed by a slathering of body butter, lotion bar, or lotion, will keep your skin in tip-top shape. At the bottom of this post, you'll see our inventory reduction sale that will make it even more tempting.

It's been almost two weeks since the earthquake in Haiti ravaged the already suffering nation. The poorest in the Western Hemisphere, without a government for ten years, Haiti is wallowing in its own poverty and hopelessness. The death toll continues to rise as aid from other nations rush in to help. Mobilizing virtually an army of medical, food, recovery, and other personnel is no quick or easy feat. Traveling around on impassible roads is a difficult challenge. The images we see are staggering--people, including children, who are injured, have lost their families, and are just plain hungry, even some gangs and looters getting what they can. It's so hard to watch.

We might ask ourselves, what possible good could come out of such a situation? I see the goodness of many countries who sent people to help; I see record donations to organizations who are in a position to help Haitians. I see people singing to the Lord, in spite of losing all that they have, especially family and friends.

Perhaps, in the future, with the sudden international attention to Haiti, they will get help in forming a viable, stable government. Perhaps the infrastructure that may come will put citizens in a place to make some inroads into the desperate poverty that has existed. Most importantly, perhaps this tragedy will cause people to seek God and follow Him. Maybe. . . we can pray.

As for me, we as a family have donated funds, as have so many others. My business, Soap and Garden, is donating soaps through Mission Flights International, which will fly in much-needed supplies to the Haitian people. I will, on an ongoing basis, donate soap to Clean the World.org, a charity determined to save the lives of people in 3rd world countries, simply by supplying them with soap!

Did you know that soap is an unaffordable luxury in poor countries? We throw away thousands of pounds of soap each week from hotel bathrooms, and many of us throw away our soap ends when the bar gets too small to use at home. As a soapmaker, I have an abundance of soap--ends, trims, oops! bars, and leftovers that I can donate to this cause. I have to say that it feels good to make something that is of so much use to those who need it. We tend to take soap for granted, but it is in actuality, a necessity, and I am so glad to help.


Maybe we can help you, too! The ad for this week follows:

We're marching from January to February. These are the months for a warm, relaxing bath or shower! To help, this is the last week of our Inventory Reduction Sale: Anything in stock is on sale!

10% any sale up to $25
20% any sale from $26 - $50
First come, first served!
Not on my site are: Cinnamon Stick Bundles: A bundle of cinnamon sticks with true cinnamon scent, wrapped in ribbon.
$5.00 each Herbal Bath Teas:
Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - $2/ea. Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz.
$6.00 Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz,
$7 Foaming Soap:
Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, and Lavender. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.

http:www.soapandgarden.com

Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful, blessed week!

Pictures above: playing around with bath whip. This batch was Roseberry with strawberry seeds for exfoliation. Yummy!
My crew headed for the Bills game in early January. Brrr. . .
Puppy Beau wishing he'd been invited to partake in our Christmas brunch.

It's been a long time!

I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted! Shame on me. I'm hoping all had a happy holiday season. We did. Nothing was terribly exciting once our dd's and families left in early December, but it was all warm and happy. :-) Now, here we are in cold, bleak January. What good is there to day about it? If you like cold and snow, you're loving it. If not, you're probably ready for spring. I am! Even so, I would be remiss not to admit that the snowfall we received this even was beautiful--that light, gently falling snow that sparkled like diamonds. Everyone should experience this once in his lifetime, I think. To hold a single snowflake in your hand is a wondrous thing. I've posted a couple of photos of deer in our neighborhood this fall and winter. What do you do in January? Take down Christmas or other holiday decorations and give the house a good cleaning? Do you make resolutions and goals for the new year? What makes January tolerable for you? I start it out with a bang since my birthday is on the 1st. Sorry about the tax thing, Dad and Mom.

In my business, I realize how much easier accounting will be if I reduce my inventory. Hence my Inventory Reduction Sale, which is in full swing! To get it, you'll just have to contact me with your order, email addy, and "IRS" code. Clever, isn't it?

Here's the sale:

We've survived the holiday season. Celebrate with a nourishing bath or shower and wonderful smelling products that will help you look your best!

Inventory Reduction Sale:

Anything in stock is on sale!

10% any sale up to $25
20% any sale from $26 - $50

First come, first served!

Not on my site are:

Cinnamon Stick Bundles: A bundle of cinnamon sticks with true cinnamon scent, wrapped in ribbon. $5.00 each

Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - $2/ea.
Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00
Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7
Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, and Lavender, as well as any scent listed on my site. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.

Thanks for reading, and have a blessed New Year!

Early Christmas!

One of my daughters and her husband decided to travel back home to NY from Oregon for Christmas. They found that the best time for them was in early December, so they came for an early celebration. Her twin sister and family came here from NJ, so we did it up just as if it were the 25th instead of the 12th.

What a wonderful time we had! We got to see two of our grandchildren for two days, and loved every minute of it. Having little ones around for gift opening is so much fun, too. I wish it didn't have to end.

In the spirit of the season, my December sale continues:

This December season is one of giving, and so I would like to give to YOU. With any $25 purchase or more, before shipping, that you make as a gift for someone else, I will include a gift for you. Just tell me what you want, and if I have it in stock, it's yours. If I don't have it in stock, I will ask for your 2nd choice. Get a gift for each $25 you spend!

The last day for sending out orders is Dec. 18th. Any orders that come in after that will be sent as I have time, but won't make it for Christmas.

Not on my site are:

Cinnamon Stick Bundles: A bundle of cinnamon sticks with true cinnamon scent, wrapped in ribbon. $5.00 each
Bath Salt Tubes: Sugary Spruce, Sweet Snowflakes, and Cranberry Spice layered in a tube and tied with a bow. Great gift! Only $4.00 ea.
Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - $2/ea.
Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00
Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7
Foaming Soap: Comes in the seasonal Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, and Lavender. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.

See www.soapandgarden.com!

Finally! Photos of beer soap!

1. Lye water being added to oils

2. Wow, pudding trace, already.


3. Whew. In the molds


4. Unmolded and ready to use!

Notice that the pictures loaded exactly backwards. If you would be so kind as to reverse the order, and start looking at the pictures from the botton and going up, you'll understand what I mean, LOL.

September is here already!

Wow, this summer went by so quickly! Why? We were busy--the kids had a lot going on, we took a trip to MI, and I spent the first month in preparation for the CNY Soapmakers Gathering in July. Still, that didn't really explain it fully for me. I soon realized that the lack of true summer weather was why it hadn't been summer for me.

Some I talked to were just as happy for the cooler temps. My bank account was thrilled at lower cooling bills since we only used our a/c for a short time. Nevertheless, to me, summer is hot weather and sunshine, pools, sprinklers, shorts and tees, everything we experience most summers, not cold and rain.

So it goes though, and the old poem, "We'll weather the weather, whatever the weather, whether we like it or not!" certainly rings true, and we count our blessings. Besides the lower electric bills, most perennials were quite happy, and I did very little watering.

Now, we are looking toward fall. In the stores, of course, it is fall. Displays feature orange, yellow, brown, and all things autumn. If I were go to Michaels, Christmas would be a prominent part of the store display, as well! Those with good garden harvests are preserving their yields. I'll be continuing to preserve my herbs until there's no more to harvest or until frost stops me. Once autumn arrives in earnest, I remember how nice it is to experience the changes: having everyone home together in the evenings, warm dinners, hot tea. . . it's not all bad!

Since autumn is on our minds, I'd like to feature some items that fit right in!

Soaps: apple cinnamon, pumpkin spice, toasted vanilla, and cinnamon & sugar - $6/bar
Room spray: See above scents. 4 oz./$8

Not on my site are:

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

As soon as I figure out what to do with the card reader we just got, I'll post new pics! It should work this time, LOL.

New Soap!

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

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

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

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

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


This week's AD

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

Not on my site are:

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


Thanks for reading, and have a great week!