Those of you who love autumn, your time has arrived! It's getting colder, especially at night. The leaves are turning, and indeed, falling, apples have edged out many summer fruits at farmers' markets and grocery stores, and we are putting away shorts and tanks in favor of long sleeves and jeans. Like many others, I am involved in harvesting and preserving herbs for winter use. Some I use for culinary purposes, while others are for my family's home remedies. I've made elderberry tincture, syrup, and cordial, which has already been put to use by sick kids. I hate to think about what kind of winter we'll have in regards to sickness, but I plan to do all I can to keep everyone healthy. I have to say that the elderberry/apple crisp was just delicious, and worth repeating, for sure.
In addition to my culinary and remedy activities, I enjoy preserving and using many herbs for my soap and bath and body products, as well as household products. Some herbs provide cosmetic benefits, while others give us color or other benefits. I find this aspect of what I do to be engrossing and just a lot of fun. Thinking about new and even repeating "old" products for that my customers makes it even more fun!
We are having trouble with our card reader, so I still don't have pictures to post. I'll certainly update the blog once they're up, though.
Fall Fun Sale! Since autumn has arrived, I'd like to feature some products to celebrate it:
Soap: Apple Cinnamon, Pumpkin Spice, Toasted Vanilla, and Cinnamon & Sugar. They each have goodies like real apple and cinnamon! $6/bar.
Room Spray: see the 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.
Please read my blog to catch up on recent herbal and floral adventures!
Thanks for reading, and have a great week!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, August 31, 2009
New Soap!
Recently, I made a soap batch using a new technique. It's made with beer. Why beer, you ask?
Good question! When I first heard of it, all I could think of was the stale beer smell, and of course, it didn't appeal to me. Somewhere along the line, however, I learned that beer contributed to great lather, and that it's often considered essential for a good shampoo bar. It's also pleasant smelling--really, even without added scent! I threw in some cornsilk and calendula for color. The beer of choice is a raspberry wheat beer brewed by Southern Tier Brewing Co. in Lakewood, NY, so I scented it in raspberry.
Try some today! It's even included in the August sale.
Emily and I will upload a couple of photos for your viewing.
On the garden front, the news is not so happy. My tomatoes fell victim to Late Tomato Blight. It wouldn't have been a great crop to begin with because the area they're planted in gets shadier every year, and because of the cold weather. Tomatoes like it warm. The Blight, however, was devastating to them. My cukes didn't do too badly, though, the peppers are OK, and I have some squash coming, so it's not all bad. Today, I cleaned up a fence garden along my front walk. I got some herbs such as strawberry leaves, lemon balm, and violet leaves to preserve and use, so I feel good about that. One more garden to tackle in the front, and we're ready to move to the back.
This week's AD
What's on special? Everything! Take 10% off of your order. Everything on the site or below is included, no minimum purchase. If that's not enough, I'll add a free bar of soap with any $25 purchase! Patchouli excluded. Just put 10% in the comments section or email me at beth@soapandgarden.com.
Not on my site are:
Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - $2/ea.
Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00
Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7
Foaming Soap: Comes in scents listed on site. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.
Thanks for reading, and have a great week!
Good question! When I first heard of it, all I could think of was the stale beer smell, and of course, it didn't appeal to me. Somewhere along the line, however, I learned that beer contributed to great lather, and that it's often considered essential for a good shampoo bar. It's also pleasant smelling--really, even without added scent! I threw in some cornsilk and calendula for color. The beer of choice is a raspberry wheat beer brewed by Southern Tier Brewing Co. in Lakewood, NY, so I scented it in raspberry.
Try some today! It's even included in the August sale.
Emily and I will upload a couple of photos for your viewing.
On the garden front, the news is not so happy. My tomatoes fell victim to Late Tomato Blight. It wouldn't have been a great crop to begin with because the area they're planted in gets shadier every year, and because of the cold weather. Tomatoes like it warm. The Blight, however, was devastating to them. My cukes didn't do too badly, though, the peppers are OK, and I have some squash coming, so it's not all bad. Today, I cleaned up a fence garden along my front walk. I got some herbs such as strawberry leaves, lemon balm, and violet leaves to preserve and use, so I feel good about that. One more garden to tackle in the front, and we're ready to move to the back.
This week's AD
What's on special? Everything! Take 10% off of your order. Everything on the site or below is included, no minimum purchase. If that's not enough, I'll add a free bar of soap with any $25 purchase! Patchouli excluded. Just put 10% in the comments section or email me at beth@soapandgarden.com.
Not on my site are:
Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - $2/ea.
Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00
Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7
Foaming Soap: Comes in scents listed on site. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.
Thanks for reading, and have a great week!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Summer fun
What kind of fun are you having this summer? I hope you get to do all of the things that you longed to do during the winter months. Summer has finally arrived here, so I'm doing some of the things that I enjoy.
Friday, my two girls and I went to Genesee Country Village & Museum, a 19th century living historical museum, nestled in Mumford, NY. We have visited this museum many times through the years, but each time brings something new to learn and discover. The highlight of Friday's trip, for me, was visiting the Shaker House and Gardens. A docent was there to give us a tour and to explain the Shakers' interests, primarily in growing and using herbs.
The Shakers were very industrious people, with many inventions to their credit, and they used herbs extensively for healing. In the Shaker house, rosewater was infusing, calendula petals were drying, and boxes were filled with herb and seed for sale. It's probably my favorite place in the museum.
I wanted to pick the brain of the docent of the pioneer log cabin about soap, but they were very busy readying the cabin for guests, so I decided that was best left for another visit.
The flower gardens were proudly displaying themselves to best affect for visitors to enjoy, and were particularly noteworthy because they were heirloom flowers.
On Sunday, the Henrietta Garden Club went to the Canandaigua Wine & Culinary Center and then to Sonnenberg Gardens. I doubted that we could do them both justice in one day, but we really did.
CW&CC is devoted to showing off what NY has to offer in wine and produce. For those who don't know, NY is a leading apple producer, has many wineries in the Niagara, Finger Lakes, and Hudson areas, as well as other growing crops. At the center, cooking classes are offered, including food and wine pairings, and there is a fine restaurant offering NY dishes.
One may simply tour the facility and visit the gift shop, nevertheless, and catch a beautiful view of Canandaigua Lake from the balcony of the top floor.
Our second stop, Sonnenberg Gardens, is a tour of a mansion and its grounds. The Thompson family, wealthy NY bankers, built it as their summer home, one of five residences, and had gardens created in various styles. We visited the Japanese Garden, the Roman Bath, the Rose Garden, the Perennial Garden, and the Italian Garden, as well as the greenhouses. It had been years since I was there last, and they've done an immense amount of work in restoring the house and grounds to its former glory. It was all amazing, and we enjoyed ourselves, despite the intense heat.
Pictures will follow as soon as I can coax my camera to upload them. :-)
Remember our August special!
Friday, my two girls and I went to Genesee Country Village & Museum, a 19th century living historical museum, nestled in Mumford, NY. We have visited this museum many times through the years, but each time brings something new to learn and discover. The highlight of Friday's trip, for me, was visiting the Shaker House and Gardens. A docent was there to give us a tour and to explain the Shakers' interests, primarily in growing and using herbs.
The Shakers were very industrious people, with many inventions to their credit, and they used herbs extensively for healing. In the Shaker house, rosewater was infusing, calendula petals were drying, and boxes were filled with herb and seed for sale. It's probably my favorite place in the museum.
I wanted to pick the brain of the docent of the pioneer log cabin about soap, but they were very busy readying the cabin for guests, so I decided that was best left for another visit.
The flower gardens were proudly displaying themselves to best affect for visitors to enjoy, and were particularly noteworthy because they were heirloom flowers.
On Sunday, the Henrietta Garden Club went to the Canandaigua Wine & Culinary Center and then to Sonnenberg Gardens. I doubted that we could do them both justice in one day, but we really did.
CW&CC is devoted to showing off what NY has to offer in wine and produce. For those who don't know, NY is a leading apple producer, has many wineries in the Niagara, Finger Lakes, and Hudson areas, as well as other growing crops. At the center, cooking classes are offered, including food and wine pairings, and there is a fine restaurant offering NY dishes.
One may simply tour the facility and visit the gift shop, nevertheless, and catch a beautiful view of Canandaigua Lake from the balcony of the top floor.
Our second stop, Sonnenberg Gardens, is a tour of a mansion and its grounds. The Thompson family, wealthy NY bankers, built it as their summer home, one of five residences, and had gardens created in various styles. We visited the Japanese Garden, the Roman Bath, the Rose Garden, the Perennial Garden, and the Italian Garden, as well as the greenhouses. It had been years since I was there last, and they've done an immense amount of work in restoring the house and grounds to its former glory. It was all amazing, and we enjoyed ourselves, despite the intense heat.
Pictures will follow as soon as I can coax my camera to upload them. :-)
Remember our August special!
What's on special? Everything! Take 10% off of your order. Everything on the site or below is included, no minimum purchase. If that's not enough, I'll add a free bar of soap with any $25 purchase! Patchouli is excluded. Just put 10% in the comments section or email me at beth@soapandgarden.com.
Not on my site are:
Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - $2/ea.
Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00
Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7
Foaming Soap: Comes in scents listed on site. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.
Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - $2/ea.
Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00
Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7
Foaming Soap: Comes in scents listed on site. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.
Thanks for reading, and have a great week!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Catching Up!
I guess it's been awhile! In reading my last post, I see that it was before the gathering that took place more than two weeks ago. I am happy to report that the CNY Soapmakers Gathering went very well. We enjoyed good attendance, many vendors were represented with their contributions to the goody bags and doorprizes, our demos were very informational, lunch was delicious, and everyone had fun. All of this and perfect weather at an ideal site. We could hardly ask for more. The weather in general hasn't improved tremendously, although we have reveled in a few sunny, warm days. Too often, though, it seems that if it isn't raining too much to go outside, the mosquitoes run me right back in. I can hardly wear enough repellent to keep them away. Nevertheless, I have to admit that my perennials are quite happy, even if I'm not as enthusiastic. I have posted a photo of my gaggle of geese (Gooseneck Loosestrife), my dog, Beau, with his new hairdo, and some recent soap batches. I've also included photos of the herbs Marshmallow and Mountain Mint. You may be surprised to learn that Marshmallow is an herb, and what's more, it was the basis for the confection we enjoy today. Historically, it has been used for inflammation, among other uses, and eaten by the Romans and other civilizations. Cosmetically, it makes products and the skin feel smoother. The botanical name is Althaea officinalis. Mountain Mint (my variety, Pycanthemum virginianum), is a more unusual type of mint. Even the taste and smell is different than the more traditional spearmint or peppermint. I like it because it is very sturdy, the flowers are beautiful and attract bees, and it dries well to use for potpourris and dried floral arrangements. I have only used it for culinary purposes, mainly tea. In reading up on it, however, I see that I should work to expand my use of it for myself and my family. Cosmetically, it may make the skin look fresher, used in soap or bath, and the mint aroma is very pleasant, of course. It's going on my "to-do" list!
So, what's on special for August? Everything! Anything is 10% off, no minimum order. Just put 10% off in the info. box, or email me, beth@soapandgarden.com, and I'll make sure you get your sale price. If that's not enough, you'll get a free bar of soap with every $20 purchase. It has to be something I have in stock besides Patchouli. See what's offered at www.SoapandGarden.com
Not on my site are:
Herbal Bath Teas: Oatmeal, Milk, & Honey, Purely Herbal Blend, Four Milk Blend, and Relaxation Blend - $2/ea.
Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00
Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7
Foaming Soap: Comes in scents listed on site. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Mid-July Gardens
I would like to say I've been outside every day, but the weather has not cooperated! It had been cold and rainy for so many days in a row, I couldn't even count them. Today, however, was just beautiful. Of course, I had to go to work, and the rest of the week is taken up with gathering preparations, but it is nice to have the sun back.
We recently took a trip to MI to see family and had a wonderful time. The trip was long through the States, but rather uneventful, which is the way we like it.
Since we returned, I've done little else, other than finish my Saponifier article, than getting ready for the annual Central New York Soapmakers Gathering, to be held in Binghamton, NY. I'm just hoping that I get everything together in time and don't forget anything! I'm in charge for the first time, so it's all new. If it goes well, I'll be posting gleefully. If not, I may not post at all, LOL. Signs point to a great time, with helpful demonstrations, lots of donations for doorprizes and goody bags, many attendees, and a wonderful hostess, Maria Gelnett.
Check out www.soapandgarden.com for all of your soap and bath product needs!
We recently took a trip to MI to see family and had a wonderful time. The trip was long through the States, but rather uneventful, which is the way we like it.
Since we returned, I've done little else, other than finish my Saponifier article, than getting ready for the annual Central New York Soapmakers Gathering, to be held in Binghamton, NY. I'm just hoping that I get everything together in time and don't forget anything! I'm in charge for the first time, so it's all new. If it goes well, I'll be posting gleefully. If not, I may not post at all, LOL. Signs point to a great time, with helpful demonstrations, lots of donations for doorprizes and goody bags, many attendees, and a wonderful hostess, Maria Gelnett.
Check out www.soapandgarden.com for all of your soap and bath product needs!
Monday, June 8, 2009
June is Bustin' Out!
Wow, is it June already? Time really does fly. I love June, though. The warmer temps (although we have yet to experience them this month), the flowers blooming gloriously, the longer days, it's all exciting and invigorating after the long months inside. I so enjoy walking outside and seeing more things blooming than the day before.
At work, we were very busy with Mother's Day and all the wonderful children who get flowers for their mothers. We recovered from that and moved to the Junior Prom and the Senior Ball, with some concerts and early college graduations thrown in.
My hubby and I celebrated our wedding anniversary in May by taking a trip for two to Belhurst Castle in Geneva, NY. Everything was so nice and we were treated very well by the staff there. If only I hadn't gotten sick!
That same weekend, my garden club participated in a plant sale called Proud Market, where we sold plants we had all potted up. We did quite well, earning some money to pay our next year's speakers with. :-)
Sunday, I was fortunate enough to go to Linwood Gardens to see tree peonies. These gardens are located in Pavilion, NY, and were the gardens of a wealthy family. I don't know too much about the history, but someone must have loved tree peonies, because the collection is quite extensive. We were warned that the most of the peonies had already bloomed, so we didn't know if disappoinment was in store, but I am happy to report that there were enough blooms left to impress us, so I'm glad I went.
On the way back, we stopped at a garden center, Palmiter's, where I got 4 herbs--pineapple sage, lemon verbena, a Japanese herb that I can't recall the name of, and a beautiful variegated oregano. Yea! I had a lemon verbena for years, until it finally gave up. I couldn't find one last year, so I snatched it up yesterday. I've also had pineapple sage in the past, and really enjoyed it, so I was happy to find it again. I never remember to take cuttings in time in the fall!
I also found a hardy geranium, "Midnight Reiter." It's blue and beautiful, and I can't wait to plant it. I have quite a collection of geraniums now, and it's my goal to get them all photographed and properly labeled.
At my local garden store, I spotted a huge amount and variety of wonderful ceramic planters for container gardens. I gravitated toward green and white ones, but they just weren't right. Suddenly, the cobalt blue caught my eye, and there it was, the accent color I needed to spice up my front yard decor! Of course, the cost of buying all the pots I'd have liked, coupled with the weight of moving them around every year kept me from putting my money where my imagination was. Instead of purchasing the lovely ceramic pots, I took my 40% off coupon to Michael's and bought paint and am working on painting plastic pots. I used Krylon's Fusion paint for plastic. It works well, but wasn't quite the right blue, so I did a faux cobalt effect, and then added a bit of very dark blue for depth. I am spraying them with a finish spray and then they will finally be ready for planting with all of the flowers and herbs I've purchased. Whew! No wonder I'm tired.
I have photos of Belhurst to post, and some geraniums, but will have to post Linwood pictures later after my techies help me figure out what's wrong. I hope I have all the pictures.
At work, we were very busy with Mother's Day and all the wonderful children who get flowers for their mothers. We recovered from that and moved to the Junior Prom and the Senior Ball, with some concerts and early college graduations thrown in.
My hubby and I celebrated our wedding anniversary in May by taking a trip for two to Belhurst Castle in Geneva, NY. Everything was so nice and we were treated very well by the staff there. If only I hadn't gotten sick!
That same weekend, my garden club participated in a plant sale called Proud Market, where we sold plants we had all potted up. We did quite well, earning some money to pay our next year's speakers with. :-)
Sunday, I was fortunate enough to go to Linwood Gardens to see tree peonies. These gardens are located in Pavilion, NY, and were the gardens of a wealthy family. I don't know too much about the history, but someone must have loved tree peonies, because the collection is quite extensive. We were warned that the most of the peonies had already bloomed, so we didn't know if disappoinment was in store, but I am happy to report that there were enough blooms left to impress us, so I'm glad I went.
On the way back, we stopped at a garden center, Palmiter's, where I got 4 herbs--pineapple sage, lemon verbena, a Japanese herb that I can't recall the name of, and a beautiful variegated oregano. Yea! I had a lemon verbena for years, until it finally gave up. I couldn't find one last year, so I snatched it up yesterday. I've also had pineapple sage in the past, and really enjoyed it, so I was happy to find it again. I never remember to take cuttings in time in the fall!
I also found a hardy geranium, "Midnight Reiter." It's blue and beautiful, and I can't wait to plant it. I have quite a collection of geraniums now, and it's my goal to get them all photographed and properly labeled.
At my local garden store, I spotted a huge amount and variety of wonderful ceramic planters for container gardens. I gravitated toward green and white ones, but they just weren't right. Suddenly, the cobalt blue caught my eye, and there it was, the accent color I needed to spice up my front yard decor! Of course, the cost of buying all the pots I'd have liked, coupled with the weight of moving them around every year kept me from putting my money where my imagination was. Instead of purchasing the lovely ceramic pots, I took my 40% off coupon to Michael's and bought paint and am working on painting plastic pots. I used Krylon's Fusion paint for plastic. It works well, but wasn't quite the right blue, so I did a faux cobalt effect, and then added a bit of very dark blue for depth. I am spraying them with a finish spray and then they will finally be ready for planting with all of the flowers and herbs I've purchased. Whew! No wonder I'm tired.
I have photos of Belhurst to post, and some geraniums, but will have to post Linwood pictures later after my techies help me figure out what's wrong. I hope I have all the pictures.
The world is in bloom and I am thrilled! I am so thrilled, that I am offering a new item free.
If you order $25 worth of product (before shipping), I will add a full size foamer bottle of liquid soap in any scent you like, as long as it's one I have in stock. This includes essential oils. No charge.
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
Limited Edition Soap: Lavender Patch, a lovely blend of lavender and patchouli. Very few bars left, $6.50 ea.
Liquid shower gel: All natural. 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00
Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7
Limited Edition Soap: Lavender Patch, a lovely blend of lavender and patchouli. Very few bars left, $6.50 ea.
Foaming Soap: Comes in scents listed on site. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.
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