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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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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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!

More on bathing

Besides relaxing and cleaning, what can a bath do for you? A bath can also be therapeutic. Hydrotherapy has been used throughout the ages for various afflictions of the human body. Old skin cells and even lesions are soaked off, blood circulation is stimulated, promoting elimination of body toxins, and it aids the digestive system.

How do I take a therapeutic bath?

At it's very simplest, a bather fills the tub with warm water that is comfortable, not too hot, and not cold. However, other products can be added to the water to treat specific circumstances.

Here are some:

* Oatmeal - oats are known for soothing itchy and/or irritated skin and conditioning it, as well as relaxing the person using them.

* Baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) - Add a cup or two to the water to soften it, and to make the skin feel silky. It is a deodorizer, also.

* Cornstarch - soothes irritated, dry or itchy skin. Makes the bath feel "silky."


Order by Tuesday at midnight EST, to get Cyber Monday specials for your Christmas gifts!

To celebrate, take 20% of your order placed until midnight Tuesday, EST only! Shipping is additional.

The rest of the week, take 15% off any order of $15 or more, not counting shipping.

Every order over $25 gets a free bar of soap, anything I have in stock.

Every order $70 or over gets free shipping.

Products not on the site:

Shower glow: $10
Herbal Bath Teas: $2
Liquid soap: 2 oz. for $4; 4 oz. $6.00
Lotion: 4 oz, $7
Limited Edition Soap: Lavender Patch, a lovely blend of lavender and patchouli. Very few bars left, $6.50 ea.

Why take a bath?

I've started my campaign enjoining everyone to take a bath once each week. You might be wondering why. The answer is that it's good for you! How, you ask? Well, for several reasons, which I will list. These are my opinions, so do with them what you will, although I know it's true. :-)

1. You get a chance to soak, removing impurities from your skin.

2. You can soak in a tub with things that help remove the impurities, such as sea salts and epsom salts.

3. You can soak with products that nourish your skin, including oils, herbs, and milks and emerge clean and pampered.

4. You can relax. It might be your only chance all week long!


Just to tantalize you further, take a moment to close your eyes and picture yourself lowering into the tub of warm water that you have added scented bath salts, bath milks, oils, or herbs to. Do you smell it? You're lying there, submerged up to your chin in the silky, warm water as if you didn't have a care in the world. Enhance your experience with candles and soothing music. Don't fall asleep, but let every muscle relax and tune out for just a little while. Now, wash and shampoo, and get out.

Don't you feel better just thinking about it?