I was fortunate to have attended the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild annual conference in Denver, CO. Not only was it my first trip to Denver, but it was my first HSMG conference, as well.
I have to say that it was a terrific experience from beginning to end. Well, I could do without the flying, but even that was without incident.
Keynote speaker was Carol Moseley Braun, "a recovering politician," as she describes herself. Her address was very inspiring, as she is an accomplished woman from humble beginnings.
We then were offered sessions on soapmaking techniques to business to the science of soapmaking.
It was hard to make choices as to which one to attend! I attended one by Ann-Marie of Brambleberry, on liquid soapmaking. While I've made quite a few batches of LS, I wanted to see what she had to offer, and am excited about trying out thickening my soap with salt water instead of borax. This will be a great thing for those, as few they may be, who are sensitive to borax.
Stay tuned. More tomorrow!
Showing posts with label liquid soap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label liquid soap. Show all posts
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Oils and Skin
I am happy to report that Beau-dacious is coming along well, healing from his eye injury and subsequent surgery. He goes to the vet tomorrow for another check up, and I fully expect good news. :-) I'm just hoping that he can now get a hair cut, as he is looking awfully fluffy!
How about you? How are you looking now that winter is becoming spring? This is the time that we begin to assess our bodies, hair, and skin. Do we need to lose weight? Need a new haircut? Is the skin looking sluggish and dull? Although I offer products only for skincare, there's no denying that many facets of care are important in helping us look and be our best.
To look as vivacious and beautiful as we can be, we need to take care of ourselves. We need to take care of our physical needs by eating right, exercising, and getting adequate rest. We also need to take care of our spiritual needs.
Building from that, we can use cosmetics to care for our skin and to enhance what we have. Careful cleansing is an important first step, morning and night.
Exfoliating regularly is next. Once a week is usually adequate for dry skin, and twice for normal or oily skin, as more dead skin cells build up on oily skin.
Toning is a third, sometimes neglected step. It helps close the pores, so to speak, and removes the last vestiges of makeup. Toner should also add skin conditioners that will work on skin during the day.
Finally, moisturizer is essential, as it helps hold in the moisture from your skin. Sometimes, younger women, or those with oily skin will opt not to use moisturizer, thinking that they don't need it. A good moisturizer that is developed for your skin type is a vital part of your skin care routine. It can actually help regulate oil production, increasing it in dry skin, and lessening it in oily skin. It can help prevent wrinkles, and it can condition your skin while you're wearing it, all the while making your skin look better.
I do offer a facial soap for $6, and now. . .
How about you? How are you looking now that winter is becoming spring? This is the time that we begin to assess our bodies, hair, and skin. Do we need to lose weight? Need a new haircut? Is the skin looking sluggish and dull? Although I offer products only for skincare, there's no denying that many facets of care are important in helping us look and be our best.
To look as vivacious and beautiful as we can be, we need to take care of ourselves. We need to take care of our physical needs by eating right, exercising, and getting adequate rest. We also need to take care of our spiritual needs.
Building from that, we can use cosmetics to care for our skin and to enhance what we have. Careful cleansing is an important first step, morning and night.
Exfoliating regularly is next. Once a week is usually adequate for dry skin, and twice for normal or oily skin, as more dead skin cells build up on oily skin.
Toning is a third, sometimes neglected step. It helps close the pores, so to speak, and removes the last vestiges of makeup. Toner should also add skin conditioners that will work on skin during the day.
Finally, moisturizer is essential, as it helps hold in the moisture from your skin. Sometimes, younger women, or those with oily skin will opt not to use moisturizer, thinking that they don't need it. A good moisturizer that is developed for your skin type is a vital part of your skin care routine. It can actually help regulate oil production, increasing it in dry skin, and lessening it in oily skin. It can help prevent wrinkles, and it can condition your skin while you're wearing it, all the while making your skin look better.
I do offer a facial soap for $6, and now. . .
We are unveiling our new Body Glow shower exfoliant! It is a mostly-solid sugar/salt and oil mix that you use in the shower to gently exfoliate your skin. We've worked and worked on our formula, creating one that, while moisturizing, isn't greasy and doesn't make the shower slippery. It feels and smells great, and really does the job.
Just wet your skin, massage it gently, first on the hands, to the arms, then feet, legs, and finally, the torso. It's easy to rinse off, and your skin will thank you!
It's only $12 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)
Just because this is the week of the Lucky Irish, I am extending the introductory price THIS WEEK -- just $10! Exfoliation never felt so good.
Not on my site, 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 $4; 4 oz. $6.00
Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7
Foaming Soap: Comes in Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, and Lavender, as well as our regular scents. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.
Donations made to Missionary Flights International and Clean the World.org., bringing soap to people who can't afford it, thus, helping to stem disease in third world countries.
Not on my site, 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 $4; 4 oz. $6.00
Lotion: Hand and body lotion - 4 oz, $7
Foaming Soap: Comes in Apple Pie, plus Gingered Orange, Summer Tropical, and Lavender, as well as our regular scents. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.
Donations made to Missionary Flights International and Clean the World.org., bringing soap to people who can't afford it, thus, helping to stem disease in third world countries.
Have yourself a wonderful week!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Some pics and my friend, Rita
Here are a couple of pictures of my booth at my November show.Since Christmas, I've been working on Valentine's Day products and liquid soap. I'll post pics asap.
Many of us in the soap/toiletry world have lost a good friend today in Rita Scheu. She fought a long and courageous battle with breast cancer. Now, however, I rest in the thought that she is pain free, her tears are wiped away, and she is with Jesus forever. She left a family, however, that has the task of picking up the pieces and moving forward without Rita. My prayers go forth for them.
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 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, 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.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Beau Update and Spring Splendor
Spring Splendor is at its peak here in Rochester. The crabapples and Forsythia have already shed their flowers, but Magnolias, Flowering Quince, and my favorite, Redbud, are still wowing us with their beauty. As for bulb flowers, most of my Daffs have only leaves as reminders of their previous glory, but the tulips are beckoning a closer look.
As I walk around my yard, amazed and appalled at the proliferation of the dandelions (I know, they're good for us), I see old friends returning from previous years as well as perennials I planted last fall making their debut. All of these are exciting to me, but also very special are the lilacs.
Rochester, NY boasts the largest collection of Lilacs in the world, I am proud to announce. Whether it be tall or dwarf, red violet, lavender, pink, or white, you'll find it here. At least once during the festival you'll likely find us wandering around Highland Park, drinking in the heady scent. The park is home to many other wonderful types of vegetation, as well, and is well worth the effort to get there.
This is when I pity southerners, who can't grow the cold-loving lilacs. I admit that it's nice to have something on the warmer south!
In celebration of lilac month, I'd like to announce a sale.
It's Lilac Festival time in Rochester! The lilacs are in full bloom and are not only lovely, but are perfuming the air with their gorgeous scent. For the month of May, a free bar of Rochester Lilac soap will be included in any order of just $15 or more. If you don't have lilacs where you live, here is your chance to "stop and smell the lilacs."
Additional products in lilac scent include bath salts, bath milk, body spray, lotion, and liquid soap/shower gel.
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.
Foaming Soap: Comes in scents listed on site. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.
Now, for Beau news: the kid is growing, still very cute, playful, and not housebroken. It seems that he'll be one of those little guys who is so ugly that he's cute, LOL. Check out the photos. His final name is Beau, btw, but I call him, "Beaudacious," because that describes his personality. ;-)
Now, for Beau news: the kid is growing, still very cute, playful, and not housebroken. It seems that he'll be one of those little guys who is so ugly that he's cute, LOL. Check out the photos. His final name is Beau, btw, but I call him, "Beaudacious," because that describes his personality. ;-)
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