Fall is here, without a doubt! I'm feeling the urgency to get things finished before my garden is ready for rest.
We were at Genesee Country Museum on Saturday, and there was a vendor there for native plants and herbs. Naturally, I bought a couple of them. One was Geranium macalatum, which I may already have, but bought just in case. . . The other was Monarda fistulosa. I know I don't have that one. So, I have two more plants to get in the ground! I hope to get a few nice days soon that coincide with my schedule. I'm sure other gardeners can identify with that!
I felt very fortunate, also, to have found 4 cukes in my garden! I thought their season was over, so I stopped checking, but just happened upon them. I made soap with cucumber, aloe juice, and mint. Which brings me to my challenge. Send me a name for this soap and your address, and I'll send you some soap! I will take the first five entries, at least. Keep in mind that I want to emphasize the "cool" part of the cucumber. Of course, you'll want to send me your entry and addy privately, not as a public comment on the blog. Send it to beth@soapandgarden.com.
Last week's sale still applies throughout the month, but the contest ends on Thursday.
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 and fall scents. Just $7/bottle for 6 fl. oz.
Enjoy fall while we have it! Winter comes all too soon.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Fall is Here!
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!
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 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!
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