Saturday, August 29, 2009

Southern Scents Social

Soon, September 26, 2009, the yahoo group, MISSsoap@yahoogroups.com will be having it's annual get together at Porter Farm in Canton, MS. A beautiful farm nestled on the Natchez Trace that's sure to wow. The social hosts and farm owners, Judy and Dred Porter, are a very nice couple that show great Southern hospitality. The food served for lunch is delicious. The members are so friendly and are kind enough to share their knowledge. Last year's social was my first and they soon took me in. This year the same group of great folks also attend the Alabama Meeting, also a yahoo group. Over the years, the Alabama group has grown by leaps and bounds. I know the Mississippi group will grow just as large, in time.

The Southern Scents Social has members who come from as far as Illinois. I recently noticed the group even has a member from Australia! The Southern Scents Social invites all, as long as they join our yahoo group, and for only a small fee that covers the costs of food during the event. Once all the demonstrations and socializing are squared away, a hayride closes out the day's unique and entertaining events. Last year was the first hayride I had ever been on. Last year was so much fun! Along the ride you get to listen to a ghost story while driving along the Porter property where a Civil War skirmish once took place. Great stories if you are a history buff, like I am. But even now, I can still hear the ghostly story of "Taily Bone". "Taily bone...taily bone, where's my taily bone?" All long, while riding in the early fall night air with a starlit night as our guide.
Fun times at Porter Farm!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Thursday, August 20, 2009

New Labels for Body Balm



My new body balm is here! My label is fresh off the press too. I'm very excited right now. This was my first attempt at using Photo Shop. My friend Marsha tutored me yesterday and this morning. I keep learning more things each day. I've always been intimidated by computers but now knowing they have fun programs just makes me proud to be able to use my computer more.I can't wait to see how much I progress in the weeks to come. Soon I will dabble in Paint Shop Pro and see where that takes me.

My Coconut scented body balm is made from beeswax, Shea butter, sweet almond oil and a yummy toasted coconut fragrance oil. I will introduce another one that will have a new formula. Time to ponder that...

Monday, August 17, 2009

Baby Shower Order & Phthalates




Today, all I can smell is fresh soap curing. I have an order for a client who is having a baby shower. She asked me to make her gifts for her hosts. I'm so happy to do this for her.I must add, it's a big order too! She requested 15 bars of soap, 15 spa bars, 15 lotion bars, and 5 twist up lotion sticks. Whoever gets these will surely know how much they are appreciated. No need for air freshener when you make handmade soaps! The scent wafting through my home is Pure Rain, made by Wholesale Supplies Plus. This is the fragrance used to scent the 15 spa bars. WSP carries most of the fragrances and essential oils I use in my bath and body products. Debbie May is the owner of this supply company in Ohio. Her products are tested and are of the finest quality and competitively priced for this industry. She has made it her mission to sell fragrances and flavor oils(used in lip balms) that are phthalate -free and are made in the USA.


What are phthalates and why should I know about them? Phthalates are "plasticisers",an industrial chemical used to make PVC more pliable. Shockingly, it is also found in children's and pet toys, food packaging, wall coverings, vinyl flooring, adhesives, detergents,nail polish, hairspray, shampoo and even perfumes! Phthalates are esters of phthalic acid. They are oily, color-free and odorless. Often they are used to help beauty products "hold" scent. Imagine all the things we know our skin comes in contact with we know is harmful. Would you think that these plasticisers effect our bodies? They have proven to affect both male and female reproductive systems as well as cause liver cancer. Be kind to your vessel that carries you through this life. Look for products that are manufactured safely and that have made changes in the chemicals they use to make your everyday products. Being healthy is being aware. Take charge of your health!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Lotion Bars and Lip Balms

Soon, I will add lotion bars in a twist up tube to my line of bath products. My ingredients are simple yet amazing: Shea butter, Sweet Almond oil and beeswax. These body balms will come in scented and unscented. I will also be adding lip balms. This project is still on the drawing table though. They will have plenty of good ingredients to pamper those puckers. My flavors so far will be Chai, French Vanilla, Herbal Mint, Plain and something like Tangerine. These are kind of all grown up flavors but if I can find a good kiddie one, I will add it.
I'm very excited to be trying new products. These new items are very easy to use and instant results which is more my speed. Now off to the drawing table!