Get yer tootsies ready for summer. "Happy Feet" is a well-whipped creamy balm made with rice bran oil and olive oil. Light and airy and oh so yummy for your feets. Scented with "Good Day Sunshine" for wishful thinkin'! 2.5 ounces. Good Day Sunshine is a blend of citrus, sea waves and summer flowers. Don't that sound purty? It is.
One of the things I like the most about making soap is the never ending variety of colors swirl patterns and fragrances. Just added to the website:
Get yer tootsies ready for summer. "Happy Feet" is a well-whipped creamy balm made with rice bran oil and olive oil. Light and airy and oh so yummy for your feets. Scented with "Good Day Sunshine" for wishful thinkin'! 2.5 ounces. Good Day Sunshine is a blend of citrus, sea waves and summer flowers. Don't that sound purty? It is. I’ve been “soaping” since 2008. I’ve spent an unbelievable amount of time on research and development. Over the years it’s been literally thousands of hours. I researched on soap making for almost a full year before I poured my first batch. Lotion making took even longer to venture into. Lotion is a “leave-on” product whereas soap is a “wash-off” product. With your skin being the largest organ on your body and what you put ON it is just as important as what you put IN it. I am experienced, educated and carry business insurance to sell my products. I continue my education by actively participating several on-line soap making groups. These on-line communities are a tight knit group who share vast amounts of experience, trials and successes with each other. Also utter failures. And believe me there are many failures, flops and fugly soaps out there. This leads me to my reason for this post: While there are a great number of legitimate-business Bath and Body makers out there…there is an alarming uptick of newbies hawking unsafe and un-trialed products. This scares me to no end. Not because I’m afraid that they are going to take business away from me. Because some unsuspecting consumer will buy those unsafe products, have a reaction and get hurt. Freaks-me-out City! When that happens it affects the handcrafted industry as a whole. How do I recognize unsafe products? READ. THE. LABELS. My first reaction to seeing a hand crafted product is to snort disbelieving at the word “All Natural”. “Natural” is one of the most overused and under-defined words out there. There is no such thing as all natural soap. Ever. If the “soap” doesn't contain lye, it’s not soap by the scientific definition. No lye=no soap. It’s detergent. But if it does have lye (or the chemical name of Sodium Hydroxide) it’s not “natural” because lye is a manufactured product. That doesn’t fit my definition of “natural”. Does the label contain a list of the ingredients? Does it have the manufacturer name on it? If it contains any water in the recipe does it also contain a preservative? Is the manufacturer registered with the state and do they have a tax ID number? Do they take pride in developing their products, labels and packaging? Or does it look like it’s slap-dashed together with little thought or care…? I If so, RUN! Run far, far away from it. Don’t risk your health on someone’s scheme to make a quick buck. Legitimate B&B product makers should be able to answer any questions regarding the safety of their products and their manufacturing process without batting an eye and be proud to do so. Ask me anytime, anywhere about how I make my soaps or lotions. I will talk you through the multi-step and several hours process of proper preparation, creation and labeling for making a single batch. And that doesn’t include the hours of research to develop a recipe. Don’t get me wrong…I want, and heartily encourage, you to try other handcrafted products out there. Trust me: there are enough dirty butts out there for all the legit soapmakers. It’s a consumable product. Buy it, use it and buy more. So yes, by all means, test out other makers and maybe you’ll find another soaper’s recipe will work better for your skin type. That’s terrific…share the love. Just do it by being educated so that you’re a safe and wise consumer by reading and understanding the labels. Have any questions about what you’re reading on my labels? Ask me. I would be happy to explain things to you. Just be prepared that I might not shut up either. Once you get me going…It’s hard for me to stop. All though if your eyes start to glaze over and you fall asleep from boredom, I might get the hint. What's up next for Feeding the Habit? Watch Facebook for the announcement of new soaps being added to the website soon. Until next time, stay sudsy my friends. Stay sudsy! Happy Dance! Thanks to the Facebook fans who gave enough likes to a recent post we got ourselves a sale! *Cue the samba music* Starting today until Feb. 22 at 7:00 CST all soaps will be 15% off! Except for the Smokey Patchouli because it's already on sale. ☺ The website is updated to reflect the sale prices. Hop on over and get yourself some good clean fun. In other news: All is quiet on the soapy front! I've been making soap like crazy to build up stock for the summer craft shows. Of course we got the old favorites along with some new fabulous ones. I'm in love with the new "Lavendar Flowers" and "Honeysuckle". Can you tell that I like florals? For those who don't care for florals, I've a new teak and cardamon scented soap that is simply fantastic. Seriously. I haven't named it yet, but will do so soon and get it listed. We're getting on the down swing of winter but we're also savvy enough to know that we'll get a couple of snowy wallops before we're done. While we not-so-patiently wait for summer to arrive, I've been working on a new set of products for summer. Keep watch for the reveal of the new stuff. Here's a hint: It will literally knock the winter socks off your feet! By the way: If you haven't "Like"d Feeding the Habit on Facebook, git r' done! I am known for having lots of smile generating and giggle-fest photos, quips and quotes. Laughter is the best medicine, doncha know? Stay sudsy, my friends. Stay sudsy! Spring Dreams! January usually finds our mailbox piled with gardening catalogs. In addition to that we're in the throes of a January thaw that has us longing for spring and thinking it’s just around the corner. Ahhhh….spring! *cue the bright sunshine and singing birds! * Then BAM! We get hit with reality. It’s January, people! *cue the below zero temps and blizzard-like conditions*. We’ve got months and months to go before spring. :( *deep sigh* Did you know that your sense of smell is the strongest sense tied to memory? A fragrance will trigger very vivid memories. Have you ever had a smell do that to you? You smell it and *Bing* just like that an image or memory pops into your head? Whenever I smell Final Net Hair spray I think of my bestest friend in high school-Julie, and football games. (Hey! Don’t judge….Child of the 80’s here…BIG hair ruled and Final Net was the shellac of choice!) Pleasant, fun filled memories of hanging out, secret crushes and teenaged-giggles. So how about we do the next best thing to fast forwarding the clock a couple of months and spark a spring-like state of mind with fragrance? "Spring Dreams!" A Feeding the Habit January two-fer special. How about a bar of “Garden Green” along with a bar of Turned Earth for $7.50 in generate a little spring-like feeling? What’s “Garden Green” smell like? Off the top you’ll get some lemon-lime scent, then a little leafy-herby in the middle and lastly, a tad bit of earthy base. Add in a whiff of the Turned Earth and Wowee and you'll want to dig out the gardening gloves and the little shovel. This combination will conjure up pleasant memories of turning over that damp, sun-warmed soil in the flower bed for the first time of the season. Ahhhh…. "Garden Green" is a Limited Edition so get it while you can. And only being sold as part of the "Spring Dreams" two-fer deal! BTW: Tassi Lavender is back! Stay Sudsy, my friends. Stay Sudsy. Visual inspiration... Monet's Garden at Giverny Properly taught and well-used hygiene is something we take for granted. Not so in every corner of the world. This is why Feeding the Habit supports Clean the World This non-profit organization collects and redistributes soaps all over the world. More importantly it teaches these nations and it's people how to use it. Greatly reducing disease and death. 25 lbs of soaps being mailed to their headquarters today. I feel good about that. Really. Good. Stay sudsy, my friends. Stay sudsy. May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you and all your heart might desire. A sincere and heartfelt blessing from me and mine to you and yours for 2013. ♥ Thank you for totally rocking 2012 with me! Stacks of freshly wrapped soaps ready for deliver to Very Vintage in Litchfield this week. Two new fragrances along with the some traditional favorites. How dry I am.... Ahh…winter in Minnesota. Dry, itchy skin abounds. The force air heat and the cold winter air exacerbates any dry skin you might already have. One of my awesome (!) regular customers asked me “What’s good for dry skin?” It’s a common question so I thought it would make a terrific blog post. Of course you know I’m going to mention that using my lotion is a good step in combating that dry skin. I carefully selected the oils and additives to ensure I had an excellent product. And to be perfectly honest, even though I researched and selected the oils based on their natural vitamins and skin loving properties, it even surprises me at how wonderful it is. I’m like “Damn! I made that? Yah me!” ☺ A little lotion will go a long ways, you don’t need to use a lot. It goes on a little tacky but that’s a handcrafted lotion for you. Give it just a bit of time and it will absorb quite nicely. It's not going to feel heavy on your skin at all. And added bonus is that all three fragrances I carry smell amazing. YumE! But, truthfully, the easiest and most cost effective thing to do would be to only use soap only on the...um....'er...highs and lows while in the shower. IfyouknowwhatImean? Only use soap or body wash (of any kind) on the parts that get (putting this as delicately as possible)…smelly. Yup, just the smelly bits need “washing” regularly. The arm pits, down there and your feet. That’s it. Your arms and legs, torso are the areas that are more apt to get dry in the winter, right? Do you really think as you go through your average day that they are getting “dirty”? Probably not. So why soap them up? Our skin was never designed to be washed as often as we modern Americans do it. Go ahead and shower daily if you feel you must, but just wash the smelly bits. You'd be surprised how much better your skin will be. AND lastly…like you’ve never heard this before: Drink More Water!! The absolute best way is to hydrate skin is from the inside out. If you make a conscious effort to down an extra glass of water or four every day your skin will love you for it. Easy-peasy. By far cheaper and easier than buying any lotion, whipped body lotion or body oil. Extremely simple and effective ways to battle dry skin: Drink water and wash selectively. And of course use Feeding the Habit lotions and soaps. =o) As you know I often ask for opinions and suggestions. I truly value your thoughts and feedback. After all, what kind of business would I have without your insight?
So when it comes time for the all important decisions I defer to you for guidance and direction. What's better? "A Christmas Story" or "Christmas Vacation"? ☺ Enjoying a lovely Sunday afternoon at home in front of the idiot box. (Also known at the TV). During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season...I wish you a fuzzy slippers, belly laughs and hot cocoa kind of a day!! You deserve it. If it weren't for the last minute... Nothing would get done! Got your tinsel in a tangle?
Never fear…a Christmas Open House is near. (With wine. Lots of wine.) Come shop for locally made handcrafted, artisan stuff while enjoying a little holiday cheer. Got your shopping list done? (Are you kidding me?!?) Well, come out have some cheer with us anyway. Tuesday Dec. 11th 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm 22903 545th Ave. Grove City MN Got questions? Call Stacey 320-266-2296 Featuring: Feeding the Habit StriptTeez by Denise and David Deaner Glass Whimsy by Corrine Thul Next up for Feeding the Habit is the The Forest City Stockade Pioneer Christmas, on Dec. 1st, 2012, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Stockade is an 1862 historically correct re-enactment. It's completely organized and worked by volunteers. It's only open twice a year. In Aug. for a Rendezvous Event and for the Pioneer Christmas in December. Swing over to their website and read more about this memorial.www.forestcitystockade.org "On September 3, 1862 during the Sioux Uprising the citizens of Forest City erected upon this site a stockade for the defense against Indians. Early next morning soon after some 240 people had taken refuge there, the stockade was attacked. The Indians were driven off but a state of siege existed for ten days before the people were relieved by Company B of the 8th Minnesota Volunteer Regiment." Earlier this year I wrote a post about using buffalo tallow for a pioneer soap. This soap will be available at the event. In addition to free samples of lard soap. Look for us in the wheelwright's building. If you make trip out to the Stockade bring your appetite and pick up a little Christmas Spirit. There is a hearty sausage stew that's served that is wonderful and oh so filling. In addition to fresh made lefse, hand-cranked ice cream and gingerbread cookies. Let's not forget all the roaming Christmas carolers, the horse drawn sleigh rides and the smell of wood smoke and pine in the air. Want a little more to do? How about a jaunt over to the little town of Forest City and find their general store. There you can purchase old fashioned ribbon Christmas candy and herring. And if you're so inclined to cut your own Christmas tree you can stop by Turk's Trees right there on HWY 24. A great event for the whole family and a Christmas Tradition in the making. It's worth the trip. Directions to the stockade is available on the Stockade website. www.forestcitystockade.org |
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By Stacey Neuhaus
The non-sensical ramblings of an Obsessive Compulsive Crafter/Beatle-Manic/Theatre Junkie/Country Hick Archives
June 2015
Stuff,
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