ADVENTURES OF A DEMO

This weekend was amazing for so many different reasons.  I had the opportunity to do my first formal soaping demonstration at The Farmhouse in Trussville, AL. 

I had the BEST time with a group of wonderful ladies and GENTS, too -  who knew??!!  

I showed them how I make my glycerin louffa soaps.  But the best part was the demo for the cold-process method of soapmaking. 

All of the "students" left with soap goodies to take home.  And the good news is - we'll be having additional classes to delve deeper into the art of artisan soap making!!

Thanks to all of the members of the class who spent part of their Saturday with me and to The Farmhouse for hosting the class!

How was your weekend?

It's a GIVEAWAY!

GIVING

I love the excitement that surrounds giving!  The way a person responds when you've given them something just out of the clear blue - it's priceless to me.  The cliche says it's better to give than to receive sums up my post for today!

Because I love my fans and appreciate all of their support, love, and friendship, I'm doing a GIVEAWAY of my own.    It's nothing really fancy, but my sincere hope is that it lands in the hands of someone that needed to smile - for a moment or two of joy.

Check out our FB page for details.  Winner will be randomly chosen Monday after 6pm.

“If you wait until you can do everything for everybody, instead of something for somebody, you’ll end up not doing nothing for nobody.” ~ Malcom Bane

Hope you will join in on the fun!

Essence of Essential Oils

Essence of Essential Oils

What's an essential oil - really?  Essential oils are highly concentrated natural products and must be used with respect.  Only one precious drop of rose otto essential oil is produced from approximately 30 rosebuds.  Essential oils are so highly concentrated that few may be used directly on the skin.  

The molecular structure of a pure plant essential oil is so small that within minutes after application, the oil can be detected on the breath and in the bloodstream!  Just imagine what benefits your skin will receive from the rapid absorption of these regenerative and beautifying wonders of nature!!  

Here are a few of some of the "famous" essential oils:

Lavender - known for its soft, floral, and herbal scent.  Its aroma is known for its relaxing, calming effect on the central nervous system.  Also can relieve sunburns, insect bites, cuts, blemishes, headaches.

Tea Tree - has a strong, medicinal odor.  Known as a potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral essential oil.  Helps heal acne, open wounds, and rashes.

Rosemary - has a crisp, lemony aroma that helps open sinuses, heal wounds, and stimulate hair growth.

Again - be sure to research an essential oil's properties before applying it to your skin or using products that contain essential oils.   

Happy Bathing!!!

Benefits of Spearmint Essential Oil

Spearmint - Not Just for Chewing Gum

One of the things I love about soap making is the possibility of mixing and creating a vast variety of fragrances to go into my soaps.  One of my favorites is combing the sweetness of citrus with the stimulating freshness of spearmint oil.  LOVE IT!!!  

Here are a few of the benefits that spearmint oil is said to have:

• helps with headaches, migraines, stress, and tired muscles
• useful with digestion problems as it relaxes the stomach muscles and relieves hiccups
• helps with respiratory ailments such as asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis
• natural pain reliever for toothaches
• anti-flammatory effects helps heal irritated skin 

Pictured below:  Sweet Citrus Mint Soap

Happy Bathing!!!

Goat Milk Soap

Goat Milk Soap 101

Soapmaking is the kind of craft that is ever evolving.  There's always something to learn, a new ingredient to try, or a new skill or technique to perfect.  Some of the ingredients that I use are "standard issue" - olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, distilled water and the like.  However, there are a few ingredients that cross over into the "exotic or luxury" category.  Goat milk being one such ingredient.  

Why goat milk in soap?  Good question.  When you think about it, it may sound like a weird or unusual ingredient to use in soap.  I wouldn't be surprised if you thought, "YUCK", as some people do.  Until they try it - that is!!

Let's cover the basic properties of goat milk:

• natural emollient that soothe and moisturizes
• contains vitamins A, B, and E
• easily absorbed in the skin to allow for quick hydration
• contains natural fatty acids to help balance the skins pH levels
• promotes natural exfoliation of dry skin

I make a Chocolate Goat Milk Soap (first picture on the left) that is a Best Seller. A sweet, creamy treat for the skin!!

Make Your Own Relaxing Bath Salts

Soothing Mineral Bath

Happy Friday!!!  For most of us, the "corporate" work week is done.  You've done you're best on the job, now it's time to let your hair down and relax.  Why not, right??

For this post, I wanted to do something that I've NEVER done before.  I'm going to share with you a very simple recipe for making your very own all natural, soothing, and relaxing bath salts.  You can really get creative with this as the ingredients are mostly a matter of personal preference, but for the most part, you'll only need a few ingredients.  And the best part is it only takes a few minutes to make!!  

Most of these ingredients can be found in the grocery store.  For the essential oils, please research their skin care properties before using them.  They are usually found in places like Whole Foods, but can also be purchased on-line.  

You'll need:

1/4 cup baking soda 
1/4 cup sea salt 
1/4 cup Epsom salt 
1/4 cup French white clay powder or 1/4 cup bentonite clay (optional)
1 teaspoon sweet almond oil 
12 drops lavender essential oil 
12 drops eucalyptus essential oil 
24 drops sweet orange essential oil 

Directions:

Whisk together soda, salts, and clay powder in a bowl. Sprinkle with essential oils and whisk again until thoroughly blended. Store in a jar with lid. 

Dissolve 2 to 3 tablespoons in bath to create a soothing and refreshing soak.

Enjoy your Friday with a great book and a relaxing bath with something that YOU made with YOUR own hands!

FOOD FRIDAY:  30 Minute Meals

I'm all about a delicious, flavorful meal that does NOT take all day to make or a laundry list of ingredients.

Just looking at this recipe makes my mouth water!!

Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta

Chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing together make up one of my favorite culinary trifectas. In this creamy, flavorful pasta dish, they're combined in a cheesy sauce for a quick and delicious dinner. And judging by the way my boys gobble it up, it's definitely kid-approved!


Ingredients

1 lb mostaccioli or other short pasta
6 strips bacon, diced
1 Tbsp butter
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 packet ranch dressing mix
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Cook pasta according to package directions in boiling salted water; drain, return to pot, and keep warm.

2. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Drain all but one tablespoon of bacon drippings from the pan.

3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Add the butter to the reserved bacon drippings, then add the chicken to the same skillet. Cook until tender, no longer pink, and slightly browned.

4. Sprinkle the flour and ranch dressing mix over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly. Stir in the milk, and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and bubbly. Stir in the cheddar cheese and half of the reserved bacon; cook and stir until the cheese is melted. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.

5. Serve each plate of pasta with more bacon sprinkled over the top. Green onions would also be a delicious topping.

Enjoy!!