Soap Deli News

Enjoying Spa Quality Clay Facials at Home

2008-08-06T11:48:22Z

Clays have been used for centuries as a natural agent to help beautify the skin. Clays have the ability to absorb excess oils, dirt and harmful toxins from the skin. Powdered clay is used as the basis for the facial masks and body masks offered by spas. The benefits are enhanced when powdered herbs and nutritives are included in the facial mask recipe. Applying facial masks in a gentle circular motion exfoliates, cleans and invigorates the skin while improving blood circulation. Home facial products such as Burt's Bees Healthy Treatment Pore Refining Mask, for instance, contain powdered clay and herbs. If you would like to enjoy the benefits of clay facials on a regular basis, products like these can become expensive. It, however, is easy and affordable to make clay facials at home by using a few simple ingredients.

Clays come from various regions of the world but some are preferred in skin care for their unique properties. The mineral content and physical structure of each clay determines the effect it has on the skin. Most clays have the ability to absorb toxins and excess oils from the skin but they differ in their level of absorption. Regular use of clay facials will remove dead skin cells, improve circulation to the skin, remove debris from the pores and bring about a smooth, healthy glow.

Clays that are suitable for dry, sensitive or normal skin are Pink Kaolin, White Kaolin, Yellow Kaolin, and Rose. Clays that are suitable for oily skin are Bentonite, French Green, Green Illite, Red Kaolin, Blue Montmorillonite, Red Montmorillonite, Moroccan Red, and Multani Mitti (Indian Fullers Earth). Clays that are suitable for all skin types are Dead Sea, Rhassoul and Sea clays.

When purchasing clays, be sure to purchase clays that are cosmetic or medicinal grade. Technical grade clays often have dangerously high content levels of lead and should be avoided. Cosmetic clays, herbs, nutritives and jars can be purchased through From Nature With Love: www.fromnaturewithlove.com.

Clays are frequently used in facials, but they can also be added to handmade body powders and soaps. Cosmetic clays come in beautiful hues including pink, deep red, light sage green, yellow, white, gray and blue. This array of colors also makes them a popular choice for use as a natural colorant in bath salts and other handcrafted beauty products.

The following facial mask recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit specific skin types and personal preferences.

Clay Facial Mask Recipe

2-3 oz. cosmetic clay
1-2 oz. powdered herbs or nutritives
water or hydrosol
1-2 drops essential oil added at the time of application (optional)

Choose cosmetic clays and herbs that are suitable for your skin type. Citrus peel powder adds astringency, rose petal powder adds fragrance, yellow sandalwood powder helps dry skin and neem powder helps acne. Other nourishing ingredients include milk powder, honey powder and oatmeal. Mix the powdered ingredients to make 4 oz. of dry clay facial and store in a 4 oz. jar. Clay facial masks should not be stored pre-mixed with water or any other wetting agent. To use, add approximately 1/2 oz. of the dry clay facial blend to a small bowl. Mix enough warm water, milk, yogurt or hydrosol to make a paste. If desired, add 1-2 drops of essential oil such as lavender, geranium or sandalwood. Apply to the skin in a gentle, circular motion, and allow the mask to dry for about 15-20 minutes. Wash off with warm water. If the skin feels tight, a light oil such as camelina can be applied. Experiment with other wetting agents. Strawberry puree will act like an alpha-hydroxy. Cucumber puree cools the skin, yogurt cools and softens the skin, and milk removes dead skin cells and softens the skin.

FromNatureWithLove.com offers the cosmetic clays, herbs, nutritives, and packaging supplies described within this article. For more information, please visit www.fromnaturewithlove.com.

Having fun with macaroni!

2008-08-06T10:20:55Z

Show your a true fan of macaroni with these great pasta spin offs.

Mac -n- Cheese Original Spiral Bound Recycled / Upcycled Journal Notebook by Ivy Lane Designs™, $8
A favorite comfort food. Yummy. This handmade quirky bound notebook measures appx. 3.5" x 7" and contains 50 recycled blank white pages (100 front and back). Backed with heavy-duty chipboard. The perfect book to keep handy to jot down random thoughts and/or sketches.

macaroni and cheese charm bracelet by Sophie's Beads, $12.99
This is a charm bracelet that features macaroni and cheese. The charms are made of polymer clay and the chain is sterling silver. The bracelet is designed to be adjustable and can be anywhere from 7 1/2 inches long to 9 1/2 inches long. I can do custom size and color if you like.

Yankee Doodle Eight - Screen print by Infucund Press, $30
Macaroni or Larvae? You decide.

Hand pulled, two color, cut-paper, screen print on stonehenge paper, from an edition of 8 signed and numbered by the artist. My prints are hand carved, cut, pulled or printed with a vengeance so each one is unique with slight variations in each one.

The printed area measures 5.5 x 10.5 inches and is sold unmounted and unframed.

Pink infused macaroni bracelet or anklet by Marti's Creations, $18
I love these big macaroni beads - as I'm sure you can see from the length of this piece. I got a little carried away with myself, but they're so cool!

The actual length is just under 9 inches so it could be either a big bracelet or a short anklet. The fabulous pink infused macaroni beads are accentuated by rose pink glass pearls and silver metal rings. The clasp is a silver-toned magnetic.

Pasta and Rounds by NKP Beads, $9
This beautiful Baja Aqua Blue Porcelain Bead that resembles pasta was actually churned out from a pasta machine. I mixed clay with a small amount of oil (just like one adds oil to flour) and made a few pieces for fun. Very unique!

sterling silver macaroni earrings by Common Object Jewelry, $56
Cast from actual macaroni.... solid sterling silver....
Nothing is better than pasta hanging from your ears!! Available in post or hanging... same price.... your choice : )

Easy Summer Macaroni Salad Recipes

2008-07-29T11:13:51Z

by Rachel Paxton

Macaroni salads are always a big hit at summer barbecues. These recipes are easy to prepare and you can make them ahead of time. They taste better if you let them sit in the refrigerator and let the pasta absorb the flavors of the other ingredients. Surprise your loved ones with one of these delicious pasta creations at your next summer family get together.

Macaroni Salad

Ingredients:
1 lb. salad macaroni
12 med. green onions, sliced
4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 c. thinly sliced celery
12 slices crisply cooked bacon, crumbled
1 c. dill pickles, chopped
1 1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 tbsp. mustard
1 tbsp. horseradish
1 tbsp. dill pickle juice
Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions:

Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain well. Rinse and drain again. Place macaroni into large bowl. Add onion, eggs, celery, and pickle. Blend together the mayonnaise, horseradish, mustard, and pickle juice. Stir into macaroni mixture. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and chill 4-6 hours.

Deli-Style Pasta Salad

Ingredients:
1 pkg. (7 oz.) corkscrew macaroni
6 oz. sliced genoa salami, cut into strips
1 small onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
1 can (2-1/4 oz.) sliced pitted ripe olives, drained
1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese
1/4 c. white wine vinegar
1 tsp. dried oregano and basil (crushed)
6 oz. provolone cheese, cut into 3/4-in. cubes
1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
1/4 c. snipped parsley
1-1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 c. chopped green pepper
Sweet red pepper
1/2 c. olive oil
1 minced garlic clove
2 med. tomatoes, cut into wedges

Cooking Instructions:

Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water and drain again. In large bowl combine macaroni, Provolone cheese, salami, zucchini, onion, peppers, olives, Parmesan cheese and parsley. Dressing: in screw top jar combine olive oil, vinegar, dry mustard, oregano, basil and garlic. Cover and shake well. Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss lightly to coat. Cover and chill overnight, or at least 4 hours. To serve, add tomato wedges and toss lightly.

Curly Macaroni Salad

Ingredients:
1 pkg. curly macaroni
1 onion, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1 cucumber, chopped
1 c. grated cheddar cheese
1 c. chopped ham
4 tbsp. mayonnaise

Cooking Instructions:

Cook macaroni and drain well. Add the rest of the ingredients. Chill.

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Ingredients:
2 c. macaroni
1 c. celery, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 green pepper, chopped
1 (7 oz.) can shrimp, drained
3-4 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. Miracle Whip
3/4 c. French dressing

Cooking Instructions:

Cook macaroni and drain well. Mix Miracle Whip and French dressing together and pour over ingredients. Toss. Chill and serve.

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom who is the author of What's for Dinner?, an e-cookbook containing more than 250 quick easy dinner ideas. For more recipes, gardening, organizing tips, home decorating, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com.

Dry Skin Balm

2008-07-29T09:50:16Z

Ingredients:
2 parts cocoa butter
1 part shea butter
1 part mango butter
2 parts virgin coconut oil
Essential or fragrance oil of choice

Instructions:
Melt the butters and oil in a double boiler. Remove from heat, and add the essential oil (at 1 - 2% of your recipe) or fragrance oil (at 1 - 3% of your recipe.) Pour into deodorant containers or jars.

Shop for ingredients for this recipe at Mountain Rose Herbs and From Nature with Love.

Tweet tweet.

2008-08-05T18:19:21Z

"Tweet tweet," my dearest husband's iphone sings.
"What in the world is that chirping?" I ask.
"It's Twitter!" he says.
"What the heck is Twitter?"

It turns out that Twitter is blogging stripped down to its bare bones. Basically you're micro-blogging and all of your posts have to be 140 characters or less. Members keep followers - whether they're friends or strangers - updated on the everyday aspects of their life. Whether it's shopping or showering or knitting a hat. I didn't really get Twitter at first, but the more I've used it the more it seems to make a bit of sense. And Twitter grows on you. So join Twitter and come follow me and just maybe you'll find some folks who want to follow you.

More things that "tweet"

Little Bird with Music Notes - pinback button from Barrel Of Monkeys, $1
These quality buttons measure 1 1/4" in diameter.

sweet tweet in red - a coin pendant necklace featuring a little bird by Mashi by Maoilosa, $9
this 'sweet tweet' cutie features a little red bird silhouette perched on a branch. part of my new line, each 'sweet tweet' piece has its own unique personality!

made with fine paper, the pendant is 3/4" (1.905 cm) in diameter and is pierced with a sterling silver ring for hanging. comes ready to wear on a chocolate-brown ribbon (approximately 18" (45.72 cm) long) with a silver twist-shut clasp for easy putting-on and removal.

Tweet Tweet earrings - Ming/Ching Dynasty porcelain pottery shards by Asilomar Works, $15
A pair of sweet tweeties sitting on a branch among faint pink buds and pale green leaves. Delicate design on these antique Chinese porcelain pottery shards.

The shards are set in silverplate bezels, and no two are exactly the same because authentic shards are handpainted. They dangle from sterling silver hooks. Including the earhooks, these earrings measure approximately 1-5/8 inches (4cm).

Tweet Bird Wool Felt Hair Clip by Kenzie Klips, $6
This listing is for your choice of ONE tweet bird hair clip. This darling design looks adorable when worn!

This bird is hand-cut and hand-stitched using 100% wool felt which is much stronger and more durable than craft store felt. The design will keep its shape and will not unravel at the edges. It comes on a ribbon wrapped, single prong spring clip with a non-slip backing to stay put in even the finest hair.

Tweet the Tiny Bird Addi Layne Designs Onesie Wear 18 Months by Addi Layne Designs, $12
Sweet ruffled sleeves and a cute as a button bird. This onesies is A-dorable!

Introducing Addi Layne Designs Onesie Wear! ™ All Onesies are 100% cotton. I have paid attention to every detail to ensure you top quality boutique style Onesie Wear ™. All appliqué had been permanently bonded and sewn.

All Addi Layne Design Onesies have been washed using All Natural Detergents.

Tweet - silver pendant and chain by Vision Quest, $30
i hand-bent bent the word "tweet" and added it to a sterling chain and a few colorful dangles. the hummingbird is antiqued pewter and the flowers are base metal in green, purple and light blue. i also bent sterling wire to form the clasp and dangled an olive green bead on a sterling wire swirl.

length is 17" and can be adjusted upon request.

Tweet Tweet Birdie Tags by Artful Memories, $5.50
Sweet little retro style tags.

Listing is for 4 tags. Perfect for gifts, scrapbooking, collage or just hang it on a dresser.

Tags are printed on recycled cream cardstock. Each one measures 2.75" x 4.25"

All of my artwork is printed on a printer using pigment-based, archival quality ink. These inks have a longevity of 100 years or more! They are fade and water resistant.

Switchplate- Tweet Sweet by Funky Chicken Design, $5
Funky Switches!

Decorative light switch to add a little fun to your room.

-Standard size 3" x 4 1/2"
-Screws included.

Coated with acrylic for durability.

Scrapes and Scratches Healing Balm

2008-07-29T09:44:12Z

Ingredients:
1 ounce Beeswax
4 ounces Sweet Almond Oil
5 drops Tea Tree Essential Oil
15 drops Lavender Essential Oil
8 drops Tagetes Essential Oil
5 drops Rosemary Essential Oil

Instructions:
1. Place the beeswax and sweet almond oil in a small, heavy-bottemed pan (I use an enamelled iron one).

2. Heat very gently until the beeswax is just melted and no more than that.

3. Add the essential oils and swirl the mixture around in the pan to combine everything together.

4. Pour the mixture into sterilized jars and seal immediately, allowing the balm to cool completely before use.

5. Beeswax can be difficult to remove from pans so be sure to pour all of the balm mixture into your jars. Then, quickly (before the wax hardens) run a paper towel around the pan to get the excess out so it does not go down your drain. Then, place the pan under very hot running water and douse it with plenty of dish washing liquid as soon as you have finished with it.

Shop for ingredients for this recipe at Mountain Rose Herbs and From Nature with Love.

In style - the Mary Jane Hat!

2008-08-04T18:27:19Z

I came across this hat on etsy not too long ago and finally decided to go ahead and purchase it even though the weather's still quite warm. I'm so glad I did. I love, love, love this hat! The hat is called the Mary Jane Hat because of the cute little strap that runs across its brim. It's 20% wool and 80% acrylic and not at all itchy. The craftsmanship is perfect and the hat is just so adorable on that I believe I'll be tempted to buy more of these in different colors. Get a head start on your fall wardrobe by purchasing your own Mary Jane Hat for just $38 from the Dahlia Soleil Collection.

Chamomile Soap

2008-07-29T09:32:21Z

© Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen

Ingredients:
14 oz. canola oil
15.5 oz. chamomile infused olive oil
(Read how to make an infusion.)
1 lb. 10 oz. coconut oil
13 oz. palm oil
4 oz. rice bran oil
2 oz. Fresh Chamomile Buds
1/2 cup strong chamomile tea

Instructions:
Follow your basic soapmaking instructions. Add crushed buds and tea at trace and mix well. If you'd like a scent in the final bar, you can also add some Chamomile Essential Oil.

To make chamomile tea, steep 2 heaping tablespoons of chamomile buds in 1/2 cup distilled water (that has been brought to a boil then removed from heat) for about 20 minutes. Strain.

Sensitive Skin?

2008-08-03T13:04:57Z

For those of you with sensitive skin that can't handle fragrance, I've created a special new bar just for you! This is the perfect soap for dry or troubled skin. Great as a facial bar or all over, this bar contains both shea and cocoa butters as well as an abundance of skin loving oils such as Olive and Rice Bran, both known for their moisturizing properties. This soap gets you clean, but also leaves behind a bit of excess oil to smooth and rehydrate your skin. Leaves you feeling moisturized, not oily. Goat milk has also been added to this bar for extra conditioning, and colloidal oatmeal for soothing itchy, dry skin. This soap contains no color and no fragrance. Each bar weighs 4oz. - 4.5oz. All natural. Buy it now in the Soaps for Dry Skin section at Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen.

If you love lavender...

2008-08-03T12:59:58Z

If you love lavender, you're sure to love my new Lavender & Sage Goat Milk Soap! This is scented with lavender, sage, and basil, and smells very fresh and clean. Goat milk and shea butter make it feel especially nice on your skin. It is strongly scented so you are left with a light fragrance on your skin afterward. The soap rinses cleanly away and is all natural except for the fragrance and color. Each bar weighs 4oz. - 4.5oz. Matching lotion coming soon! Purchase this soap now from the Goat Milk Soap section of Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen.

Lemongrass, Green Tea, & Oatmeal Soap

2008-07-29T09:27:50Z

Ingredients:
30 oz Olive Oil
7 oz Vegetable Shortening
9 oz Soybean oil

17.5 oz Green tea (make using distilled water and allow to cool completely.)
6.2 oz lye

1 Cup ground oatmeal ( grind in blender)
10 Green tea with Lemon tea bags (remove loose tea from bags)
1 oz. Lemongrass essential oil

Instructions:
Melt shortening with other oils into a large stainless steel pot just to melting point. Remove from heat and allow to cool to about 95 degrees. In a separate container, very slowly add lye to 17.5 oz. of tea water while stirring continuously. Allow tea-lye water to cool before mixing into oils, then slowly stir in lye-tea water. Blend thoroughly with a stick blender until trace. At trace, add 1 oz. Lemongrass Essential oil, all ten Green Tea with Lemon tea bags, and 1 cup ground Oatmeal. Mix well and then pour into molds. Cover. Unmold after 24 to 48 hours. Allow to cure several weeks. Still need help? Then review my basic soapmaking instructions.

Vanilla Kitchen Soap

2008-07-29T09:23:28Z

The coffee in this soap is great for removing tough kitchen odors like onions and garlic from hands. The cocoa butters adds extra moisturizing properties.

Ingredients:
28oz olive oil
16 of palm oil
16 oz coconut oil
4oz cocoa butter

26oz triple strength brewed coffee, chilled
9.1 oz lye

1oz vanilla fragrance oil, at trace

Instructions:
Follow your basic cold process soapmaking instructions.

Basic Beer Soap

2008-07-29T09:22:07Z

Ingredients:
4oz. Castor oil
23oz. Coconut oil
23oz. Palm oil
4oz. Shea Butter
4oz. Soybean oil

22oz. very flat beer
8.5oz. Lye

Instructions:
Follow your basic cold process soapmaking instructions, adding your choice of fragrance or essential oils at trace. Be careful adding the lye to the beer as even with flat beer, the mixture can volcano over. I suggest adding the lye slowly, a little bit at a time with a rest period inbetween.

Let's Get Crafty

2008-07-29T09:16:56Z

Homemade craft kits you can buy.

Little Black Bag Rectangle Pendant Kit by Treasure 'n' Tins, $4.95
The little black velour draw-string pouch has everything you need to make this gorgeous Italian print pendant. I wanted to put together a cute little inexpensive kit so you can give this addicting craft a try! You can keep your finished pendant for yourself and show it off or put it in it's pretty little bag with a note on it and give it as an elegant, personal, handmade gift to a special friend.

Tiny Envelope Book Kit by Tammy Gilley Studios, $25
The pages of this book are tiny envelopes, perfect for storing your little secrets, words of wisdom, or other tiny treasures. Included in your kit are sturdy chipboard covers, 10 envelope pages, vintage wallpaper bits, charms, beads, ribbons, buttons, and lots of other whimsical goodness to embellish your cover and pages.

Ornament Kit - Aqua Cedar Threadibilities Craft Kit (TM) - Love Grows Here by Happy House Quilts, $12
This is a year round useful Threadibilities Ornament Kit™ for you to make yourself or with your child! It truly is a wonderful item to make and fill your senses! Seeing, touching, smelling and listening...the only thing you can't do it eat it! This kit includes basic sewing directions, as well as directions and materials to complete the ornament.

DIY Sock Monkey Make your own Kit by Terbear Collectibles, $9.99
Haven't you always wanted to make your own sock monkey?...well here is your chance. We have put together for you almost everything you need...so, stop making excuses...and make a sock monkey, or two! This kit will include one pair of Rockford Red Heel socks, Instructions on how to make a sock monkey, a mini sewing kit (my differ than the one pictured), 2 buttons for eyes (and if you have a specific color you want, we will try to accommodate),
And a small piece of felt for a heart.

Make 6 Square Glass Pendants with Gorgeous Chiyogami Papers by Annie Howes Keepsakes, $14
You can make these gorgeous glass tile pendants! This beautiful DIY Square Glass Pendant Kit has everything you need including a professionally prepared tutorial with photos and tips to make 6 gorgeous pendants!

CHIYORI a Japanese anime rabbit pattern and kit by Jennylovebenny Boutique Bears, $40
CHIYORI anime rabbit COMPLETE KIT...

Size: approx 13cm/6inches tall when made up
Fur: dense wavey mohair
Joints & Eyes: cotter pin joints /glass eyes OR boot button eyes
Skill level: easy

This is a simple pattern and with this complete kit, you are half way there in making your own 'CHIYORI'!

Chalkboard Herb Pots Kit by Be Crafty, $20
With this kit, you'll create three fun pots with ready-to-plant herb seeds and soil--a fast and easy home decoration or a great gift for family or friends. The kit includes everything you need--three terra cotta pots, paint, paintbrush, chalk, potting soil, and herb seeds for basil, cilantro, and oregano. Time required: 30 minutes active, 2.5 hours total.

Felty Soap Kit - green/yellow roving by Kit and Caboodle Design, $8
A kit containing two bars of pure unscented olive oil soap and two colors of roving. All you add is hot and cold water and a bit of elbow grease and presto! You'll have two bars of felt-encased soap ready for the shower or bath. They make great gifts - and the process is simple enough that it can be easily accomplished by a child (with adult supervision for the hot water!).

Hedgehog Needle Felting Kit by WoolPets, $16
This kit is designed for those new to needle felting but experienced felters may learn new techniques. Step by step instructions include photographs for each step. There is enough wool roving in the kit for one hedgehog. The wool is a combination of Romney and Lincoln wool locks. Since the kit contains a sharp needle, children under the age of ten should have adult supervision.

DIY Sunglasses Case Kit by Studio Cherie, $8
Everything included, you just need sewing machine, thread and scissors. Make it one of a kind by adding your own special touches, like crystals or beading. The sunglass case is sized to house your Hollywood glasses. It is 7" wide, 3.5" tall and 1.5" deep.

Mr. Bean Knit Kit by Amy Gaines, $12
This kit will be mailed to you with EVERYTHING you will need to make 1 Mr. Bean.

Homemade Bird Cookies

2008-07-20T11:25:19Z

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 large egg white
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups instant oats
1 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup thawed frozen apple juice concentrate
1/4 cup thawed frozen pineapple-orange concentrate
1/2 cups chopped walnuts or pine nuts
1 package of Sun Maid Fruit Bits

Instructions:
Beat egg white and oil until frothy. Then, add the juice and blend well. Next, blend in flour, oats, baking soda, and cinnamon. Follow by stirring in the walnuts or pine nuts and the fruit bits. Finally, place teaspoonfuls on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 F for 10 minutes.

For more gourmet bird recipes, I recommend the book Gourmet Bird Food Recipes: For Your Cockatiel, Parrot, and Other Avian Companions.

Make a Gel Air Freshener

2008-07-20T11:16:39Z

Craft project courtesy of Blossom Farm.

Ingredients:
1 packet of unflavored Knox Gelatin
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup vodka of grain alcohol
1-2 TBSP. fragrance oil

Instructions:
Food coloring as desired Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water. Allow to cool to room temperature then add the vodka, coloring and scent. Pour into decorative jar and refrigerate till set.

More new soaps!

2008-07-28T22:43:16Z

My new Chocolate Cherry Soap Soap smells just like a chocolate covered cherry. Perfect for you chocolate lovers craving a no calorie fix! This soap is strongly scented so you are left with a light fragrance on your skin afterward. The soap rinses cleanly away and is all natural except for the fragrance. Each bar weighs 4oz. - 4.5oz. Buy it now under the Scented Soaps at Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen.

My Cedar and Sage Soap has also just arrived. My Cedar and Sage Soap is a unisex blend of cedarwood, sage, and petitgrain essential oils. Cedarwood is great for repelling insects and relieving itching. It is also helpful in treating oily skin, acne and dandruff. Sage is also used to treat oily hair and various skin conditions such as acne. This soap rinses cleanly away and is 100% natural. Use it as a soap or a shampoo bar! Each bar weighs 4oz. - 4.5oz. Buy it now in the All Natural Soaps section of Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen.

I also have a new soap for extra dry skin. The bars in this line are great for treating eczema! My Raspberry and Vanilla Soap is the perfect soap for dry or troubled skin. Great as a facial bar or all over, this bar contains both shea and cocoa butters as well as an abundance of skin loving oils such as Olive and Rice Bran, both known for their moisturizing properties. This soap gets you clean, but also leaves behind a bit of excess oil to smooth and rehydrate your skin. Leaves you feeling moisturized, not oily. Also makes a great shampoo bar. My Raspberry and Vanilla soap is a soft yet fruity blend of raspberry, plum, and vanilla. Bar weighs 4oz. - 4.5oz. All natural except for fragrance. Vegan. Purchase it now both on the Roanoke City Market and online under the Soaps for Dry Skin section of Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen.

Make a Sinus Headache Pillow

2008-07-20T11:14:12Z

Project from Glenbrook Farms.

Cut two pieces of material 10"x4" and sew together or use "OK TO WASH IT" glue. Making a bag, leaving one end open, stuff your bag with the ingredients given below after mixing well in a bowl.

Ingredients:
1/2 of flax seeds
1 part crushed spearmint leaf
1 part crushed peppermint leaf
1 part lavender buds whole
1 part eucalyptus leaf
1 part rosemary leaf

Stuff your bag with the mixture and then sew up the end.

Visit Glenbrook Farms for Organic Herbs, 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils, and soapmaking supplies.

Making Basic Potpourri

2008-07-20T11:10:52Z

Project from Glenbrook Farms.

Making the potpourri:
In a small bowl put your fixative which is orris root. (Orris Root helps to hold the scent, this is why it is called a fixative) Now is the time to add any other powders like cinnamon, or nutmeg, or other spices. Add 7-9 drops of fragrance oil or essential oil per 1 tablespoon of orris root. Mix this together really well and then store in an airtight container for 1-7 days. The longer you store the stronger it gets.

After your orris root has cured , mix your other ingredients together. Add your orris root fixative to the other dry ingredients Place in an airtight container and leave in a dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake the container daily. After the curing time, transferr the potpourri to your decorative container of choice.

Suggested combinations of ingredients:

Country Time Potpourri:
Apple Slices
orange peel
cinnamon sticks or pieces
cockscomb
cloves and rosehips
scent with apple cinnamon fragrance oil

Lady Victorian Potpourri:
lavender buds
rosebuds and petals
colored babu
angel wings colored
straw flowers colored
scent with lavender or rose or musk

Christmas Potpourri:
Globe Flowers white
small pine cones
Angel wings white
Cedar Tips
Scent with Christmas Pine Fragrance oil

Use your imagination! These make great gifts! All the essential oils and fragrance oils sold at Glenbrook Farms can be used in potpourri.

Visit Glenbrook Farms for Organic Herbs, 100% Pure Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils, and soapmaking supplies. They also offer a potpourri supply catalog.

New Citrus and Cilantro Soap

2008-07-26T22:19:22Z

I have a new goat milk soap available - Citrus and Cilantro. This soap is a fresh, clean smelling blend of Lemon, Cilantro, Cut Grass, and Green Tea. Goat milk and shea butter make it feel especially nice on your skin. It is strongly scented so you are left with a light fragrance on your skin afterward. The soap rinses cleanly away and is all natural except for the fragrance and color. Shop for it now at Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen.