Lemongrass soap is also one of the easiest and least expensive soaps to make, even less expensive than lavender. Again, this is a one-scent and one-color bar. This bar was probably in the top 15 of the best-selling bars. The scent is so fresh and clean that you can’t resist using it to ‘bump’ up other scents, especially the citrus ones.
Here is a perfectly tinted lemongrass soap
Make your own medicinal products such as this Tea Tree soap recipe. I have added Eucalyptus essential oil to mellow out the sharpness of the Tea Tree or add some earthy warming components. This was a great soap for skin conditions and especially for bug-bitten skin. The tea tree would help to cleanse the bit areas and speed up the healing. I also make a plain Tea Tree Soap.
This blackberry orange soap recipe was the second best-selling soap in my store. Because of its popularity, I made blackberry orange scented lotions, bath salts, perfume oil, and body butter. There is no way to make this an all-natural bar as there is no such thing as blackberry essential oil, but you can make it half-natural with Sweet Orange essential oil.
here is a very nice purple and orange bar, perfect for a blackberry-orange bar
Another nice looking bar, one half orange the other purple
Tons of info on sweet orange essential oil, right here.
Orange spice soap, also known as Christmas Spice soap, was one of the top ten bars at the store. The essential oils, especially the cinnamon and cloves essential oils, had a long-lasting scent. The other popular and traditional Christmas scents are nutmeg and ginger, yet the cinnamon and cloves along with the orange scent make for a nice scent blend.
Orange Spice, or Christmas Spice Soap bar
Here is another great way to make your Orange Spice soap, a nice solid dark orange color. This darker color represents the orange with the darker spice colors: (the label is nice and simple too)
Another version of an Orange Spice soap is below. The tint is more like orange juice which is great, then with a small layer of brown to represent the dark spice scents:
If you want to get really awesome, here is a 3 tone, 3 layered version. This has the addition of oatmeal to the base, 3 differently tinted layers, a sprinkling of spices, and the placement of a dried orange slice. Nicely done!
Great article on the origins of spices of Christmas!
Have you ever wondered where the rich, creamy ingredient in your favorite skincare products comes from? I’m talking about cocoa butter, and it’s not just popping out of nowhere. This moisturizing marvel begins its life as seeds within the pods of the cacao tree, primarily found in the lush tropics.
Now, what exactly happens between those cacao seeds and the cocoa butter in your products? It all starts with the seeds being harvested, fermented, and dried, which provides the base for what will become two beloved ingredients: chocolate and cocoa butter. The next step is pressing the fat out of the cacao beans at high pressure, yielding the golden butter, while the remaining components forge ahead to become cocoa powder.
Cocoa butter is a powerhouse of nutrition for your skin. It’s brimming with fatty acids like palmitic, stearic, and oleic acids, all of which are superstars for maintaining skin’s moisture and elasticity. And that’s just scratching the surface! The butter also contains vitamins and antioxidants that pamper the skin, guiding it towards naturally glowing health. You can imagine your skin saying, ‘Thank you!’ every time you apply it.
I’m sure you’re with me when I say that where our products come from matters. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it shapes the futures of local farming communities and the environment. So make sure you’re choosing cocoa butter that’s sourced ethically. That way, we get to enjoy the benefits without contributing to unwelcome practices like deforestation or unfair labor conditions.
With a better understanding of cocoa butter’s origins and its nourishing substance, let’s explore how this ingredient works tirelessly to keep your skin at the top of its game. In the next section, we’ll delve deep into the skin benefits of cocoa butter and discover how it’s making waves in various skincare products.
So you’ve learned about where cocoa butter comes from and its journey from the cocoa bean to your skincare routine. Now, let’s talk about what it can do for your skin. First up, we’re going to address its hydrating superpowers. Dry, flaky skin is no match for cocoa butter’s rich, fatty acid content, helping your skin retain moisture and maintain its elasticity.
If you’re looking to fade scars and blemishes, cocoa butter could be your new go-to. Some studies suggest that the regular application of cocoa butter might improve the appearance of scars, although more research is needed to understand the full extent of its benefits. But that’s not all. Cocoa butter is also an antioxidant stronghold, providing your skin with a line of defense against the environmental stressors that can lead to premature aging.
Considering the benefits, it’s no wonder you’ll find cocoa butter in a multitude of skincare products. Whether it’s in a luxurious body lotion, a hydrating lip balm, or a creamy hand cream, cocoa butter is everywhere. Its capacity to smooth, soften, and nourish your skin has made it a staple ingredient for those looking to enhance the health and appearance of their skin without resorting to harsh chemicals.
How can you start reaping these benefits? Well, integrating cocoa butter into your skincare regimen is downright simple. Choose products that list cocoa butter as one of the first few ingredients to ensure you’re getting an effective amount. Remember, everyone’s skin is unique, so monitor how your skin responds. Don’t worry too much about getting it perfect on the first try; you can always adjust your approach down the road.
To sum up, cocoa butter is a natural, powerful ingredient that might be just what your skincare routine is missing. By utilizing a product that includes this hydrating, healing, and protective ingredient, you could see enhancements in the suppleness, clarity, and overall resilience of your skin. Choose something that resonates with you, and remember to give your skin the care it deserves. After all, healthy skin is happy skin!
Follow this link to Cocoa Butter and Soap
Here is some more information on the benefits of Cocoa Butter
You can make your own all-natural lip balm recipes from this one simple recipe. like in cooking, you can alter the ingredients and get the same but different meals. Lip balms are no different, well, lotions too.
Generally, you will need beeswax, not crude oil-based paraffin wax. You could get stearic acid wax or emulsifying wax, just make sure they are vegetable oil-based, usually from palm trees, as these waxes could be petroleum-based as well.
nice labeling on a clear pot, or should you go with a tube?
Not all natural lip balms are natural. Or it’s all-natural till they put in the flavor – which is not natural. There is a lot of leeway on what claims are vs what is really in that product. So making your own is one way to ensure the naturalness of your lip balm.
You will have to decide if to put your lip balm into little pots or tubes. There are pros and cons to both. The little pots are way easier to fill, less messy, and cost about 50 cents and up, the metal pots are about $1.00. The tubes are way harder to fill, there will be a mess, and cost just a little more than the pots. I have a tool that the tubes attach to making it less messy and you can fill many tubes at the same time. Below is a link to one they sell for about $15.00 and are well worth it. The tubes attach to the tray and you pour over it.
Also when filling the tubes, the warm liquid lip balm is getting thicker by the minute, making the filling a little more harder to do. Using the filling tray helps with this, being able to pour more than one at a time. The finished product, a tube is nicer to apply the lip balm with, rather than with your finger with the pots.
Some butters and oils have different finishes, for example, cocoa butter and olive oil leave a very shiny surface. Whereas mango butter and rose hip oil leave a matte finish. When making this lip balm, if you do not like the finished texture, it is an easy fix. If it is too soft, add more wax, and if too hard, add more liquid oils.
The following lip balm is all-natural, I checked their website. They’re labeling uses only the Latin or nomenclature wording for the ingredients, which is fine except that regular people may want to know what “helianthus annuus” is. It’s sunflower oil, by the way. Nice brand name, nicely separated wording, a great color scheme, and clear tubes.
The famous Burt’s Bees, which has been sold to the Clorox company for millions, gotta retire sometime right? Their labeling states “aroma”, for the vanilla and pumpkin spice varieties, and says 100% natural, yet I don’t think I can go a pick “aroma” off a tree. Anyway, I have used this brand before, and it doesn’t have the staying power that cherry chapstick does. I’ve tried a lot of natural lip balms and none of them have. My lip balm was probably a little on the harder side. Nice when making your own, you can perfect it the way you want.
Read about the amazing skin benefits that cocoa butter has, here.
I’ve always been amazed by nature’s gifts.
Honey ranks high on my list for its array of uses and not only does it sweeten my tea, but I’ve also incorporated it into my skincare routine with impressive results. Why is honey good for the skin, you ask? Well, this delightful substance is much more than just a natural sweetener; it’s a powerhouse of skin-loving properties.
Honey acts as a natural moisturizer. Its humectant qualities allow it to draw moisture from the air into the skin, ensuring your face stays hydrated and supple. This is especially useful for those who experience dry skin. Additionally, honey’s rich antioxidant content helps to protect the skin by fighting off free radicals that can accelerate the aging process.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Honey comes packed with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can calm irritated skin and promote healing. It’s a common go-to for acne treatment because it can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria that cause skin blemishes. Moreover, the gentle exfoliating effect of enzymes found in honey helps to clear dead skin cells without stripping the skin of its natural oils.
Manuka Honey Antibacterial Wound CareNow, when we talk about tackling skin blemishes, honey is a real game-changer. It can improve the appearance of persistent blemishes and scars, thanks to its soothing and repairing qualities. The enzymes in honey clarify the skin, while its natural antiseptic properties can reduce the appearance and prevent the occurrence of acne.
While it’s no secret that honey can work wonders for the skin, its impact on health spans much further. Honey, a gift from bees, is a potent elixir that supports general well-being, but how does it fare when we look closer at its purported health benefits?
Honey’s composition is as complex as it is beneficial. It’s filled with natural sugars, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These components have been celebrated for their healing properties. When regularly incorporated into a diet, honey could play a role in antioxidant defense systems, contributing to reduced inflammation and improved heart health.
The idea that honey can improve athletic performance isn’t baseless either. Its natural sugars, glucose, and fructose act as energy sources, which can be particularly useful for endurance athletes seeking a quick burst of energy. However, despite the potential benefits, it’s important for athletes to consume honey in moderation and as part of a balanced diet.
But honey’s influence doesn’t stop at diet and energy levels. Scientists have scrutinized honey for its therapeutic potential, finding evidence of its ability to combat certain bacteria and support digestive health. This supports the concept that honey’s use in medicine could go beyond a simple home remedy.
It’s empowering to take skincare into your own hands, especially with ingredients as natural and effective as honey. The combination of clay and honey in a face mask harnesses their collective benefits for an at-home spa experience. Making your own Clay and Honey face mask not only personalizes your skincare regimen but also ensures you’re using the freshest, most natural ingredients. I’ll guide you through creating this simple yet potent mask, focusing on the complementary roles of clay’s purifying properties and honey’s hydrating effects.
However, the adaptability of honey extends beyond face masks. It’s also a fantastic addition to homemade soaps, providing moisturizing properties that leave the skin soft and supple. If you’re intrigued by the idea of crafting your own Honey-infused soap, I’m here to walk you through the benefits, along with a word of caution. Honey can be tricky to work with due to its thickness and the way it reacts during the soap-making process, but with precise instructions, you can create a luxurious soap that elevates your daily routine.
Remember, while incorporating honey into your skincare products offers numerous perks, it’s crucial to be mindful of any allergies and to conduct a patch test before indulging in a full application. With careful consideration and a little creativity, honey can become a staple in your beauty cabinet, naturally enhancing your skin’s health and glow.
I just replaced my old Impact one with this one….what a great price!
My old tent was also an Impact Tent – I had it for 12 years and took it to markets every summer – Farmer’s market from May to Sept, music festivals, and more. Packing up during a storm someone came to help me and the tent leg got stuck and snapped, So it was time to get a new one. I never replaced the top in these years, but did have to spray with water repellent the last few years.
These tents are easy to put up and take down by yourself when on solid surfaces. I find when I am on grass I can do it alone by walking the corners in, but it is easier with someone to help.
Follow this link to get your Impact Pop-Up Canopy Tent
The storage bag has wheels making it easy to move.
The pocket on the front of the storage bag holds the canvas top, or if you buy sides they can be folded up and put in there as well. Comes with spikes and a rope kit.
I would highly recommend this tent to anyone wanting to do markets.
easy to set up, great size 10 x 10, canvas UV-coated waterproof top.
Below are some other products from Impact Canopy – side walls, mesh walls, etc
A tent is a must for doing Farmer’s markets and other events. For a soap business, it’s very important to keep the sun off your soap. Exposing it to the sun can fade the color and cause soft oils like olive oil to oxidize giving your soap those dreaded Orange Spots also known as DOS.
I always try to get a spot where my tent will shade the soap. The heat can also cause problems if you are selling lotions and creams. Too hot and those can turn to liquid.
If the temperatures are scorching I take a cooler to put some products in. I have also bought some nice reusable gel ice packs that I can put under the display to keep them cool.
Some of the pop-up tents also come with sides, which can be handy. If I am doing an outdoor two or three-day market I always attach the sides and roll them up, this way I can pull them half down, or one side or the other, and then at the end of the day close the tent up.
When I first got my tent the side walls were all solid, since I have seen some with windows, which can be nice at events. It brings the light in and you can also see through them. With the solid walls, you are in your tent and don’t see what’s going on around you. Often at the two-day events, there will be music or other events that you can watch.
The tent walls below come in all kinds of colors and are reasonable prices. I’m pretty certain I am going to get a pair for next year’s markets.
Another option for side walls are screen. They let the light in but not the direct sunlight and if it’s a hot day the breeze will come through.
Half walls are great, especially if you are storing your stock under tables. The half walls will hide this giving you a nice clean look for the event.
These half-walls attach nicely to the poles and come in a variety of colors.
Sunwall two Half Walls for 10 x 10 Market Tent
There are many different kinds of weight bags out there. Some you fill with sand, others you can fill with water, weight plates, and others are made of concrete.
When I first started doing the markets, the only option was bags you fill with sand. This year I will be upgrading. Below are some of the options I will be considering.
The first one I am looking at is the Tent Weight Plates. They are 27 lbs and I like how they lock around the canopy pole.
These are a little more expensive than the sandbags, but they look to me to be easier to pack and easier to use.
The Bag Feet Drum is the second one I have looked at, these drums can be filled with sand or water. Filling with water would make them light to pack and fill at the event. The price is about the same as the weight plates. At the time of this writing that was $77.74
This is what I am currently using and have been using for 15 years. They work well, but after all this time the bags are wearing down and the sand is leaking out in a couple of them.
These bags are attached to a rope from your tent and hold the tent down.
These are relatively cheap to purchase with a price of 25.95 at the time of this writing, and they did last me 15 years.
So there you have it. A market tent will be one of the best investments you ever make especially if you are doing farmer’s markets and other outdoor events.
The choice of side walls varies between half, mesh, or full walls. What you choose will be determined by the type of event you are doing. For overnight venues, I highly recommend the full side walls so you can close your tent up for the night.
The weights are a must even if you stake the legs down. I have seen tents fly away on more than one occasion. So make sure you are weighted down well.
If you are interested in making your own homemade soap but are not really sure if you are ready to jump into it. Some really good soap-making kits can help you get started.
Making soap can be an expensive hobby, but if you want to turn it into a business it may not be so expensive. I can attest to this.
I started out making soap for my own health, then started experimenting with adding color and essential oils, it got costly because the essential oils were so expensive to buy in small quantities. It got to the point that I and a friend would order and split the costs. Later she went on to open a soap-making store in our town and ordering bulk helped us both. Continue reading
Trying to figure out the best oil to make soap when creating a soap recipe can be confusing. What and how much of each oil should I use?
There are so many reasons and/or purposes for each of the oils used for making soap. Below you will find a list of the Pros and cons of some of the most used Oils and butter in soap making.
When choosing oils for making soap different oils and fats will give your soap different properties. Solid oils like palm, palm kernel, and coconut oil, and fats like lard and tallow will make a hard bar. Continue reading
Lip Balm Filling Tray
