Monday, February 16, 2009

Palm Oil

I have been using Palm oil in my soaps for 2 years now and never knew the devastation I was helping to create in the rainforests. I was disturbed to find out that farmers in and around the forests were cutting it down to plant more palms. Many soapmakers use palm oil in their soaps. This is the very same palm oil that soapmakers use. This is contributing to orangutans losing their homes; along with millions of other animals. I consider myself to be a green person. I am kind to the earth; I try to buy local, plant native plants to my area, plant my own garden, use little electricity, the list goes on. But I would never intentionally want to cause harm to any other living creature. So as I speak, I will begin to phase out using palm oil in all of my recipes. I know that I can search for sustainable palm oils however, at this time it is difficult to find. And the price would not be affordable. So in my quest to always try to be a decent and kind person; I say farewell palm oil.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

New Projects-Shampoo Bars

New projects are always fun. It seems to be the one thing that keeps me going and keeps me guessing. I love doing the basics but I get thrilled making new recipes along with adding new ingredients that I may not have used before. Right now I am working on trying out different recipes for a new shampoo bar. I personally am trying to get rid of the commercial shampoo bottle and get down to more home-grown good products without all the extra chemicals. That is actually one of the reasons that I started making soap in the first place. I can't wait for the finished shampoo bars to be revealed. There will be several different bars to chose from for all kinds of hair types that are out there. More hints will be revealed soon.
Another project that I am working on is getting some new candle scents. One of my favorites is Olive Blossom. It is a light fragrance that makes me feel like a sophisticated woman ready to tackle her biggest challenge of the day. It is calming and romantic at the same time. I have been putting this fragrance in soap, lotions, and candles. Testing phase for the candles is almost complete. I can't wait to include it in my line of candles.
Another fragrance that I love is Pink Sugar. This fragrance is wonderful. It is playful and sweet. Just like the name implies. It smells a little like cotton candy, just better. I will begin testing this in candles next. I love this job. Now I am off to wait for the delivery man (or woman).