tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88557515369227128442024-03-15T19:03:05.412-07:00Lion & Rose Handmade Soap BlogShelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-8451727521275667102016-02-17T21:13:00.001-08:002016-02-17T21:17:47.352-08:00Making Natural Deodorant is not the Pitts!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXBJFJAPQpUhp0alDbTiV0AqUzyUfNxQ80IQp6-sZzVP3Z7P3sYbrKsGmw_FCI4090TrFzA_9V-wVakbWzYvNYYCkFRZQ0DSDaT-3R2SactAr3haoUQh2aYda4ps2ljkYCdf33hGFjMo/s1600/deodorant_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXBJFJAPQpUhp0alDbTiV0AqUzyUfNxQ80IQp6-sZzVP3Z7P3sYbrKsGmw_FCI4090TrFzA_9V-wVakbWzYvNYYCkFRZQ0DSDaT-3R2SactAr3haoUQh2aYda4ps2ljkYCdf33hGFjMo/s320/deodorant_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have recently made the change to all-natural deodorant because of the health risks involved with using antiperspirants and their link to breast cancer due to harmful chemicals that stop sweat. Inhibiting the natural production of sweat has always seemed like a bad idea to me, but when I started making my own soap, I became much more aware of the products I used and switching to natural deodorant seemed like a no brainer.<br />
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I started buying <a href="https://extranet.securefreedom.com/Ava/Shopping/ShoppingCart_Detail.asp?PriceID=2919&Cat=avaBODY%20-%20body%20care|ALL" target="_blank">Ava Anderson Deodorant</a>, which I love, but it was so expensive, and as a maker, I was dying to start formulating my own.<br />
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I also bought a kit from the lovely owners of <a href="http://www.handcraftedhoneybee.com/" target="_blank">Handcrafted Honey Bee</a> to get a feel for the process, and although I liked their recipe and ingredients, I wanted something more like the Ava Anderson Deodorant that I had fallen in love with. I started tirelessly researching recipes and ingredients, and came up with an initial recipe that I like. It Includes the following ingredients:<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "kg eyes wide open"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ingredients</span><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial rounded mt bold" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Baking Soda and Arrowroot Powder</b>:</span><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Are used for their odor-eliminating
properties.</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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</span><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial rounded mt bold" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Coconut Oil:</b></span><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> This healing ingredient contains Vitamin E and
has anti-aging properties. It naturally protects your skin from microbial
infections.</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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</span><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial rounded mt bold" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Beeswax:</b></span><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b> Beeswax</b> is the leftover part of a bees hive
after the bees have produced their honey and moved on. This ingredient provides
protection against irritants, while still allowing the skin to breathe. It
contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral benefits.</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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</span><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial rounded mt bold" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Shea Butter:</b></span><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> This ingredient provides your skin with the
essential fatty acids that help make collagen. Shea butter is also naturally
rich in Vitamins A, E, F and offers a UV protection of SPF 6</span></div>
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<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial rounded mt bold" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Cocoa Butter</b>:</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cocoa butter is the best salvation for people
who have sensitive skin. Cocoa butter moisturizers are good at protecting skin
from heat, healing such diseases as eczema and other problems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial rounded mt bold" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /><b>Kaolin Clay:</b></span><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Adds extra dryness protection. It will help at
whisking away sweat and drying it up before it reaches your clothes.</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
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</span><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial rounded mt bold" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Probiotic Capsules</b>:</span><span style="background: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Help the immune system and eliminate bad bacteria,
which is a major cause of body odor.</span><br />
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I also used a blend of essential oil combos, which smell lovely and aid in odor control.<br />
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I have selected 10 random people to test my initial recipe and then will make changes based n their feedback.<br />
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It is amazing how much personal satisfaction I have derived from playing a mad scientist in my test kitchen! It shines a light of the fact that I am a born maker and creative person and am so thrilled to be making safe and natural products that enhance people's lives and sense of well-being. I have found my happy place, one deodorant tube at a time!Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com76tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-47138566841606280402016-02-07T12:57:00.001-08:002016-02-07T13:02:45.677-08:00My Soap Curing Dream<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Elegant Solution</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc4qI4tzpSpB7fam8byX63NkWAXR0ZPvAdSbQALAFEL740hqR008aV0W98nwqY31bq6M7E6iEIvq4LJsN2RSCoomqH2BUt1p2Df_z5YuVLMEe6A7QyBPNh5XORbH_vZGy5i50Ya4PvXs/s1600/soap+curing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc4qI4tzpSpB7fam8byX63NkWAXR0ZPvAdSbQALAFEL740hqR008aV0W98nwqY31bq6M7E6iEIvq4LJsN2RSCoomqH2BUt1p2Df_z5YuVLMEe6A7QyBPNh5XORbH_vZGy5i50Ya4PvXs/s640/soap+curing.jpg" width="640" /></a></h2>
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My not so glamorous solutions</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgWvYoqcxhCyOsbBQT7BoBO-JjqhdNKd4ZLWBtobpviSK4GpbD3ClgsZkDx10lh10TCb_gZuin0RfRJIcI8_5u-2k_0T1P1ZWkrAqcFOxp6FiBhNo5g2FEwkAemVKaluSp7vpZ2hDfFY/s1600/Soap+curing3.jp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicgWvYoqcxhCyOsbBQT7BoBO-JjqhdNKd4ZLWBtobpviSK4GpbD3ClgsZkDx10lh10TCb_gZuin0RfRJIcI8_5u-2k_0T1P1ZWkrAqcFOxp6FiBhNo5g2FEwkAemVKaluSp7vpZ2hDfFY/s320/Soap+curing3.jp.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shelving above the Toilet</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbXgtRw4fO-Fm4XvkH1rL0eFvTUZQTtCzk4zfkr7z4TTACWHzJa5QCV07ikU_NA5uCo8E7h-hxToyKaNWQe-m-GXCDEuCfT5C4xTUNnbVOdJs62Mvy-fCCZAkFWoMRwoOrVAL33kRQ4Q/s1600/soap+curing+2.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbXgtRw4fO-Fm4XvkH1rL0eFvTUZQTtCzk4zfkr7z4TTACWHzJa5QCV07ikU_NA5uCo8E7h-hxToyKaNWQe-m-GXCDEuCfT5C4xTUNnbVOdJs62Mvy-fCCZAkFWoMRwoOrVAL33kRQ4Q/s320/soap+curing+2.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Curing soap in the Linen Closet</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeU12Vs6EYVuG8OdURCW4K7B0jd2yZ7_YMnHdQFjzTAgG-m_nY4c9WaYST63MvaLQgU_L-SIRnt8xnMm078ZKoyxzYy8AVv-1yxlsaXtq4RetSIiF-PabFt5K3WfT8bt_CGYQ0JNnmT3c/s1600/soap+curing.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeU12Vs6EYVuG8OdURCW4K7B0jd2yZ7_YMnHdQFjzTAgG-m_nY4c9WaYST63MvaLQgU_L-SIRnt8xnMm078ZKoyxzYy8AVv-1yxlsaXtq4RetSIiF-PabFt5K3WfT8bt_CGYQ0JNnmT3c/s320/soap+curing.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above the Laundry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Folks, the soap has officially taken over!</span> Like many other soap makers, I have soap all over the house. The house smells great, but the soap is taking over! What I really need is a new house, complete with a finished basement devoted just to soap making. That simply can't happen yet, so I need to get creative.<br />
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My soap storage solutions have been to find little pockets of space throughout the house for soap curing. The linen closet, above the laundry area, my closet, the storage above the toilet etc, has all been taken over by my increasing supply of soap inventory. Yikes!<br />
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I love <a href="http://bathvs.com/" target="_blank">BΛTHVS</a> solution to soap curing...make it into an art piece. How beautiful is this? I have always though that curing soap was quite pretty, and it would also be constantly changing, which is so interesting. I love this idea and may have to incorporate it into my home decor!<br />
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What are your solutions for soap curing? Baker's Racks, specialty soap curing racks, cardboard boxes? I'd love to know what other soapers do.Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-25749695663159331232016-02-01T21:55:00.001-08:002016-02-01T22:05:38.858-08:00Indie Cruise 2016<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWhgEzpWm1zIn92xg8sXhH-zobqXnkGHuIKk_6WuU_q22Qhiw-M4_oh1y-BQVfXKgvJ3MWUoMG_yP0U2ut0Zx7rj4GulpFXg9BfLZtDW_eTYRv2_GlxHlLVdWNyXg16mNdgWAREOidjc/s1600/BeachGroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWhgEzpWm1zIn92xg8sXhH-zobqXnkGHuIKk_6WuU_q22Qhiw-M4_oh1y-BQVfXKgvJ3MWUoMG_yP0U2ut0Zx7rj4GulpFXg9BfLZtDW_eTYRv2_GlxHlLVdWNyXg16mNdgWAREOidjc/s320/BeachGroup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These people are amazing!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the White Party!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RRb6p4UpeMnqeTGNfhATHE8BKhjhRgSc5O-ei4GtgKMqD4084NOW_t0_AjoRrf5Hge8K5wVky2h_P46VHSgLPNHAmaY0Ty7Y7WugVtr63eDQBa0MuGdWarXcMl6YzVh9y-EssIPBzoA/s1600/IMG_3189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RRb6p4UpeMnqeTGNfhATHE8BKhjhRgSc5O-ei4GtgKMqD4084NOW_t0_AjoRrf5Hge8K5wVky2h_P46VHSgLPNHAmaY0Ty7Y7WugVtr63eDQBa0MuGdWarXcMl6YzVh9y-EssIPBzoA/s320/IMG_3189.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2 JoAnns. How I love these ladies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNDijpcay6rXV_iuehMZ_3wYiG2xGL9UpkNhEg47e6RbS64bC9CaU0HEVZUpS2pgDsAXHS2cUsyrBtz8uVy25qIVQWDIYXP_nhRw5AjL0cp8YkOUVPFO4IavbT-TeatS8iPLYRhfYpcA/s1600/IMG_3195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNDijpcay6rXV_iuehMZ_3wYiG2xGL9UpkNhEg47e6RbS64bC9CaU0HEVZUpS2pgDsAXHS2cUsyrBtz8uVy25qIVQWDIYXP_nhRw5AjL0cp8YkOUVPFO4IavbT-TeatS8iPLYRhfYpcA/s320/IMG_3195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Dawn Fitch of Pooka Pure and Natural</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jen from Klean Spa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Anne-Marie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Donna Maria</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Margaret Helm-Duell of Mohea Natural Beauty</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Anne-Marie and Donna Maria. This will be framed!</td></tr>
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I recently returned from Cancun from a trip with other makers on Indie Cruise 2016, (which was actually at an all-inclusive resort) and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I have always admired <a href="http://www.indiebusinessnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Donna Maria Coles-Johnson</a> and consider her a mentor. She is the mastermind behind the incredible Indie Business Network, which I joined in January 2015. After hearing so much about the Cruise, and the speakers and supportive maker community, I decided to make it a priority to be a part of this annual trip. With the support of my wonderful husband, who took a week off from work to watch the kids, I was on my way to Cancun to soak up all the knowledge and wisdom I could from the other makers and business owners.<br />
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Bramble Berry's Anne-Marie Faoila was a guest speaker at the event. As Donna Maria expresses, "her presentation and workshop on life planning and productivity was a special highlight of the trip." Meeting and getting to know Anne-Marie was an amazing experience. She posted about the trip on <a href="http://www.soapqueen.com/business/what-i-learned-at-on-indie-business-cruise/" target="_blank">her blog</a>, in which she shared key information shared by our speakers. Please take a moment to read her takeaways from the trip.<br />
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I was able to meet the owner of the awesome <a href="http://www.ettaandbillie.com/" target="_blank">Etta and Billie</a>, whose soap I love so much Alana was as adorable and personable as I could have imagined She is so full of life and has so much charisma. The products she creates, along with the vibe of her business has always fascinated me.<br />
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I could go on and on about each maker. As Anne-Marie proclaimed, "We are all special snowflakes." Yes indeed! All of these makes were special, creative and vibrant spirits! I am so blessed to have met them and am ready to take on 2016!<br />
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If ever you get the chance to be a part of this annual event, I strongly encourage you to go, Being around other makers, in a supportive and inspiring environment was an experience of a lifetime. Next year, plans are underway to visit the Dominican Republic and I certainly want to reconnect with my new maker friends. Are you game? I'd love for you to join me!Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-67730180677236300952016-01-31T16:57:00.000-08:002016-01-31T16:57:19.432-08:00CONTEST!!!! Name that soap!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQBqWuGZErqXqoA5CQKlXQEb2DC6Koe3WiGU6m_E2W-EBtOK31dbxF0FaL21smvxrhXAGD0q_E9-kJnA1FDv-1UaoYzcFQVsZnfVppVzdsp9VsilNBMFV82caMQ209maapWowmFGGepg/s1600/IMG_1866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQBqWuGZErqXqoA5CQKlXQEb2DC6Koe3WiGU6m_E2W-EBtOK31dbxF0FaL21smvxrhXAGD0q_E9-kJnA1FDv-1UaoYzcFQVsZnfVppVzdsp9VsilNBMFV82caMQ209maapWowmFGGepg/s320/IMG_1866.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_h4RWuyuFoD9SpU9Ikcka6Pd8Q23UEu4MyJocWFBwzYqUwOqENTsNJa4l7rqgtASMzH9gdet2pB_Tttkn84sCDoFSHDhl691RZ46wZ2Y1y6uYW9jndVN3KYSWiRnu4cuHI27cSbeVL1M/s1600/IMG_3303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_h4RWuyuFoD9SpU9Ikcka6Pd8Q23UEu4MyJocWFBwzYqUwOqENTsNJa4l7rqgtASMzH9gdet2pB_Tttkn84sCDoFSHDhl691RZ46wZ2Y1y6uYW9jndVN3KYSWiRnu4cuHI27cSbeVL1M/s320/IMG_3303.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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NAME THAT SOAP CONTEST! <br /><br />I need help! I have so many clever followers and I am hoping you can help me name my two latest soaps. </div>
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If your soap name suggestion is chosen, you will receive a free bar of your choice from my web store. Contest ends Wednesday, February 3 at midnight PST.</div>
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I have created 2 new soaps! The first is the soap that I made from Bramble Berry's Oatmeal soap for babies from Pure Soapmaking. </div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.5636px;">The first is the soap that I made from Bramble Berry's Oatmeal soap for babies from Pure Soapmaking. It is </span> scent/dye free, with colloidal oatmeal and chamomile infused olive oil (perfect for babies and those with very sensitive skin)</div>
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The 2nd is scented primarily with cedarwood essential oil, along with lavender, orange and ylang ylang essential oils.</div>
Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-59468791630326577012016-01-29T15:24:00.000-08:002016-01-29T15:27:09.352-08:00Guest Post: Fields of Ambrosia speaks about Lavender Essential Oil Safety<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #141412; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
I recently went on a business trip with some amazing makers from the <a href="http://www.indiebusinessnetwork.com/" target="_blank">Indie Business Network</a>. We met n Cancun and shared great information, meals and friendship. One of the amazing ladies I met, as Deb Jasien, From <a href="http://www.fieldsofambrosia.com/blog/" target="_blank">Fields of Ambrosia</a>. Deb has extensive knowledge about essential oils, which I am particularly interested in because I am using them more and more in my soaps. I only use them for aromatherapy, but with the rise of popularity in companies like DoTerra and Young Living, people are using them more and more for medial and therapeutic reasons. I too have done this, often ingesting them diluted in water. However, Deb and some of the other Indies, who have studied essential oil usage extensively lamented that these extremely concentrated oils are often misused, which can be dangerous. Deb was kind enough to allow me to share her blog post about Lavender Essential Oil Safety, which is invaluable to me as a Lavender enthusiast. Please take a moment to read Deb's article:</div>
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<a href="http://www.fieldsofambrosia.com/blog/essential-oils-aromatherapy/a-guide-to-essential-oil-safety-lavender/" rel="bookmark" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #141412; text-decoration: none;">A Guide to Essential Oil Safety – Lavender</a></h1>
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The surging popularity of essential oils and aromatherapy may seem like a New Age trend, but they’ve actually been around for centuries. They are natural remedies with incredible power and there are many essential oil resources online giving worrisome blanket advice about their use. Because of the strength of essential oils, you should always be cautious of over-using them.</div>
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In most cases, essential oils should not be used undiluted on the skin. Due to the small molecular size of essential oils, they can penetrate the skin easily and enter the bloodstream. As a general rule, essential oils should be diluted in a carrier oil like jojoba or grapeseed, 3-5 drops of essential oils per teaspoon of carrier oil. Undiluted use can cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some people, and can cause a permanent sensitivity to certain oils after using it on broken skin. Some, like lavender, rose and chamomile are typically considered safe for undiluted skin use.</div>
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This isn’t to say essential oils should not be used, but they should be used carefully, with proper education and in safe amounts. Let’s take a look at ever-popular Lavender in this week’s column.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">LAVENDER OIL<em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="http://www.fieldsofambrosia.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/LavenderEssentialOil.jpg" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bc360a; text-decoration: none;"><img alt="LavenderEssentialOil" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-71" src="http://www.fieldsofambrosia.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/LavenderEssentialOil-300x159.jpg" height="159" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; float: right; height: auto; margin: 5px -60px 5px 20px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" width="300" /></a></em></strong></h4>
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Imagine a flower being able to calm your nerves, help reduce inflammation and swelling, promote faster healing for minor burns, decrease muscle pain, alleviate insomnia, and work as a natural bug repellant? That purple colored flower named lavender, which is derived from the Latin word lavera meaning “to wash”, is one of the most versatile essential oils the plant kingdom has to offer.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Types of Lavender:</strong><br />
Lavandula angustifolia is the most common type of lavender and is referred to as true lavender. Any true lavender will have the botanical name of “lavandula” as the prefix. (There are up to 39 different species, including lavandula officinalis and lavandula vera, yet they will all be simply lavender). The reason the “true” lavandula angustifolia genus is so popular is due to the low rate of camphor, less than one percent, it retains after distillation. This lends the essential oil a strong floral aroma, but it also makes it quite effective in aromatherapy usage, especially in accelerating the healing of minor burns. Lavandin, (also known as Dutch lavender), yields a similar essential oil, but with higher levels of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terpene" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bc360a; text-decoration: none;" title="Terpene">terpenes</a> including <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camphor" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #bc360a; text-decoration: none;" title="Camphor">camphor</a>, which add a sharper overtone to the fragrance. Camphor is a chemical constituent that you don’t want near a burn, and other versions of lavender, which can contain up to 8% camphor—<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">are not effective</strong> for soothing delicate skin tissue.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Safety/Precautions:</strong><br />
Unlike many other essential oils, there are few safety precautions. Lavender essential oil can be used neat, meaning without diluting it in a plant based carrier oil, but it must be done in small amounts and only for minor skin problems. However, it is advised to dilute lavender with a vegetable carrier oil such as olive oil, jojoba, sweet almond oil, etc., just to make certain that your skin doesn’t have an allergic reaction. Be very careful when purchasing pure lavender essential oil to be used for minor medical burn treatment emergencies as you will need true lavender, the type containing the lowest amount of camphor, and NOT lavandin, the genus which has up to 8% camphor – a burn causing ingredient!</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"> </strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">Uses for Lavender: </strong><br />
Bath soak ~ All you need is approximately 10 drops in your bathtub of warm to hot water and you should find yourself relaxing.<br />
Diffuser ~ Add a few drops to an aromatherapy diffuser. Lavender will fill the room with its soothing floral aroma and relaxation should follow.<br />
Sachet ~ Add dried lavender buds to a small muslin bag and store in your drawers/cupboards, and especially where linen is stored. This method also works well as a natural bug repellent if you hang a scented lavender sachet in your closet(s) on a hanger.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">General:</strong> As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted, in eyes or mucus membranes. Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner. Keep away from children. If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body (after you have properly diluted the oil in an appropriate carrier.</div>
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<strong style="box-sizing: border-box;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">For educational purposes only</u></strong><strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">.</strong> This information has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.</div>
Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-71247702894240428902016-01-26T18:06:00.001-08:002016-01-26T18:11:54.379-08:00Bramble Berry's Pure Soapmaking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chamomile Infused Olive Oil</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to make soap!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TpQ3vjyGU5XZ8Y5MRXWSZr53pvpgKObq7w_W57DEcFDTbbv6VoLf0rtC0DJVe9Wy5nO1oBOgIJ4hdvO_Od3s2U3mLpIy2s2_jabOD_o6OvmOBKLjaeCKouImTbgelubwSCAFv27MgM0/s1600/FullSizeRender4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TpQ3vjyGU5XZ8Y5MRXWSZr53pvpgKObq7w_W57DEcFDTbbv6VoLf0rtC0DJVe9Wy5nO1oBOgIJ4hdvO_Od3s2U3mLpIy2s2_jabOD_o6OvmOBKLjaeCKouImTbgelubwSCAFv27MgM0/s400/FullSizeRender4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This soap is so creamy and beautiful! I can't wait to unmold!</td></tr>
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I have been eagerly awaiting Anne- Marie Faiola's newest soap making book<a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/Pure-Soap-Making-How-to-Create-Nourishing-Organic-Skin-Care-Soaps-P6298.aspx" target="_blank"> Pure Soapmaking</a> for quite some time. It just so happens that I have been wanting to add a new collection to my current line of soaps that are colored with natural colorants and use only essential oils, so this book is a Godsend to me.<br />
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In Oregon, there are many soap makers that make all natural, rustic "hippie" soaps. I love these soaps, but I have always loved the advanced soap making techniques that often involve the use of bright pops of color. I am often told by customers that my soaps are "too pretty to use," and honestly, creating something beautiful and useful is one of my driving forces and a component of soap making that ignites my passion.<br />
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That said, I have a few plain Jane bars that sell really well for me, especially at the farmer's market. My Peppermint Tea Tree, Lemongrass and Oatmeal, Milk and Honey are great sellers,and are beautiful in their simplicity and purity, but I am looking to create bars that are not only natural, but beautiful.<br />
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This is where Pure Soapmaking comes into play. This gorgeous book is filled with over 200 pages of information and recipes that are perfect for my new journey down the all-natural path. These recipes use essential oils and natural colorants, It is perfect for the beginning soap maker, or the advanced maker who is craving an artistic challenge.,<br />
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The bar that I chose to make is the Oatmeal Soap for Babies. Why? Well, I have 3 babies, aging from 7 years-old - 19 months. I also have many mommy friends who want a gentle bar for their children, some of whom have skin sensitivities. I also have quite a few customers who are allergic to scented products. About 99% of the time, these customers will buy a scent-free, gentle bar if presented with the option.<br />
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The Oatmeal Soap for Babies was extremely easy to make. I don't want to give away all the details (you must get this book!), The bar is primarily olive oil, which is infused with chamomile. In addition, there is the addition of shea butter,for moisture, castor oil for bubbles, along with skin loving bentonite clay and colloidal oatmeal. I love the addition of the Chamomile infused oil, bentonite clay and colloidal oatmeal. These extra ingredients not only make a better bar of soap, but may distinguish my soap from other baby bars. I can't wait to try it out on the kids!<br />
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For the next few weeks, I have a standing night-time date with Anne-Marie and her new book! I will post the results from all the new recipes I make. If you like all natural soap making, but still want to incorporate special techniques that will set your soap a part from the rest, this book is for you!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEsLLQUiwwiWYkyujy2379BUCzo0WYb8SgndYwLn0hKI5cJZzVvFuqP9Q2gUrLmU4_TzYqkKz9EVpGFSX3Jg1OvGhjCbAZJ1p4VXBbH_kCMH7nTxoDyb4OAppUWITPOeJ9tA3avhZB6w/s1600/Christmas+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggEsLLQUiwwiWYkyujy2379BUCzo0WYb8SgndYwLn0hKI5cJZzVvFuqP9Q2gUrLmU4_TzYqkKz9EVpGFSX3Jg1OvGhjCbAZJ1p4VXBbH_kCMH7nTxoDyb4OAppUWITPOeJ9tA3avhZB6w/s320/Christmas+card.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are the test subjects! They love bathing and Mommy's soap!</td></tr>
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<br />Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-79177838018450703952016-01-03T18:22:00.000-08:002016-01-03T18:22:06.064-08:00It all started with a $50 Gift Card<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8_ueK5Ew67DhdTD8X11DnYi4YnN-KDa-K3KtyiwyhzC1KyAtnOIGVo1vs15p0VXth972GAkjluj1CQdTrOt1s-yW-t0NZx-DlfsURPvY43x8vsDbHCw-W6bJGHjxC2FHZECylL3TTR4/s1600/Ocean+Soap+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF8_ueK5Ew67DhdTD8X11DnYi4YnN-KDa-K3KtyiwyhzC1KyAtnOIGVo1vs15p0VXth972GAkjluj1CQdTrOt1s-yW-t0NZx-DlfsURPvY43x8vsDbHCw-W6bJGHjxC2FHZECylL3TTR4/s1600/Ocean+Soap+Small.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my first soaps, Ocean Mist. I was so excited by how pretty it turned out. </td></tr>
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With every new year, I reflect on my business and dream of how I can take Lion and Rose to the next level. January-April are my slow months, so I have a time to replenish my soap stock, take a deep breath and contemplate what I will do next. It's a very exciting time for me. I am filled with inspiration and re-dedicate my efforts. This is when I dream big!<br />
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This year, I have been reflecting on how far I have come in the last 4 years. It all started with an interest in a potential new hobby or perhaps a creative outlet. I was the mother of a 4 year-old boy and a 1 year-old daughter. I love being a stay-at-home mom, but I was craving a creative outlet. For my birthday, my husband bought me a $50 gift card to Bramble Berry. I had been watching a constant stream of Soap Queen tutorials and reading endless blogs about soap making, so my husband thought my birthday would be the ideal chance to let me get my toes wet by allowing me the opportunity to buy some supplies of my own.<br />
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I spent countless hours reading fragrance oil descriptions, learning what I could about colorants and trying to figure out how best to spend that $50. I chose pretty well, in fact, the first fragrance I ever bought, Energy, is still in my line and is called Good Day Sunshine.Looking back, $50 is nothing! I was so frugal and thoughtful. My batches started very small and allowed me to learn my craft without too much risk.<br />
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From the start, I only used gift money and my eventual sales from my soap to fund my company. To this day, almost every dollar goes back into the company. I have never used family funds for the business and I have steadily grown about double in sales per year. I have so much pride in what I have built and am becoming more confident that a desk job will not be a part of my future. I can continue to dream big, work hard and am loving every minute of it!<br />
<br />Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-18425271847705327302015-12-12T19:38:00.000-08:002015-12-12T19:38:04.601-08:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRsOoK0OBr3oshfMiRR90PzTRAzTbrqPrAF-XnSIYu_rQ8TY2MTvjUslsL6p9dKCSmvJzaMehuSRTeAkjQQ4lmfF11aLPZ48Iv6e6GpRdvhGZ-nEj_lgRVO7FY-ZIimM0KKFYPRbXawA/s1600/Sugar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNRsOoK0OBr3oshfMiRR90PzTRAzTbrqPrAF-XnSIYu_rQ8TY2MTvjUslsL6p9dKCSmvJzaMehuSRTeAkjQQ4lmfF11aLPZ48Iv6e6GpRdvhGZ-nEj_lgRVO7FY-ZIimM0KKFYPRbXawA/s1600/Sugar.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This image is from Naiad Soap Arts. So in LOVE!!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzn24B7EBVJasni-wnqSY7_VRnaFfe6U2ajnWdjcEZ5ko9mvEY1IK8SKNzxjKpRzDehZWUWP1WRpe08yqLE_MxLgegb1mSomic_JDiBPTW71vMQBwB_ZA4CWb65o1IvFOP_i58MVKBEjY/s1600/Christmas+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzn24B7EBVJasni-wnqSY7_VRnaFfe6U2ajnWdjcEZ5ko9mvEY1IK8SKNzxjKpRzDehZWUWP1WRpe08yqLE_MxLgegb1mSomic_JDiBPTW71vMQBwB_ZA4CWb65o1IvFOP_i58MVKBEjY/s320/Christmas+card.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at these kids! I am so blessed to have these 3 little ones in my life!</td></tr>
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I have been so busy with bazaars every weekend. It has been so fun and I love every minute, but I haven't been able to make much soap. I am now itching to add to my product line. That may be my goal for 2016! I tried candle making, but I think that may just be a hobby. I am so anxious to get busy creating again! What should I add to my line? Whipped sugar scrub, roll-on perfume, shave butter, shaving soap, lip scrubs? What's your vote? If your maker, what are some of your more successful product lines? I am like a kids in a candy shop...the possibilities are so exciting.<br />
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I am so eager to get my hands on some of <a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/Body-Care-Kits-C128.aspx" target="_blank">Bramble Berry's</a> awesome body care kits. Yes, this could be a business expense, but I would love my husband or kids to buy me one as a Christmas gift. I know I can write this expense off as a business expense, but sometimes a girl can mix business with pleasure.<br />
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I find so much inspiration from Erin Pikor of <a href="http://www.naiadsoap.com/" target="_blank">Naiad Soap Arts</a>. Like me, she was a Graphic Designer. I LOVE her packaging, website and amazing products. I also would love some whipped sugar scrub for Christmas please (hint to my husband). I may just have to buy some for myself. Merry Christmas to me!<br />
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I am so excited for 2016. Every year Lion and Rose grows and I am so excited to see where the new tear takes me.<br />
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Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-69314960014224831002015-10-17T21:02:00.000-07:002015-10-17T21:02:33.143-07:00Makers' Masterminding Day with Donna Maria!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZt6u24U9_GGtBjHkk6-fSk0ur0ETGyC1sy02aS1S4f8sktAPnj356SGC_02FhYKRolBd85LV_NWlBVV-ETmIno5ABlWGps93i95nkYUi8_uqYBbSAnacomAFxzTYXdGkQAj4XDvxd4W0/s1600/IMG_2410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZt6u24U9_GGtBjHkk6-fSk0ur0ETGyC1sy02aS1S4f8sktAPnj356SGC_02FhYKRolBd85LV_NWlBVV-ETmIno5ABlWGps93i95nkYUi8_uqYBbSAnacomAFxzTYXdGkQAj4XDvxd4W0/s320/IMG_2410.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donna Maria and me!<br />
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I am giddy like a school girl because I was able to spend a day of masterminding with Donna Maria of the Indie Business Network. Last Monday, October 12, I spent the day soaking up kernels of business wisdom from Donna Maria and the amazing team at <a href="http://www.essentialwholesale.com/" target="_blank">Essential Wholesale</a>,<br />
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Alex Badcock, VP of Marketing for Essential Wholesale wrote a blog post that sums up the lessons learned from our day of masterminding. His post is so eloquent and insightful, so I must share! Please read this: <a href="http://library.essentialwholesale.com/5-take-aways-from-portland-connection-day-2015/" target="_blank">5 Take Aways from Portland Connection Day 2015</a><br />
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Not only did I learn a lot from the expert speakers, I was so encouraged by my fellow makers. What a supportive and creative group of business owners! I was so impressed by how intelligent, creative and energetic this group was. We even had belly dancing lessons from the Vanessa of <a href="https://www.herbsofgrace.com/" target="_blank">Herbs of Grace.</a><br />
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Also, we left the event with plenty of swag from Essential Wholesale.There products and ingredients are amazing and after meeting their wonderful staff, and touring their immaculate facility, I would encourage any soap maker to buy their products.<br />
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If Donna Maria comes to a city near you for a masterminding event, I would strongly encourage any maker to participate. It was fun, insightful and inspiring! I am amped to take my business to the net level.<br />
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<br />Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-6900118252559112352015-10-01T21:21:00.004-07:002015-10-01T21:21:47.144-07:00Holiday Events!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGWWSy42A0d5p-hF6U2TXjDksspz65rnHKQjzGh160gPwe18ymxVN99Rz2tghdg2hOApagp5GY4wiPpGGfnuim37X2vZk0tqNDcBryG9QqRjH_HOznPxAIkCpw5pYuWbnq3CnU6fwVY4/s1600/IMG_2352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXGWWSy42A0d5p-hF6U2TXjDksspz65rnHKQjzGh160gPwe18ymxVN99Rz2tghdg2hOApagp5GY4wiPpGGfnuim37X2vZk0tqNDcBryG9QqRjH_HOznPxAIkCpw5pYuWbnq3CnU6fwVY4/s320/IMG_2352.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall is in the air! Apple Harvest Soap!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOURuZ7sQMlwoLbNwIAwzQUnreNgQxVLDSUI3KTkk92pLGCVUd3fAzbLzXCOxFzeFWmjLDY7ElhMmgFtwP-ueKz85dPPM754d7QR7ggKKBobSs8s0BlBm2TtsfdV_S7PJeY1xau-v-9pA/s1600/IMG_1119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOURuZ7sQMlwoLbNwIAwzQUnreNgQxVLDSUI3KTkk92pLGCVUd3fAzbLzXCOxFzeFWmjLDY7ElhMmgFtwP-ueKz85dPPM754d7QR7ggKKBobSs8s0BlBm2TtsfdV_S7PJeY1xau-v-9pA/s320/IMG_1119.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaps made in honor of Oregon's rival colleges: OSU and U of O</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWCmj9s8o7z6bZ322ycsDaTlyDLizc5h3mdS54kEm6tK_c6WPmeK4vpI9OvyyXNSSVIvo9cwxalY5cMvWa2-stCrZOd5IGJ7vS7_h6xgL8Hh62nXjjuVXDbVEkodqT-SXZdsYXlXQFZc/s1600/IMG_2261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWCmj9s8o7z6bZ322ycsDaTlyDLizc5h3mdS54kEm6tK_c6WPmeK4vpI9OvyyXNSSVIvo9cwxalY5cMvWa2-stCrZOd5IGJ7vS7_h6xgL8Hh62nXjjuVXDbVEkodqT-SXZdsYXlXQFZc/s320/IMG_2261.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's walking and finally got her first tooth at 15 months!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDk8xrlLZ9NfiA7qVrfLZca22wZvB9jQ0wcI33INaOdhgC5hvqTM733KN3kSMRiu9g_bg2XlRiVfYJ-kWITMug2A70nzWv5WU389R-NO9c_nCyjKIREoCLDxZv6EovOvPM1DSC-KU1nwU/s1600/IMG_2344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDk8xrlLZ9NfiA7qVrfLZca22wZvB9jQ0wcI33INaOdhgC5hvqTM733KN3kSMRiu9g_bg2XlRiVfYJ-kWITMug2A70nzWv5WU389R-NO9c_nCyjKIREoCLDxZv6EovOvPM1DSC-KU1nwU/s320/IMG_2344.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stickering soaps for my big wholesale account!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYSTbjW15dFxMUrK-SLRPptobsXgwb79CBPQNrdrQTnoPCWz9HNpWI9WFCHUQYiGJYMQrmsCSA4TKZJ0vRoZPT5qFPHUrjddmA0RZudUQrMZzTxM70HAnRkhVI2r5RREaLp99y1dBqTM/s1600/IMG_1117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYSTbjW15dFxMUrK-SLRPptobsXgwb79CBPQNrdrQTnoPCWz9HNpWI9WFCHUQYiGJYMQrmsCSA4TKZJ0vRoZPT5qFPHUrjddmA0RZudUQrMZzTxM70HAnRkhVI2r5RREaLp99y1dBqTM/s320/IMG_1117.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to School!</td></tr>
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I love fall! The kids are back in school, the air is crisp and I get to start making Fall/Winter soaps! I am loving my Apple Harvest soap. It is scented with Bramble Berry's Red Apple and smells so good! It has been selling so well at the farmer's market that I decided to make another batch, but modified it a tad by adding a touch of Bramble Berry's Sleigh Ride, which smells quite spicy, to create a spiced apple scent.<br />
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As a mom to 3 young kids, I have so many days when I feel as though I can't fit it all into a day. This summer, I focused on getting my kiddos out and busy. We had swim class, days at the pool, play dates, time at the park etc. I feel the need to get these Oregon kids out in the sun as much as possible, because once the rainy season hits, we are home bound a lot! As a result, so much of my soap making and business stuff was saved for the evening, so I was one exhausted Mama.<br />
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Now that Leo is in 2nd grade and Somerset is in preschool, we have fallen into a new routine, which frees up a little more day time for me. That means I can make soap during the day. I do as much prep work as I can with the baby around and then when it is time to make soap, I have the baby in the high chair for a snack. I have become exceptionally efficient!<br />
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Our baby girl is now walking! She is such a peach. She is my #1 marketing tool at the market too. When she is at my booth, she waves, smiles and says "hi" to all who cross her path.<br />
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I am now starting to plan for the upcoming Christmas season. I hope to add a few more dates too. For all who are local, here's where I will be selling:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>November 7: Annual Mountain View Holiday Bazaar</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>17500 SW Farmington Road, Aloha OR 97078, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>November 14: Beaverton High School Bazaar, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>At Beaverton High School</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>November 21: Lake Oswego Farmer's Market Reunion, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.</b></span><br />
<b><span class="fn" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16.8px;">Millennium Plaza Park</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16.8px;"></span></b><br />
<div class="street-address" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16.8px;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>200 First Street</b></span></div>
<b><span class="locality" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16.8px;">Lake Oswego</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16.8px;">, </span><span class="region" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16.8px;">OR</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16.8px;"> </span><span class="postal-code" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 16.8px;">97034</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>December 5: Garden Home Recreation Center Bazaar</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 16.12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>7475 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, OR 97223</b></span></span><br />
<br />Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-10616182164540729932015-09-03T20:55:00.001-07:002015-09-03T20:55:46.654-07:00New Soaps and Something so Exciting! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4Fv9rvUqKryONsHaPS7hrlu53bvj-Kcq3xrjO_ev8rDQ3SZ3dwuJBsfI67KNZ3TNI3_3w4MRvEVCnDAs6vcDeQAE4_E1wygQQzt_I2LeCob_KvI70PKLGrP5nVZc6Q35n0yP8DIswzM/s1600/indie+cruise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV4Fv9rvUqKryONsHaPS7hrlu53bvj-Kcq3xrjO_ev8rDQ3SZ3dwuJBsfI67KNZ3TNI3_3w4MRvEVCnDAs6vcDeQAE4_E1wygQQzt_I2LeCob_KvI70PKLGrP5nVZc6Q35n0yP8DIswzM/s320/indie+cruise.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBzjLaT9WNabeSuquayGyhppdarU8Hll-9e36eOIrzp7YLvCzN4Debx1bPr1oW-wKva9lQ89CS6obP6gCj31oKKfuSPXQr-hYputl86C8RWcu5aUjTzvkbSFjRt7JEjH7asxYsrZik4M/s1600/Apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBzjLaT9WNabeSuquayGyhppdarU8Hll-9e36eOIrzp7YLvCzN4Debx1bPr1oW-wKva9lQ89CS6obP6gCj31oKKfuSPXQr-hYputl86C8RWcu5aUjTzvkbSFjRt7JEjH7asxYsrZik4M/s320/Apples.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scented with Bramble Berry's Red Apple</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsmR3ma9QBAtCk41AvuXCiCZwUswav9VBlpbOy6efS_f7b3WQ2dszVNtC4YXrJvd0bQzNJ5XS8IVbcbrCc6RR_0tyQkcXND2GWIuXBLYmJDAtuU-D36Ru0OheZDdbbsdAXVYK93HlB_0/s1600/Love+Spell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsmR3ma9QBAtCk41AvuXCiCZwUswav9VBlpbOy6efS_f7b3WQ2dszVNtC4YXrJvd0bQzNJ5XS8IVbcbrCc6RR_0tyQkcXND2GWIuXBLYmJDAtuU-D36Ru0OheZDdbbsdAXVYK93HlB_0/s320/Love+Spell.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inspired by My Little Pony's Twilight Sparkle<br />(I have a 4 year old daughter).<br />Scented with Nature Garden's Love Spell</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWh80_3uCQU4IOaoIpx1eD71eQKgzsuW3Hf2pNVovrgEzMhD9_HUU3HN2nJ-QFULW_01hIJQUcEskCycy25Xf2Jq7iMWLwUB0A6j9FxKMfOg6kI_99396BXwK_4RS_1ElHRhDrQY8macA/s1600/Graprfruit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWh80_3uCQU4IOaoIpx1eD71eQKgzsuW3Hf2pNVovrgEzMhD9_HUU3HN2nJ-QFULW_01hIJQUcEskCycy25Xf2Jq7iMWLwUB0A6j9FxKMfOg6kI_99396BXwK_4RS_1ElHRhDrQY8macA/s320/Graprfruit.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grapefruit!</td></tr>
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As you can see, I am loving making these beautiful marbled tops. I love the look and it is relatively easy. I find that using high contrast colors always look more dramatic. So I always use white to make the other colors pop. I also don't let the soap batter get too thick. Using wo<span style="text-align: center;">oden skewer sticks has worked well for me. </span><br />
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My big news is that I am going to be a part of <a href="http://www.indiebusinessnetwork.com/indie-cruise/" target="_blank">Indie Cruise 2016</a>. I have loved being a part of the Indie Business Network and am so inspired by Donna Maria, who I consider a mentor (she doesn't know it yet though)! I love her podcast and have learned so much from her while doing mundane chores around the house or going on a run.<br />
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Also, Bramble Berry's Anne-Marie will be attending as well. She is another personal mentor. Being surrounded by these inspirational, positive, like-minded, business leaders in paradise is a dream come true for me and a once in a life time opportunity.<br />
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So what does this mean for me? Well, I will be thinking of what I can do to prepare for this experience. I plan to soak up the sun and soak in knowledge from my mentors and other successful business owners...I have so much to learn! I try to explain to my friends here in Oregon what this means to me and no one (except my dear husband), can truly grasp the scope of this trip.<br />
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It doesn't hurt that all of this wonderful masterminding will occur in Cancun. I plan to hit the gym hard! I also have to be away from my sweet family for a week, which will be difficult, but it will be so worth it. I can't wait!!!!<br />
<br />Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-51558392075543357502015-08-03T15:03:00.000-07:002015-08-03T15:03:57.622-07:00Charity Soap!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlB0i49cNRAOFc8d36lukmXhvp3cdC2DCpYYTUBIaftMGdfwdylR489WZjiZ6HQHQa5liz_Q-bcV7feu3dsWtuQpgA5aK-eljYiK-4ZqdtgbIuAZRJFsaudVBCgEJLgGp4zBZ7QupTEE/s1600/IMG_0712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinlB0i49cNRAOFc8d36lukmXhvp3cdC2DCpYYTUBIaftMGdfwdylR489WZjiZ6HQHQa5liz_Q-bcV7feu3dsWtuQpgA5aK-eljYiK-4ZqdtgbIuAZRJFsaudVBCgEJLgGp4zBZ7QupTEE/s320/IMG_0712.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leo's Lion Heart</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNSYdV95otmyxF1K1h3kubALjJye7zUFIT5erpz6ycZaJLl_5gLAc5-RiqtTkPk6O_UlF-djmlZ50OiXszga3M7xastc8qORvTMJ8jaOZ6UziVVOy8Q_LHuGkBxxWlFbvh3GrUc1pc78/s1600/Leo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisNSYdV95otmyxF1K1h3kubALjJye7zUFIT5erpz6ycZaJLl_5gLAc5-RiqtTkPk6O_UlF-djmlZ50OiXszga3M7xastc8qORvTMJ8jaOZ6UziVVOy8Q_LHuGkBxxWlFbvh3GrUc1pc78/s320/Leo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leo!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpT1TDHcmgTTm43vtmGOtOngCmGpiY7dQ2I2t5JoiKos4cbbEI4Rtf9-fj7K5HR6T0SbnB1wrPhSp3-bflRphBJBwUYGBb-V40QpaZNwA1J3odhwUW5VALLQNiEalJ-PGX6ZBR8NkWBSY/s1600/Anti-Bullying.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpT1TDHcmgTTm43vtmGOtOngCmGpiY7dQ2I2t5JoiKos4cbbEI4Rtf9-fj7K5HR6T0SbnB1wrPhSp3-bflRphBJBwUYGBb-V40QpaZNwA1J3odhwUW5VALLQNiEalJ-PGX6ZBR8NkWBSY/s1600/Anti-Bullying.gif" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpAkkSMvpjh78yOWHXYJsdtbC0mJkwhizp9T7B8acHp1duxw52POFUquzug4XlnzfMjwIPFYN4PP_zrvsfuwj6kzW_dB02euoqg_xvZZu4LUkJN-ST1YnhKDkma0ZJKCzXVZx03-5gMY/s1600/IMG_0719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcpAkkSMvpjh78yOWHXYJsdtbC0mJkwhizp9T7B8acHp1duxw52POFUquzug4XlnzfMjwIPFYN4PP_zrvsfuwj6kzW_dB02euoqg_xvZZu4LUkJN-ST1YnhKDkma0ZJKCzXVZx03-5gMY/s320/IMG_0719.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower Wishes</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOhiB72VRp5sUFDsV8SKcIOrspIRJa2-Ke5h_9McIf3Gv4JgZisKj5pwbtRUykLk9Ty0i5wRmAaAuLI_v_d79xadUnk7-D41PG8mSEsteniMGzyx1OiydcgMA7MGN6IgF-c0OyK4Nvrg/s1600/Somerset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOhiB72VRp5sUFDsV8SKcIOrspIRJa2-Ke5h_9McIf3Gv4JgZisKj5pwbtRUykLk9Ty0i5wRmAaAuLI_v_d79xadUnk7-D41PG8mSEsteniMGzyx1OiydcgMA7MGN6IgF-c0OyK4Nvrg/s320/Somerset.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Somerset!<br /></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0A315sQnKL2EtkLCYJT4K8Py-Ic7tbvMwzEXtlrf43xDjpdjSs598ifCP1HAGyPiPRkBhSuVKgAJUAui3kH4KGysGpiUC-Ec0oSy_5SszGRI0C21a3d8EhOOIDnjgwnBqW2PjVSa1ohM/s1600/make+a+wish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0A315sQnKL2EtkLCYJT4K8Py-Ic7tbvMwzEXtlrf43xDjpdjSs598ifCP1HAGyPiPRkBhSuVKgAJUAui3kH4KGysGpiUC-Ec0oSy_5SszGRI0C21a3d8EhOOIDnjgwnBqW2PjVSa1ohM/s1600/make+a+wish.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I love having my own business. It has given me the opportunity to stay at home with my children and grow the business at my own pace. The goal is to make this a real income and when Rosalie starts kindergarten, I can work full-time and really grow the business. For now, I have my hands full with 3 kids and the business, but I love that I may never have to return to a desk job working for someone else.</div>
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Another thing I love about owning a business is getting my kids involved. I think it's great that the kids have watched me make and sell my soap. They are also great little sales people too and help out as much as they can.</div>
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I have had both Leo and Somerset design a soap. They chose the fragrance and colors and I executed it for them. Somerset even chose the name of her soap, "Flower Wishes." I love the color combos they have chosen. Somerset's soap is so girly and beautiful and Leo's color combination is striking. The kids really think outside the box and I love that! The allow me to take my soap designs to a whole new place.</div>
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For every bar sold, 1 dollar goes to charity. Leo's soap charity is <a href="http://www.championsagainstbullying.com/" target="_blank">Champions against Bullying</a> and Somerset's charity is the <a href="http://oregon.wish.org/" target="_blank">Make a Wish</a> foundation. I am happy to say that Leo's first batch has sold out and we get to send some money off. Somerset's bars are nearly gone and we are so excited to donate to such a good cause. </div>
<br />Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-27512260542284761702015-07-26T20:45:00.001-07:002015-07-26T20:45:51.379-07:00Beaverton Farmer's Market! I love my job!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruUXVX59kWDZ01haHnfKPelnL6BGSldJfyT_JJ4KMhyphenhyphenZ60sTqFfxsXMZohtfgL1YmxjTl2L1rlsJwmjV-dxghUrduac3npIk1l5mYppqaAg-wrj7nE9mhyN4na-U5vgUZgHnlO6zTav4/s1600/11378556_1050685801616572_1619488530_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruUXVX59kWDZ01haHnfKPelnL6BGSldJfyT_JJ4KMhyphenhyphenZ60sTqFfxsXMZohtfgL1YmxjTl2L1rlsJwmjV-dxghUrduac3npIk1l5mYppqaAg-wrj7nE9mhyN4na-U5vgUZgHnlO6zTav4/s320/11378556_1050685801616572_1619488530_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my stand. I love my business!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIQrnCvHV_qH5IpSK73ZetQpQ-s_osUElknFIsm4VK_R7phwdpoEtP1Pe8DMi8bz9HIxq9xOWxvdl6tlCHJDH3b6XBnkldR4Q4v-GnqnGHafQzJPbN5PxH7d1vszjPcPI1wuL9eZBnJE/s1600/11357580_479465995543488_1456525297_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsIQrnCvHV_qH5IpSK73ZetQpQ-s_osUElknFIsm4VK_R7phwdpoEtP1Pe8DMi8bz9HIxq9xOWxvdl6tlCHJDH3b6XBnkldR4Q4v-GnqnGHafQzJPbN5PxH7d1vszjPcPI1wuL9eZBnJE/s320/11357580_479465995543488_1456525297_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful NW Berries displayed on the 4th of July</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODj3OTX8HxphAGcvHzWcNr0_QZM6iPIGNXKwfo8O0aN1y6AGaYKRUUjSvmqyIU8WoVlNWZAyExObozVoH-wB70yxW76UbHBdbmHtB7hnnpUGq_nQnMM7zTDq3xsQV2rlogVEtbEkVwsI/s1600/IMG_0631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODj3OTX8HxphAGcvHzWcNr0_QZM6iPIGNXKwfo8O0aN1y6AGaYKRUUjSvmqyIU8WoVlNWZAyExObozVoH-wB70yxW76UbHBdbmHtB7hnnpUGq_nQnMM7zTDq3xsQV2rlogVEtbEkVwsI/s320/IMG_0631.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look, she's holding a bar of Farmer's Market Soap. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk88QkFFb5IVWREByBvfNna5r4o1kJOaycf9yjaPNPf8X-dTR2DWtCaBC8z9yGO8c_wgXOyF8alyUH6iZj1Vhn8xB44v-TyN6mjjRFnukVez92V7eMZSC97hImGTzKaTt-UgRLPnGrkok/s1600/1517082_1470618889899419_1094784693_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk88QkFFb5IVWREByBvfNna5r4o1kJOaycf9yjaPNPf8X-dTR2DWtCaBC8z9yGO8c_wgXOyF8alyUH6iZj1Vhn8xB44v-TyN6mjjRFnukVez92V7eMZSC97hImGTzKaTt-UgRLPnGrkok/s320/1517082_1470618889899419_1094784693_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Market customer's always get more options at the best prices. This is Caribbean Coconut!</td></tr>
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Farmer's Markets are a huge deal in the Pacific Northwest. Oregonians love farm fresh produce and locally made products! Luckily for me, I am now a part of the <a href="http://www.beavertonfarmersmarket.com/" target="_blank">Beaverton Farmer's Market</a>. which is one of the largest and most visited markets in our state (22,000 visitors a weekend)!!!<br />
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Here's a little known secret. The Beaverton Market only allows agricultural products, which means there are no craft vendors at all, only food related vendors. So in other words, high end dog treats are a go, but handmade soaps are out. Luckily for me, the Methodist church that lines up against the market rents <span style="text-align: center;">out space each week to artists and craters and has created the very lively and interesting ensemble of vendors known as Art Court. It is so seamless and well integrated within the market that no one knows that we aren't "technically" part of the Beaverton Farmer's Market. It is genius and both the vendors and customers love Art Court. </span><br />
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I love everything about being a part of my city's market. I have grown to love other vendors and the fares they offer. I am neighbors with <a href="http://www.artistdennylumsden.com/index.html" target="_blank">Denny</a>, who paints beautiful and affordable works of art and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/jbls" target="_blank">Joe Bennett</a>, who creates very geometric glass creations. They are full of wonderful stories and I love seeing them every week.<br />
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A shout out to my competition as well,<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Peace.of.Soap" target="_blank"> Peace of Soap</a>. Their soap is lovely and competition is good for the customer and for keeping my standards high.<br />
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Every Saturday, May-September, you will know where to find me, and possibly the baby. She draws in customers by waving, smiling and saying "hi." Who could resist seeing her and while they admire the baby, the are introduced to my soap. Win, win!<br />
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<br />Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-47255891219738883902015-07-19T21:12:00.001-07:002015-07-19T21:12:17.659-07:00A Swirl within a Swirl and Marbled Tops<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good Day Sunshine</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leo's Lion Heart</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXHRQBvID3-S0o_SBEFSpicdKztc0AXv_pisztzmpatr991fNJdEeD1IzHiZMtuI2K98s-tn5a8ltdnYtsGtTYuyg4YXUbWIiAyctZWrX1qxccSbc7JDJ3KpfVj8t92JrtN4K_ZLD70E/s1600/IMG_0719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXHRQBvID3-S0o_SBEFSpicdKztc0AXv_pisztzmpatr991fNJdEeD1IzHiZMtuI2K98s-tn5a8ltdnYtsGtTYuyg4YXUbWIiAyctZWrX1qxccSbc7JDJ3KpfVj8t92JrtN4K_ZLD70E/s320/IMG_0719.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower Wishes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farmer's Market</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJk40eBWsGeVp4095dbDzaEoxgTfDpczL_wzLU54PK8YldwFGOWwtQLsKPoq43kSFEYKu41dDYqit44yuExRkw8qxTlEKUYnYAfSi8iQLoQDrnLmGb4oI1v1d9pUB0VaeHvHFFivKddX8/s1600/IMG_1009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJk40eBWsGeVp4095dbDzaEoxgTfDpczL_wzLU54PK8YldwFGOWwtQLsKPoq43kSFEYKu41dDYqit44yuExRkw8qxTlEKUYnYAfSi8iQLoQDrnLmGb4oI1v1d9pUB0VaeHvHFFivKddX8/s320/IMG_1009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Summer Melon</div>
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This summer has been magical. Loads of hard work with the kids and daily soap making. To keep up with my Made in Oregon orders, I have increased production to 150-200 bars of soap a week.<br />
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Making large quantities for <i>Made in Oregon</i> has taught me valuable lessons. The most important is consistency. This is difficult! My soaps are very artistic, so having the colors and quality consistent has been very important. I have become much more proficient at keeping the 7 soaps that <i>Made in Oregon</i> stocks consistent, but I still have missteps. Luckily, I have a very fun and successful Beaverton Farmer's Market to sell at as well. When a shade of blue isn't quite right for my Oregon Coast soap, it will be a great soap for the market. I am after all, a soap perfectionist!<br />
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I have come to really love the swirl within the swirl technique and use it in many soap. Almost all my soaps use this technique and I almost always use 3 colors per soap, sometimes 4, with white almost always used to add beautiful contrast. I will do a tutorial some day on my method. I first aw this technique used by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Missouri-River-Soap/264348723577234" target="_blank">Missouri River Soap</a>. I love her soaps so much. I have even made a few purchases even though the last thing I need is more soap!!!<br />
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I also love the marbled tops. When the consistency is just right, this method is so beautiful, especially when the colors have lots of contrast. I still love my peaked swirled tops, but the marbled tops are my new favotite.<br />
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What are your favorite techniques?<br />
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. Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-54273900873704415042015-05-07T14:52:00.001-07:002015-05-07T14:52:27.574-07:00Made in Oregon!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQcoFp-ZRUAUOCwgZOc3Eo0-XzOK-1Fhlae1fMwWZRyZSp4LLxEkVPZGTw-hXEI3FiFNf4Z7JgJwih_nlrpl4MwB6sIJbb-L2wEfS1AiKJa8WyAH-x51_AAKQ09Ibq-Vz13mgiidpUwg/s1600/Made+in+Oregon+Store.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFQcoFp-ZRUAUOCwgZOc3Eo0-XzOK-1Fhlae1fMwWZRyZSp4LLxEkVPZGTw-hXEI3FiFNf4Z7JgJwih_nlrpl4MwB6sIJbb-L2wEfS1AiKJa8WyAH-x51_AAKQ09Ibq-Vz13mgiidpUwg/s320/Made+in+Oregon+Store.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3JEvobk1KrOVP6Cd3gNArQk2guh2T721gx-sFZHhSh0n7u59ubPUHaqR1dD9gqSWeABEECwbGMtUs3XYxHPB4MU1JFFwVDdgW-oRTrKp6uSYRd6aVvSvzmMNE8c7hJHdNAuRaPZDNp4/s1600/Made+in+Oregon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3JEvobk1KrOVP6Cd3gNArQk2guh2T721gx-sFZHhSh0n7u59ubPUHaqR1dD9gqSWeABEECwbGMtUs3XYxHPB4MU1JFFwVDdgW-oRTrKp6uSYRd6aVvSvzmMNE8c7hJHdNAuRaPZDNp4/s320/Made+in+Oregon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front Window display from the store at Washington Square Mall</td></tr>
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I have been hush hush about something so huge and exciting for my business, but now I can officially share that my soap is being sold in all 9 Made in Oregon stores! This has been a goal of mine for quite some time, but it is actually reality and I can hardly contain myself.<br />
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I met with the buyer a few months ago and she decided to place an order. She chose 7 soaps: PDX Carpet, Oregon Coast, Northwest Beer Soap, Grapefruit, Fresh Ginger Lime, Lavender and Lemongrass and Farmer's Market.<br />
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I decided not to make an announcement until the soap was in the store and when a friend of mine texted me a photos of my soap from the airport location, I was beyond thrilled. I had no idea the soaps were even in the stores.<br />
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Apparently sales are going well because they placed another order after 2 weeks and the PDX Carpet soap sold out at the airport.....yeah!!!<br />
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Our family has always been big fans of this store, so it really is a dream come true to have my soaps in <i>Made in Oregon</i>!Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-83705035156862493112015-04-17T21:35:00.002-07:002015-04-17T21:35:13.749-07:00Farmers' Market Season Begins!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHPwdHj95BNvBedjy8vSmD0d9t6iWUFKAwj7N89MoFBbmb12XltJm-_cklzNNeSUBPlGZbZjvS1fAN_oqY27_A4Y6qMhAyJ1K4gL5WBu7EjscAVRSjGIp6YHsgrvMwzCavm7OAy4Yekw/s1600/IMG_0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCHPwdHj95BNvBedjy8vSmD0d9t6iWUFKAwj7N89MoFBbmb12XltJm-_cklzNNeSUBPlGZbZjvS1fAN_oqY27_A4Y6qMhAyJ1K4gL5WBu7EjscAVRSjGIp6YHsgrvMwzCavm7OAy4Yekw/s1600/IMG_0628.JPG" height="320" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farmers' Market Soap</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgM_LlqZaM7H8HhY_IC2AncqTShRj_6_ZBlA2GTwGbDbdGC_SUgJdl1LLGwY-dm7xjF0WEb43nkxxXwGmtsg0FSIHxGm_IlHaKgphVTP6travscYwxrJHzl69Bgmz-BjCjPch6ry8xD0/s1600/IMG_0631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUgM_LlqZaM7H8HhY_IC2AncqTShRj_6_ZBlA2GTwGbDbdGC_SUgJdl1LLGwY-dm7xjF0WEb43nkxxXwGmtsg0FSIHxGm_IlHaKgphVTP6travscYwxrJHzl69Bgmz-BjCjPch6ry8xD0/s1600/IMG_0631.JPG" height="320" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She sells soap too!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiQNiAHGihTmf2WHEEZEdrVNw6iRzRm6ZnDZLF5ktHYM28Xu5lWH8l7FpitvIe95e0SeUJl7oCFWXrMC0beBJLAVfnE5rUL2Y1REwNrFejm6Ov1JVVae1mU1KWK_i-WMD_ZeW7WsLTdY/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiQNiAHGihTmf2WHEEZEdrVNw6iRzRm6ZnDZLF5ktHYM28Xu5lWH8l7FpitvIe95e0SeUJl7oCFWXrMC0beBJLAVfnE5rUL2Y1REwNrFejm6Ov1JVVae1mU1KWK_i-WMD_ZeW7WsLTdY/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" height="320" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My treat from the market</td></tr>
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And so it begins! I have started my farmer's market season. I have now worked 3 Wednesdays at the Tigard Farmers' Market from 3-7 p.m at the Grange. It has been a slow start, but lots of fun. I am gaining confidence setting up shop with baby Rosalie in tow. She has been the perfect selling partner, rarely fussing and always engaging with customers. Plus, she's darn good company.<br />
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I also love meeting other vendors. I get a delicious BBQ dinner, beautiful flowers, fresh bread and I can't wait until the fresh produce is ready to be sold!<br />
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I will be selling at my community's largest farmers' Market, the Beaverton Farmer's Market, every Saturday, starting May 1st. I am ecstatic for this opportunity and have high hopes. Also, since Beaverton is my hometown, being a part of this market holds a special place in my heart. My fingers are crossed that this will be a successful market for me.<br />
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So far, my biggest seller of the season has been my Farmers' Market soap. Is this good marketing, or is this soap really just that great? It is a new scent for me, Bramble Berry's Kumquat, and I adore it!<br />
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When I first started markets and bazaars, I was so anxious and tense about sales. I am finally at the place where I can take a deep breath and relax when sales are slow. I love being content knowing that my product is solid and that when I have a slow day, it isn't because my soap is inferior. I just try to enjoy the slow sales days for what they are: an opportunity to spend alone time with my baby, a chance to chat with fellow vendors and customers, being able to hand pick local goods and support my fellow vendors. It's alwats a good day at the Farmers' Market!!!<br />
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<br />Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-58247445638753514452015-04-07T09:00:00.001-07:002015-04-07T09:04:31.263-07:00The Winner is announced!Thanks to all who entered the 2015 Bramble Berry S.O.A.P. Panel contest. I randomly assigned numbers to each entrant and then used a random # generator to pick the winner. The winner, Emily Fehrenbach, entered the contest twice, and her perseverance paid off!<br />
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Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-40310831986054972422015-04-02T14:58:00.004-07:002015-04-18T21:22:27.662-07:00The results are in!!!! Contest!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Boy was this fun! I loved being a tester for these mystery fragrances that may become part of the amazing fragrance collection from Bramble Berry. After so many years of soap making, I know what I look for in a fragrance oil, so I will report about my personal experiences and impressions of each oil:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Discolored to medium brown. Easy to work with. No noticeable acceleration. Scent is chocolaty with a hint of mint. <br />Name Choice: <b>After Dinner Mint</b></li>
<li>Discolored to a medium brown. Easy to work with. No noticeable acceleration. Bakery-type scent. Hints of spice, perhaps nutmeg or cinnamon. Super yummy.<br />Name Choice: <b>Biscotti</b></li>
<li>No discoloration or acceleration. This scent was the most intriguing to me. It smells of jasmine rice and a soft floral. To me, it's an Asian inspired scent.<br />Name Choice: <b>Japanese Garden</b></li>
<li>Discolors to light tan. No acceleration. Smelled chocolaty OOB, but smells more like a light chocolate and hazelnut mixture after it is used in cp soap.<br />Name Choice: <b>White Chocolate Delight. </b></li>
<li>Discolors to medium tan. No acceleration. This is another bakery scent. Smells like <br />Pecan pie.<br />Name Choice: <b>Pralines and Cream</b></li>
<li>No discoloration or acceleration. Very fresh and clean...like a clean shaven man. Could market this as a spa scent as well.<br />Name Choice: <b>Barber Shop or Clean Shaven</b></li>
<li>No discoloration or acceleration. This scent was the most intriguing to me. It smells of jasmine rice and a soft floral. To me, it's an Asian inspired scent.<br />Name Choice: <b>Chinese Garden</b></li>
<li>No acceleration or discoloration. Smells fruity, like grape candy. I am guessing this would be a big hit with little girls.<br />Name Choice: <b>Grapes and Giggles</b></li>
<li>Very slight discoloration to cream. No acceleration. Very masculine, in a fresh and green kind of way. This smells like a fresh, crisp mountain air kind of day.<br />Name Choice: <b>Mountain Fresh Air or Mountain Mist</b></li>
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The real winners for me are <b>#5, #6</b>, and <b>#7</b>. I am really intrigued by #6. This one baffled me the most and although I like it, it may not be a good seller for me. I feel that #3, #5, and #7 would be big sellers. I would market #3 toward men. It smells fresh and clean, like shave gel. #5 is a delightful bakery scent. I personally don't use these fragrance oils because I don't like brownish soap and but I do understand their appeal. #7 would be a big seller with the younger girls. It smells so fun and fruity.I had an amazing time on the 2015 Spring S.O.A.P. Panel. What an honor it was to help take place in this testing process!<br />
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Please leave a comment below to be entered to win all 8 of the soaps I tested, and then you can judge for yourself!The contest ends Sunday, April 5th at midnight PST.<br />
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Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-23822824694229784342015-03-16T21:15:00.001-07:002015-03-16T21:15:47.926-07:00More Bramble Berry S.O.A.P. Panel Testing!Here are 2 more videos documenting this fun experience. Yikes! I have to get use to being recorded! I will have a blog post with all the results when I am done.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMnKtKqwiSE" target="_blank">Initial Impressions</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhmlbeZWdIo" target="_blank">Bramble Berry 2015 S.O.A.P. Panel Testing Part 2</a><br />
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Also, I am crazy busy making my own soap! Here is a close-up of my newest batch of <a href="http://lionandrosesoap.com/collections/oregon-series/products/pdx-carpet-soap-available-for-pre-sale" target="_blank">PDX Carpet soap</a>. It is so pretty. It is amazing where inspiration can come from! I love creativity!<br />
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<br />Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-88833488109951339512015-03-08T17:42:00.002-07:002015-03-08T17:52:06.720-07:00Bramble Berry's 2015 Spring S.O.A.P. Panel, Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Here we go folks! Buckle up and take this ride with me!<br />
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I was recently selected to be a member of the 2015 Spring S.O.A.P. Panel. I was beyond thrilled. Woo hoo!<br />
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A few days ago, I received my 8 samples (this is like Christmas). They were labeled 1-8, and opening each one and sniffing them for the first time was quite the gift!<br />
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In anticipation of this testing, I bought two <a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/4-Silicone-Loaf-Mold-P5531.aspx" target="_blank">4 inch Silicone Loaf Molds</a> . OMG, are they ever cute and the perfect size for test batches. Love them.<br />
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I have decided to be very methodical about my testing:<br />
<ul>
<li>I am making this soap using the recipe I make for almost all my soaps, so I know what to expect.</li>
<li>I will soap at room temperature.</li>
<li>I will leave some of the soap uncolored so I can determine how the fragrance effects the soap color. The bakery scented ones will be free of colorants, because I prefer them that way.</li>
<li>I will soap 2 fragrances per session. There are several that smell very similar, so I want to see how they preform against each other.</li>
</ul>
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Please watch this video to see how testing my first 2 fragrances went. These were chocolate scented and fun and easy to work with. </div>
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Thanks and enjoy!<br />
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<br />Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-80909928940237085362015-02-26T11:15:00.000-08:002015-02-26T11:15:24.163-08:00My Dream Interview Happened!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bramble Berry's Anne Marie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indie Business Network's Donna Maria</td></tr>
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I became familiar with Bramble Berry when I first started making soap. Anne-Marie, Bramble Berry's owner and founder, is always featured in Soap Queen videos, which is essentially how I learned to make cp soap. I follow her blog, videos, FB page, Istagram etc. and have shopped at Bramble Berry for years. Bramble Berry's products are always top notch and the customer service is amazing!</div>
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I became familiar with Donna Maria of the Indie Business network after hearing her name tossed around on soap making forums. Through a forum, I learned she had a podcast, so I subscribed and got hooked! As a small business owner of handcrafted items, I have learned so much! Please listen to her podcast! You won't be disappointed. </div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/indie-business-podcast/id543099542?mt=2" target="_blank">Donna Marie's Podcast</a></div>
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I was an early adopter to podcasts. I have been listening to them for almost 10 years and they have entertained and educated me during many hours of breast feeding, house cleaning, and exercising. </div>
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I also made the switch from the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild to the Indie Business Network this year when it was time to renew my insurance. I couldn't be happier with my choice and have learned an immense amount about business so far. I feel that Donna Maria really cares about the folks in her network and wants us all to succeed!</div>
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These amazing female business owners are my role models, so imagine my surprise when I looked at my podcasts and found that the latest Episode of Donna Marie's Podcast, Women, Wealth and Wow, was an interview with Bramble Berry's Anne-Marie! It was such a gift to me. I have already listened to the episode twice. </div>
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I strongly urge any small business owners to be inspired by Donna Maria's podcast. There is such a wealth of knowledge and wisdom every week!</div>
Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-85755557925704816252015-02-23T19:33:00.001-08:002015-02-23T19:41:35.740-08:00Bramble Berry's Spring S.O.A.P. Panel (Choose Me, Please)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Bramble Berry has always been my favorite soap supply company. When I first started making soap, I watched so many hours of Soap Queen videos that I would get the theme song eternally stuck in my head, as did my husband. I feel fortunate to live in Oregon, just south of Bramble Berry's head quarters in Washington. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, Lucida Grande, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">I have always felt a personal connection to Anne-Marie, Bramble Berry's business savvy founder and owner. I look up to her as a role model, have read all her business articles ( check my iPad underestimate-books). She is close to my age, a mother of young children and a business owner. Granted, her business is much bigger than mine, but she has encouraged me to believe that anything is possible through hard work, good planning, ethical decision making and a positive attitude. </span></span></span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">So what does this have to do with the S.O.A.P. Panel? I have always wanted to be a part of this process. As a member of the panel, I would be given 8 fragrances to test in soap. I would then report my findings. What fun! After being in business for a few years, I feel this is my time (or at least I hope so). I am ready and eager to help Bramble Berry by testing potential fragrances. As a handmade soap company owner, I know what I desire a fragrance, so I feel I can help other soap makers too!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">So what products do I like best from Bramble Berry? I have bought so much, it's difficult to narrow that list down, but here is the list of items I am never without.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Tools:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/5-Pound-Mold-With-Sliding-Bottom-P5426.aspx" target="_blank">5 pound mold with silicone liner</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Fragrance Oils:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/Energy-Fragrance-Oil-P3861.aspx" target="_blank">Energy</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/Ginger-Lime-Fragrance-Oil-P3942.aspx" target="_blank">Ginger Lime</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/Kumquat-Fragrance-Oil-P3335.aspx" target="_blank">Kumquat</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/Oatmeal-Milk-And-Honey-Fragrance-Oil-P3931.aspx" target="_blank">Oatmeal, Milk & Honey</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Colorants:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/Fizzy-Lemonade-Colorant-P4965.aspx" target="_blank">Fizzy lemonade</a> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/Electric-Bubble-Gum-Colorant-P4966.aspx" target="_blank">Electric Bubblegum</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The fragrance oils are my favorite. Aside from the artistry of my soap, what sells my soap is the smell. I am very selective about what I use, and I rely on Bramble Berry fragrances because they are consistently good. I have fallen in love so many times with news scents (Kumquat is my new love). I look forward to falling in love again with some fresh new fragrances. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">To be honest, as awesome as Bramble Berry's products are, my favorite thing is not a specific product, but the tremendous community that Anne-Marie and her team have built. The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/soapqueentv" target="_blank">videos</a>, <a href="http://www.soapqueen.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>, newsletters etc. have all been amazing resources for learning my craft. You better believe that if I lived closer to Bellingham, I would do everything is my power to work for Bramble Berry. Even if I am not chosen, I will forever love Bramble Berry!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-20703384650005599552015-02-20T20:41:00.003-08:002015-02-20T20:41:57.342-08:00What's Best for the Family<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEHGyvbsyl5nyPJKUJuGcIIUL8SjliwftsWXFcR6gL6WrbbH6Y5mCkmAAxyqhb8qlQDPbflfks2qNp2GR0GuDJSGSTjXQmzBJWhzuqLmx93gSjNezyruoG67agAYG7197XE8C4je3CaU/s1600/familyphyscian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNEHGyvbsyl5nyPJKUJuGcIIUL8SjliwftsWXFcR6gL6WrbbH6Y5mCkmAAxyqhb8qlQDPbflfks2qNp2GR0GuDJSGSTjXQmzBJWhzuqLmx93gSjNezyruoG67agAYG7197XE8C4je3CaU/s1600/familyphyscian.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Essentail Oil kit from doTERRA</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHT_y4ILTzCbWJ8cCWrZGDUkCfwYZRxtKmN8fBhZo1Sx5KCqUf7rCGjK84sfgPXnAoPaGsPYoo_NFsmpHvMZN43FwdURHKKTnQZAMHaMZpVhojEePgzYnucYVdfNRTplqF-LW5nonfB0/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIHT_y4ILTzCbWJ8cCWrZGDUkCfwYZRxtKmN8fBhZo1Sx5KCqUf7rCGjK84sfgPXnAoPaGsPYoo_NFsmpHvMZN43FwdURHKKTnQZAMHaMZpVhojEePgzYnucYVdfNRTplqF-LW5nonfB0/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 8 month old baby girl, Rosalie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdyNH475awey3e6FquJhJ_Yt_TyJ_Uvtq7ByXpUrP7OmymriVxH0_hJIPvCTq_hFEQSG5sJpjy-GGzG9hMnB8zZiPIrSORXtWZ8dK4DHqFQAHqvZJQn_8_Ca3SOowbTwGsWVtQOHhPVU/s1600/IMG_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdyNH475awey3e6FquJhJ_Yt_TyJ_Uvtq7ByXpUrP7OmymriVxH0_hJIPvCTq_hFEQSG5sJpjy-GGzG9hMnB8zZiPIrSORXtWZ8dK4DHqFQAHqvZJQn_8_Ca3SOowbTwGsWVtQOHhPVU/s1600/IMG_0336.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best big brother and future MVP</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpzkhoYrj3PmuDeipvzcq_YWru_My_9T0l6ziSZTvekkLesSCv6qgAp7vy-JbNrhnToEoc1QilQeiyVg6korUDeDX9i_Gx8bZEgLjJwPF-NYlo3b4BL-PrUIdnk9QZkT30J2HD-6RJ3s/s1600/DSCN8793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpzkhoYrj3PmuDeipvzcq_YWru_My_9T0l6ziSZTvekkLesSCv6qgAp7vy-JbNrhnToEoc1QilQeiyVg6korUDeDX9i_Gx8bZEgLjJwPF-NYlo3b4BL-PrUIdnk9QZkT30J2HD-6RJ3s/s1600/DSCN8793.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 4 year-old Princess Somerset</td></tr>
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If you know me, then you know how important my family is to me. I am so incredibly proud of them, which is why I love to include photos of the kiddos when I can. I make decisions for these kids that will affect them for life, so I want to be smart and informed.<br />
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Making soap has really opened my eyes to the world of label reading, being health conscious and making environmentally responsible choices. Do I buy all organic? I wish I could, but it is too expensive, but I like to buy what I can from the farmers' market and I like to buy produce seasonally. I also am much more thoughtful about where I buy my gifts. I would so much rather buy from a small business, than a big box retailer.<br />
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My next foray into alternative choices for my family was in the investment of therapeutic essential oils from doTERRA. My friend Niki sells them and she had approached me abut using them for my soap. Unfortunately, using doTERRA oils for soap would be financially impossible. They are so expensive because they are the highest grade of oils and are pure enough to ingest safely. I told Niki that I would love to learn more though for my own personal use.<br />
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After getting together with Niki, smelling the oils and talking about the benefits, I decided to invest in the Family Physician kit. I am so excited to try to using a natural approach to medical issues rather than always reaching for a pill.<br />
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I am really hoping the oils work effectively on my husband's upset stomach, my headaches, stress and anxiety, my kid's immunity, etc. I'll report back!Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-61492507517465467422015-02-11T14:25:00.000-08:002015-02-11T14:52:00.342-08:00PDX Carpet Soap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: start;">Have you heard of the term "Keep Portland Weird?" Perhaps you have seen Portlandia. Well, your perceptions about Portland, OR are probably pretty accurate. When PDX International Airport announced that the carpet was to be replaced, Oregonians flipped out! This carpet is iconic and the source of many shoe selfies. Now the carpet is being auctioned off and will sell for tons and there is even a Facebook page dedicated to the beloved carpet.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">When I asked my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/LionRoseHomemadeSoap" target="_blank">Lion and Rose FB Community</a> if they would be interested in a soap reminiscent of the carpet, the response was overwhelmingly positive. So here you have it, my interpretation of the Famous PDX carpet, in soap form. Unlike real carpet in high traffic areas, my soap actually smells good, like green tea and cucumbers!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">R.I.P. PDX Carpet, I am sure you will have a second life in a hipster bar! </span></div>
Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8855751536922712844.post-29287667597843041162015-02-02T12:30:00.001-08:002015-02-02T12:30:14.931-08:00Web Store is Open! Contest!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://lionandrosesoap.com/" target="_blank">Lion and Rose Store</a></div>
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I am so incredible happy to announce the GRAND OPENING of my <a href="lhttp://lionandrosesoap.com/" target="_blank">Lion and Rose Web Store</a>. I have been building the site for about a month using Shopify and have put a lot of energy into it, but I am so happy with how it turned out.<br />
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Initially, I was going to hire someone to design the site for me, but after placing a Craig's List ad for help and receiving about 100 interested applicants, I became overwhelmed. I then started thinking about how complicated and expensive it would be to always rely on someone else to update the site, so I decided to take it on myself!<br />
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Using Shopify was fairly easy, but there was definitely a learning curve for me. However, now I feel very confident making changes on my own. I also feel a sense of pride in having built this site myself!<br />
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To celebrate, the Grand Opening, I am offering a contest. There are 4 ways to win:<br />
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<li><b>Buy something from my store!</b></li>
<li><b>Make a comment on this blog post about the new site: Suggestions for improvement, what you like, etc.</b></li>
<li><b>Like my <a href="http://lion%20%26%20rose%20homemade%20soap/" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a></b></li>
<li><b>Share my Facebook Page status about the new store!</b></li>
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1st prize: The complete collection of my Oregon Series soaps (7 in all)!</div>
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2nd Prize: 3 soaps of your choice featured from my store.</div>
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3rd Prize: 2 soaps of your choice featured from my store.</div>
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The contest closes on Sunday, February 8th at Midnight PST. Good luck!</div>
Shelly Morrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16894166254750344882noreply@blogger.com2