tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30202049366178302292024-03-14T00:43:40.092-06:00Heather and HonuAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comBlogger368125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-46685503648827937652014-07-23T20:46:00.002-06:002014-07-23T20:46:41.429-06:00We had an argumentThere was an entire (internal) argument that took place on the couch earlier. I wanted to go for my run, but I really didn't. Today was a bit of a rough day. This resulted in the kind of day in which food just seems to randomly find its way into my mouth. This resulted in the desire to each a leftover cupcake and sit on the couch until bedtime.<br />
<br />
After many biting remarks to myself, I got up and went running. I even argued about actually running. It would have been okay to make it a walking day instead! Alas, I lost that argument too. We went running. My run went better today than Monday. I felt better, I ran faster (albeit, still slower than that heard of turtles), and my breathing was a little smoother.<br />
<br />
Bonus, I'm home now, drinking water and not really wanting that cupcake. Good times.<br />
<br />
Total Voyage to Venus miles: 44Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-22546026324092575762014-07-22T21:10:00.001-06:002014-07-22T21:10:34.140-06:00Making TimeOk, so I really haven't lost any weight and my measurements haven't changed. But really, I've been working out 3 times a week when I go running. I play with my kids too and we go for walks, but that isn't really going to show any change in my weight. They are all good things, but I need to do more. I've been doing better at meals too. I fill up on veggies, but snacks are my downfall. I'm not even eating "bad" snacks, but they do add up!<br />
<br />
One of my excuses has been that I don't have time to exercise during the day with the kids and my parents (remember, I live with them right now) are watching TV at night, so I can't use their TV. I had a brilliant plan though...today I took the kiddos outside to play. They have a water table and a whole backyard to go nuts in and while they were playing I would do a workout video on my phone (small screen, yes, but still better than nothing). Yeah, so that was the plan. And anyone with kids can guess how that worked out. On the plus side, I played with my kids outside. Then it hit me...I could use my computer to do workout videos after the kids are in bed! Ta-Da!!! That is when I usually get my runs in, so it is perfect!<br />
<br />
Tonight, I did my first video and I feel nice and sweaty.<br />
<br />
This is probably a really good things because I made salted caramel cupcakes for family dinner tonight and they were amazing! I feel okay about eating my cupcake and the sampling I did with baking because they were just too good and they were worth every single calorie and carb I put into my mouth.<br />
<br />
Does anyone have any really good workouts videos they like online? Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-17778934116988985912014-07-21T19:46:00.001-06:002014-07-21T19:46:25.596-06:00My Pinterest DinnerOne of the things I'm supposed to do is watch my carb intake and try to spread it out over the entire day (keep in mind, when I say "watch," I do mean reasonably-I still get 45% of my calories from carbs). I'm also trying to eat more veggies and make half my plate veggies. Now, I'm not a huge veggie fan and I don't know enough about most to make something yummy. Which is why we have Pinterest!<br />
<br />
I searched for different recipes to match what I wanted and I found lots of good ones. I decided on roasted veggies, non-breaded chicken cordon blue, and corn and black bean quinoa. You can find all three on my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/heatherwalls/so-yummy/">So Yummy</a> board. I really liked all three, but the quinoa was by far my favorite. I will say that filling half my plate with the veggies was easy though (beware of molten tomatoes!), but I shouldn't have used dried rosemary :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yn9fXU6azMk/U83B_KpB_hI/AAAAAAAAEmA/Xza5gEg0B8s/s1600/IMG_20140721_183108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yn9fXU6azMk/U83B_KpB_hI/AAAAAAAAEmA/Xza5gEg0B8s/s1600/IMG_20140721_183108.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
My portion sizes were just right and it was the perfect amount of food. I'm not usually a fan of squash or asparagus, but it was yummy! And I discovered that fresh cilantro smells so good.<br />
<br />
Now, I need to go for my run.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-20912687985722160592014-07-19T20:51:00.001-06:002014-07-19T20:51:43.920-06:00Heat RashSeriously! I hate heat rashes and I get them all the time now. I have one between my legs right now and not in some embarrassing private place. Just above both of my knees. I wore shorts the other day; instead of capris. That part of my legs should not be rubbing together. That is so not good. On the plus side, I make a really good diaper balm that also works well for heat rashes.<br />
<br />
I have just completed week two of the Couch to 5K training program though. Tonight was really tough, I just wanted to pass out on the sidewalk! But I pushed through and I finished my run. I'm up to 2.25 miles.<br />
<br />
I also decided that I should sign up for Diet Bet again. I like the fact that you lose a percentage of your body weight and it really isn't a contest against everyone. You are up against yourself because everyone that reaches their goal wins. I did it before and I like it and the community was fun and motivating. I signed up for The Transformer, so I have 6 months to lose 10%. There are a lot of rules and stipulations to keep it healthy and try to prevent crazy diets or radical moves, which I also like (my parents got really into the Atkins craze and it wasn't good for them).<br />
<br />
I'm trying to get more people involved in my process this time. In the past, I've kept it a secret. This was for many reasons.<br />
<ol>
<li>If I failed, nobody had to know I tried. (LAME!!!)</li>
<li>Nobody really knew that my weight was an issue; it was just my little secret. (???)</li>
<li>I didn't need anyone to know how hard it was for me to control my eating and my weight. When I magically lost a lot, they would just think it was easy and I was amazing. (RIGHT?)</li>
<li>I was more than a little embarrassed that I had a weight issue.</li>
</ol>
This time, I'm using my blog to share to anyone that feels like reading it. I am part of a Facebook group and using Diet Bet. I want as much motivation as I can get from outside sources.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow is my weigh-in and measurement day...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-30781086459962715722014-07-16T20:53:00.000-06:002014-07-16T20:53:10.042-06:00Ouchie!Today should have been a run day, but it wasn't. My lower back started hurting today. I don't know what happened, but it is not comfortable. I didn't run because I didn't feel the need to make it worse, so I went for two walks today. I took the kiddos for a ride in the wagon and then I went for a walk during my normal run time. I think I go in a little over 2 miles today. I feel good that I at least did something. It would have been easier to just do nothing because I didn't feel good, but I didn't!<br />
<br />
As far as my eating is going, it is a little tough to control my carb intake! I haven't analyzed what I was eating, but my guess is that I was even going for the 65% of your calories/day that is the upper limit of what average people should eat. Considering that I'm not average and should be on the lower end of the recommendations, that would explain a lot. I'm researching some lean protein options tonight and plan to go grocery shopping tomorrow.<br />
<br />
I'm also thinking of replacing sugar in my morning coffee with stevia. I gave up all artificial sweeteners when I was pregnant because my doctor pointed out that the effects of fetuses hadn't been studied, but considering how much sugar I like in my coffee, I'm thinking this might be a good switch. I thought about giving up coffee, but that doesn't really seem like the best option because I don't need to be grumpy from no coffee on top of everything else. I'm looking at it as the lesser of two evils. Hopefully as I go along and continue to make changes, I can let go of my coffee or sweeten it less, but for now, this is my plan. <br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-54968605520582633842014-07-14T21:13:00.001-06:002014-07-14T21:13:07.208-06:00Calories and CarbsAs I said the other day, I found a book that I've been reading and I'm finding it really useful. "The Prediabetes Diet Plan" explains how your body uses carbs and how insulin is used by your body. It is a very detailed, yet easy to understand explanation of how things should work in your body and how they actually work when you are insulin resistant. It also provides a lot of statistics on prediabetes and the link to many health problems and how even small changes can prevent diabetes.<br />
<br />
She also offers a really good explanation on how to classify the foods you eat into different categories and how to build a healthy plate that reduces our calories and carbs that we are taking in to lead to healthier choices. This can be done without actually counting calories or carbs! I just finished reading about how to estimate the total amount of carbs you should get each day and an easy way to track that. What I like is that she offers a variety of ways to get started! You can start by simply filling your (smaller) plate differently and then choose to count calories and/or carbs or not. There are even tables to make it quick and easy to estimate how many carbs certain foods will give you.<br />
<br />
Please keep in mind, this book and the recommendation of keeping your carb intake on the lower end of the RDA is designed for people that are insulin resistant or prediabetic based on actual blood glucose tests. I have been to the doctor and my fasting glucose is higher than it should be and it is, unfortunately, getting higher (as is my weight).<br />
<br />
I'm currently using the Lose It app to track my calories and by adjusting my preferences, it will show my carb intake as well. The benefit to tracking what you eat as you eat it, is that you pay attention to what you eat and people tend to make better choices if they actually take the time to notice how much we are eating. I took the kids for a short walk this morning and I went for a jog this evening, so I was 200 calories short and 15g of carbs short of the recommendations. I could have left it at that, but cutting too many calories can do more harm than good, so I let myself have a little treat of M&Ms (measured out!). I enjoyed them and I didn't feel guilty because I knew that 1) I wasn't eating the entire bag at once and 2) I was still within my allotted calories for the day!<br />
<br />
I also signed up for the <a href="http://www.moonjoggers.com/">Voyage to Venus</a>. It looks pretty cool! I love the idea behind it and they do some pretty cool charities. I signed up for the Space Ranger level and hope to reach 100 miles this year. I felt this was perfect for me. I'm not really a runner, so setting a goal of 500 miles seemed a little overly ambitious. If anyone is reading this, you should check it out and tell them Heather sent you!<br />
<br />
Overall feeling for today: happyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-3736648358812622412014-07-12T21:34:00.000-06:002014-07-12T21:34:53.675-06:00Lazy Kid DayToday was actually a really good day. I didn't do a whole lot, but I had lots of fun with my kiddos. We played games and chased each other and laughed really hard. That may not be official exercise, but I'm counting it anyway! I'm a little sore from yesterday's run, so I pulled the kids for a walk in the wagon and we went to the park. I tried to do the monkey bars, but I could only hang there. So, I helped Stoney across instead!<br />
<br />
As far as my eating, it was okay. My dad wanted to take us to lunch, so I has a club sandwich and not a cheeseburger or anything fried. I did have a Coke. I've had lots of water today though. Plus, when I was digging through for a snack, I pulled out a banana and not the bag of M&Ms :)<br />
<br />
Here is something I have noticed about myself. Stress makes me want to eat. There is plenty of stress to go around right now. Stoney is not happy about the move and is letting me know it. After one of his tantrums today, I found myself looking for something to eat. I settled for a glass of ice water, but it was a close one. I need to find some ways to avoid grabbing unhealthy snacks, but still relieve my stress.<br />
<br />
Several years ago I was diagnosed as insulin resistant and I have polycystic ovaries. I didn't think much of it at the time, though my doctor told me I should lose weight. I've started looking into the health problems associated with insulin resistance and decided I needed a bit more research and I really need to change my lifestyle. I found a library book about prediabetes and insulin resistance that I just started reading today. I'm excited and I hope I will find it helpful. <br />
<br />
I think my biggest challenge is going to be to stay positive, but change isn't about changing everything at once. Little changes will add up!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-87370255220574273212014-07-11T21:32:00.000-06:002014-07-11T21:32:24.875-06:00Time for ChangeChange. Change is good right? Well, not always. We have to be honest about that. But change is change and everything changes.<br />
<br />
Here is a fact. I have been through a lot of changes in a very short period of time. Some of those change I genuinely believe are for the best and some...well, the jury is still out on those. I have moved, changed jobs, and am still considering other changes in my life. But, there is one change that needs to be made.<br />
<br />
I need to lose weight. I'm not yet in the "morbidly obese" category, but past "obese." I honestly feel that the fact that we have different levels of obesity is just sad, but that is not the point. The point is I have to change this. I have two kids that I would like to live a long life with. I have two kids that I want to be able to chase around the yard or the house. They are only 1 and 4, but they grow so fast and I don't want to miss any of it.<br />
<br />
I was doing pretty good, but the school year ended and I started packing and getting ready to move. I just stopped doing anything else. There was no exercising or eating right. There was kid time and packing time. I've been fooling myself by saying it isn't that bad. Yeah, my 2X shirts were getting a little tighter than they were. My jeans were snugger. Even my shoes felt a little tight. But really, I hadn't put on that much weight. I wasn't eating that bad, just a little something yummy every now and then. And then again. One or two cokes a day isn't terrible. And eating from the carton is okay because its frozen yogurt, not ice cream!<br />
<br />
Moment of truth...I stepped on a scale. Then, I stepped off the scale and reset it to make sure it was working right. Then, I stared blankly at said scale. Time to really look in a mirror and see what the mirror says. Then, tap on the mirror to make sure it is working right as well. This is so not okay.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYzQj6RDNPKMc1tYdZxXr0fwZf_t0ufZLXzmp0ci-RMGNLoPi0vTP_1gTdzZIO78dbOJ_czSwbEylt69_CwEtsV7afsRxU-9a3NecJetq2Uo6Kh7rZit9EMYV9PvKbcGylYNv8Z4d0Cw/s1600/IMG_20140710_074322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBYzQj6RDNPKMc1tYdZxXr0fwZf_t0ufZLXzmp0ci-RMGNLoPi0vTP_1gTdzZIO78dbOJ_czSwbEylt69_CwEtsV7afsRxU-9a3NecJetq2Uo6Kh7rZit9EMYV9PvKbcGylYNv8Z4d0Cw/s1600/IMG_20140710_074322.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Bu5ENKSbXWSnHmSNpnwprCEg86NL0aNby4t0Y34L8408vkNhYBToglLfMHL-_oQqxufClNVtJXQ-HjRMozEpAf79SfQ25fLTXaKYolp6DvuJMLWLl74nltlWsEx926KmSTUUotNu20E/s1600/IMG_20140711_222327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Bu5ENKSbXWSnHmSNpnwprCEg86NL0aNby4t0Y34L8408vkNhYBToglLfMHL-_oQqxufClNVtJXQ-HjRMozEpAf79SfQ25fLTXaKYolp6DvuJMLWLl74nltlWsEx926KmSTUUotNu20E/s1600/IMG_20140711_222327.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PWJa9Eyv6rbzwYT8IpI5dj3rxUMTl4uwTX6T9oS_s3f1nIsiivObXKUOqksiVCQKEdN7w2fUID8P9pp-9FJrhQkHakecIVxdV7yOrAVyAskIyjzP7mAr6w4ePyohDL5hjG78oLIXxZc/s1600/IMG_20140711_222337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PWJa9Eyv6rbzwYT8IpI5dj3rxUMTl4uwTX6T9oS_s3f1nIsiivObXKUOqksiVCQKEdN7w2fUID8P9pp-9FJrhQkHakecIVxdV7yOrAVyAskIyjzP7mAr6w4ePyohDL5hjG78oLIXxZc/s1600/IMG_20140711_222337.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Here is the thing. I've posted this before (although, not quite this heavy), but I didn't make any changes. I complained. Which got me nowhere.<br />
<br />
So, here is what I'm going to try to do. Since I'm not really using my blog for making soap or anything else really. I'm going to use it as a diary of my challenge. It doesn't matter if nobody else reads it. I'm posting it to keep me accountable to myself. At least, that's the idea. Maybe if someone shares the journey with me it will seem less challenging/daunting/miserable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-33092043381682262252013-09-15T15:15:00.001-06:002013-09-15T15:15:50.199-06:00From The Soap Pot 9/15It has been a while since I've gotten to make soap! With all the craziness of moving, unpacking, traveling, school starting, and markets it just hasn't happened. But, today is one of those super-productive days for me! I have gotten quite a bit done at work, almost finished all the laundry, and I made some soap. I've been dying to make coffee soap again, but people didn't really like it without a scent. I finally found a coffee scent that I am just in love with, so my delectable Mocha Soap is back. Made with coffee, coffee ground, and cocoa butter this is the perfect soap for the kitchen or the shower. Did you know that coffee is actually great for absorbing icky smells, so it makes a great hand soap in the kitchen as well as a scrubby body soap in the shower.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nVA1mSSw9dNHT2Ek_0fwIOyr6jp6JLNxC9X_GOqY6eubImV_VHNaUmkJ1GpgfwFfduO2XlygzS-_Q0PJtuoP5M957-CCkNkqucdwNDxsxjHnRvFNMMLWyr5T7LB7spR8QGHhoA2uLJc/s1600/IMG_20130915_150528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nVA1mSSw9dNHT2Ek_0fwIOyr6jp6JLNxC9X_GOqY6eubImV_VHNaUmkJ1GpgfwFfduO2XlygzS-_Q0PJtuoP5M957-CCkNkqucdwNDxsxjHnRvFNMMLWyr5T7LB7spR8QGHhoA2uLJc/s320/IMG_20130915_150528.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
These will be ready to go on 10/16! This is a small batch to see if people like it better than the original, so quantities will be limited.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-87368784444923402862013-06-14T13:27:00.002-06:002013-06-14T13:27:14.788-06:00Elemental Swirl SoapHave you seen this technique? It is really cool! You create two layers of swirled soap! It is an advanced technique, but the results are lovely.<br />
<br />
I've had a bit of a stressful time lately. I am getting ready to move. I have a newborn and a toddler and guess what? The toddler is acting out because of the attention that the baby gets. Surprised? I didn't figure you would be. There are a few other things going on, but that is not the point. The point is that I really wanted to make some soap that would really take some skill and concentration. I wanted to get my mind off of my poor, poor, pitiful me crap and be creative and artistic! So, I decided the elemental swirl technique would do the trick!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.honunaturals.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bfANBRHVimf3d4ZJRxea0ZO4eGh69InU_Roqr-T_X5Wnzr6ZdKqBC6guE5n1iRBgcdDi28CIOgQ1CIh0FNoMHVYaVIx7gqc_hlPeJ5dFNKGwIOpM19oR4VasR4OeXPNuBunFCfqwIQI/s640/Elemental+Swirl.jpg" title="Elemental Swirl Soap by Honu Naturals" width="640" /></a></div>
I decided to use a Monkey Farts fo because I like it! If you want a pick-me-up, sniff some fruit monkey farts. Heck, just say monkey farts. Monkey farts. *giggle* I also chose this fo because I knew it did not accelerate trace or rice or anything else funky. I used a basic oil mix of olive, coconut, and palm because I know how it acts at different temperatures. This is NOT a technique you should use when experimenting with anything new. That recipe = disaster!<br />
<br />
Monkey Farts is a fruity blend, so I decided to go with light fruity colors. For the bottom layer I used green oxide (kiwi), yellow oxide (banana), and tangerine wow (mandarin). I used cocoa powder to create a vein separating the two layers. I thought about gold mica, but wanted more contrast. The top is pink oxide (grapefruit), brick red oxide (apple), and creamy uncolored soap (coconut). I also added a fired fuchsia and glitter to the top because I couldn't help myself.<br />
<br />
To do this, you need lots of bowls and plenty of work time. Mix your oils, lye water, and fragrance and blend until just mixed (emulsified), not to trace! Pour about half off into another bowl (for top soap) and set aside.<br />
<br />
Make the bottom half: Separate your first half of soap batter into thirds and color each. Next, use two of the colors to do an in-the-pot swirl into the third color. Pour into your mold!<br />
<br />
Color vein: Put some cocoa in a tea strainer and lightly tap over the soap to get a thin vein of powder.<br />
<br />
Make the top half: Take the second half of your soap batter and separate it into thirds. Color two of them. Do another in-the-pot swirl. Use a spatula or spoon and CAREFULLY pour this soap over the bottom layer. You are trying NOT to mess up your vein or first layer. Reserve a very small amount for the top.<br />
<br />
Pour the reserve into a baggie and mix in some hot pink goodness. My original idea was to pipe the soap in a really cool top, but it wasn't thick enough. So, I was going to do a basic swirl on the top, but I had too much soap (and you can't waste it!). So, I ended up just pouring it on the top and sprinkling the glitter on it. I can't say I'm disappointed :) <br />
<br />
These will be ready to go July 13th!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-92195467764760312242013-06-12T15:03:00.003-06:002013-06-12T15:03:18.289-06:00Vanilla Discoloration I have had several customers ask how I got such a lovely brown color for my soap. I've also had some that want to know why I would make brown soap. And there are a few that would like a vanilla scented something that looks creamy white like vanilla ice cream.<br />
<br />
Where did the brown come from? From vanilla! Why did I color it brown? Because it has vanilla in it! Vanilla contains vanillin which will slowly cause anything that contains vanilla to discolor. The amount of discoloration depends on the amount of vanillin used. Discoloration can range from a light tan to a very dark brown.<br />
<br />
Vanilla color stabilizers can slow the discoloration, but they won't stop it forever. You also have to make sure you get a stabilizer for the soap you are making. M&P stabilizers don't work well in CP (I tried anyway, they were right though, it doesn't work well).<br />
<br />
For the most part, I don't fight the discoloration. Instead, I use it to design my soap. For example, in my lavender vanilla soap, I used titanium dioxide and the natural discoloration to make an ombre soap. I love the way it looks too! See how I did it<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldDMGw44t4k" target="_blank"> here</a>. <br />
<br />
I used BB Vanilla Select and a vanilla bourbon fo and lavender eo. It actually starts to discolor right away! Here in the final soap right after it is cut and through day 5. It won't really get much darker than that.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqfKWq5mHbW_D7OR1prLyVKtCgZkfJuCAFigHHLA5uFm7168Fp1SC6PpeddY0mWo6YohyphenhyphenlW96LcnI-ZuHbBY4a3Ur2LsuSEIfFVzQePuErJti_vgBnH6au028YsH5G2Ec6cFoNjjC6zc/s1600/Vanilla+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDqfKWq5mHbW_D7OR1prLyVKtCgZkfJuCAFigHHLA5uFm7168Fp1SC6PpeddY0mWo6YohyphenhyphenlW96LcnI-ZuHbBY4a3Ur2LsuSEIfFVzQePuErJti_vgBnH6au028YsH5G2Ec6cFoNjjC6zc/s640/Vanilla+Collage.jpg" width="128" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I love the final look and you can see what a huge difference the vanilla makes, but it really creates lovely layers! <br />
<br />
You can also separate your soap and use vanilla in one part of it to make a different look. Really, why fight the vanilla? Just use it to make a beautiful soap :)<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: cyan;">What do you do about discoloring vanilla?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-83975021593210156532013-06-10T10:01:00.000-06:002013-06-10T10:01:01.360-06:004 Bananas Lead To...Has this ever happened to you? You buy some bananas, but you also buy lots of other fruit that your little one doesn't normally get. So, the bananas don't get eaten, but all the other fruit does. All the berries you can't normally get. The cherries. The kiwis. But not the bananas. They just sit there getting browner and then the little guy looks at them and says "I no want the yucky bananas." I'm sure that has never happened to you :)<br />
<br />
Well, I just can't throw away food. It makes me ill to do it. So, I decided that I would do something useful with my 4 yucky bananas. I mashed them up, mixed in a few ingredients and I got two delightful mixtures.<br />
<br />
Can you guess what I did with them? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR6TMTe875Yzj7s7tyh4ENtEFIu1tXYvYisWkbuNU_Cr6Cu2cYc_epqzzwS4mvxmDLFxS5-PXGdxeJWKFaXxKpwI8IpoOZYQZwxv3xm2BUy8C8_3XKUBUqjq2JQZKU-liiIuI9AW-SOU/s1600/Banana+Goop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR6TMTe875Yzj7s7tyh4ENtEFIu1tXYvYisWkbuNU_Cr6Cu2cYc_epqzzwS4mvxmDLFxS5-PXGdxeJWKFaXxKpwI8IpoOZYQZwxv3xm2BUy8C8_3XKUBUqjq2JQZKU-liiIuI9AW-SOU/s640/Banana+Goop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Well, if you guessed that I made banana bread with one, you would be correct. With the other, I made a face masque! Bananas are actually good for you face, as is most other fruit. Now, which batch of goop is which?<br />
<br />
The one on the left is the goop for banana bread-3 bananas and a little milk and cinnamon. The one on the right is the face goop-1 banana and a little milk and cinnamon; plus some finely ground oatmeal, honey, and a touch of olive oil (did I mention I have dry, sensitive skin?). The mixture is a little runnier, but you only want a thin layer anyway. Some people are sensitive to cinnamon, so it is okay to leave it out. Apply to clean, dry skin and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. If you feel tingling or itching, rinse immediately.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyy-daRu80PFK_eqhhBMAklN8q2UX9_LwFEb8MBMPiN7WcNDQ2Nnd8H7JKAhmKtSYfl8q_zWWpqhm3ejH68lm076Zb6rbRuXPEDkJEjLhr-8_GvaDdmoTjQ9xUSAdw7-SetE-BzVZZ2o/s1600/Finished+Banana+Goop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYyy-daRu80PFK_eqhhBMAklN8q2UX9_LwFEb8MBMPiN7WcNDQ2Nnd8H7JKAhmKtSYfl8q_zWWpqhm3ejH68lm076Zb6rbRuXPEDkJEjLhr-8_GvaDdmoTjQ9xUSAdw7-SetE-BzVZZ2o/s640/Finished+Banana+Goop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Wash your face with a mild cleanser and warm water. Follow up with your favorite toner or rinse and moisturizer. My current toner is some chamomile tea with a touch of witch hazel; I keep it in the fridge for a cool treat :)<br />
<br />
As you can see, I could probably have mashed my bananas better, but it wasn't a problem. It is hard to see because the color is light, but there really is a noticeable layer on my face. I left mine on for about 12 minutes and it was starting to dry, so it was time to rinse. My face felt amazing. Then, Hayden and I shared some banana bread!<br />
<br />
I don't think I did too bad for being desperate to use up my "yucky bananas."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-1034157691280811722013-06-06T15:07:00.001-06:002013-06-06T15:07:51.297-06:00Shaving Cream FunI have to say that I love the Dollar Store. I know some people that just don't see what you could get for a dollar that is worth anything. I do see their point. You get what you pay for. So, $1 for a pair of scissors means they probably won't last long. However, if you are taking them to a classroom where it is likely your students will walk off with them, it is okay with me.<br />
<br />
I went to the store down the road to get some fun things for Hayden for the summer. He is in love with the scissors I got him. He can sit there for half an hour cutting, tearing, and basically shredding anything I give him. I also bought him some new colors and a letter coloring book, so we can work on his letters. I also got a great idea from <a href="http://www.growingajeweledrose.com/2012/04/shaving-cream-sliding-fun.html" target="_blank">Growing a Jeweled Rose</a> using shaving cream. So, I snagged a couple of cans.<br />
<br />
I thought about doing the slide idea, but thought for the first time, I would just let him play in it. So, I emptied the can of shaving cream into his water table and let him go nuts! Yeah right! He put his hand in and immediately wanted me to wash it off. I tried showing him that he could squeeze it and make designs, but he wasn't having any of it. It wasn't until he discovered that shaving cream would splat and fly every where that he got into it. He's a bit of a boy :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKre70WWn8yPPmcu-BbkIHbVkv6sBymMbJMKUC_C7f6XU9dvo6ha1pOb_aLr0sOubfEz2Y3vdECuC_ElaJJnF9Mb6SJHxolyEYCX4VDeN1XQA94a5nQEjlF4W23zncpfGiDNR5U6klebg/s1600/P1010952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKre70WWn8yPPmcu-BbkIHbVkv6sBymMbJMKUC_C7f6XU9dvo6ha1pOb_aLr0sOubfEz2Y3vdECuC_ElaJJnF9Mb6SJHxolyEYCX4VDeN1XQA94a5nQEjlF4W23zncpfGiDNR5U6klebg/s320/P1010952.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So, we spent about an hour on the back porch clapping, high fiving, and splatting shaving cream. He giggled, squealed, and screamed his delight. In the end, we had an incredible mess on the back porch and a little boy that was covered in shaving cream. But, we also had a great time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvOocaeJV0RBanxDWzUiwFFedUixo00XOmqJOT8tgpg5Z7CNUIFx78U9yTwTVJo0MpVrq9tUyEsuooi3Lr7wzmSV7G4Ba4bA5-ugGd4mlHn64Fdxl-F5ZYdtBnDMHNMzPhZOo5FS4tho/s1600/P1010954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuvOocaeJV0RBanxDWzUiwFFedUixo00XOmqJOT8tgpg5Z7CNUIFx78U9yTwTVJo0MpVrq9tUyEsuooi3Lr7wzmSV7G4Ba4bA5-ugGd4mlHn64Fdxl-F5ZYdtBnDMHNMzPhZOo5FS4tho/s320/P1010954.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<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/AVvXsEjMMvgUJTfw_b2STPfkt94v_dPrQpXxPp8qKk5UUSs0UvJ88tyPwd4lSb_8sQ1B3goNdK-k5jz8VqZ4jxMaj_4eGrTfjdgiIdBLN4iaCZy1jcVWl6BPHOxSUgw-DSwOMFpxf0VxYrvWSYU/s1600/P1010956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMvgUJTfw_b2STPfkt94v_dPrQpXxPp8qKk5UUSs0UvJ88tyPwd4lSb_8sQ1B3goNdK-k5jz8VqZ4jxMaj_4eGrTfjdgiIdBLN4iaCZy1jcVWl6BPHOxSUgw-DSwOMFpxf0VxYrvWSYU/s320/P1010956.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We actually weren't done here, but I thought it was a good time for pictures.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, the scissors may not last long and technically that $1 can of shaving cream only lasted about an hour; however, I think the hour of pure delight and joy that we had was well worth it.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-35242631419218379812013-06-05T15:37:00.000-06:002013-06-05T15:37:39.016-06:00From The Soap Pot 6/5Vanilla was my favorite smell today! I made my two favorite vanilla scented soaps. They will be ready July 6th. <br />
<br />
Twilight Seduction Soap-smells like vanilla and mint <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UaczIZF66u0D0jmc2_sSPcn-Q7-5FTgZIF7-i92hwSy8jqIEPlUkdfrgugPDcBPKEE33lbXqmAvFr2Ck08Mwtj3pOmYNHiVxrlkAzdjfQYskiKWsX3wGi3dGKTLgaDYZGo5Ct_7NNZk/s1600/2012-07-06_10-12-50_364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UaczIZF66u0D0jmc2_sSPcn-Q7-5FTgZIF7-i92hwSy8jqIEPlUkdfrgugPDcBPKEE33lbXqmAvFr2Ck08Mwtj3pOmYNHiVxrlkAzdjfQYskiKWsX3wGi3dGKTLgaDYZGo5Ct_7NNZk/s320/2012-07-06_10-12-50_364.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Serenity Soap-smells like vanilla and lavender.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3El5zmZ4YxOWqXJcbmIQbIoe2yjeM382PyjKt8CC_RY4t9Q1tNJ3zvVOhaU3A730zsztHH5LDk6LcASGoRR_W7QLnRO-Oh1Z69kmfI6QRR7s8R1_8FRaoCiyqkkYHqbufXH_vorA4JoI/s1600/2012-07-30_15-37-29_988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3El5zmZ4YxOWqXJcbmIQbIoe2yjeM382PyjKt8CC_RY4t9Q1tNJ3zvVOhaU3A730zsztHH5LDk6LcASGoRR_W7QLnRO-Oh1Z69kmfI6QRR7s8R1_8FRaoCiyqkkYHqbufXH_vorA4JoI/s320/2012-07-30_15-37-29_988.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Please note that each batch of soap is unique and these new ones may vary slightly from those pictured! It is an art after all :)<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-53866728277973375822013-05-17T11:08:00.000-06:002013-05-17T11:08:16.919-06:00From the Soap Pot 5/15Oh, I've been having so much fun in my soap room! It smells so good in there right now. I have several soaps that are just about ready to go and will be added to my shops soon. I have also made some soaps that I know you just can't wait to get.<br />
<br />
Karma Kollage: smells like patchouli! (ready June 1st)<br />
<br />
Eucalyptus Mint: smells like eucalyptus and peppermint-contains oatmeal (ready June 1st)<br />
<br />
Lemongrass Sage: smells like freshly mown lemons with a hint of garden fresh sage (ready June 1st)<br />
<br />
Ambrosia: smells like oatmeal, milk, and honey-contains oatmeal, goat's milk, and honey :) (ready June 8th)<br />
<br />
Carrot and Buttermilk: great face soap, smells lightly of ylang ylang, contains carrots, buttermilk, and willowbark extract (ready June 8th)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-84536816493495189642013-05-16T08:57:00.000-06:002013-05-16T08:57:37.199-06:00Made Fresh and Ready To Go 5/14Flip flop season is here again! Make sure your feet are ready to be shown by giving them a little extra care and attention. Our Ped-Cure Foot Balm will help keep your feet soft and beautiful this summer. Get yours now!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zDc4tDtdGTAL0IrrtNfGiCHTTKy55vk7Ecwl3VRPuHa6q-KYFoJoMe9o6Ap5dDyBBXZiF3L8WQZYWaG07tcQtiFaW9excfolOOXK2OeMlh6kzBBS18msXeJe9pAiPBzRqFYMAj9Rc7c/s1600/footbalm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zDc4tDtdGTAL0IrrtNfGiCHTTKy55vk7Ecwl3VRPuHa6q-KYFoJoMe9o6Ap5dDyBBXZiF3L8WQZYWaG07tcQtiFaW9excfolOOXK2OeMlh6kzBBS18msXeJe9pAiPBzRqFYMAj9Rc7c/s320/footbalm.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.soapguildstores.com/honunaturals/ProductDetail.aspx?CategoryID=3481&ProductID=14156&ProductName=Pedi-Cure+Foot+Balm" target="_blank">Webstore</a><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/151330872/pedi-cure-foot-balm" target="_blank">Etsy</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-90826483773871836092013-05-15T21:16:00.000-06:002013-05-15T21:16:09.526-06:00Name That SoapOkay, my batch of leather scented soap is almost ready to go, but it needs a name!<br />
<br />
Suggestions are:<br />
<ul>
<li>HOG Soap</li>
<li>Biker Bar</li>
<li>Gentleman's Bar</li>
<li>Saddle Soap (or Saddle Up)</li>
<li>Bad Boy</li>
<li>Chaps</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmz_BzmIY-uzsiB6ibstOmSmK4N-JKhGJitApxkDlqDyKjnIgOkgvOZDv41-A348bXqUB-ACnJDxM-cWW-45bTUF-wK-zDfEMtIQ721CXQXcNeoAVgbgPGUn45iZ8dMbaEUEQ7k5iLTzo/s1600/Leather-webstore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmz_BzmIY-uzsiB6ibstOmSmK4N-JKhGJitApxkDlqDyKjnIgOkgvOZDv41-A348bXqUB-ACnJDxM-cWW-45bTUF-wK-zDfEMtIQ721CXQXcNeoAVgbgPGUn45iZ8dMbaEUEQ7k5iLTzo/s320/Leather-webstore.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Go to my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Honu-Naturals/277771678658" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page to vote for your favorite name. Everyone that votes will be placed in a drawing to win a free bar of soap!<br /><br />
<ul>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-64731336455894007362013-05-10T10:29:00.001-06:002013-05-10T10:29:18.023-06:00Leopard Spot SoapAmy Warden over at<a href="http://www.greatcakessoapworks.com/handmade-soap-blog/" target="_blank"> Great Cakes Soapworks</a> did another one of her awesome soap challenges! I didn't get to participate in this one (again!). As you know, my little girl was due to make her appearance in early April, which meant that I was gearing up for maternity leave at school. Six weeks of lesson plans to put together! I don't think I've ever been that organized :) Well, I still made sure to check out all of her videos and the link ups to see everyone else's creations. There were some really cool soaps! I loved all of the ideas and can't wait to try the others, but I decided to try the<a href="http://www.greatcakessoapworks.com/handmade-soap-blog/index.php/soap-challenge-2013-final-week/" target="_blank"> leopard spots</a> first (even though it was the last challenge).<br />
<br />
I decided I would do my lemongrass soap, which I was changing just a bit. I decided that straight lemongrass was nice, but I wanted a little something more. I found a fragrance oil that gave me a brilliant idea...lemongrass with SAGE! I decided that I would go with colors that make sense...yellow and green! I also decided that I would use my plastic squeeze bottles and not baggies. This saves a little waste and they are easier to use.<br />
<br />
My lemongrass soap has always been made with hemp seed oil, which will give it a slightly green color, and lemongrass essential oil, which makes the soap slightly yellow. The yellow definitely wins out and is really pretty without any color, but I wanted to add a bit more. I used green oxide for the green and yellow oxide to make the yellow a bit more yellow. To the main soap I added some titanium dioxide to lighten it. Otherwise, there wouldn't be much contrast between it and the yellow. {You might be thinking I could have just gone with a different color for the spots, BUT I just didn't want to}<br />
<span id="goog_76484755"></span><span id="goog_76484756"></span><br />
I've worked with the lemongrass hemp soap, so I knew that it didn't trace fast; although, I think the sage may have made it a little faster, but I had a good amount of work time. In Amy's video, so does her stripes at a diagonal, but I decided to do my lengthwise in the mold. I put a small layer in the bottom of the mold and did my spots over it, then added the main soap, and continued. I did try to stagger my spots so they looked random and I really liked the control I had with the squeeze bottles!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizZdZSE46MrdKSWS3skOcKhMfaxk-tGTSmd4lk0ld_d4CFBOAeZQzCMjRRS6ZinHp958s454m6o65YSB7w70Z1ov0TRWXvkBDL0-A7gTgSQDOGhEXwgeuMQOKgL_wgluSLUUCrzAe8-M/s1600/Lemongrass+Sage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizZdZSE46MrdKSWS3skOcKhMfaxk-tGTSmd4lk0ld_d4CFBOAeZQzCMjRRS6ZinHp958s454m6o65YSB7w70Z1ov0TRWXvkBDL0-A7gTgSQDOGhEXwgeuMQOKgL_wgluSLUUCrzAe8-M/s320/Lemongrass+Sage.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see, my spots don't look like leopard spots, but streaks. It still looks nice and smells WONDERFUL! However, it is NOT leopard spotted soap. I think my stripe soap was the perfect consistency, but the main soap base was too thick. When I very carefully spooned it over, I could see my stripes getting squished and spread out; even with soap spooned in between stripes for support! I think it was because I used the stick blender to get the titanium dioxide mixed in and in the squeeze bottles, I just shook them to mix the color.<br />
<br />
I also separated out too much soap for the stripes. So, I had plenty of colored soap, but ran out of the main soap! So, you can see my really think layer of green and yellow on the top. My plan was to save a bit of the color and swirl the top, but it turned into more than a bit. Overall, I'm happy with the soap, but I know what I can do better next time.<br />
<br />
This soap will be ready to go on June 1st! You can get it at my <a href="http://www.soapguildstores.com/honunaturals/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Webstore</a> or my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/honunaturals" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-10756716595793040612013-05-02T21:10:00.003-06:002013-05-02T21:10:36.124-06:00CalendulaWhat is calendula? It is a flower! A very lovely flower too. It is sometimes called pot marigold, but should not be confused with marigolds.<br />
<br />
Why do you care? Because calendula is a wonderful plant with many therapeutic properties. First of all, it is actually edible. The petals make a wonderful addition to salad. I've heard that the tea is beneficial too; although, I've never tried it.<br />
<br />
How do I use calendula? By infusing it in oil! There are other ways to use calendula topically, but this is my favorite. I infuse the herbs in olive oil and use it for just about everything. Calendula has antibacterical, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties; which makes it great for skin care. Some find it effective in treating eczema, acne, rashes, or even dry, cracked skin. You could use the infused oil directly on trouble spots or create a balm first.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwKiU4kdKlO_Zqe2W_0eZowsrNuL23054e4ksuqFoBV9gLHBEEluDJbpkg6nlcIWLaFvTcisntVUOOxJZpUKYjWz8_fXtBdXKjrREufBGFLmZngWi6yPnJKvA-xI3AMmIJwNv79k8hm8/s1600/calendula-oil-benefits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwKiU4kdKlO_Zqe2W_0eZowsrNuL23054e4ksuqFoBV9gLHBEEluDJbpkg6nlcIWLaFvTcisntVUOOxJZpUKYjWz8_fXtBdXKjrREufBGFLmZngWi6yPnJKvA-xI3AMmIJwNv79k8hm8/s320/calendula-oil-benefits.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
To infuse oil with calendula you will need a double boiler, calendula petals, and a light oil. Put some water in the bottom of the double boiler. Put dried calendula petals in the top and pour enough oil to just cover the petals. Put the top into the bottom of the double boiler and place it over low heat for several hours. Be sure the bottom does not dry out. Then, strain the petals from the oil. I store mine in a glass jar in the fridge to make it last longer.<br />
<br />
I use a calendula infused oil in Honu Naturals Tiny Heinie <a href="http://www.soapguildstores.com/honunaturals/ProductDetail.aspx?CategoryID=3487&ProductID=13873&ProductName=Tiny+Heinie+Balm" target="_blank">Balm</a> and <a href="http://www.soapguildstores.com/honunaturals/ProductDetail.aspx?CategoryID=3487&ProductID=14153&ProductName=Tiny+Heinie+Salve" target="_blank">Salve</a>. I also have a herbal lip balm that is in the testing phase and a cuticle balm that I'm trying out. So far, I think both are a big hit and will soon be available.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: cyan;">What are some other ways you use calendula? </span><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-23428003055244920102013-04-30T22:05:00.000-06:002013-04-30T22:05:01.127-06:00Spring Cleaning-Several WeeksYou may remember that I started my Spring Cleaning a little early. I found a list on Pinterest for the 21 Day Organization Challenge (read about it<a href="http://honunaturals.blogspot.com/2013/01/organization-needs-to-be-continued.html" target="_blank"> here</a>). I tweaked my list a bit to make it fit my needs. I was doing pretty well getting through it and blogging about it. But, as you know, many things got in the way of the blogging. However, I did continue to get cleaning done.<br />
<br />
Now, I can't go through my list with you because I apparently decided that it needed to be recycled. I remember doing it, but I can't remember my reasoning at all. I blame the sleep deprivation that comes with newborns.<br />
<br />
However, I can use the list off Pinterest and give you an update.<br />
<ol>
<li>Medicine cabinet-done!</li>
<li>Coat closet-don't have one, but did the hall closet instead,</li>
<li>Under the beds-I actually don't store stuff there.</li>
<li>Laundry room-done when we had that little flooding issue.</li>
<li>Handbag-I have a very small one, so I clean it out constantly. I also cleaned out the diaper bag and backpack I use for zoo outings.</li>
<li>Under sinks-bathrooms, yes; kitchen, still on the to-do list.</li>
<li>Fridge/freezer-actually got a new (used) fridge at a garage sale. Is that cheating?</li>
<li>Kitchen cabinets-done!</li>
<li>Make-up case-again, it is a small one, so it gets cleaned out regularly too.</li>
<li>Bedroom closets-with all the rearranging for the new baby, definitely!</li>
<li>Garage-not even close; will do garage sale soon :)</li>
<li>Craft supplies-no; to be honest, the area looks ok, so I'm not worried about it.</li>
<li>Soap room-YES! It looks so nice and is easy to work in again!</li>
<li>Backyard-yes and no; I need to clean up doggie mess, but it is clean.</li>
<li>Bedroom dressers-again, with all the rearranging of dressers for the baby, yes it got done.</li>
<li>Jewelry Box-done when I made my jewelry rack (check it out<a href="http://honunaturals.blogspot.com/2013/01/diy-jewelry-hanger.html" target="_blank"> here</a>).</li>
<li>Living Room-done when the laundry room was cleaned because of flooding.</li>
<li>Office-yes and no; I have organized everything into groups and know what needs to be done with everything, I just haven't gotten everything put away.</li>
<li>Car-All the trash and extra things that don't belong have been removed. However, it hasn't been vacuumed and cleaned. I was waiting for the snow to stop before taking it to the car wash.</li>
<li>Playroom-done; I made my toddler help me clean this area out.</li>
<li>Enjoy an organized house!</li>
</ol>
Whew, I know I keep saying that I haven't gotten much done, but now that I look at it, that doesn't seem to be true :)<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: cyan;">How do you go about Spring Cleaning? </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-84839749508282611052013-04-25T20:44:00.001-06:002013-04-25T20:44:04.402-06:00From The Soap PotAhh, it feels good to be making soap again! The past few months were so busy, it just didn't happen. Between Science Fair, getting ready for baby, and having baby I was always exhausted. I'm still exhausted, but I'm finding time to be creative and make my soap while the little one sleeps.<br />
<br />
A few days ago I made my wonderful Dead Sea Mud Soap. It is made with Dead Sea mud (duh!) and the essential oils of peppermint, tea tree, rosemary, lemon, and grapefruit. I just love the way it leaves my skin feeling and I've had so many people tell me that it has helped them with their "problem" skin. I decided to make it round, I think face soap should be round. I don't know why, it just makes sense to me. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FUe3pKtVL1XjVdeFbqiucVn7_tVan8JpncG6U9jGc6rw4M8IBVhzmdwQAR_Qb-K0aa2PpYLh-raAQQBjpYMtxt4HTiv1XKUT2irAlxVtmXW3fxz_Ui1kponqKbq1xSq74TOaBhuxvdw/s1600/P1010890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FUe3pKtVL1XjVdeFbqiucVn7_tVan8JpncG6U9jGc6rw4M8IBVhzmdwQAR_Qb-K0aa2PpYLh-raAQQBjpYMtxt4HTiv1XKUT2irAlxVtmXW3fxz_Ui1kponqKbq1xSq74TOaBhuxvdw/s320/P1010890.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Next, I did a leather scented soap. I had intended for it to be mostly black and orange, with just a bit of white soap in it. I'm sure you can guess my inspiration :) However, I didn't make enough black and orange soap. Plus, my orange didn't come out quite as dark as I'd hoped. It looked great in the bowl, but not when I mixed it with the soap. For this batch, I did an In The Pot Swirl. You can see on the top, I save a little soap and did some swirls there as well. I think it looks nice, but I know what I'll do differently later. I had a lot of suggestions on names on Facebook, I think I will do a survey!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugQAPasJ8CL-Cs6jao4W_kl9cJT0v_XQKLNxm_BvKbYKES90rid3A34hERBBDakDrH4Kg20NeMBQQhxOQu2dZzYMATvVjo0jBgSp8MA9PuI4ZEjAqlphKqja2FfUAhJkB63l1egtIYco/s1600/P1010888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjugQAPasJ8CL-Cs6jao4W_kl9cJT0v_XQKLNxm_BvKbYKES90rid3A34hERBBDakDrH4Kg20NeMBQQhxOQu2dZzYMATvVjo0jBgSp8MA9PuI4ZEjAqlphKqja2FfUAhJkB63l1egtIYco/s320/P1010888.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Today, I made another batch of one of my favorite. Lullaby Soap! It smells like a mix between Huggies lavender and chamomile bedtime stuff and baby powder. I love it. For this batch, I keep it simple. I divide the batch in two, color half pink and half blue. The blue is ultramarine blue from BB and the pink is a mix of fired up fuchsia, pink oxide, and red oxide (BB). I simply pour both colors at the same time on opposite sides of the mold. Then, I give the top a little swirl. Can't wait to cut it!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_OBcr-ksTXH-kj4G5LFseJyulOAZnMbhPlpurasFW34mJRPY1fX7LEVgY2tADwP0Fu2iCsArXIce4U8tkoDuq72v7_Z4fcTmJ94VmpsUd251qnXSnjAio-hykHDij0PcoTZVL6mrqO0/s1600/P1010887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_OBcr-ksTXH-kj4G5LFseJyulOAZnMbhPlpurasFW34mJRPY1fX7LEVgY2tADwP0Fu2iCsArXIce4U8tkoDuq72v7_Z4fcTmJ94VmpsUd251qnXSnjAio-hykHDij0PcoTZVL6mrqO0/s320/P1010887.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
These will all be on my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/honunaturals?ref=si_shop" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop and my<a href="http://www.soapguildstores.com/honunaturals/Default.aspx" target="_blank"> store</a> in about a month when they are cured and ready to go!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-54166521463045273512013-04-22T12:41:00.000-06:002013-04-22T12:41:05.920-06:00New Addition!Well, my newest little addition has arrived! She made her appearance last Wednesday, 4/10. She was 8 lbs 11 oz, every single person in the hospital made sure to comment on how big she was. <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/AVvXsEg_0j8kB-9j07CJFPRdOy_dYdVyiCErY4LhJTX1VLenONe7AnxcczGuMfHVWZnM5t1EMFw7S19GeiZmkBrs1w1eun_LMEwbLjZv0Nfin8I7lFOZUidY3jg-uzqftdxViO44OHpoxBLEcgU/s1600/P1010883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_0j8kB-9j07CJFPRdOy_dYdVyiCErY4LhJTX1VLenONe7AnxcczGuMfHVWZnM5t1EMFw7S19GeiZmkBrs1w1eun_LMEwbLjZv0Nfin8I7lFOZUidY3jg-uzqftdxViO44OHpoxBLEcgU/s320/P1010883.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leana Rayne</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hayden is in love with her and keeps saying that he has to share with her! It is still tough for him to share mommy, but he is trying. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IVoA6ITOWyfqMWrLCn1WFK0WddZcswYkQ25jdpvarioMpupLjUcb1LCfcPSvSR-tFVvBF_aQ_Zr9uGMCSRgWNbg2PUH7vkWOS6t5oUxTwWK7IcILTnGM3o31f3bmmbeXwkZDvFYh4y4/s1600/P1010796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IVoA6ITOWyfqMWrLCn1WFK0WddZcswYkQ25jdpvarioMpupLjUcb1LCfcPSvSR-tFVvBF_aQ_Zr9uGMCSRgWNbg2PUH7vkWOS6t5oUxTwWK7IcILTnGM3o31f3bmmbeXwkZDvFYh4y4/s320/P1010796.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Things are a little rough right now, but we are all adjusting to this major change. Mommy is trying to get Leana on a schedule that includes sleep at night and trying to keep Hayden from feeling like he is being put to the side because of her. I'm finally getting to the point where I get a few things done besides taking care of or feeding a baby. For example, I actually have a few minutes to get this typed up and I'm not so exhausted that I feel I should nap instead!<br />
<br />
I will admit that Hayden is still going to daycare, but he loves it so much, that keeping him home is hard on him and mommy! He gets to go to school and have fun with his friends and then come home to mom and little sister. Mom gets to focus on little sister during the day and give Hayden some good attention in the afternoon. It is really making things less stressful!<br />
<br />
I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things. I hope to make some soap today! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-661744183214816882013-03-28T19:21:00.001-06:002013-03-28T19:21:27.865-06:00New Baby SoapI have been playing around with some ideas for a really gentle soap that is specially designed for baby skin. I truly love the Naked Shea soap, but I wanted something even gentler. I wanted something that was soothing, creamy, and skin loving.<br />
<br />
Here is what I decided I needed:<br />
<ul>
<li>Aloe-who doesn't remember their mom keeping an aloe plant in the house and any time there was anything wrong, you got rubbed down with it?</li>
<li>Goat milk-gives the soap a rich, creamy texture and adds to the skin-softening properties.</li>
<li>Oatmeal-good for all sorts of skin problems, so it is going to be good for babies too.</li>
<li>Super skin conditioning oils: I went with avocado, shea butter, and cocoa butter. How luxurious are those together? Even without all the other goodies, that would make a great bar of soap.</li>
</ul>
I actually decided to use really fresh aloe, so I bought a small plant to be used for this purpose. I pulled it, washed it really well, the pulled the leaves off and dumped them in a blender. I then ran all the juice and pulp through a strainer to get the "skin" out. I didn't add the aloe to the lye mixture, but added it to the oils after adding the lye. I don't know if that makes a difference, but it is worth a shot.<br />
<br />
I creamed the colloidal (finely ground) oatmeal into the goat milk before freezing, which I'm not sure was a good idea. While mixing goat milk and lye makes a stinky orange mess anyway, I think adding the oatmeal early also resulting in the orange speckles in the soap. It doesn't smell bad, so I don't think it is going to effect the quality of the final soap.<br />
<br />
I melted the shea and cocoa butters over low heat and added them at light trace. I've noticed that sometimes when I used butters, the final bars can turn out grainy, so I treated these with the same care I would use if they were going into a balm.<br />
<br />
I used a round mold because it seems that baby soap should be round. I don't know why I decided this, but I did. I'm glad I did, I think it looks perfect! I can't wait to be able to use one of these and give you some feedback on them. I probably wouldn't be so anxious if my target for this soap wasn't to very precious and delicate!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlQjSlYqJFgrg6J2NFCx2tgeLrztiYIc8LwobMdx2oRqHGYZyaae6aZxSnPPNDMCMWDw_0bvB7ypRXKYp5rVFs_dtjypYpwSg6qPJG0TSWpIEB99tPzezN0CtUOzEn7BMn_vY5sF4p4U/s1600/2013-03-25_14-30-38_946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtlQjSlYqJFgrg6J2NFCx2tgeLrztiYIc8LwobMdx2oRqHGYZyaae6aZxSnPPNDMCMWDw_0bvB7ypRXKYp5rVFs_dtjypYpwSg6qPJG0TSWpIEB99tPzezN0CtUOzEn7BMn_vY5sF4p4U/s320/2013-03-25_14-30-38_946.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't have much of a name for it right now. The best I have is Baby Soap (oh yes, I'm that original) or Milk and Aloe Baby Soap (even better!). If you have any ideas, feel free to share.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-50811315192708847172013-03-26T12:32:00.004-06:002013-03-26T12:32:36.563-06:00Soap Packaging DecisionIf you recall, not too long ago I started rethinking my soap packaging...again. Really, I think this is a question that is discussed on EVERY soapmaking forum. In detail. You can read about my past packaging <a href="http://honunaturals.blogspot.com/2013/02/soap-packaging-revisited.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
After thinking about it and weighing the pros and cons, I finally made a decision. The feedback I received said I should keep the paper because it was simple, yet very pretty. I really did consider that. However, on my list of cons was the time it took to cut the paper and wrap each bar of soap. The pros was that it was fairly inexpensive; that is, until you add in the cost of the time it was taking to package the soap. Then, it was about even with the soap boxes.<br />
<br />
Considering that I am now a single mom of soon-to-be 2 children, I really do have to consider time a lot more. I don't want to give up my soap business, but my time in more limited than before. (To be honest, I've been considering a lot of things that I could do to save time, but more on that later)<br />
<br />
So, the soap boxes won out. All I have to do is pop the box open, tuck in one end, pop the soap in, tuck in the other end, and add a label. We are talking maybe 30 seconds per bar of soap. That is a HUGE difference! Plus, I can't deny that I do like the look of the soap boxes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtk9cIvqf1dFFrIVGLqLOZJNZQjZcywxulOfKWVYiqk0qCB__dwg-c41CPwomSqUDtus42lev72nKDdm4dXKRlGFbHFoxlGYTFLdtIRqmaXsZMfuvRiXLPmpN49UxrByi37sXXQ6Z8z4/s1600/2013-03-25_14-34-40_968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjtk9cIvqf1dFFrIVGLqLOZJNZQjZcywxulOfKWVYiqk0qCB__dwg-c41CPwomSqUDtus42lev72nKDdm4dXKRlGFbHFoxlGYTFLdtIRqmaXsZMfuvRiXLPmpN49UxrByi37sXXQ6Z8z4/s320/2013-03-25_14-34-40_968.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I am still planning on having other types of packaging. For example, I'm starting to make round soaps, but they wouldn't fit in a box. But, I will be using boxes as the main way to package soap. <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: cyan;">What do you think? Do you like the boxes?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3020204936617830229.post-28147520668968024232013-03-10T19:43:00.002-06:002013-03-10T19:43:33.588-06:00I Guess I'll Clean the Laundry Room-Week 5 ishOk, so I've been behind on everything because of Science Fair, which is over again. And again, it went amazingly well despite all of my stress.<br />
<br />
But, with my little one on her way, I've started really working to get stuff cleaned up. I cleaned out the hall closet and my makeup bag again. I'm not that worried about the craft supplies because I just did it this past summer and I don't buy much anymore. The soap room will get done, but it isn't a top priority because I just did that in July too. The garage is on the list, but my plan is to have a garage sale and just pull stuff out starting that morning, then go through stuff after that. {I once learned that even if it isn't a garage sale, if you pull stuff out of your garage to clean, people stop to shop, so why not!} The upstairs is desperate, but I'm waiting on my ex to get stuff packed up and moved out, so I'm being patient.<br />
<br />
However, there is one room I really had no plan for. In fact, I have been avoiding it like the plague! The laundry room...dun, dun, duuuuun. This is our catch all room. If it needs to be put away or moved, it goes in there. I hate it. But, I also didn't want to clean it.<br />
<br />
That was until our plumbing backed up last Sunday. Oh yeah, coming out of the downstairs shower drain and the hot water heater drain. Luckily, the shower is sunk into the ground, so that was contained. However, the laundry room flooded (and leaked under the wall to soak the carpet on the other side). So, we moved everything out of the laundry room, pulled furniture away from the wall, and set stuff out to dry if needed. Plumbing got fixed and the laundry room got cleaned up. Now, my choice was to shove everything back in and ignore the problem some more or clean up.<br />
<br />
I cleaned up. I put the laundry stuff back (for obvious reasons). I also put our fans and coolers back because that is the logical place to store them until we need them in the summer. I put the vacuum back because it goes there too. That's it! I went through all of the boxes and cleaning stuff on the shelves and organized everything. I didn't have anything to get rid of there though. Amazing! However, I did have lots of boxes in the living room to go through. I went through and got everything that is going to a new home packed up. My things that need to go out to the garage for sale or storage (I don't know what to do with the PlayStation) are boxed up and waiting to be carried out. Plus, I have a box for drop off at the electronics recycling place.<br />
<br />
My laundry room looks awesome! You can walk in without tripping over anything. You can get to the tools and cleaning stuff without stubbing a toe. I'm just so excited. I really think this should count for two weeks. Anyone with me?<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: cyan;">Has your Spring Cleaning started yet?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13604870147616603402noreply@blogger.com