GRANDMA'S Blog

Taking care of your skin is especially important in the summer months.

As you take vacations and spend more time outdoors, you put yourself at risk for sunburns. It is important to remember that our skin needs protection even on cloudy days!

There are many different skin types, and not all of them take a one-size-fits-all approach to sunscreen. Sun Protection Factor (or SPF) is a measure of how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned. For example, if your skin would normally burn after 10 minutes in the sun, applying an SPF 15 sunscreen would allow you to stay in the sun without burning for approximately 150 minutes (15 times longer). This is a rough figure that depends on your skin type, how bright the sun is and how much sunscreen is applied.

With these factors in mind, staying above 15 SPF is a good rule of thumb! Grandma’s Lip Soother lip balm has an SPF of 15, and has the added benefit of being made of carefully selected ingredients that do not irritate sensitive skin. In the list below, Grandma lets you know what sunscreens generally work best for dry skin, oily skin and sensitive skin.

• Dry Skin

  • For dry skin, Grandma recommends a sunscreen with lots of moisturizer such as a coconut or almond to keep your skin soothed in the sun. Multiple applications may be needed if you are continuously getting in and out of water. How much your sweat and the heat index may also influence the number of times you need to reapply.

• Oily Skin

  • Oily skin doesn’t usually welcome more greasy sunscreen on top. Grandma recommends light, oil-free sunscreens that won’t make skin feel greasy and more importantly, it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. Proper sunscreen usage will not only protect your skin from damage but prevent wrinkles! Oily skin needs lotion too.

• Sensitive Skin

  • Sensitive skin sufferers can have a challenging time choosing sunscreens, as there may be certain ingredients in lotions that cause reactions. There is not a one stop shop for sensitive skin sunscreen. However, natural products and those without added chemicals or scents can be easier to test. Grandma recommends that sensitive skin types test sunscreen on the back of their hand a few days before being in heavy sun. Give yourself ample time to ensure you have something that will protect your skin from damage without causing irritation.

There is a lot to consider when choosing the right sunscreen lotion for your skin type. While it may seem easier to simply pick something off the shelf, choosing carefully can ensure you prevent serious damage, skin cancer and even heat stroke.

 

Practice sun safety which includes: using sunscreen, wearing lose fitting clothing that covers large areas of skin, wearing a hat, drinking plenty of electrolytes and ensuring you spend time in the shade.

Camping has been a cornerstone of the family vacation for decades.

Summer time camping normally combines the joy of being outdoors with water activities such as swimming and fishing. Grandma knows how critical it can be to spend time with you loved ones and connect. Camping for a weekend is a surefire way to be free of distraction.

Before you pack everyone into the car and head out of town, make sure you didn’t leave any essentials behind! We have all started a road trip and realized we forgot something important when we are half way there.

It is for that exact reason that Grandma decided to put together a list of the essential items you and your family will need for a fun filled camping adventure:

• Tent
• Sleeping Bags
• Sleeping Pads
• Cookware
• Water Purifying Tabs
• Camp Chairs
• Sunscreen
• First Aid Kit
• Fire Tools
• Lighting (Flashlight/etc)

These are just the basics to ensure that you have what you need. We also recommend taking some other goodies to make your camping trip fun and comfortable! Below are item’s Grandma keeps in her camping first aid kit.

1. Poison Ivy Bar
2. Don’t Bug Me Bar
3. Shampoo Shave Bar
4. Lip Soother with SPF

Grandma also makes a Poison Ivy Bar that will fight the itch and remove the oils from your skin! This helpful bar is easy to use and will stop your skin from itching if you have come into contact with either poison ivy or poison oak.

Sunscreen is a vital and necessary item! Overcast days can be deceptive as the UV rays still penetrate the cloud cover and can burn those who neglect to protect their skin. Simple spray sunscreen makes application easy. Don’t forget your lips either! Grandma’s Lip Soother has an SPF of 15, so it keeps your lips smooth and protects them from getting burned.

To protect your skin from the bugs, Grandma’s Don’t Bug Me Bar is a perfect solution that will keep the critters from biting! This is a safe alternative to sprays that can irritate your skin and disrupt the environment!

All of Grandma’s products are safe for sensitive skin and children. Each product was made with family and real life in mind. Before you head out the door on  your next camping adventure, don’t forget Grandma’s list of first aid skincare.

We hope you enjoy your camping experience, and don’t forget the Grandma’s Summer Survival Kit to get some of the most basic of skincare covered while you are out in the sun!

The beach is calling and the sun is out.

Summertime brings back memories of childhood adventures with friends, vacations with family, special times with loved ones and getaways to far off places. No matter if you are at a beach or in your backyard, there are lots of fun ways to stay cool! Grandma has years of experience making sweet treats for her children and grandchildren. Her time experimenting in the kitchen has paid off! Fun fact: it is also what lead her to create her grime away bar.
Here are a few of Grandma’s favorite recipes for staying cool.

 

• Frozen Grapes

  • This is a very easy and delicious treat! You simply need to get some grapes, make sure you clean them off and them place them in the freezer for a night!

• Fruit Kebabs

  • Another easy to make favorite, all you need is a few different types of fruit and some kebab spears. Cut the fruit up into tiny cubes or slices, and stack and mix to your hearts delight.
  • Ingredients:
    • Grapes
    • Pineapple
    • Watermelon
    • Any melon types
    • Strawberries
    • Shish kabob sticks
  • Directions:
  • • Add fruit to shish kabob sticks
    • Lay on wax paper in freezer overnight

• Frozen Yogurt Dots

  • Simplicity is the name of the game for fun summer treats, and these little cuties don’t change that trend.
  • Ingredients:
    • Your favorite yogurt
    • Wax paper
    • Baking sheet
  • Directions:
  • • Simply take your favorite yogurt flavor, place it in a sandwich bag.
    • Cut a hole in the corner and squeeze out little dots on a baking sheet with wax paper.
    • Place in the freezer overnight. You’ll have cute little treats in the morning!

• Watermelon Popsicles

  • This may be an obvious one! Watermelon is a great way to stay hydrated on hot days. It also makes a delicious treat.
  • Ingredients:
    • Watermelon slices
    • Lime juice
    • Honey
    • Popsicle molds
  • Directions:
  • • Blend the watermelon, lime juice and honey in the blender.
    • Pour mixture and chunks of watermelon into Popsicle mold.
    • Freeze overnight.

• Root Beer Float

  • A timeless classic! The sweetness of the ice cream mixed with the fizziness from the root beer always brings back memories
  • Ingredients:
    • Vanilla Ice cream
    • Root bear
    • Chocolate chunks if you’re feeling wild
  • Directions:
  • • Take your favorite root beer and some vanilla ice cream and combine them to make a delicious treat.
    • The mixture should be ¼ ice cream, ¾ root beer.
    • Grandma loves to add chocolate chunks as a topping.

These simple treats will help keep you and your family cool and hydrated this summer!

From the beach to the mountains, summer skincare is vital for enjoying a healthy lifestyle.

 

It is important to note than even with cloud cover, you can still get a sunburn! There is no bigger organ on your body than your skin. If you take care of it, you can be sure it will take care of you in return. Without proper sun safety you risk premature aging and even life threatening conditions. Simple steps to protect your skin from sun exposure can prevent sunburns and serious headaches.

 

Here are 5 summer skincare tips from Grandma to enjoy the sun safely:

1.)    Wash Your Face

This is important all year, but during the summer months it demands more care. Wash your face multiple times a day with soap, especially if you sweat, and stay moisturized with a gentle lotion.

Don't use just any soap. Many soaps leach away your skin's natural oils, making your skin even drier after lots of sunshine. Lye soap keeps your skin natural balanced.

2.)    Don't Forget Sunscreen

Sunscreen is another obvious yet often overlooked part of summer skin care. 30 SPF sunscreen is the minimum for proper UV protection. Do not forget to check expiration dates. That's right, sunscreen has an expiration. Do not risk excessive sun exposure due to in effective sunscreen.

Keeping your skin protected from the sun goes a long way to preventing early wrinkles and lines. Sunburns can cause sun sickness, fever, heat stroke and eventual skin cancer. It is important to reapply sunscreen when under the sun for long periods of time.

3.)    Don't Forget Your Lips

Keeping your skin protected seems easy enough to remember, but many times lip balm with SPF is forgotten. Cracked and chapped lips are a burden you don't want!

Reapplying lip balm is important after eating, drinking and swimming. Like regular sunscreen, a single application wears down over time. Grandma's Lip Soother is a perfect compliment to summer skincare! 

4.)    Eat & Drink The Right Foods

Many fruits and vegetables contain high percentages of water. Eating fruits and veggies while enjoying sunshine can keep your skin hydrated and body temperature regulated.

In addition, drinking plenty of water will keep your body from overheating. When we sweat, it is important to replenish the water that is lost to prevent serious life threatening risks.

5.)    Wear The Right Clothing

When you are in the sun for long periods of time, it is important to cover up with proper clothing. Light weight clothing items can be crucial for preventing heat stroke and sunburn. Hats, sunglasses, cover-ups and shade go a long way toward preventing sunburn when out in the sun for hours at a time.

 

With these tips, you can safely enjoy the serotonin boost you receive from sunlight. Have a great summer and do not forget sun safety! If you are hiking a trail or enjoying the sun on the beach, always keep your skin moisturized and protected.

Grandma offers lip balms and lotions for all seasons, as well as lye soaps to keep your skin from drying out.

Aromas have the power to transport our psyche. 

Each month, we release a unique profile for each Herbal of The Month so you can find a scent that is true to you.

 

May Herbal of The Month: White Rose bar

 

 

Juicing is a fun and simple way to stay hydrated while ensuring you meet the recommended daily portions of fruits and veggies.

Fruits and vegetables are not always a savory choice, but they can improve your health and energy levels. According the the US Department of Agriculture and the CDC, “Eating more fruits and vegetables adds nutrients to diets, reduces the risk for heart disease, stroke, and some cancers, and helps manage body weight when consumed in place of more energy-dense foods”.

Grandma believes in getting back to basics. Many store bought items include ingredients that are not beneficial to the body, internally or externally. That is why she created her lye soap, which allows skin to keep its natural oils rather than stripping them. It is also why she loves fresh ingredients that benefit the body and soul.

While many canned goods have great nutritional value, some canned goods contain BPA (a chemical used in the packing process), deadly bacteria and excessive amounts of sugar, salt and preservatives. Canned and frozen vegetables or fruit have a place in your grocery cart, simply consider the ingredients and preservatives that go into those products before purchasing. Now that we got that out of the way, remember that fresh fruits and vegetables are great alternatives to convenient but nutrition-less snacks.

According to the CDC, “It is better to eat the whole fruit because it contains the added fiber that helps you feel full. One 6-ounce serving of orange juice has 85 calories, compared to just 65 calories in a medium orange.” When you are needing an energy boost, detox or simply more veggies in your diet juicing is a great option! As the days get hotter, some juice recipes can be turned into delicious popsicles. Other recipes are simply great ways to stay energized and nourished during a hectic work week.

 

Don’t forget to rinse all fruits and veggies before consumption.

Carrot Craze

• Basil (fresh) - 3 leaves 
• Carrots - 14 medium 
• Lemon - 1/2 fruit
• Peaches - 5 medium

Can’t Stop The Beet

• Beet Root - 1 beet
• Lemon - 1/2 fruit
• Pears - 3 medium 
• Raspberry - 1 cup

Apply Ever After

• Apples (granny smith) - 2 medium
• Celery - 2 stalk, large

• Cucumber - 1/2 cucumber
• Lettuce (romaine) - 2 cup 
• Orange (peeled) - 1 fruit

John Lemon

• Apples (granny smith) - 2 large
• Celery - 8 stalk, large
• Lemon (with peel) - 1 fruit
• Orange (peeled) - 1 fruit

Fennel to The Metal

• Cinnamon (Ground) - 1/4 tsp 
• Coconut Water - 1/2 cup 
• Fennel Bulb - 1 bulb 
• Lemon - 1 fruit
• Oranges - 2 large
• Pears - 2 medium 
• Peppermint - 10 leaves 

If you are not sure what to consider when reading a nutrition label, the FDA has answers. Earlier we mentioned considering the nutritional value of canned or frozen fruits and veggies. This article from the FDA should help you make smart nutritional choices.

Make sure you take care of your whole body, internally and externally. Learn more about the benefits of lye soap here or start shopping.

All recipes were inspired by juicerecipes.com.

Storms never come at a convenient time. 

As fate would have it, life brings us difficult situations when we are not ready. The fridge breaks down, hail damages the car, your teen breaks his arm… life never stops. We can not prepare for the unexpected, but we can get better at handling the fall out.

“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” - William James

We put together a few simple steps that help you take charge when times are tough. Grandma has lived long enough to know there are small actions that can help you gain control when life pushes your patience.  

“Happiness is a choice. You can choose to be happy. There's going to be stress in life, but it's your choice whether you let it affect you or not.” - Valerie Bertinelli

 Below you will find ten simple ways to calm your inner storm.

1. Exercise
   1. Exercise allows you to release excess energy and stress. Physical activity does not have to be running or going to the gym. Exercise can be as simple as gardening or walking the dog.
2. Sleep
   1. When you feel like you do not have time for sleep is when you need it most. Simple stretches before bed can help you get into a peaceful state.
3. Eat Well
   1. Fuel your tank with nutrients that give you energy, rather than food that slows you down or upsets your system.
4. Get Advice
   1. Go to someone you trust or an expert for advice that can help you tackle prickly situations.
5. Set Goals
   1. Creating a plan to conquer your chaos can make a difficult situation feel more manageable.
6. Do Something Fun
   1. When times are tough it is important to do things that help you remember your sense of self.
7. Gain Perspective
   1. A problem can seem overwhelming in the short-term. Remember that “this too shall pass”. A change in perspective can give you a renewed sense of energy to tackle short-term hurdles.
8. Release The Chaos
   1. Let go of what you cannot control. You do not have to carry every burden or push every boulder up the hill. Take ownership of personal responsibilities and release the rest.
9. Relax
   1. It may seem impossible to rest when life is hitting the fan, but peace is an important part of managing difficult situations. Try taking a long bath or reading something that takes your mind off the present.
10. Laugh
    1. Laughing releases endorphins that help you reduce stress. Laughing allows you to physically let go of tension in the body.

One of the best ways to handle difficult stations is to listen to your favorite jams. What’s your favorite song to listen to when life gets tough? Let us know and we’ll put together a Rainy Day Survival Kit with the best song suggestions for hard times.

One more thing, our favorite gift for relaxing is Grandma's Natural Beauty Gift Set.

April flowers bring may flowers and lots of opportunity for adventure.

It is the perfect time of year to get outdoors and try new things. Outdoor activities can improve our mental state and even improve physical health. The stresses of daily life can build, leaving you feeling drained or unhappy. A new experience may be what you need to put life into perspective, gain a renewed sense of self or make a change. 

“There are 30,000 days in your life. When I was 24, I realized I'm almost 9,000 days down. There are no warm-ups, no practice rounds, no reset buttons. Your biggest risk isn't failing, it's getting too comfortable. Every day, we're writing a few more words of a story. I wanted my story to be an adventure and that's made all the difference.” Drew Houston

 It is never too late to broaden your world view and experience something new. Whether you try cooking foods from different cultures every month, decide to plant a vegetable garden, go “across the pond” or simply go camping, new experiences can give you a fresh outlook. 

Too often we allow something to hold us back or keep us from planning. Fear or insecurity can make us believe we do not deserve to relax or take a vacation. This is not true. Everyone deserves happiness and peace. Adventures can be right in your backyard. While a trip to Aruba might not be possible this year, you can do something fun in your own city today while planning for your dream trip.

Live the life of your dreams. When you are feeling discourage or unmotivated, remember that adventures allow you to:

1. Broadens Your Horizons
   1. When we experience new things, we begin to see the world differently.
2. Build Personal Connection
   1. Experiences allow us to build connections with those we love and create memories that last a lifetime.
3. Experience Health Benefits
   1. Vitamin D is good for your skin, bones and even emotional health.
4. Escape The Ordinary
   1. New experiences allow you to see how your day to day life could be different. It might just be the catalyst for positive change.
5. Rejuvenate The Soul
   1. The occasional trip can reduce stress. Adventures can help put day to day stress into perspective and give you a fresh outlook.

Grandma knows that time seems to pass more quickly as we age. She has seen her children grow and is now watching her grandbabies grow like weeds. Her hope for those she loves is that they live a life full of adventure, love and happiness. She hopes the same for you. That’s why she created the perfect soaps for any adventurer. 

Everything you need for an adventure:

What is it?

White patchouli is fragrant shrubby East Indian plant. It part of the mint family, with vertical stems that bear small, pale pink-white flower. Patchouli scents are musky, woodsy, and downright earthy.

What are its benefits?

Patchouli has been used for thousands of years. Is has bee used to reduce inflammation and irritation as well as skin redness, eczema, acne and even dandruff.

The strong scent of patchouli has been used in perfumes, incense, insect repellents, and alternative medicines.

Patchouli has also been used in alternative medicine to fight depression, boost immune system, used as a natural deodorant, stop fungal growth and even fight fever.

When diffused, Patchouli can help alleviate tension and worry. It is a soothing oil to diffuse during meditation.

*While it has been used for alternative medicine, it does not mean patchouli is a cure or recommended medical treatment.

 

How is it typically used?

Patchouli is used as the source of perfume oil that distilled from the plant’s leaves. It has been used also as an insecticide, leech repellent and to soothe menstrual cramps.

Patchouli leaves have even been used to make herbal tea. They are also eaten as a vegetable and sometimes used as a seasoning.

Patchouli essential oils blend well with Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Ginger, Lavender, Lemongrass, Myrrh, and Sandalwood.

 

Patchouli Perfume Recipe:

Grandma created her fragrant white patchouli bar, because it is one of her favorite scents. Below is a simple recipe for a patchouli perfume. It is used as a fundamental note in perfumes, anchoring lighter notes and providing warmth to the blend.

Herbal Perfume Ingredients:

• Approximately 12-20 Drops Total Of Base Patchouli Essential Oils
• 25-30 Drops Of Middle Tone Oils Like Rose Or Lavender
• 12-15 Drops Of Top Note Oils Like Bergamot
• 4 Ounces Of Alcohol To Preserve And Meld Scents

 

What To do:

• Mix all oils together in an opaque bottle.
• Let this mixture sit in bottle for a few days to let scents meld.
• Add the alcohol and cap tightly.
• Shake and put in a cool, dark place for at least a month (preferable). This is optional but helps the alcohol scent fade and the scents of the oils intensify.

 

Homemade Whipped Body Butter

This smooth and natural body butter will leave you smelling and feeling smooth! It’s base is that of two butters, and one or two essential oils that you mix, whip and chill, the end result being a heavenly experience for your skin!  You can pick any oil(s) you want, we will use White Patchouli today though (for obvious reasons).

Ingredients

1/2 cup each of organic:

• Cocoa butter
• Shea butter
• Coconut oil
• Olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of essential oil(s)

 Instructions

• Add cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil and olive oil into a double boiler or, use a glass or metal bowl over a pan of boiling water.
• Heat until melted, mixing occasionally. Remove from heat and put mixture into fridge for one hour or until firm.
• With hand mixer, whip oils until creamy and light. Add essential oils and mix again.
• Spoon your body butter into containers. Mixture may seem a bit moist after whipping but will firm up after a few minutes.

 

If you enjoy White Patchouli, we recommend our White Patchouli Herbal of the Month!

Do you know which Herbal Bar you are? We’re releasing a unique profile for each Herbal of The Month so you can find a scent that is true to you.

Everyone has a unique “smell print”. No two people smell things the same way because each of us has scent blind spots, meaning specific odors we can’t pick up on. That room spray that smells like violets to you and like herbs to your friend? You can both be right.

Good smells make you happier. Smelling a fragrance you perceive as pleasant has a positive effect on the mind. So if you love musk, keeping a little scented oil on your desk can help lift your mood when you’re down. The same goes for citrusy scents.

The carefully sourced ingredients create scents that quickly become associated with peacefulness, relaxation and happiness. Something as simple as an herbal bar can change your daily disposition for the better. Grandma’s Herbal of The Month is a small way you can improve your mood and influence your own happiness.