GRANDMA'S Blog
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
Why Scent Is So Powerful:
Scent is the first sense that is activated when we are born. Our sense of smell is 10 thousand times more sensitive than our other sense. We have over six million smell-detecting cells in our nose. The Limbic part of our brain, which is related to memory and feelings, interprets smell. It’s no surprise that our sense of smell is deeply connected to our emotional state. Smells can elicit positive or negative emotions based the experiences we associate with the aroma. In short, aromas are an experience.
Grandma’s Herbal Bars feel magical. When you use an herbal bar during relaxing baths, you are instantly transported to a happy and tranquil place.
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.
Next time you’re down, remember to stop and smell the roses. They can instantly improve your mood.
Join our Herbal of The Month Club! Get 50% Off an herbal bar every month.
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.
- Exercise
- 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.
- Sleep
- 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.
- Eat Well
- Fuel your tank with nutrients that give you energy, rather than food that slows you down or upsets your system.
- Get Advice
- Go to someone you trust or an expert for advice that can help you tackle prickly situations.
- Set Goals
- Creating a plan to conquer your chaos can make a difficult situation feel more manageable.
- Do Something Fun
- When times are tough it is important to do things that help you remember your sense of self.
- Gain Perspective
- 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.
- Release The Chaos
- 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.
- Relax
- 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.
- Laugh
- 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:
- Broadens Your Horizons
- When we experience new things, we begin to see the world differently.
- Build Personal Connection
- Experiences allow us to build connections with those we love and create memories that last a lifetime.
- Experience Health Benefits
- Vitamin D is good for your skin, bones and even emotional health.
- Escape The Ordinary
- New experiences allow you to see how your day to day life could be different. It might just be the catalyst for positive change.
- Rejuvenate The Soul
- 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.
Spring flowers are sign that warmer days are around the corner.
The best way to greet the season is by spending time outdoors. Gardening can ensure you soak up your daily dose of vitamin D. It can also ensure you sleep deeper and feel peaceful. Gardening evokes relaxation, creates a sense of responsibility and even release happy hormones!
That’s right, gardening can make you happier.
A little time in the dirt can make your body release serotonin and dopamine. These are hormones that make us feel good and are released during physical activity.
It’s easy to conclude that gardening is the perfect way to relieve stress during the spring season.
“The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature. To nurture a garden is to feed not just on the body, but the soul.” Alfred Austin
Grandma knows the benefits of getting your hands dirty. Her time in the garden led her to create her Grime Away Bar. It’s a safe way to remove dirt and grime from hands without stripping away skin's natural oils.
We listed a few of Grandma’s favorite blooms below and included a few tips.
Pansies
Early spring is the perfect time to plant pansies. They enjoy the cool transitional weather. These cheery blooms will lift every gardener’s spirit. Pansies are great if you living in cooler climate.
- Plant in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil.
- Space the plants about 7 to 12 inches apart.
Lilacs
Lilacs give off a sweet spring fragrance. They are a cottage garden favorite. They come in all shapes and sizes, from shrubs to tall trees.
- Select a site where your lilac will get full sun—at least 6 hours.
- Grow lilacs in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil.
Daffodils
Daffodils come in a range of shapes and sizes. These lovely blooms are a great addition to any garden.
- Daffodils will tolerate some crowding but prefer to be spaced 3 to 6 inches apart.
- Plant in EARLY spring for success. Bulbs do better when planted while weather is still cold, but it is possible to plant in spring.
Tulips
Tulips are multifoot-high blooms and there is a variety for every gardener. They are one of the best flowers for spring.
- Tulips prefer a site with full or afternoon sun.
- Plant in EARLY spring for success. Bulbs do better when planted while weather is still cold, but it is possible to plant in spring.
Azaleas
Azaleas are bright and cheerful blooms. They are the perfect transition from spring to summer. Pairing these shrubs with hellebores or around a sidewalk.
- Soil should be well-drained, humus-rich, moist, and acidic.
- After flowering, deadhead where practical, to promote vegetative growth rather than seed production. Remove dead flowers from rhododendrons carefully; next year’s buds are just under the old heads.
Tips are from farmer's almanac. Learn more about Grandma's Grime Away Bar.
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.
Last month we revealed the Egyptian Dragon scent profile. Today, we're showing you what puts the spice March's Herbal Of The Month. But first, we want to share why scent has such a powerful effect.
Have you ever sprayed a perfume or smelled food that instantly triggered your memory?Aromas have the power to transport our psyche. Scent is the first sense that is activated when we are born. Our sense of smell is 10 thousand times more sensitive than our other sense. We have over six million smell-detecting cells in our nose. The Limbic part of our brain, which is related to memory and feelings, interprets smell. It’s no surprise that our sense of smell is deeply connected to our emotional state. Smells can elicit positive or negative emotions based the experiences we associate with the aroma. In short, aromas are an experience.
Grandma’s Herbal Bars feel magical. When you use an herbal bar during relaxing baths, you are instantly transported to a happy and tranquil place.
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.
March’s Herbal of The Month is the MOROCCAN SPICE
This herbal bar was inspired by exotic scents, salty air and red sunsets. The Moroccan Herbal Bar feels like sunshine and sand between your toes.
Scent Profile: hints of cinnamon, ginger and coriander.
You’ll Like This If: you love rich, invigorating scents.
You Should Also Try: Herbal Sampler Gift Set
Next time you’re down, remember to stop and smell the roses. They can instantly improve your mood.
Join our Herbal of The Month Club! Get 50% Off an herbal bar every month.
Explore the benefits and restorative properties of lye soap. Our mission is to provide a natural product that nurtures skin rather than strip it of natural oils. Our top ten frequently asked questions address the ingredients, soap making process and benefits of GRANDMA’S Lye Soap.
ONE: Does GRANDMA’S Lye Soap have any additives?
GRANDMA’S Lye Soap is made with only three ingredients: food grade lard, lye and water. There are no detergents, fragrances, dyes or other additives to irritate sensitive skin, and it retains 100% of the natural glycerin created during the soap making process.
TWO: Why are additives in other soaps harmful to skin?
Chemicals to enhance fragrance are a large part of what makes other soaps potentially harmful. Harmful chemicals that are meant to produce pleasant scents can cause skin rashes or migraine headaches. Triclosan has been banned and sodium lauryl sulfate and other surfactants are common soap ingredients, which create a stronger lather and help the soap rid your hands and body of bacteria. These ingredients can irritate skin and disrupt the endocrine system.
THREE: Can lye soap burn or harm skin?
GRANDMA’S Lye Soap is NOT harmful to skin. Soap making involves a chemical process where lye and oils are combined in exact amounts to form soap. This process is called saponification. Once curing is complete, the soap will have no traces of lye.
FOUR: Is GRANDMA’S Lye Soap a vegan product?
No, GRANDMA’S Lye Soap is not a vegan product. Our soap is made with lard. Vegan soaps are made from fats or oils of vegetable origin.
FIVE: Why does GRANDMA’S use lard (pig fat) when most soap is made with tallow (beef fat)?
Pig and human DNA are very similar. For years physicians have used pig heart valves for human heart valve replacement. Pig skin bandages have saved may burn victims’ lives and help to relieve pain. Lard is more conditioning and has restorative properties than tallow.
SIX: Does GRANDMA’S Lye Soap relieve symptoms of dry, itchy skin?
GRANDMA’S Lye Soap has no detergents, dyes, fragrance or other additives. Unlike ordinary soaps that contain detergents and other additives, GRANDMA’S Lye Soap won’t strip precious natural oils from your skin.
SEVEN: Is GRANDMA’S Lye Soap safe to use for children?
GRANDMA’S Lye Soap is safe for babies and children’s tender skin. Our mild, rich lathering bar contains no detergents, dyes or fragrance to irritate tender skin. Our GRANDMA’S Baby Bar, fortified with Calendula Oil, is another alternative for use on smaller children.
EIGHT: Why is GRANDMA’S Non-Detergent Laundry Soap better than regular detergent?
Detergents remove oils from clothes, including the natural oils produced by your own skin. Surfactants in detergent are the main agents that strip away oils, an action that can seriously irritate the skin. GRANDMA’S Non-Detergent Laundry Soap contains no detergents, dyes or fragrance to irritate sensitive skin.
NINE: Why should I buy GRANDMA’S Non-Detergent Laundry Soap over earth friendly laundry soaps?
There's no federal standard and no required verification for terms such as "earth friendly". This means there is no guarantee the product is less harmful, better for skin or even better for the environment.
TEN: Why does my dog want to eat GRANDMA’S Lye Soap? Is it harmful?
Many dogs seem to be attracted to all natural soaps, whether it is because of the oils or fragrances that are used. Typically, diarrhea is the only result from the pet eating the soap. However, if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to consult with your
It can be frustrating to pinpoint what is making skin dry. Many times, it is a combination of lifestyle and environment that affects our skin. While we can’t control everything, there are simple ways to improve the overall health of our skin and its complexion. Below are a few tips and ideas on what might be making your skin dry.
How We Eat
What we eat can affect our energy levels, sleep patterns, and skin. While it may seem obvious, making sure you drink enough water is the first step toward healthier skin. Foods that are rich in vitamins, like vegetables, are also a great way to improve complexion. A simple philosophy to follow is:
“Surround yourself with good people & good food.”
The key word is “good”. Good food nourishes and it allows your body to do its best work. In a similar way, good people lift you up and bring the best out of you. From good thoughts to happy skin, we believe in adding things to our routine that bring happiness and health to daily life.
How We Groom
Many of us purchase products at our local grocer based on fragrance and brand. Too often, those products are filled with chemicals that dry out our skin rather than moisturizing as promised.
Chemicals to enhance fragrance are a large part of what makes other soaps potentially harmful. Harmful chemicals that are meant to produce pleasant scents can cause skin rashes or migraine headaches. Triclosan has been banned and sodium lauryl sulfate and other surfactants are common soap ingredients, which create a stronger lather and help the soap rid your hands and body of bacteria. These ingredients can irritate skin and disrupt the endocrine system.
Where We Live
Our environment affects our skin. Weather can cause everything from acne breakouts to itchy dry patches. Both hot and cold weather can exacerbate existing skin conditions and even create new ones. Dry climates will inevitably make your skin dull and flaky. Climates like England that are dewy, damp and not sunny are GREAT for skin. Unfortunately, that leaves many of us with oily, dry skin or combo skin types. Everything from the pollution in the air to the grooming products we use can have negative repercussions on our skin.
The Good News
GRANDMA’S Lye Soap is made with only three ingredients: food grade lard, lye and water. There are no detergents, fragrances, dyes or other additives to irritate sensitive skin, and it retains 100% of the natural glycerin created during the soap making process. GRANDMA’S Lye Soap is NOT harmful to skin. Soap making involves a chemical process where lye and oils are combined in exact amounts to form soap. This process is called saponification. Once curing is complete, the soap will have no traces of lye. Unlike ordinary soaps that contain detergents and other additives, GRANDMA’S Lye Soap won’t strip precious natural oils from your skin.
