GRANDMA'S Blog

  Do you have that itchy spot in the middle of your back that’s impossible to reach? While buying a back scratcher might be a temporary solution, a better option would be changing your skin care regimen. Our environment affects our skin. That means what we use topically, what we eat and the weather can all influence how our skin feels. Finding the right regiment can take time, but the end results are worth it! Leafy greens, plenty of water and the right vitamins can improve the health of your skin, but nutrition isn’t the only thing to consider. Many of us unknowingly use harmful chemicals on our skin that leech our natural oils and dry out our skin. These chemicals can be found in our disinfectant soaps, detergents, lotions, body wash, chap sticks and bar soaps. 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. Did you know, 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 created her lye soap to offer a simple solution for those with problem skin. Below are combos we suggest to relieve dry, itchy skin.   Dry Itchy Skin Set This is the mother load of gift sets for anyone with sensitive skin. Did you know perfumes, laundry detergent and lotions can be affecting your skin negatively? Grandma put together this gift set to ensure your skin is free of detergents and harmful chemicals.   Natural Baby Gift Set   Did you know that many baby products have chemicals that can create redness and dry skin? Grandma’s Natural Baby gift set has NON-detergent laundry soap, a stain stick, baby bars and our traditional lye soap. This is everything Mom needs for peace of mind.   Natural Sports Gift Set   Some sports products promise to remove harsh odors, but end up stripping skin of its natural oils. This leads to dry, itchy and problem skin. Grandma’s Natural Sports Gift Set helps you fight tough odors after a workout while being good to your skin.   Active Gift Set   Certain outdoor bug and garden products have harmful chemicals that make skin dry and itchy. Being a crafter and outdoorsy person herself, Grandma created the perfect outdoor gift set. Grandma’s idea of getting back to nature means a healthy dose of sun, no bug bites & no dry skin.

New Year’s Resolutions often feel achievable and exciting in the short-term. Unfortunately, many of us burn out in the first few weeks and we fall back into regular routines.  In 2017, Grandma would like to encourage you to be kind and patient with yourself. Here are a few tips she put together to help you stay on track.  “And in my hour of darkness She is standing right in front of me Speaking words of wisdom Let it be” - The Beatles Be Accountable Do you have a friend with similar goals? Having an accountability partner is a great way to stay motived. Be Specific Create a game plan with specific steps you’ll take to reach your goal. Not only will this keep you on track, it gives you short-term goals that you can celebrate. Be A Priority Make time for your goals. This may mean carving out a time in your schedule just for this purpose. Be Kind To Yourself On days when achieving your goals doesn’t seem possible, be kind to yourself. Speak positive statements to and about yourself. Be Patient Change doesn’t happen over night. Your goals will likely take time to achieve. Try to enjoy the process. “And when the broken-hearted people Living in the world agree There will be an answer Let it be” - The Beatles Be Forgiving When you slip up, learn to forgive yourself rather than chastise. Don’t keep yourself from standing back up. Be Consistent The key to progress is consistency. When you are feeling tired do simple things that keep you on track. It could be as simple as doing a 30-minute workout rather than a full hour. Be Intentional Being intentional means doing little things that help you stay on track. It may be as simple as getting enough rest in order to have energy to make it go to the gym. Be Open Share your experience with others. There may be friends or family that know exactly what you’re going through. Being open might lead to more support. Be Okay with Failure Sometimes we fail. We fail to start or fail to follow through. When this happens just breathe and start over. To fail is to be human. It’s an opportunity to see why you didn’t succeed.  “And when the night is cloudy There is still a light that shines on me Shine until tomorrow Let it be” - The Beatles   Grandma began making soap to help her friends and family. Her dream of sharing her lye soaps with thousands of people took time. Every year she has new goals that require patience and hard work to bring to fruition. We hope her tips help you achieve all that you desire in 2017. When you’re feeling defeated, try Grandma’s herbal bath recipes to de-stress and re-group. Remember to celebrate your short-term goals by being good to yourself. We think Grandma’s Gift Sets are the perfect way to celebrate. We’d love to see your progress photos and offer you support on your journey. Share your story on Instagram with the hashtag #LetItBe2017.  

During these short days and long nights, Grandma has taken time to reflect. She noticed that many of her loved ones, like many of us, are too hard on themselves. When our list of responsibilities is too great, we set ourselves up for failure. Too many times we mistake our failures as a personal shortcoming. “Imperfections are not inadequacies; they are reminders that we're all in this together.” ― Brené Brown  Grandma has been reminding us that we are only human and that it’s natural to make mistakes. To be human is to be flawed, which has lead us to believe that Grandma is actually a magical super hero… With Grandma’s musings in mind, we’d like to encourage you to offer yourself the same kindness, generosity and grace you give others.  A simple way to be good to you is by simply allowing yourself to be human. Allow your self to rest or take a day off. Sometimes all we need is a little personal time to revitalize our drive and sense of purpose. You don’t have to feel guilty about taking a vacation, enjoying personal time or saying no. Every now and then, personal time is exactly what we need to reenergize. Grandma has found that a simple way to mend a tired soul is a long warm bath. She put together six ways to create an herbal bath that calms and rejuvenates: Add dried lavender to bath water or hang a bushel beneath your shower nozzle for relaxing experience. Add fresh rose petals to a hot bath for a luxurious and revitalizing soak. Hang eucalyptus beneath your shower nozzle or add to bath water to soothe stuffy sinuses. Add mint leaves to a warm bath for an invigorating soak when you’re feeling “under the weather”. Add chamomile to bath water for a calming soak that will make you ready for a good night’s sleep. Add rosemary to warm bath water for reviving soak that soothes tired muscles.  Grandma’s herbal baths are just one way that she allows herself to rest. She also suggests doing activities that allow you to shut off that nagging voice in your head. Activities like walking, sports, gardening or reading can lift us out of a place of stress and into one of peace.   Consider placing herbs in cheesecloth to prevent small leaves or flowers from coming loose in bath water. Use one of Grandma’s Herbal Soaps to enhance your herbal bath.  

Grandma put together a small encyclopedia of herbs she commonly used in her products and at home. What is it? Jasmine is a type of plant that produces fragrant white, yellow or reddish flowers. The plant spreads and climbs trees, vines and shrubs. Jasmine is native to Europe, Asia and Australia.  What are its benefits? Jasmine’s fragrant scent is thought to have calming properties. How is it typically used? Jasmine is often used in teas. It is often the base of green, oolong and white teas. It is also used in one of Grandma’s soaps.   What is it? Lavender is a plant that produces fragrant purple or blue flowers. The plant has over 39 known species and is native to the Canary Islands, Europe, eastern Africa and the Mediterranean. What are its benefits? Lavender’s scent is thought to have calming and restorative properties. How is it typically used? Lavender is often turned into an essential oil, tea, other drinks such as lemonade, for desserts and is also in one of Grandma’s herbal soaps. What is it? Mint is a leafy and fragrant plant. Leaf colors range from dark green to gray-green to purple or even yellowish. While the plant produces flowers, it is known for its fragrant leaves. What are its benefits? Mint is thought to aid with digestion, sooth the stomach and reduce inflammation. How is it typically used? Mint is often used a palate cleanser. It is commonly used in herbal teas, desserts, as essential oil and is used in one of Grandma’s herbal soaps. What is it? Roses are grown on a thorny bush. Flowers vary in size and range from white to yellow to red. Most species of rose are native to Asia. Roses have cultural significance in many societies. What are its benefits? Roses are thought to have antiseptic, laxative, calming, astringent and healing properties. How is it typically used? Products like rose water are sometimes used in acne treatments. Roses are used in teas and as essential oils. They are even used in lip coloring. Grandma also uses white roses in one of her herbal soaps.

We’re challenging you to make yummy treats and fill your home with fragrant scents inspired by Grandma’s 12 Days of Christmas Herbal Gift Set.    Inspired by Grandma's Baby Rum Bar. Ingredients  2/3 cup golden raisins 3 tablespoons dark rum (such as Myers's) 12 ounces cake flour (about 3 cups) 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup canola oil 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar, divided 1 tablespoon grated orange rind 1 tablespoon grated lemon rind 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3 large eggs 1 cup 2% reduced-fat milk Baking spray with flour 3 tablespoons light-colored corn syrup 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon powdered sugar Preparation Preheat oven to 350°. Combine raisins and rum in a small microwave-safe bowl; microwave at HIGH for 30 seconds. Cool to room temperature. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 3 ingredients (through salt) in a bowl; stir with a whisk. Place butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Add oil, 1 cup granulated sugar, rinds, and vanilla; beat at medium speed 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture and milk alternately to butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Drain raisins through a sieve over a bowl; reserve liquid. Stir raisins into batter. Pour batter into a 10-cup Bundt pan coated with baking spray. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes on a wire rack. Remove from pan; place on serving plate. Combine remaining 1/3 cup granulated sugar, corn syrup, and 2 tablespoons water in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Cook 1 minute. Remove pan from heat; stir in reserved rum. Brush syrup over warm cake. Cool completely. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.  myrecipes.com Inspired by Grandma's Egyptian Dragon Bar. Tahiti blend smells like paradise. Exotic Diffuser Blend 3 Drops Wild Orange 2 Drops Ginger 2 Drops Ylang Ylang   Inspired by Grandma's Frankincense & Myrrh Bar. Frankincense smells like: heavy, woody, spicy Myrrh smells like: warm, spicy, earthy Relaxing Diffuser Blend 5 Drops Frankincense 5 Drops Myrrh 5 Drops Sweet Orange Inspired by Grandma's Moroccan Spice Bar. Ingredients  2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground allspice   1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup butter, softened 2 cups white sugar 4 eggs 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 tablespoon warm water 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 apples - peeled, cored and chopped 1/2 cup raisins 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Butter a 10 inch tube pan. Cover raisins with warm water, let soak for 10 minutes and then drain. Whisk together flour, spices, and salt. Set aside. Cream together butter or margarine and sugar. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Stir together soda and 1 tablespoon warm water, and mix into the sugar mixture. Stir in flour mixture, apples, and strained raisins until well blended. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a tester comes out clean. Cool in pan. Once cool, shake pan to loosen cake. Turn onto plate, and dust with confectioners' sugar. allrecipes.com Inspired by Grandma's White Patchouli Bar. Patchouli smells like: earthy, herbal and spicy. Fresh & Woodsy Diffuser Blend        1/2 cup sweet almond oil        8 drops patchouli essential oil        8 drops cedarwood essential oil        8 drops spearmint essential oil   Inspired by Grandma's White Rose Bar. Gather 30 to 35 rose petals. Be sure to choose a fragrant rose. Put them in a cup. Pour water in the cup. Strain it out but leave the rose petals behind. Place the moist rose petals in a bowl. Mash them a lot; having a mortar and pestle will make this easy. Return the mashed rose petals in the water and strain out any moisture. Keep repeating this step until the water turns a brownish-pinkish-orangish color. If you are using dark colored rose petals, such as deep red, then do it until it is brownish-red. Take the rose petals out and enjoy your rose petal perfume! wikihow.com Inspired by Grandma's Honeysuckle Bar. Ingredients  3 1/2 cups coarsely chopped pecans  2 cups all-purpose flour  2/3 cup powdered sugar  3/4 cup butter, cubed 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar  1/2 cup honey 2/3 cup butter 3 tablespoons whipping cream        Preparation Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottom and sides of a 13- x 9-inch pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil, allowing 2 to 3 inches to extend over sides. Lightly grease foil. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through. Pulse flour, powdered sugar, and 3/4 cup butter in a food processor 5 to 6 times or until mixture resembles coarse meal. Press mixture on bottom and 3/4 inch up sides of prepared pan. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool completely on a wire rack (about 15 minutes). Bring brown sugar and next 3 ingredients to a boil in a 3-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in toasted pecans, and spoon hot filling into prepared crust. Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Cool completely on a wire rack (about 30 minutes). Lift baked bars from pan, using foil sides as handles. Transfer to a cutting board; cut into bars.  allrecipes.com Inspired by Grandma's Jasmine Bar. Ingredients  2 tablespoons olive oil 
         2 tablespoons chopped onion 
       1/4 cup green peas 1 bay leaf 
     1 1/2 cups dry jasmine rice 3 cups water   Directions In a large saucepan over a medium-low heat, warm the oil. Add onion and saute for 3 to 5 minutes. Mix in green peas, bay leaf, and jasmine rice. Stir to coat the rice. Pour 3 cups water into the saucepan and add the salt. Increase the heat to medium and let the rice come to a quick simmer. Reduce heat to low and let rice simmer lightly and sit uncovered until all of the liquid is absorbed. Cover the rice and remove from heat, let sit approximately 40 minutes. allrecipes.com Inspired by Grandma's Lavender Mint Bar. Ingredients  2 cups water ¾ cup sugar, or to taste ¼ cup dried culinary lavender (free of sprays and pesticides) ¼ cup fresh mint leaves 6-8 lemons 5 cups of cold water Ice cubes   Directions Boil the sugar and 2 cups of water for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the lavender and mint leaves, and let steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on how strongly flavored you want your lemonade to taste. Let the sugar-water mixture (simple syrup) cool. Meanwhile, juice your lemons and strain out any seeds or juicy bits.  Pour the lemon juice into the bottom of a large pitcher, add the simple syrup, and the cold water. Stir, and taste. Add more sugar, lemon juice, or water as necessary until it tastes like summer! Add ice cubes at the last minute to avoid watering the lemonade down. darlingmagazine.org Inspired by Grandma's Lemongrass Bar. Ingredients  4 cups water 2 cups roughly chopped lemongrass stalks 1/4 cup sugar Lime wheels for garnish (optional)   Instructions: Bring the water to a boil over high heat in a medium saucepan. Add the lemongrass and boil rapidly for 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the tea for an additional 5 minutes. Strain the stalks from the liquid. Stir in the sugar until dissolved. Serve warm, or chill in the refrigerator and pour over ice. thewanderlustkitchen.com Inspired by Grandma's Oatmeal Milk and Honey Bar. Visit our oatmeal recipe blog post.   Inspired by Grandma's Sandalwood/Vanilla Bar. Ingredients  Organic Beeswax   Sandalwood essential oil Cotton wicks Clean can to melt oils Wooden spoon or stick to stir Pot   Instructions Create a double boiler by placing water into a pot and bring to a boil. Place beeswax intro can and place into water until it melts. While your waiting cut wicks to fit clean mason jars, tins, glass votives and tape around pencil. When wax is melted take out of water and stir in essential oils. The amount of essential oil you use depends on the scent strength of the oil, if your mixing them, and the amount of wax you use. I like to mix in the essential oil until I can smell it and then add a few more drops. Pour into prepared containers. Allow to cool. scratchmommy.com  

  We know how hard it is to shop for holiday gifts. Grandma created this holiday gift guide to help you choose thoughtful gifts for your friends and family. Avoid long lines and shop online with Grandma. For Your “Sensitive” Friends  Grandma knows how frustrating dry, ashy and itchy skin can be. Did you know that many of the regular soap and laundry products bought at the store leach moisture out of skin? Regular detergents stay on clothes after they are washed and irritate sensitive skin types. Grandma’s Dry Itchy Skin Gift Set is the perfect gift for those looking for sensitive skin solutions. It is also a great gift for those simply looking for a solution to winter dryness.      For The Lady in Your Life It’s not easy buying gifts for the women in your life. You may not be able to keep up with their style preferences or what’s “in”. Grandma’s Natural Beauty set means no risk of getting her a gift that’s out of fashion. This gift set contains two Herbal Bars, two goats milk Beauty Bars, Winter Hand Soother Lotion and a Lip Soother. This is the gift that keeps on giving. Happy skin equals a happy lady.                                  For Your Teenager Teens may be looking for the newest, latest and greatest gifts but Grandma knows what they really want is more confidence. This Sports Gift Set has one Acne Bar, two Sports Bars, a Winter Soother Lotion, Shampoo/Shave Bar and Lip Soother. Middle school and high school aren’t easy. Give your teen the gift of confidence.       For the Adventurer Adventurers often battle the elements, which dries out skin. Grandma’s Active Gift Set has everything the adventurer in your life needs to fight off bugs while keeping skin healthy. This set has our Lye Soap, Grime Away Bar, Don’t Bug Me Bar, a Sports Bar & a Lip Soother.   These items are easily stored and ready for action.       For The Person Who Has Everything There is always one person in your life that seems to have everything. Grandma has the perfect gift recommendation. Our 12 Days of Christmas Herbal Sampler has 12 Try Me sized herbal soaps.   Give your loved one something new to try.       Recommendations from Grandma Everyday Choices: Lye Soap, Shampoo/Shave, Grime Away, Lotion, Lip Soother, Non-Detergent Laundry Soap Lady’s Choice: Herbal, Beauty Bar, Peppermint Sports, Lotion, Lip Soother Men’s Choice: Shampoo/Shave, Lye Soap, Spearmint Sports, Lotion, Lip Soother

Can you smell the turkey?  The holiday is so close we can taste it! We are dreaming of turkey covered in gravy and Grandma’s cooking. Thanksgiving at Grandma’s means lots of little feet running through the house, deep belly laughter and the smell of delicious food. It’s a chance for the family to let go of squabbles and simply gather around the table. Grandma’s cooking is something everyone can agree on.   Gratitude can be overlooked in the midst of feasting, football and family. Grandma put together a list of ways you can practice gratitude this Thanksgiving:  Send out hand written Thank You letters to friends, family & neighbors. Put a reminder in your phone to let someone know you appreciate him or her every day for the next 7 days. Go out of your way for someone to show that you care. Give to the needy by donating to a food bank, providing someone with a turkey or volunteering. Do that one task your partner has been asking you to do. Invite someone to Thanksgiving dinner that has nowhere else to go. Do activities that bring family and friends closer like board games, tree trimming or baking. Make a list of things you are thankful for & look at it daily. Do something for your health. Show gratitude for your life & body. Have a long conversation with someone. The best gift you can give is your time. While it may seem tedious to practice gratitude, it can actually make you happier! So, the next time you’re struggling at a gathering this holiday season, try practicing thankfulness. “Research by UC Davis psychologist Robert Emmons, author of Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier, shows that simply keeping a gratitude journal—regularly writing brief reflections on moments for which we’re thankful—can significantly increase well-being and life satisfaction.” – happify.com Gratitude takes practice. Some days thankfulness is easy to find and on other days it’s just not. Days that we’re frustrated, angry or weak are the perfect opportunities to practice gratitude. Something like writing down 5 things you’re grateful for can help you remember the good things in life and bring you back to a place of peace. The next time you’re walking into a situation that may be stressful, stick a reminder in your phone to pop-up & tell you something good. Grandma practices gratitude by mindfully choosing ingredients that go in her soap. She is grateful for her family and that motivates her to give them products that nourish.  Find a method that works for you & let’s all be happy this holiday season.      PS: Grandma loves you and we think sharing Grandma's 12 Days of Christmas is great way to say, "I appreciate you!".

    One: Make personal time a priority. Schedule lunch dates or appointments to get your nails done. Put things in your schedule that build you back up and give you confidence.   Two: Do something that exerts energy. This doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym. You could go for an evening stroll, play with the kids or do chores you enjoy. Do something that takes the restlessness out of your bones.   Three: Quiet time is necessary. Finding quiet time doesn’t have to be sitting in silence. For some it may be turning off electronic devices for an hour. For others it may be sitting and reading a book or taking a long bath.   Four: Spread kindness. When you do something kind for someone else, it brings YOU happiness. Spreading kindness is a great way to remind yourself of the good that is in the world. Grandma gives out extra goodies in most orders so you can spread the love.    Five: Keep learning. Make time for personal development. Maybe it’s a deep conversation with a friend or maybe it’s reading an inspirational book.     Grandma knows that we all need to be hugged and lifted up from time to time… that’s why she makes her products with you in mind. All of Grandma’s soaps are free of detergents, dyes, fragrance or other additives. Be good to you and be good to your skin.   Relax tonight and do something for you. 

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  

Some of the best childhood memories are messy.  Fall has everyone reminiscing about playing in leaves, the smell of warm cookies, kettle corn and carving pumpkins. Just because we’re getting older doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy some of the activities that made childhood special.  When work schedules become overwhelming our personal lives can become dull. Take time to enjoy the season and make new memories with loved ones. Throw your own pumpkin carving party, eat too many pumpkin cookies and buy a pumpkin spiced latte. “Lost time is never found again.” – Benjamin Franklin Each new season is an opportunity to start fresh. Leaves are falling and the weather is beginning to crisp. Let the cool air revitalize your sense of adventure and creativity. Don’t look up from your desk in December and wonder what happened to 2016. There is still time to make wonderful memories. Use Grandma’s pumpkin carving designs and delicious pumpkin seed recipes to embrace fall.   Pumpkin Carving Stencil Downloads:     Pumpkin Seed Recipes Roasted Pumpkin Seed:  Ingredients: 1 ½ cups of whole pumpkin seeds 2 teaspoons butter, melted 1 pinch salt   Directions: Preheat oven to 300 degrees F Toss seeds in a blow with melted butter and salt. Spread seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown.   Cinnamon Toast Pumpkin Seeds Ingredients: 3 tablespoons butter, melted 1-teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon salt 1 ½ cups pumpkin seeds 2 tablespoons white sugar   Directions: Preheat oven to 300 degrees F Mix butter, cinnamon & salt together in a bowl Place pumpkin seeds in a large bowl and pour butter mixture over seeds; toss to evenly coat. Spread coated seeds in a single layer onto a baking sheet. Bake & stir occasionally until lightly browned for 40 minutes. Sprinkle sugar over seeds until coated evenly.   Pumpkin carving is a dirty job. Grandma’s Grime Away Bar is perfect for cleaning up after fall crafts.    

When we think of fall we remember the scents of apple pie, cookies and cinnamon. Naturally, many of us are picking up our favorite fall scented candles and it is no surprise particular scents remind us of this time of year.  MoodMedia.com says that 75% of all our emotions are influenced by what we smell!  “We are 100 times more likely to remember something we smell over something we see, hear or touch!” - moodmedia.com  Grandma cares deeply about the ingredients she adds to her soap and this prompted us to look into what ingredients influence the powerful smells that make up our favorite candles.  Did you know that many scented candles are a source of indoor air pollution? It’s important to look at labels when buying candles. Many of them put off chemicals that are just as dangerous as second-hand smoke!  Some of the candles you see at your regular grocery store are made with paraffin wax. Paraffin is a petroleum waste product that is bleached before turned into wax. It creates highly toxic benzene and toluene when burned. Both benzene and toluene are carcinogens.  Some aromatherapy candles can also be harmful. Watch out for aromatherapy candles with synthetic oils. Synthetic oils release microscopic particles that can cause health problems when inhaled.  After finding this information, Grandma encouraged us to get back to basics. Why not fill your home with the actual scents that inspire our favorite candles.  We believe in using products that are safe for our bodies and good for our soul.  Rather than burning the potential harmful oil, Grandma put together a few of her favorite stove top simmer recipes that will fill your home with scents of fall. Simply add ingredients to a small pot of water and adjust ingredient quantity to your liking.   Fall Spice Simmer Pot Recipe Clove, Cinnamon Sticks, Apple Juice Fresh Fall Simmer Pot Recipe Orange Peel, Cloves, Cinnamon Sticks Sweet Fall Simmer Pot Recipe Cloves, Cinnamon Sticks, Vanilla Extract Fall Nights Simmer Pot Recipe Dried Lavender, Anise, Nutmeg, Cloves, Cinnamon Sticks  Grandma’s products have no detergents, dyes, fragrances or other additives. We believe that simple is better, which is why we recommend trying these simple simmer pot recipes to keep your home smelling like all of your favorite fall scents. Get back to basics. Explore Grandma’s thoughtful made natural soaps here.

We all need time to refuel in order to flourish.    It’s easy to lose sight of personal time when we put everyone before ourselves.  While carving out a few hours for personal time may be difficult, there are small ways we can fuel with love each day.  “Self-care isn’t selfish. We can’t serve from an empty vessel.” – Eleanor Brownn Fueling with love is anything that inspires, encourages, revitalizes and nourishes. It refuels your tank and allows you to be more present in daily life. Whether it’s scheduling lunch with friends or reminding yourself that you are loved, fueling with love is about being good to you. One simple way to refuel on a daily basis is by making food choices that fill your tank with energy.  What we eat determines our energy levels, ability to focus and how our skin appears. Eating well can even change mood.  When you’re good to your body, it’s good to you. Fueling right can give you that extra boost of energy in the afternoon and help you sleep deeper at night. Taking care of yourself is just as important as: work, family, the kiddos and all your other responsibilities.   Grandma’s October Herbal of The Month, Oatmeal Milk & Honey, inspired us to share simple oatmeal recipes that will help you fuel with love this fall.   We chose one quick healthy recipe and one recipe to indulge our sweet tooth.  Blueberry Oatmeal: We recommend using steel cut oats or Quaker Oats 100% Natural Whole Grain with this recipe. This blueberry topper has all the warm and delicious flavors you could ever need on a fall morning.   Serves: 2 Ingredients: 1 cup blueberries 1½ tbsp water  1 tbsp honey ¼ tsp vanilla extract pinch of salt ½ tsp cornstarch 1 cup dried oats, cooked Directions: Combine blueberries, water, honey, vanilla extract, and salt in small saucepan. Stir to combine. Sprinkle cornstarch in mixture and stir. Bring to a boil, then let simmer until thickened. Serve on top of oatmeal.   Slow Cooker Coconut Spiced Oatmeal This is a great over night recipe. Prep ingredients before bed, throw everything into the slow cooker, and wake up to a delicious sweet treat. Serves: 8 Ingredients 2 cups steel cut oatmeal  8 cups water 1, 15 ounce can cream of coconut 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg Instructions Place all ingredients in the slow cooker and stir. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. Serve immediately or freeze in individual servings.   While fueling with love could mean eating well, it could also be a night without TV, or a week without social media. It can also be your skincare routine. Don’t use products that strip your skin of its natural oils. Nourish, replenish and fuel your skin with love. Fuel with love this month and get 50% off Grandma’s Oatmeal Milk & Honey herbal bar.  Share how you refuel by using #FuelwithLove on Instagram & Twitter.   Recipes are from apple-of-my-eye.com.