GRANDMA'S Blog

Grandma's Lye Soap Herbal Soap

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.

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.

 

February’s Herbal of The Month is Grandma’s Egyptian Dragon bar. This herbal bar was inspired by deep colorful sunsets and the smell of the woods. The Egyptian Dragon Herbal Bar feels like taking a deep breath and letting stress drift away as you exhale.
Scent Profile: hints of patchouli and other unique herbal bouquets.
You’ll Like This If: you are a free spirit that loves fresh air, all things herbal and lush aromas.
You Should Also Try: Natural Beauty 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.

Grandma's Lye Soap Valentine's Day Gift Guide

We are big believers in holidays.

While we believe in celebrating life and love all year long, there is something extra fun about embracing holidays. Sure, Valentine’s Day is a Hallmark holiday. It is also a fun excuse to make romantic memories with the person you love.

Grandma says that romance is a practice. It takes thoughtfulness, intention and action to last a lifetime.

“Romance should be nurtured just like a garden.”- Sue aka Grandma

Considering she is an experienced gardener, we’ll take her word. This Valentine’s Day we are dreaming of flowers, foot rubs, spontaneous outings and everything that says “romance”.

Valentine’s Day is simple way to water your garden and keep the passion alive. After all, everyone could use more love and happiness in their life. Right? The big question is, how do you avoid the cliché and give something unique?

Grandma's Lye Soap Camping

Grandma’s recommends sharing an experience. Experiences are memorable and bond people together. Consider sharing a new adventure together such as: trying a new type of cuisine, visiting a new city or camping.

 

Grandma's Lye Soap Valentine's Day

Grandma also recommends adding romantic touches like having flowers delivered to work, a Valentine’s Gift Set with a promise of a romantic bath or sweet notes that lead up to a fun date night. It’s the little things that keep the spark alive.

 

Grandma's Lye Soap Valentine's Day

Connect. Do things that build your connection and bond. Discuss the future, your dreams and do things that increase real friendship. Ask about your loved one’s interests. Discussing interests is a great way to show that you listen and care.

 

Grandma's Lye Soap Valentine's Day

Grandma put lots of love and thoughtfulness into her Valentine Gift Sets. Each set has practical and romantic elements from our non-greasy lotion to fragrant herbal bars. Each gift set shares products that are good for your skin and the promise of a relaxing evening.

Grandma's Lye Soap Valentine's Day Gift Set

There are millions of women’s bath products. Rather than worrying if you found the right scent, go with the right product for her skin. Grandma’s Lye Soaps have zero additives.
Grandma's Lye Soap Valentine's Day Gift Set
Even the manliest of men like foot rubs and hugs. Whether your man is the guy that can fix anything, the indie artist or an accountant no one is above taking a relaxing bath with a few candles.

 

PS: It’s never a bad idea to spread the love & get your friends a Valentine. Our herbal of the month is 50% OFF. Get one for you & one for a friend.

 

 

 

Grandma's Lye Soap Me Time

Loving yourself means understanding personal limits and allowing yourself to relax.

Letting yourself be: tired, grumpy, happy or irritated helps you recognize what you need. You don’t have to apologize for being tired or imperfect. 

Too often we put on a face rather than embracing what we’re feeling. You don’t have to pretend to be organized, take time to get organized. Don’t stay overwhelmed, disconnect and relax without apologizing. Carrying the weight of the world makes your arms tired; why not use them for things like eating or hugging.

Accepting yourself helps you know when you need to take a step back, recharge or dive in.

Try doing these five things every week and see if your stress level decreases.

Grandma's Lye Soap Connect

Unplug

Do you ever feel obligated to respond to: calls, texts or emails after work hours? We have all been there. Our phones have made it impossible to disconnect. That feeling of responsibility can keep us from truly relaxing after work.

You can’t stay ahead of the game when your brain is exhausted. Unplugging allows you to ditch the pressure of responding and allows you to turn off that area of your brain that needs a break. 

 

Grandma's Lye Soap

Read

Pick up a book that allows you to escape. Whether it is fiction, motivational or work related let it be something that allows you to disengage from the pressure of your workday.

After looking at screens all day long, paper pages is a simple way to help your eyes rest.

Grandma's Lye Soap Dolly Parton

Exercise

Don’t make exercise a burden. Something as simple as taking your dog on a walk can be what you need to re-energize.

Exercise allows a different part of your brain to engage. This can help you sleep deeper, have more energy during the day and relieve stress.

Grandma's Lye Soap Relax

Relax

Relaxing is relative. We all have different ways that allow us to unwind. Find something that is right for you and make it a weekly priority.

When you find the perfect activity you’ll be able to clear your mind and release tension in your body. No one can operate at 100% without making time to relax. Fight burnout with active relaxation.

Grandma's Lye Soap

Get Organized

Disorganization can add to your stress load. Something as simple as planning the following day before you leave the office can give you peace of mind.

Don’t worry about tackling huge projects like cleaning the garage. Make simple changes that add an element of structure to your routine.

 

You are hardworking and selfless. You deserve personal time.

 

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
  1. Be Accountable
    1. Do you have a friend with similar goals? Having an accountability partner is a great way to stay motived.
  2. Be Specific
    1. 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.
  3. Be A Priority
    1. Make time for your goals. This may mean carving out a time in your schedule just for this purpose.
  4. Be Kind To Yourself
    1. On days when achieving your goals doesn’t seem possible, be kind to yourself. Speak positive statements to and about yourself.
  5. Be Patient
    1. 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
  1. Be Forgiving
    1. When you slip up, learn to forgive yourself rather than chastise. Don’t keep yourself from standing back up.
  2. Be Consistent
    1. 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.
  3. Be Intentional
    1. 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.
  4. Be Open
    1. 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.
  5. Be Okay with Failure
    1. 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:

  1. Add dried lavender to bath water or hang a bushel beneath your shower nozzle for relaxing experience.
  2. Add fresh rose petals to a hot bath for a luxurious and revitalizing soak.
  3. Hang eucalyptus beneath your shower nozzle or add to bath water to soothe stuffy sinuses.
  4. Add mint leaves to a warm bath for an invigorating soak when you’re feeling “under the weather”.
  5. Add chamomile to bath water for a calming soak that will make you ready for a good night’s sleep.
  6. 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: 

  1. Send out hand written Thank You letters to friends, family & neighbors.
  2. Put a reminder in your phone to let someone know you appreciate him or her every day for the next 7 days.
  3. Go out of your way for someone to show that you care.
  4. Give to the needy by donating to a food bank, providing someone with a turkey or volunteering.
  5. Do that one task your partner has been asking you to do.
  6. Invite someone to Thanksgiving dinner that has nowhere else to go.
  7. Do activities that bring family and friends closer like board games, tree trimming or baking.
  8. Make a list of things you are thankful for & look at it daily.
  9. Do something for your health. Show gratitude for your life & body.
  10. 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!".