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.
Inspired by Grandma's Frankincense & Myrrh Bar.
Inspired by Grandma's Moroccan Spice Bar.
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
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:
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:
Cinnamon Toast Pumpkin Seeds
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:
Directions:
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
Instructions
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.