tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83591302537693205882024-02-14T12:54:09.735-08:00Simply Lora's BeautyLora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.comBlogger388125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-16197616018268926842024-02-07T07:38:00.000-08:002024-02-07T07:38:31.404-08:00How To Use Solid Dish Soap and Some Shop News<p><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEURhzmbhwfn9e0WjCMl8CX5D1s3_9iHkgwGyf5_C9UhnS2WAyIGfdNP3xHZQMV2gnqm2eUtMt_hPUYKtFw-HYA3qUl8AOp_nDCR0jdrYTjED-6GCOXCiU9yI41Jb747kw1MUbCHyH2wchLGMBOd-XJ3TwqRYQnkd__uETSq-vjQR3QCEC1Zu28HepXjUH/s3746/IMG_9309.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3746" data-original-width="3022" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEURhzmbhwfn9e0WjCMl8CX5D1s3_9iHkgwGyf5_C9UhnS2WAyIGfdNP3xHZQMV2gnqm2eUtMt_hPUYKtFw-HYA3qUl8AOp_nDCR0jdrYTjED-6GCOXCiU9yI41Jb747kw1MUbCHyH2wchLGMBOd-XJ3TwqRYQnkd__uETSq-vjQR3QCEC1Zu28HepXjUH/s320/IMG_9309.jpg" width="258" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If you follow me on Instagram you might have seen that I was a new grandmother just before Christmas! Finally, this month I'll meet my granddaughter as I'm making a trip back east to see her. While I'm gone I am going to keep my shop open and have hired help to package orders. During this time (Feb 14 -29) orders will ship every couple days instead of the typical everyday. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-33d4e8b7-7fff-fd35-a4c2-ac010e2788de"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">While I'm gushing over my precious granddaughter, I thought I'd share some wisdom I've gathered over the years on another subject dear to my heart: dishwashing with solid soap.</span></span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ever wonder how to get the most out of your solid dish soap? Or why it seems to disappear faster than your favorite cookies? You're not alone! </span>I thought it was time to share some best practices for using a solid dish bar.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1cVObY2fLJKu9380N8cp4J5ExcJnTrTXT73ThEe2AHPY8M_V0c7xHBtYrwU25TsoPwREXZB-MLw9l45UQX4MAtTOB-MgmC3xmbVi8_ZXr-oeZGOiGT6yYoi541JCJf8L4kCBliDsgzyVWQg30PQ2F8vfL5f9JzMn4fjNTfSgl12j-ZRj17Z6CoJZN76P/s800/_DSC4259_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="800" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1cVObY2fLJKu9380N8cp4J5ExcJnTrTXT73ThEe2AHPY8M_V0c7xHBtYrwU25TsoPwREXZB-MLw9l45UQX4MAtTOB-MgmC3xmbVi8_ZXr-oeZGOiGT6yYoi541JCJf8L4kCBliDsgzyVWQg30PQ2F8vfL5f9JzMn4fjNTfSgl12j-ZRj17Z6CoJZN76P/s320/_DSC4259_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br />First off, let's talk about why you should use a solid dish bar as opposed to liquid dish soap you can buy at the grocery store. Mainly, because s</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">olid dish soaps are </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">environmentally</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> friendly. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There are several reasons why solid dish soap are considered more eco-friendly than their liquid counterparts:</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-8e9cfdcf-7fff-961f-043a-c5bd7722bdde"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Reduced Plastic Waste: Solid dish soap eliminates the need for plastic bottles, which can accumulate in landfills and take centuries to decompose. Lora's Beauty solid dish soaps come in minimal packaging further reducing their environmental impact.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Concentrated Formula: Solid dish soaps are typically much more concentrated than liquid soaps, meaning they contain less water and require less packaging per cleaning unit. This reduces transportation emissions and resource consumption throughout the product's life cycle.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRWO-DTQaiqCqYvUFM0ujrkNx8TX5TWEa-wIkTuUWDhtivAtkjPJnIZAeSD2bkJL6bKYS_KJkVhxiI0s0M9EVm01yDGpnYcxidnKapMKlTmopHCYejNTZxlRedoVHsCXvdSAwX1n8cQD2EYEQc-X6lDi6sjPDGc48v8PRkVlptZwf7I0QSIsnzi9Stvua/s1158/_DSC3835_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1009" data-original-width="1158" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRWO-DTQaiqCqYvUFM0ujrkNx8TX5TWEa-wIkTuUWDhtivAtkjPJnIZAeSD2bkJL6bKYS_KJkVhxiI0s0M9EVm01yDGpnYcxidnKapMKlTmopHCYejNTZxlRedoVHsCXvdSAwX1n8cQD2EYEQc-X6lDi6sjPDGc48v8PRkVlptZwf7I0QSIsnzi9Stvua/s320/_DSC3835_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Longer Lasting: Due to their concentrated formula, solid dish soaps generally last longer than liquid soaps, requiring fewer replacements and reducing overall resource consumption. This is true especially if you use the tips I'll share below.</span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Natural Ingredients: Lora's Beauty solid dish soaps are made with plant-based ingredients like coconut oil and olive oil, which are renewable and biodegradable, unlike the synthetic chemicals and surfactants often found in liquid soaps. This can minimize harmful ecological impacts from wastewater contamination.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Reduced Energy Production: Manufacturing solid dish soap typically requires less energy than producing liquid soap, as the water-intensive drying process is eliminated. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions and overall environmental impact. Manufacturing Lora's Beauty solid dish soaps involves me in my basement soap studio mixing each batch by hand.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Additional Benefits: Lora's solid dish soaps offer further eco-friendly advantages, such as vegan and cruelty-free formulations.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Using solid dish soap is a breeze! Here's how to do it:</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Wet your tool: Wet the sponge, dishcloth, or brush you'll be using. A good soak is helpful, especially for the first use.</span></p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyo3suE-If7QcYogPu097BsiRKEVLPgqFw26h_JDLYZl16Jo2IeWFwt0CloVvTqc0fJyidvvqT5bhxsbPL5zg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />Lather up: Rub your wet tool directly onto the solid soap. If you prefer to prepare a sink full of soapy water you can do so by running the bar under the water while filling up the sink. </span></span><div><span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Scrub away: Clean your dishes as usual, using the suds to tackle grease and grime. Remember to apply gentle pressure for delicate items.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Rinse and repeat: Rinse your dishes thoroughly with clean water. If needed, reapply soap and wash again for heavily soiled dishes.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwydDIl1CZ0k0d0R0f5ZqcWDOwF50s0evUwUgLd_auZyrtF8XDgi90kE6aT8291Jdn6pUvBMB0AwRMku6mrD-WYl1GrEGWLUwyFR30V99BwWsyDk0ziD0mQ_YzZiOaXwHg5MivQZtTMzjFV_rlmojLAdCOnwCVil57eY43kOk8ry7bmxfyZTO052gkhPiF/s1620/_DSC4053_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwydDIl1CZ0k0d0R0f5ZqcWDOwF50s0evUwUgLd_auZyrtF8XDgi90kE6aT8291Jdn6pUvBMB0AwRMku6mrD-WYl1GrEGWLUwyFR30V99BwWsyDk0ziD0mQ_YzZiOaXwHg5MivQZtTMzjFV_rlmojLAdCOnwCVil57eY43kOk8ry7bmxfyZTO052gkhPiF/s320/_DSC4053_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Let it dry: After rinsing, place your sponge, dishcloth, or brush somewhere well-ventilated to air dry. This prevents mildew growth. </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I generally don't store the brush or sponge on top of the soap with the bristles down. When I'm finished washing, I'll place the brush on the sink or on a small plate This prevents the brush or sponge from sticking to the soap as it dries.</span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Store it smart: Keep your solid dish soap in a dry place, like a soap dish or container, to prevent it from getting soft or dissolving. Avoid leaving it submerged in water. When water does collect</span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> in the dish, simply dump the soapy water into whatever dish you're washing at the moment. Occasionally removing the soap from the dish and cleaning the dish keeps food bits from collecting.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bonus tip: For extra cleaning power, try grating a small amount of the soap directly onto your sponge or brush for stubborn stains. This also works well to remove stains from clothing before washing.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-15cc05d4-7fff-c0b2-4933-8e166c9823cd"></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-ec91e3c2-7fff-36d7-9142-60dc6474ce87"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">So, there you have it! With a little extra care, your solid dish soap can become a hardworking helper in your kitchen, all while reducing your environmental footprint. Now go forth and conquer those dirty dishes, knowing you're doing good for your home and the planet, one bubbly suds at a time.</span></span></p><br /><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span></div>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-15656239413816830462024-01-10T17:53:00.000-08:002024-01-10T17:53:46.638-08:00The Oily Truth Behind Your Bubbly Bar of Soap<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-2c48e24e-7fff-fa63-6d60-a6386252c22b"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifszx1nnk8E6JkOjup1xOaoSRvzc1vKh7qVgCM51Eaj9nz0vxH5wsT1DMmJxhO0-EBMoy4an84JTjO84iNc7Aprfgoze3xLE_YmCvT0HkZ3ll78RWHbZasyzPbI_NRvSRgZ-eiXA_urgbFFSmDopVWFtKZBElVW8NTurAgdKoWgv0HW2LPFlNsIX5On9o/s4000/PXL_20240110_234806926.PORTRAIT_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifszx1nnk8E6JkOjup1xOaoSRvzc1vKh7qVgCM51Eaj9nz0vxH5wsT1DMmJxhO0-EBMoy4an84JTjO84iNc7Aprfgoze3xLE_YmCvT0HkZ3ll78RWHbZasyzPbI_NRvSRgZ-eiXA_urgbFFSmDopVWFtKZBElVW8NTurAgdKoWgv0HW2LPFlNsIX5On9o/s320/PXL_20240110_234806926.PORTRAIT_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></span></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We all love a good lather. Those fluffy mountains of bubbles sliding down our hands, the satisfying sound of rushing water – it's a sensory experience that signals cleanliness and pure indulgence. But have you ever wondered, what's the science behind this sudsy spectacle? It turns out, soap lather is more than just pretty bubbles; it's a captivating dance of chemistry and physics that makes cleaning a whole lot more effective.</span></span></p></div><p style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Let's step into the microscopic world of soap. Each soap molecule is a fascinating double <br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">act: one end loves water </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">(hydrophilic) and the other shuns it like the plague (hydrophobic). <br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">When you mix soap with water, these molecules </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">line up at the water's surface, the </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">hydrophilic </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">heads happily mingling with the water, while the hydrophobic tails </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">huddle </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">together, feeling </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">ostracized. This creates a tension on the surface, like a microscopic </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">tug-of-war.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Now, enter friction. That satisfying rub-a-dub-dub you give your hands and the loofah </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">isn't just for show. It's </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">actually trapping air between the soap molecules, forming tiny air </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">pockets. The hydrophobic tails, desperate to </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">avoid water, latch onto these air pockets, </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">creating a bubble-like sphere, with the hydrophilic heads facing </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">outwards, happily </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">immersed in the water.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Voila! You've just witnessed the birth of a soap bubble. But lather needs more than just a </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">few lone bubbles. That's </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">where the physics steps in. As you rinse and rub, the bubbles </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">collide and merge, forming a tangled network of suds. </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">The air trapped inside is stabilized </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">by the soap molecules, creating a light and fluffy lather that coats your skin.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Each ingredient added to a bar of soap brings with it it's own lather and skin softening </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">abilities. This is where </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">the art side of soap making comes in. The experimenting with </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">different ingredients to best curate that perfect bar </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">of soap. Let's dive into some of those </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">ingredients used in Lora's Beauty soaps and how they affect lather.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">The Leading Lady: Coconut Oil</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Think big, bold, and bountiful. Coconut oil, the queen of lather, crafts voluminous bubbles </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">that cling tenaciously, </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">blanketing your skin in a cloud of cleansing foam. These aren't </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">fleeting wisps. Coconut oil bubbles hold their own, </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">resisting the urge to pop prematurely, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">thanks to its high lauric acid content. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sg2CCzPe_GKn-kxI7LtTyViQY5KynYs3rlWHEV4MKm71XtiB_xmK_NxT2lTGJtjLs-g9iKYvCNUNJUShG5CCJpsv585OkT0M7-mMrEgwwkd3g-TnVLF2zzxZmu7Bko0uyYC7OhEjc2Ep8Klc5N-vgA9DAroSO0sDv-nEPx50O3nxLAi5TgQy0rnXbvfD/s1620/_DSC4114%20(1)_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sg2CCzPe_GKn-kxI7LtTyViQY5KynYs3rlWHEV4MKm71XtiB_xmK_NxT2lTGJtjLs-g9iKYvCNUNJUShG5CCJpsv585OkT0M7-mMrEgwwkd3g-TnVLF2zzxZmu7Bko0uyYC7OhEjc2Ep8Klc5N-vgA9DAroSO0sDv-nEPx50O3nxLAi5TgQy0rnXbvfD/s320/_DSC4114%20(1)_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> All Lora's soaps contain coconut oil except </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> the </span><a href="https://lorasbeauty.etsy.com/listing/1152222777" style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">Coconut Oil Free Lavender Eucalyptus</a><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> bar.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">The Gentle Giant: Shea Butter</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"> Shea butter lathers </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">gently, offering a </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">luxurious, moisturizing experience. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">Shea butter lathers </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">hold their composure, but don't expect </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">the same long-lasting </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">performance as coconut oil.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SZjyJIjWHoxI77xpZQ3Ymcerjr9fB4h5aByKCINEYOscpXeaT64YpNR2N-ihAy2KLZazeyNDPno-koIMBPRdQcpn1nRuITSzN7CtzO5neFW8Q37ZNMcY4RF3UNMGQhkU7B3yz6RFgEWQv8x08jk1F280d5YsrlyluDNsqoUG0cMjmSfHgMtvOqjmNU_6/s799/_DSC4255_1_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="799" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SZjyJIjWHoxI77xpZQ3Ymcerjr9fB4h5aByKCINEYOscpXeaT64YpNR2N-ihAy2KLZazeyNDPno-koIMBPRdQcpn1nRuITSzN7CtzO5neFW8Q37ZNMcY4RF3UNMGQhkU7B3yz6RFgEWQv8x08jk1F280d5YsrlyluDNsqoUG0cMjmSfHgMtvOqjmNU_6/s320/_DSC4255_1_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></div>Lora's</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8359130253769320588/1565623941381683046#" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Unscented ba</span></a>r <span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">is made with shea </span></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">butter.<br /></span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">The Balancing Act: Olive Oil</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">A fine balance, olive oil creates a moderate lather, neither too shy nor overly exuberant. It </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">strikes a harmonious </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">chord between cleansing power and skin nourishment. These </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">bubbles find their middle ground, lasting longer than </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">shea butter's gentle dance but not </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">matching coconut oil's marathon performance.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fsyiz9rNOLfMxBKrRILBpETlJNLoG_UD4xKAhyphenhyphenwqllpn8n1JBinK0JdP71Q1qnjsMZ4LgF9gPxejs2isAoxlUnNKmFeZSsha6spG9gmSsgqkxY2uAHm9k_h9Tzw3TTBY7BZCX7nvA8W9dIQC3eoJyJ8dEQ7i4j1mIjAXB_IMYVGZCP85qf2mEClx7ncX/s1920/DSC_6676_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fsyiz9rNOLfMxBKrRILBpETlJNLoG_UD4xKAhyphenhyphenwqllpn8n1JBinK0JdP71Q1qnjsMZ4LgF9gPxejs2isAoxlUnNKmFeZSsha6spG9gmSsgqkxY2uAHm9k_h9Tzw3TTBY7BZCX7nvA8W9dIQC3eoJyJ8dEQ7i4j1mIjAXB_IMYVGZCP85qf2mEClx7ncX/s320/DSC_6676_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br />All Lora's</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8359130253769320588/1565623941381683046#" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">body soaps and shampoos</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> contain olive oil.</span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">The Enigmatic Duo: Cocoa Butter and Tussah Silk</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">While coconut oil and olive oil steal the spotlight in the arena of lather-defining oils, cocoa </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">butter and tussah silk </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">offer a more nuanced performance, adding texture, richness, and a </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">touch of the exotic to your soapy symphony.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Cocoa Butter:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Cocoa butter adds a creamy richness to the lather without </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">significantly boosting its </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">volume. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">Expect fine, dense bubbles that cling gently to your skin, </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">offering a luxurious and </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">moisturizing bathing </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">experience. These bubbles, though not </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">record-breaking in their </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">persistence, resist popping quite well, thanks to </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">cocoa butter's </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">high stearic acid content.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rir66o5X-AnmOZAwHcFBO5bpw3WWSllMffiAR0EINhjlUENBtRa2aub7wd0ytLG1UrqaJIPNilVMZP8aYwy-fBYGz4HMP0ZBbryR6JP_suTZLTAhku4zjgnDnuSC3YrfDIoSXkS-O2qeSFwJxEuVWj8JK0AqcsIEeYIJpewB65wt8ZHNB0x1lh-xr9n1/s4000/_DSC4928_edited%20(1).jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2667" data-original-width="4000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7rir66o5X-AnmOZAwHcFBO5bpw3WWSllMffiAR0EINhjlUENBtRa2aub7wd0ytLG1UrqaJIPNilVMZP8aYwy-fBYGz4HMP0ZBbryR6JP_suTZLTAhku4zjgnDnuSC3YrfDIoSXkS-O2qeSFwJxEuVWj8JK0AqcsIEeYIJpewB65wt8ZHNB0x1lh-xr9n1/s320/_DSC4928_edited%20(1).jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><div><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">All Lora's</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8359130253769320588/1565623941381683046#" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline;">body soap</span></a>s <span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">contain cocoa butter </span></div><div><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">except the Unscented bar.</span></div></span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">Tussah Silk:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Don't expect a dramatic increase in bubble volume with tussah silk. Instead, it softens the </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">lather, making it </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">smoother and airier. Imagine delicate snowflakes swirling in your hand </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">rather than boisterous beach balls. While </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">not known for extending the life of your lather, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">tussah silk adds a unique "slip" and conditioning effect, leaving </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">your skin feeling soft and </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">silky long after the bubbles have faded.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaEuCkRyTkwBnUDDgNOWMdPpxcN3KCyAPPvX_khncYj7Ph8AdXPv8niMY8La_09FgyF_iSuYEb_8RNO9sz6HIRqKultJ-xenZALDf1Xbiltu7N9iewPHeO5jyE3SlaGhieF85EA3govvAi-i2zkJ-e8iSp0sxcpe9nM82FJu20DDlRi-VUN7GiPpuRxN6/s5568/_DSC4853_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdaEuCkRyTkwBnUDDgNOWMdPpxcN3KCyAPPvX_khncYj7Ph8AdXPv8niMY8La_09FgyF_iSuYEb_8RNO9sz6HIRqKultJ-xenZALDf1Xbiltu7N9iewPHeO5jyE3SlaGhieF85EA3govvAi-i2zkJ-e8iSp0sxcpe9nM82FJu20DDlRi-VUN7GiPpuRxN6/s320/_DSC4853_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br />All Lora's</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8359130253769320588/1565623941381683046#" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">body soaps and shampoos</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> contain cruelty free tussah silk.</span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">So, the next time you indulge in a luxurious lather, remember this: it's not just a fleeting </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">sensory experience; </span><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">it's a testament to the amazing power of science and art working </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space: pre;">their magic to keep you clean and happy.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-b4308a02-7fff-6c9b-e7bc-71a1045b2f18"><br /></span></p></div>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-71602695832776490702023-11-26T14:29:00.000-08:002023-11-26T14:29:56.216-08:00Hard Water; Your Hair, Your Skin, and A Link To Find Out Your Water Hardness<p><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Is your hair a little dull these days? Skin a little itchy? It may not be your hair or skin or the products you're using but your water.</span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-db0bd36e-7fff-394f-f028-67de0beee8a1"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-db0bd36e-7fff-394f-f028-67de0beee8a1"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qrOrkAoNF8kwLmRITDkTCHGBPvGaOfiOkidm7kM6KJFCQ3gjZQWAwiu8BeFhrfyg7VVauGRIQVeDTbX3xl0_8GHS5k7kAEMDNVAY2QrfR_8H2qZf5w_VDK1V2BGNhqhQBz3lABVxwnuN09Own96Px0_U3C-WOV4xthKZBZybMkGGDCvaQkr5xwo7-a2h/s5568/DSC_5793_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3146" data-original-width="5568" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0qrOrkAoNF8kwLmRITDkTCHGBPvGaOfiOkidm7kM6KJFCQ3gjZQWAwiu8BeFhrfyg7VVauGRIQVeDTbX3xl0_8GHS5k7kAEMDNVAY2QrfR_8H2qZf5w_VDK1V2BGNhqhQBz3lABVxwnuN09Own96Px0_U3C-WOV4xthKZBZybMkGGDCvaQkr5xwo7-a2h/w400-h226/DSC_5793_edited.jpeg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-db0bd36e-7fff-394f-f028-67de0beee8a1"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In many parts of the world, water contains minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which are dissolved from rocks and soil as water passes through them. This type of water, known as hard water, can have several adverse effects on both our hair and skin.</span></span><p></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO3eNYrdOnGYLYmw7LD0yb1UVpOWj8hR2kF4MJ1dbV6fTuCFlGMsKy0v2y6TSXFsnfNW5Hc2BHuQ43iD8PDyY5yybF4Y8zQ3EyqRrxJYHvRaKWnjdGFt7yNJg91N0bjz5sKeWzV3zjpvN8S3HQKKYuGH-NYL8bqilxlCJ1Q9vXXJdmPg_9nKsnVr-l6Oi/s3093/Cute_girl_with_frizzy_hair_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="photo source:https://www.flickr.com/photos/shshthehutt/8098787849" border="0" data-original-height="3093" data-original-width="2125" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO3eNYrdOnGYLYmw7LD0yb1UVpOWj8hR2kF4MJ1dbV6fTuCFlGMsKy0v2y6TSXFsnfNW5Hc2BHuQ43iD8PDyY5yybF4Y8zQ3EyqRrxJYHvRaKWnjdGFt7yNJg91N0bjz5sKeWzV3zjpvN8S3HQKKYuGH-NYL8bqilxlCJ1Q9vXXJdmPg_9nKsnVr-l6Oi/w275-h400/Cute_girl_with_frizzy_hair_edited.jpeg" title="photo license:https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q19125117" width="275" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo license:<br />https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q19125117<br />Photo source:<br />https://www.flickr.com/photos/shshthehutt/8098787849</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Hard water can wreak havoc on hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and dull. The mineral deposits from hard water form a film on hair strands, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. This lack of hydration leads to dryness, which in turn makes hair more prone to breakage and split ends.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The mineral buildup can also cause hair to appear dull and lifeless, interfering with light reflection and diminishing its shine. Additionally, hard water can make hair frizzy and tangled, as the mineral deposits prevent hair strands from aligning smoothly.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Hard water's effects extend beyond hair, affecting our skin as well. The mineral deposits can irritate the skin, leading to dryness and itchiness. Hard water also makes it more difficult for soap and shampoo to lather, resulting in a film of residue that can clog pores and cause breakouts.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">For those with sensitive skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, hard water can exacerbate these issues by further drying and irritating the skin.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your hair and skin from the detrimental effects of hard water.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3iw8_tqKs_Xhrw7t3kjm541Ychz8CtUiFOKnC6iz95EeSrGJhy5GnDIfeLzYcT9z31Ro9YWOJxFcF6nVwzTUoXaBZyl1GnDbY3fxl8kf3O1lCRSZwumC-pOKNeOqPJJEA16QFpTqWnJbITJyuuSwVVYPKicQjx0DutVCnO2AlaO9GdAj1EJMvGHBZtF3/s1620/DSC_6364_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj3iw8_tqKs_Xhrw7t3kjm541Ychz8CtUiFOKnC6iz95EeSrGJhy5GnDIfeLzYcT9z31Ro9YWOJxFcF6nVwzTUoXaBZyl1GnDbY3fxl8kf3O1lCRSZwumC-pOKNeOqPJJEA16QFpTqWnJbITJyuuSwVVYPKicQjx0DutVCnO2AlaO9GdAj1EJMvGHBZtF3/s320/DSC_6364_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">To start with, don't shampoo every day and when you do, use a clarifying shampoo to remove mineral buildup and restore hair's natural shine. A clarifying shampoo is one that has a high level of surfactants. Surfactants are surface-active agents that reduce the surface tension of water. Soap is a type of surfactant called an emulsifier, which can cause two liquids to mix that normally wouldn't. <a href="https://lorasbeauty.etsy.com" target="_blank">Lora's Beauty Shampoos</a> are excellent surfactants.</span><p></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://lorasbeauty.etsy.com/listing/725190866" target="_blank">Condition</a> your hair after every shampoo or as needed to replenish moisture and improve hair's elasticity and w</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">henever possible, rinse your hair with filtered water to minimize mineral buildup.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Apple cider vinegar (ACV) can help remove mineral buildup from hard water. It can also rebalance your hair's pH and remove grease and product buildup. To make an apple cider rinse add one tablespoon apple cider vinegar to 2 cups distilled water. Apply to hair and leave on for a few minutes then rinse thoroughly with distilled water.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">If your water is really hard, consider installing a water softener in your home or even an inexpensive water softener </span><a href="https://amzn.to/3QXTZmO" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">shower head</a><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> to remove the excess minerals from your water supply.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Limit heat styling tools like blow dryers and straighteners, as these can further damage already dry and brittle hair and g</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">et regular trims to prevent split ends from traveling up the hair shaft and causing further damage.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGB_IGwG159Zd5c4g8fgWe2NxGFPVI0fX7nBqkU8zRZlIdLDaqodJ92kiNqUhjpIVosJ8_YVP1N4C-2YdjmJkY6V1loGR6qbh81waTGPHq4429lmhLf5Xv0MUoA9zdWDRjWvoeTlyZiBlLBh6qHdrY2IAMG9j8c8n6WQ2RFg4q_Al3ScGAUXvADlOQLeHQ/s800/_DSC4262_1_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGB_IGwG159Zd5c4g8fgWe2NxGFPVI0fX7nBqkU8zRZlIdLDaqodJ92kiNqUhjpIVosJ8_YVP1N4C-2YdjmJkY6V1loGR6qbh81waTGPHq4429lmhLf5Xv0MUoA9zdWDRjWvoeTlyZiBlLBh6qHdrY2IAMG9j8c8n6WQ2RFg4q_Al3ScGAUXvADlOQLeHQ/s320/_DSC4262_1_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br />For your skin it's best to moisturize regularly to combat dryness and prevent irritation caused by hard water. Also c</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">hoose skin-friendly <a href="https://lorasbeauty.etsy.com" target="_blank">soaps</a> (like Lora's Beauty) that are gentle on your skin and won't strip away essential oils.</span><p></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">By incorporating these measures into your hair and skincare routine, you can effectively combat the negative effects of hard water and maintain healthy, radiant hair and skin.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">So, are you anxious to find out whether your water is hard? If you're on a municipality's water source, you can check your water's hardness <a href="https://aquasureusa.com/pages/water-hardness-by-zip-code">here</a> by entering your zip code. If you're on well water or you just want to check your water for yourself, this <a href="https://amzn.to/3sPbJsD">testing kit</a> is inexpensive and easy to use. </span></p>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-41708485175296047412023-10-28T17:55:00.001-07:002023-10-28T18:08:25.188-07:00New Beginnings and Holiday Market Schedule<div><div>I enjoy living in a place that has seasons and every autumn and spring I make a mental note of seasonal milestones:</div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>October 15th, last day our pet birds enjoyed the outdoor aviary. </li><li>October 20th, first day this autumn I had to wear a stocking cap to walk to the post office. </li><li>October 26th, first day walking home after evening yoga class in the dark. </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2mFZLt1g-PTC68H_fmJN0EWAbGcPfPxJwur7-AzPprHBbD4PoM-dt-kNbHokgGfyc_44pgkbua-i1OXkaIrrmjQp0H52dQrrWsE3oRNitZmBnN-SjUIZwqmwzK9lNT_uCugVd15ogae-Sha9RDwMD1pD5OFTrZS9VS_m7GsgBxXubr-A7rEY0zqlrvVI/s4032/PXL_20231027_174305526.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF2mFZLt1g-PTC68H_fmJN0EWAbGcPfPxJwur7-AzPprHBbD4PoM-dt-kNbHokgGfyc_44pgkbua-i1OXkaIrrmjQp0H52dQrrWsE3oRNitZmBnN-SjUIZwqmwzK9lNT_uCugVd15ogae-Sha9RDwMD1pD5OFTrZS9VS_m7GsgBxXubr-A7rEY0zqlrvVI/w300-h400/PXL_20231027_174305526.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>I do this, I guess, to compare to next year. So I can say, "wow, April 23, first day I wore shorts. Last year it was...." That's the problem, I never remember when it was last year and I'm not even sure I noticed last year. But every autumn and spring I play this mental game with myself. Seldom do I ever say the seasonal milestones out loud and I've never written them down until today. I guess now I have something to look forward to next autumn!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDAA5NXZef4TIZaLZkjIijfLsvG1v7OSnfuYTumYNCaOpasxXvnU7w55BC7DzeN_IOlSzK0dTcjm7vw6y40HSlCYNBmKlu0FIYRFVcKwxcqGl9qQRwEkJxWaemiDznu0HVY8Gw3DBhak9aOhwII9gqkidJvZkblSCOiHdqHBDCVjYAdkSoQOlq6NAy2tZ/s1920/Vendor%20Social%20Media%20Story.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDAA5NXZef4TIZaLZkjIijfLsvG1v7OSnfuYTumYNCaOpasxXvnU7w55BC7DzeN_IOlSzK0dTcjm7vw6y40HSlCYNBmKlu0FIYRFVcKwxcqGl9qQRwEkJxWaemiDznu0HVY8Gw3DBhak9aOhwII9gqkidJvZkblSCOiHdqHBDCVjYAdkSoQOlq6NAy2tZ/s400/Vendor%20Social%20Media%20Story.jpg" /></a></div><br />Speaking of things to look forward to, the holidays are fast approaching and this year I will once again participate in the German American Society's Christmas Market. I love this market and it really gets you in the spirit of Christmas. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7jeLznzn8C5NPx___LsEhJHlrANy3Y8lPsAMw95jCAgVNIiyO8_KxpEH4jyLm9y33axzl4hWl3z8ut23RQFos3p2nMHFqdkGRRC72AXM4uxwIQ82-4GRFiGqt17AFwG6ghTI1Pfr9Mqk1ueuJwE9mn_Faav3m7r_hWCvKoO8jJ93dFT-VmOd1gaiTTNU/s5568/_DSC4904_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7jeLznzn8C5NPx___LsEhJHlrANy3Y8lPsAMw95jCAgVNIiyO8_KxpEH4jyLm9y33axzl4hWl3z8ut23RQFos3p2nMHFqdkGRRC72AXM4uxwIQ82-4GRFiGqt17AFwG6ghTI1Pfr9Mqk1ueuJwE9mn_Faav3m7r_hWCvKoO8jJ93dFT-VmOd1gaiTTNU/w400-h266/_DSC4904_edited.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>These German Flag soaps will be there!</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>This may be the only market I do this holiday. My online business has been keeping me busy and I've started a new venture! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VjW60XmggAslnzV1X0DnkZQl9j7MCr56mcak0vv5DmAnW7kUjCgGjuq09JqQSPZEttKB8TDyUnBCON2zNzHjDzQLaDkR8fuPl9BXpXp5Nef01P5pwPluzNYTacY8CvDk9dhzP2fJQRIUqoztGICLJkef9s1KguD2gnxLZweaQiYayNH1TfZikpY0aym6/s5568/_DSC4850_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VjW60XmggAslnzV1X0DnkZQl9j7MCr56mcak0vv5DmAnW7kUjCgGjuq09JqQSPZEttKB8TDyUnBCON2zNzHjDzQLaDkR8fuPl9BXpXp5Nef01P5pwPluzNYTacY8CvDk9dhzP2fJQRIUqoztGICLJkef9s1KguD2gnxLZweaQiYayNH1TfZikpY0aym6/w400-h266/_DSC4850_edited.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />For those living in or visiting Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Alaska, Colorado, Montana, Utah, Arizona, or Wyoming Lora's Beauty may be coming to a store near you! I have recently signed with a wholesale rep who will promote my products in these markets! I'm so excited for this new venture and look forward to seeing my products across the West!</div><div><br /></div><div>I would be remiss to not mention the other item I'm SO EXCITED about! My first grandchild is expected this December. My son and daughter in law live on the east coast and I'm on the west and when I went to visit them last month I put my <a href="https://lorasbeauty.etsy.com">shop</a> in vacation mode. Yes, I plan to go see my new granddaughter and I'm still working out the best time with my son, it will be after the holidays. This time, however, I'm hoping to hire someone to fill orders so my shop can remain open. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrc6cKiCMpD5PydAdcMcPwxHOH9OZ6BfOJ7Q-TU_dFj3do9nK1uqmkewFqbHbAoUr0WEXE_Us2pw_W9reUJiqaKSFh6waB15_IYRVauy6uMsgyePC5065paYKrJLKJMIa0romzdRg_0QfhMXaRpn6AVcEAhDaRYt-HecX1DsHX-aJovC0duMOorSgLLpEv/s5568/_DSC4891_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrc6cKiCMpD5PydAdcMcPwxHOH9OZ6BfOJ7Q-TU_dFj3do9nK1uqmkewFqbHbAoUr0WEXE_Us2pw_W9reUJiqaKSFh6waB15_IYRVauy6uMsgyePC5065paYKrJLKJMIa0romzdRg_0QfhMXaRpn6AVcEAhDaRYt-HecX1DsHX-aJovC0duMOorSgLLpEv/w400-h266/_DSC4891_edited.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Finally, I want to mention that I will participate again this year in Etsy's cyber week sale. This event is usually held the week starting on Cyber Monday. In addition, to all those last minute shoppers, Etsy will have a program where they will refund buyers if your order doesn't make it, arrives damaged, or arrives late. As a seller on Etsy, I set the processing time I need to fill an order and Etsy uses the USPS estimated delivery date data to provide buyers with an expected arrival time. I pretty much always ship orders within one day and will definitely do that during the holidays to support your holiday shopping.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-32965542815811623992023-08-14T09:21:00.000-07:002023-08-14T09:21:15.095-07:00Vacation Plans and a Sale!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFubs8BP1cVUhfq6WU3evijOiuH7BwhBE5aSYFCh7jndATwjTY9vps0ByqOGNG4ucOYkElZQJJbikuIh0RQ33E2LLq1NEzVGtM79r75jYjOyMi_QKDnyPPGXl5uXSCTf5e7d-AD8DD2FsnN-EVqeiPe_AFf0g0AnyHGR9R5ZqxaFvA2xyQYXYg-wfc_UnZ/s5568/DSC_6465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3712" data-original-width="5568" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFubs8BP1cVUhfq6WU3evijOiuH7BwhBE5aSYFCh7jndATwjTY9vps0ByqOGNG4ucOYkElZQJJbikuIh0RQ33E2LLq1NEzVGtM79r75jYjOyMi_QKDnyPPGXl5uXSCTf5e7d-AD8DD2FsnN-EVqeiPe_AFf0g0AnyHGR9R5ZqxaFvA2xyQYXYg-wfc_UnZ/w400-h266/DSC_6465.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Well, here we are, halfway through August and the summer, for me, has flown by! Summer has always been a good time to stay put here in Portland, Oregon and that's exactly what I've done this year. Aside from a few day trips to the beach, I've been a homebody. That's about to change. <p></p><p>I will be placing my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Lorasbeauty" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> in 'Vacation Mode' starting September 15 thru September 22 as I make a quick trip to the East Coast to visit my son and daughter-in-law. I'm so excited to visit them as it's been over a year! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczUyvwxpqlHbKG7fO70ejdFW0lYIwUG2war7-LUh01oRI6uFP3FY0NYUZqaDHEdEOo9fmje_bzhh8LkEbE2F-THnUW0JUENcffL_gYda0iLfzD2KNwgnMrxAq5Z8Y2IBBP7pleo_ONhYQb9wFkl9QyMJbBJ9BBLFchJ-RwUXE2B7XCix2i_lZa5CUDjm2/s1620/_DSC3983_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczUyvwxpqlHbKG7fO70ejdFW0lYIwUG2war7-LUh01oRI6uFP3FY0NYUZqaDHEdEOo9fmje_bzhh8LkEbE2F-THnUW0JUENcffL_gYda0iLfzD2KNwgnMrxAq5Z8Y2IBBP7pleo_ONhYQb9wFkl9QyMJbBJ9BBLFchJ-RwUXE2B7XCix2i_lZa5CUDjm2/s320/_DSC3983_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />In four years on Etsy, this is the first time my shop has been in 'Vacation Mode' and I'm more than a little worried about it. Therefore, when I return I'm going to run a special pre-holiday sale to clear out some inventory and welcome customers back as I begin preparing for the holidays. I will offer 10% off on all body soaps the week of September 25th-October 1st in my Etsy shop, no coupon code necessary! This would be a great time to stock up on your favorite bar whether it be the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1301221567/honey-beeswax-goats-milk-soap-with?click_key=1c3a3cb0255d38749a2b497c63b03071495a45fd%3A1301221567&click_sum=58a3e96d&ref=shop_home_active_14&crt=1&sts=1">Honey Beeswax</a> or the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/772813631/tree-heart-embed-goats-milk-soap-all?click_key=c7aa431a0faf11dd25e7ceb61a2a75b323482063%3A772813631&click_sum=92443b3f&ref=shop_home_active_30&sts=1">Tree Love</a>!<p></p><p>My <a href="http://www.lorasbeauty.com" target="_blank">website</a>, which always has products priced slightly lower, will be open for business while I'm gone, however, items purchased from September 15- September 23 will mail on September 24th.</p><p>I appreciate all your business, comments, suggestions, and encouragement! Honestly, I think I have the best customers! Enjoy the rest of your summer and thank you for supporting my small business.</p><p><br /></p>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-28567730164976843512023-06-17T15:49:00.001-07:002023-07-04T18:48:26.815-07:00Soap for the Gentlest of Skin, Another Shampoo Bar Variety & A Change To The Dog Shampoo<p>I've said this before and I mean it, you guys have the best suggestions! Many times I have been asked if I had a certain type of soap or scent from a customer and when I'm asked enough, I listen! Such is the case with my two new products.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCglpZlzGjTH2Ou8b8opjrjYL_Pj9VjO-3SKw9PGhHLmBuwOA4JD2DKILxaZOpAPFKvEbLzKCdlTtHNG_0yABrWtL1jiVpbAE-DFF-cAk3mBJc3zl1WaaCdsDw4BhCvPwSeR0YiBXboJ2XJCk5lTvjoaNiLw-j-dN2_uPcmNk_29CCF7YW3XClka5Pg/s800/_DSC4259_1_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCglpZlzGjTH2Ou8b8opjrjYL_Pj9VjO-3SKw9PGhHLmBuwOA4JD2DKILxaZOpAPFKvEbLzKCdlTtHNG_0yABrWtL1jiVpbAE-DFF-cAk3mBJc3zl1WaaCdsDw4BhCvPwSeR0YiBXboJ2XJCk5lTvjoaNiLw-j-dN2_uPcmNk_29CCF7YW3XClka5Pg/s320/_DSC4259_1_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>My first <a href="https://www.lorasbeauty.com/unscented-shea-butter-beeswax">new product</a> is made with pure love, hence the heart shape design. I had several people ask for an unscented goat milk soap and when I found out my son and daughter-in-law were expecting, I decided to go all out and create an unscented bar with ingredients that are gentle enough for even the most delicate of skin, a baby's.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7IX4vDuwd6JwekCJhqqiwjHc1UH9hQ-fOWHFl_kXtEXUihn_Jx_RKWl0sR6FaSEpD-y5Hii-UR5sQakVw5TGl70v3XSqJxactYgOKeFH4GrjQw0k1TxRjCLItV3NmEW6pXiPDd3fKLfSM9l30B0thuWBmI5mRqPIYewl1K6b36X2J8pbvOClHhj5TA/s800/_DSC4262_1_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7IX4vDuwd6JwekCJhqqiwjHc1UH9hQ-fOWHFl_kXtEXUihn_Jx_RKWl0sR6FaSEpD-y5Hii-UR5sQakVw5TGl70v3XSqJxactYgOKeFH4GrjQw0k1TxRjCLItV3NmEW6pXiPDd3fKLfSM9l30B0thuWBmI5mRqPIYewl1K6b36X2J8pbvOClHhj5TA/s320/_DSC4262_1_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />This new bar is made with olive oil, coconut oil, rice bran oil, shea butter, goat milk and beeswax as well as tussah silk. There are no added colors or scents. The resulting bar is a pure and gentle way to clean and moisturize the skin. <p></p><p>Yes, you may find you don't even need to moisturize after using this bar. The oils and butters are emollients and will fill in dry skin smoothing rough patches. The beeswax is an occlusive and will form a protective barrier on the skin locking in moisture. </p><p>Keeping with the clean and pure theme, my next new item is an <a href="https://www.lorasbeauty.com/shampoo-conditioner-bars">unscented shampoo bar</a>. It's made with all the hair loving ingredients as my other shampoo bars including aloe vera and avocado butter, but it has no added colors or scents for those who have sensitivities to such additives.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-77cb9CYlbjzmS7FTu--aXzVCFLyBRQQlXZYYZGnE9Uo73PTB9ELEu631jf1K-QOxed3RAubezgQpOb8iKNlpS5gGuECAoW5kIdia6epz7lHFfUgsE0tFa9ghhZOtM7mFtfPa1YGjuWMX6YJf7s5Sw-53w8uxWc-0H4zhsEYbgMvrMRPYRjLF2EFRw/s1920/DSC_6649_1_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-77cb9CYlbjzmS7FTu--aXzVCFLyBRQQlXZYYZGnE9Uo73PTB9ELEu631jf1K-QOxed3RAubezgQpOb8iKNlpS5gGuECAoW5kIdia6epz7lHFfUgsE0tFa9ghhZOtM7mFtfPa1YGjuWMX6YJf7s5Sw-53w8uxWc-0H4zhsEYbgMvrMRPYRjLF2EFRw/s320/DSC_6649_1_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Finally, I've made a small change to my <a href="https://www.lorasbeauty.com/dog-shampoo">Dog Shampoo Bar</a>, it's going scent free as well. Although I researched and asked professionals about the best essential oils to include in a shampoo bar for dogs, there just seemed to be too many inconsistencies. To be safe and since our pups can't tell us one way or the other, I decided to leave the bar unscented. All the other wonderful ingredients like olive oil, neem oil, and colloidal oatmeal are still there to make your dog's fur the softest ever.<p></p><p>With these new additions, I now have available unscented varieties of all my bars, dish soaps, shampoos, body soaps, and conditioner bars. I hope you can find a variety that pleases you, if not, make a <a href="https://www.lorasbeauty.com/about-contact" target="_blank">suggestion</a>!</p>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-25641549860370251372023-04-16T14:32:00.002-07:002023-05-21T17:49:53.680-07:00New Product Line & New Ceramic Dishes!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7S9BuLzUrqBXnP0YCP4URaRRfTWSw6s1IQAD5jH15nH1zyiWlLmhDVQlOFT_u_S2ANGXa8DXFppMdDeQDRHPPrIxQNZc1KiyVo8YeSds1CU_G9_BIjCNqv52acHjTsTQe7YdKVw7gZtSGmx7z7fOrf7GYfXibOonSiWOwDPQ5theSnDyZnI85UWTog/s800/_DSC4230_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7S9BuLzUrqBXnP0YCP4URaRRfTWSw6s1IQAD5jH15nH1zyiWlLmhDVQlOFT_u_S2ANGXa8DXFppMdDeQDRHPPrIxQNZc1KiyVo8YeSds1CU_G9_BIjCNqv52acHjTsTQe7YdKVw7gZtSGmx7z7fOrf7GYfXibOonSiWOwDPQ5theSnDyZnI85UWTog/s320/_DSC4230_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I'm so excited to announce that Lora's Beauty will now carry bath bombs and shower steamers!<p></p><p>I've spent the last month experimenting with recipes and ingredients to formulate a product that is beneficial to the skin, not harmful to plumbing, and enjoyable to use. I've also gathered plenty of input from friends and family and taken many baths myself!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_1CSDn0IW6_rat5WljyKZhLdm_w6JEco1tiRyW-aqtwSlweCFH7fY1v87fp91dPn35FRnsm8PQI9jr91ReSiin1tlYEOENyIKaAqp0bIaJP8Kqc0yE01rIGnKofBoi3PUQcuPK-rtUdLWGzKoxHO4-BIwZliPs-wCoBzY9GPURy0nLIC3RBYhqf53w/s800/_DSC4213_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="569" data-original-width="800" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_1CSDn0IW6_rat5WljyKZhLdm_w6JEco1tiRyW-aqtwSlweCFH7fY1v87fp91dPn35FRnsm8PQI9jr91ReSiin1tlYEOENyIKaAqp0bIaJP8Kqc0yE01rIGnKofBoi3PUQcuPK-rtUdLWGzKoxHO4-BIwZliPs-wCoBzY9GPURy0nLIC3RBYhqf53w/s320/_DSC4213_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I'm sure most people are familiar with what a bath bomb is, a scented ball of beneficial moisturizers that dissolves in water, but what exactly is a shower steamer? Well for all those die hard shower takers out there, a shower steamer is your way to enjoy the aromatherapy benefits you're missing when not soaking in a bath with a bath bomb. <p></p><p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1459434697/natural-shower-steamers-shower-fizzy?click_key=d061417a88c41f53ecc59f2b3380f0da2ac32b44%3A1459434697&click_sum=2d9d518b&ref=shop_home_active_1&sts=1">Shower steamers </a>are scented tablets that you place at the back of your shower on the floor so water doesn't directly hit it but it gets wet enough to dissolve and release the aromatic scents into your shower. These tablets are heart shaped and are made with baking soda, witch hazel, citric acid, and essential oils. They should slowly and fully dissolve within a 5 - 8 minute shower, filling your shower and senses with the aromatherapy benefits of essential oils.</p><p>Lora's Beauty bath bombs are made with baking soda, citric acid, shea butter, emulsifying wax, goat milk, cream of tartar and essential oils for a relaxing, moisturizing bath. Adding emulsifying wax to the bath bombs enables the shea butter to mix with the water and not just sit on the top. It also adds moisturizing benefits. Cream of tartar is used to harden the bomb. I've limited the amount of flower petals and decoration to keep your pipes running smooth and your drains unclogged. </p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Both the shower steamers and the bath</span> bombs are offered in the following varieties:</p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW41BETaBHGxRGmkUKJheyzuThDeUHD5JLYYyo77nI-L2EJhMQrodH_CaVdGZUduvzQ1mjKw4Nr4cVoAnMVFRtLrMmYXif8dmAntZObqJLyGR5u87RcrMXx_GLY4_VCPBioXYBnMrMDgC510F9VP4Sv1ATUC7eBGHUKDAmOe4RDXzcvyIsThNQiI0OMw/s800/_DSC4218_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW41BETaBHGxRGmkUKJheyzuThDeUHD5JLYYyo77nI-L2EJhMQrodH_CaVdGZUduvzQ1mjKw4Nr4cVoAnMVFRtLrMmYXif8dmAntZObqJLyGR5u87RcrMXx_GLY4_VCPBioXYBnMrMDgC510F9VP4Sv1ATUC7eBGHUKDAmOe4RDXzcvyIsThNQiI0OMw/s320/_DSC4218_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-55d04a69-7fff-2e14-721f-4b140d422783"><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1444600864/cocoa-butter-sea-salt-bath-bombs-bath?click_key=4ae00762e6470f7dc0a0ab250c5abdae8f732aaa%3A1444600864&click_sum=012e2665&ref=shop_home_active_2&sts=1">Eucalyptus Menthol</a> -- added menthol makes this a great remedy for congestion and soothing sore muscles.<br /></span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1444600864/cocoa-butter-sea-salt-bath-bombs-bath?click_key=4ae00762e6470f7dc0a0ab250c5abdae8f732aaa%3A1444600864&click_sum=012e2665&ref=shop_home_active_2&sts=1"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="799" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI8z6hv_wiVzSC9sWqBT9DbOfqxWR5Qn88FhJw1QUE2DtAD7QatB1eoxddPKnENPydI6kKjl9V_vIeFIzGQODTHCULkQ1xD4c6aLBtGKGUYf-4TvBa1C9YnHaBE55MDNI8x5I8sImhu5UeMWAKOtkQaS9LWTPAGhn8N9CBf-3LRUnwCt-imd1efo8zwg/s320/_DSC4198_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1444600864/cocoa-butter-sea-salt-bath-bombs-bath?click_key=4ae00762e6470f7dc0a0ab250c5abdae8f732aaa%3A1444600864&click_sum=012e2665&ref=shop_home_active_2&sts=1">Lavender Fir</a> -- Reach for this when you need a moment to just relax and clear your head.</span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-f6_jSeFEf2C7CNTL7z8BRuHs-EIfROleaIwaxhCMejTosjvreyKKUNX8dOW6hJeRq6Q-TVf6GjR_SFtRb8kHMrr9LYLzYhKljXiN9WDwJeoW1U6lCYyUilyeDmWSYq_ALE8UrXmTuYDmGi32RY0ajOunxyMMuXJXCzL0Jk0NJkaMiho_HHgcoqVuQ/s800/_DSC4203_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD-f6_jSeFEf2C7CNTL7z8BRuHs-EIfROleaIwaxhCMejTosjvreyKKUNX8dOW6hJeRq6Q-TVf6GjR_SFtRb8kHMrr9LYLzYhKljXiN9WDwJeoW1U6lCYyUilyeDmWSYq_ALE8UrXmTuYDmGi32RY0ajOunxyMMuXJXCzL0Jk0NJkaMiho_HHgcoqVuQ/s320/_DSC4203_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1444600864/cocoa-butter-sea-salt-bath-bombs-bath?click_key=4ae00762e6470f7dc0a0ab250c5abdae8f732aaa%3A1444600864&click_sum=012e2665&ref=shop_home_active_2&sts=1">Peppermint Basil</a> -- This combination of essential oils will help ease a worried mind and awaken the senses.</span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span><span style="font-family: arial; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofaop-BDxakI4M3yENQuBepal8f4UenLWNOG4fFVcz-aS-uP9CWLdvE7k3BySaTTtCyC_qUQze6hTTcElChRHMScsPbAZc1uDSSw3jvar5OvrF0emnUv5KFEjRcFe0wSyfxlsMDz05gYA6BXAiPlQiJF8Cr-5tWNZTG2NDh3a-l7vBaFDPHCPefLNmA/s800/_DSC4221_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofaop-BDxakI4M3yENQuBepal8f4UenLWNOG4fFVcz-aS-uP9CWLdvE7k3BySaTTtCyC_qUQze6hTTcElChRHMScsPbAZc1uDSSw3jvar5OvrF0emnUv5KFEjRcFe0wSyfxlsMDz05gYA6BXAiPlQiJF8Cr-5tWNZTG2NDh3a-l7vBaFDPHCPefLNmA/s320/_DSC4221_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1444600864/cocoa-butter-sea-salt-bath-bombs-bath?click_key=4ae00762e6470f7dc0a0ab250c5abdae8f732aaa%3A1444600864&click_sum=012e2665&ref=shop_home_active_2&sts=1">Citrus Lemon Orange</a>--The essential oils of lemongrass and sweet orange will detox the skin and leave it feeling clean, clear, and refreshed.</span></span></li></ul><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOY3_6vxwykkuo-AYrvgqFSktq1mWnNy4TF6HiQmXY3N5ikrlxeM4Ly8jp2QVUuA8bv5suuJJcdLDZjDA5Ri4rkbebWhsAAjbCJqlrOzpeIrMJx6uRL-rt-33ZS-sjkkUGi55StjT39gNLyka_Asox_VFMTKHaLvggY2JWq3W0a2nxpPGeZG79JPj0g/s800/_DSC4187_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkOY3_6vxwykkuo-AYrvgqFSktq1mWnNy4TF6HiQmXY3N5ikrlxeM4Ly8jp2QVUuA8bv5suuJJcdLDZjDA5Ri4rkbebWhsAAjbCJqlrOzpeIrMJx6uRL-rt-33ZS-sjkkUGi55StjT39gNLyka_Asox_VFMTKHaLvggY2JWq3W0a2nxpPGeZG79JPj0g/s320/_DSC4187_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Also new to my Etsy shop are these stunning ceramic dishes made specially for my small round dish soaps. I worked with my ceramist to design these dishes to have a higher wall so the small dish soap stays in place. They also include a small trough surrounding a raised patterned area to allow water to drain and the soap not sit in water. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNcOk8oBk1QpnGzLM2_RICCWNx75vYQOlEeAn3yob0pixOVaLBeo0imdKG7Jxk5FY0VzD6qWlO5tIokohxyZUWqLP4FJHEf8sBi5IKUySeSHFIxN_bFagLShGHn-kDlepk3noNobrW2fia_Pian00BNwtDD_wt-7Vnkon4vtlgrdVOJb0-_crlowpAQ/s800/_DSC4169_1_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="800" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXNcOk8oBk1QpnGzLM2_RICCWNx75vYQOlEeAn3yob0pixOVaLBeo0imdKG7Jxk5FY0VzD6qWlO5tIokohxyZUWqLP4FJHEf8sBi5IKUySeSHFIxN_bFagLShGHn-kDlepk3noNobrW2fia_Pian00BNwtDD_wt-7Vnkon4vtlgrdVOJb0-_crlowpAQ/s320/_DSC4169_1_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Currently, I have a matte robin egg and a matte black color but I hope to get more colors soon. These dishes are sold as part of a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1438292590/handmade-ceramic-dish-solid-dish-soap?click_key=7a1681f7142f55e6587dfd3acd32f6b4a56f8db6%3A1438292590&click_sum=ee457420&ref=shop_home_feat_1&sts=1" target="_blank">set</a> that includes a dish soap and dish brush. <p></p><div>If you're stuck for Mother's Day gifts this set would delight anyone! Happy Spring!</div>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-12319790791605098982023-02-20T17:48:00.001-08:002023-02-20T18:06:53.999-08:00Soap and Human Sacrifice Plus A New Shampoo Bar!<p>Fun fact... what does soap have to do with human sacrifice? </p><p>Thankfully, not much. However, the two are linked in many old wives' tales and have even made their way into popular culture. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjMYQRJbCvXoKx-Xf17XfeGEUBjn7O_pDAM9zY1to1zLcTfD0JKMRpgLBfvZJPKn4xe0mqj3tAHZ2BgW_lbS03zlsvwPeYhahtOPItgG_vSEg6iPLTW0UuYxi69mhWsLTslrbHKwWzEgNOghJOSviT-PfSLeBARGU73IOZ4kWNdjbFbxXCCId9DMZRg/s1920/DSC_6656_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjMYQRJbCvXoKx-Xf17XfeGEUBjn7O_pDAM9zY1to1zLcTfD0JKMRpgLBfvZJPKn4xe0mqj3tAHZ2BgW_lbS03zlsvwPeYhahtOPItgG_vSEg6iPLTW0UuYxi69mhWsLTslrbHKwWzEgNOghJOSviT-PfSLeBARGU73IOZ4kWNdjbFbxXCCId9DMZRg/s320/DSC_6656_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Have you seen the movie Fight Club? Do you remember this scene about the origins of soap?</p><p><span face=""Noto Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1c1c; font-size: 14px;">Courtesy of IMDB:</span></p><blockquote class="_28lDeogZhLGXvE95QRPeDL" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left: 4px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyTextAlpha20); border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Noto Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 4px 8px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 8px; quotes: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="_1qeIAgB0cPwnLhDF9XSiJM" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tyler Durden: Now, ancient people found their clothes got cleaner if they washed them at a certain spot in the river. You know why?</p></blockquote><blockquote class="_28lDeogZhLGXvE95QRPeDL" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left: 4px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyTextAlpha20); border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Noto Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 4px 8px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 8px; quotes: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="_1qeIAgB0cPwnLhDF9XSiJM" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Narrator: No.</p></blockquote><blockquote class="_28lDeogZhLGXvE95QRPeDL" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left: 4px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyTextAlpha20); border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Noto Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 4px 8px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 8px; quotes: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="_1qeIAgB0cPwnLhDF9XSiJM" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tyler Durden: Human sacrifices were once made on the hills above this river. Bodies burnt, water speeded through the wood ashes to create lye. [holds up a bottle]</p></blockquote><blockquote class="_28lDeogZhLGXvE95QRPeDL" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left: 4px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyTextAlpha20); border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Noto Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 4px 8px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 8px; quotes: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="_1qeIAgB0cPwnLhDF9XSiJM" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tyler Durden: This is lye - the crucial ingredient. The lye combined with the melted fat of the bodies, till a thick white soapy discharge crept into the river. May I see your hand, please?</p></blockquote><blockquote class="_28lDeogZhLGXvE95QRPeDL" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left: 4px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyTextAlpha20); border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Noto Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 4px 8px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 8px; quotes: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="_1qeIAgB0cPwnLhDF9XSiJM" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">[Tyler licks his lips until they're gleaming wet - he takes the Narrator's hand and kisses the back of it]</p></blockquote><blockquote class="_28lDeogZhLGXvE95QRPeDL" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left: 4px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyTextAlpha20); border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Noto Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 4px 8px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 8px; quotes: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="_1qeIAgB0cPwnLhDF9XSiJM" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Narrator: What is this? Tyler Durden: This... [pours the lye on the Narrator's hand]</p></blockquote><blockquote class="_28lDeogZhLGXvE95QRPeDL" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left: 4px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyTextAlpha20); border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Noto Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 4px 8px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 8px; quotes: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="_1qeIAgB0cPwnLhDF9XSiJM" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Tyler Durden: ... is chemical burn.</p></blockquote><p>While I can unfortunately attest to the truth about lye and chemical burns, there's little evidence to collaborate the view that soap was discovered from sites of human sacrifices. </p><p>The earliest evidence today of the first soap use was around 2800 BC by the Babylonians and they made it by mixing together animal fats, oils and salts. Most modern day soap makers use vegetable or fruit oils like olive, coconut, and avocado however, the soap making process is still very much the same as it was when the Babylonians did it.</p><p>Now, on to something new!</p><p>I get a lot of good ideas from my customers so when I had one reach out to me about which shampoo bar would work best for brassy gray hair, I had to say I didn't make a bar specifically for that purpose besides the fact that I have gray hair! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQYkgc0FHZT53hwM8rDNznJKZtfjhTIAb6kPX8BDNCFxGPKBrMMmaYPYTc1FGER716mG57r2n3ghDyY22KmS_FM4oqEr26aOIjFl0tUQIM4sRE541RDAjLZ2G_xEXnSmb2EQEuQhJGyufEatty21eTVCtBO6C8G1EX0eJmm2Lm9fjRl-8dRJckwKSjA/s1620/DSC_6364_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeQYkgc0FHZT53hwM8rDNznJKZtfjhTIAb6kPX8BDNCFxGPKBrMMmaYPYTc1FGER716mG57r2n3ghDyY22KmS_FM4oqEr26aOIjFl0tUQIM4sRE541RDAjLZ2G_xEXnSmb2EQEuQhJGyufEatty21eTVCtBO6C8G1EX0eJmm2Lm9fjRl-8dRJckwKSjA/s320/DSC_6364_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Gray and light colored hair has a tendency to turn brassy and dull because it easily picks up pigments from the environment. For instance, using a yellow shampoo on grey hair may start to turn the hair more yellow. To counter this, most shampoos made to remove brassiness, are purple since purple is the opposite of yellow on the color wheel. </p><p>Therefore, my Lavender Tea Tree shampoo bar, made with purple mica, would work to neutralize the yellow tones in hair, as would my Patchouli Mint Activated Charcoal bar. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBe-FvGs2HsWUYO2mzA1_GJ_EEAWVLVLd8ZFgSu1lB_2qkCHT1l5X1glFTLG_BkRJD8uGJBXHGqKVTt1vmw4JRqvupGu69keJcCyH8cCdlft75OmThfYHIWLMxWEXz7YZsBo4SuLZT51D6nyt_4z84LnStbhhp8NK5w44iMybDx9c13PKliBsKriv8JA/s1620/_DSC4082_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBe-FvGs2HsWUYO2mzA1_GJ_EEAWVLVLd8ZFgSu1lB_2qkCHT1l5X1glFTLG_BkRJD8uGJBXHGqKVTt1vmw4JRqvupGu69keJcCyH8cCdlft75OmThfYHIWLMxWEXz7YZsBo4SuLZT51D6nyt_4z84LnStbhhp8NK5w44iMybDx9c13PKliBsKriv8JA/s320/_DSC4082_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>My new bar made with indigo powder, is another option against orange and brassy tones in hair. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uTflnXGc-P5twrI7R73M7z7vRQ0Pt4udPh-KvB0Yny181-YhGv22mtcch08tgBiAzaZrBgXZMR65pDYdcrCPfrsp7371Z7kgc48c7ptyntIEDAtZQjmCgGZwxqQH16Nu96Li-jzB73UWpoi9uyy10SMv--zJRSk9GiS7_-3dAG4OmBDbsLVun6jcHw/s1620/_DSC4088_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uTflnXGc-P5twrI7R73M7z7vRQ0Pt4udPh-KvB0Yny181-YhGv22mtcch08tgBiAzaZrBgXZMR65pDYdcrCPfrsp7371Z7kgc48c7ptyntIEDAtZQjmCgGZwxqQH16Nu96Li-jzB73UWpoi9uyy10SMv--zJRSk9GiS7_-3dAG4OmBDbsLVun6jcHw/s320/_DSC4088_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>This bar is made with the same ingredients as my other shampoo bars including aloe vera water, avocado butter, and even silk fibers plus the added indigo powder. <p></p><p>Scented with juniper essential oil and the sparkling scent of orange essential oil you may feel like you've stepped into a primeval pine forest at dawn. </p><p>This shampoo bar is an excellent choice for gray hair and if you don't have gray hair, you can still benefit from the neutralizing effects of indigo powder! Now available on my <a href="https://www.lorasbeauty.com/shampoo-conditioner-bars" target="_blank">website</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/738691411/aloe-vera-avocado-butter-shampoo-bar?click_key=37e94b41d9c8a313bdfe2a8a56948484661b156b%3A738691411&click_sum=16103c8d&ref=shop_home_active_1&crt=1&sts=1" target="_blank">Etsy</a> shop!</p><blockquote class="_28lDeogZhLGXvE95QRPeDL" style="background-color: white; border-bottom: 0px; border-image: initial; border-left: 4px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyTextAlpha20); border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; color: #1c1c1c; font-family: "Noto Sans", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 4px 0px 4px 8px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 8px; quotes: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="_1qeIAgB0cPwnLhDF9XSiJM" style="border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></p></blockquote>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-54815986245200183352023-01-13T17:28:00.000-08:002023-01-13T18:21:45.509-08:00A New Year, New Scents, New Products, and a Sale!<p>And just like that, December is over.</p><p>Big belly breaths...inhale, stomach rises. Exhale, belly falls. Ah, January and the long, cold months of winter and hibernation.</p><p>Although it's not as hectic as November and December, I'm still in the soap studio making a few new products and they're all about dish soap! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmqqdfxo12UgeqMutTHqFD_pEMnpWNUjsMsQYZOCLfxbrlNWh-VbqoqeSMmcTf7ql8-lXTNIzkGGDEhDw4BC5KTxW-RxReTesyAnP1-OM8SxgLwSONlYWter_mydi83QIRb4d8orri3V7r7OB4v2iUZKFKFh-RkY-HTGtq8hs-cFof8nr1anFsjUJ1A/s1620/_DSC3928_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzmqqdfxo12UgeqMutTHqFD_pEMnpWNUjsMsQYZOCLfxbrlNWh-VbqoqeSMmcTf7ql8-lXTNIzkGGDEhDw4BC5KTxW-RxReTesyAnP1-OM8SxgLwSONlYWter_mydi83QIRb4d8orri3V7r7OB4v2iUZKFKFh-RkY-HTGtq8hs-cFof8nr1anFsjUJ1A/s320/_DSC3928_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Last Fall I added a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1306164843/solid-round-dish-washing-soap-zero-waste?click_key=67077570cf767d05279791b7d7d364286b27ec47%3A1306164843&click_sum=e6bc3f0b&ref=shop_home_active_5&crt=1&sts=1" target="_blank">2.25" round dish soap</a> that would fit in the popular Full Circle soap dishes a lot of people have purchased. This size has proved to be very popular so I've added new scents. Now available are Lavender & Basil, Rosemary & Mint, Basil & Spearmint, Cinnamon & Orange, Anise & Cedarwood, and Lemongrass scents.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9D3l2bwaCmls6qFeKhSbFpdHAldfyybDDxZIlF8atE73gC4ZB6Eg1iWriFT4wuFOH1QJrfqg2twRmV6UPSkA8frj9UbT3VWr0iiYbWIORc9f_jS7XpB8aCOHP_A7IU5DP5w3zWmBqCFL27U4bbacuccMVX-Y0xY7DBAcI515dXGPOGBDWRiKZli6PVw/s1620/_DSC4017_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9D3l2bwaCmls6qFeKhSbFpdHAldfyybDDxZIlF8atE73gC4ZB6Eg1iWriFT4wuFOH1QJrfqg2twRmV6UPSkA8frj9UbT3VWr0iiYbWIORc9f_jS7XpB8aCOHP_A7IU5DP5w3zWmBqCFL27U4bbacuccMVX-Y0xY7DBAcI515dXGPOGBDWRiKZli6PVw/s320/_DSC4017_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>For those who don't already have a dish that fits this size soap, I've added some colorful melamine dishes. These dishes contain 4.5 ounces of dish soap and are sold with a dish brush for a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1367275388/solid-round-dish-washing-soap-melamine?click_key=c33111cd06bbb05e89cb4a131ad556553a007094%3A1367275388&click_sum=0ef28216&ref=shop_home_active_1&crt=1&sts=1" target="_blank">complete set</a>. Once the soap is gone, the 2.25" dish soaps will work as replacements.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwDisgKhv-e_u5N_wQPky71Gh1VAPmb8W7vBsP9em5JlCgK6TzZmb2FK3czz4KyZ2ZMtDAfKgjhjwWAbIYBtvYjadv_vRGdImLQlc7ZDTMCZhiH787Kyd6vbuDfvO6W6pDAs7UVU7TLKHLuyS0hB3JMAHIQlYBXInB3Xw2sSB601tRwidGlLGVpvycw/s1620/_DSC3989_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOwDisgKhv-e_u5N_wQPky71Gh1VAPmb8W7vBsP9em5JlCgK6TzZmb2FK3czz4KyZ2ZMtDAfKgjhjwWAbIYBtvYjadv_vRGdImLQlc7ZDTMCZhiH787Kyd6vbuDfvO6W6pDAs7UVU7TLKHLuyS0hB3JMAHIQlYBXInB3Xw2sSB601tRwidGlLGVpvycw/s320/_DSC3989_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Likewise, my new <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1348574217/solid-square-dish-washing-soap-zero?click_key=47b0791d733dbadcfed0347ace38258cc65fa24f%3A1348574217&click_sum=c49db491&ref=shop_home_active_2&crt=1&sts=1" target="_blank">square dish soaps</a> come in a few new scents. Choose between Lemongrass, Peppermint Basil, Orange Anise, Lavender Eucalyptus, and Anise Cedarwood scents. These soaps are also offered in a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1342301654/solid-square-dish-washing-soap-ceramic?click_key=8c8ed9bd126c76c781ebb35d99dd1e5492efd1aa%3A1342301654&click_sum=cadc23c9&ref=shop_home_active_3&crt=1&sts=1" target="_blank">set</a> which includes a ceramic dish and a dish brush.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oJQtc3uLe3L93Kh5dfccPCiMUHWzXYxhZ8vMOR91A2UkjOaWWz1uqLloWv29f8Nrb5A26vBo65gjXm7bxIks-fV7K9pkxaPoLlquT_1fOqcW4up6UE6cjhVeMOjHQqQ2sdxJiYVU5Gs51sRUTbXzXekK2tQsvVjPO-VKh-hRtpoo0f7VeDMv_u8Sdw/s1620/_DSC4058_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5oJQtc3uLe3L93Kh5dfccPCiMUHWzXYxhZ8vMOR91A2UkjOaWWz1uqLloWv29f8Nrb5A26vBo65gjXm7bxIks-fV7K9pkxaPoLlquT_1fOqcW4up6UE6cjhVeMOjHQqQ2sdxJiYVU5Gs51sRUTbXzXekK2tQsvVjPO-VKh-hRtpoo0f7VeDMv_u8Sdw/s320/_DSC4058_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Lastly, my ceramist included a new color for the beautiful handmade dishes offered in my Etsy shop. These lovely matte purple dishes look so polished and sophisticated and are stamped with a dragonfly print! They are offered on their <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/900702534/ceramic-patterned-pottery-soap-dish-hand?click_key=21f6d2d4575419723f680aad603c2002b0e2b4fd%3A900702534&click_sum=a30ce4fd&ref=shop_home_active_16&crt=1&sts=1" target="_blank">own</a> or in a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/914647291/ceramic-patterned-pottery-dish-dish-soap?click_key=3d121b7c2bd6f3910f1ad9e85d20e2813c402a35%3A914647291&click_sum=173b4595&ref=shop_home_active_17&sts=1" target="_blank">set</a> with a large round dish soap and a dish brush.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpVVqK_efm-wRJJnBTIummRC7w_qBxVpMWauDKpirXHlLUrrH3V_9XV_sOXbMeqLEDvan7HTBq9ei2UyYFuya3HFR6A7FbmR1IbYkbYXMXk2RmorXAC0VGOEgifnYWAqIdLc8DrlKzhzGa0aiXT9M1WpmCoBdQ6cQPnvqSth3HZd5uQZLjpu-rEFVxg/s1620/_DSC3971_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpVVqK_efm-wRJJnBTIummRC7w_qBxVpMWauDKpirXHlLUrrH3V_9XV_sOXbMeqLEDvan7HTBq9ei2UyYFuya3HFR6A7FbmR1IbYkbYXMXk2RmorXAC0VGOEgifnYWAqIdLc8DrlKzhzGa0aiXT9M1WpmCoBdQ6cQPnvqSth3HZd5uQZLjpu-rEFVxg/s320/_DSC3971_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I'm currently offering my<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1249152701/spirits-inspired-soapswhiskeyaquavitgin?click_key=cd5a84ab59bb72daf6bb6a8672d28a911a3d2696%3A1249152701&click_sum=fbfa8151&ref=shop_home_active_9&pro=1&sts=1" target="_blank"> liquor inspired</a> soaps on sale. The Whiskey & Aloe Vera, Gin & Aloe Vera, and Aquavit & Aloe Vera soaps are all 25% off! These make a great boxed set as a gift, Valentine's Day perhaps?<p></p><p>That's all for now, I hope your holidays were delightful and the new year brings you happiness, health, and kindness. </p><p><br /></p>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-68801680168608799772022-11-10T18:08:00.006-08:002023-11-15T17:15:44.789-08:00What's The Best Shampoo Bar For....?<p>Do you have hair issues? Dandruff, frizzy hair, dry scalp, oily hair, oily scalp, limp hair? Then read on as I may have a shampoo bar to help!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQg9WNX_gYLx6Bi3CrQoTcPYWvVWAaQ-s7UJPrn5-lLJibh0iuwakqqnnC7-GI5yEDpGXHWRTCITZMqwsGIW1_NMxGoFPLjRMokLA9LueZ7EBq5N2XdHK9GLZdfvtaQTsSd12HtImmktZ8ls6WkvFwDc0iYcUEimIBhbfRz9ZupFjXB-pJDs48CU2xYQ/s1620/DSC_6364_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQg9WNX_gYLx6Bi3CrQoTcPYWvVWAaQ-s7UJPrn5-lLJibh0iuwakqqnnC7-GI5yEDpGXHWRTCITZMqwsGIW1_NMxGoFPLjRMokLA9LueZ7EBq5N2XdHK9GLZdfvtaQTsSd12HtImmktZ8ls6WkvFwDc0iYcUEimIBhbfRz9ZupFjXB-pJDs48CU2xYQ/s320/DSC_6364_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Lora's Beauty carries many types of shampoo bars specially formulated to be more ph balanced than the typical shampoo bar. For more information regarding ph and my shampoo bars, take a look at this <a href="https://simply.lorasbeauty.com/2019/09/eco-friendly-shampoo-and-conditioner.html" target="_blank">blog post</a>. If you're interested in what the best body soap is for a particular skin issue, this <a href="https://simply.lorasbeauty.com/2022/10/whats-best-soap-to-use-for.html" rel="nofollow">blog post</a> may help. Now, if you're interested in what's the best shampoo bar I carry for a particular hair issue, then read on!<p></p><p>Most of my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/738691411/aloe-vera-avocado-butter-shampoo-bar?click_key=7b03c48ef38573c48bb79c375f245a970fdfd296%3A738691411&click_sum=13571c46&ref=shop_home_active_1&clickFromShopCard=1&sts=1" target="_blank">shampoo bars</a> are made with aloe vera juice and avocado butter which are both hair loving. Aloe vera juice will help strengthen hair, calm itchy scalp, and control oily hair. Avocado butter is high in vitamin E making it great at stopping hair loss and breakage, adding hydration and shine, and thickening thinning hair. </p><p>Just like with my body soaps, I start with a base set of ingredients when making my shampoo bars. These include olive, rice bran, castor, and coconut oils. I then add special extras to address particular hair issues. In addition, to all my shampoo bars, I add a pinch of tussah silk fibers which help to repair damaged hair and softens and smooths hair.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECw1_uVCcAFGMD1wwgeTQ8uXbR2SviYWxisX9FQD0hDBPCi8yZOJTSdGdbUFFoc_2JnZLEus37_ZDGnzP_xrTLISbFtaR5-DCEOIBkI80U9lhWM0E7Ql23fpU-eLBL3rPTw37NYPYIgcRgWz31bgjjOCpCS0_OqpMBG3itToncnvL_L-CKgNB-4vX3A/s1620/_DSC3353_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjECw1_uVCcAFGMD1wwgeTQ8uXbR2SviYWxisX9FQD0hDBPCi8yZOJTSdGdbUFFoc_2JnZLEus37_ZDGnzP_xrTLISbFtaR5-DCEOIBkI80U9lhWM0E7Ql23fpU-eLBL3rPTw37NYPYIgcRgWz31bgjjOCpCS0_OqpMBG3itToncnvL_L-CKgNB-4vX3A/s320/_DSC3353_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I also offer a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/711904858/pine-tar-goats-milk-soap-shampoo-all?click_key=d1be6797964eab93f1c5d45151d1e950f9878065%3A711904858&click_sum=481ad907&ref=shop_home_active_3&clickFromShopCard=1&sts=1" target="_blank">Pine Tar Shampoo Bar</a> and a Beer Bar. These have the same base set of ingredients but do not have aloe vera juice or avocado butter. Instead the pine tar bar includes goats milk and cocoa butter. Goats milk is rich in vitamin B which is an essential vitamin for healthy hair growth and cocoa butter moisturizes hair making it softer and more manageable.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL00v9P2fcN3KlHY6HuhWLALSgTNJ8cyOWXwsLYlyngMurQ9suCeJvBilJK2oKYnVpbiLKWfDFQUjYY4hOIBYurdjZboTRsYYL1w7cNf-pvKF7abZ90rgl_Dc7Yw8YKG9z3IhPGfk1dpvMMlUqRekDSwC0RfdRdxqsg4vxq7MyygFHIAljQYCFlQHtZA/s1620/_DSC3850_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL00v9P2fcN3KlHY6HuhWLALSgTNJ8cyOWXwsLYlyngMurQ9suCeJvBilJK2oKYnVpbiLKWfDFQUjYY4hOIBYurdjZboTRsYYL1w7cNf-pvKF7abZ90rgl_Dc7Yw8YKG9z3IhPGfk1dpvMMlUqRekDSwC0RfdRdxqsg4vxq7MyygFHIAljQYCFlQHtZA/s320/_DSC3850_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />My <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/711880904/beer-shampoo-bar-beard-shampoo-all?click_key=f320d971ff5b63b6ecc0ae8f571c872e8f5d9d72%3A711880904&click_sum=0dc22cc8&ref=shop_home_active_4&clickFromShopCard=1&crt=1&sts=1">Beer Shampoo Bar</a> is made with, of course beer, and cocoa butter. Beer is a wonderful ingredient for hair! It provides body, bounce and shine to hair and being rich in protein and vitamins it helps manage both scalp and hair oil production.<p></p><p>So, what's your specific hair issue and which shampoo bar would help?</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Dry Frizzy Hair?</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Pine Tar - the nutrient rich liquid of pine tar is a natural moisturizer for dry hair.</li><li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/738691411/aloe-vera-avocado-butter-shampoo-bar?click_key=274fe95dc60f4363faa5fcfd956dc0ac4d338d82%3A738691411&click_sum=6bac6a54&ref=shop_home_active_26&clickFromShopCard=1&sts=1">Spearmint Tea Tree</a> - tea tree essential oil is such a beneficial oil for hair. It helps prevent the build up of chemicals and dead skin allowing your hair to be more healthy and moisturized.</li><li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/738691411/aloe-vera-avocado-butter-shampoo-bar?click_key=274fe95dc60f4363faa5fcfd956dc0ac4d338d82%3A738691411&click_sum=6bac6a54&ref=shop_home_active_26&clickFromShopCard=1&sts=1">Lavender Tea Tree</a></li><li>Beer Bar - Being rich in vitamin B, beer is a great deterrent against frizzy hair.</li><li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/738691411/aloe-vera-avocado-butter-shampoo-bar?click_key=274fe95dc60f4363faa5fcfd956dc0ac4d338d82%3A738691411&click_sum=6bac6a54&ref=shop_home_active_26&clickFromShopCard=1&sts=1">Papaya Orange</a> - papaya seeds contain vitamin A which helps against dry and frizzy hair.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Oily Hair/Scalp?</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/738691411/aloe-vera-avocado-butter-shampoo-bar?click_key=274fe95dc60f4363faa5fcfd956dc0ac4d338d82%3A738691411&click_sum=6bac6a54&ref=shop_home_active_26&clickFromShopCard=1&sts=1">Lemon Eucalyptus</a> - lemongrass essential oil reduces production of excess oil on the hair and scalp.</li><li>Spearmint Tea Tree - spearmint and tea tree essential oils help control oily scalp and hair.</li><li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/738691411/aloe-vera-avocado-butter-shampoo-bar?click_key=274fe95dc60f4363faa5fcfd956dc0ac4d338d82%3A738691411&click_sum=6bac6a54&ref=shop_home_active_26&clickFromShopCard=1&sts=1">Rosemary Mint</a> - rosemary essential oil has antifungal, astringent and decongesting qualities which can reduce oily build up on hair and scalp.</li><li><a href="https://lorasbeauty.etsy.com/listing/738691411">Lavender Ginger Sea Salt</a> - Sea salt is great at absorbing excess oil on the scalp.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Lifeless Limp Hair?</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Beer Bar - the proteins in beer bind to hair that's become dehydrated from blow drying and other styling products leaving the hair restored and with more body.</li><li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/738691411/aloe-vera-avocado-butter-shampoo-bar?click_key=274fe95dc60f4363faa5fcfd956dc0ac4d338d82%3A738691411&click_sum=6bac6a54&ref=shop_home_active_26&clickFromShopCard=1&sts=1">Activated Charcoal Patchouli Spearmint</a> - the spearmint essential oil combined with activated charcoal will add luster to dry, lifeless hair.</li><li>Lavender Ginger Sea Salt - Sea salt adds volume to hair and provides a boost to hair roots.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Dry Scalp & Dandruff?</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Lavender Tea Tree - lavender essential oil has antimicrobial properties preventing bacteria and fungi from growing, soothing dry scalp, and reducing dandruff.</li><li>Pine Tar - pine tar gives fast relief to itchy scalp and removes loose dandruff.</li><li>Activated Charcoal Patchouli Spearmint - activated charcoal will soothe itchy and irritated scalps and moisturize them to prevent dandruff. It's also makes for a great deep cleaning shampoo ingredient.</li><li>Lavender Ginger Sea Salt - Added sea salt is an excellent exfoliate, cleaning the scalp of dead skin cells.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Thinning Hair and Hair Growth</b></p><p>All the shampoo bars below contain vitamins and proteins that encourage healthy hair growth as well as limiting hair loss.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Beer Bar - beer can give extra life to naturally curly hair as well!</li><li>Papaya Orange</li><li>Lemon Eucalyptus</li><li>Lavender Tea Tree</li><li>Spearmint Tea Tree</li></ul><div><b>Color Treated Hair</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Activated Charcoal Patchouli Spearmint is a great cleanser for color treated hair as it deep cleans the hair without stripping away the color.</li></ul></div><div><b>Gray Hair</b></div><div>The following bars have color additives that are the opposite of yellow on the color wheel and therefore help to neutralize the orange and brassy tones in grey and light colored hair.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/738691411/aloe-vera-avocado-butter-shampoo-bar?click_key=f4a37acceb95bcbaa7646623a731f01c425c6061%3A738691411&click_sum=9edc7b1b&ref=shop_home_active_24&crt=1&sts=1" target="_blank">Indigo Fir Orange </a>- contains added indigo powder.</li><li>Lavender Tea Tree - contains purple mica.</li><li>Activated Charcoal Patchouli Spearmint - has added activated charcoal.</li></ul><div><b>Scent Sensitive/Essential Oil Allergies</b></div></div><div>Now available, a shampoo bar with no added essential oil or colors. Just all natural, hair loving ingredients.</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/738691411/aloe-vera-avocado-butter-shampoo-bar?click_key=f4a37acceb95bcbaa7646623a731f01c425c6061%3A738691411&click_sum=9edc7b1b&ref=shop_home_active_24&crt=1&sts=1" target="_blank">Unscented Aloe Vera & Avocado Butter Shampoo Bar</a></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>I hope this information was helpful and the next time you're wondering what's the best shampoo for your particular hair need, this can serve as a reference.</div><div><br /></div><p></p>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-22949309224859162722022-10-28T16:28:00.000-07:002022-10-28T16:28:58.768-07:00Lora's Beauty Holiday Bazaar 2022 Schedule<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbwnQe4_coMcUMyCYwBG4bLJHqInWIt27jjLRDQyG2uwHZ-h8xXTlAWgIXNqGMhcjHA1B4ADtsDuJoT1lPZUuCGnBHK_URoHDh5UF9QDc4W_Aj61y_wFdQEhVT_HsAVGG6dfFfGC3KDXCJ2lVOvcl2t3qiewpZu38-tAOhtXity7YLjQZJxOvMAl_kQ/s1620/_DSC3971_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxbwnQe4_coMcUMyCYwBG4bLJHqInWIt27jjLRDQyG2uwHZ-h8xXTlAWgIXNqGMhcjHA1B4ADtsDuJoT1lPZUuCGnBHK_URoHDh5UF9QDc4W_Aj61y_wFdQEhVT_HsAVGG6dfFfGC3KDXCJ2lVOvcl2t3qiewpZu38-tAOhtXity7YLjQZJxOvMAl_kQ/s320/_DSC3971_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's hard to believe but I already feel in the thick of the holiday season! I've probably overextended myself this year but I'm just so excited about this year and this season!! <p></p><p>So, if you're local to the Portland Oregon area, I'd love to see you at one of these 5 (FIVE!!) bazaars I'll be doing.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>November 4&5 Hinson Holiday Bazaar 9:30 am - 4pm. 1137 SE 20th Portland</li><li>November 25 11am-4pm. Moon Market 914 NW Everett Portland.</li><li>December 3 11am-6pm German American Society Christmas Bazaar. 5626 NE Alameda St Portland.</li><li>December 8 2pm -8pm Madeleine Marketplace 3123 NE 24th St Porland.</li><li>December 10&11 10am-6pm Modo Yoga Winter Bazaar 400 NE Grand Ave Portland.</li></ul><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8TcSmIN0JkFh-_IdOB__-QgsPwzKB4YV6LkEDq6Caktsmvrrj4Lp7EqwkgLv-TUsjfzsSjCq2OUwa-jI4wvynseBs_cFZ3S45cfTMH3iMwNyVO6xsgfKHg23sC55tAy-u2yFTB6oz6KHp2_Q3d52jazTsbdFOsVekSY6dGN98ZLRw7HHf85SrCl3Lg/s1620/_DSC3974_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8TcSmIN0JkFh-_IdOB__-QgsPwzKB4YV6LkEDq6Caktsmvrrj4Lp7EqwkgLv-TUsjfzsSjCq2OUwa-jI4wvynseBs_cFZ3S45cfTMH3iMwNyVO6xsgfKHg23sC55tAy-u2yFTB6oz6KHp2_Q3d52jazTsbdFOsVekSY6dGN98ZLRw7HHf85SrCl3Lg/s320/_DSC3974_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Each market offers a different feel to the season.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALCT33XK9oqXdfhIuQEXX2-GNmG5y6synDnBqeKktk_aqMlXw_16Uw_oEYYcB4ygGhMQe9UmT6QSdlpflSfluhCKY0qoVn-C9mMspBkCGgpkffmGak7pFOKYXa6kCRFRgoxZiTPF14nQeT3JjrgX0X6xiT6zr70oEVB-7Jm0oDPXbdqk1L7AmLdY1Hw/s1620/_DSC3968_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjALCT33XK9oqXdfhIuQEXX2-GNmG5y6synDnBqeKktk_aqMlXw_16Uw_oEYYcB4ygGhMQe9UmT6QSdlpflSfluhCKY0qoVn-C9mMspBkCGgpkffmGak7pFOKYXa6kCRFRgoxZiTPF14nQeT3JjrgX0X6xiT6zr70oEVB-7Jm0oDPXbdqk1L7AmLdY1Hw/s320/_DSC3968_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Kicking off the season in only a few days will be the Hinson Holiday Bazaar. This one is a wonderful market. Coffee, pastries, and lunch are for sale and you can take your time checking out the handmade goods.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXrRSR1anPBIy27iqoUM7Avgy98gEHOurON2oGbxtaEnEjq7VEqg4UXeNyvv9odk-l4rHlPxVFuqdxZ33WRiO37agsxxPAFrNtxDd0b-RNJtCYW5YO4Gfsi-1fz9XWDABh1Gb1qfpEXQTkUuFBOqpX59AqEEzzIO8thB9i3xpD3X9a6nN48U4FI18Bg/s1620/_DSC3979_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXrRSR1anPBIy27iqoUM7Avgy98gEHOurON2oGbxtaEnEjq7VEqg4UXeNyvv9odk-l4rHlPxVFuqdxZ33WRiO37agsxxPAFrNtxDd0b-RNJtCYW5YO4Gfsi-1fz9XWDABh1Gb1qfpEXQTkUuFBOqpX59AqEEzzIO8thB9i3xpD3X9a6nN48U4FI18Bg/s320/_DSC3979_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The Moon Market and the Modo Yoga Winter Bazaar are new venues for me and I'm delighted to be participating in them.</div><div><br /></div><div>The German American Society Christmas Bazaar is a blast and last year was poppin'! There were food carts out front, Santa made an appearance, as did the Army Band. I expect this year to be just as fun.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNb7Tuht_FRXGrgels71dRYQvNkVR4O1xY8-TLGqZ0YI72hdVNunH8TXAuwCpmoJSfKyJzWR61S_nQufWrFZFm1cKRGqvEX9QvGTFw-kCPn74sz0o_mP2_0jPBgOV6Hp7-imPCWlAtIRLhxEDmUjMAs87fHvv5VjTskcBS5EUB_Bla9cwnXhf3bjRjg/s1620/_DSC3977_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNb7Tuht_FRXGrgels71dRYQvNkVR4O1xY8-TLGqZ0YI72hdVNunH8TXAuwCpmoJSfKyJzWR61S_nQufWrFZFm1cKRGqvEX9QvGTFw-kCPn74sz0o_mP2_0jPBgOV6Hp7-imPCWlAtIRLhxEDmUjMAs87fHvv5VjTskcBS5EUB_Bla9cwnXhf3bjRjg/s320/_DSC3977_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The Madeleine Marketplace is a nice neighborhood market. Santa is there and the tree out front gets lit at 6pm. Last year there were food carts as well.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfu0F8RbxwswZgXfcvky5WuK-_rC4sgwJNBKmW6amMTIWZam7EZ45B5W7E-8DTpPifG2U8KWA3w5zprKAL81MH0j2ewkEEgeqZeWKe_Mhn5dlS_tEBBbqKpbmUfjeOiIol2logYRc8voNbXAyQC0LBsuvkdbFBwIV8fvOTxP5OcxVr5OntvnJSBknvw/s1620/_DSC3983_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfu0F8RbxwswZgXfcvky5WuK-_rC4sgwJNBKmW6amMTIWZam7EZ45B5W7E-8DTpPifG2U8KWA3w5zprKAL81MH0j2ewkEEgeqZeWKe_Mhn5dlS_tEBBbqKpbmUfjeOiIol2logYRc8voNbXAyQC0LBsuvkdbFBwIV8fvOTxP5OcxVr5OntvnJSBknvw/s320/_DSC3983_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />If you can't make it to these events, get 10% off my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lorasbeauty">Etsy</a> shop and <a href="http://www.lorasbeauty.com">website</a> November 17-30th. On Etsy, the discount will be taken automatically. On my website, use the discount code Holiday2022.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy the season!</div><p></p>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-1593594850613995582022-10-10T08:08:00.003-07:002023-06-27T07:30:40.985-07:00What's The Best Soap To Use For....?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2zn8vUwHOKywKSPRAwW9Q71H_b2s-g6631dW-lT5JVfUVXh3pfMcCwwdDVaIjJOvHsbCFCYrLVdqCPjwfd6eA1zfGT_oLBvToW7ukhc3ZmTH1JpuYm08hq4stpXPZag4rxhNbnQni3zVwle5q6muwwq6-TZ-SuBb06BdmSMLgBfMV23xJ1ALPh7RcA/s1620/_DSC3471_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2zn8vUwHOKywKSPRAwW9Q71H_b2s-g6631dW-lT5JVfUVXh3pfMcCwwdDVaIjJOvHsbCFCYrLVdqCPjwfd6eA1zfGT_oLBvToW7ukhc3ZmTH1JpuYm08hq4stpXPZag4rxhNbnQni3zVwle5q6muwwq6-TZ-SuBb06BdmSMLgBfMV23xJ1ALPh7RcA/s320/_DSC3471_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>What's the best soap for ~<i>fill in the blank~</i>?<p></p><p>I'm often asked this question and I love it! I love it because it's an opportunity to talk about my soaps and explain why I choose the ingredients I do. Being able to pick and choose which ingredients I put in my soaps and therefore on my body is one of the main reasons I became a soap maker.</p><p>For almost all my body and face bars I start with olive oil, coconut oil, rice bran oil, castor oil, cocoa butter, goats milk and tussah silk fibers. These luscious ingredients form the base of most my soaps and on their own create a very moisturizing bar. I then get creative and depending on the soap I want to make, I'll add special ingredients that are known to benefit skin in one way or the other. These special ingredients determine what's the best soap for a particular skin type or problem.</p><p>Before I go any further, I would like to say that for most skin just changing to a good handmade bar of soap will bring noticeable benefits. Many store bought soaps and body washes contain petroleum products and other harsh chemicals and discontinuing use of them clears up many skin problems. However, if you're still having skin issues, perhaps the special ingredients I've added to some bars will help.</p><p><b>Dry Skin</b></p><p>I'll start with the most common skin problem, dry skin. I have a number of bars that work great for this ailment. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-q8FvUGqNN6XnHYn-1s92IuUCK5xUbY9inD2BABzU9toK_cpJxeKtTk6DBUCYJa6dN7X1sorn4dORg1Q8w0SxTsi_L6wfhBx4-PdGz9aTiLycVTfSs93y7JdWb09ROcOv7P5z-eeeg_paahoIGngZYey4yA0oAWV0l04QWE2_89HKt1mX7KwSCNreQ/s1620/DSC_6357_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-q8FvUGqNN6XnHYn-1s92IuUCK5xUbY9inD2BABzU9toK_cpJxeKtTk6DBUCYJa6dN7X1sorn4dORg1Q8w0SxTsi_L6wfhBx4-PdGz9aTiLycVTfSs93y7JdWb09ROcOv7P5z-eeeg_paahoIGngZYey4yA0oAWV0l04QWE2_89HKt1mX7KwSCNreQ/s320/DSC_6357_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Honey Beeswax</b> Honey will deep moisturize your skin and beeswax will hydrate and lock the moisture in.<br /></li><li><b>Oatmeal Calendula</b> For dry itchy skin, it's hard to beat colloidal oatmeal.</li><li><b>Calamine, Oatmeal, & Honey</b> For very dry skin added calamine is another defense.</li><li><b>Eucalyptus Peppermint </b>Studies suggestion the eucalyptus essential oil may strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier.</li><li><b>Indigo Peppermint Basil</b> Indigo is great at relieving redness and irritation and soothing dry skin.</li><li><b>Coconut Oil Free Lavender Eucalyptus</b> This bar has no coconut oil in it so extra olive oil is used making for a very moisturizing bar.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Oily Skin/Acne</b></p><p>The following bars work great for acne and oily skin.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Cinnamon </b>The antiseptic effects of cinnamon fight bacteria that cause acne.</li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKk-IeJB8rCBrulCqH4FvCp6Asz9PMPvxk5oXiVa7krptQFuHxJP-Jn5N2G9gR1H7z8HaR_XuWi6B2z691MkSQdMXql6Vv-NeKmV92Jx4YzEXtV1U5LX02oAY3-1jdeo68hkxLVbl0B6eL1rpAq9GZc-K_1p6_fBI70zSJTD-aT2weLZ-82lKFS8jGdw/s1328/DSC_5645_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1328" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKk-IeJB8rCBrulCqH4FvCp6Asz9PMPvxk5oXiVa7krptQFuHxJP-Jn5N2G9gR1H7z8HaR_XuWi6B2z691MkSQdMXql6Vv-NeKmV92Jx4YzEXtV1U5LX02oAY3-1jdeo68hkxLVbl0B6eL1rpAq9GZc-K_1p6_fBI70zSJTD-aT2weLZ-82lKFS8jGdw/s320/DSC_5645_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Activated Charcoal </b>Removes impurities and deep cleans.<br /></li><li><b>Tree Love with Activated Charcoal</b></li><li><b>Safflower Anise </b>Both safflower and anise help fight acne.</li><li><b>Indigo Peppermint Basil </b>Antiseptic and antibacterial properties of indigo powder make it great for healing acne scars.</li></ul><p></p><p><b>Eczema/Rashes/Insect Bites</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Himalayan Salt</b> Has anti-inflammatory properties that heal and soothe skin.</li><li><b>Orange Poppyseed </b>Oh the power of those little poppyseeds! They are full of antioxidants that reduce skin inflammation making them a good choice for eczema and rashes.</li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2T08dxDXFgvmgniCW8S8NKnapLKL5oGrsJ7DjFDxB2fRXvgoqbl91Rfhxs3EjpB1zNh7cs28P4b3wZ5nIVS9iTMs04dlhNL6EMkgXDdW0Kh6zkLVZdx2Q5uM3xz1W7VJ658lAB4XSfKnpy5asxTbIpyphcq90ib2d2VZJNesGu5tCXe4HnRtsZvHRg/s1620/DSC_5747_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN2T08dxDXFgvmgniCW8S8NKnapLKL5oGrsJ7DjFDxB2fRXvgoqbl91Rfhxs3EjpB1zNh7cs28P4b3wZ5nIVS9iTMs04dlhNL6EMkgXDdW0Kh6zkLVZdx2Q5uM3xz1W7VJ658lAB4XSfKnpy5asxTbIpyphcq90ib2d2VZJNesGu5tCXe4HnRtsZvHRg/s320/DSC_5747_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Calamine, Oatmeal & Honey </b>Reduces redness and swelling of infected skin from bug bites, rashes, or eczema.<br /></li><li><b>Oatmeal Calendula </b>Colloidal oatmeal binds to your skin and locks in moisture and relieves itchy skin.</li><li><b>Lavender </b>Lavender essential oil reduces redness, soothes and calms skin irritations and can help heal rashes. </li><li><b>Patchouli Cedar Sage </b>Patchouli and<b> c</b>edarwood essential oil have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties while sage relieves annoying skin coditions.</li><li><b>Pine Tar </b>Pine tar is great at relieving itchiness. It's also has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.</li></ul><div><b>Sunburn</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRr7hCDMwLh7-LEK7S2osYwSGHHtVTjNQcVsLtloNYBXSrWxBbMi0IOctj4PyFicwODCZECBEA033TzyUwOUtkvC3IoXri-WfMfQUz2aodbr52vEtM3mFSV_ZRH5H3uLzW_6eOIoalNgRG_6F4YLXD5Izl6XnqmfG8FMNwbVrth8I1BtUxBeHF5VUHJQ/s1620/DSC_6345_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRr7hCDMwLh7-LEK7S2osYwSGHHtVTjNQcVsLtloNYBXSrWxBbMi0IOctj4PyFicwODCZECBEA033TzyUwOUtkvC3IoXri-WfMfQUz2aodbr52vEtM3mFSV_ZRH5H3uLzW_6eOIoalNgRG_6F4YLXD5Izl6XnqmfG8FMNwbVrth8I1BtUxBeHF5VUHJQ/s320/DSC_6345_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Rosemary Mint Menthol </b>The cooling properties of menthol are great at soothing and relieving the pain associated with sunburn.<br /></li></ul><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Skin Allergy?</b></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9Zi_alkXzfWAC558ZoGUXoCBtTSEaKQZB4M4ADMZ4fCtK6mwZaqUll7Q__eqi_S2q6gBQFXqjfBq6QPeafU_WCV0EWMwckTZHRxc1wrJxA6_NhP0FUTFdQdUl9i7WPRd-bGP-nzNFfsuOCNDHIlvAsrZDO0rwLAT-wMmFADAAgavy9trPdrXYkbRGA/s1620/DSC_5759_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_9Zi_alkXzfWAC558ZoGUXoCBtTSEaKQZB4M4ADMZ4fCtK6mwZaqUll7Q__eqi_S2q6gBQFXqjfBq6QPeafU_WCV0EWMwckTZHRxc1wrJxA6_NhP0FUTFdQdUl9i7WPRd-bGP-nzNFfsuOCNDHIlvAsrZDO0rwLAT-wMmFADAAgavy9trPdrXYkbRGA/s320/DSC_5759_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Coconut Oil Free Lavender Anise </b>If you've ever had redness or itchiness after using a bar of good handmade soap, you could be having a reaction to coconut oil. Coconut oil allergies are not common but not entirely uncommon either and most handmade soaps are made with coconut oil. Likewise, if you have a known tree nut allergy it's best to avoid coconut oil. These bars are a great alternative being made with no coconut oil.</li></ul><div><b>Baby's Skin?</b></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnHibFQzHUUzAubPoU5zYdSVEGp9OmakPH9Ubyd4ro6tbbnU9aWQOtkzNva9YITqNneMuB54AbkoTzI9P6hQFiPdoW_W1tiYWFgfZ6bxaNf1AeKKVPPq8OUQj3HGEzpvqXDsViKxohpQccUsDOsqZMnOgPd-qNBev5fn-g_2FAZgkc8J6Z-1JeZL6aVPa/s800/DSC_7062_1_edited%20(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsnHibFQzHUUzAubPoU5zYdSVEGp9OmakPH9Ubyd4ro6tbbnU9aWQOtkzNva9YITqNneMuB54AbkoTzI9P6hQFiPdoW_W1tiYWFgfZ6bxaNf1AeKKVPPq8OUQj3HGEzpvqXDsViKxohpQccUsDOsqZMnOgPd-qNBev5fn-g_2FAZgkc8J6Z-1JeZL6aVPa/s320/DSC_7062_1_edited%20(1).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><b>Unscented Beeswax and Shea Butter </b>I purposely designed these bars to be gentle and soothing for the most delicate skin. No added colors or scents and only the best most natural ingredients.<br /></li></ul></div><p></p><p>I hope this list is helpful and can serve as a reference whenever a particular skin issue arises. Check out this <a href="https://simply.lorasbeauty.com/2022/11/whats-best-shampoo-bar-for.html">post</a> where I tackle the question "what's the best shampoo for....?"</p>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-18960306651534592832022-09-18T08:27:00.000-07:002022-11-20T16:24:50.050-08:00So Many New Things To Talk About<p>It's been about 1 1/2 years since I retired from my job as a software developer. I kept telling myself once I retired I'd have more time to deep dive into my sales data from <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/Lorasbeauty">Etsy</a> and my <a href="http://lorasbeauty.com">website</a>. I had illusions of downloading the data and loading it into a database and writing all kinds of queries against it to determine my best sellers, what people ordered most, ordered least, etc. Basically, do what I had done for the past 20 years at my job.</p><p>Well, I'm happy to report I haven't done that. I haven't written one single query against any data anywhere in the past year and a half! Amazingly, I didn't need to. I know what sells and what doesn't because I make the soap, package it up, and mail it every day. And you know what? I make a lot of dish soap and shampoo bars and conditioner bars. Those items really sell on my Etsy shop.</p><p>I also know from practical experience that my body soaps sell more on my website and in person bazaars and markets. So armed with that knowledge I'm happy to offer more dish soaps in new scents and shapes, more shampoo and conditioner bars in new scents, and new body bars as I prep for the upcoming holiday markets.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2IbxBSH5xK4NKn_uFjEFmIoBxk6NKi_NHy2Xs_zWJZGGP3RKwxU3fdmbW0Yozhiar869Dks6WtKa91Nuoua35NAKW1rYr22axfDZCehCcOjKexVnZoh4ZZTSrUOmndahwb8a87yFdZ6aIwBsBYyTs4lABlqpykrN9a4l8vCaF--uWJSBBfsrvgoaIQ/s1620/_DSC3925_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2IbxBSH5xK4NKn_uFjEFmIoBxk6NKi_NHy2Xs_zWJZGGP3RKwxU3fdmbW0Yozhiar869Dks6WtKa91Nuoua35NAKW1rYr22axfDZCehCcOjKexVnZoh4ZZTSrUOmndahwb8a87yFdZ6aIwBsBYyTs4lABlqpykrN9a4l8vCaF--uWJSBBfsrvgoaIQ/s320/_DSC3925_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Let's start with the new dish soaps that have hit my <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/Lorasbeauty">Etsy shop</a> and <a href="http://lorasbeauty.com">website</a> this month. I'll now offer a GIANT sized <a href="https://www.lorasbeauty.com/solid-dish-soap">rectangular bar</a>! This bar will be 3.5" X 3" X 1.5" and 8 oz, twice the weight of my round soaps and will come in several scents including the new Basil Orange. <div><br /></div><div>Speaking of new scents, I've added a new scent in my popular <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/758100996/solid-round-dish-washing-soap-zero-waste?click_key=47f25a4633a6d1e21caabed2649132571eedfa92%3A758100996&click_sum=d5b13b5a&ref=shop_home_active_1&bes=1&sts=1">round dish soap</a>, lemon basil. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpSApgcqc5XroBH59mzYjgo104ICgZ9qy9PsbkBT-f0ByyhcjggJPN3WEt_cua3koAznorLuIG8f1EwA7QzkJyYaIb7ZyTvSfvSyCHLOA0vW__vuEsy-HhunkESFmYOSaxvR955liuq-BTqq3DZl38jz3NNMYL3tpQTVEXeT0M-sMDHpCRnz2GIbBpA/s1620/_DSC3931_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpSApgcqc5XroBH59mzYjgo104ICgZ9qy9PsbkBT-f0ByyhcjggJPN3WEt_cua3koAznorLuIG8f1EwA7QzkJyYaIb7ZyTvSfvSyCHLOA0vW__vuEsy-HhunkESFmYOSaxvR955liuq-BTqq3DZl38jz3NNMYL3tpQTVEXeT0M-sMDHpCRnz2GIbBpA/s320/_DSC3931_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Another new dish soap shape I've added is a <a href="https://www.lorasbeauty.com/solid-dish-soap">smaller round bar.</a> This bar is approximately 2.25 inches in diameter and has been created, per a request from a customer, to work as a replacement for the dish that comes with the popular Full Circle dish soap set. Naturally, it will work in any soap dish, but if you purchased the Full Circle set, think of this bar the next time you need dish soap.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKYyX07tHzbszBLQ2INGUwZ4hweUW8vvKJtncA23_Ma7bkEeFoe36aCU9GtMBgDNDyrYzPtyhywHPmA7HZUyKq01d4AWYeSmY31Fug2eu_AAMq9il389iyAsuCvP4bGCgSoj51dhdjSUyGzz0pnXD2g7nbwmXpddqp_mrFgnp9XQgtOx8eE1FYxtYFw/s1620/_DSC3830_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDKYyX07tHzbszBLQ2INGUwZ4hweUW8vvKJtncA23_Ma7bkEeFoe36aCU9GtMBgDNDyrYzPtyhywHPmA7HZUyKq01d4AWYeSmY31Fug2eu_AAMq9il389iyAsuCvP4bGCgSoj51dhdjSUyGzz0pnXD2g7nbwmXpddqp_mrFgnp9XQgtOx8eE1FYxtYFw/s320/_DSC3830_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>For a limited time, I have a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1276977445/solid-cube-shaped-dish-washing-soap-zero?click_key=4a3a92fe3b12fbe37511d2b6575244989d39b84c%3A1276977445&click_sum=0cc8c55b&ref=shop_home_active_2&sts=1">cube sized dish bar</a>. This is limited because I discovered it was painfully hard to remove these bars from the mold.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CJE5YH2p712VeP77pGW_XCDkFTe6qnk92WYHzdkOgbaBXdGeTJBiK0v4HIYWfT0274Fdl3nG2Ay5B7oi_zvJmNE3rGyIqBaNP1KloYazLwfXQO_ZvqoKqX8ExYUxb3nwYNBwwK0F98DbNLbJfkPCWOsbmQf3X1SiYBZ0TdlLMzLJizWCwWBnwb6lSA/s1620/_DSC3876_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CJE5YH2p712VeP77pGW_XCDkFTe6qnk92WYHzdkOgbaBXdGeTJBiK0v4HIYWfT0274Fdl3nG2Ay5B7oi_zvJmNE3rGyIqBaNP1KloYazLwfXQO_ZvqoKqX8ExYUxb3nwYNBwwK0F98DbNLbJfkPCWOsbmQf3X1SiYBZ0TdlLMzLJizWCwWBnwb6lSA/s320/_DSC3876_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Two new shampoo bar scents are coming to my Etsy shop and website this month. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is a <a href="https://www.lorasbeauty.com/shampoo-conditioner-bars">lavender tea tree bar</a><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJWwdJwVHCstyryPnZTBccnLWWd02-6R7xFbzjOsmCjH9OOYPZtteL_GCIXM4FitHMxMzA1DnDghNCRlOLYhNk8UoecuYtAqvThGHCcr9jC-8w-Ve40Vkkg2lmtrlsBLZtPMEie_606oeQ6WNfjcAKGZIoc7nMEL61CPEEkM0h3iUXzfuHU3Cx7qO9Q/s1620/_DSC3885_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJWwdJwVHCstyryPnZTBccnLWWd02-6R7xFbzjOsmCjH9OOYPZtteL_GCIXM4FitHMxMzA1DnDghNCRlOLYhNk8UoecuYtAqvThGHCcr9jC-8w-Ve40Vkkg2lmtrlsBLZtPMEie_606oeQ6WNfjcAKGZIoc7nMEL61CPEEkM0h3iUXzfuHU3Cx7qO9Q/s320/_DSC3885_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />and an <a href="https://www.lorasbeauty.com/shampoo-conditioner-bars">activated charcoal bar</a> scented with patchouli spearmint. <p></p><p>Both these bars are vegan and made with aloe vera water, avocado butter, and the other same great ingredients as my current shampoo bars. </p><p>For more variety, I've also added a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/725190866/moisturizing-hair-conditioner-bar-with?click_key=3ef61bed795127610921c09b2df44127c78a228a%3A725190866&click_sum=97e07b6e&ref=shop_home_active_2&crt=1&sts=1">lavender conditioner bar</a> to my Etsy shop.</p><p>Three new body soaps will be available this holiday season. Two of those will make it to my Etsy shop and website, the other one will be sold only at the holiday markets. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbB8gXTG7iJ-1zulWQHwX3MIU-tqkxe2_1nna2e6anb-fO0oADOi0x1gqInyRpvPvye1cm3rhhFCRusfzscx8XCA9qEuCWERUbyBKG-T-snmSd8Dpi1hhOrsRWNadhp0XH8xS72nnmsm77M9rPHYxdPogtESXsZc43oSlxh3AdmaXyL9eEWjoo74lmIQ/s1620/_DSC3907_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbB8gXTG7iJ-1zulWQHwX3MIU-tqkxe2_1nna2e6anb-fO0oADOi0x1gqInyRpvPvye1cm3rhhFCRusfzscx8XCA9qEuCWERUbyBKG-T-snmSd8Dpi1hhOrsRWNadhp0XH8xS72nnmsm77M9rPHYxdPogtESXsZc43oSlxh3AdmaXyL9eEWjoo74lmIQ/s320/_DSC3907_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I've been wanting to make a <a href="https://www.lorasbeauty.com/honeybeeswax">Honey & Beeswax</a> body bar for sometime and am happy to offer this one made with goats milk, tussah silk, and all the nourishing oils and butters found in my other body soaps. This bar can be found in my Etsy shop and website.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUkOVM_arOYG8wUUXjxqiVvxhTUDrlWPJcKQ6i0Ftg-GZL2PsIlQw1IWBVizaZyH5Bk-yXUkpzukhvqj-oMWfNTDOGEYOIcUxUqaovikrJkr5Bpk6_c1wCCglUs122DPehXr5kcF7kOZC5CM_AqHf_D1Xo-Tj15Yn7ohlXlzgG4Ba4X82ABfhypVutw/s1620/_DSC3892_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUkOVM_arOYG8wUUXjxqiVvxhTUDrlWPJcKQ6i0Ftg-GZL2PsIlQw1IWBVizaZyH5Bk-yXUkpzukhvqj-oMWfNTDOGEYOIcUxUqaovikrJkr5Bpk6_c1wCCglUs122DPehXr5kcF7kOZC5CM_AqHf_D1Xo-Tj15Yn7ohlXlzgG4Ba4X82ABfhypVutw/s320/_DSC3892_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Also debuting online later this month is my Indigo Peppermint Basil bar. So much more than just a dye, indigo has been used for centuries as a medicinal herb and contains many skincare benefits.<p></p><p>Stay tuned as the holiday season progresses I'll have new gift sets and discount codes for subscribers of my blog! </p><p>If you're local to the Portland Oregon area, my first holiday market will be November 4 & 5 at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hinson+Memorial+Baptist+Church/@45.5145901,-122.64824,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x5495a098f0326f6f:0xa7b544c0d4a8fde6!8m2!3d45.5144465!4d-122.6460517">Hinson Memorial Baptist Church</a>, 1137 SE 20th Ave. Add a reminder to your online calendar! this is a nice, laid back market that also serves coffee, pastries and lunch.</p><p><br /></p></div>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-77092406226965741622022-08-19T15:15:00.000-07:002022-11-20T16:25:57.355-08:00How your package gets to you<p>I've written before about <a href="http://simply.lorasbeauty.com/2021/06/what-will-may-package-look-like.html">packaging</a> and <a href="http://simply.lorasbeauty.com/2022/06/the-thing-about-shipping-and-four-new.html">shipping</a> your Lora's Beauty orders. As someone who does a lot of ordering by mail, I know it's important. </p><p>Today's post is about <i>how</i> your package gets to the post office. I either walk or bike all packages there. I do this because I love the calm of walking or riding through my neighborhood and it's a great way to get exercise since the round trip is around 3 miles, but most importantly, I do it to be as environmentally friendly as possible. </p><p>If you follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/loradeann/">Instagram</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lorasbeauty">Facebook</a> you have probably seen my 'Journeys to the Post Office' posts. I deliver packages everyday to the post office except on Sundays. That means if you place an order on Monday, it will be in the mail and on it's way to you on Tuesday. Sometimes, if you time it just perfectly, I'll get it in that day's mail.</p><p>In case you don't follow me on social media, or you've missed my 'Journey to the Post Office' posts, I thought I'd share some photos from all the season's walks here today.</p><p>Let's start with Autumn! Don't worry, that little dog can get his head out of the fence.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2Vb26Y_BsDbwLzWB1ppJ4WTCBEIVvIJKe60pUNlxAVNWGMDWPrf8aEs-gdK6I0Spg8CiOSOqr7UyValPAHjF1QSaOQoTsMyDERj9E3tqpBT6HJAomsGue0qUsE5jh1fwDGxGYWzAIpGDxADB44pVK1kjuf4-HAeC6jdVvclK25tzcM2jUgmqXM5rvw/s2046/PXL_20211018_164726665-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2046" data-original-width="2046" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2Vb26Y_BsDbwLzWB1ppJ4WTCBEIVvIJKe60pUNlxAVNWGMDWPrf8aEs-gdK6I0Spg8CiOSOqr7UyValPAHjF1QSaOQoTsMyDERj9E3tqpBT6HJAomsGue0qUsE5jh1fwDGxGYWzAIpGDxADB44pVK1kjuf4-HAeC6jdVvclK25tzcM2jUgmqXM5rvw/w640-h640/PXL_20211018_164726665-COLLAGE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most of the time winter involves a walk with an umbrella but this day we had snow!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUxixEX0TTofL-ylHN_tqflHVu8ngkK2ZRg7pD9ykT_6brFruu-LSXsdzHtLWy5SSU6qXZnT9OgBN-lz9Kq_V6ZcJ02BhR0zvJ31D93YtPhJErvzSjugFsBz9Zxonvn9eejSVYOA8oXGITTNbHibx_SVXFnbyFwvaamW466POCftAPaQ1sbhIVQWN3A/s2047/PXL_20211228_182809399.PORTRAIT-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2047" data-original-width="2047" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUxixEX0TTofL-ylHN_tqflHVu8ngkK2ZRg7pD9ykT_6brFruu-LSXsdzHtLWy5SSU6qXZnT9OgBN-lz9Kq_V6ZcJ02BhR0zvJ31D93YtPhJErvzSjugFsBz9Zxonvn9eejSVYOA8oXGITTNbHibx_SVXFnbyFwvaamW466POCftAPaQ1sbhIVQWN3A/w640-h640/PXL_20211228_182809399.PORTRAIT-COLLAGE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As always, spring follows winter!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWv8GBfJJqREQG7LhAoi380PJqpoVQh0TZI_rszNSUVhoXqsfRZHtjniSiJJKjzJWYOfqVzHQe8FRTOnlovTcNWGV0_Dmjy7cQx46oKmxzZdCmPNnhDaHGEF7uSeLh1_IEUAoA4S5qkAFdvTo4EAIQqGdfXWLkXDdvuYs--96YuRhjlUUXzlY7j3VNg/s2046/PXL_20220503_165942884.PORTRAIT-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2046" data-original-width="2046" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaWv8GBfJJqREQG7LhAoi380PJqpoVQh0TZI_rszNSUVhoXqsfRZHtjniSiJJKjzJWYOfqVzHQe8FRTOnlovTcNWGV0_Dmjy7cQx46oKmxzZdCmPNnhDaHGEF7uSeLh1_IEUAoA4S5qkAFdvTo4EAIQqGdfXWLkXDdvuYs--96YuRhjlUUXzlY7j3VNg/w640-h640/PXL_20220503_165942884.PORTRAIT-COLLAGE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, summer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2T2PfmCHSIPkhoiiAq853kaL0_okWqisfmKDlAeGskfuB8CSq5lHFnzVIJ_b9QAh6_VN0DbYUDfqbT3cvCsD6PcL_1K-pTBd-sBqy2vD_-nL7xgyMZufKwbpPmy7ppXrubf4SW1kYFpUbcyeW84HZqhJeQOa8OFsE0wa1T3C6SuGx8asCxuziY7EwMA/s2047/PXL_20220712_160534154.MP-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2047" data-original-width="2047" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2T2PfmCHSIPkhoiiAq853kaL0_okWqisfmKDlAeGskfuB8CSq5lHFnzVIJ_b9QAh6_VN0DbYUDfqbT3cvCsD6PcL_1K-pTBd-sBqy2vD_-nL7xgyMZufKwbpPmy7ppXrubf4SW1kYFpUbcyeW84HZqhJeQOa8OFsE0wa1T3C6SuGx8asCxuziY7EwMA/w640-h640/PXL_20220712_160534154.MP-COLLAGE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next month I begin gearing up for the holiday season! That means making a batch of soap just about everyday. I've been keeping a list of new holiday soaps to make including a honey&beeswax bar, an orange eucalyptus mint bar naturally colored pink&green, a navy blue and white bar naturally colored with indigo and scented with cedarwood, peppermint & basil, and finally a smaller round dish soap that will fit in the popular Full Circle dispensers as replacement soap.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until next time, enjoy the last days of summer!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-15679291861525207912022-06-26T17:45:00.000-07:002022-11-20T16:25:43.844-08:00The Thing About Shipping and Four New Products!<p>After mailing over two thousand packages, I've discovered a few things about shipping within the US, and would like to share them with you. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dMAUdIJzbhmXweSdNHvyJWC49n5S1NSE0Xz974ZcFYgIXVyErpNr6SrTsqOk5am2gKx_4sYfePMCwpgjn50sgA28sgSHw5qM8wPavIlFISB52zk5icFDHr1BQnzbiisTx4CxhVLGOHot5tqzo5nvPdcocGnQhLZxwjEe-jIei3lcCnQlutl72uF45Q/s4032/PXL_20220328_163245941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dMAUdIJzbhmXweSdNHvyJWC49n5S1NSE0Xz974ZcFYgIXVyErpNr6SrTsqOk5am2gKx_4sYfePMCwpgjn50sgA28sgSHw5qM8wPavIlFISB52zk5icFDHr1BQnzbiisTx4CxhVLGOHot5tqzo5nvPdcocGnQhLZxwjEe-jIei3lcCnQlutl72uF45Q/s320/PXL_20220328_163245941.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>When ordering from Lora's Beauty <a href="http://www.lorasbeauty.com" target="_blank">website</a> or <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Lorasbeauty" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>, you should never pay in shipping costs more than the cost of a USPS Flat Rate Padded Envelope ($8.45 as of today). I offer free shipping on all orders over $35 and I've priced my products so orders under $35 can fit in a flat rate padded envelope.<p></p><p>On my <a href="http://www.lorasbeauty.com" target="_blank">website</a>, I make sure that you're never charged more than that, however, I don't have that kind of control on my Etsy shop. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLemujbDArPvcQtDGXYvkm3yaycQQmrxyIjit8gHuXkal8QOwoO8icwFeBzT7IBCd7SGCDrKquDYVLvPeGHY-EYFOAZcg4ycUUdrZzQ-0hblaTj1uJVe4SB8XT-jznyzyE_XKgA2ViTXDvIxqA73DqIXK3oJ9XThk1uikBPqaXTpPNinajsnjkOM2TrQ/s2592/IMG_20140421_065358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLemujbDArPvcQtDGXYvkm3yaycQQmrxyIjit8gHuXkal8QOwoO8icwFeBzT7IBCd7SGCDrKquDYVLvPeGHY-EYFOAZcg4ycUUdrZzQ-0hblaTj1uJVe4SB8XT-jznyzyE_XKgA2ViTXDvIxqA73DqIXK3oJ9XThk1uikBPqaXTpPNinajsnjkOM2TrQ/s320/IMG_20140421_065358.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />On my website, I have set up shipping rules so any purchases under $12 will ship for $5, purchases $12 to $34.99 ship for the cost of a padded flat rate envelope, and purchases over $35 are free to ship.<p></p><p>On Etsy I have to enter the weight of each item individually as it's packaged. So a 5 oz bar of soap with packaging would weigh about 7 oz to ship. Etsy then uses the USPS data to lookup the destination of the package and returns the price to mail the 7 oz package from Portland, OR (where Lora's Beauty is.) Over charges can happen when multiple bars of soap are purchased since they'll be mailed in one box. For example, two 5 oz bars in one box would really weigh approximately 12 oz (5 X 2 + 2) but Etsy figures it as 14 oz. Amazingly, over charges don't happen that often and I refund them when they do. </p><p>Now onto some more exciting news! I have new products in my shop!!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8HesJ2_QVJCvlvqwrE4SIgOetgO0Fqd7vXVwCTuz_KB0rSpINEqDNcfKKhfgcHwa2KpTLyXn94Zgqhmz-W8xyZQi4ZCnh-xq1w_2lUDSJUprxM7F85Q8QPvSkuoN5qyvLY66AW8SEUNKpBRbiu-3NHsV-rD4eJZvbARElc9Vr39quZxRaTgO6b6djg/s1620/_DSC3708_2_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW8HesJ2_QVJCvlvqwrE4SIgOetgO0Fqd7vXVwCTuz_KB0rSpINEqDNcfKKhfgcHwa2KpTLyXn94Zgqhmz-W8xyZQi4ZCnh-xq1w_2lUDSJUprxM7F85Q8QPvSkuoN5qyvLY66AW8SEUNKpBRbiu-3NHsV-rD4eJZvbARElc9Vr39quZxRaTgO6b6djg/s320/_DSC3708_2_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Have you ever found yourself with small bits and pieces of soap that are too small to hold in your hand? Or have you ever wanted a washcloth where you could just slip your bar of soap into it and use it for scrubbing your body? Well, Lora's Beauty now has handmade crochet <a href="https://www.lorasbeauty.com/soap-saver" target="_blank">soap savers </a>that will solve both these problems!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0jQJf_6X_vScrbjlm5WiHCT1oKfqpPLd7g0qjMaFGOQc3RTUIzEqh7mV1G9hC1O153wzv5U4aC-yBECHm-51nAltLD92kMMOxqdD3xliCIuokbUg6eKhdZBF5IEJJF4RF0ZF2F2iiasUmVgbn1iatLxXJUDaa_uUwpUmx5HUtQUnkU_JaPpmHBJRSQ/s1620/_DSC3703_2_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk0jQJf_6X_vScrbjlm5WiHCT1oKfqpPLd7g0qjMaFGOQc3RTUIzEqh7mV1G9hC1O153wzv5U4aC-yBECHm-51nAltLD92kMMOxqdD3xliCIuokbUg6eKhdZBF5IEJJF4RF0ZF2F2iiasUmVgbn1iatLxXJUDaa_uUwpUmx5HUtQUnkU_JaPpmHBJRSQ/s320/_DSC3703_2_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />These soap savers are made with 100% cotton yarn and have a tiny loop on the corner so you can hang them to dry between uses. All my soap's sizes and shapes will fit in them.<p></p><p>Also new in my shop are my <a href="https://www.lorasbeauty.com/liquor-soaps" target="_blank">spirits inspired soaps!</a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPp5HUtlnO9PkvTYjQEWe4453Fp2mKP77OZ1yNfbg2-7YBymC8OokYqdP_oE_FInbbQ7JU7-Bcqc82bz-ms69eygFyBodLGSaK1-aqmoiTZ5-Pyqbicb3W8J4oS4drGk46Ya_w-26joPr9Na6hcSadlEkMb1_-UczGc8JfgtFmevOFIL7-jQAqtEt_Sg/s1620/_DSC3735_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPp5HUtlnO9PkvTYjQEWe4453Fp2mKP77OZ1yNfbg2-7YBymC8OokYqdP_oE_FInbbQ7JU7-Bcqc82bz-ms69eygFyBodLGSaK1-aqmoiTZ5-Pyqbicb3W8J4oS4drGk46Ya_w-26joPr9Na6hcSadlEkMb1_-UczGc8JfgtFmevOFIL7-jQAqtEt_Sg/s320/_DSC3735_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />There's one made with whiskey,<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4jkUS4PebfAan1ggkPUDy2QtK-ixOfaCrp7snlxqLoCCDqSV_yfo5q88LyannlASGvWJ23zfO1cK1rWveC3ZiOou_at3KPHpYgKx2jDQaZfPCVeEu_hNn5TRFauUaOs5UFbMz00u7V2lHi3irbKws5mxZGyTfcQb_AFtrfKFQdQOiScYeoRV6aX1tg/s1620/_DSC3733_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4jkUS4PebfAan1ggkPUDy2QtK-ixOfaCrp7snlxqLoCCDqSV_yfo5q88LyannlASGvWJ23zfO1cK1rWveC3ZiOou_at3KPHpYgKx2jDQaZfPCVeEu_hNn5TRFauUaOs5UFbMz00u7V2lHi3irbKws5mxZGyTfcQb_AFtrfKFQdQOiScYeoRV6aX1tg/s320/_DSC3733_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />one made with gin,<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzO5eo4ZSNt3sj0ib3oLzwXlK9boq7uv9sK1edhsfqh0QXgGrpLKkfjeu90zpHk0rWViIRO0bkFildIPnWAjIwWM_vm9WfDJtuP3rDLtAV-wohWv41wQWHoFGPp6G1swhzQWqnA8c3QXIpuIZIufwNjHXyUeOlWE4ywGdwouoJAk_PY1BKd025mAZtPg/s1620/_DSC3718_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzO5eo4ZSNt3sj0ib3oLzwXlK9boq7uv9sK1edhsfqh0QXgGrpLKkfjeu90zpHk0rWViIRO0bkFildIPnWAjIwWM_vm9WfDJtuP3rDLtAV-wohWv41wQWHoFGPp6G1swhzQWqnA8c3QXIpuIZIufwNjHXyUeOlWE4ywGdwouoJAk_PY1BKd025mAZtPg/s320/_DSC3718_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />and one made with aquavit!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkuvxoSrVOVkE9VB8xGd5aAZjhu34JcaPJq9UmIgMhzgV1ldXRp8cqRR0YAAUK1B_wxS9UOpXAyhyJ2bjk2cLxEl7CbM9RLnVcdGeJr4qGA3uWsDTRHtyfQwxCY72csSFlT7JJAt29_8wBc6oDsS-9WSmcc3ViGol31SnoowB2IdRL9vBitzH94Qg6A/s1620/_DSC3744_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkuvxoSrVOVkE9VB8xGd5aAZjhu34JcaPJq9UmIgMhzgV1ldXRp8cqRR0YAAUK1B_wxS9UOpXAyhyJ2bjk2cLxEl7CbM9RLnVcdGeJr4qGA3uWsDTRHtyfQwxCY72csSFlT7JJAt29_8wBc6oDsS-9WSmcc3ViGol31SnoowB2IdRL9vBitzH94Qg6A/s320/_DSC3744_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />These soaps aren't just fun, they're also great for your skin. Each bar contains aloe vera gel, silk fibers, and either whiskey, gin, or aquavit spirits, as well as all the wonderful oils and butters found in all my soaps.<p></p><p>Aquavit, being made with vitamin E rich caraway seeds, improves skin appearance.</p><p>Gin, thanks to the lovely juniper berry, provides smoother, softer skin.</p><p>Whiskey contains wonderful antiseptic capabilities making it a great choice for oily skin and a defense against acne. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN8CwXfyuGG2EX4x92zj1XsMH-NCUeM4orQ2pFe3eCSAo096HZ6ej6R2uXo0QmCrcLAEqoe7--PUh_mCO0THghtCUrMu5AtJ4CtIr2PdBnLrqavh0gfrM9ynKW9NP8mUkbDDKTMfmC1Tn46AgL0tiBwLj89YSQlpYiah7luTWiUqR5jXkvTgd6bUN7g/s1620/_DSC3745_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN8CwXfyuGG2EX4x92zj1XsMH-NCUeM4orQ2pFe3eCSAo096HZ6ej6R2uXo0QmCrcLAEqoe7--PUh_mCO0THghtCUrMu5AtJ4CtIr2PdBnLrqavh0gfrM9ynKW9NP8mUkbDDKTMfmC1Tn46AgL0tiBwLj89YSQlpYiah7luTWiUqR5jXkvTgd6bUN7g/s320/_DSC3745_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>One of each in a gift box would make a wonderful gift!<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-38366007644877285992022-05-28T08:20:00.000-07:002022-11-20T16:25:33.033-08:00Twelve Years Running and Three Other Things Happening At Lora's Beauty<p>May has always been a special month for me. Besides it being my son's birthday month, it's also the month I first started Lora's Beauty!</p><p>It's hard to believe it's been 12 years since I first opened my online shop at <a href="http://www.Lorasbeauty.com">Lorasbeauty.com</a>! </p><p>One of my goals this year, and every year, is to continue to grow Lora's Beauty. I'd love to do that through my <a href="http://www.lorasbeauty.com" target="_blank">website</a> but my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Lorasbeauty">Etsy shop</a> generates over 90% of my business. Etsy has been great at generating sales and I have had nothing but good encounters on it. However, I'd feel more comfortable if my sales were diversified across different platforms. That's why in April I opened a <a href="https://www.mindfulmarket.com/LorasBeauty/">Mindful Market Place shop.</a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmfjad4LPiVDR1dIGo0T-rAnl539ljHXnbz73Y5nbPcWgB-Ul0v39aRWC4537CDk1FL0leKjZ4TOPm7i_AYmHxHNbSZaKXHnwTum2k4M6TY_siyLag2sruEFf3Unr-thZUs3qO5YimJ6LXvmKY_eFinBLpxX73Fiz5fYNpLRntRYRwD-Px-Cqi6efcQ/s1897/Screenshot%202022-05-21%206.43.28%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1897" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmfjad4LPiVDR1dIGo0T-rAnl539ljHXnbz73Y5nbPcWgB-Ul0v39aRWC4537CDk1FL0leKjZ4TOPm7i_AYmHxHNbSZaKXHnwTum2k4M6TY_siyLag2sruEFf3Unr-thZUs3qO5YimJ6LXvmKY_eFinBLpxX73Fiz5fYNpLRntRYRwD-Px-Cqi6efcQ/w400-h184/Screenshot%202022-05-21%206.43.28%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>Mindful Market Place is similar to Etsy in that small business can create shops. The difference is there is a real push for 'conscious capitalism.' Conscious capitalism is the belief that business is more than just making a profit and shoppers can make a difference by buying from people or companies that share their values. <p></p><p>It's pretty heady stuff and I'd like to see it take off but the marketplace is relatively new and it doesn't have a lot of traffic yet. I'm also not too keen on the shipping choices. The only shipping option is to calculate shipping per number of items in which you create a fixed price for the first item and then one amount for each additional items. To get around this, I increased the price of each of my products and then offered free shipping on all of them with no minimum purchase requirement. It's not perfect but I'm hoping as Mindful Marketplace grows, the shipping options will improve.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ygp7Lu3Ib7qXpmvhrWAX8SOGlPlXrHi8ceCsaodXLEK-HYe_zYh1P3c3OfOq0-Gsw0QItH_gKCImWUgbIr_xpt7hGrrafaIEx4tw6tUFw7O81VoNFtNZlsdtLSZy9v7vGjm1kHMhSenBBI6TAe_PwbPCcOhB1egXznsdP0sfjr5m9rYhgb-PyhJ3YQ/s1427/_DSC3578_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1427" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ygp7Lu3Ib7qXpmvhrWAX8SOGlPlXrHi8ceCsaodXLEK-HYe_zYh1P3c3OfOq0-Gsw0QItH_gKCImWUgbIr_xpt7hGrrafaIEx4tw6tUFw7O81VoNFtNZlsdtLSZy9v7vGjm1kHMhSenBBI6TAe_PwbPCcOhB1egXznsdP0sfjr5m9rYhgb-PyhJ3YQ/w400-h226/_DSC3578_edited.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br />In May I took a vacation to visit my son in Connecticut. He and his fiancee moved there last August. They bought a beautiful house and have quickly made it a cozy home. I'm so proud of them and I had a wonderful visit. <p></p><p>From Connecticut, I flew to North Carolina to visit an old friend. It was there that I had an idea for a new soap! My friend was doctoring his leg from multiple bug bites with calamine lotion. He said it was what his doctor recommended. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZJuBpdSGKBtsZseaIKhCx2HDZZRCpgb_YFyDgy50c_qRaKnuerZ3KuxCsR2jPyxqkNF293FP688LeS6O5XfKXXPTWFMJb8mt3i5EvX5dazJMK0AMexbNgaQlvhrSSGcEoOHO5Xb6pSHRB9aIcbXT4Y89rCFV6oya1Q4jG99h79_4uprfO65AxQjJ1w/s1620/_DSC3710_1_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZJuBpdSGKBtsZseaIKhCx2HDZZRCpgb_YFyDgy50c_qRaKnuerZ3KuxCsR2jPyxqkNF293FP688LeS6O5XfKXXPTWFMJb8mt3i5EvX5dazJMK0AMexbNgaQlvhrSSGcEoOHO5Xb6pSHRB9aIcbXT4Y89rCFV6oya1Q4jG99h79_4uprfO65AxQjJ1w/s320/_DSC3710_1_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>My mind went to soap and the thought of adding calamine to soap to soothe itchy bug-bitten skin. I quickly went online and ordered some calamine powder. Once I returned home, I made my new Calamine, Oatmeal, and Honey Goats Milk Soap!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHM19CjvZzYdMtI6jTGyJyi8zZlxfHyQkjzrIOzjVcwkFSzJKPXSH2vn5MWJh4K9kCKqejBq0tXDtCtrGlj1iiq2Tlbdb5BKpfiGl4vHY5RTxosecZtx2Ikv_L0HEVIlz47GCgLK89XhulF2ACVZgmsNUGmXNzylwB5L9KCeRyKhZfDVOpLujNoLiUdw/s1620/_DSC3711_1_edited%20(1).jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHM19CjvZzYdMtI6jTGyJyi8zZlxfHyQkjzrIOzjVcwkFSzJKPXSH2vn5MWJh4K9kCKqejBq0tXDtCtrGlj1iiq2Tlbdb5BKpfiGl4vHY5RTxosecZtx2Ikv_L0HEVIlz47GCgLK89XhulF2ACVZgmsNUGmXNzylwB5L9KCeRyKhZfDVOpLujNoLiUdw/s320/_DSC3711_1_edited%20(1).jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Calamine has long been used to relieve irritation from minor skin issues like hives or bug bites. It also works well to dry out rashes caused from poisonous plants. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLi19VqFLzbkVhI7JKKahZQaRKrXg5jLqsCO4xLjgACamssgR3Y_0rCkIIKpvC-c-Ft8VVVNzRBblqN3xg8PleMNvsS_SfBcgUay1QoAQHM8fJv2upWcG_jWO0Ee4Zyf5mEWPfiN8aA6krq8HofuUrBBpj-B6ZdBttrbEU9X2SX4QKFWj7DCQCcerYg/s1620/_DSC3700_1_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLi19VqFLzbkVhI7JKKahZQaRKrXg5jLqsCO4xLjgACamssgR3Y_0rCkIIKpvC-c-Ft8VVVNzRBblqN3xg8PleMNvsS_SfBcgUay1QoAQHM8fJv2upWcG_jWO0Ee4Zyf5mEWPfiN8aA6krq8HofuUrBBpj-B6ZdBttrbEU9X2SX4QKFWj7DCQCcerYg/s320/_DSC3700_1_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Besides calamine powder, I've added colloidal oatmeal and honey to the already great ingredients of olive oil, goats' milk, cocoa butter, castor oil, rice bran oil, and tussah silk. The essential oils of rosemary, lavender, and eucalyptus complete the soap. This bar is now available on my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1224743824/calamine-oatmeal-honey-goat-milk-soap?click_key=a767df116488dac11ba56806e3f6ba0354bc7542%3A1224743824&click_sum=626e436a&ref=shop_home_active_1&sts=1">Etsy</a> shop and <a href="https://www.lorasbeauty.com/calamineoatmealhoney">website</a>. <p></p><p>Finally, I want to mention something I'm sure everyone has noticed lately, the cost of everything has increased. This includes the cost of ingredients used in making my soaps, lotion bar, and ceramic dishes. Even the Etsy fees to sell my products has increased. Because of this, I have raised the price for most my products approximately .25 cents per item and, at least for now, I have not increased the price of items sold on my <a href="http://www.lorasbeauty.com" target="_blank">website</a>. So for the best deal, shop directly from my <a href="http://www.lorasbeauty.com" target="_blank">website</a>! The coupon code LBTHANKYOU will give you an additional 10% off on purchases from my <a href="http://www.lorasbeauty.com">website</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Lorasbeauty">Etsy</a> store.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2qZzmBr0DpOyw4gjSEjyEmkGtP3LnsJmfzYTufiiT0fpNUiq9COyyyZxN3PM6F3z02JwPoWSKV27tjscikDdsJvzZpIAcqNh8_0v63Rkx0ihdmrLSaRTI_IOwvy2Ra2XOJEK3hau-wkOVPrjFWQ96NHNHCGac1ZhFhZDe9QWw27XSdFEIkr2yTZDqw/s4032/PXL_20220527_165341864.PORTRAIT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2qZzmBr0DpOyw4gjSEjyEmkGtP3LnsJmfzYTufiiT0fpNUiq9COyyyZxN3PM6F3z02JwPoWSKV27tjscikDdsJvzZpIAcqNh8_0v63Rkx0ihdmrLSaRTI_IOwvy2Ra2XOJEK3hau-wkOVPrjFWQ96NHNHCGac1ZhFhZDe9QWw27XSdFEIkr2yTZDqw/s320/PXL_20220527_165341864.PORTRAIT.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />One last thing...if you follow me on Instagram (if you don't click <a href="https://www.instagram.com/loradeann/">here</a>) you probably already know this, I have a trio of new soaps coming out later this summer made from liquor! Specifically they are made from aquavit, gin, and whiskey. It took a little bit of chemistry to figure out how to add spirits to soap but I got it working. Look for more details in my blog next month!<p></p><p>Thank you for your interest in and support of Lora's Beauty!</p><p><br /></p>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-32099750656282681212022-04-06T18:33:00.000-07:002022-05-01T18:14:56.681-07:00An Updated View Of The Soap Studio And Two Other Things To Know This Spring<p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hello! I've been making soap for well over a decade now and like most soapmakers, I started in my kitchen. It wasn't until February of 2020 that I finally created a dedicated workspace for soapmaking. I'm thrilled to share some photos with you now since I've done even more organizing in it. First, there's a couple business topics I need to cover.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOh0R391wJ915Wx23kPoCIejijd40rqS1h7S3mOyUqH6eemUiBkQruIrLzPXdiuiZFNAXAfk8Hf4_h4AwhhjR2ILV_YpTX7_dV_MRDvjLRR9nvgs1li2AFgws3FynR_t7FAAKlz5eJGd7P5Mo4WBwX7fQ3Svdq_1QAU6XdPmnvswo4tX96Y4_j-jXrPw/s1620/_DSC2836_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOh0R391wJ915Wx23kPoCIejijd40rqS1h7S3mOyUqH6eemUiBkQruIrLzPXdiuiZFNAXAfk8Hf4_h4AwhhjR2ILV_YpTX7_dV_MRDvjLRR9nvgs1li2AFgws3FynR_t7FAAKlz5eJGd7P5Mo4WBwX7fQ3Svdq_1QAU6XdPmnvswo4tX96Y4_j-jXrPw/s320/_DSC2836_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />I'll start with the one I always mention this time of year, the heat and my conditioner bar. W<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ith the weather warming up across the US it becomes more difficult to mail the Moisturizing Hair Conditioner Bar since temperatures over 90 degrees will melt the bar as it's packed with moisturizing butters. </span></span><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-96455bb9-7fff-75c8-085f-4130966debaa"><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you like the bar and plan on reordering, I’m encouraging people to order more soon if you think you might run out before the end of summer. Most likely, by the end of May I’ll need to pack all bars in a 4 oz tin with screw on lid increasing the price $2. This tin is an optional add on outside of the summer months.</span></p><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The second thing I'd like to mention is I'm going on vacation!! This will be my first vacation since 2020, before Covid changed the world, and I'm </span>definitely<span style="font-family: inherit;"> looking forward to it! I'll be visiting my son and his fiance in </span>Connecticut<span style="font-family: inherit;"> then going to see my friends in North Carolina. My shop and website will remain open and I've secured someone to fill orders while I'm gone. I have complete confidence in my unpaid helper(😊) but I wanted to mention it especially if you're a repeat customer. My vacation is the first two weeks in May.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now on to the exciting stuff!! Before and after photos! If you're like me, I love before and after photos especially if they have to do with hairstyles or remolding! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I mentioned, back in 2020, I hired a local contractor to remodel a few things in my basement laundry room to make it a functional space that I could make soap in. While they were at it, I had them increase the closet space in the downstairs bedroom.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BnaM0sFX3gSuSEqw4GYOvmQe4AnJameHYgT4AhGRJBlq0S5g9ddbw_NMzTz5Ap99czALYbVu6HBzAoI8E1pMinjl1_SYDkNE1MCtMluWvW8LuxAFXA8Q1myNjainREu0p1SmMWZpwNXs9RY7Yknn449egIk0yi-vXr0M7Dcir7OfmiAWmi560_CtOA/s1920/IMG_20200127_121951_edited%20(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1713" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BnaM0sFX3gSuSEqw4GYOvmQe4AnJameHYgT4AhGRJBlq0S5g9ddbw_NMzTz5Ap99czALYbVu6HBzAoI8E1pMinjl1_SYDkNE1MCtMluWvW8LuxAFXA8Q1myNjainREu0p1SmMWZpwNXs9RY7Yknn449egIk0yi-vXr0M7Dcir7OfmiAWmi560_CtOA/s320/IMG_20200127_121951_edited%20(1).jpeg" width="286" /></a></div><br />Here's a peak at what the basement looked like.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">This view is looking through the closet in the bedroom after they demolished the wall.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquI6DtZ6Df4exPjUb-fOI-7w20ZycvqBNT4fgD6iPW4Y301zNc0yM7PblWVVcrXg40lwI8RwTTWkw4sCRVYt9VIVNI8GgI4DnuWMi67RuQxpSt9oAIZN78EzWr_J-rI1HiGRELUeYV1ugu-bARRyO7fnkkVuvttsLvAg2m3DBqgKw7c0rRlf7Qod4EA/s1920/IMG_20200125_112139_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1631" data-original-width="1920" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquI6DtZ6Df4exPjUb-fOI-7w20ZycvqBNT4fgD6iPW4Y301zNc0yM7PblWVVcrXg40lwI8RwTTWkw4sCRVYt9VIVNI8GgI4DnuWMi67RuQxpSt9oAIZN78EzWr_J-rI1HiGRELUeYV1ugu-bARRyO7fnkkVuvttsLvAg2m3DBqgKw7c0rRlf7Qod4EA/s320/IMG_20200125_112139_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Here's a photo of the closet with the wall before it was demolished and enlarged.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrdsyCU7qaj0tQVohB7C9arQH3sWQ0J30cRafGPEjKE780AllnxT1k8EVLb6xkquZV7UCFYECOrwRSZAW1YukSq5E3DaO6FZZxcPwdLVRJ_clVOc2FN5I5wBBPLzsWcqWTl1cQQtN5qDmyl_cNNrC8pF6etEQdmfVGP7SAK__JlXcVTYQJghq7ajT8Q/s4032/IMG_20200206_124117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmrdsyCU7qaj0tQVohB7C9arQH3sWQ0J30cRafGPEjKE780AllnxT1k8EVLb6xkquZV7UCFYECOrwRSZAW1YukSq5E3DaO6FZZxcPwdLVRJ_clVOc2FN5I5wBBPLzsWcqWTl1cQQtN5qDmyl_cNNrC8pF6etEQdmfVGP7SAK__JlXcVTYQJghq7ajT8Q/s320/IMG_20200206_124117.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">In this photo you can see on the right the new wall for the walk in closet and the space where my new sink and </span>countertops<span style="font-family: inherit;"> will live.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div>Since there is a bedroom down here and the tv room, it was important that I had good ventilation while making soap so part of the renovation included a heavy duty fan vented outside.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXxKPVY9szMjMCbfmk1KGwpsRQWLm1dAbszCAKQOxCeH-o6udWQtdUKYg9NdGOAszXWWaEHEZkx9kN53XepvNdJMu2i09l4nAdjoQWDyfBflRFhMxgISucNCkXFAzZK02OhduYtJ6dKJio9UPBB5n4Gl9kmAaLT9tZiXO4yVw1w4WAoMs0TD0JJ-eNA/s1278/_DSC3524_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1278" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUXxKPVY9szMjMCbfmk1KGwpsRQWLm1dAbszCAKQOxCeH-o6udWQtdUKYg9NdGOAszXWWaEHEZkx9kN53XepvNdJMu2i09l4nAdjoQWDyfBflRFhMxgISucNCkXFAzZK02OhduYtJ6dKJio9UPBB5n4Gl9kmAaLT9tZiXO4yVw1w4WAoMs0TD0JJ-eNA/s320/_DSC3524_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>This is the 'after' photo of the same area with the sink and countertops! This is still a laundry room and the washer and drier are to the right of the sink like the photo above.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DwvZyOHiEB0pzp-7CTUO7Es5DjC15g3hF_MoGAGmE7yDwgLJZjiZ19zHems3vpdqqczXmC1ZfYLWaDt8B_tRzuFEudNr_D0jTm7itF2W9r2c3Caz8hbp17ZJlpTIwgci-Rr2K3HFIJLyY1W3dn9jqn3qpfh3MnI2vbspe36kB0T3WLqrO-Zy7iDFBQ/s1532/_DSC3526_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1532" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1DwvZyOHiEB0pzp-7CTUO7Es5DjC15g3hF_MoGAGmE7yDwgLJZjiZ19zHems3vpdqqczXmC1ZfYLWaDt8B_tRzuFEudNr_D0jTm7itF2W9r2c3Caz8hbp17ZJlpTIwgci-Rr2K3HFIJLyY1W3dn9jqn3qpfh3MnI2vbspe36kB0T3WLqrO-Zy7iDFBQ/s320/_DSC3526_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Moving to the left of the sink, this is my countertop and open shelving below for supplies.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-4neKTFi_W0i-Gxq6mNpFSD08nKzyW3yeBpW_-9YNwgy9HDsmYXk932uo7jPcZIaY2O4ArBw6x1PBSCTV8tDcR_PfhbL8yQ7BnTRyg7XiervFgEUYOFUrj_s2LK0NM9-Cke1gam_PgSQeKbFkFg_B0nrCJmn2pvzSE36kgNSKjDoByXgwCUzCKrpJQ/s1378/_DSC3527_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1378" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia-4neKTFi_W0i-Gxq6mNpFSD08nKzyW3yeBpW_-9YNwgy9HDsmYXk932uo7jPcZIaY2O4ArBw6x1PBSCTV8tDcR_PfhbL8yQ7BnTRyg7XiervFgEUYOFUrj_s2LK0NM9-Cke1gam_PgSQeKbFkFg_B0nrCJmn2pvzSE36kgNSKjDoByXgwCUzCKrpJQ/s320/_DSC3527_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Continuing to the left, this is my worktable where I fill mail orders and store my 5 gallon containers of oils and the lye. I rearranged this area recently so I had all my mail supplies in one place. I also dry herbs here that I picked from my garden to use in some of my soaps.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJMFriO2FDN-Kt2CIia4X-CrfZ9Q9uzabjCgWR0U8dkEs5NJM_mgBumJPAHZa8MnHWp1IJPwcC3YJU0oqVsg9AdrlmGYvojBxLfwVAgH1NGR_EtFiRQdGYyI6lngQgTnwmpfRzEpaEdF2WcJR-uk6hNNO-ivzuYBbIksapV9SBI4hmh3GhQxzQyhV0g/s1620/_DSC3528_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJMFriO2FDN-Kt2CIia4X-CrfZ9Q9uzabjCgWR0U8dkEs5NJM_mgBumJPAHZa8MnHWp1IJPwcC3YJU0oqVsg9AdrlmGYvojBxLfwVAgH1NGR_EtFiRQdGYyI6lngQgTnwmpfRzEpaEdF2WcJR-uk6hNNO-ivzuYBbIksapV9SBI4hmh3GhQxzQyhV0g/s320/_DSC3528_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Mailing boxes and essential oils are right behind the blue worktable.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeiTHcLqjoLR9wGOWQE8_ev6dlWNXEMNUdZ9dX9tvpgcLPnScGPiV4A_BOrluz9aXFvcjBb97YVQVnbXv2VNkdIDpegMLUchwoqhil1XVQTOFMMdLy2SGmYvuAEz0-WFuWqeOaDmHLtCuy8htC3jcf8tOeZe72VIH1ASSBvUb_nW3Ap6vYu2I8E-OGg/s1620/_DSC3508_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeiTHcLqjoLR9wGOWQE8_ev6dlWNXEMNUdZ9dX9tvpgcLPnScGPiV4A_BOrluz9aXFvcjBb97YVQVnbXv2VNkdIDpegMLUchwoqhil1XVQTOFMMdLy2SGmYvuAEz0-WFuWqeOaDmHLtCuy8htC3jcf8tOeZe72VIH1ASSBvUb_nW3Ap6vYu2I8E-OGg/s320/_DSC3508_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />My drying rack for curing soap is to the right of the essential oil rack.</div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Did you know that each bar of soap needs to cure approximately 4 weeks?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQk-ZLZoZjuopQLFK8dsLLPD1YAcZpApaoJxsyZkKihiWLEEJlodL9058XtS6Y80FAXb-beExuUYGTNXdUGBGCBq_AvNr8qNPTL2j-FB2rsKh51_KKx9ZzGcV950wXOqRKwnxl4-AIARpXTNW2vWGTwlWmRivx4vyzEThs7OIZcRnxJOI_dVTqDlyKxw/s1620/_DSC3510_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQk-ZLZoZjuopQLFK8dsLLPD1YAcZpApaoJxsyZkKihiWLEEJlodL9058XtS6Y80FAXb-beExuUYGTNXdUGBGCBq_AvNr8qNPTL2j-FB2rsKh51_KKx9ZzGcV950wXOqRKwnxl4-AIARpXTNW2vWGTwlWmRivx4vyzEThs7OIZcRnxJOI_dVTqDlyKxw/s320/_DSC3510_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Here's a wider view of the curing rack and shelf that holds the mail boxes and essential oils.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />After the soap has cured, I move them to my storage area directly behind the curing rack behind the curtains. I hung the curtains to protect the finished bars from dust and germs.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBwlYKLcWwaqQG9YKy0jGrdF9wCF6eDcoMPHZhftLmBixCqtbXk7Tmy-FMc84Of6i4Ir11h2ogcKJaK5v0T-fILDOW4872AOPTqjQgUrTq8606IkN_B3a4LnXqAvuOcZv11ow2pcmNemC2q2KfBCFPYac1TP-I9CkrqgoZMBZfw-CyqSmCaXMX_CCnw/s1620/_DSC3519_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBwlYKLcWwaqQG9YKy0jGrdF9wCF6eDcoMPHZhftLmBixCqtbXk7Tmy-FMc84Of6i4Ir11h2ogcKJaK5v0T-fILDOW4872AOPTqjQgUrTq8606IkN_B3a4LnXqAvuOcZv11ow2pcmNemC2q2KfBCFPYac1TP-I9CkrqgoZMBZfw-CyqSmCaXMX_CCnw/s320/_DSC3519_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">On the soap storage shelves, I hold each variety of soap in a cardboard box to provide plenty of air circulation.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1D8LUOQqeHNSXdHuCXVYbjEcnZAtgLU3lZTi8hR_J8YZCnDaRnWF2iH_AFG59DZkgVt1Xuq4NjzIVKkCoDGSpK4_6VFtAKZlMEKXkm-wrBUzIvUwWGA30AbWL9LS6Ylx_xnLtZlMwlB_ObcwsfT57sdFQAg0I5GMRGVZ4oMFpRDdpNW_3lv7U8JywQ/s1620/_DSC3520_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1D8LUOQqeHNSXdHuCXVYbjEcnZAtgLU3lZTi8hR_J8YZCnDaRnWF2iH_AFG59DZkgVt1Xuq4NjzIVKkCoDGSpK4_6VFtAKZlMEKXkm-wrBUzIvUwWGA30AbWL9LS6Ylx_xnLtZlMwlB_ObcwsfT57sdFQAg0I5GMRGVZ4oMFpRDdpNW_3lv7U8JywQ/s320/_DSC3520_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Here you can see I'm working on getting my stock up while I'm on vacation!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcKYom-mTnJLzkK5Lhc24iJRzuxckIqBezcvmBS4Xkap6Lt8s7tWPAAKi7iPmppOayT_yBQ-eItT2ejeHpBG2akRd6SG_Nx9qsGlxzlLOF-iIqyr9YMyr6IjgKdPi_XO7TL6ZyV9sV_Fu1gDe4370xggB65Sd4ikXn5Z6Vl6rN7vvnCjE731PUiVDHA/s1301/_DSC3530_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1301" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDcKYom-mTnJLzkK5Lhc24iJRzuxckIqBezcvmBS4Xkap6Lt8s7tWPAAKi7iPmppOayT_yBQ-eItT2ejeHpBG2akRd6SG_Nx9qsGlxzlLOF-iIqyr9YMyr6IjgKdPi_XO7TL6ZyV9sV_Fu1gDe4370xggB65Sd4ikXn5Z6Vl6rN7vvnCjE731PUiVDHA/s320/_DSC3530_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Around the corner, I have another rack that holds more soap supplies and molds. Hey! There's my water bottle! I was looking for that!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLd3lfCmcVD59lxWtmm_wAhBxJfYXYVpZXG72i1ChsCn5b-mVUINTL0S0ZZNIwwlte-mWhlQmn2M-hYsKQ9ILqOaR4oQZwuJaLX55E44x_mhDc75RCYpESyVY2bixeTft9csfuK8efjtsAq3R3USq9fwRm1XgLH4ZbwdR9kYPKVCiAu807jarIDo8Qg/s1620/_DSC3521_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1620" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOLd3lfCmcVD59lxWtmm_wAhBxJfYXYVpZXG72i1ChsCn5b-mVUINTL0S0ZZNIwwlte-mWhlQmn2M-hYsKQ9ILqOaR4oQZwuJaLX55E44x_mhDc75RCYpESyVY2bixeTft9csfuK8efjtsAq3R3USq9fwRm1XgLH4ZbwdR9kYPKVCiAu807jarIDo8Qg/s320/_DSC3521_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Finally, deep in the back of the basement corner behind the screen in the photo above, I've set up a photo booth area to photograph my products.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu6OjRO_RmDWdkMNhUdevjp_ZXpZvpnItntxOrpehAvU4Z5a22SutcWEMxiL9oRjsw0ei7o27Z_f00AXh958ZP92jXoPhfeLfCraEaU3GuAJXfDiaQ-IsLAScI-hAI-jfgXM-oXPmXbVfBWNSLwSVXQLVe4Efo_GvuFpevpbM3Cq1XDjbOCtFBq4vfg/s1620/_DSC2740_edited_edited_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTu6OjRO_RmDWdkMNhUdevjp_ZXpZvpnItntxOrpehAvU4Z5a22SutcWEMxiL9oRjsw0ei7o27Z_f00AXh958ZP92jXoPhfeLfCraEaU3GuAJXfDiaQ-IsLAScI-hAI-jfgXM-oXPmXbVfBWNSLwSVXQLVe4Efo_GvuFpevpbM3Cq1XDjbOCtFBq4vfg/s320/_DSC2740_edited_edited_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I use all types of lights from every angle to get the best photos as there isn't much natural light in this corner.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's my soap studio! It really is a workspace so it's not designer perfect but the longer I work in it the more I find ways to streamline things and improve them.<br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></span>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-79832880959085482482022-03-01T16:22:00.000-08:002022-05-01T18:15:19.867-07:00The One Moisturizer For All Your Rough Skin Needs Plus A Little Insight On Moisturizers<p>After receiving several inquiries into whether I sold a moisturizer, I've added another new item to the Lora's Beauty Store! </p><p>But first, did you know there are three types of moisturizers? I'm not talking creams vs lotions vs serums, no, the three types are characterized by the way they work.</p><p>Those moisturizers that fill in crevices so the skin appears smoother are typically made with oils and lipids (fatty acids). These are known as emollients and usually include ingredients found in those expensive anti aging creams.</p><p>Moisturizers that hydrate the skin by binding moisture from the air to the skin are known as humectants. Humectants are usually water based. Glycerine is an example of a humectant.</p><p>Finally, those moisturizers that provide a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture are know as occlusives. Ingredients that are occlusives are beeswax, silicones, and petroleum jelly.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcJS1SWEzby-k5d5fEIEEg3eQNzG0xNqgPKzIOzduW6536Yfzgoc_fRMA_JKnXF5ftwGxGyKqWI5QPDwA_VBNn2L8te0qY-DHShRBUzNPoc9xmBgJrf_y9E2yzb1SgDBVREkHlNPXDf1OlJqZyjPnnxfmoh_Ox2f6k39GiCashRwNjteQ3HdxnyiRBQw=s1620" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcJS1SWEzby-k5d5fEIEEg3eQNzG0xNqgPKzIOzduW6536Yfzgoc_fRMA_JKnXF5ftwGxGyKqWI5QPDwA_VBNn2L8te0qY-DHShRBUzNPoc9xmBgJrf_y9E2yzb1SgDBVREkHlNPXDf1OlJqZyjPnnxfmoh_Ox2f6k39GiCashRwNjteQ3HdxnyiRBQw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Depending on many factors like age, weather and even genetics, you may need one type of moisturizer more than the other, however, most products contain ingredients from multiple categories. Such is true for my new lotion bar.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpAN1KlkMACsDIi6GvqK2bmblR0mhKESFW95kUVV6sj1HY3DhxQNeavTO-VPFaH3-BL866YxvwcUXemVZIqUoonhuda5ntIT_pufE02JMT1vLjaf7STbdorvITO8waF6uKnDrzVHSsKbZsjEKCk7JcUQKSTHyBWMlvMV5DeVjHOO-e-oMZpiWE03a6Hw=s1620" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpAN1KlkMACsDIi6GvqK2bmblR0mhKESFW95kUVV6sj1HY3DhxQNeavTO-VPFaH3-BL866YxvwcUXemVZIqUoonhuda5ntIT_pufE02JMT1vLjaf7STbdorvITO8waF6uKnDrzVHSsKbZsjEKCk7JcUQKSTHyBWMlvMV5DeVjHOO-e-oMZpiWE03a6Hw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />This bar contains only three ingredients; rice bran oil and cocoa butter, which are both emollients, and beeswax an occlusive. The end result is a lotion bar that forms a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture as it fills in those dry, rough patches on your skin.<p></p><p>Perfect uses for this bar are to smooth rough elbows, heels, knees, and hands and to heal chapped lips. It also will work to tame fly away hair by applying to fingers then smoothing fingers over hair.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjncifrHJi1vonfBbU0lXc0D6JrE91Xsza7McZLYUDsuRiItnxZvSDhj45H6j3AnLb-Q9Xihya_MgGwVagoUpniU2CgJylcBPtYhZqU3nG4RIN9KdZABcpVbUU5C6Cd84PNuqo2T2HNMbMlnt21u4nd9n7nOlgXs_QRpDP4X80P5DD2ljIrulBcMxxPyQ=s1620" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjncifrHJi1vonfBbU0lXc0D6JrE91Xsza7McZLYUDsuRiItnxZvSDhj45H6j3AnLb-Q9Xihya_MgGwVagoUpniU2CgJylcBPtYhZqU3nG4RIN9KdZABcpVbUU5C6Cd84PNuqo2T2HNMbMlnt21u4nd9n7nOlgXs_QRpDP4X80P5DD2ljIrulBcMxxPyQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />These lotion bars are unscented aside from the natural scent of cocoa butter. They come in a 2 oz tin with screw on lid so they'll fit nicely into a purse, gym bag, pocket, or carry on without fears of spilling.<p></p><p>You can find these bars on my <a href="https://www.lorasbeauty.com/cocoa-butter-lotion-bar" target="_blank">website</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1168635198/moisturizing-cocoa-butter-lotion-bar?click_key=67a753c453c1cbef60c55273a9567afae946ed9e%3A1168635198&click_sum=b85c796e&ref=shop_home_active_1&crt=1&sts=1" target="_blank">etsy shop</a>.</p><p><br /></p>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-66221644313814407232022-01-27T18:43:00.000-08:002022-05-01T18:15:38.614-07:00Does Soap Go Bad and Three Other Things You Need To Know<p>Just like food, soap has a shelf life. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHH-34TcMFSCHPzhwTQfjsY1z789tesb5qUP32NnSSHbBsI6GvoGr4oSHcHtMfOlELJ3fpadydbQPwb1vJFlANMIZOGTPd53VCMpI1IBn9lHMocUhQJXTLUxUKEK2mG--nkWcLoLmWWR6-J4zAl9gYLTDOmzb8OId2K07eoCHvY3PoGXqSiIPCt5TQxA=s1620" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHH-34TcMFSCHPzhwTQfjsY1z789tesb5qUP32NnSSHbBsI6GvoGr4oSHcHtMfOlELJ3fpadydbQPwb1vJFlANMIZOGTPd53VCMpI1IBn9lHMocUhQJXTLUxUKEK2mG--nkWcLoLmWWR6-J4zAl9gYLTDOmzb8OId2K07eoCHvY3PoGXqSiIPCt5TQxA=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The shelf life of handmade soap can be determined by looking at every ingredient that goes into the soap. The shelf life of the soap corresponds to the ingredient with the shortest shelf life. For most natural soaps, the ingredients with the shortest shelf life are essential oils, which are usually a year. <p></p><p>Here's where it gets tricky though. After a year, your handmade soap can still be used and it will work just fine, it may however, not smell quite as strong as it used to and in some cases it may smell not as good. However that doesn't mean the soap has expired or turned rancid, it's still soap and will continue to clean and fight germs. For the oils in the soap to go rancid, if properly made and stored, could take several years.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN2f11xI22dP2-2bVWMJuuLl6RUYV9NaFhTHozD3QWEjza8ZeCyhjJs10bm9am5-Qf9zqqW9Xfkb1k-S9CPxzPsYVEETHbA-7RZSG_jeyqyKuh2VYVuqThYMlsCX80ebxEkAQJEWkmWqUrj-mFWuLWP3IvlAF8DWOBk6ZFuqaAbZWWy6jsB9iswMpDtA=s1620" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgN2f11xI22dP2-2bVWMJuuLl6RUYV9NaFhTHozD3QWEjza8ZeCyhjJs10bm9am5-Qf9zqqW9Xfkb1k-S9CPxzPsYVEETHbA-7RZSG_jeyqyKuh2VYVuqThYMlsCX80ebxEkAQJEWkmWqUrj-mFWuLWP3IvlAF8DWOBk6ZFuqaAbZWWy6jsB9iswMpDtA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Being a soap maker, I use all my older bars. I am currently using a bar of soap in my spare bathroom that is close to 3 years old. It works fine and smells good. I've kept it stored in a cool, dry environment until using it to extend the shelf life.<p></p><p>So, how can you tell if that bar of handmade soap you found in the drawer in your bathroom is still good? Let your nose guide you! Does it smell good? Does it have no smell? Then put it in your shower and use it. If it smells rancid then toss it.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4Ta2IzNQdpzZ03fB7SnT2VWJ_sMliLfP7uV1ppbtMaxpCkRMeTmbc1oVHOTcomfyiHzPpG9TJbMeZDKPE_yNP96bOVjyCM8aCBQc4Aiu-iO3yv3tw_8I8L7uDwC50RIox43b_YtUe-Zfk9hk0ZgkxBS6uAqsE7mhEktbRFQECAyqqJYoh-bJSB1M8WA=s1620" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4Ta2IzNQdpzZ03fB7SnT2VWJ_sMliLfP7uV1ppbtMaxpCkRMeTmbc1oVHOTcomfyiHzPpG9TJbMeZDKPE_yNP96bOVjyCM8aCBQc4Aiu-iO3yv3tw_8I8L7uDwC50RIox43b_YtUe-Zfk9hk0ZgkxBS6uAqsE7mhEktbRFQECAyqqJYoh-bJSB1M8WA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Recently I became aware of a new use for my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/758100996/solid-round-dish-washing-soap-zero-waste?click_key=da8eb8f7c7aafa8dc4555a175911eae2a68fb99c%3A758100996&click_sum=5d321291&ref=shop_home_feat_3&bes=1&sts=1" target="_blank">dish soap</a> and would like to share it with you; it makes a wonderful spot remover for clothing! Get the dish brush wet and rub it over the dish soap. Then gently rub it over the spot on your clothing and toss it in the laundry (with my new <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1151789865/goats-milk-laundry-soap-eco-friendly-all?click_key=0deb37c2fc4d2b6124ed5e7fc701aab80b0c14d0%3A1151789865&click_sum=84e5530c&ref=shop_home_active_2&crt=1&sts=1" target="_blank">laundry soap</a> of course)! Give it a try and perhaps you'll find that spot remover will be one less plastic bottle to buy!<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWb2EH5SEAQDutmyvs8hrNnWL70i8YpWuLde8Gs0eS5DVh87awvczR0Ka8qXjD6tTMzNFyoGoVoIN7ZRM799J34qiJUl9-HUO_wejUZ-t2CK8eth0hI4YWVa4ZOFskDTIdN-IRcM2QeJZq4xZ6vh1lXEo6dtXbPxrMkNpiqXdZieh8cTPHKgnlmqZlDQ=s1620" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWb2EH5SEAQDutmyvs8hrNnWL70i8YpWuLde8Gs0eS5DVh87awvczR0Ka8qXjD6tTMzNFyoGoVoIN7ZRM799J34qiJUl9-HUO_wejUZ-t2CK8eth0hI4YWVa4ZOFskDTIdN-IRcM2QeJZq4xZ6vh1lXEo6dtXbPxrMkNpiqXdZieh8cTPHKgnlmqZlDQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />I've received a number of inquiries on if I have an unscented variety of my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/725190866/moisturizing-hair-conditioner-bar-with?click_key=10d43cd6664f46f9b5c54c5e9187dd940c30af48%3A725190866&click_sum=8ec12b59&ref=shop_home_active_21&bes=1&sts=1" target="_blank">conditioner bar. </a> As of this year I can now answer that question with a yes! The bar is rich in cocoa butter so there is still a faint scent, however, no essential oils are added to the unscented variety.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpUy514rRxTyzv5yhZgo4Dw6VgLGTZPS05HLqluOh2fjHbbr9Um0HZNquCxT5-LJNx4e4onM15mTx3XZTtmcewmrWsYP69fCwlROyS-O3aYTl0kZHva_xKh-pLCgIihWfpwls3VGBeBC0cOK0TbTe0MXN6YnpoxxBsqcREjOfawDK1Eqa2KLrYC_tXjg=s1620" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpUy514rRxTyzv5yhZgo4Dw6VgLGTZPS05HLqluOh2fjHbbr9Um0HZNquCxT5-LJNx4e4onM15mTx3XZTtmcewmrWsYP69fCwlROyS-O3aYTl0kZHva_xKh-pLCgIihWfpwls3VGBeBC0cOK0TbTe0MXN6YnpoxxBsqcREjOfawDK1Eqa2KLrYC_tXjg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Finally, I want to mention a new color finish to my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/955492466/ceramic-patterned-pottery-shave-soap?click_key=c2986b535d5190921e1b11f2bd41c9b71561cdaa%3A955492466&click_sum=60225990&ref=shop_home_active_7&sts=1">shave scuttles.</a> Desert Rabbit ceramics is supplying me with a beautiful matte finish dish! Right now I only have it in black but I've been told I'll soon be able to stock matte finishes in other colors and in the popular <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/900702534/ceramic-patterned-pottery-solid-dish?click_key=60870f309a656b69d4d60f648e1920df3b580eb2%3A900702534&click_sum=2deeb370&ref=shop_home_active_8&crt=1&sts=1" target="_blank">soap dish</a>! Look for this addition this spring!<p></p><p><br /></p>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-50432033211250864362021-12-31T15:45:00.000-08:002022-05-01T18:16:02.352-07:00Two New Products Coming In 2022 For Allergy Free and Eco Friendly Living <p>I so enjoyed participating in four holiday markets in 2021. After a disappointing market season in 2020 where all the events were cancelled, I had almost forgotten how enjoyable and enlightening it is to meet face to face with my customers. You guys have so many great ideas!</p><p>More than once a customer has asked for certain varieties of soap or changes in packaging which I've implemented. I love hearing other people's perspective especially when they say or ask for something I've never thought of before. I developed my conditioner bar after a customer asked for one. I also created an unscented dish bar after someone requested it. </p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqxuGoc9dgvxEDNytWtFp9CuZEm1hY7-ib2kYa41yK95huTEQ60ef-xcFiYnb5AnGfcTPRdwGOnZm4o16n-MOPqD5ej0NBzCDcr2krZ2jg01Wrydvp2qRE7oaDejsohYLIEYaVcnTEmo5CJdIyjOK6qbRqk2iwnCD6huI947RMJJrvDqn0cIVkRdNLVQ=s1620" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqxuGoc9dgvxEDNytWtFp9CuZEm1hY7-ib2kYa41yK95huTEQ60ef-xcFiYnb5AnGfcTPRdwGOnZm4o16n-MOPqD5ej0NBzCDcr2krZ2jg01Wrydvp2qRE7oaDejsohYLIEYaVcnTEmo5CJdIyjOK6qbRqk2iwnCD6huI947RMJJrvDqn0cIVkRdNLVQ=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lavender Eucalyptus Coconut Oil Free</i></td></tr></tbody></table>A new request I had recently was a coconut oil free soap. I love this suggestion however the main reason people want a soap without coconut oil is due to allergies, therefore, I knew that if I were to make such a bar, just creating the recipe wasn't enough. I needed to also create a work environment where cross contamination would be minimal. After some thought, I decided I would give it a try and I purchased new liners for my molds, a new mixing bowl, and new utensils that will be dedicated strictly to my new coconut oil free bar. <p></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB7-hHhu-Br0EPvvT6o2T7-Juze9PNUqN1b_8yhj4XV1YPspjGXgq6_xmC4wGqK8hiFDq_mZ4_xyfD_1eIAUvSltHtTWZ2fri2VSkD4kXZJe060JbBNsb6QwTYqiV7XZBoVAldPpFTd1K1SJGrflZXzdpDC8dPOXMTBjhe7zlug-4s46MLsPh_El4fRA=s1495" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1495" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhB7-hHhu-Br0EPvvT6o2T7-Juze9PNUqN1b_8yhj4XV1YPspjGXgq6_xmC4wGqK8hiFDq_mZ4_xyfD_1eIAUvSltHtTWZ2fri2VSkD4kXZJe060JbBNsb6QwTYqiV7XZBoVAldPpFTd1K1SJGrflZXzdpDC8dPOXMTBjhe7zlug-4s46MLsPh_El4fRA=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lavender Eucalyptus Coconut Oil Free</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>This bar will be primarily made with olive oil but will include cocoa butter, castor oil, rice bran oil, goats milk, silk, and sugar. Coconut oil is so widely used in soaps because it adds lather capabilities, adding sugar should also do this. My first coconut oil free bar will be color free and contain the skin friendly essential oils of lavender and eucalyptus. If this proves to be something people really like I will expand the line. With all that olive oil and cocoa butter, this bar is really luxuriant! It's curing now so look for it in my etsy shop and website in a few weeks.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwf1Sbk3BnPThWzEh8l3z4-Nbag6E-QHJbAJgJGwISWFRJv-1F2bFb-HWHUWrIW72W0U7kUrzzM5rH27iTwOmzlKZYiaWaRFAMxOHtvwEmPum3F3dWTWTRm93wqXuKnpA8x0k5afsBhl17hc0_J7P8Istsv7mo6DeVlBVph71Ijj2uwyJBLgm7ETAlSg=s1920" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgwf1Sbk3BnPThWzEh8l3z4-Nbag6E-QHJbAJgJGwISWFRJv-1F2bFb-HWHUWrIW72W0U7kUrzzM5rH27iTwOmzlKZYiaWaRFAMxOHtvwEmPum3F3dWTWTRm93wqXuKnpA8x0k5afsBhl17hc0_J7P8Istsv7mo6DeVlBVph71Ijj2uwyJBLgm7ETAlSg=s320" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Grated Lora's Beauty Soap</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Also new for 2021 will be an<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1151789865/goats-milk-laundry-soap-eco-friendly-all?click_key=cae036e253e1adc9ce2f5b58afc6e6614862d403%3A1151789865&click_sum=9f7abf42&ref=shop_home_active_1&sts=1" target="_blank"> eco-friendly goats milk laundry soap!</a> I've been using this laundry soap for years myself because it was an environmentally friendly way to use up the end pieces of my soap loaves that weren't quite big enough for a bar. Lately I'm ending up with a bit more end pieces than I can use, so I thought I'd offer the laundry soap for sale.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiATAc9cWbv3sgUj6qxag52tNriDTSyB5tLVf_MWb7y3GLcoG00UZsa8mKZs8nC4PdwXqwlULKLM_5XtQCnr1Lvjb_t50ipbUf8LyHf2EiMpextRHD1lLKnDcHxtzaXakJvQAAGzbt7NleQLruO8xsWiP2cEBW-2c1HC0PldmSXLhoPGAe-YafUsDn4TA=s1356" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1356" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiATAc9cWbv3sgUj6qxag52tNriDTSyB5tLVf_MWb7y3GLcoG00UZsa8mKZs8nC4PdwXqwlULKLM_5XtQCnr1Lvjb_t50ipbUf8LyHf2EiMpextRHD1lLKnDcHxtzaXakJvQAAGzbt7NleQLruO8xsWiP2cEBW-2c1HC0PldmSXLhoPGAe-YafUsDn4TA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />The <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1151789865/goats-milk-laundry-soap-eco-friendly-all?click_key=cae036e253e1adc9ce2f5b58afc6e6614862d403%3A1151789865&click_sum=9f7abf42&ref=shop_home_active_1&sts=1" target="_blank">laundry soap</a> will come in a paper zip lock bag and will be filled with 28 ounces of powdered soap made with <a href="http://lorasbeauty.etsy.com" target="_blank">Lora's Beauty</a> grated goats milk bar soap, sodium carbonate (washing soda), citric acid, and sea salt. A mini wooden scoop is included. There are no added scents because the grated soap is already scented with essential oils.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikY1K7YOwx_eYrU_g_whqAYrphz0cvw2i5LkxrkiSiWaf0GiezpgCmArllQSHbgOveOHOTINKsGhLIsw_Q1inyJc_0k4KtHNkE--RX2iguK1lsoFF3vDreiWfe8y5xEHmhsPQ-An96BJTWtUDSVAhbci6LA9KDN9zNZFkdp5PqPvo1CJwJXuG2nleTAw=s1620" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikY1K7YOwx_eYrU_g_whqAYrphz0cvw2i5LkxrkiSiWaf0GiezpgCmArllQSHbgOveOHOTINKsGhLIsw_Q1inyJc_0k4KtHNkE--RX2iguK1lsoFF3vDreiWfe8y5xEHmhsPQ-An96BJTWtUDSVAhbci6LA9KDN9zNZFkdp5PqPvo1CJwJXuG2nleTAw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />One bag should provide enough soap for at least 30 loads of laundry. You'll only need a couple scoops (1 tablespoon) per normal sized load in an HE (high efficiency) washer. It's best to store the soap in the zip lock bag to protect it against moisture. I've used the soap in cold water and it dissolves just fine.<p></p><p>Best of all, there are no phosphates so the waste water won't be contaminated downstream. Sodium carbonate disassociates in water, occurs in nature and is therefore consider environmentally friendly. Citric acid breaks down easily in the environment, is biodegradable, and is also considered environmentally friendly. Oh and did I mention your clothes will come out clean and your whites whiter? Yea, that too!</p><p>I'm excited for another year at <a href="http://lorasbeauty.etsy.com" target="_blank">Lora's Beauty</a> and I hope these new eco-friendly additions to my shop are useful and allow people to continue to avoid purchasing items in plastic containers. Keep those suggestions coming! Who knows I may implement one. You can always reach me at lora@lorasbeauty.com. Here's hoping you have a wonderful and healthy 2022.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-69059414538258461792021-11-06T17:16:00.002-07:002022-05-01T18:16:15.582-07:00Round Up of Holiday Bazaars For Lora's Beauty & A Discount Code!<span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rDB0xB1oNE/YYcXYdOp7SI/AAAAAAABFaA/UByxj-unZy0Tm8e11_YAPoMWnZ3KD5sHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/_DSC3105_edited%2B%25281%2529.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--rDB0xB1oNE/YYcXYdOp7SI/AAAAAAABFaA/UByxj-unZy0Tm8e11_YAPoMWnZ3KD5sHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/_DSC3105_edited%2B%25281%2529.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>We have officially entered the holiday season and with it I want to give a run down on the events I will be participating in this year. After a disappointing holiday season last year with no live events, I am super excited to be participating in three events this year! So if you're local to the Portland, Oregon area, help me ring in the season and find some wonderful, handmade, local gifts.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">First up will be the Hinson Holiday Bazaar at 1137 SE 20th Ave, Portland Nov 12 and 13 from 9:30-4 This event will feature handmade and handcrafted items and vintage/antiques. Last time I did this bazaar there were many yummy treats and baked goods made by local bakers.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">On December 2 from 2pm - 8 pm I'll be at the Madeleine Marketplace 3240 NE 23rd street. If you're a little covid insecure this will be a great event for you as it will be outside under the covered area. There will be fires to keep you warm and hot chocolate, beer and wine for sale. Santa also makes an appearance and there will be caroling and a tree lighting.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Finally, Saturday, December 4 from 11am-7pm you'll find me a<span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: 0.2125px;">t The German Haus 5626 NE Alameda in Portland. This will be the first year I've participated in this event but it sounds like a blast! This event will also be outside so be sure to purchase a </span><span id="yui_3_17_2_1_1636242744438_370" style="background-color: white; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;">Glühwein mug and get a free hot beverage with it. There will be handcrafted items as well as traditional German items available.</span></span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgIwhD_L7xY/YYcXnjXEG3I/AAAAAAABFaE/Obk7B6JgYx49FVWc6jkgdhi2cpjGtXcswCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/_DSC2962_edited.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgIwhD_L7xY/YYcXnjXEG3I/AAAAAAABFaE/Obk7B6JgYx49FVWc6jkgdhi2cpjGtXcswCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/_DSC2962_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>For all three events I will bring plenty of soaps for kitchen and bath and even some special kids soaps I don't have available on my website or Etsy store. I'll also have handmade tea towels, face scrubbies, and my beautiful handmade ceramic soap dishes and shave scuttles.</span></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For those of you not local to Portland, I am offering 10% off all purchase at my Etsy shop from now until December 4. Just use the coupon code <b>2021Holiday</b> at checkout! </span></span></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Mu7puP_MLc/YYcYwNKErdI/AAAAAAABFaQ/-_K9fZY-pSQ3ABWn-8l2kj_KhBSna_IYACLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/_DSC3069_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Mu7puP_MLc/YYcYwNKErdI/AAAAAAABFaQ/-_K9fZY-pSQ3ABWn-8l2kj_KhBSna_IYACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/_DSC3069_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Gift wrapping is available!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Above all else, have a healthy and joyous holiday season!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div></div>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-54194653945633003762021-10-20T15:00:00.000-07:002022-11-20T16:26:47.356-08:00Holiday Shopping, Shipping, and The Cost of Things Today<p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--vhmHzNzg2c/YXBkMA-TdgI/AAAAAAABDGo/adAq_BH5UBYcG4NnGCqzDxgwNAvRlusLACLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/Depositphotos_228684240_S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--vhmHzNzg2c/YXBkMA-TdgI/AAAAAAABDGo/adAq_BH5UBYcG4NnGCqzDxgwNAvRlusLACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h320/Depositphotos_228684240_S.jpg" title="depositphotos" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>credit:depositphotos</i><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I'd like to start this post with a thank you. The year has been good for <a href="http://lorasbeauty.etsy.com" target="_blank">Lora's Beauty </a>as sales have increased and for two months running I've been a Star Seller on Etsy. None of this would have been possible without my wonderful customers, many of whom are multiple return buyers. Thank you! I love making products that elevate everyday items to something luxurious and the fact that people actually buy them and enjoy them is beyond my expectations.</p><p>2021 hasn't been that great for all businesses though. As many people know the shipping industry has been hit hard with logistical problems causing slow downs on items arriving to our doors and stores. Due to basic supply and demand economics, this has meant the products that do show up usually costs more including supplies needed for soap making. Add to that, the cost of shipping has also increased. USPS, which I use to ship packages, has increased almost a dollar on the package size I use most often. All this appears to be culminating right at the holiday season. I say all this to encourage you to shop early this year especially if you plan to get packages in the mail. I will do my best to ship all orders I receive within one to two days and supply a tracking number. I have tried hard not to raise prices because I really want Lora's Beauty to be an affordable luxury, however, this month I had to increase the price on most my soaps by at least 25 cents. I did, remove the packaging requirement on my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/725190866/moisturizing-hair-conditioner-bar-with?ref=shop_home_active_1&crt=1" target="_blank">conditioner bar</a> since cooler weather is here, bringing the cost down $2. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgN6RuDvfYU/YXBk22CKXOI/AAAAAAABDG0/jiYTwStteHAjY3eKe3AwVHdG36_Yx1XXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/_DSC2989_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgN6RuDvfYU/YXBk22CKXOI/AAAAAAABDG0/jiYTwStteHAjY3eKe3AwVHdG36_Yx1XXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/_DSC2989_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Speaking of packaging, you may have noticed the new packaging for my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/758100996/solid-round-dish-washing-soap-zero-waste?ref=shop_home_active_1&crt=1" target="_blank">Solid Dish Soap.</a> I'm now packaging the bars in a box with my paper label. The box and label are both easily recycled. I made the change in hopes of giving the bars, my most popular items, the professional look the deserve and to protect them better. Many people order multiple bars at a time and the boxes should make storing them easier. They also look nice if you choose to gift a bar. If you prefer the old packaging, I can accommodate you, simply send me a message when ordering.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FttivchmzXM/YXBozSQsDTI/AAAAAAABDHo/s0RX4_x80Rc-rNiAwUT9nkcEAp1ATeZ9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/_DSC2969_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FttivchmzXM/YXBozSQsDTI/AAAAAAABDHo/s0RX4_x80Rc-rNiAwUT9nkcEAp1ATeZ9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/_DSC2969_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>I've added a new item to my shop for the holiday season. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1083668377/handmade-reusable-crochet-face-pads?ref=shop_home_active_16" target="_blank">Handmade, reusable face pads </a>are an eco-friendly make-up remover. I use them to wash my face every night as they're the perfect size for rubbing over a bar of soap. These pads are sold in a package of three that includes two reusable white cotton pads for use daily and one colored scrubby cotton pad for weekly exfoliation. All pads are machine washable. A package of three and a couple handmade bars of soap would make a practical, inexpensive gift! <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUYfjvjPr88/YXBnXPCC1nI/AAAAAAABDG8/2gR9LWJq40E7n_dAlpT8gXvEUS93f1PKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/_DSC3069_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LUYfjvjPr88/YXBnXPCC1nI/AAAAAAABDG8/2gR9LWJq40E7n_dAlpT8gXvEUS93f1PKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/_DSC3069_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div>I'm also offering 100% recyclable gift wrapping for an additional $3. Each gift wrapped box will hold up to 6 items, whether it's soap, face pads, or soap dishes.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, for all those customers local to Portland, Oregon, I will be participating in two holiday bazaars so far. The first one will be at Hinson Baptist Church at 1137 SE 20th November 12-13 from 9:30 - 4. On December 4th I'll be at the German American Society at 5626 NE Alameda from 11am - 7 pm. Come see me and say hi!</div>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-44147477641228724162021-08-25T16:46:00.000-07:002022-05-01T18:16:48.404-07:00A Trio of New Solid Dish Bars!<p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>This week brings the launch of my new trio of dish soaps. I'm happy to introduce my new '<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1072226613/solid-round-dish-washing-soap-zero-waste?ref=shop_home_feat_1">Extra Cleaning Solid Dish Bars</a>!'</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>I want to make it clear that my original dish bars clean excellently and the only reason these are called 'Extra Cleaning' is because each bar contains a natural additive to enhance either scrubbing, grease cutting, or is anti bacterial.</i></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i></i></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3pJswqu8eQ/YSbT6yCZr3I/AAAAAAAA_eY/xEzPkqb00KEQdoZYMmJo2sPLOq0oVEshwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/_DSC2929_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3pJswqu8eQ/YSbT6yCZr3I/AAAAAAAA_eY/xEzPkqb00KEQdoZYMmJo2sPLOq0oVEshwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/_DSC2929_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></i></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>With out further ado, let me introduce the new line up!</i></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1072226613/solid-round-dish-washing-soap-zero-waste?ref=shop_home_feat_1">Activated charcoal</a>, known for it's anti bacterial properties, is added to one specialty bar. This bar is scented with the essential oils of spearmint and eucalyptus.</i></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="background-color: white;"></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-geT8hJ7cVD8/YSbUWlmmowI/AAAAAAAA_es/50o1fYrhdvwl9g6bBXfZxIiiEQUmOAxoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/_DSC2938_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-geT8hJ7cVD8/YSbUWlmmowI/AAAAAAAA_es/50o1fYrhdvwl9g6bBXfZxIiiEQUmOAxoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/_DSC2938_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Also available is a dish bar with <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1072226613/solid-round-dish-washing-soap-zero-waste?ref=shop_home_feat_1">organic lemon peel and rosemary</a>. Lemon peel contains citric acid which enhances cleaning. The essential oils of lemongrass and rosemary (of course) make up this specialty bar.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nq_SMSKp1tM/YSbUKxKGjXI/AAAAAAAA_ek/_XjfMxJTTBMsHRAvQbHSn-g8uQ0czuajACLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/_DSC2933_edited.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nq_SMSKp1tM/YSbUKxKGjXI/AAAAAAAA_ek/_XjfMxJTTBMsHRAvQbHSn-g8uQ0czuajACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/_DSC2933_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Last but not least, is a specialty dish bar containing <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/1072226613/solid-round-dish-washing-soap-zero-waste?ref=shop_home_feat_1">coffee grounds</a>. The acidic coffee grounds are great at cutting through grease as well as providing extra scrubbing effect. These bars are scented with orange and cedar wood essential oils.</span></span></i></span><p></p></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>All three bars are now available on my <a href="http://www.lorasbeauty.com">website</a> and <a href="http://lorasbeauty.etsy.com">Etsy store!</a></i></span></span></div>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-63645186456444625922021-08-11T14:39:00.004-07:002022-05-01T18:17:09.230-07:00How Soaps Clean And Why They're Better Than Detergents<p>It really is the dog days of summer around here. As I type this Portland, Oregon is staring another several days of over 100 degree weather in the face. The last heat wave we had in June left my ferns and hydrangeas with burnt leaves and that's not to mention what it did to the wildlife and the birds who summer in the north to avoid the heat.</p><p>Alas, the subject of this post is not about the heat but about of course, soap and how it cleans your body and that greasy dish.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4BTN2KjIpb8/YRQ91Ro9_bI/AAAAAAAA_I0/H6HeCcTMO3YqmqhocHuyMexiNTLpHlStwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/_DSC2087_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4BTN2KjIpb8/YRQ91Ro9_bI/AAAAAAAA_I0/H6HeCcTMO3YqmqhocHuyMexiNTLpHlStwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/_DSC2087_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>The power of soap can be best seen when washing a greasy dish. In fact, I've received many reviews, emails, and comments from customers surprised at how well the <a href="https://www.lorasbeauty.com/#h.nv895b15599i" target="_blank">solid dish soap </a>cleans their greasy pots and doesn't leave them slick. I wish I could claim some secret ingredient or process that allows this to happen but it's really just science.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78tv6iJpqvI/YRQ-OHeY63I/AAAAAAAA_JE/_gTenc8686cq08ENVJVF2Rg8eo2BB3HGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/DSC_0534.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78tv6iJpqvI/YRQ-OHeY63I/AAAAAAAA_JE/_gTenc8686cq08ENVJVF2Rg8eo2BB3HGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSC_0534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>At a molecular level soap breaks things apart. Soap is made of tiny molecules that contain a head and a tail. The head portion of the molecule easily binds with water while the tail portion avoids binding with water, instead it binds with oils and fats. When you wash a greasy dish or lather your dirty body with soap the tail portion of these tiny molecules attach themselves to lipids and dirt and pries them off, working like a crowbar to remove them from the dish or body where they are then trapped in the tiny bubbles of soap called micelles and washed away.<br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHtFkwd-HcM/YRQ-fI-qMuI/AAAAAAAA_JM/KjVwNsRWHq87znrmwYrkRmeU6-DcgVU0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1620/_DSC2740_edited_edited.jpeg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHtFkwd-HcM/YRQ-fI-qMuI/AAAAAAAA_JM/KjVwNsRWHq87znrmwYrkRmeU6-DcgVU0QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/_DSC2740_edited_edited.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>Soap works not only to remove dirt and grease from surfaces but it's also highly effective at removing viruses and bacteria, better than hand sanitizers. Even viruses that don't depend on lipid membranes to infect can be washed away with vigorous washing with soap. <p></p><p>Dish detergents and body washes are <a href="https://simply.lorasbeauty.com/2014/03/soap-vs-soap.html">not soap</a>. Soaps are made by combining an acid and a base through the chemical process known as saponification. </p><p>Instead detergents contain surfactants which work the same way as soap by attaching to the grease and dirt on one end and the water on another end, however they don't stop working like this when they're washed down the drain. If the surfactants are persistent, they do the same thing to aquatic life by attacking the natural oils in the mucus membrane of fish and in some cases causing their gills to quit working.</p><p>Many detergents and body washes also contain phosphates which can enter fresh water when washed down the drain promoting the growth of algae.</p><p>So, although you can get your body and your dishes clean with detergents the cost to fresh water and aquatic life makes <a href="http://www.lorasbeauty.com">soap</a> the better choice!</p><p><br /></p>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8359130253769320588.post-43467586618264135822021-06-07T18:47:00.004-07:002022-05-01T18:17:24.586-07:00What Will My Package Look Like?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WXIejkN1jyc/YL7H22_OweI/AAAAAAAA9XE/7fJSHegQG9gdLqT3A74NsvvWRX0WH84TQCPcBGAsYHg/s1283/PXL_20210607_154411159_exported_4397%257E2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1039" data-original-width="1283" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WXIejkN1jyc/YL7H22_OweI/AAAAAAAA9XE/7fJSHegQG9gdLqT3A74NsvvWRX0WH84TQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/PXL_20210607_154411159_exported_4397%257E2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In an ongoing effort to further green my business I've changed my labeling and packaging. Soap labels will now be entirely paper and include the new Lora's Beauty logo. Individual soap will be wrapped as usual with a paper band and then secured with the new paper labels making the whole branding recyclable. <div><p></p><p>Greening the business doesn't stop there though, all soap will then be wrapped in paper to prepare it for mailing and placed in a cardboard box taped together with eco-friendly paper tape! </p></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><p style="text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jbHwb9on2Oo" width="320" youtube-src-id="jbHwb9on2Oo"></iframe></p></div></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><div><p>Larger orders will continue to mail using the USPS (US Postal Service) flat rate envelopes or flat rate boxes depending on the size of the order. Using the flat rate envelopes and boxes greatly increases the efficiency of the post office.</p><p>If you purchase one of the many beautiful ceramic dishes offered in the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Lorasbeauty">Etsy shop</a>, your dish will arrive wrapped in paper and then wrapped in some type of reused bubble packaging for further protection.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HSzoqf7_yxw" width="320" youtube-src-id="HSzoqf7_yxw"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3kGDQ3Oij4/YL7KFPeezZI/AAAAAAAA9Xc/vL-hbeRA8tw5dZ8bGYvVGfYbi7e9B7GuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PXL_20210601_172832803.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1637" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k3kGDQ3Oij4/YL7KFPeezZI/AAAAAAAA9Xc/vL-hbeRA8tw5dZ8bGYvVGfYbi7e9B7GuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/PXL_20210601_172832803.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><p>Your package then makes the trip to the post office either on bike or foot!</p><p>These changes are all part of my effort to keep Lora's Beauty as environmentally friendly as possible.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Lora's Beautyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11600531037292539966noreply@blogger.com0