tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55585909595847066712024-02-20T21:01:49.071-08:00Second Spring SoapsA blog filled with soap, soap making tips, soap porn, and all things handmade bath and body! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.comBlogger287125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-48436962356199677272015-01-02T15:03:00.003-08:002015-01-02T15:03:50.685-08:00New year, New outlookToday is my birthday. Yesterday we hit a new year.<br />
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I want to start off and apologize for my abrupt silence for the past little while. Life got really hard really fast. I suddenly found myself taking some of the hardest classes of my college career (including one law class that, I swear, was trying to kill me) along with balancing my grief around the holidays and watching my business flourish online with record sales in my last three months. Blogging, and most social media, really took a back burner as I was filling orders in between writing papers and studying for tests.<br />
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On top of that, I am suddenly pregnant again with our last child.<br />
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So, things are complicated. The holidays were tough to trudge through. I missed my twins with every breath. My new little person grew by leaps and bounds. I'm already feeling little kicks and I am just 15 weeks along. My etsy shop has exploded, keeping me busy.<br />
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Now, with 2014 officially in the books and completely behind me, I think I am ready to start looking forward instead of back. I'm looking forward to a new semester of college classes (my second to last semester before graduation!), I am looking forward to the birth of our last child this summer, I am looking forward to a bit more free time and more time to spend focusing on my business.<br />
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Let's do this, 2015! Fresh start!<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-33980179229226001952014-10-01T05:00:00.000-07:002014-10-01T05:00:05.139-07:00Christmas Savings and Holiday Coupons!<div style="text-align: center;">
Its already October and its time to get into the holiday swing! </div>
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Are you already thinking of gifts for your friends and loved ones for Christmas?</div>
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This year, only on <a href="http://secondspringsoaps.etsy.com/" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a>, I am doing a Super Awesome Mega coupon, just for the holidays!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_d2GQfTxdijp29uiaYwKhQ2IjWz43rbZhJSBUnFrGis940_3dsoOcFKvz1ZcF1ueAjXEWFQ8q78fiWGh1rRf50n6EKeY4olweay8eyuF2mKEiSNY_QC7Icjt8Lyhd6giO6Ii7v1FahD6S/s1600/coupon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_d2GQfTxdijp29uiaYwKhQ2IjWz43rbZhJSBUnFrGis940_3dsoOcFKvz1ZcF1ueAjXEWFQ8q78fiWGh1rRf50n6EKeY4olweay8eyuF2mKEiSNY_QC7Icjt8Lyhd6giO6Ii7v1FahD6S/s1600/coupon.jpg" height="288" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yep! For the rest of the year, all orders over $30.00 can get </div>
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Free Shipping using the coupon code "<b><u>SHIPFREE</u></b>"! </div>
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Just head over to <a href="http://secondspringsoaps.etsy.com/" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a>, spend $30 or more and get all of your goodies in the mail for free! This coupon will be valid for the rest of 2014, but dont wait too long, or your favorite soaps and things may be gone!</div>
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Happy Holidays, everyone!</div>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-59832864790526001842014-09-22T05:00:00.000-07:002014-09-22T05:00:13.165-07:00Johnson City Folk Festival, 2014It's official! My craft show season is getting started this weekend with the <a href="http://www.johnsoncityfolkfestival.com/">Johnson City Folk Festival</a>!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_JxeDf3cMTuvvgL2v-2LZvMc57_jpr1ggdsVjZGW00_2ffNo7z9lEXngwjb6a3kXowjdc0icw5k9_t3YgKzWSpJucz6OXKnnEB3_m6oG_30Sd1m8VWsbuFyWpF_u4tnvvctk0QpsKiF0/s1600/10511578_670378516363558_5742017531948943892_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_JxeDf3cMTuvvgL2v-2LZvMc57_jpr1ggdsVjZGW00_2ffNo7z9lEXngwjb6a3kXowjdc0icw5k9_t3YgKzWSpJucz6OXKnnEB3_m6oG_30Sd1m8VWsbuFyWpF_u4tnvvctk0QpsKiF0/s1600/10511578_670378516363558_5742017531948943892_o.jpg" height="400" width="260" /></a></div>
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The JC Folk Festival will run from Thursday, Sept. 25 through Sunday, Sept. 28! I am so stoked because, beyond just a normal craft show, this is going to be a music festival as well! I love shows with live music, and some of my favorite local bands will be playing here, like Demon Waffle, Kryss Dula and Friends, and Cutthroat Shamrock!<br />
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It's going to be a fabulous show, so if you are in the area, stop by and see me and Heather Applegate of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/heaphotography">Heather Applegate Photography</a>! I will be debuting my handmade liquid soap and body wash, too, so grab a bottle while you can!<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-48635124389804070462014-09-19T05:00:00.000-07:002014-09-19T05:00:02.817-07:00Friday Roundup: Week of Sept. 19September has absolutely flown by! And I suppose that its flown since I've been working nonstop in both school and soaping, preparing for craft shows and tests! Time flies when you are having fun!<br />
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On to this week's new goodies:<br />
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In soap, I've debuted my new <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/200552254/scrappy-soap-black-currant-scented-cold?ref=shop_home_active_1">Scrappy Soap</a>, made from scraps of previous batches! Kind of looks out of this world, doesnt it?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/200552254/scrappy-soap-black-currant-scented-cold?ref=shop_home_active_1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmi0zuNNB9ZC8e83KaoTwkDIOmLRK_Jhmc82NujhkBk04L-NEKqwUtmUELF_JXcPsY-xkAZtApxqBFfS4F5M9jcYCP6mOFBdGtRwcUvZ-xtgCf-ioRIxpajAN-5n_ifoiSskFefjateMci/s1600/4.jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/200552254/scrappy-soap-black-currant-scented-cold?ref=shop_home_active_1">Scrappy Soap, scented with Black Currant!</a></td></tr>
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I've also got a new lip balm flavor making waves. Get natural and juicy with my new <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/200551904/natural-tangerine-lip-balm-citrus?ref=shop_home_active_6">Tangerine Lip Balm</a>, flavored with Tangerine Essential Oil!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/200551904/natural-tangerine-lip-balm-citrus?ref=shop_home_active_6"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXHuBUtlLK4l9A1qs1sF7Ff9xDJY9sWHLGw6yzHA5sMU0z5stJpJWj7T47HBrmVFNBP9FU76Nk_m7EwiF3dvaeIqNwAgXlC7rK4NpXbwgdDLY4Pd0PEIPt1WlVAoC6SKWIrOSiYvfNR6X/s1600/2.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/200551904/natural-tangerine-lip-balm-citrus?ref=shop_home_active_6">Tangerine Lip Balm</a></td></tr>
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And two new wax tart scents are here, both are year round favorites!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/202867336/peppermint-soy-wax-tart-winter-scent-wax?ref=shop_home_active_7"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR1687bTdKU4pGTHhfgTxgfFVbfs243C9mWC5m-cI4leum8Nn1w3KJzdtmyJdFstdxv2ugQlUJXu0ivxKxqasOXUZeUQUKE3BrCRogQ0A49UOcfN8kYeqBelEiXO_Fs4wzPLuHxn1wQb_o/s1600/1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/202867336/peppermint-soy-wax-tart-winter-scent-wax?ref=shop_home_active_7">Peppermint Wax Tarts</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/202878115/birthday-cake-soy-wax-tarts-yummy?ref=shop_home_active_5"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIckf3pxYUL_LyInElF1gV2NktoSce2hkWK1GE04g0aaQN6dcRoC_pOjkPPsUH3AvQGojBirwbk6mhLYPwY2qHC0mblhyphenhyphenwrV7kU__j96ROzvmLOKz7yT0000Z1M04_3-M3w_owRvI5z6l8/s1600/3.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/202878115/birthday-cake-soy-wax-tarts-yummy?ref=shop_home_active_5">Birthday Cake Wax Tarts</a></td></tr>
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I have loads of new soaps to photograph and wrap, so keep your eyes peeled for the new goodies showing up! And make sure to check back on October 1st when I announce my awesome holiday sale! Are you excited for... well, I dont want to spoil the surprise, but its my best sale yet!<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-2412256010126604032014-09-15T06:00:00.000-07:002014-09-15T06:00:05.336-07:00Second Spring Soaps Fall Craft Schedule 2014It's time to start announcing my Fall Craft Show line-up! I am so excited... my first three shows this year will be with one of my best friend, Heather Applegate at <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/heaphotography">Heather Applegate Photography</a>! We will be at these shows:<br />
-- <a href="http://www.johnsoncityfolkfestival.com/">Johnson City Folk Festival</a> in Unicoi County, TN, September 25-28<br />
-- <a href="http://unicoicounty.org/apple-festival/">Apple Fest</a> in Erwin, TN, October 3-4<br />
-- <a href="http://www.rogersvilleheritage.org/RHA/details.asp?ID=2">Heritage Days</a> in Rogersville, TN, October 11-12<br />
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I will also be at Mountain View Bulk Foods for their Fall Craft Show, which should be on the last Saturday in October.<br />
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For November, I will be at Hal Henard Elementary for the <a href="http://www.greenevillewomansclub.net/holiday-bazaar.html">Greeneville Women's Club Craft Bazaar</a> on November 1-2! This will be my third year at the Bazaar and I love attending this one!<br />
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And finally, for the last four weekends before Christmas, you can find me and other awesome artists at the <a href="http://www.storytellingcenter.net/">International Storytelling Center</a> in Jonesborough, TN! Check us out every Saturday before the Christmas holidays, starting on November 29th!<br />
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Some fun things you will find in my booth: check out gift baskets, handmade liquid soap and liquid body wash, soapy decor for your bathrooms, and more!<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-42868347998672599682014-09-12T06:00:00.000-07:002014-09-12T06:00:02.475-07:00Friday Roundup: Week of September 12The last time I <a href="http://secondspringsoaps.blogspot.com/2014/08/updates-round-up-and-more.html">updated my blog</a>, I promised to be more consistent in posting.<br />
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Yeah... about that... :o)<br />
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Sorry for the lack of updates. My fall is turning out to be fairly chaotic, which was not what I was expecting. My classes are starting off strong and fast. I've already got one paper and one test under my belt and its only week 3! Kiddo had his 4 year checkup this week, complete with his last round of immunizations and he was down for the count for about 2 days afterward, which slowed things down. I have also recently started seeing a therapist to help me get through <a href="http://secondspringsoaps.blogspot.com/2014/06/jasper-and-flint.html">grieving for my twins</a>. It's a huge step forward for me and I am so thankful that I happened to stumble into the ETSU Counseling Center.<br />
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So, this week's roundup is kind of slow, but bear with me!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBw5-t0Sn65wfv1CTe3xsoK4hwnvhD_e-mJCjCdp3OFJ7VtBC4vM7rMrEN4hyASUg23ZZASpFpwxotGdn8eLlsU2mgfOvb99_21JUhx-4tbYLEkQeLHz62qZ4y9nzotDwycEhUJlzNhOu/s1600/il_570xN.493757310_a786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBw5-t0Sn65wfv1CTe3xsoK4hwnvhD_e-mJCjCdp3OFJ7VtBC4vM7rMrEN4hyASUg23ZZASpFpwxotGdn8eLlsU2mgfOvb99_21JUhx-4tbYLEkQeLHz62qZ4y9nzotDwycEhUJlzNhOu/s1600/il_570xN.493757310_a786.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47wwCrQYzI9IDJe55YGSkWCZbV1Jwhrh3pwl8HQC1cbDqoRUl5lNb0czCVaTsYOCigyvGZrMzq310mYA6ugZaF5aW29TQXvMoBJ2Sv_HOhCn2gdd1p61iDgbWiMqRIhcpW-6R7K0CK3d7/s1600/SoapMonth123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47wwCrQYzI9IDJe55YGSkWCZbV1Jwhrh3pwl8HQC1cbDqoRUl5lNb0czCVaTsYOCigyvGZrMzq310mYA6ugZaF5aW29TQXvMoBJ2Sv_HOhCn2gdd1p61iDgbWiMqRIhcpW-6R7K0CK3d7/s1600/SoapMonth123.JPG" height="168" width="200" /></a><div>
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This week, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SecondSpringSoaps?section_id=13556796&ref=shopsection_leftnav_5">my Clubs are back</a>! </div>
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Sign up for the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112937412/soap-of-the-month-club-3-month?ref=shop_home_active_4">Soap of the Month Club</a> or the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112841675/bath-bomb-of-the-month-club-3-month?ref=shop_home_active_3">Bath Bomb of the Month</a> Club and get sweet packages in the mail each month! These are fantastic gifts to give a friend or loved one, or they are a fun treat for yourself! Both the Soap Club and the Bath Bomb Club have different subscription options: 3 months, 6 months or 12 months! </div>
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For Halloween, you can now grab <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/199579200/candy-lip-balm-set-marshmallow-bubble?ref=shop_home_active_5">four candy-flavored lip balms</a> in a discounted set! I'm making up a few sets for my nieces for trick-or-treat treat bags! This set includes Marshmallow, Bubble Gum, Caramel, and Candy Corn! Yummm! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0S28UH2PbP5NAyuW4_uTfH5qBqmB34MX1Mg5kDS-wfQ26rI1GYaTQ2qcm8rFYS-IlWxZIFAWlznVvs7pzQ9HTo9nnnSYqNu-zAqzT9YuXeqnCmS_Rpt4vRpqaqQey9m7ZSXDPF7vFPvN/s1600/CandyLip4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo0S28UH2PbP5NAyuW4_uTfH5qBqmB34MX1Mg5kDS-wfQ26rI1GYaTQ2qcm8rFYS-IlWxZIFAWlznVvs7pzQ9HTo9nnnSYqNu-zAqzT9YuXeqnCmS_Rpt4vRpqaqQey9m7ZSXDPF7vFPvN/s1600/CandyLip4.JPG" height="320" width="293" /></a></div>
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And my shop now features <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/200552360/wooden-soap-dish-made-from-pressed-pine?ref=shop_home_active_12">wooden soap dishes</a>! These dishes are made from pressed pine and are cut and sanded before shipping (thanks, Dad! I'm a klutz with a saw!). I leave these dishes natural so you can stain, paint, and finish these yourself to match your house's decor! These dishes help keep your soap dry between uses, making the bars last longer!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8e5ZM1GfN-H9_Oh2cFmZ6lsiZv9YIC4TP5RB3cbBUgGBgxN5eG2EtKrwrXTXH0lc-bDfpEVGtgxbXOgYXLsNUeiDwbvzT1jmBubzWTk5i4PYdfbA2CpiznHLFW2KAI5QXVlsK9Einb_j-/s1600/SoapDish4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8e5ZM1GfN-H9_Oh2cFmZ6lsiZv9YIC4TP5RB3cbBUgGBgxN5eG2EtKrwrXTXH0lc-bDfpEVGtgxbXOgYXLsNUeiDwbvzT1jmBubzWTk5i4PYdfbA2CpiznHLFW2KAI5QXVlsK9Einb_j-/s1600/SoapDish4.JPG" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-36444578159977758032014-08-29T07:50:00.002-07:002014-08-29T07:50:42.759-07:00Updates, Round Up, and More!My poor little blog has gotten neglected throughout the month of August. With me picking up a small summer job, participating in a week-long show, and getting soaps together for our local county fairs, I have been really busy. With school starting back, it's just added to my load. So, my blog had to take a back seat while I focused on getting through all of my fun, but time-consuming activities.<br />
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So... what have I been up to?<br />
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well, I started off my August by taking some new, flashy photos of my wax tarts. I like the tarts with color, but since I am rocking soy wax, I ended up deciding to remove the color option from my tarts and go with a more natural look. What do you think of the new photos?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_c0Q_iBrKAYs4ZWt904TSm0R4hK-XuZFhuGMQYmnZN5IXqwevK89V5d229JJvX9d9NxbDFkABmrtGzs4tOvYzEGBULOxSoYDDWnJhseN4YZc4b46L3hJuxvcUPQxXB9uhIyRqEOlQfyFw/s1600/TartVanillaChai1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_c0Q_iBrKAYs4ZWt904TSm0R4hK-XuZFhuGMQYmnZN5IXqwevK89V5d229JJvX9d9NxbDFkABmrtGzs4tOvYzEGBULOxSoYDDWnJhseN4YZc4b46L3hJuxvcUPQxXB9uhIyRqEOlQfyFw/s1600/TartVanillaChai1.JPG" height="175" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNOIpKmnrwEbaSaCvaygZZ5seLRyeQtHfVrQmAU4enAj3Or8VjWL8ovQka1uoZqBqObuzEvskdUKzUy3pn7n7Ye3ZEsAUQTorIEN3JoBduaCG-6xGZKp7k0-ux02maUIa01WMZa1L4lAA/s1600/WaxClamshell2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNOIpKmnrwEbaSaCvaygZZ5seLRyeQtHfVrQmAU4enAj3Or8VjWL8ovQka1uoZqBqObuzEvskdUKzUy3pn7n7Ye3ZEsAUQTorIEN3JoBduaCG-6xGZKp7k0-ux02maUIa01WMZa1L4lAA/s1600/WaxClamshell2.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><br />
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I also got a job working at the Appalachian Fair, our local county fair! It was fun, but very hard work. I really enjoyed my time at the Farm and Home building, working with the cooking competitions and decorating the building.<br />
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I also put some of my goodies in the Appalachian Fair and the Greene County Fair. I'm pleased to announce that my soap at the Greene County Fair won second place and my new Lip Butter won second place in the "made from beeswax" honey competition at the Appalachian fair! Yay! Two more red ribbons to add to my ever-growing collection!<br />
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I also got to sell my soaps during the Appalachian Fair with some of my wonderful local buddies! It was my first craft show since last December and my first since my twins passed away, so it took some time getting me back in the swing of selling. I think my new shelving is going to look amazing in a booth! Bonus: these shelves fold down FLAT, which is great for my limited trunk space!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvHxu0f7O6MsSCDHjbhNvDy-oUIKoG63oI9mJfzGgC7F_lUBujlWjbgXc4bdfdidwRc4B42lsxJl-R_WWlav_wwxAQznyoxAntzn2541fMlACTXlT4C1bgyBd_2muqTAXp1M_Df3FBYbb/s1600/app+fair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirvHxu0f7O6MsSCDHjbhNvDy-oUIKoG63oI9mJfzGgC7F_lUBujlWjbgXc4bdfdidwRc4B42lsxJl-R_WWlav_wwxAQznyoxAntzn2541fMlACTXlT4C1bgyBd_2muqTAXp1M_Df3FBYbb/s1600/app+fair.jpg" height="289" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also celebrated my 500th sale in my Etsy shop! I am so proud and excited to hit this milestone! It's been almost 3 years since I started my Etsy shop. I've taken time off here and there during its run, but I am so proud of this achievement. This one was hard-earned! To celebrate, I am running a 10% off coupon on everything in <a href="http://secondspringsoaps.etsy.com/">the shop</a>. The code is <u style="font-weight: bold;">"SALE500"</u> and it is good from now until September 30th!<br />
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I think I am all caught up on my August shenanigans. School started for me and kiddo this past Tuesday, so things like my blog and social media accounts may start slowing down as classes really gear up. I am going to aim for 1-2 posts a week, so hopefully you will be able to catch new posts on Mondays and Fridays.<br />
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So long, August! September, here we come!!<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-10290275326205856142014-08-08T11:13:00.001-07:002014-08-08T11:13:24.260-07:00Friday Roundup: Week of August 8thWhoa, its August already?!? This summer has flown by! I'm currently the busiest I have been in months, working towards getting all stocked up for the Appalachian Fair in two weeks, school starting up for me and Kiddo in three weeks, and show season and holiday shopping season kicking into high gear!<br />
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And now, on with the show!!<br />
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Two of my lip balms came back with brand new pictures:<br />
<table align="center" 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;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/115634117/natural-lemon-lip-balm-made-with-lemon?ref=shop_home_active_3"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kiLL23t1J2MsLWMEEUXBvEKZEbT-eczmlL5AH1RH11ldkuRV9ytIrj170Pn75EwN0vcA5pB-qYRZcxQzBKVKk7ewFbLxn0zmZZwBhkrcBtjoAB57b0lcaTtSRtGU_dHeHNtmFmMuhPt4/s1600/Lemon1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/115634117/natural-lemon-lip-balm-made-with-lemon?ref=shop_home_active_3">Lemon Lip Balm</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" 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;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160830704/pumpkin-cheesecake-lip-balm-for-fall-and?ref=shop_home_active_7"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAH1Ent9YKPYWjre953e0Hu2IhjO5ZazITxo05-WmxS99pvB2lShyphenhyphenJSElajAAL98b9OHGN36_TvJ3wiFrvQy7bdrKwtcS4ZzE_b73_2FP0k-elEWHKZL7ebUd1F7Sz4fBwBbR5LMoeWMqG/s1600/PumpkinCheesecake3.JPG" height="218" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160830704/pumpkin-cheesecake-lip-balm-for-fall-and?ref=shop_home_active_7">Pumpkin Cheesecake Lip Balm</a></td></tr>
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A new bath bomb has arrived, scented with an old favorite:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/197415128/marigold-mint-bath-bomb-fizzy-in-yellow?ref=shop_home_active_1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIJII4Uysbiscgd9NfHl2jYoS005eYetbuocwa1SBzFE8ptbhXf6EQlcFzSjPKAsGrWzbuAcU8nl3u28-mkDb7BxGqRLsVZovXe1h0GHkWqWp_jB8g0WSU-wBScOStWUDKQWUU3Fggkyrn/s1600/YellowBB2.JPG" height="241" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/197415128/marigold-mint-bath-bomb-fizzy-in-yellow?ref=shop_home_active_1">Marigold Mint Bath Bomb</a></td></tr>
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And my Winter's Aroma tarts are here, and are already getting picked up by snow-loving customers:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192578873/winters-aroma-soy-wax-tart-sampler-pack?ref=shop_home_active_4"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXdUw5DuHdyRjzVXk2w86R0gP-JsV86ZQ7AZu3LWEwV-jkefx_7IUli9qeMD0NjMB7T-vGmnftu8Ee5a8fYvwNgiB6o0LTkT80uLilre_24tJ_NeuleiFETuWrn8BKZuKTuT6shMGecLU/s1600/WaxWinter.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192578873/winters-aroma-soy-wax-tart-sampler-pack?ref=shop_home_active_4">Winter-themed wax tart sample set</a></td></tr>
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<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-80308033470655104902014-08-06T06:00:00.000-07:002014-08-05T11:43:12.145-07:00Treasury Wednesday: Back to School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTUyOTUzODB8MjcyNDAwNTI0Nw/back-to-school"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HQDxpERK_AAJZRWs3cuAqvqqfvZ0vMe0v9EQoBXBJFqeCalxI2IzWyDJjyZzY3a9OQ8nGGcua2Ppcn1RBBeLHrchPa5Fm819HfULTDRD2v_t3-KaVh_D9Bg23do58n3atNW-2UC6xuJh/s1600/Capture.PNG" height="400" width="372" /></a></div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-12668507085250586432014-08-04T19:56:00.000-07:002014-08-04T19:56:00.146-07:00Candy Corn Season is Coming...Now that we are officially in August, it is time to get geared up for Halloween, one of my favorite times of the year! I love the fall, when the leaves and mountains turn gorgeous colors, the wind blows a bit cooler and the air just *smells* different! Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays and I love making all of the wonderful goodies for the season!<br />
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This year, I brought back my three Candy Corn treats, including <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196588141/candy-corn-soap-in-white-orange-and?ref=shop_home_active_3&ga_search_query=candy%2Bcorn">my soap</a> (my husband's favorite)...<br />
<table align="center" 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;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196588141/candy-corn-soap-in-white-orange-and?ref=shop_home_active_3&ga_search_query=candy%2Bcorn"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_lxf5UOdFKmN-BaO2k27JS-HxnjE1qY0DGU0LtdDr3wotNXcoTn44Wag8HLMPMkFnJiCsik36bYBWXgUs3PyamfaWhggZWvFIzXLndGmLqE1eCQAAC_wkHJgCJlMwEfnagKmr3ZYjiZm/s1600/CandyCorn1.JPG" height="242" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196588141/candy-corn-soap-in-white-orange-and?ref=shop_home_active_3&ga_search_query=candy%2Bcorn">Candy Corn Soap</a></td></tr>
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and my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160830726/candy-corn-lip-balm-for-halloween?ref=shop_home_active_5&ga_search_query=candy%2Bcorn">lip balm</a>...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160830726/candy-corn-lip-balm-for-halloween?ref=shop_home_active_5&ga_search_query=candy%2Bcorn"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQh2ru8JjeEAZ62UQJcLP87AjHEu-zjbssDLl8rbj1sGQIpm28gsY-sBESz8alMfQo7AR4G4JBUEM_Uv85BzNUa9uRF2N1J4DTPodyln8gAztxtmv7zYn0lqbDYgkeCSfsr7rkvb_gExD9/s1600/CandyCorn2.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160830726/candy-corn-lip-balm-for-halloween?ref=shop_home_active_5&ga_search_query=candy%2Bcorn">Candy Corn Lip Balm</a></td></tr>
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and my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160261630/halloween-candy-corn-soy-wax-tarts?ref=shop_home_active_4&ga_search_query=candy%2Bcorn">wax tarts</a>...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160261630/halloween-candy-corn-soy-wax-tarts?ref=shop_home_active_4&ga_search_query=candy%2Bcorn"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQm-Zv_T-_86DXOy_ceFeemCC2F9BBIGHZBXGgayjpew7g6Ci8-ptgu6BIXix22v6v-qIYAruB5bOpQq9UK9mP1IDDpnJAjwbL8mWbeHt5Ydm_kIy01AMnbxK1szQi7Dcs4NZh25CDjqyL/s1600/CandyCorn.JPG" height="258" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160261630/halloween-candy-corn-soy-wax-tarts?ref=shop_home_active_4&ga_search_query=candy%2Bcorn">Candy Corn Soy Wax Tarts</a></td></tr>
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and I have decided to feature all three in a set called the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196605144/halloween-gift-set-candy-corn-collection?ref=shop_home_active_1&ga_search_query=candy%2Bcorn">"Candy Corn Collection"</a>...<br />
<table align="center" 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;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196605144/halloween-gift-set-candy-corn-collection?ref=shop_home_active_1&ga_search_query=candy%2Bcorn"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx6WHwXwH4QVsi_ukdHwbW7yPzSEV1Chrjs6ISHtuztcWGf_ECKpkGVUeSaO-QPQR-Q8oGgC76dNfvahz0P6xNsIvfdhwJRqtOEnXCGuN0pQda9dSQykxpk15_IudytHvKyQIRPTH2VKRv/s1600/CandyCornCollection1.jpg" height="320" width="302" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196605144/halloween-gift-set-candy-corn-collection?ref=shop_home_active_1&ga_search_query=candy%2Bcorn">My new Candy Corn Collection</a></td></tr>
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So, grab these bad boys up while you can, because once the spooks leave for the year, these will be gone as well!<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-41854865876390328642014-07-30T06:00:00.000-07:002014-07-30T06:00:06.172-07:00Treasury Wednesday: Amazing Etsians July Scavenger Hunt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTEyNjkzMzN8MjcyNjU0MTA1OA/amazing-etsians-july-scavenger-hunt"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjav9EZIdUP2p1YGJ-JvZPkUyohGjxg3EhHxpA695vKUnmfWQblh7tuTuPmADxEZPbLfe2BEWjr8ldkI-H86YJ1gjHNVR8odU35oW4nhWNCIKmEQpNWZNJDxJM5j2ggOmFn-S_UUTo9W2eQ/s1600/treasury.PNG" height="320" width="297" /></a></div>
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-81009093696786954612014-07-28T20:44:00.000-07:002014-07-29T19:33:01.699-07:00Clay Soap: Kaolin ClayKaolin clay is a newer clay to me. When planning my clay soaps, I chose Kaolin to round out my line, but once I took a look at all of the benefits that Kaolin clay provides, I was so glad that I chose this clay to be my fourth clay soap!<br />
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Kaolin clay is a white to off-white clay, also known as China clay. It is known in the soap making community for proving amazing "razor slip" in shaving soaps, but it has wonderful benefits for the skin underneath the hair! Kaolin clay is wonderful for all skin types, helps promote circulation to the skin, removes dead skin cells, and helps balance sebum activity. Too much sebum leads to blackheads (sebum collecting at the surface of the skin) or whiteheads (sebum collecting underneath the skin). This leads Kaolin clay to be the most recommended clay to use on skin!<br />
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I love the essential oil that I used with my Kaolin clay soap: Bay essential oil! Bay is one of my favorite essential oils to use. I love the spicy, herbaceous notes!<br />
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Watch me make this soap here:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/jyUdAStgxms?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Best part is... this soap, as well as my Cedar/Chamomile Bentonite Clay soap, doubles as a shaving soap!<br />
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And with that, my clay soap experiments come to a close! I hope you have enjoyed a month's worth of clay information and soapy goodness!<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-20242419997624958622014-07-25T06:00:00.000-07:002014-07-25T06:00:10.730-07:00Friday Roundup: Week of July 25thEven though it has been all quiet on the home front, the Etsy front has been booming! I've been very busy for the past week, drafting new listings, posting new products, and even rearranging my soaping and desk space! Everyone loves a good summer deep cleaning week!<br />
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So, on with the show!<br />
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This week, my clay soaps from my <a href="http://secondspringsoaps.blogspot.com/2014/07/clay-soap-july-project.html">Clay Soap Project</a> have been making their debuts (Look out for my Bentonite soap next week and my Kaolin soap in two weeks!):<br />
<table align="center" 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;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/194927653/french-green-clay-soap-scented-with?ref=shop_home_active_4"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7qCYQMA9MoMXc-ZhVjEMwhaYjWPhtXzZavpRC6Fijg4yanhr7CKO8fvjVczGbb2m65UUrZatToV5ElF0_xUMCW3p3thcGNARChIuTvQTNULuIhYMdQMwIO4Yz6tU8sMmwCWK8086X4q1/s1600/ClayGreen4.JPG" height="269" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/194927653/french-green-clay-soap-scented-with?ref=shop_home_active_4">French Green Clay Soap, scented with Lemongrass and Mint</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" 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;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/195830460/red-moroccan-clay-soap-scented-with?ref=shop_home_active_1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbCKivvQGdefehNQxeuB7RJe9JQ7_c5K0HVuvGnjubkIHbPOGyzMa_60IhPxPDO1rcMtU2bjSu_TXgA_1w3ETTZ9fj_EaBT33xb5cRqWS6SDapdSrIuukE92k0HT8VmbZWpfNGCBOC04U/s1600/ClayRed1.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/195830460/red-moroccan-clay-soap-scented-with?ref=shop_home_active_1">Red Moroccan Clay Soap, scented with Patchouli and Cinnamon</a></td></tr>
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Two new bath bombs are finally here:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196825561/sandalwood-bath-bomb-fizzies-with-epsom?ref=shop_home_active_6"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnveapoSeyeaqNe2qd9YHe_U4RSGeDZHvjjawCN0tJ7RpDSOw5UmobYhHx0a4lfPONmA9kU32jUlGN_0kzZa4VEORRlizLVjPWMZwfK4xDyPI-cu7CJyIj6K3pWTjZWyH87FdIGNLJhgpP/s1600/BrownBB1.JPG" height="280" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196825561/sandalwood-bath-bomb-fizzies-with-epsom?ref=shop_home_active_6">Sandalwood Bath Bombs</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" 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;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/197414925/fig-and-sweet-almond-bath-bomb-fizzy?ref=shop_home_active_2"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgxBVMmeOwXaH3r5h26DmAsFWvNLHoX9cR7XrN4jyoLLhNyLL_0JzxhuHsXHj5YX8VkxT8tnfPgFkqP51mPsgtM6luZjOCb3Kv0EqPyRWogCME0efeoATIh0UtuIMx82LxSY1AuZ0NxynQ/s1600/RedBB1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/197414925/fig-and-sweet-almond-bath-bomb-fizzy?ref=shop_home_active_2">Fig and Almond Bath Bombs</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My Red Velvet lip balm got a makeover:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113043305/red-velvet-cake-lip-balm-beeswax-lip?ref=shop_home_active_3"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1F4UZBoYW7yY6VwRqrJTe1bFFD1iV1Wtw4kQgUPHQeD-umI2YUDcqe3N9QUEYwH6qq5gtv38s3UPypHo3S9G5vt7F2GQkwuO_ezAW11sFyllEuJmNbg1oE08IVKrGcj7TMgcEw3Pzrvj/s1600/RedVelvetCake1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113043305/red-velvet-cake-lip-balm-beeswax-lip?ref=shop_home_active_3">Red Velvet Cake Lip Balm</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
and my new wax tart sampler sets are popping up as well:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192577561/autumn-evenings-soy-wax-tart-sampler?ref=shop_home_active_5"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbtjc7qUXPmGMdcCVnaOAURzbfivPIXlSlTYg-ypiEpGRO9kLsVNlIwkaQV8b3iWp9fPMKUy-4n2Td57sPhr8mZyky0w7zO751dY0uS8m3WJpeUURiSqwAB9Jq97mdyk3WRv-6f0ahW93/s1600/WaxAutumn.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192577561/autumn-evenings-soy-wax-tart-sampler?ref=shop_home_active_5">Autumn and Fall-themed soy wax tarts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" 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;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192565970/lazy-summer-soy-wax-tart-sampler-pack?ref=related-0"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggF5Obhb2Ld4gEUPJp1Z5LTrz4Gd4IqmwlLAV1vc9dpAhZr3vU08Q-Gm7txplt-1VhCwVkr23hzMTF2ASYW0yYS4Y-KTqc6mHfMqarjbMEwZaJ_XJRKc0sYx2mvBkuHLAdbUjPyGKb1k3A/s1600/WaxSummer.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192565970/lazy-summer-soy-wax-tart-sampler-pack?ref=related-0">Summer-themed soy wax tarts</a></td></tr>
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I am so excited and proud to show off all of these new goodies! Just a sneak peek at next week: my Bentonite clay soap will become available, new designs of my french green clay and red moroccan clay will be popping up, new bath bombs are coming, and my wax tarts in clamshell molds will be getting a makeover!<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-25688699056190715962014-07-21T08:22:00.002-07:002014-07-24T06:53:53.675-07:00Clay Soap: Moroccan Red ClayMy sister's favorite clay for her "normal" skin type is Moroccan Red Clay, also known as Rhassoul clay. This wonderful, earthy clay works beautifully in soap and gives amazing, natural color to soap bars.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsY36EE11Q-6wIMx7IxI_YMKddom4PUybRB0XHF-43pZqx8m1sF4IjGSW0ngxa5Cgf0aDjfYvzdMJ4B95_u6KuFJO9lcFJer5p3rw_rkq94GW5ErrXoCDUi2nxnSRJxRD_raCIrh74xsE/s1600/ClayRed2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsY36EE11Q-6wIMx7IxI_YMKddom4PUybRB0XHF-43pZqx8m1sF4IjGSW0ngxa5Cgf0aDjfYvzdMJ4B95_u6KuFJO9lcFJer5p3rw_rkq94GW5ErrXoCDUi2nxnSRJxRD_raCIrh74xsE/s1600/ClayRed2.JPG" height="242" width="320" /></a></div>
Moroccan red clay is a special clay, coming only from the Atlas Mountains of northern Africa. This reddish-brown clay is good for combination skin, normal skin, or dry skin and is well known for its mineral-rich qualities. It's smooth and creamy texture fluffs when water is added and the clay works to rebalance dry skin and help with flakiness. It's also been known to sooth skin irritations.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzc1NlNrdrmdfwrlw0USDcB5YeqTo1gflwnbg9R56wrpT1cuvvh0A8HUok1qFLCEOnJCBECZ3lLdA4Qvf-OeMMZmYbUNUTMvNIUmZiv6NrXkPVyAA2xCFc_GaMbX0rHGR9zIpbluB7DO3/s1600/ClayRed1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzc1NlNrdrmdfwrlw0USDcB5YeqTo1gflwnbg9R56wrpT1cuvvh0A8HUok1qFLCEOnJCBECZ3lLdA4Qvf-OeMMZmYbUNUTMvNIUmZiv6NrXkPVyAA2xCFc_GaMbX0rHGR9zIpbluB7DO3/s1600/ClayRed1.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
For this soap, I was inspired by the red-brown color of the Moroccan clay and I wanted to use a "hot", earthy essential oil combination to round out the soap. I love the blend I used: Patchouli and Cinnamon leaf. The patchouli essential oil lends a strong, earthy aroma and the cinnamon leaf essential oil brings the "heat" of warm, rich cinnamon. The two balance each other and round each other out wonderfully.<br />
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This soap is now available on my Etsy shop! <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/195830460/red-moroccan-clay-soap-scented-with?ref=shop_home_active_1">Click here</a> to check it out!<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-90874485849114554592014-07-18T05:45:00.000-07:002014-07-18T05:45:09.042-07:00Friday Roundup: Week of July 18thWow, where did this week go?!? With my Kiddo turning 4 yesterday and my husband being home on a mini-vacation, this week has just flown by! Kiddo's birthday was so much fun yesterday! We spent the day with my parents and sister and Kiddo got his first big boy bike!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mGxWNNSJxwV8I5GMOfrFA0BzoWoOZVjqXpnPrGmevsaPKPZdLVd0oKFAf81XMfHCYs_HjICotZQjB2hZsGmrruVevU3fgULjzpBnJzzP14RuZWQ1-ZztgZKGG8INqL_BIpKDvCBff4pL/s1600/BenBike.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mGxWNNSJxwV8I5GMOfrFA0BzoWoOZVjqXpnPrGmevsaPKPZdLVd0oKFAf81XMfHCYs_HjICotZQjB2hZsGmrruVevU3fgULjzpBnJzzP14RuZWQ1-ZztgZKGG8INqL_BIpKDvCBff4pL/s1600/BenBike.PNG" height="318" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look out! Here comes the Spider Man!</td></tr>
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But anywho, enough with my Mommy bragging, on to the Roundup!<br />
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My Candy Corn soap has returned this year, and due to some discoloration, it is on sale:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196588141/candy-corn-soap-in-white-orange-and?ref=shop_home_active_2"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_UoFwAPIChyphenhyphenD8Rbt7l9ZO-crLAWRzBcokoGfdgycuN2gyNFcKTG3t6mFT7IS__rOFvWGVrHdE4p22mD_gULpIrFtvGES1yB3kLNxR8Zcs5EcWvS98AoO6xLPmnoHmZ6OTnVmGUzQLUmTk/s1600/CandyCorn4.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196588141/candy-corn-soap-in-white-orange-and?ref=shop_home_active_2">Candy Corn Soap on Sale!</a></td></tr>
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Some new bath bombs are making the rounds:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160774553/honey-almond-bath-bomb-fizzies-in-orange?ref=shop_home_active_4"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMITDXcl0z50khJFR75SvvPpJCfM_IjL4Iaad5bfvdxedqMTQ-w0_8g6Lw8z9YaoqdG7D7VieHqfOHTLkakE-40Rv4c-0DYIzclvL4a7YAKMcf3pleSHu-Gz_TAtQHXinFOi3AKj9Q36-i/s1600/OrangeBB2.JPG" height="300" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160774553/honey-almond-bath-bomb-fizzies-in-orange?ref=shop_home_active_4">Honey Almond Bath Bombs</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" 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;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196825561/sandalwood-bath-bomb-fizzies-with-epsom?ref=shop_home_active_1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUSLlvuGT6LjrKXt_bLe2C0-0xKP9ePdF3lW1IDNnQwTthHovHc1i-bW6bvdGUZu5t-z6S0ShrwwnQq4EBdE-JJhcSxsUUBVc4SRCEwvBeEYZOhUHAVoGkFWH4m7-C-kmjaGWfQ7O1Z3g/s1600/BrownBB1.JPG" height="280" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/196825561/sandalwood-bath-bomb-fizzies-with-epsom?ref=shop_home_active_1">Sandalwood Bath bombs</a></td></tr>
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And my soy wax tart sampler packs are making their way online! You get to try out six different scents in a theme, like "Lazy Summer", "Winter's Aroma" or "Whatcha Cookin'?" Take a look:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192565970/lazy-summer-soy-wax-tart-sampler-pack?ref=shop_home_active_1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5K8-DF975unSfPQGuH-MppTCh4ijEydUHnKoTgLBVjggOJZTeWE9xKkHevkgiAQsAkrTgqLlkkMCnXlw4RKe3BSBUSEa5viR1U5Sw2-JvA5kE1I5czuND9VsgNDNN6cdTQ17tOarGuvI/s1600/WaxSummer.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192565970/lazy-summer-soy-wax-tart-sampler-pack?ref=shop_home_active_1">My Lazy Summer set, click to see the scents!</a></td></tr>
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I also was able to film the last soap in my Clay Soap Series! Wanna sneak peek at my Kaolin clay soap and see how funky my Bay essential oil acted? Check it out:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/jyUdAStgxms?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Can't see the video? <a href="http://youtu.be/jyUdAStgxms">Click Here</a> to head to YouTube!</div>
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Until next time, ladies and gents!<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-3401897034267146172014-07-14T06:00:00.000-07:002014-07-14T06:00:04.909-07:00Clay Soap: Bentonite ClayMy second clay in my <a href="http://secondspringsoaps.blogspot.com/2014/07/clay-soap-july-project.html">clay soap series</a> is my bentonite clay soap, scented with cedar and roman chamomile essential oils! Bentonite clay is a staple in my home and I've used it in loads of soaps prior to this experiment. I love this clay!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOk2JuCbnFu1ZabPgFT_dGjXJNiIKFqheWxClezCn5g8c_BCuJ6MG42k87fhcXhyphenhyphenv8GPPPRucp6m7IGIAJ2gg90SNmGFvHpomdo7AGmkMjVPDPelDlnD5kauyx2dJ1eZxwD4bEM7oRwMCp/s1600/ClayBentonite1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOk2JuCbnFu1ZabPgFT_dGjXJNiIKFqheWxClezCn5g8c_BCuJ6MG42k87fhcXhyphenhyphenv8GPPPRucp6m7IGIAJ2gg90SNmGFvHpomdo7AGmkMjVPDPelDlnD5kauyx2dJ1eZxwD4bEM7oRwMCp/s1600/ClayBentonite1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Bentonite clay, a gray clay that is derived from aged volcanic ash, is a wonderful clay highly concentrated with wonderful minerals for your skin. This clay will add missing minerals to your skin while drawing our oils and toxins. Bentonite clay is great for combination skin and oily skin. Beyond skin care, bentonite clay is said to have many uses for the body... read about them <a href="http://empoweredsustenance.com/bentonite-clay-uses/">here</a>!<br />
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When formulating my bentonite clay soap, I wanted to scent it with a soothing essential oil blend. I knew I wanted to use Cedarwood, and after much deliberation, I decided to blend the rich, earthy cedarwood with light, floral Roman Chamomile. The two essential oils make an amazingly light and rich scent when blended!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQC_FiBrOvYXuwD5-nx3_qxNI2s3mFS9OMkVPGJOT6shyaXS2ImaYBkTdELhCDDPswoEwuteOK2O-JTEbigHuz-bD3vtonpeVpKjufGD25yqMl04LYl1Uf7dW28_OIM0L__mW3Rzip1nU/s1600/ClayBentonite2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQC_FiBrOvYXuwD5-nx3_qxNI2s3mFS9OMkVPGJOT6shyaXS2ImaYBkTdELhCDDPswoEwuteOK2O-JTEbigHuz-bD3vtonpeVpKjufGD25yqMl04LYl1Uf7dW28_OIM0L__mW3Rzip1nU/s1600/ClayBentonite2.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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This soap will be available in <a href="http://secondspringsoaps.etsy.com/">my Etsy shop</a> in late July, so check back soon!<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-528831312872626432014-07-11T06:00:00.000-07:002014-07-11T06:00:07.364-07:00Friday Roundup: Week of July 11thI hope you all have had a wonderful first full week of July! I've kept busy online and offline, starting up a new workout routine with Kiddo and planning Kiddo's fourth birthday party!<br />
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His party is Saturday... Here's to hoping that it goes off without a hitch!<br />
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And now, on to the goodies:<br />
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I listed my Oatmeal Stout Soap this week:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/195862539/oatmeal-stout-clay-soap-handmade-vegan?ref=shop_home_active_3"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTdX2D77GzrSVzxr8Hdkfla1iABD-KUlPs4F3z4oggSVo2HyAFWTKIOIBXnRDg72w-JheZWcmElG3rhvJa8R2yw2P0sCOqgTLUfgiK3rI6Wqik5rwhJK5WmWZ8dGgBxeT8WOHVmcuaVarJ/s1600/OatmealStout1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/195862539/oatmeal-stout-clay-soap-handmade-vegan?ref=shop_home_active_3">Oatmeal Stout Soap with French Green Clay and Bentonite Clay</a></td></tr>
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And some new wax tarts:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/195813353/yuzu-and-sea-salt-soy-wax-tarts?ref=shop_home_active_4"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29VUGCTzqSr9uQNbLXK03atXqK4jly3Voz8kCPn-vOYYa4GeCsNrpk7zsxS_GbwgqYTkSuaEpFqGuFTVKfwozNhGXl6x8kqoPxYyfDaE1KXxln7ZoO5AzSVVm5MizNlcUfrljfxnECfJY/s1600/SeaSaltYuzuWT.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/195813353/yuzu-and-sea-salt-soy-wax-tarts?ref=shop_home_active_4">Sea Salt and Yuzu Soy Wax Tarts</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And sold quite a few lip balms, including <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/112960478/lip-balm-pack-pick-any-3-flavors?ref=shop_home_active_2">my triple lip balm pack</a> and my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/87381602/clove-lip-balm-natural-lip-balm?ref=listing-shop-header-0">clove lip balm</a>!<br />
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I've been so busy with party planning that Etsy took a backseat. I've got a whole list of new soaps, bath bomb scents, and lip balm flavors that are just waiting to be listed, including my <a href="http://secondspringsoaps.blogspot.com/2014/07/clay-soap-july-project.html">new clay soaps</a>, so keep an eye out!<br />
<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-12196110870238750112014-07-07T07:00:00.000-07:002014-07-21T08:24:43.795-07:00Clay Soap: French Green ClayOf all of the facial clays available, French Green Clay seems to be the most well known and popular, making it the obvious choice to start with when planning <a href="http://secondspringsoaps.blogspot.com/2014/07/clay-soap-july-project.html">my clay soap series</a>. I love this clay for my own skin, so I scented it with my favorite essential oil blend, Lemongrass and Peppermint.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zXX7Hxsk_OvJSZflJcwPEUqK_jB2Ge5EBFSqpJE1LbVR35s0bbl3Y6yaRJjtpKY-RQEhgHCzEO-cccsrLfcTcSCngJAPthXpK0f3avvQfHt-LU3TiEjnbhmH58iGg65sgV1XMxq4V3ri/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zXX7Hxsk_OvJSZflJcwPEUqK_jB2Ge5EBFSqpJE1LbVR35s0bbl3Y6yaRJjtpKY-RQEhgHCzEO-cccsrLfcTcSCngJAPthXpK0f3avvQfHt-LU3TiEjnbhmH58iGg65sgV1XMxq4V3ri/s1600/DSC_0092.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Let's start out with some of the great, well-known benefits of French Green Clay!<br />
French Green Clay, also known as Sea Clay, is a popular clay among spas and healthy skin-minded people. The clay is mined not only in France, but in the United States and China as well. The clay gets its green name from its light green color, but has been known to be gray as well. The clay is well known for its detoxifying properties and helps to draw impurities from the skin while remineralizing the skin.<br />
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French Green Clay is amazing for people, like me, who have oily skin. The clay also helps remove dead skin cells and promotes circulation under the skin when used.<br />
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Since this clay is the best clay for my skin, I decided to make a soap that I would love to use as well. This soap is scented with a blend of Lemongrass and Peppermint essential oils, giving it a fresh, clean mix of tart, soft lemon and peppy mint. This is a great essential oil blend to help awaken your senses in the morning! I love the pale-green color of the soap, naturally derived from the clay itself! Gorgeous!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X5ViOGbHHM6okaSDGMkiA1HjCSYJzmKLk0cBWgyJYPv7tzESCE_qo3MKaMjVAVTEeAYcHCeTYfVE_4QHTK77phhvvhSnuRR9IsoqJ_ZGlmuy93WRPeN-qb_yPsg49Ca6n3NfnX3oBOhR/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_X5ViOGbHHM6okaSDGMkiA1HjCSYJzmKLk0cBWgyJYPv7tzESCE_qo3MKaMjVAVTEeAYcHCeTYfVE_4QHTK77phhvvhSnuRR9IsoqJ_ZGlmuy93WRPeN-qb_yPsg49Ca6n3NfnX3oBOhR/s1600/DSC_0097.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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This soap is available in my Etsy shop! <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/194927653/french-green-clay-soap-scented-with?ref=shop_home_active_1">Click Here</a> to check it out!<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-10075933993905347282014-07-04T07:00:00.000-07:002014-07-04T07:00:07.798-07:00Friday Roundup: Week of July 4th<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Independence Day, Americans! I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday! </span></b></div>
<table align="center" 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;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/190760028/july-4th-bath-bomb-fizzy-independence?ref=shop_home_active_2&ga_search_query=July"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmz4XSwLsOiFSM0pwKHNfzAjEAfh6TpcYwdpvIwmNqH7Xc3pWPmzMWMIagVmwnDBRONiFSdcpXvtlokczWRXR_tR9OU8OOKhQayJqs03wATy4QosCGd45aNef4HV49-1DQ0VXuzpzgioi5/s1600/July4bb1.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/190760028/july-4th-bath-bomb-fizzy-independence?ref=shop_home_active_2&ga_search_query=July">Independence Day Bath Bomb Fizzy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, on to the Roundup!<br />
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Some new soaps hit my Etsy shop:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/193481218/cherry-almond-soap-in-pink-with-glitter?ref=shop_home_active_1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7DDNxvO9ai7Rqx89RhSuejkkLMH8wcxDoimw1AIG3G6qLGzDhiq8u08QFs4swP2FIjelYbJb8ioqhePbO2DafU5ILXI2P2oaPdzWaFRSL-ogC2U-YBaGiPULCTDkEvIIw_WUmH_sOteR/s1600/CherryAlmond2.JPG" height="287" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/193481218/cherry-almond-soap-in-pink-with-glitter?ref=shop_home_active_1">Cherry Almond Soap</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" 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;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192890462/crisp-apple-rose-salt-soap-sea-salt-soap?ref=shop_home_active_11"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg00SOQFPZ1MJUv3uY_x-zKMNTBLa3HlDF2JxkdEcaD3JpWAr4QGeb2C8LKMe8NA_u7sj5oSWM8oUUq0FG9E2V9Tnn__cDpIui9SwETXFqbL8v4E0vhvAFEExtQ3XZ1tCd1wfur0IdJvMTf/s1600/SSAppleRose3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192890462/crisp-apple-rose-salt-soap-sea-salt-soap?ref=shop_home_active_11">Crisp Apple Rose Sea Salt Soap</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've started planning for Halloween by listing some soy wax tarts:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160261630/halloween-candy-corn-soy-wax-tarts?ref=shop_home_active_3"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gMWzdzda5Ij1wzVl1hlw1Y3jUkf4EuL3aTlVpmel6Jb9caTHJwSBC-CTbdXC_zrRWJ9_HC0v06jBhBwCLlU09PO4K4M7fA3vmhEbnXWhaMIbcsro3C0rvFeJ1FKBfmUhuCMfQBi4VEDT/s1600/CandyCorn.JPG" height="258" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160261630/halloween-candy-corn-soy-wax-tarts?ref=shop_home_active_3">Candy Corn Soy Wax Tarts</a></td></tr>
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<br />
And by making some soap:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/wrwRR868Mm8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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And lip balms are everywhere:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/83336142/cappuccino-lip-balm-beeswax-lip-balm?ref=shop_home_active_10"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhQwB34A84cS02Be0HPKekAL996Pw09vWVgmY6cSD3N3UJst-kzPNbfDaYJlISO-FFBxlCqbbWyfNyjlex66FELRpU-z0j7Tsg-QqLePSifX_n7CFJU9-Vlp1zmUvvG5vTIDuemxRrCU6B/s1600/Cappuccino4.JPG" height="222" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/83336142/cappuccino-lip-balm-beeswax-lip-balm?ref=shop_home_active_10">Cappuccino Lip Balm</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/130770733/watermelon-flavored-lip-balm-made-with?ref=shop_home_active_2"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNRDaaM7hzHUw3Z9XneS2tZxaUJI7HZI-_7ZPTueDUpItkcgnGbIvNNxJTBlsbjTUzI3AyRyUqyytsIXsG7_f7NoVOtFAlaebx-YxY2XY-rYssR2C4s6RM69GjWdfI4Achx9699_IMqta/s1600/Watermelon4.JPG" height="246" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/130770733/watermelon-flavored-lip-balm-made-with?ref=shop_home_active_2">Watermelon Lip Balm</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Stay safe and have a wonderful, fun holiday! Catch me on Monday when I start my <a href="http://secondspringsoaps.blogspot.com/2014/07/clay-soap-july-project.html">clay soap series</a>!<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-32572637769184873592014-07-02T07:00:00.000-07:002014-07-29T19:31:26.075-07:00Clay Soap: July ProjectFor the month of July, I have decided to embark on a new, month-long project filled with soaping with clay! When I made my <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYb8SX81Tw0&list=UUbIq1IFYFRAAwm3z0rZdlkw">Oatmeal Stout soap</a> a few weeks ago, I added some french green clay and bentonite clay to the soap batter, and the bars turned out amazing! I love the clay soaps I have made in the past, so for the month of July, I have decided to dedicate myself and my blog to all things clay!<br />
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Stay tuned for the following blog posts:<br />
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July 7th: <a href="http://secondspringsoaps.blogspot.com/2014/07/clay-soap-french-green-clay.html">French Green Clay Soap with Lemongrass/Peppermint Essential Oils</a><br />
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July 14th: <a href="http://secondspringsoaps.blogspot.com/2014/07/clay-soap-bentonite-clay.html">Bentonite Clay Soap with Cedar/Chamomile Essential Oils</a><br />
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July 21st: <a href="http://secondspringsoaps.blogspot.com/2014/07/clay-soap-moroccan-red-clay.html">Red Moroccan Clay Soap with Patchouli/Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oils</a><br />
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July 28th: <a href="http://secondspringsoaps.blogspot.com/2014/07/clay-soap-kaolin-clay.html">Kaolin Clay Soap with Bay Essential Oil</a><br />
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Learn all about each clay, including the benefits of using clays on skin, the wonders of each essential oil blend, and see the resulting soaps! Check back on Monday for the first of four posts!<br />
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<table align="center" 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/AVvXsEiPKt5u3eQDQ5v_I_uOjh84iAplE3zFbRPE7Knz3_PAjgm8NVTNq0t7DW4GLYOdPwfnZIncMHFakZ4yJ7EgOxKtVAV9rOA0taTftHq__dkgPddMYJjQlw9d8atY75sCLV3utdknHpx7tF4c/s1600/996593_10200947643625628_1311348475_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKt5u3eQDQ5v_I_uOjh84iAplE3zFbRPE7Knz3_PAjgm8NVTNq0t7DW4GLYOdPwfnZIncMHFakZ4yJ7EgOxKtVAV9rOA0taTftHq__dkgPddMYJjQlw9d8atY75sCLV3utdknHpx7tF4c/s1600/996593_10200947643625628_1311348475_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clay... Not just for faces!</td></tr>
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<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-12910685695307661482014-06-30T07:00:00.000-07:002014-06-30T07:00:07.142-07:00Harvesting and Drying Spearmint and a Peek at my Patio GardenOne of my outdoor projects this year has been starting, and keeping alive, my first little patio garden! Since me and my family live in an apartment, and we live on my college campus to boot, plant-growing space is limited. So, when I started thinking about fun projects, I thought of tending to a small garden!<br />
<table align="center" 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/AVvXsEg-ikNMRiGZEodbBwTM4IVGmdypL4rToXiHiPsd_IO3-YwGXz6ARZZ5dDqMLYSQlOIBjoB5snAN4xANyLIS1WeqVAFHxUsIrtofVFwjOe2zniHoVU7OTmA61lAzaaQbGRfPWJpMxnpr8P0Y/s1600/DSCN0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ikNMRiGZEodbBwTM4IVGmdypL4rToXiHiPsd_IO3-YwGXz6ARZZ5dDqMLYSQlOIBjoB5snAN4xANyLIS1WeqVAFHxUsIrtofVFwjOe2zniHoVU7OTmA61lAzaaQbGRfPWJpMxnpr8P0Y/s1600/DSCN0017.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little garden: orange dahlias, patio tomatoes, dill, spearmint, and Kiddo's hen and chick!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While doing some research on my little plants, I quickly found out that I need to be harvesting my spearmint NOW! Spearmint, and other mint plants, do really well if harvested three times a year: Spring, Summer, and early Fall. Since the first day of Summer was last week, I figured I needed to get on the ball and start working on my Spearmint plant!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MON0wS22u7_IsluacA5F6liE1y-gWGtLLGYAMCA1L1oz79V1RmqqvscAU6m1rH0wNZFvcBzl4xMzCr89Sm4Cno3JzSvhyphenhyphen0hFNIhqT2MYWuQId_6GCKolUSFG3WqAzmUCLYLjfy58tLpf/s1600/Mint1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5MON0wS22u7_IsluacA5F6liE1y-gWGtLLGYAMCA1L1oz79V1RmqqvscAU6m1rH0wNZFvcBzl4xMzCr89Sm4Cno3JzSvhyphenhyphen0hFNIhqT2MYWuQId_6GCKolUSFG3WqAzmUCLYLjfy58tLpf/s1600/Mint1.JPG" height="320" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before the harvest...</td></tr>
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I brought my little Spearmint plant into my kitchen and, with kitchen shears, gently removed most of the long branches of leaves. I made sure to leave about 2-4 inches of branch on the plant for regrowth. While most mint plants can take a good hacking and grow back stronger, since this was the first season for my spearmint, I took a caution approach and left plenty of plant to grow back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XUz_WJg5vF3Mi_b8yV852wxI8abbUt4moGhMucZzk5vY2rNsi4Yvpr7QUTYRi1sQiFQ4bewSk0B8_E_J572Y-v44r24ZfIHnvnKaFFVKgSMpflVEry2cLAF-8BLdzhixLOKiRMCjZVXj/s1600/mint2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XUz_WJg5vF3Mi_b8yV852wxI8abbUt4moGhMucZzk5vY2rNsi4Yvpr7QUTYRi1sQiFQ4bewSk0B8_E_J572Y-v44r24ZfIHnvnKaFFVKgSMpflVEry2cLAF-8BLdzhixLOKiRMCjZVXj/s1600/mint2.JPG" height="320" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and after the harvest!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While still on the branches, I rinsed the leaves thoroughly in cold water then patted them dry with paper towels. The leaves were then removed and placed in my dehydrator. I think I ran it for about 2 hours and 30 minutes before the biggest leaves were fully dry... It didnt take long at all by dehydrator standards!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFCM6X1kmtg0vPL_9fX3h8fjDKhDaBkdyGsHpccM5aOk6V6FGI4SgLv9_uDC_QwdOwNag8SFYt_xUmjQlkdjTsit9uq2lVrfKyufeRvX5ezGk-OXeHbt5SvklO6Y5SH22IcWT_NaNBf27/s1600/DSCN0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFCM6X1kmtg0vPL_9fX3h8fjDKhDaBkdyGsHpccM5aOk6V6FGI4SgLv9_uDC_QwdOwNag8SFYt_xUmjQlkdjTsit9uq2lVrfKyufeRvX5ezGk-OXeHbt5SvklO6Y5SH22IcWT_NaNBf27/s1600/DSCN0048.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washed, dried, and ready to dehydrate!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are other ways to dry herbs as well. If you prefer, you can dry your herbs in a warm oven. Or, if you love the traditional way, you can bundle your herbs and hang them upside down in a dry, cool place to air dry for 4+ weeks. I opted to use my dehyrator with my herbs, since I am short on space and time.<br />
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I cannot wait to bust these little herbs out in some soap!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-10608057948480755952014-06-27T06:00:00.000-07:002014-06-27T06:00:07.221-07:00Friday Roundup: Week of June 27thAnother week, another roundup! Ready to catch up on all of the week's happenings?<br />
<br />
There's new goodies in my Etsy shop:<br />
<table align="center" 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;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192622435/marigold-mint-soy-wax-tarts-soy-wax?ref=shop_home_active_7"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyPgXtyP79txR2db2UTFls8GUNBU9XkbN_f-WjyAldd7DcYpOYJh6LXhBocsa7WcFW2ZTW9ZzyOz5IEwN4p1X1I8DrSlbENaz0LGJ_a_gGw_HqcAb1q9f1jalMv2Pw6Nwk8oNVlyUpdyfT/s1600/MarigoldMintWT.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192622435/marigold-mint-soy-wax-tarts-soy-wax?ref=shop_home_active_7">Marigold Mint Soy Wax Tarts</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/83187725/creme-de-menthe-lip-balm-beeswax-lip?ref=shop_home_active_6"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrqIn_eAdNUj-v-RdSzbnGUNYiSB87vEghFU_Iqi1bdMMXs9pGBTWGMaiOVoIcd5Bj4vwi9VsNxxqN4eIIr_l6m_pJMp4OhVK4Bvm0H4rktARkp4_1DwudfLqNcFlaajy-d0V5Q-PSlLR/s1600/CremedeMenthe4.JPG" height="247" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/83187725/creme-de-menthe-lip-balm-beeswax-lip?ref=shop_home_active_6">Creme de Menthe Lip Balm</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113043698/spearmint-lip-balm-beeswax-lip-balm-with?ref=shop_home_active_1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JMBp2B7lQFvlNx1g6BBTDtnbUxCVdIfaH_EU9VAxPG3n3B82WG_DDVBX4TnF0QZMhtFTmT1-tP8wMLTm1HJvlKvD6fv5BlgRzWXp10_hNCGsDg94otpdGbwhSirLAaHb7DioYPPn1txq/s1600/Spearmint2.JPG" height="250" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/113043698/spearmint-lip-balm-beeswax-lip-balm-with?ref=shop_home_active_1">Spearmint Lip Balm</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/193456258/honey-lemon-ginger-french-milled-soap?ref=shop_home_active_2"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXZ0PLYk5gDnFntB6aYQhhQKAsXvB91GJ4xqJx5-ijlyfuFZF2jYCoE0DhGmpnvQXVpavu1wuHbIyO5-dTNCqyjQxz-2GFEnQ3v-SEmfa7fj1kuO_3B04eEecXFzS3OC1jTdVsGCFQ-Sw/s1600/LemonHoneyGinger4.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/193456258/honey-lemon-ginger-french-milled-soap?ref=shop_home_active_2">Honey Lemon Ginger French Milled Soap</a></td></tr>
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And two new videos on my YouTube channel:<br />
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I cut my Oatmeal Stout Soap:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/sZzNp9L3mhc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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And I made some Candy Corn soap:</div>
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And Wednesday was my Mom's birthday! Happy Birthday, Grandma!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUw1titBTZ-r-YP5G-MAabLowQa_eArok1H4ovY3v1xG3FSHf-1ob9ywBI1L3j6atCx6UPPQQZMMnIbE5CBKRAHsjAzyHBSACZd-9xamED2OL4SC7mmsr5rVc0pAP2yBjNRtau-DvEy2L/s1600/10437462_10202950590778055_7482012662435157542_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUw1titBTZ-r-YP5G-MAabLowQa_eArok1H4ovY3v1xG3FSHf-1ob9ywBI1L3j6atCx6UPPQQZMMnIbE5CBKRAHsjAzyHBSACZd-9xamED2OL4SC7mmsr5rVc0pAP2yBjNRtau-DvEy2L/s1600/10437462_10202950590778055_7482012662435157542_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma and Kiddo enjoying play time together!</td></tr>
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<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-20527241778228179232014-06-23T06:00:00.000-07:002014-06-23T06:00:05.185-07:00Photography InsightsOne of my biggest struggles over the past few years has been my photography. I've used many different cameras, different set ups, different backgrounds and lighting, and after almost 3 years, I think I finally stumbled upon the perfect setup!<br />
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Here's a look at one of my old photographs, taken with a simple point-and-shoot camera in a poorly lit lightbox, edited in GIMP:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDT9FFilrTr4xY9E_cF4bKzkdayrWdcJEso6zUl8Nd0_hsJVsaXRxPy08ULYjwycEWaE3FtgqqkdznPhMKbkwYXR4c10LpNGM08pDlCpevDjUQf4CyLDxATVQvzuJ-jnU0BV_ZR-a0UnK7/s1600/MaskRed2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDT9FFilrTr4xY9E_cF4bKzkdayrWdcJEso6zUl8Nd0_hsJVsaXRxPy08ULYjwycEWaE3FtgqqkdznPhMKbkwYXR4c10LpNGM08pDlCpevDjUQf4CyLDxATVQvzuJ-jnU0BV_ZR-a0UnK7/s1600/MaskRed2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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It isnt a horrible photo... But I want to see better!</div>
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And here's an example of my new photography, taken with a <a href="http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Digital-slr-Cameras/25492/D3200.html">D3200 Niko HDSLR</a> in a well lit room on a rustic-looking background:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibca4lyxr8q_xl8T21bZedidm2JuBpCMIygWiJWv1Bc6bC696hrEYr9hhlTC9hnRroSaDYgKOWo8vw6IpmR3DjhZ3_ji9223PcZMjmmVOcDUrGdrpdKdOeVm5FoXArklp0OwBewX0IqcI/s1600/LavGM3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibca4lyxr8q_xl8T21bZedidm2JuBpCMIygWiJWv1Bc6bC696hrEYr9hhlTC9hnRroSaDYgKOWo8vw6IpmR3DjhZ3_ji9223PcZMjmmVOcDUrGdrpdKdOeVm5FoXArklp0OwBewX0IqcI/s1600/LavGM3.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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So happy with the results! </div>
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So, here's some little tidbits of advice that I can give on product photography:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Try to find a well-lit room with lots of natural lighting, but make sure the lighting is not direct!</li>
<li>I've never had success with white backgrounds. They always came out gray for me. Experiment with different backdrops and settings!</li>
<li>If you are going to have objects in the background, make them relevant and small. I always put a few towels, washcloths, or soap dishes in the back of my pictures, but they are always out of focus, far away, and I never let them upstage the product I am photographing.</li>
<li>Play around with photo editing software. I use <a href="http://www.gimp.org/">GIMP</a>, which is open source and free to use. I also recommend checking out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zNxQcDcAwE">this YouTube Video</a>, which is a walk-through of how to edit your product photos using GIMP.</li>
<li>Think about investing in a good camera. I was able to take some very nice-looking photos with my basic point-and-shoot camera, but using the Nikon has changed things dramatically! </li>
<li>The Macro setting on your camera is YOUR BEST FRIEND!! </li>
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Got any extra tips? Share them in the comments below!</div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-6300649925599908052014-06-20T07:00:00.000-07:002014-06-20T07:00:06.149-07:00Friday Roundup: Week of June 20thThis past week has flown by! What a busy bees me and my little family have become... This Summer is going by so fast! Keeping myself busy and occupied has been the best medicine so far...<br />
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So, what have I been up to?<br />
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Well, I've got one brand new soap on Etsy:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/193454838/green-apple-handmade-soap-in-green-and?ref=shop_home_active_1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgaYYeYhR6IIBa6h58n_oYGa8-pgzPJVEPGS1CLvuJky4SEfZaR4GkRxgFvvKpNTWgLuCQ1PKd3UMho5bBQ4cx9iyVYhKvYfVvmLOcAy7hFmrJ3WOKPXhUGGkdub3oEUG-IZ3gkx_A8sB/s1600/GreenApple3.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/193454838/green-apple-handmade-soap-in-green-and?ref=shop_home_active_1">Green Apple Soap</a></td></tr>
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I also have a new scent in my soy wax tart line:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192179201/sandalwood-soy-wax-tarts-soy-wax-melts?ref=shop_home_active_3"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJhTkmtoe5OxBfU3ei9qdXeQMBHHf32Df16Cgp2oJxuUMwul4BSVP6AsRvCPAtVlsWq7VJlrqryARG783HjkGNuJRtfgAya58iyu3GYFopF7QbPbUtqwS2ZrJIVekVOpAcfsLXMmspTsD/s1600/SandalwoodWT.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192179201/sandalwood-soy-wax-tarts-soy-wax-melts?ref=shop_home_active_3">Sandalwood Soy Wax Tarts</a></td></tr>
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I've brought back some old favorites:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160830726/candy-corn-lip-balm-for-halloween?ref=shop_home_active_2"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBX8naDJyMvSIk7EV99XlW9Ld4aJ50GhTRbeolJBcu6ph1AC1v4sFP-8QjpQFQQPLAq_aNaCX3ShrgjGkJxjQpw0TNF5OOtwe-IjX6k2SBXHkT7QXYlbPjDCIrFcZ3QptWrJhqgh8Wyy5/s1600/CandyCorn5.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160830726/candy-corn-lip-balm-for-halloween?ref=shop_home_active_2">Candy Corn Lip Balm</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/119646505/yuzu-salt-soap-in-yellow-heart-shaped?ref=shop_home_active_6"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJB9pQzHal94n0GRY3vELyLxDY9BGG9fC8UBhsUcsPTJbEOxJguaJXc1g5fhPez6F76mA8xtNKg1a8ap4xpLD2PgTOGjCJjy_3lRdzj3AdaowlLOCzSmxs_VhOFfiVbReTKJ4Bb8d4f69/s1600/YuzuSS2.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/119646505/yuzu-salt-soap-in-yellow-heart-shaped?ref=shop_home_active_6">Yuzu Sea Salt Soap</a></td></tr>
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And I made a new soap! Here's the video of me making my new Oatmeal Stout soap with added french green clay and bentonite clay:</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/nYb8SX81Tw0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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I've also been working my tail off on my new lip balm photographs. Last weekend I took over 380 new photos just for my lip balms! I hope to have all 32 flavors up on Etsy by July, to keep checking my lip balms to see what's new! And make sure to come back to the blog on Monday and look for a new post all about my photography!</div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="left" src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p46/Milly_Tunnell/Signature_zpsc46a4cd4.jpg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5558590959584706671.post-88074491656680104672014-06-16T00:00:00.000-07:002014-06-16T00:00:10.773-07:00Drying walnut shellsI've always been around black walnuts, since the black walnut trees grow freely and abundantly in east Tennessee. As a kid, they were a toy, something to kick and throw. But now, looking at these nuts through the eyes of a soap maker, I can really see the potential! So, back in October, I went to my husband's family farm, grabbed up a few bags of freshly fallen walnuts, and headed home to make a great soap additive!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.eattheweeds.com/black-walnuts-and-butternut/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBq81htohBIEpbrTl0npQECkWQiNmCqrwu-rOOagDVBzlZ_y1Jn7coFscYOt7NQ9V2881EjtS_HKIo6MHEg7DQUpFsZlvOF-xRLNhCvEQ-vi39C3FjPOpiaOrfBgHD5dp6nvsSLDPfMv5E/s1600/1.jpg" height="262" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.eattheweeds.com/black-walnuts-and-butternut/">Picture from EatTheWeeds.com</a></td></tr>
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To clean, dry, and shell your walnuts:</div>
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<div>
1. Start off with a freshly fallen walnut, still in the green "fruit". While wearing gloves (the fruit will stain your skin!), peel away the softened fruit, revealing the walnut underneath.</div>
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2. Once all of your walnuts have been removed from the green fruit, soak the walnuts in a cool water bath. Make sure to use a stainless steel tub, since the walnuts will stain. Stir the walnuts to help remove any excess fruit.<br />
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3. Next, hang your walnuts in a mesh bag for two weeks, which will allow the walnuts to cure.<br />
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4. After your two week wait, use a hammer to break the tough walnut shell, revealing the nut. You can save and eat the nuts, but we are going for the shells. Break your walnut shells with the hammer until they are small pieces (dime size or smaller).<br />
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5. Finally, put the walnut shells in a heady duty food processor and grind them until they are a fine powder. The finer the better!<br />
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Store your walnut powder in an air tight container until ready to use. Suggested usage rate in soap is 1 tbsp per pound of oil.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367531086077897155noreply@blogger.com0