Under the Umbrella

If you’re like me, you appreciate and seek out locally-made or designed products because you know the skill and talent that can produce them is where you live, and supporting your micro-economy is important to you.

Because of this, I am so thrilled to announce that A Little Soapy Business is now working with an Artisan Collective called Under the Umbrella that is located in the heart of lower Lonsdale in North Vancouver. Under the Umbrella is a gift and apparel boutique featuring a curated showcase of local talent found in the Greater Vancouver Area. You will now find our products along with other amazing local talent. Talk about a one-stop shop of perfect gifts and cool stuff!

I love this excerpt from their webpage:

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Honey & Yogurty Goodness for your Skin

During this busy time of year, I try to make a little ‘me’ time in the few moments that I get. One of them is to spend a few minutes pampering myself and one of my favorites for fresh feeling, soft skin is a face mask.

One of the products in my online shop: Skin Brightening Face Mask and Polish – notes on the side that you can add Yogurt or Honey instead of oil or water. Why would you want to add either of those? Well, it’s to create your own fresh face mask. The shelf life of my powdered mask lasts so much longer since I haven’t added any short life ingredients to it, which is intended so it can be customized it to your skin needs for an extra treat!

Lets talk about the benefits of yogurt on skin…

Good News + Bad News = GOOD NEWS!

I recently had a couple of chances for some really important feedback. The first was positive. I put my products in front of a jury for the first time and they were judging on presentation, packaging, originality, scent, price point, etc. I felt on top of the world having been approved to be in my city’s Craft Fair and I was relishing in their kind words. The other situation wasn’t as positive. I had shipped some product and I was upset to hear that they didn’t meet their expectations. It caused me to take a step back and I actually started wondering if I should even do my Little Soapy Biz stuff any more. Yep, I’m that dramatic.

As a person that is always striving to make the best natural goodies that not only works for myself, for my family, for my friends and for people I’ve never met; it was hard for me to receive some critical feedback since I put my heart and soul into this! I usually get really positive feedback and feel so proud of what I create. Heck, I use this stuff everyday and so do many others. I just haven’t had too much negative feedback and I’m used to being the main one criticizing my own work and then improving on it! However, I really appreciate it when people are candid and honest with me. While it may have taken me aback at first, I began to strategize on how to make those particular products even better.

We’ve been featured!

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th! Are you thinking about the perfect gift for Mom or the special lady in your life? Why not check out Canadian blogger, Stretching the One Income Dollar‘s Mother’s Day gift guide? We’re proud to be featured!

Mom’s love to be pampered (who doesn’t?) so give her a treat of all natural products that will make her feel really special. Check out our Gift Sets. They are gift wrapped and delivered to her door if you wish; it can’t get much easier than that! There is limited availability so make sure you place your order soon to avoid disappointment!

A Solid Shampoo Bar is both great for everyday and as a Travel Buddy!

I told you just over a month ago that I made a new Conditioning Shampoo Bar. Even though this recipe is from my wonderful soap making teacher, Rene Whitlock (http://www.soapmakingschool.com/),  and she told me it is one of her best sellers; I must admit, as will ALL natural products that I set out to create and then test, I have my reservations until I’ve tested it myself and others have used it.

After a month of daily use, I am here to report that it is actually a really awesome product and I plan to make more scents available for this Summer 2015! This bar really cleans the hair, it doesn’t leave a residue and it doesn’t require any additional conditioner*! I have had others test it and tell me the same! I have also personally tested it as a shaving ‘cream’ and as a body bar for it’s every day use and travel effectiveness for a person who wants to travel light.

Thumbs up on all accounts! I took it with me on my recent trip to Venezuela and found that it was just perfect. I didn’t need to take up much shower space with my ‘things’ and I didn’t have to remember so much when I packed.

Want to try it for yourself? Not only do I guarantee 100% satisfaction on your purchases on my products, but I also am offering this amazing 4 in 1 bar for 20% off for the rest of the month of April (2015). Use code 4in1bar at checkout on our Etsy page.

Let me know what scents you would be excited to try – right now we have Rosemary-Peppermint, but more will be coming in Summer 2015!

Naturally Yours,
Susan

*As I note in the ‘how to use’ section of the Conditioning Shampoo bar, using additional conditioner will depend on why you use a hair conditioner. If it’s for dry hair or to increase shine, then this stuff works great. If it’s for very tangle prone hair, then you may still wish to use an additional conditioner.

Sensual Massage Oil Recipe

Looking for a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift? (or for birthday, or anniversary)? I’m going to share a lovely massage oil recipe that you can make yourself. What could be more romantic and personal? This is such a special way to take care of your Valentine and spend some intimate time together.

Valentine’s Day Massage Oil Recipe

Ingredients:
28 grams Carrier Oils:
16 grams Grape Seed oil
8 grams Sweet Almond oil
4 grams Jojoba oil

6 drops Essential Oils:
2 drops Ylang Ylang
2 drops Sweet Orange
1 drop Lavender
1 drop Jasmine

Feel free to use all of the above carrier or essential oils or make a special blend of your very own. Just make sure you calculate the total amount.

Instructions:

Add 6 drops of essential oil to a 1 oz glass dropper bottle or clean container of choice. Using a digital scale, weigh out the oils into a separate clean glass jar or beaker and pour into the final container with the essential oils.

Customize with label and decorate the container if wish. Use a sticker label or paper and adhere with tape over top.
I used a rubber stamp on precut label paper for my label. Simple. You could also draw or print your label.

Please note that allergies or skin sensitivities should be considered when making any blends.

Enjoy! Let me know what you think!

Bath Truffles

New! Bath Truffles

New bath treat made by a Little Soapy Business. These little bath truffles are a pure indulgence! They are handmade in small batches with ingredients like clay that is known for pulling impurities from the skin and skin softening baking soda which combined with citric acid adds a bit of fizz. Shea and cocoa butters in this little bath truffle will leave your skin feeling so soft and moisturized. Choose from scents like lavender or chocolate. Stay tuned for Rose Geranium that will be added to the collection in time for Valentine’s Day!

To order, contact us directly or order through our Etsy page here.