The Soap Dish # Three
Nov. 2024
It's starting to look more like winter. The weather is much cooler , mid 40 ish- high 50’s. I love this time of year. You can put layers on and take them off as needed. Trees are changing color and a lot of our plants are slowing down to rest during this cold time.
As I said last month, I’ve been spending a lot of time out in the garden lately. . I got my order of Safron Crocus and got them all planted about two weeks ago. They are just starting to peek out of the soil. The flowers should not be far behind. I’m really looking forward to using the Safron as a natural colorant. Again, if any of you have tried coloring soap with Safron, I would love to hear from you.
This is not really a recipe, but an addition that can make hot tea taste so delicious.
Drying lavender buds
Cut lavender flowers with stems kept as long as possible. Tie your stems in bundles, (8-10 stems) per bunch. This will ensure that your bundles will dry thoroughly. Tie some ribbon on your bundles and hang to dry. You can use a dehydrator if you have one, but having these bundles of lavender hanging in your kitchen will not only look pretty, but keep your house smelling wonderful! Once your buds have dried (up to 2 weeks) you can add about a teaspoon of dried buds to your favorite black tea, earl grey or my favorite lady grey tea. I love to add a splash of French vanilla creamer. It's so delicious on these cold days.
If you don't have lavender in your garden, plant some! It's easy to grow, and has so many uses.
Hope you enjoy this recipe. Until next-time.
Anna
The Soap Dish. #4
It all begins with an idea.
Hi Everyone,
Anna here. My soap room is organized!! It took me a while and there are still a few things I need to finish, but wow! I can find my stuff so much faster, because its organized! It feels good to accomplish that. Like I said, I still want to switch out two more shelves, but I could live with it if I didn’t. It really works now. The last week I have been making different salves. I have various herbal ones that I started making in 2007. They are pretty popular with my regulars. One of my regulars, swaps crotchet scrubbies with me for the salve and I love them! They are the best for dishes. I appreciate all my customers. Its not always about the money but the joy of making something that someone can use and appreciate themselves. I’m just very greatful for all my customers. I truely love making soap and other herbal products.
Last week I made a batch of Elderberry syrup. It turned out so delicious. It’s so good for you and really gives your immune system a boost. Especially, when you aren’t feeling that great.
Now about my saffron crocus I planted in November. I have been so disappointed, I go out everyday looking for flowers. They just aren’t blooming. I started doing some research, and hopefully next year I will have some blooms. I was really wanting to try using them as dye for soap, maybe next year.
Below is an easy herbal salve that can be for a variety of skin problems. I wouldn’t use it on an open wound, but great for dry skin, itching, minor rashes etc.
Calendula Salve
1/4 c dry calendula flower
1/2 c of your favorite oil (I like grapeseed or sunflower) olive oil works well too.
1/3 c beeswax (add more or less to make salve softer or firmer)
2-3 vit E gel caps (puncture cap and add to your mixture just before pouring into containers)
approximately 8 1oz containers, 4 2oz containers, or just add it all to an 8 oz jar.
Make sure your containers are clean and dry. If you are reusing a container, make extra sure you dry them completely before use. Any moisture will cause mold and your salve will be ruined.
Place your oil into a canning jar, add your herbs and place in double boiler with water in both pans or add water to a small crockpot and place your jar of herbs and oils into the crockpot. The water needs to simmer for about an hour to allow the herbs and oils to make their magic. If you prefer the old-fashioned way, you can add your herbs and oils to the mason jar, place the lid on, shake up and then place in a cool dark place for 5-6 weeks. Shake a couple of times a week. The next steps are the same no matter what method you use. Strain your herbs into a small sauce pan and add the beeswax. On low-med heat allow the beeswax to melt into the oils until completely melted. Do not let boil! Add the contents of your vit E capsules, blend and pour into your containers. Allow to cool for a couple of hours before putting on the lids to prevent condensation. And there you have it! A wonderful natural healing salve.
If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me. Until next time.
Anna
The Soap Dish # Two
Sept. 2024
Summer is winding down and we will be soon into holiday season. My neighbors across the street have already got their Halloween decorations up and I haven’t even started pulling my out yet. It is only September, so I think I still have plenty of time. Today I spent time wrapping the last soaps I had on my drying racks. Lots of room now to make some new batches. I won’t be able to make the Peddlers Faire in Squaw Valley this weekend. My grandson and his girlfriend are coming to spend the weekend and I’m looking forward to the visit.
I’ve been spending a lot of time out in the garden lately, getting ready for Fall and Winter and just cleaning up. I will be trimming some of the lavender and making room for some Safron Crocus. I’m really looking forward to using the Safron as a natural colorant. I understand both the flowers and the pistols can be used. If any of you have tried coloring soap with Safron, I would love to hear from you.
This recipe is very easy and it really works wonders. It not only makes your cuticles look and feel smooth but its very nourishing for your fingernails as well.
Cuticle/Nail oil
Ingredients:
3 tsp Olive oil (preferrably pumice)
1/2 tsp Avocado oil
1 tsp Jojoba oil
10 drops Vit E oil
12 drops lavender essential oil
12 drops rosemary essential oil
12 drops lemon essential oil
Blend all ingredients together and pour into your containers. I like to use roller bottles because they are so easy for applying the oil. You can use dropper bottles or even small jars a dip a q tip or clean finger in to apply. Whatever works for you.
Hope you enjoy this recipe. Until next-time.
Anna