Natural colorants and fluid hot process soap method experience.

A few days ago, I finally got around to using a botanical and a clay as colorants for my soap! I also experimented with the fluid hot process soap method.

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Natural colorants

In this soap, I made my normal soap recipe using the hot process soap method. I left half of the soap without colorant.

The other half I split and used spinach powder and rose kaolin clay as colorants. I used 1 tsp./lb dispersed in carrier oil, then another tsp. because it didn't get dark enough.

I was hesitant to add any more since I didn't know how it would turn out. Then I did a hanger swirl and topped with ground rosehips. Now that I know it dries lighter, I think I will try and go darker in the next batch.

Fluid hot process method experiment

I had been wanting to try the fluid hot process soap method so that I could be more creative with my soaps. 

Most fluid hot process recipes include an ingredient called sodium lactate and yogurt to make the soap pourable.

But I would prefer not use sodium lactate due it's chemical sounding name. And I omitted yogurt because it's not vegan friendly. I could probably try plant-based yogurt but generally they are more expensive. So I left both out and I replaced with coconut milk and agave nectar.

I decided to use the recipe from Lovin Soap Studio as a guide. I used my normal recipe and incorporated the following suggestions:  adding sugar (agave syrup), maybe extra water, using plastic wrap on the lid and minimal to no stirring during the cook. 

While I am pleased with the results, the soap has a caramel color, which is from adding the milk and sugar while the soap was too hot. I prefer a creamy white soap so that the colors are more distinct.

Next time, I will eliminate the milk and sugar and just use extra water. When I mixed the colorants with water and added to the soap, I noticed the soap got more fluid.

I chose to name this soap, Happy Soul, because the scent blend makes me feel happy in my soul. It's an earthy, unisex blend of patchouli, cinnamon, lemongrass and lavender. You're gonna love it!

My eczema skincare journey: how I use borage oil, vitamin d and omega 3 supplements to improve my skin

Eczema can be a frustrating and sometimes painful skin condition to deal with. As someone who struggles with eczema, I know all too well the frustration of trying to find the right skincare routine to manage it. In this blog post, I want to share my own eczema skincare journey and how I'm have found some success using borage oil, vitamin D, and omega-3 supplements.

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First, a little background: eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by dry, itchy, and sometimes painful patches of skin. While the exact cause of eczema is not known, it is believed to be related to an overactive immune response. As a result, managing eczema often involves calming and soothing the skin, reducing inflammation, and supporting the immune system.

Borage oil is an ingredient that has been particularly helpful for me in managing my eczema symptoms. It is extracted from the seeds of the borage plant and is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory properties. I take borage oil supplements daily and I have found that it helps to reduce the intense itching and dryness that often accompanies my eczema flare-ups.

Vitamin D is another essential nutrient that has been getting a lot of attention lately, both for its immune-supportive properties and its potential benefits for skin health. While vitamin D is produced naturally in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight, many people may not be getting enough through sun exposure alone. I take a daily vitamin D supplement to support my immune system and overall health, and I have noticed that it also seems to help keep my skin looking and feeling healthy.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to have anti-inflammatory effects, which makes them another potentially useful tool in managing eczema symptoms. I take an omega-3 supplement daily, and I try to incorporate omega-3-rich foods like fatty fish and flaxseeds into my diet as much as possible. I have found that this helps to reduce inflammation throughout my body, including in my skin.

In addition to these supplements, I have also found that certain lifestyle changes can help to improve my eczema symptoms. For example, I only use the gentle soaps and I make sure to moisturize daily. I also try to minimize stress through activities like going to the beach and getting lots of sleep, as stress can be a trigger for eczema flare-ups.

While everyone's skin and eczema symptoms are unique, I hope my own skincare journey can offer some inspiration and insights for others with eczema. By using borage oil, vitamin D, and omega-3 supplements in combination with other healthy lifestyle practices, I have been able to more effectively manage my eczema symptoms and achieve healthier, happier skin.

Thanks you for stopping by :)

What the term "natural" means to me regarding product labels.

What the term "natural" means to me regarding product labels.

This post may contains affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

I was watching a YouTube videos as a fellow Soaper created her soap. And she talked about what it means to call your product natural. She explained that there was no government regulations on calling your products natural so if a product is labeled natural is based on the creator's definition. And that you should examine the ingredients carefully for your own satisfaction. She also believes that if any one of your ingredients are not natural then you can't call your product natural.

So, it is my belief that if it's a small percentage of your ingredients, like less than 10% synthetic then you can still call your product natural just not “all” natural. To me, all natural means just that ALL natural and 100%.

Based on my understanding of natural AND as the creator of my products, I'd like emphasize that my products are natural or all natural, with the exception of candles, because many of those scents are fragrance oil scents, but I will be in the process of phasing them out soon.

Although fragrance oils smell amazing, I'd like for my products to be natural. And I always have ingredients labeled on my products. So there's my two cents and thank you for stopping by!!❤❤❤

Vision Board update

Well it has been nearly 6 years since my original vision board post. During that time, I opened and closed my physical shop. I would like to concentrate on my ecommerce shop. Then I moved across country from Maryland to California to pursue my biggest dream, living by the beach in a warm climate. I may give the physical shop another try.

In hindsight, I failed to put my beach dream on my vision board, probably because I didn't think it would happen. Which brings me to, earning a BS/BS in Chemistry. At this time, I have concluded that I am too old and uninterested in obtaining a 4-year degree. I don't like school, I am burnt out of my day career as a Chemical Technician, therefore, I am focusing on being my own boss. If I change my mind later, it will be for my own pride.

On a lighter note, I have been to Vegas! At couple of times! Viva Las
Vegas!! It's a day trip from L.A. and I had an amazing time every time! Now to check Amsterdam and Paris off my list.


Thank you for stopping by!

How to use bath bombs?

So you've gotten your colorful, scented, fizzy bath treat and you're ready for a relaxing, spa-like experience. You've run your bath water and toss it in and as it bubbles you can't help but think of the dollars you just tossed down the drain. But don't fret, I have some tips to help your budget while you pamper yourself.

First, did you know you could break apart your bath bombs and use one half in a bath and still have an excellent spa bath?  Yes, take a butterknife and split along the seam of the bomb use one half and place the other half in a dry storage bag and store it in dry place until you are ready to use it. See How to split and store your bath bombs.

Second, if you catch a bargain and buy in bulk. When you buy in bulk, the cost of each individual treat goes down.  So, when stored properly, your can extend the time between restocking.

Finally, get you treats from Smoodz! I make quality handmade, natural bathbombs at an affordable price. I don't use chemicals, SLS, parabens or any other harmful ingredients. So please stop by and check it out!

Thank you for reading! Come again soon!

To preserve or not to preserve... THAT is the question.

Today, there are many concerns about preservatives and other additives and their effects on our sensitivities, allergies and/or if they are carcinogenic. And as the season changes from summer into fall, the cooler weather contributes to the skin's dryness. So I will be ramping up production of my lotions and balms. So I thought I would give my perspective on the use of preservatives.

Since I have eczema I prefer to use products that only have ingredients that are derived from nature. But for the public, I reluctantly use a paraben-free preservative in my lotions to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. I feel that it is the proper thing to do for the safety of my customers. Since I haven't found proven data on how effective natural preservatives are, I choose not to use them.

In my research, I have concluded that I only need to use them in products that contain water. So the only product that contains a preservative is my lotion. I make my lotion under sterile conditions and I also a paraben-free preservative to prevent harmful bacteria growth and to extend the shelf life. I only use the recommended amount (0.1-0.5% by weight) and I list all of the ingredients on the label.

I believe that honesty is the best policy when running a business and wanted to be transparent about this issue so that my consumers can make informed decision about my products. As I said early, lotions are the only product at this time that contains a preservative. So my soaps, butters, lipbalms, bath fizzies, etc. are free of preservatives!

Where do you stand on the issue of preservatives in cosmetics?

SMOODZDEE TUESDEE!!!

Tweet me your smooth mood!!!

Twitter: @smoodzsme

Instagram: @smileyface1971

In a tweet or IG , photo or video!! 

Show us how you get into your smooth mood (keep it PG)  

ex. Reading, Mani or pedi, aromatherapy , candles, spa, or whatever!!

Share how you relieve stress , decompress and/or relax in a tweet or IG!  Ok, I'll go first!!

At the beach with my nephew (& son who took the picture) making sandcastles! 

Closed my physical shop

Wow!! It's been some time since my last post and there has been a huge development since then.

Ok, I will fill you in...

As of February 28, I closed my shop on Main Street in Laurel, MD. :( Having my shop was an eye opening experience. I enjoyed most of the time I spent here an will miss everyone I met. Many factors led me to that decision that I had been contemplating for a few months. Lack of traffic and a budget for marketing were the main reasons. I've learned that it is a requirement to be better prepared overall.

I would like to add that I am NOT going out of business. I am going back to focusing on my online websites. For those that are skeptical about shopping online, I would like to point out a few things that may put you at ease:
* my sites are secure (I use godaddy to protect Smoodz.com)
* shipping is reasonable ($5 for orders under $25 and FREE for orders $25 and over)
And,
*if you are local, just send me an email and we can work out payment and delivery!

Thank you to all that showed your support!!! I truly appreciate each and every one of you.

Please follow me on facebook and twitter @smoodzsme so we can keep in touch. And my sites are

www.smoodz.com
And
www.etsy.com/smoodz

Smooches!!


www.smoodz.com
Twitter and Facebook
@smoodzsme

Make your next bath a spa experience!!

When was the last time you took a bath? No, I mean instead of a shower. During your work week, you wake up late, quickly shower, and go on about your stressful daily activities. But when do you take time for yourself?

Taking baths are beneficial to your physical and mental health...and your budget!! Had a long day or week? Why go to one of those expensive day spas when you can wind down with a nice, warm, soothing bath in the comfort of your own home. Studies have shown that taking a bath lowers the blood pressure and releases toxins. While you're in there you can release stress, reflect and possibly clear your mind to focus on things to come. You can add a  bath bomb to soften your water, moisturize you skin and uplift your mood. Baths also promote a good night's sleep so that you can recharge and better manage your upcoming day.

If the kids are at Grandma's and hubby is out for poker night,
Here's a recipe for your at-home spa time:

• Draw warm bath. (Not too hot though, super hot water can raise the blood pressure and defeat the purpose)
• Light a scented soy candle
• Turn on your favorite music
• Drop in  an inexpensive scented bath bomb
• Get in and soak!!

Soooo.....what are you waiting for??

Vision Board Update/Shop update

In a previous post, I talked about my vision board. And at the top of the list was "own my own shop". It just kinda dawned on me, recently, that a few months later, I accomplished that goal and have opened my own shop. So CHECK! I can move on to the next item. haha. With that said, I am really struggling to keep the shop open because there is not a lot of foot traffic in the area. It is getting harder to pay the rent and I would like to make more products but I am not making enough in sales to generate revenue for supplies. -_-

I have been researching marketing strategies and plan to implement some of them in the near future. Hopefully, something will catch the eye of my target market and get them to come in here soon. Because I am also toying with the idea of closing before I sink too far into debt. :(

Anyways, I am trying to stay positive and generate ideas that will help my business. But, hey!!! At least I checked off a goal. I really feel like I'm giving it my best effort and if this one closes, I will definitely be putting "open my own shop" back on my vision board. I will not give up. Just re-evaluate and try again.

I opened a small shop!

Yes! About 6 weeks ago, I began renting a small space inside of a mini-mall, where a variety of vendor show and sell their wares. I was (and still am) a bit nervous about doing it, primarily because I have had much success in the past. So, I chose the least expensive space. It was toward the back of the mall and most people come in and go straight upstairs to the thrift shop.

But I am becoming more positive as the weeks go by since I have been able to make enough sales to enable me to continue renting. And today I moved to a space that is a lot more visible. The rent is a little more but I think it will be worth it.

It also turns out to be a little bit bigger so I will have to get to work making more products to fill it up. Anyways, I have a lot more traffic now. Ok! Gotta go! I have a customer......!

Bath fizzie bomb experiment

About a week ago, I attempted to make a batch of bath fizzies. I have been thinking of adding them to my product line for some time now. Well, they didn't turn out very well visually. I think I added too much witch hazel since the reaction started and cause my rounded bombs to look like blobs. :(

I let some of them cure anyways. I added one to my bath today and it was more than I expected. I was just hoping that it would be fizzy and fragrant. It was that and it also made my skin feel silky smooth.

I guess I added the perfect amount of skin-loving oils. The next experimental batch, I'm planning to leave out the witch hazel altogether. I'll let you know how it goes!
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What's on your vision board?

Recently, my sister began encouraging me to create a vision board. What's a vision board? As I understand it, it's kinda like a bucket list, where you create a poster with all of your goals and things you envision doing during your lifetime. Well, I haven't really decided where to start with my board but I do have a long list of thing I'd like to put on it. And the list keeps growing.

So here are some of the things on my list:

• Own my own shop
• Obtain my BS in Chemistry
• Visit Paris
• ...and Amsterdam
• OH! and VEGAS!!

....just to name a few.

I currently have a lot of clutter and do not wish to add to it and I'm afraid I won't keep up with this apparent fad. So I am reluctant to do a physical board. I'm thinking of creating a separate blog, or maybe use this blog (periodically), or maybe make it a part of my facebook page or my fan page. Yeah, since I am looking for ways to engage my followers without always talking about buying my stuff, I can create my vision board on my fan page.

So if you read this go to my page to see my vision board. And tell me what you think. Or even better, you could check on me to see if it's started or updated.