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“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake,❄️ it is necessary to stand out in the cold.”. ~Aristotle
Yes, it is me writing this. Hard to believe if you’ve known me for any length of time, as I detest the cold and the shorter days. I am (finally?) learning in my later years to embrace the inevitable and to express gratitude and joy in the moments that I am given. It’s a journey and sometimes a struggle. It’s also a better way to live, for me. Now, on to some good things that I can share with you all. I made a new EO roller blend that I LOVE. It’s called “winter solstice” ⛄(I grabbed the recipe off the internet at some point so I can take no credit for the ingredient blend). It smells divine and is uplifting at the same time – perfect pick me up for me. Sharing should you care to experience for yourself. (you can always request these already made here)
ENJOY! 😊 Seasonally, there are peppermint and eucalyptus soaps 🧼 (ya know, the cliché red and green colors which, should you care to know, are ALWAYS created without harsh toxins by me). There are lips balms to keep your lips 🫦 (and cheeks and any other dry, damaged exposed skin areas) protected and healthy. Consider adding a pure, non toxic body butter to your skin care routine. Not just great in winter, but all year round. Your skin is your largest organ AND your first line of defense against many environmental toxins ☠️. It pays to care for the skin you’re in! Off to the basement. It’s been a busy “custom tees” 👕👚 day here. Reminder to make it count and savor all those incredible “small things” that occur constantly but you may have overlooked in the rush of life and doing things. It’s those little things that are EVERYTHING. ❤️ Best, Jo
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“And all at once, summer collapsed into fall” ~ Oscar Wilde
In my attempts to be stoic in this least favorite (of mine) season, I have been failing miserably. I realize that is due to the error of trying to do so in self – ME thinking that I alone have the capacity to simply think differently and that it would be easier somehow this year. Truth is, it is SIMPLE – it is NOT easy - to change my thought patterns and just put on a new outlook as if I am changing clothes.👖 It is choice. Every morning, sometimes moment by moment, it is CHOOSING to see things differently and for me, that all begins with an #attitudeofgratitude.💖 I cannot feel joy if I am wallowing in despair. It truly is that simple. With this new season comes, of course, the ALL-THINGS PUMPKIN 🎃craze. Here you are, once again. You’re welcome. (you realize you can have this all year round, yes?) 😉
Best, Jo "If it could only be like this always - always summer, always alone, the fruit always ripe." ~ Evelyn Waugh
*except for 100-degree heat and Mid-Atlantic humidity. Ugh. Other than that, it’s all sun, fun and smiles! BUSY day/weeks of late, in the best possible ways. Some home updates and, of course, soaps and body butters. 😊 Today it was magnesium and unscented butters. There are also ½ dozen new soaps 🫧🧼 curing and a couple of hot process ready to go! Fortunately, my basement is a great place to create all the magic 🪄 as it’s been a stretch of HOT, mostly humid, and then torrential rains ⛈️ in between. Not the greatest weather but in between, there is porch sitting and that’s just the best! Tallow body butter looks like it’s going to be a smashing success 🤞🏻and I HOPE to have a local source locked in for the suet. Have you tried the tallow 🐮yet? Its nourishing properties and compatibility with human biology have made it THE skin care fad of the year, thus far. It seems to be compatible with ALL skin types (may not be best for oily/acne prone skin), especially sensitive skin. It’s chock full of fatty acids and vitamins A, D, E, and K. Maybe it’s just the thing for YOUR skin? Next up will be tallow lip balm, of course. There is also tallow balm (LOVE this on my lips and winter chapped hands!) and soap. Here’s to that barnyard beauty 🐄who is also my favorite provider of dinner! HappyDayAfterTheFourth, all y’all! 🧨 #makingitcount Jo  Happy National Weed Day! Not “that” weed – the weeds 🌱🌿🌱 that are useful for holistic healing! The kind that weird old crones 🧙🏻♀️ forage for in the great outdoors and bring home to clean/cook/dry/immerse/infuse and otherwise create those potions 🪄 of organic goodness! Here’s to all the goodness that will abound in this season!
Now, on to overdue updates. ON TAP
New product testers were onboarded last week and I’m excited to receive their feedback. Speaking of feedback, if you are already a product tester and it’s been over 2 weeks, please send feedback soon. It is how I create and refine my product line and I truly need and value all of it. I love to have “positive reviews”, obviously, but your constructive criticism is also valued (privately is preferred) 😉 That’s it for today. Enjoy the day and glorious weekend weather 😎 (Philly area) Jo 💖  Meanwhile, back in the world, life has gone on - just as it should. I tried to post twice, but it all ended up being just personal ramblings that were meant for my journal and not for public consumption. 😉
Here we are in a brand new year, and the temperature (at least in my neighborhood) has become completely winter-like ⛄(freezing with some ❄️ snow). NOT what I would “order off the menu”, of course, but being blessed with a roof over my head, a soft bed to sleep on, good food to eat, warm clothing to wear and living beings I am blessed to share it all with, all in all it IS Such a Wonderful Life. 🥰 Back to the laboratory to whip up some new soap loaves and create and design. I am back to constructive journaling as well, so that I can better track all those wayward thoughts in ONE PLACE that I might find them. I have not made resolutions as I find them unhelpful for me, but I am determined that I will be more organized and intentional moving forward so I guess that makes 2025 “The year of Jo’s intentional living”. Let’s see what becomes of this. I share the following for my customer base: MOST popular product(s) are Goat’s Milk and Fall Spice Soaps. (in that order). They are definitely great soaps and I’m happy to be able to continue to provide them. With that, I have decided to decrease my soap inventory offering so as not to waste. You’ll find less to choose from in the “Menu” but I’m open to requests, as always. Next up: Nutra Cream, closely followed by Body Butter (unscented). Again, high quality products that I cannot recommend enough. Make sure you tell others if you echo those thoughts. Next would have to be the lip balms (vanilla honey followed by cocoa mint are the favs). I’m guessing that price point might be a consideration on this, but I dare say that my balms are probably better for you than most any commercial products (although, making your own is a great option, in case you weren’t aware?) Balms (Butt Balm, Rash Cream and now TALLOW BALM – which is ALL the rage!) are another healthful option to try. I am still sourcing locally so inventory is currently depleted on the tallow, but if the demand remains high, I’ll be continually replenishing so bear with me on this one. Finally, the Essential Oil category is catching on (yea, FINALLY). I am still so grateful to have stumbled onto these over 10 years ago and continue to use them faithfully – and in more ways. My “Focus Blend” is my own personal go-to, but different oils have different properties and doing just a bit of research will reveal what might best suit you. (the Nutra Cream recipe will remain unchanged – and proprietary). 😉 My commitment to knowing my source(s) remains paramount. I have discovered in this healthful journey, that the time commitment to research remains high and that I must RE-research many of my sources yearly to ensure that I am offering what I intend to: the best organic ingredients available to me at an affordable price point. If you’re finding similar products elsewhere for significantly less 💲, I’d be interested in hearing about it for sure. I know that I’ve had to change some of my sources in the last few years as I found the quality not what it was at first. Looking forward to what this next year has to bring, and also for those longer and warmer days of spring 🪻🌸🌞 (the MOST wonderful time of the year!) Best, Jo Fall is fast approaching and summer has slipped through my grasp (it literally slid like a veritable tornado🌪️, quickly and without a moment to breathe through it). While I have always struggled with the shorter days, I am attempting mightily to learn to embrace what EACH season has to offer, thus relieving so much of the potential for anxiety and depression that used to befall me. My Relax Blend EO roller is helpful for me when I want a quick anxiety releaser, along with some deep breaths. Having a "tool box" to rely on close at hand is SO worth it. Deep breathing. Walking in nature. Getting SUN ☀️ on my face, ETC. REMINDER: sunscreen is still needed in winter, especially if you’re outdoors a lot. It not only protects but moisturizes, a very important facet when you’re inside more with drying heat. Here is a good list of reasons why. There are plenty of other resources that can verify this info. Here is yet another great source for you to check on. Remember to check multiple sources and always feel free to send my info you may find that is contrary to what I publish. I am ALWAYS open to learn more, and I most definitely never wish to mislead anyone or provide incorrect information.
Goat's Milk Soap – powdered or fresh, and why it matters greatly. My research here has deepened just recently as a few people have asked about this. Although powdered or Instant milk is used by many soap-makers for a variety of reasons, it is not something I plan to do, for a few great reasons, although price is NOT one of them. (My ingredient costs have increased anywhere from 20% – 50% in the relatively short time that I’ve been making soaps and skin care products. VERY discouraging). Powdered/instant milk IS significantly less $, so it was truly tempting to consider making the switch. It’s also FAR easier to obtain and store. BUT – fresh milk loses so much of the actual benefits when it’s pre-processed that it truly defeats the purpose in making and using it. If you’re already purchasing Goat’s Milk Soap from somewhere else, and you think the cost is so much better, you may want to consider checking further into the ingredient list and determining whether it’s a good choice for you. The chemical structure of powdered milk has been altered, so its ability to moisturize and nourish your skin has been altered as well. Fall product offerings – STAY TUNED! Some limited time offerings to be made available! Get well - BE well - STAY well! ❤️😊 Quick blurb so I don’t forget (I DID forget - so this is post-visit😅) as there have been some changes in my life, once again. Change can be a good thing, and it’s inevitable, so embracing or at least acceptance has been the best way to proceed in my experience. I am preparing to visit some loved ones and enjoy some milestone celebrations with people I love. I don’t believe that life on this planet gets better than this. ❤️ I am fortunate to have the time and the means to do this – another major blessing that I need to be mindful to count daily. ALOUD. It is what keeps me in a state of gratitude and that is exactly where I need to be.
I’ll be testing out a new lotion bar – Bug Off – while I am there and will report back on the effectiveness once I get back. Here’s hoping as I will NOT use those commercial prepped sprays loaded with toxic chemicals (just because some of them work to deter insects does NOT make them safe to use, especially with youngsters, elders or anyone with breathing issues). I am a HUGE fan of essential oils. Pure grade, quality essential oils and NOT fragrance oils. If you’ve never tried them, I can only say you are missing out on a unique and healthful opportunity in so many ways. (checkout https://www.jwkorganics.com/essential-oils.html and https://www.jwkorganics.com/the-skin.html to find out more). It’s been challenging to be back in the saddle after being in Nana-nanny 👶🏻mode for a while. I’ve been mulling over some recent conversations and ideas and trying to discern what to move ahead with and what to put “on the back burner”. I’m going to offer the following (in limited quantities/small batches to see if there is a market):
Rash Balm: I was initially going to market this as baby diaper rash cream🧷, but that seemed to limit what people might use it for – and it’s usable for most ANY rash you can think of. I use the same basic ingredients that my dear pharmacist gave to me SO long ago for my own babies when they would get a very sudden and painful teething diaper rash. The mixture ALWAYS helped within 24-48 hours, and I am not one to toss away things that work simply because they are deemed antiquated. If it works – it works. Sunscreen: 😎 I originally created this mixture for my grandbabies as the littles have much thinner and more sensitive skin, BUT – it is useful for ANYONE who cares about skin protection and eschewing the hazardous chemicals 🤮 that most mass produced products contain. I’ll be taking “pre-orders” (and inquiries, as always) so feel free to reach out at any time. Email Contact Remember: #italladdsup #ditchthechemicals It’s been just over 1 month now since I landed in my temporary “home base” to be Nana-nanny to my youngest grandbaby 👶🏻. It’s been a spectacular ride thus far. The joy in my heart❤️ is barely describable as it is also my first holidays spent with (most of) my children and much like the Grinch, my heart has most definitely grown FOUR SIZES. ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Watching over a little one (just turned 6 months old!) is not quite the same as when I was the mommy. In fact, I truly cannot conceive of the energy I had all those years ago. Someone asked me “Do you now wonder how you did this with 5 children?” and without hesitation my brain immediately replied “Not really. I was 20-something and HYPERthyroid”. lol #truthnugget Suffice to say I am not anywhere near twenty ANYTHING (unless you count the growing grocery list of body parts that are giving out on the daily) and my “cured” HYPER issue from many years ago – which leads to – yep – HYPO (also known as “you will forever crave sleep and feel sluggish until you die” territory). Now, on to the good stuff.
In my current role, I discovered that one of the cream recipes I make and give out to friends/family actually contains ingredients that treat diaper rash. Not even kidding. When my kids were young, my pharmacist, (back in the day, we knew our local pharmacist and mine was a honey of a human) Richard, would mix up his “special recipe” for really bad diaper rash and it would magically clear up the worst case within 12-24 hours, without the howling and drama of applying your typical cream to an infant who then reacts as if you poured boiling sulfuric acid to their already peeling skin. I miss Richard and thought of him fondly when I applied my cream to Carmen’s bottom. It was the magical elixir to calm that raw bottom and I think it will now be added to my inventory list when I get home. Stay tuned. The lemon yogurt soap actually smells like lemon meringue pie 🍋 – a personal favorite (both the pie and now, this soap🧼). The vitamins and lactic acid make this one a keeper. I love the citrus aroma and the yogurt properties are super nourishing and healing for your skin. Ultra Moisturizing (not Goat’s milk) "mistake" soap is SUPER moisturizing and may need to be kept in the line up just as it is. Happy accidents are the best! Off to tend to my lovely charge on this soaker of a day in New England. Hope your holiday(s) are both merry and bright 🎄and that you are able to feel some joy in this season which for many, can be a difficult time missing some of our loved ones. Stay warm. Stay positive. Be kind. #makingitcount Yesterday I made time to soap. I had received a new order for 2 loaves of Goat’s Milk 🐐soap 🫧 (amazing on your skin, in case you’ve never tried it, and 1 of my big sellers) and I wanted to get it under way ASAP as I am about to be in “pack/travel 💼 mode” and might be a tad forgetful. <insert hysterical laughter emoji>🤣. I did what I always do. Cleaned up my area, made sure I had all the ingredients at the ready along with all the tools/containers needed and down to the laboratory🧪 (aka the cellar) I went. I carefully weighed and measured everything out, put the crock pot on warm and added the solids to begin melting, and then began the lye mixture. I’m always super careful here as you can imagine. The terror of working with a caustic substance with my lack of great eyesight 👓and coordination kept me from even trying to create soaps for about 18 months. I read and watched MANY YouTube videos and how to’s and finally dove in. I’m truly happy that I did so. That being said, I remain very mindful when working with lye and never allow myself to be distracted while handling it. Back to the original thought. 💭
Very carefully, I measured 📏 out my distilled water, then the lye, and went to the sink to mix it. All went well. I made a HUGE batch 🫕– enough to fill the 2 loaves and have another on hand since it’s so popular. It completely filled the crock pot and I was a bit nervous about that since it “bubbles 🫧up” during cooking, but in the end, all was well. Well, all was well SOAP🧼 wise. It was unfortunate that I had used distilled water and NOT Goat’s Milk. VERY unfortunate – since I didn’t have enough raw materials to make the already ordered 2 loaves of Goat’s Milk. What I DO now have, is a decent inventory of very nice soaps which everyone on my Christmas list will now be gifted with🎁. <shhhhhhhh>🫢 Amazon to the rescue with a new supply of lye (since my former supplier now sells exclusively ON Amazon (go figure). More oils/butters are also on the way from right outside my original hometown. Maybe I should visit that supplier while I have the opportunity, weather permitting. Have you tried the Focus Blend EO roller? I have used it today – twice – and will most definitely be using it tomorrow. <adds post it note📝 by computer and soaping table> It is immensely helpful – when I use it. 🤔 Tomorrow is now another soaping day and GOAT’S MILK SOAP WILL BE MADE. Amen. Here's to #makingitcount, y'all. ❤️ |
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December 2025
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