|
Greetings!
We're
in the middle of a first-class Iowa heat wave, with temps in the mid-nineties
and heat index way above 100! But despite the heat we're busy weeding,
harvesting, planning classes, and experimenting with new products. Look
for some exciting new shea butter products soon, as well as all-natural
cheek colors to compliment our all-natural lip glosses.
| Bugs
Bugging You? |
 |
We work and play outside, so we know both the joys (fresh air, sunshine)
and the sorrows (mud, bugs, and weeds that like to bite) of the
outdoor world. So when we started getting chewed on by the bugs,
we 1) called our soapmaking genius Karla, and 2) invented our own
bug-off salve.
Karla's
Buzz OFF! Soap contains lemongrass, lavender and citronella not
only for it's bright lemony scent, but primarily to help keep
the bugs away! This soap is now a staple in our showers. Regular
use will help keep the insects away.
For
extra protection (think hike in the woods, or when the biting
flies are out) we really like our Bug Off stick. Once again, that
same blend of lemongrass, lavender, and citronella helps repel
bugs, while smelling not too darn bad. We use this on our ankles
to keep the flies away, and on pulse points to help repel mosquitoes.
We also use it when the flies bite our poor dogs on the noses!
Keep
the bugs away naturally »
|
| Funky
Hair and Vinegar Rinses |
|
We are often asked what our most popular product is, and usually
we are sort of stumped as to what to say. It depends on the time
of year, certain products are more seasonal than others, like powders
for the summer or oils for the winter. But one product that is not
seasonal is the shampoo bars, we sell more of those than we do the
body soaps. Occasionally we get emails or customers in the shop
saying, "I would like to use the shampoo bars but it makes my hair
feel funny." "Aaaaah," we respond and nod wisely, "you have funky
hair." If they stay around long enough to listen to the rest of
the story, we can offer them a solution.
First,
relax, it is not fatal. Actually, it usually is a function of
switching from one type of shampoo to another, takes one week
and vinegar, and no more funky hair! Funky hair happens when the
soap residue, also known as soap scum, does not completely rinse
out of your hair. This can happen if you have extremely hard water
(the minerals interfere with the ability of the soap to be rinsed
off your hair) or the residue can be chemicals left behind from
previous shampoo.
Read
on..... »
|
| Visit
us at the Downtown Des Moines Farmer's Market |
|
|
We're excited to be back at the Downtown Des Moines Farmer's Market
again this Saturday, July 12th, and again in two weeks, on Saturday,
July 26th. The market runs from 7 AM to Noon, and is really alot
of fun! There is an amazing amount of delicious food, and vendors
selling everything from sweet corn to breads to pottery to plants.
Parking is always free, and you can even bring your dog if you like.
Unfortunately
we never know exactly where we'll be setting up, but they try
to put us in the 4th street area, so if you're looking for us
you may want to try that area first. If you have specific items
that you know you want, please email or call us to make sure we
have them set aside for you. If you'd like to sign up for a class
you may pre-register with us at that time also. We look forward
to seeing you there!
Downtown
Market Website »
|
| Easy
Calendula Moisturizer Recipe |
|
You'll need: 2 tablespoons fresh calendula petals/leaves (or 1 tbsp.
dried), and ½ cup boiling water
Make
an infusion by pouring boiling water over the herb in a glass
or ceramic bowl. Let steep for one hour. Strain off herb and add
2 tablespoons of above infusion to 1 tablespoon honey and mix
well. To use: apply to skin using a small amount to make a thin
film. Helps prevent loss of moisture.
You
could also experiment with other herbs - comfrey, chamomile, violet
leaf, or rose petals would be great ones to try! Thank you to
Nancy Richter of www.thymeonmyhands.com for submitting this recipe.
We've been adding new recipes to our site so check out the link
below!
More
recipes »
|
|
| Prairieland
Herbs Classes |
|
|
No, our classroom isn't done yet (we're working on it as fast as
we can!), but people are so anxious for classes we've decided to
start them anyway. If you're in the area and would like to take
a class, please email or call ASAP to pre-register - we need to
know how many people to plan for. Our classes are informal, informative,
and always fun - and you get to make and take home your own handmade
herbal creations. Sign up, and bring a friend!
Infused
Oils & Vinegars Class will be held Wednesday, July 16th at
7:00 PM. Use our fresh herbs to create your own herbal hair vinegar/bath
toner, as well as a herbally infused oil. This is a fun class
on it's own, but excellent to take if you want to use herbally
infused oils to make your own herbal scrubs, salves, and lip balms.
(We'll be teaching how to make those, too, at a later date). Cost:
$15.00 per student.
Bath
Salt Basics is a perennial favorite and great for people of all
ages. It's held on Saturday, July 19th at 10:00 AM. You'll learn
to make and take home your own scented/aromatherapy bath salts,
as well as our own signature "botanical bath salts". Cost: $15.00
per student.
Click
here for more information....
|
|
