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Gwinnett County Waste management consolidation
On January 1, 2009, Gwinnett county will be changing the waste management companies that serve our communities. I think it’s a sound and good idea! Especially when I hear that the idea is to help our community save energy and step up our recycling capabilities across the county. Go Gwinnett County Government! Currently, in my neighborhood, there are at least 3 different trash services that run trucks in our neighborhood. Some pick up on Wednesdays, but most pick up on Friday. It’s just flat a waste of energy to have that many trash trucks on the same roads of our county. Does it surprise me that the companies that have…
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Aromatherapy, not just hype
What is Aromatherapy? – Aromatherapy is the practice of using volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well being. It is the main reason why the majority of Dr. Flower’s handmade soaps are made with herbs, infusions, and essential oils. There are many herbs that we think of for cooking that can also be helpful in that bathtub. One could go as for as to say they can transform your bathroom into a Home Spa for a whole lot less money than to go find a spa. In these times where being frugal is more necessary, I invite you to consider this in your holiday shopping. Don’t…
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Bentonite Clay – Where does it come from?
Where does it come from? Volcanic ash clay also known as sodium bentonite clay is formed when the ash, which results from a volcanic eruption, mixes with water. The result is clay, which contains an extensive concentration of a number of minerals. These minerals have been found to have a number of healthy benefits. Sodium Bentonite clay works by gathering an electrical charge as soon as it becomes hydrated. This electrical charge is part of what makes it so effective. The high mineral content and the electrical charge is what draws out the impurities and helps to absorb the toxins, heavy metal and other contaminants that can cause the blemishes…
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Poverty: It's blog action day 2008!
Caution! Ramble in progress! What do I know about poverty? Very little actually. I’ve been very blessed in this life. I know Bono from U2, Bob Geldof and all the others that organized LIVE Aid. Live Aid was a multi-venue rock music concert held on July 13, 1985. It was a wonderful awareness campaign that actually worked! Thanks to those that worked hard in that organization and the paths and doors that have opened since then for Africa. (it’s still only a drop in the bucket.) Farm Aid came on the scene a bit after that if I remember. We are just now beginning to understand the importance of small…
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Why name a soap Faustine Clay?
Perhaps folks wonder why I would name an all natural handmade soap faustine clay. I’ll tell you! The real story is that I’ve a dear friend with that nickname and she expressly asked for a handmade clay soap. My choice of clay was bentonite as it pulls dirt and oils from the skin. Those of us with oily skin can celebrate with this help! Bentonite clay actually forms from volcanic ash. (post on bentonite clay coming soon!) So how many folks immediately think of Roman times and culture that have been preserved in the ash of long since volcanic erupted Pompeii? Ok well we all can’t be geeks I realize,…
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Juniper berries – Faustine Clay Handmade Soap
Did you know that Juniper berries aren’t true berries? They are actually the female part of the pine cone for the juniper tree. Now you’d think that if something is called a berry, it would be a berry! Juniper trees being of the pine family though does make sense. Botanical: Juniperus communis Family: Cupressaceae (cypress) – Coniferae (conifer) Other common names: Common Juniper, Ground Juniper, Juniper Berries, Gin Berries This “berry” has been used as flavoring for gin and also in European cuisine for its distinguishing sharp, clear flavor. It tends to cut the gaminess of wild game. This berry’s use as a spice can be traced all the way…
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Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint: You knew it was a good thing. Did you also know why? Some of these facts will surprise you. History: Peppermint is a cross between water mint and spearmint and is native to Europe. Peppermint specifically was first cultivated in England in the late seventeenth century. Historically, the herb has been known for its medicinal uses. Hence it is often termed as the world’s oldest medicine. Mint plants such as peppermint and spearmint have a long history of medicinal use, dating to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. In fact, dried peppermint leaves were found in Egyptian pyramids dating back to 1000 B.C. The ancient Greeks and Romans valued it…
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More candles this time Soy wax!
Hey there! I did make a few more candles this weekend that will be featured on the website! These are of the soy wax variety. All natural soy wax has become a cost effective choice for those looking for a natural candle that is also sustainable. See some of the candles I have featured: Soy wax tarts – What is a candle tart you ask? It’s a bit of scented wax that goes on the top of a candle burner that is either driven with a tea light to heat it or by an electric source much like a cup warmer. Soy Wax Travel Tins in Pumpkin Puree and Lavender…
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Busy this weekend with…candles!
I’m not sure why but making candles is relaxing! I enjoyed making a few for our upcoming candle season. I realize it’s already candle season in many places in the country. Some might even say candle season is every season! Here’s what came out of the molds in paraffin this weekend: Candy corn pillar Rainbow pillar
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repost: Cancer or Germs? I’ll take the germs.
Cancer or Germs? I’ll take the germs. This is a really neat post from one of the blogs that I frequent, The green parent. Perhaps folks don’t understand the importance of organic or pesticide free things other than what they eat. Some times the cycle of polution eludes the smartest of folks. That is changing this year. There is a lot more awareness with the internet and folks are stepping up. We are all on this journey. Not everyone knew way back when that these things could effect us in such ways. We know now and we need to act upon our new knowledge to make a difference. I’m stepping…
