And the Phoenix Will Rise, Part Two

April 22, 2012 (one month after visit to the emergency room)

So, I introduced my readers to what happened to me and why I ventured into a new skin care line to breathe life back into my home-based business.  I continue with my story here today, introducing my "comeback" product while waiting to take additional photos to post with my online stores to start selling (jpeg only....).  The above photo of my left hand is one month to the date of my initial visit to the ER and treatment plan implemented.  As I write, sometimes I look to see if its really "all gone."  I know I'm going to have to be careful when gardening this year, so I started a project I need to finish; yes, I'll be posting that here, too as it applies to what I do and the drive I have to share with my readers.

Barbi's Beauty Basics was born out of a wake up call to a pretty hefty allergic reaction, coupled with my pursuit to create, indulge in, and ultimately, share with consumers the passion I have for natural ingredients bath and body (beauty, if you prefer) products.  I had originally started my business exploration due in part to becoming a new mom and wanting to make sure what I fed my new baby and what I used to keep him clean were not loaded with chemicals, preservatives, additives, and questionable ingredients.  I made soap for him (which will come back to the table for consumer availability), breastfed him, handmilled organic foods for him to eat, and read labels like I had OCD.  With the soap creation, I ventured further into natural ingredients products for the body, created several different bars of soap, sold at local farmer's markets, and enjoyed my exploration and steady climb into the area of running my own business.  Then, choosing to have another child, I was yoked with morning sickness and fatigue that grounded my ambitions for 9 mos.  After Zachary was born, I had my hands full with him & Tristan, so I had to box my venture in hopes of possibly going back to the drawing board and picking up where I left off.  Goals, dreams, and ambition is great to have, but when you need to (and constantly redirected) prioritize how you navigate life, you have to start one step at a time, much like how children learn to walk.  Wobble into a standing position, do the sofa and/or coffee table shuffle, and when the moment is right, take that first step into the world of possibilities.  And that's just how its come to happen for me.

"My father always used to say, 'Smile & you'll always be happy.'"

My grandmother (mom's mom) is such an inspiration in my life.  She helped teach me how to drive, she taught me how to make bread from scratch (over the phone, as I was living 1500 miles away @ the time), counseled us all at the kitchen table, loved us unconditionally, always told us she loved us, there was always a hug (and usually coupled with a goose), and never let any of us (her children , grandchildren, & great-grandchildren old enough to understand) give up on what we believe in.  After a seven month battle with pancreatic cancer, she let go and went home on April 22, 2011.  I miss her dearly, as do all her family and anyone who knew her in the small town she lived in (and the surrounding towns as well).  In honor of the strength and endurance she relied on to navigate life (and she bestowed this ability on several of us as well), I dedicate my lauch product in her name. 

From left to right: Astringent, Cleansing Grains, Goat's Milk/oatmeal soap, lotion bar, castille shampoo, and maple/oatmeal conditioner.

So, I leave you with this: if you wouldn't eat it, why are you putting it on your skin?  Your skin is the largest organ in regards to the human body.  Pores open with an increase in temperature, making almost like little mouths (yeah, I had to think about that one, too).  Thus, whatever soaps, lotions, cleansing products, bug sprays, etc..that you put on your skin is absorbed into your body.  So, what are you eating?  What is your skin drinking in?

And the Phoenix Will Rise, Part One

Barbi's Beauty Basics Sampler Pack

After a severe time delay in launch, which I refuse to label this delay as failure to launch, here I am.  Telling you my story and how this came to be that I am coming back into soap making and sharing my craft with the world (be it on the small scale at this time in my life).

I embarked on a spring detox, using a simple tea formula consisting of four herbs: Burdock Root, Turkey Rhubarb, Sheep Sorrel, and Slippery Elm Bark.  As I have done this in the past (granted its been about 6 yrs to do so), having the experience and herbal knowledge I've acquired (earned!) over the years, I went ahead and set out to cleanse my system.  Mind you, I've either been pregnant or breastfeeding in the last 6 yrs, so I was eating for nutritional value not only pertaining to my own body and immune system but for the health of my boys (who will be focus of another post here later on). 

And so I dove into the detox pool.  I usually wait until the Vernal (spring) Equinox to do so, but as I'd been experiencing extremely dry skin on my hands, and a chemical burn (which I suspected but didn't resign to) to boot, I started a week early.  I had it in my mind I could kick this skin thing, participated in a "Increase Your Water" challenge with a college friend at the same time, and had high hopes for a good result in the end.  Little did I know the adventure I was about to embark upon.

Within one week, using salves that I make as well, my dry/chemically irritated skin went from my fingers/back of my left hand up to my forearms.  No sweat, I thought. Maybe its something else.  Google University.....yeah.....remember that wonderful week in March we had here in Vermont?  Fabulous sun and great temps?  My son, Tristan (4yrs) and I spent huge amounts of time outside, full sun, working in the gardens.  Great idea?  Mmmmm....maybe not.  After a week of basking in the glow and feeling energized internally, my external shell was on fire. What had seemed so simple to possibly take care of on my own was like a wildfire out of control.  And I was still detoxing. 

March 22, 2012

The morning of the date above, I woke up, realized I was out of options as to self treating.  I didn't want to be a baby about going to the Emergency Room but I couldn't keep doing what I was doing; and good thing I didn't wait any longer. 

March 22, 2012

After a couple of hrs in the ER (go figure, as most people know it can take half your day just to be seen for something non-emergent, according to med staff), I was diagnosed with a possible allergic reaction to one or more of the herbs in my detox tea (which I actually figured out [Google University] on my own @ home and stopped taking the tea), and a possible photosensitive reaction to the salves I was using for itching/burning/peeling relief (or would that be no relief?).  A call to Dermatology got me in to see them within 30 mins of the call (yeah, someone was looking out for me that day), and upon discharge from the ER, I went to my first derm appt.

March 22, 2012

Within 5 mins of questions, it was confirmed on the allergic reaction AND photosensitivity.  Two herbs (that fit description for allergic reaction) were culprit to my situation.  Sheep Sorrel (in the detox tea) and Lavender (essential oil form in the salves I made and was using on my skin at the time I was out playing in the sun for a week).  I was stunned.  I didn't think this would happen to me; I'm educated in herbs, why didn't it occur to me that this can happen to ME?  I know folks who are allergic to Chamomile, Calendula, you name it.  I've created soaps for people who have allergies to certain herbs.  Sitting for a moment, alone in the exam room, I realized: this can happen to anyone, even me.

With scripts for Prednisone and Hydrocortisone cream you can't get over the counter, I went home to start my healing process.  I kept with the increase in my fluids, turned to juicing to help detox my system of all the craziness that was now going on with it, and wondered what the next step in my life would be and where was it going to take me.  That's when the "barn burner" of an idea struck me and I knew right then and there, no turning back for me.  Its like being at the bottom and the only way you can go from there is up. 

Updates and Changes

Wow! Its been busy here for the last couple of weeks; I've been away from blogging for what feels like forever. I spent almost everyday of last week troubleshooting my formula for my new soapmaking process; the first batch didn't set up the way I had hoped, sending me back to research and cross referencing to solve the mystery I found myself faced with. After a couple of resources found, articles combed over, and the motivation to try again cropped up-24 hr. turnover-I was at it again.
The open air Farmer's Market season 2010 is upon us, and I'm so not ready at this time. Its about two weeks or a little less to be ready for the first days, beginning at Shelburne. I have to double check my schedule and coordinating calendar for dates, so I can post here as to where I'll be and when.
I'm two days away from my new batch of soap being set enough to take out of the mold box, cut and lay out to continue curing (drying). My new process starts with a week of setting up and then 2-6 weeks to cure to the desired firmness. My patience is being tested for this new method but I feel confident now, with the bugs worked out and moving forward to produce a new line of product. I am also considering to take recipes for my handcut soaps I've been producing and move them over into this new process method; I hand cut the new processed soap into bars, so it would primarily be the same, just moving from one processing method to another.
So, here's to another wonderful spring day and a good day to be had for all. Enjoy!
~Momma G

Vermont Potash Soapmaking in the 21st Century, Part One

"Ashes on Branches Filter"

"Nature's Filter-branches from my backyard"

"Two Gallons Water, 16 oz. Ash"

"Necessary Equipment for Ash Based Lye Water Processing"

I love it when setting up images on blogger seem to go their own way as opposed to how you originally want them set. No use getting upset over the situation, as with reflecting on the process, I had to do it twice to get the right consistency and potency. Lessons learned along the way, and more to come as each step of the process comes into view.

I chose ash based lye processing as opposed to using sodium hydroxide crystals; yes, the lye water produced using the ash is the same as the sodium hydroxide but to me, I feel that using the ash is a more natural process; it also puts me more in touch with what I'm producing, why I choose to make soap and who my consumers are, and I feel I'm picking up and carrying on with a process that is a part of my state's history, especially the industrial/homesteading element.

Necessary Equipment for Lye Water Making:

-1 gallon bucket, galvanized steel

-1 7 oz. stainless steel coliander (pasta strainer)

-1 pair industrial rubber gloves*

-1 pair safety glasses*

-1 4 cup glass measuring cup (Anchor Hocking or Pyrex, your choice)

-1 handful of branches (birch or maple work best) for filter purposes

-2 gallons non-tap water

-16 oz. potash (I used a 12 oz. container to measure out what I needed)

-1 set of kitchen scales

I worked this process in the garage, as this is my first time making soap from "scratch." Taking appropriate safety measures with lye water making should be as the same as necessary safety measures needed for working with sodium hydroxide crystals; lye is caustic and can burn the skin if it comes into contact with exposed skin. This is something I don't need to be worrying about, especially being pregnant. Also, working outside gives an open air environment to work in as opposed to being inside and perhaps having to move outside just long enough to combine lye and water (ash and water with this process).

My first time through this process, I felt confident but when I went back later to cross reference my process with two resources that I implement in my new processing method, I realized I may not have produced lye water that would be of the correct potency. Therefore, after some thought, I went back, remembering my original measurements, recalculating and reworking my lye water production. Working through the process once again, I felt a surge of even more confidence and felt satisfied when closing the garage door.

Because of the attention to detail process necessary to temperatures and when ingredients need to be added to the base, I will be processing after my son goes to bed tonight; more at ease with a little one NOT underfoot? You better believe it. I will be documenting and photographing while processing, resulting in additional posts as I move deeper into this project. I'm excited and hope all who read stay tuned; here's to soapmaking! ~Momma G

The Night Before

It's May, and time to work. I've been freelance writing, which I'm continuing, and now its time to make soap again. I have all the materials and ingredients I need, and as of tomorrow, my adventures into the world of cold processing will begin. The best part is, that I'm using wood ashes to make my lye water. After discovering this "ancient" processing method tied into Vermont's history, I began to brainstorm how it can be broken down from gallons and pounds of ingredients, larger than life equipment to process, to a more modern, kitchen countertop method. After some research through Vermont historical accounts of "the potash industry," notetaking, more brainstorming, and extensive thought, I decided to give it a try. I will be writing about this method to post here, as well as taking pictures to give visual confirmation, as I move through the process.
Market season is upon us, and I'm really hoping to be where I planned to be this year; I know my season will be "as it goes" in the beginning, having to fill the absence in the middle, and coming back as strong as I can towards the end. So, here's to soap making, sun filled days to come, and endless possibilities. ~Momma G

Decisions, decisions

After some time to think, go over my current inventory, and access the situation in regards to creating new product and being ready for next weekend, I've decided to bow out of the last Shelburne Winter Farmer's Market. Bad news? No, not necessarily. I realize what I have on hand and as opposed to make the trip to put out what little product I have left until I start the new stock, I feel it in the best interest of my business to pull back, regroup, and prep for the new season to come. What also came with my decision was the epiphany that its time to create my ARTFIRE store front and to post the link to my page here; for the time that I felt apprehensive to open that account, I now feel very confident to get started.

Today is project completion day, both in business and personal levels. My list may not be very big but what counts the most is the progress made and effort put into it. Here's to Spring in Vermont-cheers!

~Momma G

Back to Business

Wow! Its been some time since I've posted here, let alone posted anything pertaining to business. Spring is almost here, and with a new season, lots of sunlight, and longer days, things they are a'changin'. I've been tied up in fiber projects lately, some that I desperately need to finish and some that I love the idea of doing something new but need to complete the unfinished before moving further ahead.

Speaking of moving ahead, I am currently securing the last of my much needed supplie to move forward into the territory of cold process soap making. My choice of adventure moves into the historical aspect of using wood ash, or potash as its more historically known, to execute my decision to keep producing and improving my natural ingredient personal care products. In addition to learning the process of soap from raw ingredients, I am also researchng and writing an article about my journey and the results of my decision.

Soap making has been my passion, biz wise, since the early days of 2008, and as I move further into 2010, I realize I'm moving along at a good pace suited for this stay-at-home mom who loves her little one and preparing for the arrival of my next set of tiny feet in July. This summer is sure to bring many surprises as each day unfolds, and the courage to take each day as it comes is what's needed. Rough drafting plans and then moving ahead, step at a time...

Looking back, I realize I need to complete posting my products, enhancing my formulas, being realistic about my plans (ideas) to add new product before the end of the year, and tighten up a few essentials to avoid feeling overwhelmed with motherhood, shifting hormones, and eating like champion eater to breastfeed my newborn. One step at a time, right?

So, welcome back, pull up a chair, stay tuned, and keep an eye open for this season's unfolding. Its all good.

~Momma G