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My Latest Obsession – Tuberose Absolute

March 9, 2012 by Mary Humphrey

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) absolute, if you have not smelled it, is sweet, somewhat spicy, rich and tenacious.

I have totally fallen in love with Tuberose absolute.  Hands down.  I have been working quite a bit with it, blending with Ylang Ylang and Jasmine.  I could nearly drop Tuberose into a base oil and call it a perfume by itself, but I won’t.

My goal is to include Tuberose in a blend that I will call my signature scent.  These things take time, patience and practice.  I am working on all of the above.

A little background:  Tuberose is generally not recommended for aromatherapy use, but is recommended as an exotic addition to natural perfume.   It is considered a heart (middle) note in a perfume blend.  Tuberose is a native of Central America, where it is found growing wild.  Oh…how I would love that!

I haven’t researched this, but it is also my understanding that tuberose is used in some confectionaries and beverages.  I am in love with Lavender and Chamomile tea, I may have to check into the prospect of Tuberose too.

Annie’s Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps – Smell and Feel the Goodness

Posted in Natural Perfume | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments »

Woman in a Mid-Life Crisis?

March 7, 2012 by Mary Humphrey

www.cars.oodle.com

A few days ago I was reading up on the topic of women that aspire to do what they feel passionate about doing when they reach their 40’s, and even their 50’s and 60’s.  I am not referring to speeding around in a hot little red sports-car, throwing caution to the wind, looking for a man who looks very much like the one on the cover of the little paper-back book, the one that carries the princess off into the sunset, happily ever after.

What I am talking about is the ultimate desire to do whatever a women can do in her lifetime.

What passions I am referring to in this article are those that say to us “I can do this” (not so much material items):  I can now write that series of books, I can now sail the ocean for 90 days, I can now become a doctor, I can now start that farm, I can now start and grow a business.

Is it a mid-life crisis? I am not so sure I can term it as that.  I do think it is an awakening, but is it related to age? Or is it related to women that are now aware of their own question, “Who am I, and how do I become the person that I have always wanted to be?”

The latter.  And don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot do it.

P.S. See the little black 1953 Chevy Bel-Air in the photo (via http://cars.oodle.com)? I want one.  No, I do not plan to get one.  Do I consider it a mid-life crisis? No, I think the car is beautiful.

 

Annie’s Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps – Smell and Feed the Goodness

Posted in General Reflections, Women In Business & Life | Tagged , | 5 Comments »

Natural Deodorant Recipe

March 2, 2012 by Mary Humphrey

Have you ever tried a natural deodorant?

I became concerned about using antiperspirants (which reduce or block perspiration), after several allergic bouts.  So I began testing various recipes.

I settled on this simple deodorant recipe:

1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon Coconut Oil (this is the solid, 76 degree coconut oil, not the fractionated liquid)

Baking Soda 1/4 cup (Bicarbonate Soda)

1/4 cup Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch

10 – 11 drops of essential oils

The essential oils that I chose were based on their antiseptic, skin-soothing, and cooling properties:  3 drops Patchouli, 3 drops Lavender, 3 drops Ylang Ylang, and 2 drops Peppermint.

I purchased a deodorant applicator from a supply distributor, but to save money, you can carefully wash an empty deodorant applicator, re-use it for this recipe.  Before you do so, I warn you, you may be surprised by the sticky mess that ensues, even when washing the containers using a lot of hot water and soap detergent.

Mixing Procedure:

Gently heat the coconut oil on the stove top or in the microwave (on a low setting), just until melted.

Add the baking soda, arrowroot powder, mix by hand (you can use a fork or a whisk).  Add in the essential oils, mix again.  Stir until all of the ingredients are dissolved.

Pour the mixture into a deodorant applicator.

Note:  you can add a tiny amount, approximately 1/4 teaspoon, of bees-wax to firm up the deodorant.

Do not attempt to pour the mixture into the deodorant container if it is too hot.  Burns can occur, and the applicator can be destroyed.

Once poured, allow the mixture to sit for several hours to harden.

That is it.

You will not get the exact same results as you would with a strong commerically-made antiperspirant, but I can say the natural deodorant has not caused any allergic problems for me (always keep your own allergies and medical conditions in mind when selecting these types of products and ingredients).  The formula has worked well for the purposes intended.

Note, if you do not wish to use a deodorant applicator or container, you can pour the warm deodorant mixture into a jar with a wide mouth.  Allow to cool for a few hours.  To use, simply dip your fingertip into the deodorant to remove a pea sized amount and apply it to your underarm area (the deodorant softens via skin temperature).

There, you have it, worry free deodorant, and very easy to make.

Annie’s Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps – Smell and Feel the Goodness

Posted in Skin and Hair Care | Tagged | 7 Comments »

The Latest Adventure – Natural Perfume

March 1, 2012 by Mary Humphrey

A bit of history…

When I was a child I not only collected soap, I also loved and occasionally collected perfume.  Do you remember Evening in Paris in the early 1960’s? Somehow, as slim as the monetary situation was, my mother occasionally purchased a tiny little blue bottle of Evening in Paris for me.  Later in my childhood, I found myself combining perfumes, combining anything that smelled good (grass, flowers, etc…), even cooking essences.  Fragrance, and the natural the better, was definitely close to my heart.

Around 15 years ago, in the same small town where I purchased handcrafted soaps, I also had perfume made for myself, and cologne made for my sons (they always sent money with their mom).  One day the gentleman that owned the perfume shop offered classes to me.  At that time I lacked the go-get-it-done gusto that I have now.  I couldn’t see through the haze.  How could I take a week or two long class? How could I drum up $1,000? It was only $1,000! Ask me, have I regretted turning down the one-on-one class a few times? The answer is one big YES.

I studied and obtained a basic certification in aromatherapy at the Aroma Studio in New York a few years ago.  I thought my appetite for fragrance, now geared towards natural, would be satisfied.  It was not.  The course was excellent.  I refer to what I learned nearly daily.  But I am not interested in practicing aromatherapy.  My interest is fragrance.  On the plus side, my nose was well-trained!

So, this is what I am doing today.  What you see in the photo are bottles of natural perfumes that have aged for at least 24-30 days.  Why age? When natural essences are combined they continue to marry, they lose their sharp edges, they seem to warm to each other.

Natural perfume is very personal.  The wearer of a natural perfume is the one that benefits.  The scent generally does not waft freely through the air beyond the person wearing it.  Personally, the wearing of a natural perfume can change my entire day.  It feels to me (in theory) like placing liquid sunshine on the skin…uplifting, grounding, beautiful, soothing…depending upon the oils used in the formula.  One of my favorite blends contains tuberose and ylang ylang as the heart (middle notes).  I swore I did not like florals…oh yes, I do.

So, with the making of perfume comes many, many bottles of “duds.” I sniff the (duds) perfumes occasionally.  As they age they normally smell a lot different than they did the day the oils were blended.  Another drop or two of essential oil might give new life to the blend,  if not, they make good room fresheners.  Or, I wear them myself because I feel they continue to train my nose.

I plan to offer natural perfume in March 2012.  Jojoba oil based, all natural, until I get my hands on organic grape alcohol.

So…this post marks the launching of my natural perfume blogging.  I am definitely green around the edges.  I read a lot of perfume blogs and books.  They are interesting.  I need to learn an entirely new vocabulary! Better yet, I’ll just be different and talk about natural perfume my own way.  It will be fun.

Annie’s Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps – Smell and Feel the Goodness

Posted in AGH Business News, Natural Perfume, Products | Tagged , | 4 Comments »

Speaking As A Leader – Expert (Or Not)

February 27, 2012 by Mary Humphrey

I treasure Seth Godin’s work.  Even when I do not agree with what he has to say, he still makes me think.

A recent post on Seth’s blog, titled Stick To What You (Don’t) Know, hit home with me.  Seth’s words, “No one knows more about the way you think than you do. Applying that approach, combining your experience, taking a risk–this is what we need from you.”

That is what I need from me.  That is what you need from you.  That is what we ALL need from each other.  People are not born experts.  And even the experts are still learning.  When you lead you step forward, you trust in yourself to say the right thing at the right time.  You just do.

Believe in yourself, what you have to say, what you do.  Do it for yourself without fear.

 

Annie’s Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps – Smell and Feel the Goodness

Posted in General Reflections, Inspirations | Tagged , , | 3 Comments »

The Beauty of Imperfections

February 25, 2012 by Mary Humphrey

Imperfections are beautiful.

I think of people, embracing differences.  I think of soap, embracing the beauty of handmade, made from scratch.  We do not cut off the uniqueness from either.  Instead, we celebrate the character.

Love yourself.  Love who you are.  No discounting allowed.

Annie’s Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps – Smell and Feel the Goodness

Posted in General Reflections, In The Soap Shop, Inspirations | Tagged , , | 2 Comments »

Are You Branding Your Business (and Yourself) Responsibly?

February 21, 2012 by Mary Humphrey

small business branding

No, I am not talking about taking a red-hot cattle prod, sticking it on you back-side to leave a unique mark.

What I am talking about is your presence on life.

Even if you do not represent or own a business, are you leaving your mark on life responsibly?

Are you being responsible in the sense that you promote positive feelings in others? Are you speaking in words that uplift, or are you speaking in words that leave other’s pondering, perhaps dragging them down with you? Are you speaking in words that etch out your future, the future that you are in control of?

When you write online (a blog post or comments, Facebook status updates and comments, Twitter updates) are you enjoying the freedom of speech (it isn’t always about fluffy soft place), yet, ensuring you represent yourself with dignity? If not, you may be branding yourself for failure.

Everything you do in life is a part of who you are.  If you are a business owner, you are a separate being from your business.  But what you do, each and every footprint, each and every word, each and every decision, is a part of you, and you as the business owner are a part of your brand.  No, you are not Campbell’s Soup, or Tide laundry detergent, but you are ______ (fill in your name) who has the reigns in their hands that will lead their own horse-drawn team into a more positive future (for yourself and others), or you can lead it into the trenches.  Tow trucks are expensive and can leave ruts that stick around for years.

I am not heading into the trenches if I can keep from it.

Are you?

Annie’s Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps – Smell and Feel the Goodness

Posted in General Reflections, Inspirations | Tagged , , | 6 Comments »

Why We Discontinue Certain Types Of Goat Milk Soaps

February 20, 2012 by Mary Humphrey

handcrafted goat milk soap www.anniesgoathill.com

As a small business we are very conscious of our budget.  Every penny counts.  Every minute counts.

I love soap, however, I am a business owner who makes soap and skin care products when production time is blocked off on the Google Calendar (far from daily).  My day is systematic.  Automatic.  8 hours a day.

From time to time we stop and look at our base soaps.  Our base soaps are those that sell well, favorites, speciality soaps from Annie’s Goat Hill.  We evaluate how well they sell, how many people purchase the soaps, and then we decide which soaps will remain on the base list, and we decide which soaps will be bumped off.

Hypothetically, instead of purchasing 15 gallons of fragrance or essential oils in a given period of time, if the soap line is not kept in-check, the business-owner stretches themselves out with 100’s of smaller bottles (that are much more expensive per ounce) that they may only use once, or never again.  Tracking all of the soap-making supplies becomes a nightmare.  I need not say more.

There’s the inside scoop to our decision-making process.

By the way, if you do want a particular type of soap that we no longer carry, just drop me an email.  I’ll quote you a price for a custom loaf of soap.

Email:  anniesgoathill@gmail.com

Annie’s Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps – Smell and Feel the Goodness

Posted in AGH Business News, Business Related Questions, In The Soap Shop, Products | Tagged , | 3 Comments »

Do Not Mix Religion or Politics with Business

February 18, 2012 by Mary Humphrey

Experts tell us to not mix religion or politics with business.

When it comes to certain things in life, I am my own expert.  I do not stand behind too many leaders on this planet.  I listen, I learn, but I do according to my own beliefs, intuition, and wisdom.

I purposely do not mix politics with business.  I understand politics well enough to know who I want to vote for, but I do not study politics enough to want to argue about it.  Politics is one very hot to touch topic.  And honestly, let’s have a safe place where we don’t have to hear about politics.  One of those places:  here.

My personal definition of religion is: a group or individual that believes and practices a faith in their God.

As a business woman I treasure our  freedom to talk about politics and religion.

If I say, “I wish everyone would feel empowered to build upon their God-given talents, those given to you before your birth.”  My intention is not a push of my faith.  My intention is solely based on humanity, my ingrained care for people.

If I quote scripture, which I do from time to time, especially on Twitter, it is what motivates me.  It is my faith.  Never do I expect anyone to follow my religion.  But I will not hide it.  It is who I am.  A non-denominational Christian.

Do I mix religion with business? In the respect that I do not hide my faith, yes.  It is a part of what I was designed to do.  And I know it.

What prompted this blog post? Watch Twitter, Facebook, and blog posts.  There is a wide-range of beliefs in the blogosphere (as much as I hate that term), and I feel there is a lot of fear.  My own self, I love people regardless of what they believe in.  I will not support people who do not respect human lives.

Finished.   Comments?

Annie’s Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps – Smell and Feel the Goodness!

Posted in General Reflections | Tagged , , | 5 Comments »

No Excuse – You Are Responsible for Teamwork

February 17, 2012 by Mary Humphrey

Teamwork

Your Job Matters

There are things in life that I wish could change.

The first is, I would love to flip a switch so every living being could see their own talents, their own gifts, and I would love to see them find their “oomph,” a sense of empowerment, to make their unique gifts work for them in life.

I also would like to flip the switch to the “on position” for people who do not see the value of the jobs they do in life.

Flipping a hamburger may not be what you want to do.  You may not want to sweep the carpet.  You may not want to be a bank teller.  You may not want to drive a truck.  Regardless of what you are doing right now, with the exception of unethical work, what you do is a valuable part of the puzzle of life.

When you flip that hamburger, do the people you respond to (the customer standing behind the counter, your manager, your co-workers), know that you are making an effort to complete a part of someone’s day?

When you drive that truck, do you realize that your attitude affects 100’s, or even 1000’s on the road?

When you make that bar of soap, are you honest and careful with your ingredients, knowing that someone is trusting you to their skincare? Do you realize that each bar of soap that you make reflects on your entire industry?

Do your job sloppily as a customer service representative and watch how many lives you affect.  You affect your own demeanor, the well-being of the company you work for, and you affect the person at the other end of the phone conversation.

Here is how I see our work in life:  there is nothing wrong with not liking what we do.  We all do a lot of things that we may not 100% enjoy in life.  Money is a necessity for keeping the lights on.  But, we are very much like ants.  Yes, ants.  Each ant has a job.  One carries a blade of grass.  One carries dirt to build the anthill.  Notably, ants do not complain.  They may spat occasionally, but they do not stop working to display a single ounce of protest.  It is about teamwork.  Does an ant need to be told what to do?

In the human workforce, I see levels of responsibilities, of course, but I also see each and every service performed as a level part of the big picture.  As I write this, I am part of a picture, part of your picture.  Part of a business picture.  Part of a human picture.  We are all on that very same level.  We contribute in one way, shape, or form.

And then there is what I call “dropping the ball.”  Deliberately, because you see no value in your contributions in life.  A person CAN change their role, but until that happens, be responsible for your puzzle piece (your job, your contribution).  Protect it to ensure it still fits the puzzle securely until it is handed to someone else.  Be responsible for your business (or what you do in life), what you say, how you do it, and, #1, be responsible to the people you come in contact with.

You have no excuse.

Annie’s Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps – Smell and Feel the Goodness

Posted in All In A Day's Time, General Reflections, Inspirations | Tagged , , | 5 Comments »

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