Bags full with Bath and Body products from different sellers! Grab yours now!

What IS EGCG Swag Bags?
The Swag bags are a collection of 18 generous sample-sized products from different Bath & Body shops - all members of EGCG ( Etsy Green & Clean Guild!) It's a great way to try different products from different shops at the same time. It's also a great Mother's Day gift idea!
Another awesome feature is that your EGCG Swag Bag is a special reusable, eco-friendly shopping bag! So make sure you put it to good use long after you use the products.

What's IN it?
This round, we have a variarity of handmade bath soaps, lip balms, lotions, facial soaps, laundry soap, candles, bath fizzy, body mist, sugar cube scrub....wonderful goodies!

Where to get them?
Swag Bags will be available on April 15th on EGCG Etsy's shop.

Participating shops:

Morgan Street.
Bunny Butt Apothecary.
Spa Therapy Works.
Right As Rain Creations.
The Bath Project
DressGreen
Jadewicks
You Stink Soap
Shower Treat Soap
Sweet Creek Herbs
Farnham Soaps
Kelle's Kitchen
Mea Culpa Body and Bath
Inseine Creations
Rachel Rene
Grumpy Girl
SudzNThings
Mirasolfarm

A big thanks to Shannon of The Bath Project who originally authored this post

Inroducing new scents:

I am so happy to announce the newest additions to my scent choices, look for them either in my etsy or artfire store:

Etsy Buy Handmade MeaCulpaBodyandBath

MeaCulpaBodyandBath

Buy Handmade

JASMINE CASSIS - Cassis, Black Currant, Valencia, Jasmine, Muguet Petals, Peppermint, Rosewood, Amber, Musk

RAINFOREST - Jasmine, Florals, Citrus, Light Woods

RAINFLOWERS - Heliotrope, Rain, Cashmere Musk

PEACE AND LOVE - Valencia, Rice Flower, Star Jasmine, Oak Moss, Ylang-Ylang

COOKIE AND CREAM PIE - Brown Sugar, Cookie Dough, Chocolate Chip, Vanilla, Rum

CASHMERE AND COTTON - Pomelo, Bergamot, Light Milk, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Musk, Patchouli

PINK SUGAR - Blend of Cotton Candy, Musk, Jasmine
Compared to: Aqualina

GRAPEFRUIT PETITGRAIN - Grapefruit Nectar, Tangerine, Petitgrain, Lily, Citrus

GUAVA FIG - Apple, Cassis, Pear, Guava

GOJI BERRY BLISS - Blackberry, Goji Berry, Sweet Valencia, Pomegranate, Loganberry, Gooseberry, Vanilla Cream, Sugar Musk, Musk

ABALONE AND SEA - Daylily, Sea Shell Abalone, Lime, Ozonic, Sea Spray Accord, Rose, Jasmine, Freesia, Lily, Beach Daisy, Woods, Musk, Marine

MEDITERANIAN FIG Blend of Fig, Amber, Sandalwood, Lemon

LOLITA Blend of Lemon, Orange, Cashmere, Sandalwood

SENDERO for men - Yankee Midsummernight Type

CHERRY BLOSSOM - BBW Type

VANILLA HAZELNUT

GINGER PEACH - Pier1 Type

MOROCCAN SANDS Blend of Carnation, Sandalwood, and Musk


STRAWBERRY JAM

ACAI BERRY & SATIN Blend of Aci Berries, Lemon, Strawberry, Lily, Rose

BEACH Blend of Sand, Sea Spray, Salt, Jasmine, Mandrin

SEX ON MY MIND - Very Sexy for Men VS Type

SWEET PEAR

MARGARITA LIME

BENEATH THE STARS Grape, Peach, Citrus, Plum, Rose and Musk.

MANGO SORBET Blend of Mango, Raspberry, Lemon

POMEGRANATE BENDEL Blend of Pomegranate, Pineapple, Guava, Musk

BLUE RASPBERRY

PAPAYA

ROSE GARDEN

GREEN APPLE

CUCUMBER

DESERT ROSE Blend of roses and sandalwood

MIDNIGHT POMEGRANATE Blend of Pomegranate, Orange, Cinnamon, Vanilla


BETWEEN THE SHEETS Blend of Lily of the Valley, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Light Musk

RASPBERRY CREAM

BLACK RASPBERRY VANILLA Blend of Raspberry, Plum, Vanilla

JUNIPER BREEZE

We have a winner for the bi-monthly sweepstakes!!!

So....two months worth of purchases and working my butt off....it was time to award some of the people that stopped by my store to shop!


I decided to give away a 2oz Body Icing scented with the unique scent of Pomegranate. This is truly one of kind, I have bought pomegranate from different people and this one just sticks out as the best one!


I hope I am going to hear from Brenda about this. I sure hope she is not gonna take my email as a spam and just delete it without reading or maybe she will read and think its a scam :-(


If this happens, I will just have to draw the names again

Which picture is an attention grabber?

As every other person that takes their own pictures of the goods they sell - me too, I agonize over how my photos work....


Tell me know, work with me here (or you are here only to drop your entrecard?)....which one of these pix would grab you attention? Which one would make you want the item? If there is none, dont be shy - say so! Constructive criticism can only make one be better!


I am asking this, because - unlike soap - I dont have to make the product ahead of time to sell it. And honestly, I would rather make it fresh and when ordered. So, that means that I need a good stock photo.






a:)




b:)




c:)








d:)

HUGE ECO FRIENDLY giveaway! Green Inspired awesome basket full with all kinds of goodies!

This is Aprils giveaway hosted at Risky Beads Blog . She is so awesome! Every month she collects items from us volunteers, organizes the giveaway and takes care of the winner. Not a lot of people would do that! On top of that - OMG, does she have some good jewelery!

Here is a little intro into this green inspired giveaway:

It's time for the April ArtFire Giveaway!! It's your chance to win a bunch of eco-friendly girly goodness from a bunch of awesome ArtFire sellers! This giveaway will run from today, Wed. April 1st - Tues., April 7th at midnight. There are 11 sellers participating in this giveaway, so please read the entry rules them carefully! Our theme this month is Eco-friendly/Earth Day products, so on to the loot!


This month's prize consists of a Love Your Mama tote bag by NotMoira, an Antique Doll Part by CobWebPalace, a Vegan Trio of Unscented, Lavender, and Oatmeal Guest Soaps from Green Hill Soap Co., Brennan the Friendly Bath Monster by the Shine Your Hiney Soap Co., Scrubbies by leahMarie, Unscented Body Yogurt with Goats Milk from MeaCulpaBodyandBath, Pom-Great-Nate 90z Palm Wax Candle from Jennuine Candles, Earth Day Glow-in-the-Dark Ornament from BAKidagain, Handpainted Key Hanger from ChelseaLynnDesigns, an Earth Day Upcycled Scrabble Tile Pendant from NinjaJenn, and an Upcycled Pendant 'Peaceful Times' from Campgirldesigns. These products retail for $91.00!

But, wait, it gets better!!

Each owner of these shops has volunteered one of their products because they want to promote their shops but also ArtFire as a venue so we are all offering 10% off in our shops during this giveaway! Use this code when purchasing: RBAPRAF10P** ArtFire is a relatively new site in the grand scheme of the online handmade market scene, but we like it because it's very open and has a fee structure that allows us to put our money into our product. If you've been considering giving ArtFire a try, I encourage you to do so as the shops offered at the discounted rate are going fast!

The winner of the contest will be chosen by the random number generator at random.org, so each comment is one entry unless it's incomplete, in which case it will be skipped. To enter the contest, you must visit at least 6 of our 11 shops listed above, come back, and leave 1 comment that mentions your favorite item from all 6 shops, not 6 separate comments. After completing your main entry, you can earn extra entries by doing any or all of the following, putting each one in a separate comment:

--visit the other 5 shops you didn't visit in your first comment and mention your favorite item in one comment for all 5 shops

--blog about the giveaway and link back in your comment

--tweet about the giveaway and link back in your comment

Want automatic entries in this giveaway? Well, then all you have to do is:

--purchase from any Artfire shop from April 1-April 7 and link back with your order #. Your seller will give it to you or ask for it.

--purchase from any of our 11 shops and receive 2 extra entries per shop and link back with your order #. Your seller will give it to you or ask for it.

Please remember to leave your contact information in your comment. We can't contact you if we can't find you!!! Anonymous entries with no email address will be deleted.

-Lori


DONT LEAVE COMMENTS ON MY BLOG. IF YOU WANT TO ENTER GO OVER LORI' S BLOG AND ENTER THERE:

http://riskybeads.blogspot.com/2009/04/april-2009-artfire-giveaway.html

Am I getting annoying yet with the giveaways?

Well, I didnt know that this one started running too :-)

Sooo......I am being hosted over 10oneworld and I am offering two 4oz bottles of lotion - your scent choice!!! This should be good for you though - double chance to win something!!!

The rules are simple again and you can see them at:

Having a Contest

Sooo.........I am having a contest hosted at Confessions of a Stay at Home Mom.....Jami is sooo cool and nice, I love her blog, her writing reminds me of a quirky little birdy that is standing at a branch and tweeting...I dont know, dont laugh at me! Its how I feel, damn it!!!!!!

:-)


I am giving away a 2oz lotion OR a 2oz yogurt - the choice is yours. Go over Jami's blog and take a look at the rules - they are pretty simple....the least you can do is look at my store and leave a comment on her blog about what do you like the most.


Here is the link and dont be shy!!!!

http://confessions-stayathomemom.blogspot.com/2009/03/mea-culpa-bath-and-body-review-and.html

The monthly sweepstakes are gonna be bi-monthly

I am sad to say this - but I have to do it this way. Sales have slowed down and what kind of choices would I have to give a prize to? Its more fun with more entries, more people....


Sooooo......the April drawing is going to be held on the 6th and the prize is going to be a 2oz jar of Body Yogurt with your choice of scent. Talking about scents, I just added more choices:

Mango Sorbet

Pomegranate Bendel

Pomegranate Cherry

Midnight Pomegranate

Raspberry Cream

Between the sheets

Cucumber

Green Apple

Juniper Breeze

Lolita

Ginger peach

Cherry Blossom

Margarita Lime

Juicy Pear

Mediterranean Fig

Beach

and many, many more!!!!


In case you dont remember the rules for the sweepstakes, here they are:


.

1. Every other month on the 6th I will be drawing names of the people that have purchased from me to win a prize.

2. The more items bought - that many times your name is going to be counted for.

3. If you recommend someone to my store, let me know about the username and if they purchased - your name will be added for each person you bring to me.

4. If you liked my product and wrote a review either on your blog or at www.makeupalley.com your name will be counted extra again

5. I will have all the names on a piece of paper, fold them, place them all in a container, shake it and draw one out of there.

6. You will be emailed and asked if you want the prize or not. If declined, I'll be drawing another name.

Every time its going to be a different prize!

Just sharing some pictures of what is about to come in my shop

Yesterday I spent all day doing this and I was royally pooped. I had 12 oz of goats milk and wanted to use it. I made 2 of these creams the other day - and the rest 5 scents yesterday.

I made the cream with shea butter, goats milk, zinc oxide, cucumber peel extract and green tea extract.

My next project would be to use my new fruit extracts - custard apple (rich in natural AHA) and papaya extract....let the creations begin! I just dont know which butter to use with them - shea, mango or mowrah....I like them all :-)






ACCAI BERRY & SATIN Body Yogurt











STRAWBERRY JAM Body Yogurt











PAPAYA PASSION Body Yogurt











BLUE RASPBERRY Body Yogurt











PINEAPPLE SLICES Body Yogurt











LEMON BLOSSOM Body Yogurt











MOROCCAN SANDS Body Yogurt







Weekend time now, hopefully wont have to do anything and will be able just to relax :-) Happy weekend everyone!!!!


MeaCulpaBodyandBath.etsy.com

Help me here, lets talk - Lets pick together what the next months prize should be

I cant decide on anything, really......so lets talk!


It can be:


1. A 2oz bottle of shampoo and 2oz conditioner


2. 2oz lotion with Jojoba


3. 2oz lotion with Shea Butter, Mowrah Butter, Orange Blossom Floral Water and natural teas


4. 2oz of my Tea Souffle


5. 2oz Facial Moisturizer with Witch Hazel


6. Anything facial care with Witch Hazel


7. Something for the guys


Any other suggestions?

I am looking for testers for my products

I need testers for my aftershaves, scents for lotions, shampoos or conditioners and sometimes for my skin care products. If you want to participate, can you please sign up? The sign up box is on the right.




I want to see how many people are interested so I can know a round number of sample bottles to buy. Thank you :-)


I am gonna send you e-mail asking you what you prefer to test and I am going to wait for a honest feedback.


Thank you :-)

Floral Waters

I read this about floral waters on the internet:


Briefly stated, a hydrosol is the aromatic water that remains after producing an essential oil via steam or water distillation. Hydrosols are sometimes also referred to as a floral water or distillate water.
The plant matter used in essential oil distillation imparts a wonderful aroma to the water. This hydrosol offers therapeutic benefit, and some plants are specifically distilled for the resulting hydrosol instead of the hydrosol being simply a byproduct of the distillation.

Unlike essential oils that should be deluted prior to application to the skin, hydrosols are water soluble, are much more gentle than their essential oil counterparts and can be used directly on the skin without further dilution.

Hydrosols can be used in place of water in creating natural fragrances, lotions, creams, facial toners and other skin care products. They can also be added to the bath, and used on their own as a light cologne or body spray. Hydrosol can be added to finger bowls for elegant, romantic dinners. Examples of commonly available hydrosols are rose, roman chamomile, neroli and lavender.

It kept giving me ideas about what to do with my floral waters. I have arabic friend that I remember his mom was using Orange Blossom Floral Water when his kids were having an upset stomach. Now, I cant do THAT. But I can use them in my facial treatments.

I made an astrigent with Orange Blossom Floral Water, Witch Hazel, Lime and Grapefruit Essential Oils.

Orange Blossom water helps inhibit sebum production in oily skins, making this an especially useful skin care product for teenagers who often have an excess of skin oils. Regenerative properties promotes the production of collagen and fights wrinkles by helping old cells to shred off. Purifying, cleansing and moisturizing.

Witch Hazel is one of nature's best astringents, there is probably no better tonic or toner for skin care preparations. In skin care Witch Hazel can be used as toner or in place of a cleanser. It is particularly beneficial for oil and problem skin through its more gentle properties.

Used in a base cream, lotion or as a wash, grapefruit oil can help to clear a greasy, congested and acne skin, while also helping the tissue get rid of cellulite and drain any excess retained water.

Lime has an astringent and toning action to clear oily skin and acne, and also helps with herpes, insect bites and cuts.





Rose Floral Water...wow....this is one of the best tonics in the world. Tonics stimulate the circulation, reduce oiliness, and help refine open pores and unevenly textured skin. They are usually applied after cleansing to ensure complete removal of any residue left from creams and lotions.

I made Tonic with Rose Water and Palmarosa Essential Oil.

Palmarosa oil moisturizes the skin, while balancing the hydration levels and stimulating cell regeneration. It balances production of sebum, to keep the skin supple and elastic and is valuable for use with acne, dermatitis, preventing scarring, rejuvenating and regenerating the skin, as well as fighting minor skin infections, sore tired feet and athlete's foot.

Rose Water is a gently cleansing and toning product for all skin types. Maintains the pH balance, stimulates regeneration processes, has a calming effect in acne and sunburns. As a result the skin texture becomes even and elastic.

This can be used by people with mature AND young skin!

Now I am even thinking of adding them maybe to my lotions, making some mists with them....the opportunities are endless!

Grab some before my sale ends OCTOBER 31!

COFFEE MOCHA Lotion with HEMP SEED OIL is IN!!!!!

I have been thinking a lot lately is it OK to make Coffee Mocha Lotion. I know it smells good....who doesnt like a cup of freshly brewed mocha? Its so creamy and the aroma so rich, that it captures your senses and takes you away.

Soooo, I grabbed my tools and my oils and had to whip up something. The coffee aroma from the essential oil had me right away. I was laughing thinking how I just want to drink this. But - you would find me in the ER from lotion overdoze :-) The chocolate fragrance oil was so rich and dark in the scent, that I wished I had a bar of chocolate. But hey! If I cant eat that calorie-full-thing, then at least my nose is getting a whiff of the fat free thing, right?

Luckily for me...tee heeee....I had an ounse of leftover. So, guess what? Yeap, I am keeping it so I can use it on myself. I already put a little bit on my arm and I am in LOVE!!! Who needs real coffee anyways?

Well, not really. I DO need real coffee too. Maybe thats why I like this scent so much.



Yeap, that one above is mine!

:-)