It's Time For a Giveaway!!!

It has been an eternity since we have hosted a giveaway. We have just been so busy with shop improvements (which are not visible to the general public yet) that we have been wiped out energetically.

Now its time to get my counting glasses on and step it up!

Winners names will be thrown into a hat, drawn at random and announced March 31, 2011.

See below for the many ways you can participate.

The Prizes:
1 Grand Prize: 2 bars of soap (you choose from our soap shop) and a scrub from Exfoliate.
2 First Prize Winners will receive their choice of 2 bars of soap (you choose from our soap shop).
3 Second Prize Winners will receive 1 bar of soap from our all natural line of soaps from our soap shop.

Lavender Sugar Scrub

Lavender Cold Process Soap

Sedona Glycerin Soap

How to participate (you may do 1 or all of the below):
1. Post your favorite things from our websites http://www.desertsoapstone.etsy.com and http://www.exfoliate.etsy.com on your FB page and then send us the links in a comment on this blog. = 2 entries.
2. Make a blog post about our giveaway on your blog and post the link in a comment on this blog. = 1 entry.
3. Make a post about our giveaway on your Twitter account and give us the link in a comment on this blog. = 1 entry.
4. Make a post about one or both of our above websites and post the link here. = 2 entries.
5. Follow our blog. = 1 entry
6. Become a DS fan on FB https://www.facebook.com/pages/Desert-Soapstone/60275213527?ref=ts = 1 entry. If you are already a fan make sure we know so we can give you an entry.
7. Visit our websites above and tell us what your favorite item is and what you would like to see more of and post it in a comment here. 2 entries
8. Join our mailing list. Send us a comment with your email address (we will not publish these posts. Please post this post separate from your other posts so I can include your other posts on the blog. 1 entry.

There is the potential to have up to 11 entries for this contest. We can't wait to hear from all of you and get to know you better on your FB pages, blogs and Twitter. So get busy, your prize awaits you!

For Those Thinking of a No Makeup Look

Me before giving up the goop at 19 (I look much older here than without it).

About 13 years ago I threw my makeup bag away, for good, to embrace a no makeup lifestyle. The following article details the adjustments of going makeup free and hopes to encourage those of you thinking about natural beauty to take the plunge.

1. But Will Anyone Want to Marry Me?
This was the fear of taking the plunge into no makeup world while having a phone conversation with my awesome dad. "Honey, women wear makeup for other women. In all honesty, men hate it when you gals slather that gunk on your face." This was the response from the most dominant male figure in my 21 year old world. It wasn't too long after this that I realized he was right. To a young 21 year old, makeup was the way to be attractive and without the proper guidance this is the way most young women think today. That is, that being attractive on the outside is THE most important thing. Not to mention the fact that "natural beauty" is considered something you get by wearing paint on your face. I honestly blame the cosmetic industries for this societal pressure. Can I say I love, love, love the Dove campaign for natural beauty? Whoever thought of that should be handed the keys to the company.

2. Where! Are my eyes?
I remember, shortly after giving up the goop, I had begun a new job. I quickly bonded with Chrissy. The tall, blond, bombshell that had men ogling over her every move. Chrissy if you read this, I miss you! Anyway, after looking at her perfectly model-made face all day while we waited tables, we headed to the bathroom for a break. That's when I saw myself through new eyes. Wait. Where were my eyes? "I know they're here somewhere?" I thought. "I think its cool you have the confidence to do the no makeup thing," Chrissy told me as I looked crunch faced at myself. "I miss my eyes, " I said. "You just need to get used to it," she replied.

A few weeks later I had gone on a camping trip with some comrades in the no makeup, natural beauty dept. As a result I brought photos to work for Chrissy to see as I had been interested in a certain beau(now my husband)and wanted her to see a pic of him. There were lots of people pics and all women were makeup free. "These women don't have makeup on!?" Chrissy exclaimed, almost exasperated. "Not one of 'em," I told her. She continued staring at the pictures as if trying to find a flaw. "These women are beautiful!" She shouted. "I never, never would have guessed they weren't wearing makeup if I didn't know you!" She said amazed. Wow! I was amazed at her amazement.

Me after giving up the goop at 21.

3. You have to have support:
Its like anything in this world, if you are going to decide to go against the grain you must have a support group. It can be as simple as someone like Chrissy just encouraging you and seeing your inner beauty radiating to make your outer body just as beautiful! I remember visiting some cousins in Oregon one summer and I decided to go without makeup one day. One of my cousins came around the corner and jumped when she saw me so as to indicate that I was a freak without the face. We laughed and I said, "I'm not putting it on today. You'll just have to introduce me as the sheet." I had no support that day and felt naked and ashamed all day. Crazy! I felt ashamed of my own face showing through.

So often we just think that if we look a certain way that we'll have it made in life, but in reality if we act a certain way that is far more likely and I don't mean act badly. If you want a great career, work hard for it. Don't rely on looks. If you are in love with Justin Beiber and you were ever fortunate enough to get close to him, be yourself. If he doesn't appreciate your humor or artistic side or sporty athleticism or brainy rationale then he is probably a shallow punk not worthy of your attention. I can't tell you how much more fulfilling my life became when I finally took the plunge and decided to be comfortable as myself. I couldn't have done it without people like Chrissy or my fellow no makeup wearing family of friends.

So I hope this has given you a bit of food for thought. Next time I'll talk about the benefits of going makeup free and how you can radiate and glow in your new no makeup lifestyle.

Introducing Exfoliate!

Our new shop Exfoliate, and why another shop:
We've been taking these internet marketing courses and we're going to test them to see if it has been worth the money. They have told us not to put all our eggs in one basket unless it all falls under the same heading. For example, if you make handmade soap, like me, and you want to be successful at marketing soap on the first page of the Google search engines, you would have to sell only handmade soap. It gets a little tricky when it gets down to properly writing the page and etc.

Anyway, we figured, since we are going all natural, why not start a site for all natural body scrubs? So we are launching Exfoliate! Bear with us while we stock the shelves of our new little endeavor to add to all the others, soap maker, mommy, wife, screenwriter...I digress. Anyway, if you love sugar scrubs, we're the place you want to visit. If you have been a customer at our other shop, then you will be happy to know, yes, we still carry scrubs, you just have to change sites (Somehow this is supposed to get our ranking up. eh. We'll see).

The good news is, if you just want a sweet and amazing salt scrub, sugar scrub or other body polish, Exfoliate is your place. You won't have to wade through mountains of soap at our other site just to find that one perfect body scrub for you. Exfoliate will be offering an array of body exfoliation...stuff (eventually), but for now, enjoy these five or maybe 10 by the time you read this. We will eventually do a post as to why exfoliation is so great for you. In the mean time, take our word for it and Exfoliate today!
Smiles and All,
Sass, The Soapstress

The Flu is No Fun!

"Great! Now I'm getting asthma." A tiny little cough had been plaguing me for two weeks, coming and going and making me think I was allergic to something one minute and asthmatic the next. Then, after a bit of personal stress, wine and not enough sleep, it became clear that the asthma I thought I was getting, was really my body naturally fighting off the flu until finally, my tissues and limbs succumbed to the evil virus and I found myself bedridden, calling my mom to come rescue the household from imminent death. (How's that for a run on sentence?)Wow! I haven't been this sick in years. My whole body felt like it was giving up on me. Its at these moments that you begin to realize that ultimately you don't care about anything. A giant spider could cross your face in the night and you would welcome it as long as you could go back to sleep.

Needless to say, the cough got worse. The whole family got it and my mother? So far no flu for her. I am so relieved. Its miserable and her help was so much appreciated I would hate to repay her with a stint in hades, no matter how short.

As for me, I've now had it. No doubt due to the close encounters with the nice people getting the flu shot to protect themselves. I now hope that I have enough antibodies in me to keep this little cuss far away for a while. Needless to say the workout routine has been derailed, but back on the wagon we must climb! Onward and upward. Keep moving forward.

Featured Artist: Luster Canyon

As a soap maker myself, I tend to have stringent standards for the soap I use. Recently I had the pleasure of using a Sweet Pea scented bar of soap from my friend Stacie at Luster Canyon. Her soap met my standards very well. Often, when I use someone else's soap and wash my face with it, I am left with a tightness that I hate, because I know once my face has dried the dryness will ensue. Not with Stacie's soap. Her lather was soft and all over the place and my skin was left feeling not only clean, but moisturized as well. Not only does her soap pass the lather and face test, but it smells divine. She uses the perfect amount of fragrance so that you can still smell the scent on your skin after the shower. Furthermore, I didn't have to use lotion after my shower to keep my skin feeling soft. Her packaging is simple yet elegant, which is perfect for gift giving.
Bravo to Stacie of Luster Canyon. May your soaping days be plentiful and profitable!

Smile, Nobody Likes a Crab.

Recently, I went to Costco to do a little grocery shopping. While I was there I kept passing by a family (mother and four children ages 5-14ish). Each time I would pass them I would smile at them and maybe nod. The first few times I usually caught the eye of the oldest daughter (teenage) and she would never smile back. Not even a smirk. Once, the oldest boy was looking at me as I passed by them to get some milk, so I smiled. Literally, all I saw looking back at me was a blank stare. Finally, the mother and I made eye contact at the second to the last pass. I smiled, thinking surely SHE would have the courtesy to smile back. Nothing but a blank stare, as if I wasn't even there.

O.k. so I'm insecure and need to be noticed by all people. No, not really. I remember growing up in the 80's. If a woman went past me and smiled and my mother noticed, I was told to smile back. Not necessarily giving way to talking to strangers, but just paying forward a common courtesy. My mother was always friendly and kind toward people no matter where we went. She ran a beauty salon in the town I grew up in and I always remember her being kind, outgoing and helpful to all her clients. She taught me to be friendly and by her example, respectful, to those around me.

What is wrong with people today? Well, religiously I believe I know, but casting that aside (since that's not my job to say here), I think people are just down right selfish and inward thinking. If I bump into an elderly person when I'm out, and I smile, they almost always perk up and smile right back. Many of them have told me that just seeing a smile has brightened their day. They come from a generation that was taught to be cordial; That was taught to keep the negative away from everyone else and don't dump all over people; To smile, when you feel like frowning and keep others on a level higher than yourself.

Ahh to live then. I'm glad to be a part of history now, but my grandparent's time seemed much simpler. Life was life and people weren't made to think it was a Cinderella movie. When the Titanic sank people died, it wasn't a big saga of romance and adventure. It was a tragedy. Yet, one that people handled with stride.

I hope to raise my kids to be kind the way my mom raised me. Its not easy and I seem to stink at parenthood, but I am going to keep at it, and hopefully, when they're all grown up, they will smile at everyone they meet. I too, need to up the ante next time I'm out. You never know who you will cheer up just by being kind.

Insanity is Insane!!!

I'm writing to tell you that hubby and I are embarking on a life changing exercise program, either designed to kill us or to make us healthier than ever! Insanity is the name of the program and it was designed by the guys over at Beach Body, the company responsible for P90X. Why am I telling you this? To give myself some accountability. Hopefully, since I am sharing this endeavor with you, I will be more likely to take the bull by the horns and not let go. Here's a pic of us now. They claim that within two months you will be in the best shape of your life. 2 months! Can I do Insanity? Will I do it? Let's hope so...

Are Your Organic Products Really Good For You?

Eco friendly and green products are all the rage now days. What would you do if you found out that it was all just a marketing scam? Well, I'm not saying that the entire green movement is a marketing scam. That's a bit conspiracy theory for me. I do think there are a lot of companies that are taking advantage of the general populace and their fears of global warming and eco maintenance. I hugely support caring for the environment and being good stewards of what our creator has given us. Shouldn't that include keeping our bodies free from disease causing toxins? I am going to show you why buying an organic product just because it has the word "organic" on it, isn't always the healthiest choice.

1,4, Dioxane, A Carcinogen in a Bottle
We have to either tackle this organic beast with full knowledge or just don't bother to tackle it. Many of us tend to avoid store bought shampoos and such because they have SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) in them. We've heard that this product causes a range of things from hair loss to cancer, but did you know that most products with the "eth" sound in them (either at the beginning of the word or the end) contains a super ultra bad toxin known as 1,4 Dioxane? (Julie Gabriel, The Green Beauty Guide 2008)
This tiny little molecule (Photo courtesy Wikipedia) packs a powerful punch. It is the by-product of all these eth ingredients and therefore is not required to be on the ingredient label. This hugely cancer causing ingredient is gaining mega attention in the beauty industry and alternatives are beginning to be considered. This is good news considering the vast majority of organic products (in their well meaning desire to be healthy) have inadvertently (we hope) put these eth chemicals into their products not realizing the horrible 1,4,Dioxane molecule would suddenly manifest its ugly little self.

It Gets Worse
You know all those great baby products you just bought your sister for her baby shower? You know, the ones you get at Wal-Mart claiming to be gentle on baby's skin? Well, these products are the worst for this terrible ingredient. They purposely add this stuff as a way to make the soap less harsh for the new baby's precious skin. "Less harsh?" you ask, "I thought you said it causes cancer." Oh yes. It does, but at least the babies won't be bothered with a sudden eruption of eczema or pimples or, dare I say it, dry skin. Castile soap is the best for a baby. The pure olive oil kind. And no, I'm not just trying to sell you something. You don't have to buy mine. Dr. Bronner's brand is just as wonderful, but please, don't use that department store carcinogen in a bottle on your precious baby! Just use castile soap and rub olive oil or apricot kernal oil or (honestly any oil will work) on the baby after the bath to hold moisture in. If you want a nice smelling oil there are beautiful smelling essential oils you can add to the oils. Just be careful to use only the baby safe ones as some will harm baby. If you would rather someone else do it there are plenty of shops on Etsy that would be happy to oblige. Desert Soapstone just happens to be one of them.

What Products Contain 1,4 Dioxane?
This terrible stuff can be in anything from sunscreen (maybe that's why so many people seemed to get skin cancer after the media started to push the use of sunscreen (maybe that's just me)) to shampoo, from lip balm to mascara, toothpaste, hand cream etc..The list goes on and on. Just look for the eth in the ingredient list next time you go shopping. If its got an eth ingredient, its got 1,4 Dioxane.

So Now What?
Well, that's up to you. You can do what I did and replace your shampoos with your own handmade castile soap (I rinse with a 1 Tbs. vinegar to 1 cup water solution to keep my hair shiny and no, I don't smell like apple cider vinegar head)and start making your own bar soap or or or or...You can buy handmade soaps and castile soap. Whole Foods Market has a pretty nice selection, but Etsy has an even greater selection. Desert Soapstone is also willing to customize an order for you for less than what it would cost for 8 bars at Whole Foods and that includes shipping.
Cancer is creeping up on America! Let's squash the causes so we don't have to find that impossible cure! Organic products can be good, you just have to look for the right ones.

New Soap Designs

I just want to thank Anne Marie at Bramble Berry for finding someone to build us these sweet Baltic Birch Molds. This frankincense and myrrh cold process olive oil soap (great for gift giving) is my latest soap design using the 36 bar mold and I couldn't be happier.

Some new designs and scents for cold process soaps are on the horizon such as:
Lemon Verbena Sea Salt Bar
Soapy Clean, which smells just like Love's Babysoft
Bonsai
Prickly Pear fruit soap
Pink Sugar
and more
Frankincense and myrrh soap available soon here.

A Revealing Journey of Struggle and Hope

Hanauer family exhibit->

Dear Faithful DS Fans,
I am inspired by a woman that has used the brains our great God has given her. This woman has decided to unlock the secrets of her family's history by writing a book that hopefully, will get the attention of more than one documentary film maker. I met her while she lived next door to me and over a 5 year period, I got to hear more and more of her new finds. Her name is Terri Brahm and her family's history takes place during WWII. Like so many WWII dramas, Terri's history is a love story of hope, courage and discovery. It is written in real time format, as if the reader were the actual researcher putting together the nuggets of rich history. This family history is vital in a world full of so many lies about what has happened during WWII. Her book documents the goodbye of her grandparents; When her grandfather was taken away from her grandmother and father and turned over to Auschwitz. Her years of tracing this history have provided military documentation that she has graciously included in her book. It details amazing protection her family had received, intriguing prewar family history and a vivid portrayal of one amazing family's survival and new beginning. Terri is self publishing this book and as a result, makes no money from the sale of each copy, yet she is driven to get the truth of her family's rich history out to the world. Please, take some time to visit her blog here. And if you have the means, please help support Terri in her quest to tell the story of her family's survival of the tragedy we all know as, The Holocaust.
Information on how you can purchase a copy of this book can be found here.