tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21540379791459209862024-03-06T22:34:37.564-05:00Back Porch Soap CompanyMarla Bosworth is the founder
and owner of Back Porch Soap Company.
She teaches classes, corporate events and experiences including candle making, soap making, organic skincare and perfumery.backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-13200666951139071192022-12-04T21:19:00.000-05:002022-12-04T21:19:46.529-05:00Candle Making Experiences in New York City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7v71aY_Ap8iTf7nRiF4tQOZ4RehmQkNag39hc26wUJwI7Rgv0itZmBSteiH6On1xuAdX5E89xfIqTLNTSl0eVlC2ISxQ5PEkmXroeVSOypNcifliEFpk4tX5djbXioxNV-BvzMgl_267nBhYHa99QkI4THSIBdioW14xxrjixxaWyQks9F8abrSu/s1080/Blog%20Candle%20Class%20Image%201.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7v71aY_Ap8iTf7nRiF4tQOZ4RehmQkNag39hc26wUJwI7Rgv0itZmBSteiH6On1xuAdX5E89xfIqTLNTSl0eVlC2ISxQ5PEkmXroeVSOypNcifliEFpk4tX5djbXioxNV-BvzMgl_267nBhYHa99QkI4THSIBdioW14xxrjixxaWyQks9F8abrSu/w400-h400/Blog%20Candle%20Class%20Image%201.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Announcing our brand new December holiday pop up! candle making experiences in NYC! Join expert candle maker, Marla Bosworth, in the Upper West Side of Manhattan and learn to blend your own natural fragrances to design your very own customized coconut wax candles in beautiful glass containers with lids. These candles are perfect for special gift-giving (or keep for yourself!).</p><p>Guests will spend a fun evening designing their own personalized candles, choosing from our natural scents. Everyone appreciates a quality candle. These are eco-friendly, non-toxic candles made with coconut apricot crème wax.</p><p>Come enjoy the relaxing and zen experience of candle making. Class is held in our Upper West Side candle pouring studio in Manhattan, located inside Little Shop of Crafts, 711 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10025. We are located on the corner of West 94th Street, just one block east of the 1, 2 and 3 train station at West 96th Street and Broadway. There is cross-street parking and parking garages a block away on 95th, between Broadway and Amsterdam and between Amsterdam and Columbus Ave.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcmnk1WWXPKKpIpt4MO5ryA6zi0Kpd9QGjDZCfnuhA0uPEXCyFtUacpbk0JPE4lQfFINOMZ7l7uxm5JnufQJ3nNw6lMZ3QLVzhC6WUfWtQjKUoockhrl33dRK-eEOl54e7JXgn8Vd2wc7JNx5IcxdSi9Ia3S8btyH3EBy-HSdB11U_0u0wVG0MUL2/s1080/Pouring%20Candles.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNcmnk1WWXPKKpIpt4MO5ryA6zi0Kpd9QGjDZCfnuhA0uPEXCyFtUacpbk0JPE4lQfFINOMZ7l7uxm5JnufQJ3nNw6lMZ3QLVzhC6WUfWtQjKUoockhrl33dRK-eEOl54e7JXgn8Vd2wc7JNx5IcxdSi9Ia3S8btyH3EBy-HSdB11U_0u0wVG0MUL2/w400-h400/Pouring%20Candles.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>The 1.5 hour workshop includes:</p><ul><li>Personalization of two, 12 oz candle vessels</li><li>A variety of colors from which to choose</li><li>Bestselling fragrance selection to design your own custom scent</li><li>All candle making materials</li><li>Candle making instruction</li><li>A shopping bag to transport your masterpieces<br /></li></ul><div><b>December Dates</b>: <br />Monday, December 12 @ 6 p.m.<br />Tuesday, December 13 @ 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.<br />Thursday, December 15 @ 6 p.m. and @ 8 p.m.<br />Friday, December 16 @ 6 p.m. and @ 8 p.m.</div><div><a href="https://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=219" target="_blank">Availability and signup link. </a></div><p><strong>Location</strong>: Private Classroom inside Little Shop of Crafts, 711 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY<br />(NE corner of Amsterdam and West 94th St. in the Upper West Side.)</p><p><strong>Price</strong>: $80 per person early bird. $100 regular price.<br /><br /></p><p><b>Extra Add-ons During Event:</b><br />Additional Candle Pour - $30<br />Shea Butter Soap Pour - $20<br /></p><p>Age Requirement: 12 and up. Attendees under 16 must be accompanied by paid guest (2 tickets).<br />Each attendee/seat requires paid registration. </p><p>Bio: Marla Bosworth is the CEO of Back Porch Soap Company. She leads special events, workshops and corporate experiences in candle, soap, skincare and perfume making.</p><p>Planning a corporate event or experience? Planning a special event, maybe a wedding shower or get together? If you are interested in our private events, please reach out via phone 781-934-8100 or <a data-cke-saved-href="https://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1473" href="https://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1473">visit this link on our website. </a></p>backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0New York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-35903247491485467702022-02-14T16:20:00.002-05:002022-02-14T16:20:10.399-05:00 Candle Making Class<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTirCniLPMAEBikS8MO-U8kcf1mvf3O5HpK1qRf942qTbyotozn_6LSH2BG_gSX2lcnrMZ5xvLHrMxawkuOyd0kPayMjjgV-F_8kT7KWoerm0pgpkNhGmDfffu7YLOEHjUUlEpp0i61Py-0QAKgenrcy1TdK9sKUe2IQjk5zUGM2kuL8mQRvzb0TqS=s3515" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3419" data-original-width="3515" height="622" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTirCniLPMAEBikS8MO-U8kcf1mvf3O5HpK1qRf942qTbyotozn_6LSH2BG_gSX2lcnrMZ5xvLHrMxawkuOyd0kPayMjjgV-F_8kT7KWoerm0pgpkNhGmDfffu7YLOEHjUUlEpp0i61Py-0QAKgenrcy1TdK9sKUe2IQjk5zUGM2kuL8mQRvzb0TqS=w640-h622" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Our candle making class in NYC will teach you how to make and sell <br />your own line of natural wax candles.</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>If you have been search for a professional candle making business class, look no further! Our <a href="https://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1571" target="_blank">February 17 Natural Waxes Candle Making Class</a> in the Upper West Side of Manhattan will help kickstart your candle business. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; letter-spacing: 0.5px;">If you are developing a line of candles you understand that there is much research and education that needs to happen prior to selling and launching your candle line for the safety of consumers and for the liability of yourself and your business. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Learn how to create beautiful, customized candles in glass containers in this 2.5-hour, hands-on Candle Making Class taught by a master chandler with 24 years experience. Students will blend their own scents and colors. If you are interested in making candles to sell or as a craft for gifts or favors, this class is for you.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Much thought and consideration should go into developing a line of candles. Marla Bosworth has been manufacturing and selling candles for 24 years and will cover the many natural waxes on the market, how to determine which wax is right for you, how to create safe candles, getting cold and hot throws, colors, testing, insurance/liability requirements, labeling requirement, resources for packaging (containers, boxes, labels, wax/wicks, colorants) and much more.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Natural wax candles are a wonderful addition to any indie beauty line or as a launch product. As you know, they add incredible warmth, fragrance and charm to any environment. In this hands-on workshop you will make your own candles, learn how to create candles in glass containers, choose your own scents. If you are interested in making candles to sell or as a craft for gifts or favors, this class is for you!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Marla will share her expertise in blending fragrances that provide beautiful hot and cold "throw" and aroma. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: times;">This workshop is intended for students to have fun exploring different scents while creating their very own candles. Students will choose their own scents and colors for each candle - one for coconut and one for soy wax. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;">Signup for this hands-on, in-person Candle Making Class also includes access to Marla's online candle class. The online class goes into depth about choosing wicks, wax, required labeling, pricing and insurance (for those wishing to sell), testing and much more, leaving us with more experiential time in the live workshop for you to design your own candles.</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: times;">This class is perfect for newbies, spa owners, estheticians, green beauty entrepreneurs, massage therapist and for those who are currently making candles, but unsure if they are making them properly or need to troubleshoot wicks, candle burn, etc. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: times;">You'll receive an emailed information-packed handout with detailed instructions, formulas, formulating guidelines and a valuable supplier list that is worth the class alone.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Students will design a total of two customized candles - one soy and one coconut wax - in beautiful glass jars by choosing their own color, essential oil blends and more. If you have an existing beauty business, or are launching one, you'll love how these candles easily cross-sell with the rest of your line. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Marla creates highly experiential workshops - a holistic perspective of learning by transforming new and ancient wisdom. If you've ever attended her classes you know she creates a positive, supportive learning environment that is educational and also fun.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Bio: Marla Bosworth is the CEO of Back Porch Soap Company. She has been manufacturing candles, soaps and clean beauty products for 24 years. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: times;">For more information and to register, <a href="https://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1571">please visit our website</a>.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; letter-spacing: 0.5px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="color: white; font-family: times; font-size: xx-small;">Candle Making Class, Candle Making Class Near Me, Candle Making Workshop, Candle Making Class NYC, Professional Candle Making Courses Near Me, Candle Making Workshop Near Me, Candle Making Class Long Island, Candle Making Business Course, Candle Making Class Queens, Candle Making Class Manhattan</span></p>backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0New York, NY 10025, USA40.7999209 -73.96831019999999112.489687063821151 -109.12456019999999 69.110154736178842 -38.812060199999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-34275616218459462252022-02-06T11:58:00.000-05:002022-02-06T11:58:05.266-05:00Clean Beauty Skincare Formulation Inspired by the Amazon Rainforest<p><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;">The Amazon</span><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;">boasts some of the most<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;">impressive plant</span><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>butters and oils<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;">in the world</span><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;">,</span><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>rich in vitamins</span><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;">,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;">minerals</span><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and healing plant energy</span><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;">.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;">The formulas in this post make beautiful gifts</span><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>for self-nurturing</span><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;">, which is much needed in the world today.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;">As you learn more about these oils and butters,</span><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>pay attention to which ones beckon a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;">deepening in your<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px;">own<span class="Apple-converted-space"> studies of plant medicine.</span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14.7px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjg2yFkotfxs7mr95a6rWX92iiU0xvs02ZrkqTrm5NiCqut5TrwK5eVBzw8kcLQE3MRqEHUGEXEn_5oreTFPrp1WLpjBlMFAxR_9SIffkbT8X4f8UwVKSXpRbwUzmh-rRyNmoM9tC8QS4gxduIhcZiTw_PHJQQ9udL4p28l8F67DvchFwQIy5IbtdRQ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1760" data-original-width="2640" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjg2yFkotfxs7mr95a6rWX92iiU0xvs02ZrkqTrm5NiCqut5TrwK5eVBzw8kcLQE3MRqEHUGEXEn_5oreTFPrp1WLpjBlMFAxR_9SIffkbT8X4f8UwVKSXpRbwUzmh-rRyNmoM9tC8QS4gxduIhcZiTw_PHJQQ9udL4p28l8F67DvchFwQIy5IbtdRQ=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: World Atlas</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">When sourcing these specialty oils and butters look for companies who sustainably source their ingredients.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Some of them may be smaller companies who work directly with the farmers or cooperatives.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">A simple internet search will lead you to several options.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Although these ingredients can be found in Brazil,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">several</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>are also<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">native to other countries</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">,</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">cluding</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Central and South America as well as the Caribbean.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Rather than using the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">outdated<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">take-and-profit business model, consider<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">ways to give back to the communities in which these luxurious<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">plants grow</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">. Include customers</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in your discoveries about the culture and pay tribute to the indigenous who have been using these sacred plants long<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">before us.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">As e</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">thical brand</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">s</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">we grow alongside one another</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">giv</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">ing</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>back to the communities</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in which<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">we</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>partner</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">.</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">In the following recipes we are using five key ingredients:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">bacuri</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>butter,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">pracaxi</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>oil,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">cupuacu</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>butter,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">pequi</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>oil, and murumuru butter.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Keep in mind that most of these oils and butters have strong natural scents. As a result, consider making and selling these products unscented. Essential oils and fragrance oils may compete with the natural scents.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Another suggestion is to scent with<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">a combination of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">complementary earthy essential oils such as woods (cedarwood, sandalwood</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">, ho wood), spices (coriander,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">cardamom, ginger, black pepper), and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">base notes (patchouli and vetiver).</span></span></p><p></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">If you are<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">accustomed</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">the price<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">of olive oil and shea butter, you may have sticker shock when you see what these ingredients cost.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">However, try not to</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>let the prices deter you from<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">purchasing even a small amount for personal use.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Just a simple online search and reading about their properties<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">lure</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">d me in. These days<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">most of us need some extra<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">nurturing</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and these oils and butters are up for th</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">e challenge. If you decide to add them to your product line, consider combining them with<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">other less expensive oils that are also used in Brazil such as olive and avocado.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Let’s look deeper<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">into each<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">one<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">of these<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">nurturing<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">ingredients.</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Lastly, be sure to</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>account for the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">higher cost of these in the retail price </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">of your finished<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">product</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>or use in greater amounts knowing that the final price of your product will need to attract a customer base that understands and appreciates the benefits of the raw goods.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Although they could be incorporated in wash off products such as soaps and scrubs,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">the properties of the oils and butters will have more time to penetrate and absorb into the skin if made in a leave-on product.</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Bacuri</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Butter</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-size: 14.7px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhliPsrtCA8XpUv0Q5Um-KQscqZ6ZWcFJCQi_hd4tIfWq-WRbCGxnUygclMVmdbmDeSP0vERxVF5q1nr3iW5aLqobIEh9WovWpY4IBxLbHEtvnUU-DTkY1LkBXOOXgfyvWjs88EVYePJ0frM5dZCQA9cTIGIRaPJ2VFhTisFqenug7DEMauijI8a5Xu" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="800" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhliPsrtCA8XpUv0Q5Um-KQscqZ6ZWcFJCQi_hd4tIfWq-WRbCGxnUygclMVmdbmDeSP0vERxVF5q1nr3iW5aLqobIEh9WovWpY4IBxLbHEtvnUU-DTkY1LkBXOOXgfyvWjs88EVYePJ0frM5dZCQA9cTIGIRaPJ2VFhTisFqenug7DEMauijI8a5Xu=w640-h406" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Bacuri butter from the seeds of the bacuri fruit. Source: Amazon Oils</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Bacuri</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">(</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Mauritia<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">flexuosa</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">)</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">is a</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">n<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">emollient butter,</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>derived from the cold-pressed seeds of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">the fruit</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>that grows on the wild<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">b</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">acuri</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">.</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Locals<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">have been using<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">bacuri</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to help relieve insect bites and other skin problems.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">It<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">is beautifully silky and golden when applied to the skin.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">The</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>soft butter ranges in color from brown to a deep, dark brown with a rich, distinctive aroma to match.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">It has a high amount of palmitic acid and provides</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">a</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>non-greasy emollience with a fast<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">absorption rate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Bacuri</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>is<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">also<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">ri</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">ch in methionine, an essential amino acid, the body’s primary source of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">sulphur</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">. Sulphur is used by the body to promote healthy skincare, hair and nails.</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p class="s4" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Consider pairing<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">bacuri</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>butter<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">with other butters and oils as it<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">has a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">strong,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">characteristic aroma</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">. It</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>h</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">as anti-inflammatory properties, making it a welcome ingredient in soothing and conditioning soaps,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">moisturizers, hair products and more.</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Try it to address skin issues such as acne, eczema, rashes and as an anti-aging ingredient.</span></span></p><p class="s4" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Pracaxi</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Oil</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: times; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZER01nEHsTld-zG53N7n2yR2XmArx4hLKcL8Ytkq3P4sOY0jEnNuNHQ3y2JsGrP_kAnITVqMUlmpLfI6Pofz4drdGusAPaXykVBohFoc2fZbP0_c5BPCZjjdo_iDiwU5-pIIk84NXyVeiiXezJsucqZu7TfoEc_1iEodmDk2EmoI9rACTjFHOZv4n" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="1024" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZER01nEHsTld-zG53N7n2yR2XmArx4hLKcL8Ytkq3P4sOY0jEnNuNHQ3y2JsGrP_kAnITVqMUlmpLfI6Pofz4drdGusAPaXykVBohFoc2fZbP0_c5BPCZjjdo_iDiwU5-pIIk84NXyVeiiXezJsucqZu7TfoEc_1iEodmDk2EmoI9rACTjFHOZv4n=w640-h429" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pracaxi</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>oil </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px; text-align: left;">is derived from seeds of the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px; text-align: left;">Pentaclethra</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px; text-align: left;"></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px; text-align: left;">macroloba</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>tree.<br /><br /></span></span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Pracaxi</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>oil is a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">nutty oil derived from seeds of the<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Pentaclethra</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">macroloba</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>tree</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">, which also grows<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">across Central America and the Caribbean, specifically in Trinidad and Tobago. The oil ha</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">s a high concentration of behenic aci</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">d,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">which lends to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">excellent moisturizing properties</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Pracaxi</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>is also rich in omega 9 and 6, both which are known to promote firmness in the skin by balancing collagen production. This oil is great for many skin condition</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">s, including fading scars and stretch marks as well as fading hyperpigmentation. It is also antibacterial, antiseptic, antifungal and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">antihemorrhagic and antiparasitic.<br /><br /></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">P</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">equi</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Oil</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnXbjV2jjdxFUUSh5lisHn2c66T3GZcon8VRG0al4eIyhzvKQrgoEObZBwxOCy4w_l-P-A8txEJghPKFtIbYZ2FTmNnHJ0fdQxYwfihnGCipLEQVZenGqaX6-W-nzoc5fUCyl6ichgJVTyK0YY8oXrXWqkTkn-2-I7D5r1fybV9XOJqWORYutfEAv7" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="317" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnXbjV2jjdxFUUSh5lisHn2c66T3GZcon8VRG0al4eIyhzvKQrgoEObZBwxOCy4w_l-P-A8txEJghPKFtIbYZ2FTmNnHJ0fdQxYwfihnGCipLEQVZenGqaX6-W-nzoc5fUCyl6ichgJVTyK0YY8oXrXWqkTkn-2-I7D5r1fybV9XOJqWORYutfEAv7=w640-h444" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Pequi oil is a seed oil obtained from a popular fruit in Brazil. Source: Oca Brazil</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">Pequi</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">(</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">Caryocar</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">brasiliense</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">)</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">is<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">nutrient-dense fruit<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">known<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">by its common names of Souari Nut or<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">Cerrado’s</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Gold.</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is pronounced “pay-</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">kee</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">.”<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s6" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 17.64px;">Pequi</span><span class="s6" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>oil is a seed oil.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">It is<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">highly emollient</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and an excellent ingredient to use when treating dry skin and skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Pequi</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">is packed full of minerals such as</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>copper, zinc,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s7" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; line-height: 17.64px;">magnesium, phosphorus and potassium</span><span class="s7" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>as well as vitamin A</span><span class="s7" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; line-height: 17.64px;">.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s7" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; line-height: 17.64px;">Pequi</span><span class="s7" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>is also a great choice as an ingredient in haircare products.</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Cupuacu</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Butter</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiftvM6wTjwQh4qBAUJwlSIXX2hONJef2c4hEk6wXLbJQzHwGmZR2F4VnetazwRMb4htzidO3_Av-DXPwCfSHjYC3t3--5pbnLP5jXIRkstXKkafS_YZcoTWlcme4T2THcj2drZg-y7ly0q-3t2K-iPAs4ZjlH_8H3VI9uuknH3m-frDv6KxvylGxyX" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="835" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiftvM6wTjwQh4qBAUJwlSIXX2hONJef2c4hEk6wXLbJQzHwGmZR2F4VnetazwRMb4htzidO3_Av-DXPwCfSHjYC3t3--5pbnLP5jXIRkstXKkafS_YZcoTWlcme4T2THcj2drZg-y7ly0q-3t2K-iPAs4ZjlH_8H3VI9uuknH3m-frDv6KxvylGxyX=w640-h526" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cupuacu provides twice the moisture of lanolin, making it a great plant-based alternative. Deeply nourishing, it provides protection and repair benefits for both skin and hair. <br />Source: Candela Organic</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Cupuacu</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">is the national fruit of Brazil. The butter comes from the pulp of the fruit</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">P</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">ronounced coo-poo-</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">assoo</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">, it<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">is cold pressed from the fruit seeds of the Theobroma grandiflorum tree</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">. It is a vegan alternative to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">animal-derived </span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">l</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">anolin</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">. It<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">contains</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">high-water</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>absorption capacity<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">and therefore<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">function</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">s</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">as<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">skin hydrator.</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Known to “plump” skin, it is an excellent choice for use in creams and anti-aging products.</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Murumuru Butter</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5z2i-PdlL8WMIRBDKrJbhXCZ5l3rPIqYy4CaZNUFkI90YK_8EY-XY3iBu0Rwd9ZFemNh45vqDtJaq9mxuT80iZia_Lym8NAC7lrV9cnUbkAlXnKVhpXB6QnIC5SMVs09uuKZmdNH-eg-CSw2PYY6fyuu7PWTi8VN3bL-1yQDrc7hMYLSDakh0zEBi" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="609" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5z2i-PdlL8WMIRBDKrJbhXCZ5l3rPIqYy4CaZNUFkI90YK_8EY-XY3iBu0Rwd9ZFemNh45vqDtJaq9mxuT80iZia_Lym8NAC7lrV9cnUbkAlXnKVhpXB6QnIC5SMVs09uuKZmdNH-eg-CSw2PYY6fyuu7PWTi8VN3bL-1yQDrc7hMYLSDakh0zEBi=w640-h630" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Murumuru palm tree seeds. The butter is high in Vitamin A and is <br />known to help slow aging and combat acne. Source: Candela</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Murumuru butter<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">comes<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">from the seeds of the reddish-orange fruits of the </span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">m</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">urumuru (</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Astrocaryum</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>murumuru) palm tree</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">M</span><span class="s3" style="line-height: 17.64px;">urumuru</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">has a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">soft texture and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">is rich in vitamins A and C</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">, omega 3, 6 and 9</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">. It offers antibacterial and anti-inflammatory<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">properties</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">. It is non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog pores unlike coconut oil<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">and</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">some<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">other butters</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">. Murumuru is known<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">help skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">heal abrasions, stimulate collagen and aid in<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">trans epidermal</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">water loss.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It’s also excellent for sensitive skin.</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Now let’s<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">incorporate the Amazonian goodness into three products: body and hair oil, solid body butter</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">and body cream.</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Rejuvenating</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Pequi</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Body<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">and Hair<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Oil</span></b></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Equipment and Supplies</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Pyrex</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>or<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">stainless steel</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>bowl</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Scale</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Spoon</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>for mixing</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Funnel</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Packaging containers (</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">bottles)</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Batch size<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">16 oz.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">453.8 grams</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">1.6 oz.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/4</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">5g</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Olive oil (10%)</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">2.4 oz.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/68g</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Pequi</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>oil</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">15</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">%)</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">2.4 oz.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/68g<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Pracaxi</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>oil</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">15</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">%)</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">8.64 oz.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">245g</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Avocado oil</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(5</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">4</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">%)</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">0.16 oz.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/4.5g<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Vitamin E (1%)</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">0.16 oz.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">4.5g</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Essential Oil</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">(</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">1%)</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Directions<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Combine all ingredients in a Pyrex or<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">stainless steel</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>bowl until well combined. Using funnel, fill<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">bottles</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and top with lids.</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Pracaxi</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Body Butter</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Lotion Bar</span></b></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Equipment needed</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Double boiler</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Pyrex</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>container or<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">stainless steel</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>bowls</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Heat source</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Scale</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Spoon/spatula</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Packaging containers (glass jars</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">, plastic twist</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">-</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">up</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>or<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">tins)</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Batch size<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">16 oz./</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">45</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">3.8</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">grams</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">4 oz.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/113.4g<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Pracaxi</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">o</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">il</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">25%)</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">3.2</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>oz.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">91g<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Avocad</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">o o</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">il</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(2</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">0</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">%)</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">4 oz.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/113.4g</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Cupuacu</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>butter (</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">2</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">5</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">%)</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">1.6 oz.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/45g<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Bacuri</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>b</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">utter</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">10</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">%)</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">3.2 oz.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">91g<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Bees</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">wax (</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">20%</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">)</span></span></p><p class="s8" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Directions<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Add butters and beeswax to double boiler<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">and barely melt</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Remove from heat</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Add liquid oils, stir</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">. You<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">may need to slightly re-warm if<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">the beeswax starts</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to solidify</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">When slightly cooling but not solidifying, add vitamin E</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and stir</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Pour into<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">containers.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">When completely cooled,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">add lids.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Note: If you would like to add essential oil to this recipe, simply reduce the avocado by 1-2% and add the essential oil at 1-2%.</span></span></p><p class="s8" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><b><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Bacuri</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Face and Body Cream</span></b></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Equipment<span class="Apple-converted-space"> needed<br /></span></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Double Boiler</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Stainless steel or glass bowl</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Immersion or Stick Blender</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Scale</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Heat-proof glass container</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Thermometer</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Heat source</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Spray bottle</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">isopropyl alcohol</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Nitrile Gl</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">ov</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">es</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Hairnet</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">pH strips<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">or pH meter</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Citric acid</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Log for batch numbers that match on your cream or lotion containers.</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Jars and lids</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Batch size<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">32</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>oz./</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">907</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>grams</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Phase A</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">20.5<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">oz.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/581g<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">D</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">istilled water (6</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">4</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">%)</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Phase B</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">1.9 oz.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">54g<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">P</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">axaci</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>oil</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(6%)</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">1.6 oz.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/45.4g<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Bacuri</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>butter</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(5%)</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">1.9 oz.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/53.9g<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">M</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">urumuru<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">butter</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>(6%)</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">2.56 oz.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">72.6g<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">A</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">vocado</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>oil (8%)</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">1.9 oz.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/54g<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">E</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">mulsifying<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">wax (</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">6</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">%)</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">0.96 oz.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">27g<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">S</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">tearic acid (</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">3</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">%)</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Phase C</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">0.32 oz.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/9g<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Optiphen</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Plus (</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">1</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">%)</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">0.32 oz.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">/9</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">g<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Essential Oil (1%)</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Preparation<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Put on gloves and hair net.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Sanitize</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">workspace,</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>equipment</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">, tools<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">jars</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>with isopropyl alcohol</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Heat Phase A to</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>170</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">F degrees</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Keep covered to reduce evaporation.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">At the same time, in double boiler, melt</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>butters,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">e</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">mulsifying<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">wax and stearic acid</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>from Phase B</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">. Once melted</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">, remove from heat and add<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">paxaci</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and avocado oils.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">If mixture clouds, put back on heat until clear. Keep oils/waxes<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">in</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>1</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">3</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">0</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">-150</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">F<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">degree<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">range.</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">When water phase is<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">150-</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">1</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">6</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">0 F<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">degrees<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">and oil phase is 140</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">-150F degrees, slowly drizzle<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">oil to water mixture while<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">mixing with</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"> </span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">immersion</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">blender to thoroughly incorporate all ingredients.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Pulsate immersion blender on and off, stopping to stir with the blender occasionally for<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">10-20 minutes. This mixture</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>will be very<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">runny</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>initially</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>due to its high temperature</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">. To speed up thickening, refrigerate for 15 minutes, stir and use stick blender to break up and smooth out the film that forms on top and any lumps, then refrigerate again until the mixture cools completely. You may have to use stick blender one more time for completely smooth consistency.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Add Phase C to mixture and incorporate with immersion blender</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Test with pH strip or meter. If above 6 pH,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">with gloves<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">add a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">small pinch of citric acid and stir for several minutes until dissolved. Test again and repeat until pH is 6 or under (the optimal pH for<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;">Optiphen</span><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Plus).</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Transfer cream to clean jars and add lids.</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2" style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">Marla Bosworth teaches online and in-person formulating and business workshops for indie beauty entrepreneurs</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in New Yor</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">k City</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">and throughout the U.S</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">. She launched Back Porch Soap Company in 1998 and began formulating plant-based, organic and natural skincare products in her kitchen.</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Marla<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">provides business strategy<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">and product formulation<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">mentorship sessions</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>for</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">beauty business<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">entrepreneurs</span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;">.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;"></span><a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/%20/t%20_blank"><span class="s9" style="background-color: white; color: blue; line-height: 17.64px;">www.backporchsoap.com</span></a><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;"> </span></i></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i><span class="s5" style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.64px;"><br /></span></i></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i>If you would like to share our content, please contact Marla Bosworth.</i></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.639999389648438px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 14.7px; line-height: 17.64px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-size-adjust: auto;"><span style="line-height: 17.64px;"><span style="font-family: times;"> </span></span></p>backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-90881507253278264892021-05-04T21:15:00.000-04:002021-05-04T21:15:14.583-04:00May 2021 Natural Skincare Formulation, Soap and Candle Classes in New York City<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMveRCCw27XFXo4E-rAYG3sdNOR-BRUKgUZYFteIdkUIEnga7aDpFMcfyJWGztYTdWVGfhmr5t4QTOrYvMlIDi97cnU_11tpe5dnDJWVv1SFKwePWJLUdA-BTqRH3ZLdF80wiDOKXOEDY/s1289/anti-aging+class.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Natural Skincare Formula School Diploma Course" border="0" data-original-height="869" data-original-width="1289" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMveRCCw27XFXo4E-rAYG3sdNOR-BRUKgUZYFteIdkUIEnga7aDpFMcfyJWGztYTdWVGfhmr5t4QTOrYvMlIDi97cnU_11tpe5dnDJWVv1SFKwePWJLUdA-BTqRH3ZLdF80wiDOKXOEDY/w640-h432/anti-aging+class.png" title="Natural Skincare Formula School Diploma Course" width="640" /></a></div><br />Our hands-on workshops are back in session this month in New York City. Join us for a week of evening workshops in our natural skincare diploma course, Make Your Own Beauty & Skincare Diploma Course, NYC - May 17-21. Or choose to attend just one or more classes that align with what you would like to learn.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGA7LpuN2TDknhvytSSeC9beK56Nh_RpEkyHLZe3ErVBq8dQ-Ey1CA4BDKoAwG92ic5CM5kUOkHnGH1dFc8Nt6XZHD5eXwGc9wBPa9sSXghwQdGqPeAUB8vhCJiUYAuL9nxhazR6wY0D0/s2048/Pink+soap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cold Process Soapmaking Class NYC" border="0" data-original-height="1401" data-original-width="2048" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGA7LpuN2TDknhvytSSeC9beK56Nh_RpEkyHLZe3ErVBq8dQ-Ey1CA4BDKoAwG92ic5CM5kUOkHnGH1dFc8Nt6XZHD5eXwGc9wBPa9sSXghwQdGqPeAUB8vhCJiUYAuL9nxhazR6wY0D0/w640-h438/Pink+soap.jpg" title="Learn to Make Soap Workshop" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Classes begin May 17 and are held at 6-8:30 p.m. nightly in a private classroom inside Little Shop of Crafts, located at 711 Amsterdam Ave. in the Upper West Side of New York City. It is one block east of the 1, 2 and 3 trains at 96th and Broadway.</div><div><br /></div><div>The following courses are running this session:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1475" target="_blank">Make Your Own Beauty & Skincare Diploma Course, NYC - May 17-21</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1503" target="_blank">Natural Anti-Aging Skincare for the Face - May 17</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1491" target="_blank">Herbal Body Butters, Balms + Scrubs - May 18</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1477" target="_blank">Design Your Own Cold Process Soap Class - May 19</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1478" target="_blank">Designing Your Own Natural Wax Candles - May 20</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1495" target="_blank">How to Run a Successful Indie Beauty Brand - May 21</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1484" target="_blank">Learn to Formulate CBD Skincare Beauty Products - May 22</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Classes are taught by Marla Bosworth. Marla has 23 years experience formulating plant-based, organic skincare products. In addition, Marla has more than 30 year experience in retail, market research and entrepreneurship.</div><div><br /></div><div>Classes are held from 6-8:30 p.m. in the Upper West Side, one block from the 96th and Broadway station for the 1, 2 and 3 trains. There is also street and garage parking nearby.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrhwo2rvnnpKNEy9jBigNsgD67FDjNSNgk-7dg_u5M8taC3BLmcRg_hjuOjBNLReEOaI9qEtuFgSnls6WG_YMtSh2RqpGdO_xdVQodkUvBDif9f3MpQpe-3Hhe6D35j1wPjHzn5cMcMg/s650/Candles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="650" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrhwo2rvnnpKNEy9jBigNsgD67FDjNSNgk-7dg_u5M8taC3BLmcRg_hjuOjBNLReEOaI9qEtuFgSnls6WG_YMtSh2RqpGdO_xdVQodkUvBDif9f3MpQpe-3Hhe6D35j1wPjHzn5cMcMg/w640-h420/Candles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>These courses are perfect for entrepreneurs who own a business as well as for new entrepreneurs who are seeking training for their bath and beauty startup.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0New York, NY, USA40.7127753 -74.005972812.402541463821152 -109.1622228 69.023009136178842 -38.849722799999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-72724848665708553332020-04-06T17:59:00.001-04:002020-04-06T17:59:35.103-04:00Planting Seeds of Support, Collaboration During Intense Times<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9n3O9YU68uAkd-bJmSzqtABaDVcvAEmwMkqgrQ76bzfNYWua7gLr6MQ6xsAEe_B5u81LZaI2uhUYLvhXRB-R5ZXmxhJob6BJsCJl2qWRVbE6H7Zrrva2139yXPf8dgXiAg1JC75vFT4/s1600/dandelions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1125" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9n3O9YU68uAkd-bJmSzqtABaDVcvAEmwMkqgrQ76bzfNYWua7gLr6MQ6xsAEe_B5u81LZaI2uhUYLvhXRB-R5ZXmxhJob6BJsCJl2qWRVbE6H7Zrrva2139yXPf8dgXiAg1JC75vFT4/s400/dandelions.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Are you being proactive during this time and reaching out to business colleagues via phone, text or email to just check in? </span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I'm working on planting seeds with current and potential business colleagues. I'm also reaching out to businesses that I made a connection within the past year or so to see if we might be a good fit for new concepts. I've scored some opportunities that are a win-win <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: inherit;">for both businesses.</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; display: inline; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
I'm also sending out emails to my retailers, not to ask for an order, but to check in and say hello hope you and your family are healthy and okay. People appreciate it.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Either way, your customers and other businesses will remember how you chose to communicate and navigate this challenging time, even if it was just a phone call to check in.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
If you are not, tune into the whys. It is understandable that not every entrepreneur is ready to "move forward." There is a lot of sadness and grief being released. There is also a huge energetic "pause" being experienced by many that could be a "freeze fear." This is not a judgement, instead a checking in of where you are energetically.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
It would be helpful for others to hear what you are doing in your business. I look forward to reading your comments.</div>
</div>
backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0New York, NY 10025, USA40.7999209 -73.96831019999999140.7758804 -74.00865069999999 40.823961399999995 -73.927969699999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-30618092145350240712020-03-01T15:56:00.000-05:002020-03-01T16:55:40.841-05:00Soapmaking Lye Calculator Alternatives to Use When Soapcalc is Down<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif;">The buzz in social media soapmaking groups during past few days has been that a favorite online lye calculator, <a href="http://www.soapcalc.net/" target="_blank">Soapcalc</a>, has been down for unforeseen reasons. There are speculations that Soapcalc is being upgraded, but I haven't been able to confirm it. Q</span>uick research on WHOIS shows that the domain is still registered to a Portland, Oregon ISP address. Soapcalc had been online since October 13, 2008. The domain name expires on October 13, 2020 and was last updated on September 21, 2019. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Soapcalc has been owned by Botanie Soap Inc. since July 2016.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8X5Nk9JWNXVd0U_aVPrgOc6UT_-SLMrmD9u-Tegey9rP-cTIhLAAe9HvxqxmE599QHrw98nJ5q4iaVu8FSPkh9lrc185fM6VO4P9uGFecDQvkR5JiQlTGqzNXZC7kQrPvcLshqJiC4HA/s1600/soap+calc.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="730" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8X5Nk9JWNXVd0U_aVPrgOc6UT_-SLMrmD9u-Tegey9rP-cTIhLAAe9HvxqxmE599QHrw98nJ5q4iaVu8FSPkh9lrc185fM6VO4P9uGFecDQvkR5JiQlTGqzNXZC7kQrPvcLshqJiC4HA/s320/soap+calc.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Many soapmakers rely on Soapcalc to determine lye amounts for recipes.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">There was a comment made on a Reddit thread that someone saw a highlight on Soapcalc that "the lye calculator will remain with the same functionality, and will have additional oils added." This was mentioned prior to the website disappearing altogether.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In my <a href="https://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=81" target="_blank">cold process soapmaking classes</a> I teach students how to use a lye calculator, and in the past used Soapcalc as an example. I also emphasize that students learn to manually calculate their own lye. More on this in a later blogpost.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the meantime I thought it might be helpful to post some dependable lye calculator alternatives.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">A lye calculator is used to determine how much lye (either NaOH or KOH) to use based on the saponification (SAP) values of each plant oil or butter.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are alternative soap calculators that I have used and personally recommend.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, system-ui, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;" />
<a href="http://soapee.com/calculator">http://soapee.com/calculator</a> (<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">especially helpful when using dual lye recipes such as cream soaps)</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/calculators/SoapCalcWP.aspx">https://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/calculators/SoapCalcWP.aspx</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.thesage.com/calcs/LyeCalc.html">https://www.thesage.com/calcs/LyeCalc.html</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://sbmcrafters.com/content/soapmaking-calculator-and-recipe-resizer">https://sbmcrafters.com/content/soapmaking-calculator-and-recipe-resizer</a><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">These are online soap calculators that I have not tried, but have been recommended by other soapmakers:</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.brambleberry.com/calculator?calcType=lye">https://www.brambleberry.com/calculator?calcType=lye</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.soapguild.org/lye-calc.php">https://www.soapguild.org/lye-calc.php</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.soapmaker.ca/" target="_blank">Soapmaker Software </a><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">(PC only)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.sudsandscents.com/lye_calculator.htm">http://www.sudsandscents.com/lye_calculator.htm</a><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.soapmakingfriend.com/soap-making-recipe-builder-lye-calculator/">https://www.soapmakingfriend.com/soap-making-recipe-builder-lye-calculator/</a><br />
<br />
<a data-auth="NotApplicable" href="https://www.lyecalc.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, system-ui, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">https://www.lyecalc.com</a><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here are phone apps that have been recommended by other soapmakers:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0.8); color: #1a1a1b; font-family: "noto sans" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Saponicalc<br />Soapcal<br />Soapgenie<br />Saponify<br />Calcsoap</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">What soap calculator(s) do you use? </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you know how to calculate manually? If so, do you you ever use a lye calculator? </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: , , , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I'll publish a blogpost soon on how to manually determine your lye. It's fairly simple and saves time especially when your favorite online calculator goes down.</span><br />
<br />backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-75560596626616935362019-08-11T03:22:00.001-04:002019-08-11T03:22:46.496-04:00Cosmetic Suppliers in India<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixODW9Hl3V6gJe0q29nz2a85Yhtvp1Wnvai0_1BTcPh_19hLeXrloDp92NTlr67MG4gnZDDIbHBqdTpKJoA2Woix2P5lChIQ2-Nmzk3RlWgXT-2_QLsOal27g0WoOTP7FyrA6JluR4NLc/s1600/india+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1480" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixODW9Hl3V6gJe0q29nz2a85Yhtvp1Wnvai0_1BTcPh_19hLeXrloDp92NTlr67MG4gnZDDIbHBqdTpKJoA2Woix2P5lChIQ2-Nmzk3RlWgXT-2_QLsOal27g0WoOTP7FyrA6JluR4NLc/s400/india+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;">Recently several of my natural beauty formulation students from India have asked where they can purchase supplies in their own country. I'm publishing information here on my blog to help out other indie beauty formulators from India who also may be looking for suppliers. Please note that I have not personally ordered from nor have had any contact with any of these companies, so I cannot speak from experience for quality of customer service, turnaround or shipping punctuality or ingredient quality.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">If you live in India and have ordered from any of these companies please feel free to comment as well as leave recommendations to assist fellow entrepreneurs. If you represent a company who supplies in minimums for small to large-size indie beauty brands, </span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">please</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> leave a comment and include your website as well as information such as the niche it serves.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Here are three suppliers I have found in India:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.babaenterprisesind.com/skin-care-ingredient.html" target="_blank">Baba Enterprises</a> is located in Shalimar </span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">Bath</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">, Delhi. Founded in 2002, it offers a wide range of skin and </span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">body care</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> ingredients. They are a trader, importer and supplier.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.25pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: #365899;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.25pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; padding: 0in;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.ahmedabadagency.com/product.html" target="_blank">Ahmedabad Agency</a> is located in Anhilwara, Gujarat. According to its website they offer formulation support in </span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">addition</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> to research and development. It is not clear if they work with indie brands. They have been in business for 30 years.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.25pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; padding: 0in;"><span style="color: #365899;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://www.pioneerchemicals.co.in/products__services/cosmetic_ingredients_list" target="_blank">Pioneer Chemicals </a>is located in Shalimar </span><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">Bath</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">, Delhi. This company has been in business since 1924. Its website states that customers may order in minimums of 100 grams. They have a downloadable cosmetic list on their website at the provided link. In addition they have a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PioneerChemicals/" target="_blank">Facebook business page</a>, but it hasn't been updated in more than a year.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.25pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">In addition to the aforementioned companies, more suppliers are listed on a website named </span><a href="http://www.indiamart.com/" style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;" target="_blank">Indiamart</a><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">. I was able to find several companies selling cosmetics, and in particular one that sells all-natural herbal extracts. The company is </span><a href="https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/natural-herbal-cosmetics-ingredients-8419020191.html" style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;" target="_blank">Bioveda Naturals</a><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">. If you take time and search Indiamart you may also find many more cosmetic suppliers. I do not have any personal experience with Indiamart nor any of its suppliers. So please conduct your own research as to their credibility. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; padding: 0in;">One final resource in India is a trade show called HPCI-India. Here is their <a href="https://www.hpci-india.com/index/hpci_in/in18_exhibitors.html" target="_blank">supplier list</a>. It may be helpful to contact the trade show coordinators and inquire about specific suppliers for which you are searching.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PjXwsMDtyIe-eVJqI6gXqvroZV5LCgi4WDxqeOqj8gAmygGOh_C0tyarxFlJ6l4vhC9nrPKx8sL-Vr5xqsqFnzfdArR2V9ndgBtIHMqjp06j6yxy0yUFEmmaBR_QbqbwKi69m3Qr5yc/s1600/india.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PjXwsMDtyIe-eVJqI6gXqvroZV5LCgi4WDxqeOqj8gAmygGOh_C0tyarxFlJ6l4vhC9nrPKx8sL-Vr5xqsqFnzfdArR2V9ndgBtIHMqjp06j6yxy0yUFEmmaBR_QbqbwKi69m3Qr5yc/s320/india.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">India inspires me with its beauty and connection to spirituality. It is on my list of places to visit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: 14.666666984558105px;">Let me know if this blogpost was helpful for you. I have many students from India who attend my in-person <a href="https://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=85" target="_blank">plant-based skincare workshops in New York City</a> and many who also take my <a href="https://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=41_105" target="_blank">online beauty formulation classes</a> who are looking for reputable suppliers of natural skincare ingredients in their country. </span></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-68291391476361720152019-08-09T03:12:00.001-04:002019-08-09T04:07:56.181-04:00Intuitive Essential Oil Blending, A Fragrant Hands-on Workshop Experience <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5tRhGA4fNUcO1i-zr02pXDtm8ivJLoup9NUeALyA_SbLK4K0KYPUleEZZCTXfB-DJtapeJEhvo3OrUZ0_hELVY4i3gHUVq0nuL4V24MN9gozniRDhX_e5hSPY5zjhb5tzVCRU2KyORI/s1600/Essential+Oil+Blending.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5tRhGA4fNUcO1i-zr02pXDtm8ivJLoup9NUeALyA_SbLK4K0KYPUleEZZCTXfB-DJtapeJEhvo3OrUZ0_hELVY4i3gHUVq0nuL4V24MN9gozniRDhX_e5hSPY5zjhb5tzVCRU2KyORI/s400/Essential+Oil+Blending.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "calibri";">When I launched my skincare business in 1998 I didn't have the slightest idea of how to blend essential oils. I made and sold soaps and skincare products with single notes of lavender, lemongrass, tea tree, peppermint and so on. At the time I didn't have any competition, as there were maybe a handful of us making and selling bath and body products in Massachusetts. However, as the years progressed and more entrepreneurs began launching bath and body businesses around me, I realized I needed to implement multiple changes to stay relevant. One change I made was teaching myself the art of essential oil blending. This process has been on-going for 22 years!</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Scent is an art form. It is an expression of one’s soul. There is no one way to blend essential oils. It is an intuitive or fluid process of following your inner guidance. An alchemist is literally “one who blends.” So when I create a blend I take a moment to think about what I am about to create. Is it an essence for inspiration itself? Is it a fragrance for a family member? Or perhaps it is a blend to evoke a memory.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">When we blend with intention we encode lasting energetics through the alchemical process. Awakening and intuitive people will recognize this right away, either by seeing sacred geometry or feeling the energy, while others will notice it is "different" and may be drawn to the blend unknowingly. I observed this happening day after day in my retail store in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Some customers would feel the intentional energetics of what I created in my soaps and cosmetics by feeling a sense of connection and voluntarily chose to mention to me or my employees what memories the scent evoked (which would match entirely to the energetics for which it was created). </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "calibri";">What I've discovered about creating essential oil blends with my students is that when they blend intuitively they create Incredible blends that draw in energetics of places, memories and feelings. While I'll write more about the intuitive flow of essential oil blending soon, I'm excited to share with you right now another <a href="https://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1211"><span style="color: blue;">in-person workshop I'm teaching in New York City this month</span></a>. I've created a class that I so wish I had when I started my business 22 years ago. It is designed for essential oil enthusiasts, alchemists, soapmakers and indie beauty entrepreneurs.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "-webkit-standard" , "serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "calibri";">Learn to intuitively blend without any rules, only following your inner guidance and your nose. You'll also explore creating intention blends, encoding memories of feelings, places or people.</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUp-z6Hqfe0IyHA_eFQandewqccsZSmLf-GpcAto6t4033XwxW_WoG6q_6Q8xCf7cKVfrCcrKCmC2i3Ib9RR1PrXMPDA2qxk9pN-Palv5nhrJBO7MUf4ZWQpXN7O7K5dy_YwHtS2kxgeU/s1600/essential+oil+blending+class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="960" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUp-z6Hqfe0IyHA_eFQandewqccsZSmLf-GpcAto6t4033XwxW_WoG6q_6Q8xCf7cKVfrCcrKCmC2i3Ib9RR1PrXMPDA2qxk9pN-Palv5nhrJBO7MUf4ZWQpXN7O7K5dy_YwHtS2kxgeU/s400/essential+oil+blending+class.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Students in Mastering the Art of Essential Oil Blending, July 2019</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%;">In last month's Mastering the Art of Essential Oil Blending workshop on the Upper West Side of New York City (pictured above), students chose to commemorate loved ones, replicate the feeling of favorite places in nature (forests, mountains and other sacred places), and other inspirational blends such as evoking joy, calmness and creativity in others. There were 26 custom blends in all, created with personal intentions and energies. Some students were drawn to inner wisdom and guidance blends. Two students created divine goddess blends. All are uniquely encoded with their own energetic frequencies. Why and what you blend in this class is completely up to you!</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br />
This is a hands-on class. Students will blend and experiment with essential oils to create two signature essential oil blends. In total you will take home two unique custom blends.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>This class is intended for any essential oil enthusiasts. No prior experience is needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%;">One-one-one sessions are also available in <a href="https://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1204" target="_blank">New York City</a> and online to create your own essential oil blend. If you have a group who would like to experience intuitive blending or if you are planning a corporate event please learn more about our <a href="https://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1178" target="_blank">special events here</a>. This aromatic, hands-on experience is perfect for team building activities for small companies, private and corporate groups.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: white; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></span> <span style="color: white; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">team building events, corporate events, corporate team building activities, team building for small companies, unique team building events, company outing events, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial";">awesome arts and crafts retreats for BYOB girls nights out to private and corporate events, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial";">hands on workshops</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: , , "blinkmacsystemfont" , ".sfnstext-regular" , sans-serif;"></span>backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-56450942893438380492018-05-29T17:07:00.000-04:002018-05-29T17:12:36.355-04:00The Unconscious Use of "Alchemy" and How to Shift into Alignment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF63KDdrt4EhXwuVK1_gL4TsO6CaXb5ZTA_Fr9glRld1wmu3gzweKeUl6YNMVfbcQVyeY4VmZ3GQB-9ZzWkiYWzrgzAFnKHJHjwzNExn2dViGQlL5c1w7KImGqbgtDBbD7ehZbHD23wgc/s1600/eye+of+horus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="479" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF63KDdrt4EhXwuVK1_gL4TsO6CaXb5ZTA_Fr9glRld1wmu3gzweKeUl6YNMVfbcQVyeY4VmZ3GQB-9ZzWkiYWzrgzAFnKHJHjwzNExn2dViGQlL5c1w7KImGqbgtDBbD7ehZbHD23wgc/s400/eye+of+horus.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">✨Understanding Divine Alchemy✨</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Part of my destiny (which is much deeper than “life purpose, by the way) is working in and sharing the depth of wisdom of the alchemical process. I see a lot of people using the word “alchemy” but not embodying the energetics of it themselves or in their work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">There are initiations into sacred alchemy. Those who are in alignment with it and creating New Earth will recognize what I am explaining. Those who are not will either feel triggered or jolted by this thought. For the latter, it means going much deeper within your work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">We are seeing an overuse of the word “alchemy.” Since we’ve arrived in a dimension where we are telepathically connected there’s no faking it anymore. Words can’t be used like bandaids to cover up what you don’t know. It’s humbling, but it also requires us to understand that Light shines our own Truth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Seek to understand. Ask to be shown. Readily admit what you do not know. This is when you begin to step into your divine power and your own personal destiny.</span>backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0Jackson, WY 83001, USA43.4686966 -110.6724168000000142.7312731 -111.9633103 44.2061201 -109.38152330000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-91606270583984741482018-02-14T12:35:00.000-05:002018-02-14T12:42:18.672-05:00Part 2: Arriving Through the Experience of Blue Spruce Wisdom<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">Today I met a sweet, kind arborist. I was
back at the Blue Spruce that I wrote about earlier last week. I needed to
collect some of its branches for an exciting collaboration that I will announce
within a day or two that Blue Spruce initiated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdMysTW62jDo9v9eVDTF-AboXiUVN8lvrnxk_gnsqNOLHC3yCrRsgSQNacRGPvJ5AOt_PrXJzhqRiuGxukO4XbuhTKnWZoXQHTd72ItS0wv-k18i5a6nTjm7vh7yUjp_Ey3AZABTyQWc/s1600/Blue+Spruce+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdMysTW62jDo9v9eVDTF-AboXiUVN8lvrnxk_gnsqNOLHC3yCrRsgSQNacRGPvJ5AOt_PrXJzhqRiuGxukO4XbuhTKnWZoXQHTd72ItS0wv-k18i5a6nTjm7vh7yUjp_Ey3AZABTyQWc/s640/Blue+Spruce+5.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"Gather my needles, my resin, my branches, my sawdust..."</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">I heard a truck engine. I really didn’t
want to be bothered. A gentleman drove by and then pulled over to the side of
the road, then slowly started backing up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">I looked his way and he jumped out of his
truck. “Need a hand?” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">All I had was a pair of small shears and I
was trying to gather a trunk full of spruce boughs. I must have looked like I
needed help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUUXF1XV2ANrX86Txp6DSVPivPZGNmQfB3moEpxQFScmGaPWUbIXi5LiPc3YBTIZy6nJpAvtZ0rYWtun11pKGRWY39VBJa2HWVWi1heHngdsRdA5C5RX1sA3JEN_wnVAdyoBmNid1sR4/s1600/Blue+Spruce+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUUXF1XV2ANrX86Txp6DSVPivPZGNmQfB3moEpxQFScmGaPWUbIXi5LiPc3YBTIZy6nJpAvtZ0rYWtun11pKGRWY39VBJa2HWVWi1heHngdsRdA5C5RX1sA3JEN_wnVAdyoBmNid1sR4/s640/Blue+Spruce+4.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>As an intuitive, I've always been able to connect to trees. Anyone can do this. <br />It begins with what is known as esthesis, a connection between you and any living organism.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">“Oh thank you, that would be great,” I
replied. A year ago I probably would have shrugged him off and said no. It was
a bit foreign to me to allow someone to help me when I probably could have
managed it, and I noticed that about myself as he smiled kindly. It can feel
vulnerable to allow someone to help. So I let myself feel vulnerable. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">He walked up and I noticed he had a curved
pruning saw and was ready to jump in the snowbank to retrieve these branches
that are worth gold to me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">“How many do you need?” he asked. I paused
because I really wanted to say the entire tree. “A couple of pounds would be
plenty for now,” I answered. He carefully selected the best branches. I mean he
treated this tree friend of mine like it were his friend too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">“Were you the one to cut it down?” I
inquired.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">“Who me? Nah,” he said, wielding the saw
like a piano player mastering black and white keys. “I’m an arborist and do
work around here. You know,” he said thoughtfully, “this is a Blue Spruce.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">“I know,” I said, astounded that not only
did someone appear out of nowhere, but he seemed as equally excited to talk
about trees. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">“You can’t just go by the needles because
you can mistake these for Engelmann Spruce. You really need to take a look at
the cones.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3976ut8nx6aoSLj7tTehI67YIuvwLjpzQo-H81vkRoN0SlMJF7pcFSd5IjZC-z75c9nesLZGjPwK4GzpAnbSnIvi6PqL6vL628JLy8EuKPfIM3C26cpJIyHjbZv2Aw3wCN-16PjEnrU/s1600/Blue+Spruce+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3976ut8nx6aoSLj7tTehI67YIuvwLjpzQo-H81vkRoN0SlMJF7pcFSd5IjZC-z75c9nesLZGjPwK4GzpAnbSnIvi6PqL6vL628JLy8EuKPfIM3C26cpJIyHjbZv2Aw3wCN-16PjEnrU/s640/Blue+Spruce+6.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Are you open to allowing nature to lead you into deep spiritual connection and teachings?</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">This was the conversation I have literally
been wanting to have with someone. This guy was speaking my language. If he
only knew, I spent hours on the internet identifying the bark, comparing
needles, cones and considering the riverbed forest location in which it grew. I
had been wanting an expert to validate my research and here he was on this
less-traveled road right in front of me. This was no coincidence. I wanted to
burst out laughing because it was ridiculously perfect!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">Behind the scenes, Blue Spruce was less
impressed with me and asking if I actually didn’t think it was capable of
creating scenarios like this one. No, no, I know you can, I told it, having an
aloud conversation with the man and an energetic conversation with the tree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">We loaded the boughs into my car before he
asked what I was going to do with it. Can you imagine? Like it was normal to
him that I was out here spending time with a fallen tree. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">When I told him that I’m an alchemist and
that I am turning the tree into incense and essences his face lit up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">“Well after Blue Spruce you have to try
Subalpine Fir. It’s my favorite. You’ll have to go up to a higher elevation to
get to it. But its aroma...” he faded into an aromatic memory. “The sap comes
out of the bark in the spring like bubbles and it’s just incredible.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">His pure joy about the sap made me laugh
out loud. I nodded in agreement and told him I would seek out one of his firs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">I thanked him again and we shook hands,
sharing names. He drove away and I looked back at my tree friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "inherit" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">“You are quite magical, aren’t you?”, I
asked aloud. The energy swirled in the air. Raven flew overhead and its call
echoed in the forest. A nearby cottonwood leaned in the breeze and gave a loud,
slow creak.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-32306080301294245072018-02-13T11:34:00.001-05:002018-02-14T12:42:42.326-05:00Part 1: An Introduction to Tree Elder Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="gq3s" data-offset-key="djiqq-0-0" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: -0.11999999731779099px;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="djiqq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8KJJIt2GxegFlVzwkK-aDMbZ75S7DWTqB7r67IO9vfWeh7l3k-RbRheRh3kmR7L0N6cbOra_nIrXrcYTfVJR9DMKyPNnRqOeF2sdrRXHc8-0sOPQr_I0qe7e9hbV0gRV7RTM69I43R0/s1600/Blue+Spruce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8KJJIt2GxegFlVzwkK-aDMbZ75S7DWTqB7r67IO9vfWeh7l3k-RbRheRh3kmR7L0N6cbOra_nIrXrcYTfVJR9DMKyPNnRqOeF2sdrRXHc8-0sOPQr_I0qe7e9hbV0gRV7RTM69I43R0/s640/Blue+Spruce.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Colorado Blue Spruce. Fallen during wind storm in Jackson Hole, Wyoming</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="djiqq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;">
<div style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="djiqq-1-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: normal;">I placed the palm of my hand against your tree rings, hoping to feel a heartbeat. Your spirit is still alive. You bleed fresh, flowing resin onto my hand, as if to say hello. Did they cut you today?</span><br style="white-space: normal;" /><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle; white-space: normal;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/f75/2/16/2728.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">✨</span></span><br style="white-space: normal;" /><span style="background-color: white; white-space: normal;">Share with me the magic of your Snake River forest bed. The beauty of what you witnessed here brings a tear to my eye. How deeply you love this land!</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; white-space: normal;"><br /><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/f72/2/16/1f407.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">🐇</span></span><br />I count your rings, a total of 80 rings. Some years were better than others, you said. Abundant snowfall and rain helped you grow stronger and wider. Your narrow rings were from the drier years.</span></span></div>
<div style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="djiqq-1-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjud3F4svTSLtl_ku4j92ViNfkoAEgYcF5Da0q4Ugk0U3Z_I7fd9d49eRRVnFvtyf8Djw425FSxwg2koSKVWkvrQxqWEzZTU03yVaEjVM7JmBcmmv7Pgob089197aNMBXgWS1zkCRfdaN8/s1600/Blue+Spruce+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjud3F4svTSLtl_ku4j92ViNfkoAEgYcF5Da0q4Ugk0U3Z_I7fd9d49eRRVnFvtyf8Djw425FSxwg2koSKVWkvrQxqWEzZTU03yVaEjVM7JmBcmmv7Pgob089197aNMBXgWS1zkCRfdaN8/s640/Blue+Spruce+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Like a scrapbook, so many memories and stories to tell in these rings.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="djiqq-1-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; white-space: normal;"><br /><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/f75/2/16/2728.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">✨</span></span><br />I count backwards from your bark inward, looking for the connection of your rings when I was a young girl growing up here. Right here, about 1976. I ran my finger over this ring feeling the memories of that year in your trunk. What about 1982, counting four rings more. Yes, I remember that special year, I whispered softly.<br /><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/ffe/2/16/1f43f.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">🐿</span></span><br />I imagined the man who cut you and hope he felt a connection too. The winds had been gusting to 50 mph and somehow you toppled, blocking this little-traveled forest road. You look so strong and healthy, I couldn’t find your breaking point, only where he sawed you in half. You must have been 100 feet tall. I bet you had amazing 360 views of our beloved valley.</span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHBJr0Rkb5vGoqOE3_OwJkSvzrzKp11D2N2Jn_kLO-bLRstVOvn1-6Jd9XFRrQblMJQYx2bMWWLFg1K44NEEWjip7K8aVTRCUdCE016_DtX-DcjhAa-L_Z8R8TX_avnxFwLEH06wPMUE/s1600/Blue+Spruce+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHBJr0Rkb5vGoqOE3_OwJkSvzrzKp11D2N2Jn_kLO-bLRstVOvn1-6Jd9XFRrQblMJQYx2bMWWLFg1K44NEEWjip7K8aVTRCUdCE016_DtX-DcjhAa-L_Z8R8TX_avnxFwLEH06wPMUE/s640/Blue+Spruce+2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Keep my spirit alive. Gather my resin, needles and bark. </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="djiqq-1-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; white-space: normal;"><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/f75/2/16/2728.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">✨</span></span><br />I honor you, I said. I honor your life of providing shelter and shade to bear, elk, deer, eagle and hawk. Yes and mountain lion, moose, fox, owl, ermine and countless birds, you reminded me.<br /><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/fdb/2/16/1f98c.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">🦌</span></span><br />Thank you for honoring my wisdom, my place in the forest, you said. Go ahead, keep my memory alive. Take my resin, my sawdust shavings, my pine cones and bark. Gather up as much as you can and turn me into precious incense. Tincture what you can and turn me into a beautiful essence. Celebrate me.<br /><span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" class="img" height="16" role="presentation" src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/f75/2/16/2728.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">✨</span></span><br />I have gathered you, sacred tree. Come with me. I will keep your spirit alive and we will create magic together.</span></span></div>
<div style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span data-offset-key="djiqq-1-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
More to be shared....</div>
</div>
backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-88203032869941507262017-04-03T14:22:00.000-04:002017-04-03T14:27:56.532-04:00How to Prevent Soda Ash on Your Cold Process Soap BarsSoapmakers generally end up with soda ash forming on their bars at least once in their soap making endeavors. Let's take a look at soda ash, what it is, way to prevent it from happening, how to get rid of it when it occurs, and an example of how it can enhance your soap.<br />
<br />
<b><i>What is Soda Ash?</i></b><br />
Soda ash is the common name for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_carbonate" target="_blank">sodium carbonate</a>. It's a harmless, white powder that can naturally occur on bar soaps as a mineral deposit. It forms when sodium hydroxide (lye) and air (oxygen) come in contact with each other (see below on how to prevent this from happening).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiM31SbM8-K93pTXBiYqv2zsnKUC3MB8JdbsA_cMM8uCuuofiK2bU1h-e2E-0QYdE6bpHp7quivcCeGdsvOpPwL62ItPJNJ-GIf_x-bjBy3Jpf5BqL-gmDnidhF6VlItlIEitSZXJVxQ/s1600/sodium+carbonate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiM31SbM8-K93pTXBiYqv2zsnKUC3MB8JdbsA_cMM8uCuuofiK2bU1h-e2E-0QYdE6bpHp7quivcCeGdsvOpPwL62ItPJNJ-GIf_x-bjBy3Jpf5BqL-gmDnidhF6VlItlIEitSZXJVxQ/s200/sodium+carbonate.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sodium Carbonate<br />
Na-= sodium hydroxide<br />
O = oxygen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here is an example of a soap with soda ash (left) and one without (right). Thanks to my friend and colleague, Angela Carillo of <a href="http://www.alegnasoap.com/" target="_blank">Alegna Soap</a> for sharing this example. The bar on the left had been exposed to air during the first 24 hours of saponification, while the bar on the right was not exposed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbEZ-cJhzW7fa7kduhcloHVB3X9R3yVLhpPqLyP5Op3vatHxy7SfRUZDO7zprYhwtCRcDkTU3jCLpNqmVLJWxT0yBNyXdo4fQ4c0NY5XXw2fPr3qNZoficyccdrC5L-JqrDEOiJ_Wpv4/s1600/Angela+Soda+Ash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcbEZ-cJhzW7fa7kduhcloHVB3X9R3yVLhpPqLyP5Op3vatHxy7SfRUZDO7zprYhwtCRcDkTU3jCLpNqmVLJWxT0yBNyXdo4fQ4c0NY5XXw2fPr3qNZoficyccdrC5L-JqrDEOiJ_Wpv4/s640/Angela+Soda+Ash.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavy soda ash on the surface of the left bar.<br />
Photo credit: Angela Carillo of Alegna Soap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><i>When Does Soda Ash Occur?</i></b><br />
As in the example that Angela provided, this soap set up with soda ash during the period of 24 hours after pouring the soap into the mold. During saponification, or the first 24-48 hours and occasionally a few days into the curing process.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>How to Prevent Soda Ash</i></b><br />
The easiest, most proactive way to prevent soda ash is by <b><i>reducing the water content in your soap</i></b>. I haven't gotten soda ash for 15 years, and I soap at a 38% lye concentration (do not confuse this as water as percentage of oils). This is convenient if you are making soap that you want to set up quickly.<br />
<br />
However, if you want your soap to set up slowly such as in the case of swirling or creating intricate color designs, then you won't want to reduce your water content as the soap batter will thicken too quickly on you.<br />
<br />
Some people say that spraying isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) on the soap right after pouring into the mold will prevent soda ash. I've never found this to be true. The theory is that the alcohol helps remove the extra water on the surface layer of the soap. Give it a try and experiment for yourself.<br />
<br />
The second best way to prevent soda ash is by simply <b><i>covering your freshly poured soap AS WELL AS your freshly cut bars with a loose layer of plastic</i></b>. You can use plastic wrap, a clean trash bag or a plastic table cover. Keep the plastic over the surface of the soap in the mold. After you have unfolded and cut into bars, cover again for 48 hours. If you are using full water content (lye concentration of 28%), then you may want to keep the plastic over the bars loosely for a week.<br />
<br />
<b><i>How to Remove Soda Ash</i></b><br />
Here are some ideas to removing existing soda ash from your soap bars:<br />
<ul>
<li>Wipe a damp paper towel over the bar.</li>
<li>Use a steamer to remove the soda ash (yes, some people actually do this).</li>
<li>Run the bar under water and let dry (wear gloves as this tends to leave fingerprints).</li>
</ul>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Embrace Your Soda Ash</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6awkmNLW_9WZ5ORPkspIPzj3gARBbYj4nqqbTgDJcCT9c3SLD19XO97p8xtfCXcgWfz4lbYk9yWPlIxFa0o-ItB0paib-GKx18MAEQA-c8SltfxAgKH3OPuNRJYZtJpzOB6vlR0CQ20o/s1600/Angela+Soda+Ash+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6awkmNLW_9WZ5ORPkspIPzj3gARBbYj4nqqbTgDJcCT9c3SLD19XO97p8xtfCXcgWfz4lbYk9yWPlIxFa0o-ItB0paib-GKx18MAEQA-c8SltfxAgKH3OPuNRJYZtJpzOB6vlR0CQ20o/s640/Angela+Soda+Ash+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soda ash on the top of activated charcoal soap.<br />
Photo credit: Angela Carillo of Alegna Soap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Soda ash can create interesting contrasts in intricate soap designs, as in the one pictured above. Again, a perfect example by Angela on how soda ash can naturally appear simply by the lye in her soap "meeting" the oxygen in the air around it.<br />
<br />
Although soda ash can show up unexpectedly and present aesthetically-challenged soap bars, it can also lend itself to complementing colors and designs. There are easy ways to prevent it once you understand that water plays a large part. Most soapmakerss are busy and don't want to be presented with the task of removing soda ash on every batch made. Plastic wrap might be the easiest way to protect yourself against a surprise visit from the soda ash fairies!<br />
<br />
What have you noticed about soda ash setting up on your soap?<br />
<br />
Do you have any tips on removing or preventing it?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-50321046681989932652017-03-03T00:23:00.000-05:002017-03-05T16:23:57.937-05:00How Much Fragrance for My Soap, Ice Trick and Other Cold Process Soapmaking Tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Let's dive into some questions I recently received via email regarding cold process soap making. I hope that you'll find them helpful. Do you have other questions? Feel free to leave a comment and I may choose yours as my next blog post!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Q: Do carrier oils and butters lend any fragrance to the soap?</b><br />
<br />
A: Not enough to notice. The only exception that I've experienced is cocoa butter added at 15-20 percent. It results in a light cocoa scent. I find that most of my clients and students want to add essential oils to create a beautifully scented soap. (I no longer use synthetic, fragrance oils. I stopped using them five years ago when I began to have breathing issues around them.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Q: Is it true that sodium lactate will speed up the saponification process? What's the cure time when using sodium lactate? Is the cure time based on the weight of the soap?</b><br />
<br />
A: Sodium lactate won't speed up saponification. However, it will result in a harder bar. I recommend that you try sodium lactate at 1% of your oil weight. If you've never seen it, it's clear and looks similar to glycerin.<br />
<br />
To use, simply stir into cooled lye water (under 130F). However, you may not want to use sodium lactate if you are reducing the water content in your soap. It can cause overheating and cracking, which is a complete bummer.<br />
<br />
Also, if you plan to use any liquid with a high sugar content (juices, milk, etc.), I suggest that you try a small batch first to see if the sodium lactate will behave in the batch. It can cause overheating in milk and juice soaps.<br />
<br />
Cure time for the soap will be standard, which is around four weeks depending on your formula. For example, if you make a castille soap (100% olive oil), then your bars may take six to eight weeks to cure.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfWkqW_NPiZxznFJG04G3K5HzX5QsDCP5tZCaX3o1gYIyBpGSQZO_84sxHEH0RkjTc38Yuk34HUPsDJoFaK8Tc3tDAFXMAOpkSbUyMgd8cUVOwToZuMdg_TlarnBu03TWK5G_mFD2LqY/s1600/ice+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEfWkqW_NPiZxznFJG04G3K5HzX5QsDCP5tZCaX3o1gYIyBpGSQZO_84sxHEH0RkjTc38Yuk34HUPsDJoFaK8Tc3tDAFXMAOpkSbUyMgd8cUVOwToZuMdg_TlarnBu03TWK5G_mFD2LqY/s400/ice+water.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Try using ice in your lye water to keep fumes at a minimum <br />and to help cool your lye water temperature quickly.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Q: We used ice in our water during the soap making class with you in New York City. Can you remind me of the ratio of ice to water? Does it matter how much? Should I assume the weight of the ice and water should equal the water liquids needed for that particular batch?</b><br />
<br />
A: Great question! And I'm sure many soapmakers will appreciate this tip. Let me first explain that I use ice for two reasons: 1.) to help the lye water temperature drop faster and 2.) to keep the sodium fumes at a minimum, which your lungs will thank you for years down the road.<br />
<br />
The maximum amount of ice I recommend is 70% of your required liquid. You'll just replace 70% of your liquid weight with ice, then add the rest in water. Sometimes students ask if ice weighs the same as water, and the answer is yes. And yes, you're right in the assumption that you're going for the total amount of water liquids needed for the batch. The higher the ice amount, the stronger the probability that some of your lye may not dissolve completely. So start with a 50:50 ice to water ratio and you won't run into any problems with the lye not dissolving.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Q: How do I determine how much fragrance to add to my soap batch? When do I add it?</b><br />
<br />
A: You can either add your fragrance to your oils before you begin soaping or you can add them at trace (thickening of the soap batter). I recommend adding them at trace, especially if you aren't sure how they are going to behave once added. Add a small amount at a time. If you see your soap thickening quickly or turning into tiny chunks, stop and quickly pour into your mold. This can happen with floral essential oils and especially fragrance oils, since the latter is made up of different chemical components. We never know how fragrance oils are going to behave. So if you are new to soap making, stick to essential oils like lavender, lemongrass, peppermint and rosemary in the beginning and you'll have very little chance of something going wrong because of them.<br />
<br />
The usage rate for essential oils in cold process soap is 0.5 - 1 oz. per pound of oils used in your formula. This doesn't include water. Just your oil weight (olive, shea butter, coconut, etc.) Always weigh your fragrance and rest of ingredients for accuracy as opposed to using measuring cups. <br />
<br />
To determine the amount of essential oils/fragrance, take the weight of your formula oils <u>in pounds </u>and multiple by .5 <u>ounces</u>. For example:<br />
<br />
3 lb. oil<br />
<u>x .5 oz fragrance</u><br />
1.5 oz.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Q: Do I have to line my molds?</b><br />
<br />
A: If you are using wood or cardboard, yes. Line it with freezer paper or plastic wrap. If you are using plastic molds, I suggest you use plastic wrap inside the mold for an easy release. However, if you are using silicone molds, you can forgo the plastic wrap.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Q: Can you remind me what the temperature of the lye water and oils need to be before I combine them? Does it matter about the temperature of the essential oil?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Honestly, I don't even check temperatures anymore. I now teach my students to feel the sides of the lye/water and oil containers and get a feel for the temperature of under 120F or 130F. If you are new to soap making, you might want to use a thermometer in the beginning. Under 120F is ideal, but if you are at 130 or even higher your soap will be fine. My favorite temperature is room temp, which is right around 68 degrees in my house this winter.<br />
<b><br /></b>
Thanks for reading. If you're in the New York City area this month, be sure to check out my <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=99" target="_blank">upcoming workshops</a>!<br />
<br />backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-14458229261915899952017-02-07T01:23:00.000-05:002017-02-16T00:21:37.666-05:00Alchemy of Cold Process Soapmaking - An Online and New York City Experience<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4T_sVLh2qMHe57jDo-zTsPkQnZMsS5VxUwxYAej3BSkBcj5mhXTlT_w-s-Ef-lc4d6HtKaojSg5pGpsmtigmzjZErGBwrdVYqYO4l6otd0akmI_aA8Rkr2N0FOfMefbsjVGSy5wE5FLk/s1600/January+2017+Soap+Class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4T_sVLh2qMHe57jDo-zTsPkQnZMsS5VxUwxYAej3BSkBcj5mhXTlT_w-s-Ef-lc4d6HtKaojSg5pGpsmtigmzjZErGBwrdVYqYO4l6otd0akmI_aA8Rkr2N0FOfMefbsjVGSy5wE5FLk/s640/January+2017+Soap+Class.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: '"helvetica"', '"arial"', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: start;">Photo credit: Marla Bosworth</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "\22 helvetica\22 " , "\22 arial\22 " , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><i><br />These are the hands of alchemists blending their cold process soaps <br />with wildcrafted botanicals and healing essential oil blends.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: medium;">Last month in New York City I shared with students what I have been doing for a lifetime as an alchemist - blending nature with healing modalities. It began when I was a child in central Illinois when I would create infusions with botanicals found walking in the woods, forgaging in fields or in my parents' garden. Later in life when I created my botanical beauty company I began creating soaps in Massachusetts and captured the energy of the Atlantic ocean and Cape Cod in my bodycare line. Then I moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming where shIe worked with the energy of wildlife, the Rocky Mountains and the plethora of botanicals growing throughout the Grand Tetons.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: medium;">Customers would come into my Jackson Hole store and tell me how her products envoked memories of hiking on trails in Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park. They would hold the soap - some knowing and others not - that the vibrational frequency in the soap brought memories and oftentimes emotional healing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: medium;">I've taken my knowledge of combining alchemy, higher consciousness and sacred geometry and created a new class for beginning and experienced soapmakers. This workshop is also intended for healers, lightworkers, massage therapists, yoga enthusiasts, and anyone interested in wildcrafting, alchemy, energy healing, sacred earth energies and cold process soapmaking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: medium;">Join me on March 24 in New York City for the next workshop. <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=782" target="_blank">Check out the class here</a>. Not able to travel to New York? Sign up for my <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=102" target="_blank">new, upcoming online workshop here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "times" , serif; font-size: medium;"><br style="font-family: -webkit-standard;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: white; font-family: -webkit-standard;">*************************************************************************<br /><span style="font-size: 12.479999542236328px;">Soap class, handmade soap market research, handmade soap trends, how to make soaps and start a business, Soap making class, soap making classes, how to start a soap making business in New York city, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Wyoming, Montanta, Idaho, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York City, Boston. New York City aromatherapy, beauty brand how to grow, wildcraft soap, brooklyn, staten island, queens, bronx, manhattan</span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br />
</span></div>
backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-53421108137215723732016-11-22T16:30:00.001-05:002017-02-17T01:31:07.684-05:00Masterclass in Denver: Growing Your Indie Beauty Business in 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: source, serif, pro, serif; font-size: 21px;">Ready to get proactive about launching and running your indie beauty business? Ready to stop taking all the opportunities that come your way, even if they might not be profitable or a good match for your company? Ready to scale and grow your business?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "source" , serif , "pro" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 21px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AmtPnyR01lWAdADHtMHYMzLmNZZSI4HrWm0Y1aoHcZoDREtnYTCmRDBL7JujX1Pvf3DLWGQOsS5szM6AplPHmwq3pBEu0DNka7RrhmT__kRbb4F8-m07hqsZ_9DTjnEMeN4432X_9vY/s1600/Business+Bootcamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_AmtPnyR01lWAdADHtMHYMzLmNZZSI4HrWm0Y1aoHcZoDREtnYTCmRDBL7JujX1Pvf3DLWGQOsS5szM6AplPHmwq3pBEu0DNka7RrhmT__kRbb4F8-m07hqsZ_9DTjnEMeN4432X_9vY/s1600/Business+Bootcamp.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "source" , serif , "pro" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 21px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="color: #a00031; font-family: "source" serif "pro" , serif;"> </span> <br />
<div style="color: #a00031; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 21px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 21px;"></span> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 21px;">In this information-packed, full-day masterclass, Marla Bosworth will help bring clarity to your goals and what you wish to manifest for you and your indie beauty business in 2017. Whether you have an existing booming business or just getting ready to launch, this intimate workshop will help you put goals in place to take these next steps in your business. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 21px;"> </span> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 21px;"><br />
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 21px;"> </span> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 21px;">You'll learn from Marla, a bath and beauty expert and market research analyst, who launched Back Porch Soap Company nearly 20 years ago. She is known in the indie beauty industry for her sage personal and business coaching. In addition to teaching formulating and business workshops all over the U.S., she has successfully opened and run retail stores in both the Boston, Massachusetts area and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She brings 30 years experience as a market research analyst and retail sales expert to this workshop.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 21px;"> </span><span style="color: #a00031; font-family: "source" serif "pro" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #a00031; font-family: "source" serif "pro" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 21px;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 21px;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Among the topics Marla will cover in this full-day, intensive masterclass:</div>
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Beyond the Products - What Really Makes Consumers Buy</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">What to Expect for the Indie Beauty Business Market in 2017 </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Avoiding Pitfalls: Why Indie Brands Go Out of Business</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">How to Be an Indie Beauty Trailblazer</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Creative & Profitable Business Ideas</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Product Packaging</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">How to Generate Excitement Around Your Brand</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Social Media Hotspots - Finding the Buzz</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Getting Media Attention</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Pricing and Profit Margins</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Protecting Your Business - The Truth About Insurance Coverage & Trademarks</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">The New Age of Wholesale (It's Changing and How to Adapt)</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">How To Master Retail Sales, Including Opening and Running a Retail Establishment</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Hiring, Delegating and Outsourcing</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Best Practices for Pitching Sales/Opportunities and Negotiating</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit;">Creating a Long-Term Plan to Scale Your Business</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</span><span style="font-family: "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 21px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 21px;">Attendees will receive a binder of valuable handouts. There will be plenty of time for Q&A's throughout the session. </span><span style="font-family: "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 21px;">Link for more information visit our <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/" target="_blank">website</a></span><span style="font-family: "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 21px;">. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 21px;"> </span>backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-10065393582180696762016-11-18T20:57:00.001-05:002017-02-08T23:55:19.262-05:00Introducing Our Custom Essential Oil Blending Services<br />
<div class="addtocart form-group" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #415e8a; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro'; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: 0.5000000596046448px; margin-bottom: 1.07142857rem; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span class="product-quantity" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; margin-right: 10px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle;"><a class="minus" data-id="quantity" href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=753#" style="background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial initial; bottom: -4px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #415e8a; font-size: 24px; line-height: 0; margin-right: 5px; position: absolute; right: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><i class="fa fa-caret-down" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline-block; font-family: FontAwesome; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1;"></i></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="product-description" itemprop="description" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'source sans pro'; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.5000000596046448px; margin-bottom: 0.35714286rem; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #415e8a; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xqaefkA3QbylMs4PfdmlREWpvBdjFdcUx0hHmLrrEsv9BGv2SaVZGAO9D9YslyBpuQ89fp1gUTOXuG2dPPmV5_JBuL8PJUTb4LgrwtQnxeihh0sITFDR-IQx42_mKlBCUKy0gOLCjR8/s1600/essential+oils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xqaefkA3QbylMs4PfdmlREWpvBdjFdcUx0hHmLrrEsv9BGv2SaVZGAO9D9YslyBpuQ89fp1gUTOXuG2dPPmV5_JBuL8PJUTb4LgrwtQnxeihh0sITFDR-IQx42_mKlBCUKy0gOLCjR8/s200/essential+oils.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #415e8a; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: medium;">If you're seeking custom essential oil blends for personal use, your practice or for your company and products, you'll love working with Marla Bosworth. She is known in the indie beauty industry for her professional essential oil blending and custom cosmetic formulation services. With 20 years of indie beauty business experience and 30 years as a market research and retail sales expert, she is at your service for contract blending. <span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">For an additional fee, Marla may travel to your location (please inquire for details).</span></span></span> </div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: medium;">This is perfect for entrepreneurs developing their own line of products as well as beauty businesses who desire specialized blends. </span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: medium;">Together you will custom-tailor the project to fit your needs and application (perfume, soap, skincare products, haircare, candles and more). Marla has consulted with students from around the globe - from Ghana, South Africa, to Germany, Chile, Guatemala, Ireland, Venezuela, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, Israel, Columbia, Ireland, Spain & from around the United States just to name a few. Marla is well-known in the indie beauty industry and has spoken numerous times at the Handcrafted Soapmakers and Cosmetics Guild Conference.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px 0px 10px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Blending service packages start at $498. We would love to work with you! Please inquire and determine whether we are a good fit with your project, please visit this our site <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=753" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
</div>
backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-2557743572719845712016-09-27T14:04:00.000-04:002017-02-08T23:55:39.601-05:00October 2016 Workshops: Learn to Make Indie Beauty Products in New York City<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Fall is a beautiful time to visit New York City. Learn how to formulate natural and organic skincare products on the Upper West Side of Manhattan next month. Our event takes place October 24-28, 2016. Choose individual workshops or the entire week of Bath and Body University</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">. Students from more than 100 countries have completed our courses to learn how to create products for personal use and business. Most of our students have no formal training in skincare formulation. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Join cosmetic formulator Marla Bosworth for classes ranging from cold process soap making to an indie beauty business growth seminar. Our courses range from intermediate to advanced, but Marla's teaching style and comprehensive materials makes it easy for the novice to feel comfortable in class as well.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7Cc9wMsvhvFVEi1rVaSbsW-nBGz6_TcxylZLhvohRAqBzrVK7lJG-Q9a-5G5YoboWN0yuo81nxHw0hHuCvmL5bihTXNdH0y6JnQI7_TC4MgClzmee5MIaHQDgMqCcWafLmq9zOAUXmg/s1600/Antiaging.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7Cc9wMsvhvFVEi1rVaSbsW-nBGz6_TcxylZLhvohRAqBzrVK7lJG-Q9a-5G5YoboWN0yuo81nxHw0hHuCvmL5bihTXNdH0y6JnQI7_TC4MgClzmee5MIaHQDgMqCcWafLmq9zOAUXmg/s400/Antiaging.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The full schedule is as follows:</span><br />
<br style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span id="goog_760218741"></span>October 24 - <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=90" target="_blank">Cold Process Soapmaking</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">October 25 - </span><a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=90" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', trebuchet, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">Creating Colorful Designs in Cold Process Soap</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">October 26</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> - <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=90" target="_blank">Formulating Moisturizing Body Creams</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">October 27</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> - <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=90" target="_blank">How to Make Safe Soy Candles with Essential </a></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=90" target="_blank">Oils</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">October 28</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> - <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=90" target="_blank">Launch and Grow Your Indie Beauty Business</a></span><br />
<br style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">These workshops fill up quickly. We post number of spots left in each workshop on our website. Workshops are held on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with easy access from all parts of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.</span><br />
<br style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Can't make this series of workshops? Join our </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/backporchsoap" style="color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> page for upcoming announcements and be sure to sign up for our email newsletter.</span><br />
<br style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<i style="color: #2d2d2d; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Marla Bosworth is an award-winning entrepreneur, author of many ebooks and articles for the indie beauty industry. She is a world-renowned teacher of natural skincare formulation. Marla has been using social media and the internet to grow her online presence for 20 years (yes, back in the days of America Online). She teaches workshops throughout the U.S. and has had the pleasure of consulting and working with students from all over the world.</i><br />
<span style="color: white;">cosmetic course, hand-on cosmetic soap workshop, nyc soap making classes, indie beauty business, entrepreneur, green beauty, cosmetic formulation course, manhattan, how to launch soap business</span>backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-40276995388219405432016-02-27T23:56:00.001-05:002016-02-27T23:56:15.619-05:00March 2016 Workshops: Learn to Make Your Own Natural Skincare Formulations in New York CityJoin me in New York City to learn how to formulate natural and organic skincare products. Our event takes place March 19-25, 2016. Choose individual workshops or the entire week of <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_49&products_id=669" target="_blank">Bath and Body University</a>. We have students join us from all over the world to learn how to create products for personal use and business. Most of our students have no formal training in skincare formulation.<br />
<br />
Join cosmetic formulator Marla Bosworth for classes ranging from essential oil blending, herbal infusions, body butters, soap making, emulsified body scrubs to a skincare formulator's business seminar. Our courses range from intermediate to advanced, but Marla's teaching style and comprehensive materials makes it easy for the novice to feel comfortable in class as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLG6-kb6SxjXZIEi6_hl0EaZFWvs5B9qxE-8L30P1ErD2taq71EW-i0pKtYxKwfb_4sL-UoUo_9QukSs93q_GKVK1MgcAd1vJ2JdENWzsufM4Uw7cQDGIczOySKHqdGT1v-Qry2wBfPQQ/s1600/Essential+Oils+in+Cosmetics+and+Skincare+Produccts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLG6-kb6SxjXZIEi6_hl0EaZFWvs5B9qxE-8L30P1ErD2taq71EW-i0pKtYxKwfb_4sL-UoUo_9QukSs93q_GKVK1MgcAd1vJ2JdENWzsufM4Uw7cQDGIczOySKHqdGT1v-Qry2wBfPQQ/s320/Essential+Oils+in+Cosmetics+and+Skincare+Produccts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The full schedule is as follows:<br />
<br />
March 19 - <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_49&products_id=716" target="_blank">Growing Your Beauty Brand with Social Media</a><br />
<br />
March 20 - <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_49&products_id=717" target="_blank">Creating Signature Essential Oil Blends and Blending Services</a><br />
<br />
March 21-25 - <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_49&products_id=669" target="_blank">Bath & Body University</a><br />
<br />
March 21 - <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_49&products_id=675" target="_blank">Organic Face and Body Creams</a><br />
<br />
March 22 - <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_49&products_id=712" target="_blank">Herbal Infusions in Body Butters and Balms</a><br />
<br />
March 23 - <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_49&products_id=710" target="_blank">Organic Luxurious Body Scrubs and Bath Soaks</a><br />
<br />
March 24 - <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_49&products_id=713" target="_blank">Organic Soapmaking</a><br />
<br />
March 25 - <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_49&products_id=715" target="_blank">Build and Grow a Successful Bath & Body Business Seminar</a><br />
<br />
These workshops fill up quickly. We post number of spots left in each workshop on our website. Workshops are held on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with easy access from all parts of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.<br />
<br />
Can't make this series of workshops? Join our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/backporchsoap" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page for upcoming announcements and be sure to sign up for our email newsletter.<br />
<br />
<i style="color: #2d2d2d;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Marla Bosworth is an award-winning entrepreneur, author of many ebooks and articles for the indie beauty industry. She is a world-renowned teacher of natural skincare formulation. Marla has been using social media and the internet to grow her online presence for 20 years (yes, back in the days of America Online). She teaches workshops throughout the U.S. and has had the pleasure of consulting and working with students from all over the world.</span></i>backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-7104422202059476412016-01-05T23:20:00.002-05:002016-01-05T23:20:34.350-05:00January 2016 Workshops: Learn to Make Your Own Natural Skincare Formulations in New York CityWinter in New York City is magical, and the perfect time to join us to learn about formulating natural and organic skincare products. Our event takes place January 25-29, 2016. Choose individual workshops or the entire week of <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_29&products_id=701" target="_blank">Bath and Body University</a>. We have students join us from all over the world to learn how to create products for personal use and business. Most of our students do not have any formal training in skincare formulation.<br />
<br />
Join cosmetic formulator Marla Bosworth for classes ranging from herbal infusions and butters to a skincare formulator's business seminar. Our courses range from intermediate to advanced, but Marla's teaching style and comprehensive materials makes it easy for the novice to feel comfortable in class as well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIK0JVPeCuKbeYsqC01lgQjrCg6SABKuwhI1Y_vQd3qMFgBF21aveqGY_pyQimCQfOOce_LbxykQQpbIvPbHpocUL0ft-dqTdgcB_tJ-QegTq-fSy8BIPrFtfiuGnzuezjQ_DoJ80zpSU/s1600/nyc+winter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIK0JVPeCuKbeYsqC01lgQjrCg6SABKuwhI1Y_vQd3qMFgBF21aveqGY_pyQimCQfOOce_LbxykQQpbIvPbHpocUL0ft-dqTdgcB_tJ-QegTq-fSy8BIPrFtfiuGnzuezjQ_DoJ80zpSU/s640/nyc+winter.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
The full schedule is as follows:<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d;">Day 1 - January 25</span><br style="color: #2d2d2d;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d;"><a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_29&products_id=699" target="_blank">Herbal Infusions in Body Butters and Balms</a></span><br style="color: #2d2d2d;" /><br style="color: #2d2d2d;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d;">Day 2 – January 26</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_29&products_id=704" target="_blank">Soy Candles and Luxurious Massage Candles</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="color: #2d2d2d;" /><br style="color: #2d2d2d;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d;">Day 3 – January 27</span><br style="color: #2d2d2d;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d;"><a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_29&products_id=300" target="_blank">Liquid Soaps and Shower Gels </a></span><br style="color: #2d2d2d;" /><br style="color: #2d2d2d;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d;">Day 4 – January 28</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_29&products_id=700" target="_blank">Organic Cold Process Soapmaking</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="color: #2d2d2d;" /><br style="color: #2d2d2d;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d;">Day 5 - January 29</span><span style="color: #2d2d2d;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #2d2d2d;"><a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_29&products_id=702" target="_blank">How to Run a Successful Bath & Body Business Seminar</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
These workshops fill up quickly. We post number of spots left in each workshop on our website. Workshops are held on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with easy access from all parts of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.<br />
<br />
Can't make this series of workshops? Join our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/backporchsoap" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page for upcoming announcements and be sure to sign up for our email newsletter.backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-17056371604876100242015-12-19T18:27:00.001-05:002017-02-08T23:56:31.447-05:00Video: How to Achieve Accurate Bar Size in SoapmakingThere are three ways to cut cold process soap loaves into bars: by hand, with a manual cutter, and with an electric cutter. The disadvantage to cutting soap by hand is that it is challenging to get consistent bar size and accuracy. If you currently cut soap by hand, try weighing each bar and see how close each one is in weight. Surprisingly they can be as much as .5 oz or more different. Also, it's next to impossible to scale your soap business with cutting soap by hand. Imagine cutting thousands of bars by hand.<br />
<br />
When we move to a manual or electric cutter, our accuracy increases and so does the professional appearance of our soap bars. I prefer a manual cutter to an electric one, the reason being is that it takes so much time to replace cutter blades from loaf cutting to bar cutting.<br />
<br />
<div>
In the following video I'll show you how we easily cut loaves into bars. This particular batch yielded 27 loaves, which in turn produced 378 bars of soap.<br />
<br />
How do you cut your soap? Do you have any tips to share?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UYXITTxtLso/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UYXITTxtLso?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
Thanks for watching!<br />
~Marlabackporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-31915721867432447472015-12-18T23:50:00.003-05:002017-02-08T23:56:53.712-05:00Video: Large Batch Soapmaking Equipment: Molds and Cutter Two years ago I invested in soap making equipment for large scale production of cold process soap. The cost was over $10,000. The investment is well worth it if you are looking to grow your soap business. My company already owned a water-jacketed soap melter, plenty of stainless steel tables, bakers racks and utility shelving. But what we needed was a system to produce thousands of bars of soap per week with ease.<br />
<br />
Equipment for increase production can be costly. Factors to consider when contemplating a purchase in equipment include:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>How is this a wise investment for your company? (In other words, prove it to yourself.)</li>
<li>Do you plan to grow this segment of your business for at least 5 or more years? </li>
<li>Will the equipment retain its value for resale?</li>
<li>At what capacity will your equipment investment allow your production to grow? Then what</li>
<li>As your production grows, can you add on to the equipment or will you have to purchase a completely new system?</li>
<li>Is there considerable growth from your current production volume and that in which you estimate your equipment will provide? How long will you start to see return on investment (ROI)?</li>
<li>How will you finance your equipment?</li>
<li>Can you grow areas of your business to help pay for the equipment (such as adding or increasing wholesale capabilities, private label, etc.)?</li>
</ul>
<div>
In the following video I'll show you the large mold (pictured below) and electric cutter. The cutter hoists the soap mold onto the platform. From there the mold block is secured and the soap is released from the mold by removing all four sides. The large soap block is then positioned under the wire cutters and the soap is cut into loaves. The loaves are then cut into bars.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aU1DketzJ28/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aU1DketzJ28?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Have you ever seen soap making equipment in action? Do you have plans to grow your business? What questions about large-scale production do you have?<br />
<br />
Thanks for watching!<br />
~Marlabackporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com2Jackson, WY 83001, USA43.4686966 -110.6724168000000142.7312731 -111.9633103 44.2061201 -109.38152330000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-7546462941440439392015-12-18T02:36:00.005-05:002015-12-18T02:50:13.738-05:00How to Make 100 lb. Batch of Handmade SoapLike many soapmakers, I started my business in my home kitchen, making small batches of soap. As demand for my products grew, I found myself outgrowing a stockpot, then a 5 gallon pail. Stickblenders were no longer large enough to emulsify a batch of soap.<br />
<br />
After much research, I invested more than $10,000 in soap making equipment: water-jacketed electric tanks to melt oils, large stainless steel mixing pot on tipping stand, 350 bar molds, drill with paddle attachment to replace stick blender, electric soap cutter, more stainless steel tables and baker's racks.<br />
<br />
In this video I'm making a 100 lb. batch which will yield approximately 400 bars of soap. I'm mixing my oils and lye water together and getting ready to add essential oils and herbs. Let me show you how I combine 10 lbs. of lye, 73 lbs. of oils/butters and 56 oz. of essential oil!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/txQpMWB0-Bc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/txQpMWB0-Bc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
As a business, we need to be mindful of operating efficiently. What areas of your production would you like to improve?backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0Jackson, WY 83001, USA43.4686966 -110.6724168000000142.7312731 -111.9633103 44.2061201 -109.38152330000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-80985988565802974672015-10-05T18:21:00.000-04:002015-10-05T18:21:09.972-04:00Upcoming Natural and Organic, Hands-on Skincare Formulation Workshops in New York City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_C1c7TqjnwEhu_AkEpXzNGXJ72Tu1viehqv7iEOIZMIik4LUu1Kf-aPDbvXwedS8ooLNTBueFjAOACpftzB-RaFdnrZ4TDt7HJjkvB9bZAGwy-y3ih1GQfN1Abm8CyGkNGJTX3-EfNg/s1600/EO+Blending+CLass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_C1c7TqjnwEhu_AkEpXzNGXJ72Tu1viehqv7iEOIZMIik4LUu1Kf-aPDbvXwedS8ooLNTBueFjAOACpftzB-RaFdnrZ4TDt7HJjkvB9bZAGwy-y3ih1GQfN1Abm8CyGkNGJTX3-EfNg/s400/EO+Blending+CLass.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1049037098"></span><span id="goog_1049037099"></span><br />
<br />
Our next series of natural and organic skincare formulation workshops in New York City will take place October 26-30, 2015. Choose to take classes individually or the entire week of <a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_52&products_id=687" target="_blank">Bath and Body University</a> workshops.<br />
<br />
Join cosmetic formulator Marla Bosworth for classes ranging from custom essential oil blending to a skincare formulator's business seminar. The full schedule is as follows:<br />
<br />
Monday, October 26<br />
<a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_52&products_id=688" target="_blank">Mastering the Art of Custom Essential Oil Blending</a><br />
<br />
Tuesday, October 27<br />
<a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_52&products_id=694" target="_blank">Organic Luxurious Body Scrubs and Bath Salts</a><br />
<br />
Wednesday, October 28<br />
<a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_52&products_id=692" target="_blank">Herbal Healing Body Butters, Salves and Balms</a><br />
<br />
Thursday, October 29<br />
<a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_52&products_id=689" target="_blank">Organic Cold Process Soapmaking</a><br />
<br />
Friday, October 30<br />
<a href="http://www.backporchsoap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_52&products_id=690" target="_blank">How to Run a Successful Bath and Body Business Seminar</a><br />
<br />
These workshops fill up quickly and it is advised to sign up in advance. We post number of spots left in each workshop on our website. Workshops are held on the Upper West Side of Manhattan with easy access from all parts of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.<br />
<br />
Can't make this series of workshops? Join our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/backporchsoap" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page for upcoming announcements and be sure to sign up for our email newsletter.<br />
<br />
<i>Marla Bosworth has been teaching natural skincare formulating workshops along with running her skincare business, Back Porch Soap Company, for more than 17 years. She has 35 years retail experience and a strong background in market research and marketing.</i>backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-6752696135414875432015-05-03T15:22:00.000-04:002017-02-08T23:58:58.886-05:00Embracing Change and Growth - An Excerpt From My Heart to Yours<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{b81f5e65-1d17-4fa6-bbd9-6d2316204c5a}{154}" paraid="1623804171" style="height: auto; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'segoe ui', tahoma, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_mK2xs4TRcQ4MXMQIZ0qem0rF2b0DoP-4x0qXULTG_qj9FeuPmq4rlcIgmT7QqHIPCs6AzKw281BpqK12R-HL0jziVlyWPC829aeHEmfJfcbh_kmc0pZR5ktMatpQc1XEPDU0_t32uo/s1600/gratitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_mK2xs4TRcQ4MXMQIZ0qem0rF2b0DoP-4x0qXULTG_qj9FeuPmq4rlcIgmT7QqHIPCs6AzKw281BpqK12R-HL0jziVlyWPC829aeHEmfJfcbh_kmc0pZR5ktMatpQc1XEPDU0_t32uo/s1600/gratitude.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br />
</span> <br />
<div style="font-family: 'segoe ui', tahoma, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt;">
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I’m sitting in a life coach</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">’s office </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">in</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> 2000. </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I never imagine</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">d my </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">world</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> would have hit such </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">rock bottom. </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">By choice </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I was in the beginning of what would be a grueling, 12-month process o</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">f a non-amicable divorce.</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> I found</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> myself a single mom of our six-year-old d</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">aughter</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. I was </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">working hard to keep</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">her my number one priority and also </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">keeping my </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">business afloat</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, family bills pa</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">id, selling our house and </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">trying </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">so hard </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">to </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">be a strong mother and keeping our little family safe.</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Truth was, I didn’t know if I was coming or going. I was lost in so many ways.</span><span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri", sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Wrapping up</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> our first hour-long discussion she said</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, “I want you to start thinking about what you are grateful for in your life.” </span><br />
<span style="font-family: segoe ui, tahoma, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Say what? </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Did I hear her correctly? “Did you say you want me to think about what I’m grateful for?” I asked. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: segoe ui, tahoma, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“Yes,” she replied.</span><span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: segoe ui, tahoma, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> “Start with even the smallest thing,” she offered. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: segoe ui, tahoma, verdana, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I reflected on my day and told her that I saw a beautiful sunrise, and love holding a hot mug of coffee on a cold morning and enjoying those first sips.</span><span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span><br /><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Still reluctant, I continued. </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I love to hear my daughter giggle </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">and read these</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> litt</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">le love notes she brings to me,” I confessed.</span><span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span><br />
</div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{b81f5e65-1d17-4fa6-bbd9-6d2316204c5a}{188}" paraid="1974340214" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{b81f5e65-1d17-4fa6-bbd9-6d2316204c5a}{202}" paraid="1528454659" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Surely this </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">life coach</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> would have </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">incredibly wise advice for me</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">She will certainly</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> he</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">lp me turn my world around. </span><br />
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{b81f5e65-1d17-4fa6-bbd9-6d2316204c5a}{208}" paraid="1785563356" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I couldn’t think of much.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{b81f5e65-1d17-4fa6-bbd9-6d2316204c5a}{216}" paraid="1681902278" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">“That’s it, go on,” she encouraged. </span><br />
</div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{b81f5e65-1d17-4fa6-bbd9-6d2316204c5a}{225}" paraid="23022241" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I felt better when I thought about these things and for a moment I forgot about my divorce, the overwhelming feeling of being stuck and the intense depression that I felt circling around me. Instead I felt the joy of being in the moment</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> – like the way my heart felt warm when I thought about those little </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">tiny </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">notes my daughter delivered to me, </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">handwritten and folded into special gifts for me.</span><span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{b81f5e65-1d17-4fa6-bbd9-6d2316204c5a}{227}" paraid="298852480" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{b81f5e65-1d17-4fa6-bbd9-6d2316204c5a}{231}" paraid="2021364782" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Gratitude </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: bold; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Paves the Way for Allowing</span><span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{b81f5e65-1d17-4fa6-bbd9-6d2316204c5a}{233}" paraid="654168520" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{b81f5e65-1d17-4fa6-bbd9-6d2316204c5a}{251}" paraid="2034344543" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Practicing the art of gratitude will gave me </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">a </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">powerful </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">turning point</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> to my life</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">When we tap into gratitude we create a positive mindset and come from a place of abundance, rather from a place of what’s wrong and lacking in our lives. </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">If you’ve never done this before, </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I admit </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">it </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">may</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> feel odd</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> at first. </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">What you’ll notice, however, is the more you practice the more you are allowing</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">this rhythm to begin to flow in your life. You’ll be able to recognize the good, the "light" - even if it is in the smallest kind gestures by others or a glimpse of beauty in nature. And when you begin to approach your life in gratitude, you’ll find blessings showing up at your door unexpectedly.</span><span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{b81f5e65-1d17-4fa6-bbd9-6d2316204c5a}{251}" paraid="2034344543" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{ab2acc67-5c71-4eda-a145-92cc80d45789}{14}" paraid="626806323" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2154037979145920986" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Gratitude and faith helped me through </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">the most</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> difficult time</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> of my life</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. Gratitude was</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> like</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> tiny baby steps, helping me see a glimmer of hope and light in my life. Faith was my rock, as I </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">believe we are guided to </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">our do our greatest good</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> through trials and tribulations. </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Abundance began to flow freely </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">for</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> me in many ways. I now have </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">empathy for others who go through similar painful situations. I can relate. I’ve been there and made it through. So can you.</span><span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{ab2acc67-5c71-4eda-a145-92cc80d45789}{16}" paraid="1802558256" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{ab2acc67-5c71-4eda-a145-92cc80d45789}{41}" paraid="8929868" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">So if you’ve been through a time like this, I </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">tip my hat to</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> you. If you’re in </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">the midst of something similar</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">know that it </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">is a time of personal growth</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. It will become clear</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">er</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> in time. </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">I encourage you to find faith – whatever that may be for you – and </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">begin to </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">take </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">these </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">baby steps </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">of </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">gratitude. Those steps will </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">help </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ground you, </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">keep you living in the moment (away from the what if</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">’</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">s, as well as past and future worries)</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">, and ultimately begin to create the space for abundance in your life.</span><span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{ab2acc67-5c71-4eda-a145-92cc80d45789}{43}" paraid="1347537595" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{ab2acc67-5c71-4eda-a145-92cc80d45789}{51}" paraid="396758402" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Here are </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">five</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> tips to start your personal walk</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">with</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> gratitude:</span><span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
</div>
<div class="SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{ab2acc67-5c71-4eda-a145-92cc80d45789}{53}" paraid="1908053417" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<ol class="NumberListStyle1 SCX187394500" start="1" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; cursor: text; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;">
<li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; color: #0e0e0e; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Calibri,Arial', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{ab2acc67-5c71-4eda-a145-92cc80d45789}{60}" paraid="1020609793" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Begin</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> – </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Make the commitment and </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">tell yourself that you’re going to start.</span><span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{ab2acc67-5c71-4eda-a145-92cc80d45789}{60}" paraid="1020609793" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br />
</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<ol class="NumberListStyle1 SCX187394500" start="2" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; cursor: text; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;">
<li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; color: #0e0e0e; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Calibri,Arial', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{ab2acc67-5c71-4eda-a145-92cc80d45789}{66}" paraid="1529884147" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Get Quiet –</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Early morning or late evenings are the perfect time to slow down, reflect and create awareness.</span><span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{ab2acc67-5c71-4eda-a145-92cc80d45789}{66}" paraid="1529884147" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br />
</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<ol class="NumberListStyle1 SCX187394500" start="3" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; cursor: text; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;">
<li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; color: #0e0e0e; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Calibri,Arial', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{ab2acc67-5c71-4eda-a145-92cc80d45789}{74}" paraid="934521885" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Start Small</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> – What’ </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">s </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">the one thing you’re grateful for today? Keep it simple. Your list will grow from here.</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Notice how you feel when you think about these things that make you grateful. See how long you can keep that feeling – 15 seconds, a minute, an hour, longer?</span><span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{ab2acc67-5c71-4eda-a145-92cc80d45789}{74}" paraid="934521885" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br />
</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<ol class="NumberListStyle1 SCX187394500" start="4" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; cursor: text; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;">
<li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; color: #0e0e0e; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Calibri,Arial', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{ab2acc67-5c71-4eda-a145-92cc80d45789}{86}" paraid="1707893725" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Journal</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> – This is a powerful tool. I found it challenging to get started, but</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> now I journal 4-5 times a week.</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> Most days</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> I can </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">now </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">stay in a state of gratitude for hours. When I fall out of alignment, I simply readjust</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> my thinking</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">. </span><span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{ab2acc67-5c71-4eda-a145-92cc80d45789}{86}" paraid="1707893725" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br />
</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<ol class="NumberListStyle1 SCX187394500" start="5" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; cursor: text; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px;">
<li class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; color: #0e0e0e; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Calibri,Arial', sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{ab2acc67-5c71-4eda-a145-92cc80d45789}{95}" paraid="2083749992" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Notice & Take Note –</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">When you tap into gratitude it </span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">allows for expansion and creating space for new</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ness in your life. J</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="color: #0e0e0e; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">ournal regularly and then to read back over weeks and months to see your progression.</span><span class="EOP SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span><br />
<br /></div>
</li>
</ol>
<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX187394500" style="-webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; margin: 0px 0px 0px 24px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX187394500" paraeid="{ab2acc67-5c71-4eda-a145-92cc80d45789}{105}" paraid="1680772111" style="-webkit-nbsp-mode: normal !important; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; color: windowtext; font-size: 6pt; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Stepping into gratitude can change your life in three ways. First, it will bring you into the present moment – into the Now – and ground you. Second, it will set the stage for expansion in your life as you lay the groundwork for allowing. Lastly, it will bring gifts of abundance and life purpose in ways that you never imagined. Just begin with that one tiny step.</span><br />
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Question: Have you gone through a time in your life where just putting one step in front of the other was all you could handle? If so, what did you find helpful that you can share with others? Are any of you going through these life changes right now? </span></span><br />
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span>
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">Post your comments and I'll be sure to respond.</span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US">~Marla</span></span><br />
<span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><br /></span><span class="TextRun SCX187394500" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" xml:lang="EN-US"><i>Written by Marla Bosworth. Reprinted from The Saponifier Magazine with permission.</i></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com3Jackson, WY, USA43.4799291 -110.7624281999999943.4338376 -110.84310919999999 43.5260206 -110.68174719999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2154037979145920986.post-18378755736129769542014-09-01T19:27:00.000-04:002014-09-01T19:27:08.460-04:00Re-evaluating Your Soap and Cosmetic Business<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 5.5in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9boPPMZw8Ocd8f2YGZonIg_UVfh0gdhQdjmxRsQrKm-t4_VDtiNwurXJvTn-y-eoWgqyE1gO6S2nHuOuVJia5m26Xf-N9pVHPmgKRxMmMvuWdeurFC0oxSFuphVZFXfSiR0VMUYl7J4A/s1600/Evaluate+business.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9boPPMZw8Ocd8f2YGZonIg_UVfh0gdhQdjmxRsQrKm-t4_VDtiNwurXJvTn-y-eoWgqyE1gO6S2nHuOuVJia5m26Xf-N9pVHPmgKRxMmMvuWdeurFC0oxSFuphVZFXfSiR0VMUYl7J4A/s1600/Evaluate+business.jpg" height="269" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you are a handmade soap and cosmetic product maker who is in the process of re-evaluating your business you're not alone. There are a lot of business owners re-evaluating their businesses this year. It's a common situation for small business owners - and if you are finding yourself in this predicament know that you are not alone. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 5.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops: 5.5in;">
Some small business owners are dealing with life challenges and unsure how or
whether to keep their business afloat. Others are unaware of their business’
profitability and coming to terms with getting honest and real about financials
or closing their doors. You might know someone going through something similar
right now. Or that person might be you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just to be clear, I’m not referring to everyday challenges
that are part of being an entrepreneur. I’m talking about life challenges that
rattle you to the core and stop you dead in your tracks. These struggles might
be with family members, health matters, personal finances, blinders on business
finances and/or a business that no longer serving you and your needs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I went through my own personal struggles back in 2001 when I
was a divorced, single mom trying to keep my business afloat. There were days
when I didn’t know if I should give up or continue the fight. But re-evaluating
my business and pinpointing my strategies helped me made decisions to reshape
my life and business. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For some entrepreneurs, the choice to close a business is
the right move. Every situation is different. My challenges brought out the
fighter in me. Either way, there is no wrong answer – only the right answer for
you. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Re-evaluating<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was recently talking with another entrepreneur and she made
an interesting point of how many people launch a business for one reason – because
it fits into their current lifestyle and vision for the future. But when vision
and/or lifestyle change, there becomes a need for personal assessment to evaluate
whether the business still fits into the plan. Her point may sound obvious, but
I think we all need to hear it over and over again. Ask yourself “Is my
business serving my needs and my dreams?” It make take some time for the truth
to reveal itself. Be honest.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s look at some reasons you may have started your
business. We’ll call this the “then” moment:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Drawn to Entrepreneurship</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Flexible Hours</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Convenience of Working from Home</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">New Business Replaced a Lost Job</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Extra Income</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Sole Income</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Enjoying Creativity and Making Product</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>Now let’s look at common curveballs that could change the
way your business is no longer working for you. I’m not implying that these are
the sole reason(s) to quit your business. More on this in a moment. We’ll call
this the “now” moment. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are any of these going on in your life:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Hobby Turned to Business – Now What?</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Financial Problems</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Divorce</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Death of Loved One</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Aging Parents Who Need More of Your Time</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Children Who Need More of Your Time</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Forced to Move/Loss of Workspace</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Layoff from Primary Job/Income</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Not Sure If Your Business is Profitable</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Other Opportunities Are Beckoning You</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Determining the distance between “then” and “now”:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Does the reason you started your business still
resonate?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">What has changed between the “then” and “now”?
How big is the gap?</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Are there other opportunities that excite you
more than your soap business?</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Can those opportunities be combined with your
soap business?</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Does your business no longer serve you?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Is your business no longer profitable?</span> </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next, ask yourself what solution(s) can you put in place to
help you keep your business? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Does it make sense to put these solutions in
place vs. closing your business? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This may not be a quick answer, but hopefully
it will start a thought process within you to gain insight into whether you should
move forward in your business or think about new opportunities instead.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Look to Strategy for Simpler
Problems<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes problems that seem insurmountable can be easily
fixed. For example, if you need more time in your life, perhaps you are trying
to do too much yourself. Can you afford to hire employees? If you’re not sure
about your business’ finances and bottom line then that’s an easy fix. You need
to hire an accountant or learn Quickbooks to determine the profitability of
your business – sooner than later. Or perhaps you’re burned out? Get clear on
your reason for burnout by taking a few days off and getting away for a fresh
approach. Determine what is causing burnout. Boredom? Overworking? Reach out to
a mentor to give you insight in how you can change up your outlook and business
operations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Often it is
too easy to think about the “right-now” aspect of our business, because we only
see the results immediately in front of us. But what about the big picture? Do
you have that big picture for your business as well as long-term goals? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .25in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Spend time for
a few days envisioning what you want for your business. Where would you like to
take it? What is your plan from taking it from here to there? Set goals and
then develop an action plan to turn them into reality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Advice on Moving Forward</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If your wounds are new (such as divorce or death) it may be
time to put your business on hold to care for yourself or a family member. Maybe
you’ve already come to terms with closing your business, but open to starting a
new venture either at a later time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
For some soapmakers, talking about your business challenges
to a mentor is all you need to get you and your business back on track. Be sure
to consult with those who are in the industry or have solid business background
and are themselves successful, not someone just giving lip service. When you
ask for advice, listen. Be open to constructive criticism that can ultimately
lead your business to success.<br />
<br />
Lastly, put your ego aside to make decisions about your
business. Forget what others might think. Forget how it all “might look.” This
is about being honest about how your business is affecting the quality of your
life. Closing a business is not about failure. It’s about making a decision
that is right for you. Most importantly, it’s not a an end, it’s the beginning
of new dreams, opportunities and ventures.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What are ways you have re-evaluated your business? What decisions and actions did you find helpful?</div>
backporchsoaphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08661523111553693136noreply@blogger.com3Jackson, WY, USA43.4799291 -110.7624281999999943.4338376 -110.84310919999999 43.5260206 -110.68174719999999