The Bonnie Bath Co.

We're Moving

2011-06-02T09:35:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note to let you all know that we are relocating from FL to NC in just over a week. We will be temporarily closing as we pack our products up for the move. Once there and settled we will reopen by July 1st at the latest. And we will offer a discount code right here on our blog to celebrate our big move.

The Bonnie Bath Co. - Natural, handmade bath and body

New Packaging Reveal - Milk and Honey Lotion

2011-03-29T14:55:00.000-04:00

Check out our new labeling and packaging for our lotions. Lotions come in our 7 most popular scents with an occassional limited edition scent now packaged in 8 oz Boston round bottles with convenient pump.

Exotic Amber

French Lavender
Lemon Lavender

Wild Irish Rose
Rosemary Lemongrass

Orange Peel

Mint and Nettle

We are currently overhauling our website, but you can still order while we get everything up and running. We are also still on Etsy.

Click here to shop for lotions at The Bonnie Bath Co.

Click here to shop on Etsy

New Look Coming Soon

2011-03-05T17:18:00.004-05:00

We are working on a complete overhaul of our company. Over the years, we have watched trends, tracked sales, and analyzed various aspects of our business. Now we have decided to make some refinements.

First, our packaging will change. Lotions, bath oils, and other liquids will all come in a clear Boston round bottle with pump dispenser in an 8 oz size. Our bath salts and milks will both be offered in clear milk bottles with wide mouth for easy pouring, also in an 8 oz size. And our scrubs and whipped butters will come in clear round smooth wall jars in an 8 oz size. Our lip balms, candles, and other solids will remain in metal tins.

Next, our labeling will be updated. While we do like our black and ivory toile design, we feel it’s time for a change – a RADICAL change! While we await our first shipment of newly designed, professionally printed labels, we are not going to reveal them just yet. We will give you a hint - our banner above is the style of our new look. Think vintage, modern, and bold color.

Finally, we’ll have a big reveal of our new look with lots of fun games and prizes you won’t want to miss. Be sure to stay tuned for more updates and, of course, new product photos.

In the meantime, tell us what you think of our new blog design.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

And the Winners Are....

2010-12-02T12:18:00.003-05:00

Thanks for participating in our Cyber Monday Giveaways...

Now the moment you have been waiting for...the winning names...names were drawn randomly for each prize.

Prize #1 - Patrice wins one 6oz apothecary candle in her choice of scent.

Prize #2 - Jordan wins 5 Celtic soaps in choice of scents.

Prize #3 - K wins a Gingerbread gift set.

Congratulations! The winners are responsible for emailing me at BonnieBath@bellsouth.net with your address to claim prizes. Please contact me within one week.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Naural, handmade bath and body

Black Friday- Cyber Monday Giveaways and Coupon Code

2010-11-28T09:31:00.005-05:00

I promised some giveaways this weekend, and it seems I have been so busy that I have forgotten to post them. Shame on me! Well better late than never, right?

Let's see, how about 3 giveaways. To enter, just tell how you spent your Black Friday weekend - visiting, shopping, decorating, etc. - by posting below. You must post by Midnight, Monday, Nov. 29th. I will randomly select names, one for each prize, and post winners right here, so be sure to check back.

Prize #1

One 6 ounce candle in apothecary style jar in your choice of scent: Gingerbread, Farmhouse Cider, Spiced Cranberry, Autumn Harvest or Pumpkin Bread.

Prize #2
Any 5 Celtic soaps - choose from 16 scents and 12 designs (see our Etsy shop)

Prize #3
One Gingerbread Holiday Set - includes a plaid gingerbread man soap, jar of gingerbread man shaped sugar scrubs, and a gingerbread candle in a tin all in a beautiful candy cane gift box.

Our entire shop is on sale!! Be sure to check it out. And for all of you blog readers, enjoy an extra 10% off your order, excluding sales tax and shipping, now through Cyber Monday (Nov. 29th) using this code: BFCMBLOG

Good luck and thanks for reading!

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural, handmade bath and body

And the Winner Is....

2010-11-13T13:41:00.004-05:00

Since only 3 people took a moment to post a comment (or in Diane's case, email a comment) for the Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrubs contest, I've decided that all three are winners and will receive 1 jar of these cute little pumkin shaped sugar scrubs sent to them right away.

Congratulations...

Diane P
Tracy H.

Julie L.

Please email me your address at bonniebath@bellsouth.net and I will send your sugar scrubs right away.

Stay tuned! We will be giving away individual products, gift sets, and more now through Christmas, especially buring the Black Friday through Cyber Monday weekend. Lots of new products are coming out including magical kids products and seasonal goodies.

Join our mailing list for special coupon codes! Just email us!

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

Veteran's Day

2010-11-11T11:18:00.001-05:00

This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.

~Elmer Davis

Thank you, Veterans, for your sacrifice.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath & body

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub Pumpkins and Contest

2010-11-03T10:02:00.007-04:00

This limited edition sugar scrubs made with organic cane sugar and skin nourishing oils in a seasonal pumpkin spice scent are shaped like little pumpkins. You simply take 1/2 to one whole pumpkin in the shower, moisten it to get it soft and scrub over the body. Rinse and follow a normal bathing routine.

Now for the contest... Win one jar of these little pumpkins by posting here. Tell us your favorite part of the fall season by Friday, November 12th. We will randomly pick a winner and notify them here on the blog. All are welcome to enter...we will ship anywhere in the world.

Want more chances to win? You can post this contest on Facebook, Twitter, or your own blog to earn extra entries. Just leave us a link. This is not a requirement to enter, but you could have up to 4 entries by helping us promote this contest.

Good luck! And thanks for following our blog.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body

New Autumn Soy Candles in 12 oz Jars

2010-10-10T17:23:00.003-04:00

Try our new 12 oz soy candles in lovely glass jars with flat lids in your favorite autumn scents - $14 each, a fraction of the cost of store bought candles with the same long lasting scent and quality. Click on the photos to read more or purchase.

Pumpkin Bread

Spiced Cranberry

Gingerbread

Farmhouse Cider

Autumn Harvest

Not shown are Orange Pomander and Pumpkin Spice. We will also offer these same candles in smaller sizes.

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural, handmade bath and body

Plaid Pumpkin Soaps

2010-09-30T09:24:00.004-04:00

We have plaid pumpkin soaps this fall made with goats milk and shea butter. They come in 6 different scents, two soaps of the same scent in a set.

Autumn Harvest
Pumpkin Pie
Gingerbread
Farmhouse Cider
Spiced Cranberry
Orange Pomander

For more information click here. Matching candles and gift sets coming soon.

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural, handmade bath and body

Treasury Feature - Summer Citrus

2010-06-18T22:06:00.004-04:00

Here's another Etsy treasury with one of our products. This curator used a very pretty color palette. You can see our Celtic soap in the 2nd row.

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural, handmade bath and body products

Sweet Summer Sale - 25-40% Off Everything

2010-06-13T12:16:00.002-04:00

We are having a HUGE sale for summer. All items are being marked down by 25-40%. Now's the time to stock up on your favorite products, or even begin your early Christmas shopping to save money. We are making room for some new products, but not until we lighten our stock of current items. Products are added daily to our Etsy shop (click here) and reflect the sale prices.

All SOAPS are $4 (40% off)

All BATH SALTS are 25% off

All CANDLES are $5 (30% off)

All BATH TEAS are $4 (30% off)

All GIFT SETS (excluding shaving sets) are 30% off

All LIP BALMS are $3 (25% off)

More items to be listed. Bath Bombs will be 30% off. Bath and Massage Oils will be 40% off. Lotions will be 25% off. And more, so keep checking back.

Plus, if you purchased an item from us that's not listed that you would like, just let me know. We probably have it and just haven't had a chance to relist it.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body products

Etsy Treasury Features

2010-06-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

We've been featured on two Etsy tresuries recently. The first is one with our Father's Day shaving set (top row). The second is of our lavender bath salts (bottom row).

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body products

Father's Day Shaving Gift Set

2010-06-06T19:17:00.004-04:00

We've finally posted our Shaving Set for Father's Day on Etsy (click here). The shaving soap is unscented and made with goat's milk, shea butter, and betonite clay providing a slick surface for a close shave while moisturizing the skin. It comes with a dark wood shaving soap container and matching natural boar's bristle shaving brush all in a beautiful pistachio and chocolate box with ribbon. Dads love to be pampered, too.

We can make a custom gift set for Dad if you prefer. Just email us at bonniebath@bellsouth.net.

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural, handmade bath and body products

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T00:33:00.001-04:00

Memorial Day Poem – In Flanders Field
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Memorial Day is a day for remembering fallen soldiers. While we remember members of our own families that have fought for the freedom of this country, we should also think of all those that have sacrificed their lives for the red, white and blue, from world wars to foreign wars to civil war. And just as we think of those that have fallen, we should also thank all of those that have sacrificed portions of their lives, selflessly fighting for our freedom. Thank you and may you be blessed abundantly for your contributions to our country.

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Honey Recipes for Beauty

2010-05-18T20:33:00.004-04:00

Honey and Vanilla Bath Oil

1 1/2 cups sweet almond oil
1/2 cup honey
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon juice

Slightly warm the honey so it's easier to pour. Place oil in a bowl. Add other ingredients and mix. Place in a colored bottle with tight filling lid. Add a small amount to your bath.

Honey Conditioner

1 tsp honey
1 egg
2 tsp oilive oil

Mix ingredients together. Massage into hair. Wrap head with plastic wrap and a warm towel and leave for 30 minutes. Rinse, then shampoo as usual.

Oatmeal and Honey Facial Scrub

1/2 cup oatmeal
2 tbsp honey
1 ripe banana

Mix ingredient to form a paste. Massage over face avoiding eyes. Leave on for 5 minutes. Wash off with warm water and a soft cloth.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body products

Fresh Spring Treasury

2010-04-15T20:32:00.004-04:00

Here's a treasury featuring our Wild Irish Rose Soy Candle. Isn't it a pretty treasury?

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body products

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T18:58:00.004-04:00

Irish Blessings

May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.

May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

May you always have work for your hands to do.
May your pockets hold always a coin or two.
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane.
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain.
May the hand of a friend always be near you.
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

May you live a long life
Full of gladness and health,
With a pocket full of gold
As the least of you wealth.
May the dreams you hold dearest,
Be those which come true,
The kindness you spread,
Keep returning to you.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural, handmade bath and body products

Join Us at the St. Patrick's Day Irish Festival

2010-03-08T11:31:00.003-05:00

We will be selling our products at the St. Patrick's Day Irish Festival hosted by the Emerald Society of South Florida on Saturday, March 13th from 12-6pm in Coral Gables, FL. Besides our soaps and other great vendors, there will be pipe bands, Irish food and crafts, Irish dancers, bands, and more. Sounds like great fun!

We'd love to see you, if you're in the area. Mention this blog and recieve 10% off your entire order at the event.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body products

Our Hearts Go Out to Chile

2010-03-07T15:48:00.001-05:00

Boy if it's not one catastrophe it's another. Haiti's suffering continues and another country is plunged into disaster.

As you know, Chile suffered an 8.8 magnitude earthquake last weekend, tied for a record 5th strongest earthquake since 1900. 1.5 million people are displaced, hundreds dead, and a long road to recovery after bridges, buildings, and homes collapse. Thankfully, Chile's government, building codes, and economy are stronger than that of Haiti's, but that doesn't change the fact that Chile must now begin to come to terms with this devastation, death, and loss of normality.

Therefore, Chileans are in our hearts. There is not much more I can say, but know we care and many of us will be doing what little we can to ease your pain and suffering. Stand strong and hang on.

On a side note, the world should not let their guard down. This began with the massive tsunami caused by an earthquake in the ocean near Indonesia in 2004. When pressure in plates builds up in one area and is quickly released as an earthquake, it applies added pressure to other plates in the world. The pressure will only dissipate with more earthquakes. And it has, in Pakistan, Haiti, and Chile. My guess would be to watch the west coast of North America next, followed by future quakes in East Asia. There is not much we can do to prepare, but we shouldn't let our guard down for the next few years.

Honey Remedies for Skin Conditions

2010-02-24T09:00:00.004-05:00

You'll find some great recipes for skin conditions using honey. Please remember, these recipes should not replace a doctor's advice.

Sunburn
4 tsp beeswax
4 tsp honey
2 tsp aloe vera

Place ingredients in a warmed bowl. Stir well. You may need to place the bowl in hot water so the wax melts. Place in a clean jar for storage. Gently apply to skin to soothe sunburn as needed.

Cuts and Abrasions
1 tsp honey
1 q-tip
Band-aid or bandages

Gently clean cut. Apply honey with a q-tip. Bandage as usual.

Burns
1 tsp honey
sterilized gauze
tape

Spread honey on gauze. Apply the gauze to the burn and wrap securely and tape.

Dry Skin
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp plain yogurt
3 tbsp ground oatmeal

Mix the ingredients to a paste. Apply gently to affected area and leave for 5 minutes. Wash off with warm water, followed by a cool water rinse.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body products

Honey Recipes for Health

2010-02-24T09:00:00.001-05:00

Here are some useful honey recipes for your health. These recipes should not take the place of a doctor's advice.

Sore Throats
Drink tea with honey and lemon added to your taste. Or try this recipe.
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tbsp honey

Mix together in a mug. Fill mug with hot water and sip.

Asthma and Hay Fever
Take 1 tsp local honey once per day to boost immunity and prevent asthma. This should not be used to stop an asthma attack. Use an emergency inhaler.

For hay fever, start taking daily doses of local bee pollen 6 weeks before allergy season and continue throughout the season.

Insomnia
1 tsp honey
a few mint leaves
1 cup chamomile tea

Add honey and mint to tea. Allow leaves to soak, then remove before drinking. Sip the tea before going to bed in the evening.

Morning Sickness
1 tsp honey
1 tsp ginger root, peeled and sliced
bran (or water if sickness is severe)

Mix honey and ginger in a bowl. Add the bran and eat as a cereal.

Weight Loss Promotion
1 tsp honey
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Mix in a cup. Add boiling water and stir. Allow to cool a bit before drinking.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body products

Ingredient Profile - Honey in Soaps, Lotions and Bath Products

2010-02-23T11:08:00.004-05:00

Honey is said to be liquid gold fit for the gods and goddesses. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which nourish the skin. Honey is high in vitamin C, some B vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid, as well as minerals such as potassium. Besides being great for sore throats, respiratory problems, digestion, and stress, it is perfect for skin care.

Honey contains powerful antioxidants which help fight free radicals and reverse aging. It is also a well known antibacterial and antifungal agent. It helps disinfect and speed the healing process in wounds, scrapes and burns. A 1999 study conducted by the University of Wales Institute found that unpasteurized honey produced an antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacteria found readily in our environment that can cause infections, especially in open wounds.

Honey is rich and thick, making it an effective moisturizer. Like other humectants, it binds moisture to the skin and helps it stay hydrated, not only smoothing dry, rough, wrinkled skin, but also making skin supple and plumping up wrinkles. Honey is a valuable moisturizer for your face as well as your body.

We use honey in many of our products. Besides our oatmeal and honey soap, salts, and bath bombs, honey has been included in our lotions, and honey powder has been added to all of our herbal bath teas and milk baths. Sometimes, we use honey to add flavor to lip balms. Honey powder is natural honey that has been spray dried into a fine powder. It is used in our dry products and attracts the dirt from skin pores and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, cleansing and softening as you bathe.

We also use beeswax in many products, but that will be discussed in another post. Our powdered honey comes from one of our suppliers, but our honey and beeswax come from local honey farms.

In the next few posts, we will include countless ways to use honey at home for both beauty and health.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body products

Soy Candles and Herbal Bath Teas

2010-02-16T23:11:00.005-05:00

Sneak peek of some more of our products that we are finally getting listed on our Etsy shop. Soy candles in 6oz tins and herbal bath teas in a variety of scents.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body products

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

A Red, Red Rose

O my luve's like a red, red rose.
That's newly sprung in June;
O my luve's like a melodie
That's sweetly play'd in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will love thee still, my Dear,
Till a'the seas gang dry.

Till a' the seas gang dry, my Dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun:
I will luve thee still, my Dear,
While the sands o'life shall run.

And fare thee weel my only Luve!
And fare thee weel a while!
And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho' it were ten thousand mile!
- Robert Burns

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Natural, handmade bath and body products

Goat's Milk Facial Recipes

2010-02-11T09:00:00.001-05:00

Here’s a recipe you can try at home from Meyenberg, which can be found at a grocery or health food store.

Goat's Milk Facial

1 heaping teaspoon of ground almonds–pulverized to the consistency of corn meal.
2 level teaspoons of MEYENBERG® Powdered Goat Milk
A few drops of warm water sufficient water to make a smooth paste

Apply to face and neck. Massage gently to cleanse and exfoliate. Let dry for 5 or 6 minutes. Gently rinse and gently pat dry.

And here's a another goat's milk recipe for a facial scrub.

Goat's Milk Facial Scrub

1/4 cup organic oats
1/4 cup sliced raw almonds
goat's milk

In food processor, grind your oats and almonds until powder like. Next add just enough goat's milk to form a thick paste. Apply to your face and neck, gently massaging, and leave on for 5-6 minutes. Rinse with luke-warm water and gently pat dry.

The Bonnie Bath Co. http://www.bonniebath.com
Natural, handmade bath and body products

We're Helping to Clean the World

2010-02-10T09:00:00.001-05:00

That's right, we're helping to clean the world. We recently donated over 30 pounds of soap (that's over 70 bars of soap) to Clean the World (click here to read more). They are a non-profit organization that accepts lightly used soap from hotels or less than perfect looking soaps from businesses (you know, the kind I put on sale at events). They sterilize the soap, and or rebatch it, package them into small bars of soap, and ship them around the globe in an effort to bring better hygeine to prevent the spread of disease in less fortunate countries. They also work in conjunction with another organization providing jobs to people in special care groups.

Right now, they are shipping all of their soap to Haiti, as the need is so great. We hope that our small contribution can help the quality (and length) of life to those in need.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body products

Ingredient Profile - Goat's Milk in Soaps, Lotions and Bath Products

2010-02-09T15:00:00.004-05:00

Goat's Milk is one of our favorite natural ingredients. We use it in soaps, lotions, milk baths, bath bombs, and more. Nothing beats its creamy, richness for the skin.

Goat's milk nourishes the skin. It contains vitamins A, C, E and some B vitamins, along with amino acids, enzymes, unsaturated fatty acids, citric acid and zinc. It also contains glycerin, which manufacturers use as a moisturizer in lotion. Glycerin is naturally found in goat's milk and in handmade soap.

Goat's milk products are alkaline with a low pH, close to the pH of human skin. This aids in moisturizing the skin and and delivering nutrients. Additionally, goat's milk soap contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid commonly included in skin rejuvenation products. Alpha hydroxy acid helps slough off dead skin cells, leaving smooth new cells at the surface. Besides ridding the skin or dryness, alpha hydroxy aids in preventing wrinkles.

Goat's Milk is completely natural. We get our Goat's Milk from a Florida farm that cares for the goats humanely and allows the goats to roam free and graze on grass. Goat's Milk reduces the possibility of skin irritation and allergic reactions. Many people with eczema, psoriasis, and other sensitive skin issues can use goat's milk soap without any problems. It is safe for adults, children, and babies.

The Bonnie Bath Co.
Natural, handmade bath and body products

Repost from Aug 2009.

Limited Edition Valentine Bath and Body Sets

2010-01-28T14:03:00.004-05:00

Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching, and we have some limited edition gift sets available on Etsy and Artfire for the occassion. Just use the side bar photos to enter our shops. Most sets feature a limited edition Celtic heart soap. We only have a few of these.

Fields of Lavender Bath and Body Valentine Gift Set for Her - features a lovely reusable chocolate brown and pink striped box containing a Celtic heart soap, aromatherapy bath/massage oil, and soy candle in a tin.

Shaving Valentine Gift Set for Him - features old-fashioned shaving set in a reusable chocolate brown and pink striped box containing a natural shaving soap, a soap container with lid, and shaving brush.

Valentine Celtic Heart Soap Sets - features 3 natural glycerin Celtic heart soaps in a clear heart shaped box. Sets come in different scents. These fun sets can be given to teens and kids as well.

We make custom gift sets as well. Feel free to email us at bonniebath@bellsouth.net with your request, or contact us thru Etsy or Artfire.

FOR OUR BLOG FOLLOWERS: 10% off any boxed GIFT SET in our shop, including custom sets $18 and over before shipping and sales tax. Use the following code at checkout: ValentineBlog. You may need to put the code in a message to seller. Code expires Feb. 10th.

Our Hearts Go Out to Haiti

2010-01-24T18:23:00.002-05:00

I usually place some sort of memorial on this blog for tragedies, and Haiti is no exception. Words cannot express the unfathomable suffering this country must face. Between the massive death toll, the endless injuries and amputations, and the destruction of a city, it is hard to tell a country to hold on and you will get through this. Since words fail me, simply know I care.

On a slightly personal note, I had the opportunity of getting to know my neighbors directly across the street from my home under the most tragic of circumstances. I live in Boca Raton, FL where a number of Lynn University students set off to Haiti to do humanitarian work. The earthquake struck the Montana Hotel in Haiti and 4 young girls and two professors went missing. The others in the group were safely returned home.

My neighbor is Courtney Hayes, one of the students that did not survive the earthquake. She left a mourning family and fiancee. Although her body has not yet returned home, her parents informed my husband that a Navy seal found a lifeless body in her crumbled hotel room. She is believed to have died instantly. Although, I knew this girl merely with hellos, I can't help but be broken hearted for the young man left alone across the street.

To all those lost to this earthquake, may you rest in peace. To all those suffering in this catastrophic tragedy, may you find peace.

South Florida Scottish Festival

2010-01-12T22:58:00.004-05:00

Well we didn't do too well at the South Florida Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Not because of our products, they actually sold well considering no one came to the event. You see, here's the situation. Down here in sunny S. FL, the one day of our festival took place looked like this...

Felt like this...

At one point, I thought I had developed this (it was a false alarm)...

Which all led to this...

Floridians don't really own warm clothes. In fact, last year was the first time I owned a jacket since grade school. So when you pair steady rain with temps in the 30's with a wind chill leading to temps feeling like they are in the 20's, you will only get the most die hard of Scottish festival fans - not many. We did have some fun, met some great people, and walked away with enough money to cover our vendor and advertising fees. I will chock that up as a success considering when I showed up, I thought there was no way I could sell anything.

Homemade Cleaning Product Recipes - Part 3

2010-01-06T10:00:00.001-05:00

Laundry Detergent

2.5 oz grated bar soap (use your scraps)
1 cup borax
1 cup washing soda

Mix. Use ½ cup of mixture per load.

Lime Deposits (tea and coffee pots)
½ cup vinegar
2 cups hot water

Allow to soak. Rinse with water.

Mold/Mildew Remover (Recipe 1)

1 part hydrogen peroxide
2 parts water

Mix, place in spray bottle, and use directly on mold. Allow to sit for 1 hour and rinse.

Mold/Mildew Remover (Recipe 2)

lemon juice OR vinegar

Apply directly on mold using a spray bottle.
Allow to sit, then rinse clean.

Toilet Bowl Cleaner

1 cup borax
½ cup lemon juice

Pour into bowl. Allow to sit for a few minutes. Scrub with brush and rinse.

Window Cleaner

2 tsp vinegar
4 cups warm water

Use a cotton cloth to apply to windows, buffing streaks.

There are many other combinations and useful tips for cleaning using natural ingredients. A quick search on the Internet will provide countless other recipe variations.

Homemade Cleaning Product Recipes - Part 2

2010-01-05T10:00:00.003-05:00

Dishwasher Soap

1 part borax
1 part washing soda

Use 2 tbsp of mixture per load. Use vinegar as a rinse agent.

Disinfectant

2 tsp borax
4 tbsp vinegar
3 cups hot water

Apply with a dampened cloth.

Floor Cleaner

1 cup vinegar
1 gal hot water

Apply with a damp cloth or mop.

Furniture Polish (Recipe 1)

3-4 drops lemon essential oil
½ cup warm water

Apply with damp cloth. Then buff with a soft, dry cloth.

Furniture Polish (Recipe 2)

¾ cup flax seed oil
¼ cup beeswax
1 tsp lemon essential oil

Melt wax and oil. Allow to slightly cool, add lemon essential oil. Pour into a tin or jar to solidify. Apply a thin layer to wood in circular motions, then wipe clean with a soft, dry cloth.

More recipes to follow.

Homemade Cleaning Product Recipes - Part 1

2010-01-04T10:00:00.001-05:00

All-Purpose Cleaner

½ cup vinegar
½ cup baking soda
½ gallon water

Mix and use to clean bathroom and kitchen surfaces, including tile, fixtures, windows, and mirrors.

Bathroom Cleaner

1 cup baking soda
1 cup borax
1 cup washing soda
2 tbsp liquid soap
1-2 tbsp lemon OR tea tree essential oil

Mix dry ingredients. Add liquid soap essential oil and blend well. Wet surface and sprinkle a small amount of powder. Gently scour surface with a damp cloth. Rinse well. Do not use on fiberglass or metal.

Carpet Stain Remover

1 part vinegar
1 part water

Mix, place in spray bottle, and use directly on stain. Allow to sit for a few minutes and clean with a soft cloth with warm, soapy water.

More recipes to follow.

Cleaning the Home

2010-01-03T10:00:00.001-05:00

Natural home care products are typically made with inexpensive ingredients and are very easy to make. Some of these products include window cleaner, furniture polish, laundry and dishwasher detergent, and more. These products are excellent cleaners, sometimes more effective than harsher chemical versions. They are also eco-friendly and gentler on the environment than store brand chemical cleaners. Most are non-toxic and safer to use than chemical products. When cleaning, you should still wear rubber gloves for your protection.

Cleaning the Home

The top ingredients for cleaning naturally:

· Baking soda . Used to clean, deodorize and scrub surfaces. It rinses well and is non-toxic.
· Borax . Used to clean, deodorize, and disinfect. Can be used on painted surfaces.
· Citric Acid . Used for de-scaling shower heads, faucets, and more. Use with care.
· Cornstarch . Used to clean windows and carpets and polish furniture. Non-toxic.
· Essential Oils . Some oils disinfect, kill bacteria, freshen, and even repel pests.
· Lemon Juice . Kills bacteria, cuts grease, deodorizes, and freshens. Non-toxic.
· Hydrogen Peroxide . Natural bleaching, disinfects, removes stains, and is non-toxic.
· Isopropyl Alcohol . Disinfects. Use with care.
· Soap . Used to clean almost anything. Non toxic.
· Washing soda . Cuts grease, removes stains, and cleans bathroom and kitchen surfaces. Use with care.
· White vinegar . Cuts grease, sanitizes, deodorizes, and removes stains and mildew. Non-toxic.

Homemade cleaning recipes to follow.

Upcoming Scottish Festival

2010-01-02T10:00:00.001-05:00

Since many of our soap designs are Celtic and our scents are Celtic-inspired, we typically sell our products at Scottish and Irish festivals. Our first festival of the new year is in our own area - The South Florida Scottish Festival and Highland Games.

We would love to see some of you at our highland games on Saturday, January 9, 2010 from 9 am to 7:30 pm. If you mention our blog at the festival, receive 10% off your entire order (before tax).

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T20:42:00.002-05:00

Wishing you health, peace, prosperity and happiness in the new year!

The Bonnie Bath Co.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-24T16:40:00.004-05:00

Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday

and happy new year!

Etsy Treasury Feature

2009-12-17T23:55:00.003-05:00

Our plaid soaps were included in another Etsy treasury. Lovely, fun colors! There are some really interesting products featured here. Take a peek. :-)

And the Winner Is....

2009-12-12T12:18:00.003-05:00

We have a winner for our giveaway.

Audrey's Country Crafts

will receive one set of 2 guest size plaid Christmas soaps and a matching soy candle tin in her favorite scent: Winter Wonderland, Home for the Holidays, Cranberry Fig, or Frasier Fir.

Audrey, please contact me at bonniebath@bellsouth.net with your scent selection and address and I will get your prize out to you right away.

Don't worry everyone! I will have more giveaways, specials, discounts, articles, recipes, and more. Stay tuned!

Winter Frost Etsy Treasury

2009-12-07T22:32:00.006-05:00

Our Sweet Jasmine bath salts are shown in the upper right corner of this Etsy treasury entitled "Winter Frost." One picture is missing, apparently a known Etsy bug, but the overall theme can easily be observed.

Giveaway - Holiday Soaps and Candles

2009-12-03T15:18:00.003-05:00

It's a Holiday Giveaway for our followers. We are giving away one set of our new Plaid Christmas guest soaps in your choice of scents - Frasier Fir, Home for the Holidays, Cranberry Fig, or Winter Wonderland with a matching 6 oz soy candle tin.

2 Guest Soaps in a Red Organza Bag

6 oz Soy Candle in Tin (shown here in Jasmine)
May be red, green or white depending on chosen scent.

What do you need to do to enter? First follow our blog through a newsfeed like Google Reader or select the Follow widget on the side bar. Then post a hello telling us you are a follower and want to win. Invite friends to follow us for extra chances to win. Just post an additional comment for each friend that follows us that was referred by you.

Deadline to enter is December 10, 2009 at 11pm. We will randomly choose a lucky winner and you'll receive your prize by Christmas. Start posting your comments now!!

PS: I've fixed the posting issue, so you should have no problem posting a comment now.

New Plaid Soaps

2009-12-03T13:16:00.002-05:00

New plaid soaps for the holidays. Check out our new Christmas Plaid Soaps on our Etsy shop (click here) in Frasier Fir, Home for the Holidays, Winter Wonderland, and Cranberry Fig. New gold and silver plaid coming soon.

Our soaps are featured in this lovely Etsy treasury. Everyone's products are just amazing. I'm honored to be included.

SALE Black Friday - Cyber Monday

2009-11-27T19:55:00.003-05:00

Don’t miss our sale Black Friday through Cyber Monday, Nov. 27th-30th. Free shipping on all orders $75 or more. Lots of items on sale. www.etsy.com/shop/bonniebath or http://www.artfire.com/users/BonnieBath.
The Bonnie Bath Co. products include cold-process soaps, bath salts, lotions, bath teas, bath melts & bombs, sachets, body butters and creams, bath & massage oils, milk baths, body scrubs, candles and specialty items for children and our gentle Wee Bonnie Baath baby line. Scents include: Mountain Heather, Fields of Lavender, Wild Irish Rose, Brigid’s Amber, Sweet Jasmine, Lemon Lavender, Orange Blossom, Scotch Pine and Whisky, Oatmeal, Milk & Honey, Wildewood Mint and Nettle, Celtic Sea Mist, Irish Cream, Guinness Spice, Fresh Irish Moss, Highland Fling, and more.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T22:07:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Celtic Treasures from Etsy

2009-11-19T18:29:00.003-05:00

It's time to think about the holidays. Our gift guide is almost ready and will be mailed shortly. If you are not already on our mailing list, please email me and I will make sure you are placed on it. Our website is in the final stages of production. We have new items coming out soon, including solid perfumes, shaving soaps and accessories, Tartan soaps, and magical kids products. And we have listed many of our products on Etsy and Artfire.

Here is a treasury on Etsy featuring Celtic designs. Our soaps are in the center surrounded by some amazing products for the Scots, Irish, and Welsh, or anyone that loves Celtic wares. Enjoy!

Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T18:15:00.004-05:00

Freedom is Not Free
by Ashley Persyn

There is a price we pay for freedom
For it is not truly free
But rather paid for by the contributions of veterans
To buy our liberty

As their blood drains from their body and runs like a river through the grass
Over the years it's forgotten, war is placed in our past
I don't think we all realize the importance veterans play
as they voluntarily serve America each and every day

We should honor the veterans for they act like a shield
Protecting us from danger, keeping America healed.
So if you would take a second to commemorate
You will instantly see
We owe veterans our gratitude
For they are the reason we are free

Etsy and Artfire Shops Are Up

2009-11-11T18:02:00.006-05:00

Our website is almost finished. As part of our promotional campaign, we have also opened shops on Etsy and Artfire. Have you been hanging on to your coupon code from an event for your holiday shopping? Well you can use it at either of these sites or our very own website.

Take a peek at our soaps and gift sets. We have lots more to put in the stores, but this will allow you to start shopping (or window shopping) now!

Artfire is easier to use the coupon code. http://www.artfire.com/users/BonnieBath

But on Etsy you can convo me and I will refund the difference. http://www.etsy.com/shop/BonnieBath

Stay tuned for more news! Happy shopping!

Our Sympathies For Fort Hood, TX

2009-11-05T22:01:00.002-05:00

We would like to pass our sympathies to all affected by the attack on Fort Hood, TX today. We wish a speedy recovery to those injured and peace to the families that have suffered a loss.

Coming soon...

2009-11-05T16:44:00.006-05:00

Our website is nearing completion now that we finally have a little spare time to start handing over the product photos and descriptions to the web designer. We still need to finish writing a few more pages of information.

Also, on it's way is our gift giving guide. Find something for everyone on your holiday list. If you are on our mailing list, you will receive a guide soon.

Stay tuned. We just wanted to let you know, we'll be up and running soon. Thanks for your patience.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T10:58:00.002-04:00

And the Winner Is...

2009-10-26T09:20:00.002-04:00

For those of you that attended the Stone Mountain Highland Games, you may know that The Bonnie Bath Co. was raffling off a wonderful gift basket of lavender goodies valuing $55 to one lucky winner that signed up for the mailing list. Well, we drew the name at 4:30 that Sunday and have our winner.

Congratulations to Anita C.!

This loaded gift basket is being sent to Anita as we speak. Thank you to all that signed up for our mailing list. Don't worry, I'll have plenty of other contests soon.

Stone Mountain Show a Success

2009-10-21T23:00:00.004-04:00

I'm finally back (well in body, not in mind) from Stone Mountain where we sold our products at the highland games (we have an extensive line of Celtic designs and scents). Everything was awesome except I was freezing. When I left S. FL, the temp was 90 degrees. It was in the 30's and 40's at the games. While the temp itself wasn't bad, that mountain wind had me shivering the whole day.

Our sales were high, the area was stunning, we had great fun, and the people were so nice. It was a very pleasant experience all around. Here are a couple photos of my display, which was literally slapped together, so don't judge me too harshly. I hope to refine it at our next show in January at the South Florida Scottish Festival and Highland Games (try saying that 3 times fast).

It's great to be back. I am now working on getting my website finished once and for all. I promised everyone at Stone Mountain that my website would be up the first week of November, so I need to get a move on, so stay tuned!

Getting Ready For a Big Event

2009-10-12T20:11:00.003-04:00

We are busy getting ready to sell our products at the Stone Mountain Highland Games this weekend. The games take place on Sat and Sun, Oct. 17-18th in Stone Mountain, GA. The weather will be in the 50s which is a bit chilly for South Floridians, but we welcome the change as the temps have been in the 90s lately. The leaves should be changing colors, something I have never seen in person, so it will be a very exciting.

If you can make it to our tent at the games, mention my blog and receive a 20% discount. I will post some pictures of the event and such for your viewing pleasure, so stay tuned.

Sneak Peek - Candles, Sachets, & Lip Balms

2009-10-06T23:48:00.002-04:00

More sneak peeks from The Bonnie Bath Co. - A little home fragrance and some natural lip balms.

More sneak peeks coming soon!

Sneak Peek - Salts and Lotions

2009-10-02T18:10:00.001-04:00

Lots of pretty colors. These salts and lotions are bottled and just need the label and finishing touches added, as we count down to the Stone Mountain Highland Games in just 2 weeks.

More peeks coming soon!

Sneak Peek - Soaps and Bath Bombs

2009-09-28T21:22:00.003-04:00

While I was shifting stuff around, wrapping soap, and packaging products for a huge event in 3 weeks, I thought I would snap a couple of photos to keep you all mildly (barely) entertained with some sneak peeks while I continue getting ready for my event.

More peeks coming soon!

Sneak

2009-09-28T21:22:00.001-04:00

The First Day of Autumn

2009-09-22T09:07:00.003-04:00

"In the other gardens
And all up the vale,
From the autumn bonfies
See the smoke trail!

Pleasant summer over
And all the summer flowers,
The red fire blazes,
the grey smoke towers.

Sing a song of seasons!
Something bright in all,
Flowers in the summer
Fires in the fall! "

- Robert Louis Stevenson, Autumn Fires

How to Set the Scene for a Relaxing Bath

2009-09-17T15:46:00.004-04:00

If you’re as busy and stressed as most of us, you may not take time out to care for yourself very often, but to maintain a healthy mind, body, and spirit, you should incorporate some time into your schedule for relaxation. A bath is a great way to unwind at the end of the day.

Here are some tips for setting the scene. Choose the ones that you are comfortable with using.

1. Time for privacy. You cannot relax if you are being interrupted. So it's important to keep the phone out of the bathroom, tell your spouse to watch the kids, or avoid interrupting, and lock the door.

2. You may enjoy music. Set up a portable radio or CD player AWAY from the tub to listen to some relaxing music. While this is a great relaxation technique, it's not for everyone. So if you prefer quiet, skip this step.

3. Use candles or dim the light. Candles are excellent for promoting relaxation, especially if using aromatherapy candles or a scent that brings you positive feelings. Hey, if grandma's cookies relax you, get a candle in a cookie scent.

4. Get out your bath products. Bath salts, milks, teas, melts, bombs, oils and bubble baths are wonderful bathing experiences. Choose from one of our products or use your kid's Mr. Bubbles. Anyway you can enjoy yourself in the tub will reduce stress.

5. You can use some treatments while you're at it. Pampering yourself will certainly make you feel better and should be a part of a regular routine. Scrubs and polishes, masques, or even a good bath brush are perfect ways to pamper yourself during your tub time.

6. While you are in the pampering mood, you can slather yourself with oils, lotions or butters after the tub, giving your skin nourishing vitamins and minerals and locking in moisture.

Set a schedule each week for a relaxing bath. Keeping a schedule will keep your stress under control. Don’t feel guilty about it either —you deserve it!

How to Read a Label - Part One

2009-09-15T15:03:00.004-04:00

How to Read a Label

by the WebMD Medical Reference

Confused about all the competing information on your cosmetic and skin-care products these days? Don't be. Here's our simple guide to reading cosmetic labels.

Alcohol free. In cosmetic labeling, the term "alcohol," used by itself, refers to ethyl alcohol. Cosmetic products, including those labeled "alcohol free," may contain other alcohols, such as cetyl, stearyl, cetearyl or lanolin alcohol. These are known as fatty alcohols, and their effects on the skin are quite different from those of ethyl alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol, which some consumers may think of as drying the skin, is rarely used in cosmetics.

"Cruelty-free or Not Tested on Animals." Although this statement implies the product hasn't been tested on animals, at some point most ingredients have been tested on animals. Look for the words "no new testing," or "not currently tested." The FDA also notes that there is no legal definition for these terms.

Hypoallergenic cosmetics. Products that manufacturers claim produce fewer allergic reactions than other cosmetic products. However, there are no federal standards or definitions that govern the use of the term or ensure that these products are less irritating to sensitive skin than others.

Ingredients. The FDA requires that cosmetic manufacturers list all ingredients on the labels of cosmetics sold on a retail basis to consumers- even if the label states "For professional use only." Ingredients are listed in order from the greatest to the least amount.
Noncomedogenic. Suggests products do not contain common pore-clogging ingredients that could result in acne.

Shelf-life (expiration date). The amount of time for which a product is good under normal conditions of storage and use. Storing cosmetics in damp, warm places like a bathroom can lead to earlier expiration.

Essential Oils, Absolutes, Resins & Hydrosols

2009-09-14T13:58:00.003-04:00

Essential oils, absolutes, resins, and hydrosols can be found in many of our products. They have all undergone a process for extracting the essence of plant materials while maintaining the therapeutic properties of the plant. These are not methods that commonly can be used at home or in a small shop. These methods require vast amounts of plant substances, such as flowers and leaves, which are placed in large distillers, only to produce a small amount of oil. This explains why a bad crop or a rare plant will lead to extremely high prices for an essential oil or hydrosol.

Essential Oils
You may already be familiar with essential oils. An essential oil is a liquid that is distilled, typically by steam distillation, from the leaves, flowers, stems, roots, bark, or other parts of a plant. The distillation process allows the “essence” of the plant and its therapeutic qualities to remain intact. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be used sparingly. Lavender and Tea Tree oil are safe for direct skin contact, but all other essential oils must be diluted before applying to the skin. They are used for both their aroma and their medicinal qualities and can be used in most of your products.

Fragrance oils are artificially created or contain synthetic substances and do not offer the therapeutic benefits that essential oils do. Either manner of scenting products is perfectly acceptable, but if you are looking for natural ingredients with therapeutic qualities, essential oils would be your choice.

Absolutes and Resins
Absolutes and resins are similar to essential oils. Absolute oils are extracted from flowers, leaves or bark. While essential oils are produced by steam distillation, flowers that are too delicate for this process, such as jasmine or vanilla, are extracted with a solvent, usually alcohol. Absolutes are very concentrated as well. While they do not maintain the qualities of the plant to the extent that essential oils do, they can be used to make perfumes and are soluble in alcohol.

Hydrosols (Floral Waters)
Hydrosols, or floral waters as they are sometimes called, are also produced from steam-distilling plants. They are similar to essential oils but less concentrated. Be careful when you look for hydrosols, as many companies sell essential oil diluted in water and call it a hydrosol or floral water. You want true steam-distilled hydrosols that contain all the beneficial components that essential oils possess, with less concentration. Hydrosols are usually a by-product of essential oil production, but some high quality distillers choose to specialize in making only hydrosols. Since hydrosols are not very concentrated, some can be used directly on the skin, such as rose hydrosol, which makes an excellent facial astringent. Their scent will not hold up well in cold-process soaps, but they are great in lotions and creams.

Remembering September 11th

2009-09-11T15:17:00.005-04:00

Remembering the victims and the heroes, the survivors and surviving familes, the devastation and the unity of our nation on the anniversary of September 11, 2001. We'd also like to thank those brave men and women in the armed forces who continue to keep our country safe and work to rid terrorism with each small step.

The Bonnie Bath Co. Scents and Designs

2009-08-17T23:03:00.004-04:00

As I await the completion of my website, I thought I would give you an idea of what products we will have and the list of scents.

Products we will be offering:

Bar soaps - Swirled, layered, and solid, many with dried botanicals and herbs on top.

Celtic soaps - Many Celtic designs in solid colors with gold or silver mica dusting.

Lotions - Goat's milk and Shea butter

Body Butters - with Shea butter

Body scrubs - Both sugar and salt scrubs with Shea butter and oils

Lip Balms - natural flavorings with honey and beeswax

Bath Salts - Dead sea salts with essential oils and botanicals

Bath Teas - real tea for the tub, lots of botanicals and essential oils

Bath Bombs - Fizzing tub bombs and Celtic tablets with botanicals

Bath Melts - with Shea butter

Massage/ Bath Oil - Infused with botanicals

Salves/ balms - with Shea butter and beeswax

Sachets - lovely toile prints with botanicals

Candles - Soy wax candles in tins

Our scents include both classics and Celtic inspired fragrances, made of natural essential oil blends.

Brigid's Amber
Celtic Sea Mist
Fresh Irish Moss
Guinness Spice - made with real Guinness beer
Highland Fling
Irish Cream
Fields of Lavender
Lemon Lavender
Mountain Heather
Oatmeal, Milk, and Honey - natural scent, no essential oils added
Orange Blossom
Scotch Pine and Whisky - made with real Dewar's Scotch whisky
Soothing Skin
Sweet Jasmine
Wild Irish Rose
Wildewood Mint and Nettle

Be sure to subscribe to our blog so you don't miss product showcases, tutorials, informative articles, contests, and more.

How to Post a Comment

2009-08-12T17:33:00.001-04:00

I encourage people to post comments to my blog, but it has just come to my attention that it is not clear where to post comments. So here's some quick instructions, and I'll include this at the bottom of each post. My blog design will change in a month or so to match my new website. I will try to fix the problem then.

For now, here's what to do. Go to the very bottom on the article that you would like to post a response to and look for the number of comments. This article will start with "0 comments". Click on that phrase. It will show all previous comments, and it will give you a form to post a comment. I have seen a number of other blog sites with similar design flaws. So for future reference, when you are on a blog without an obvious link, try poking around at the end of the article until you find a link.

Goat's Milk Facial Recipe

2009-08-11T09:21:00.002-04:00

Here’s a recipe for one you can try at home from Meyenberg, which can be found at a grocery or health food store.

Goat's Milk Facial
1 heaping teaspoon of ground almonds–pulverized to the consistency of corn meal.
2 level teaspoons of MEYENBERG® Powdered Goat Milk
A few drops of warm water sufficient water to make a smooth paste
To do:
Apply to face and neck. Massage gently to cleanse and exfoliate. Let dry for 5 or 6 minutes. Gently rinse and gently pat dry.

Essential Oils and Fragrance Oils

2009-08-08T12:24:00.004-04:00

What's the difference between an essential oil and a fragrance oil?

An essential oil is a natural liquid that is distilled, typically by steam distillation, from the leaves, flowers, stems, roots, bark, or other parts of a plant. The distillation process allows the “essence” of the plant and its therapeutic qualities to remain intact. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be used sparingly. They are used for both their aroma and their medicinal qualities. For example, Lavender is a calming, floral scent that is also good for psoriasis and eczema. They are sometimes very pricey, depending on how they are extracted and how much of the herbs or botanicals are needed. Not all plants are conducive to steam distillation and not all plant "essences" are worth collecting.

Fragrance oils are artificially created or contain synthetic substances and do not offer the therapeutic benefits that essential oils do. You can find a much wider range of scents since these fragrances are made in a lab, such as pumpkin pie and ocean breeze. They also tend to be more economical, which is why many store products contain fragrances rather than essential oils.

Our personal philosophy is that natural, skin-safe, therapeutic essential oils are best, and that is what we use in our products, but we also believe that the consumer should make their own choices based on their preferences, concerns, and convenience. Besides, there are some yummy fragrances out that that cannot be produced using essential oils.

What are your thoughts? Do you prefer to use products with essential oils or fragrance oils? Post your comment.

Become a Fan on Facebook and Follow Us on Twitter

2009-08-05T19:15:00.005-04:00

We now have a Facebook page and a Twitter account that you can join for updates and to learn more about what's going on at The Bonnie Bath Co. There are two different icons on the right side-bar. Simply click on the Facebook and Twitter buttons and they will lead to our page. Be sure to add yourself as a fan and a follower, respectively.

If you want to keep up with our blog, be sure to subscribe using the button on the right side-bar.

Thanks for your support!!

Ingredient Profile - Goat's Milk in Soaps, Lotions and Bath Products

2009-08-04T22:28:00.005-04:00

Herbal Skin Care Recipes to Try at Home

2009-07-31T16:56:00.003-04:00

Recipes to Try:

Dry Skin Facial Mask
1 tablespoon colloidal oatmeal
1 tablespoon rose water (hydrosol)
1 teaspoon sweet almond oil
1 teaspoon honey
2 drops rose essential oil

Mix ingredients and apply to face. Leave on for 5-10 minutes. Rinse.

Facial Scrub for Oily Skin
1 tablespoon colloidal oatmeal
1 tablespoon bentonite clay
1 tablespoon rose petal powder
1/2 teaspoons powdered comfrey
1/4 teaspoon powdered peppermint
1/4 teaspoon powdered lemongrass

Mix ingredients with1 teaspoon water and massage into skin. Leave on for 5-10 minutes. Rinse.

Acne Toner
2 cups water
1 tablespoon yarrow
1 tablespoon calendula
2 drops rosemary essential oil
2 drops peppermint essential oil
2 drops frankincense essential oil

Bring water to a boil. Add herbs and allow to steep 30 minutes. Strain herbs and add essential oils. Apply to face with a cotton ball. Refrigerate. Discard after 1 week.

Firming Mask
1 egg white1 teaspoon cornstarch

Mix ingredients and apply to face. Lie down for 20 minutes (this step should not be skipped as it’s part of the process). Rinse.

Please Stand By...We Are Experiencing Technical Difficulties

2009-07-31T16:44:00.003-04:00

The Bonnie Bath Co. website is temporarily down. After an exhaustive 3 week battle with one domain registration site, my domain name is being trasferred to another. It will be down until sometime next week.

Herbal Skin Care Part Two

2009-07-28T10:36:00.004-04:00

Herbal Ingredients for Skin Care
This alphabetical list contains herbs, essential oils, and botanicals known for their beneficial properties in skin care and treatment of common skin problems. These are natural ingredients you should seek out in your skin care products. Everyone’s skin is different. If something causes irritation, it should be discontinued.

Aloe is a natural, antibacterial, antibiotic hydrant often used to heal cuts and burns, also known for its soothing properties for acne sufferers. Aloe can be applied directly to the skin.

Apple Cider Vinegar is one of the top acne herbal remedies, as wells as soothing got dry skin. It may be used internally and/or externally. Try to use unfiltered vinegar and apply a solution of 50% vinegar and 50% water to the face several times per day.

Basil possesses antibacterial properties and helps the active ingredients of other herbs more readily penetrate the skin.

Birch leaves are said to be disinfectant and aid in the reduction of anti-cellulite.

Burdock is an anti-inflammatory containing numerous antioxidants that protect the liver from toxic chemicals. Its liver support and digestion aid lends itself well to the treatment of acne. It helps remove toxins and cleans tissues.

Calendula is great for healing and tissue regenerating. It is antibacterial and stimulates the production of collagen while minimizing scarring.

Chamomile is used in skin care for its cleansing and soothing benefits, especially for sensitive and irritated skin. It is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral.

Comfrey is a skin rejuvenator having healing, soothing and moisture retaining properties. It is good for damaged skin and diminishes wrinkles as it enables skin tissue to regain elasticity. It promotes skin cell regeneration and new cell growth.

Cornflower is used for soothing inflamed and irritated skin. It is a gentle astringent with antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It is often included in eye washes and products.

Frankinsence benefits acne and oily skin and helps to clear up blemishes.

Lady’s Mantle soothes and cleanses dry or sensitive skin. It is often included in anti-wrinkle products.

Lavender is useful for normal and dry skin, although it is used for all types of skin. It is gentle and soothing.

Lemon balm is effective in cleansing mildly oily skin, helping to close pores. It is an astringent with a soothing effect for sensitive skin.

Neem has antibacterial, astringent and antiviral properties. It effectively treats skin conditions ranging from acne to eczema. It also soothes itchy skin.

Patchouli is used for inflamed and itching skin. It promotes cell rejuvenation and helps to tighten loose skin.

Peppermint stimulates and revitalizes. It restores elasticity to the skin, tones tissue, clarifies the skin. It is good for oily complexions.

Rose soothes dry, sensitive, and mature skin, although beneficial to all skin types, and helps to cleanse, tone, and moisturize.

Rosemary stimulates blood circulation and restores elasticity to the skin. Its antibacterial properties aid in the control and prevention of blemishes in oily skin.

Sage is great for oily skin and for mature, untoned complexions. It cleanses, stimulates blood circulation, closes pores and restores elasticity. It also slows oil production of the skin.

Tea Tree is antibacterial, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antiviral. It is great for acne sufferers. Although safe for direct skin contact, dilution is recommended to avoid drying out the skin.

Yarrow is used for its astringent and soothing effects on the skin. It helps to tone skin, reduce pores and diminish signs of wrinkles.

Recipes for homemade skin care products coming soon!

Herbal Skin Care Part One

2009-07-26T18:07:00.003-04:00

Natural, herbal products can greatly improve the appearance of your skin. Essential oils, botanicals, herbs, and extracts used in herbal products all contribute to the health of your skin.

Facial Beauty Routine
The skin is responsible for protecting the body and for ridding it of unwanted toxins through sweat. Along with a healthy skin care regimen, it is essential that you eat a healthy, well balanced diet. A set beauty routine is necessary for everyone, regardless of your skin type. The daily process is the same for everyone. You must cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin daily. On a weekly basis, you may also want to use a mask, steam, or gentle scrub, but nothing compares to daily care of your body’s largest organ. Each skin type below gives a brief description of skin type and general recommendations.

Normal Skin
Surprisingly, normal skin is relatively uncommon. Most people have a combination of oily and dry skin, with many people falling into just one category or the other. So while there is less need for herbal “remedies” for normal skin, it is still a good idea to look for some gentle herbs in products that can prevent possible problems or aid in healthy skin growth.

Oily Skin
Oily skin is characterized by its shiny surface and large pores, causing it to be susceptible to acne. While some oil is necessary for the skin, slowing this overproduction of oil is often desirable. A witch hazel toner is recommended for oily skin. Avoid scrubbing your skin, which promotes oil production. Your skin still needs hydrating and a good moisturizer is recommended. Oily skin can also benefit from masks containing clays and muds. Masks draw out oil and toxins, helping to prevent acne breakouts often associated with oily skin.

Dry Skin
Dry skin is dehydrated due to the underactive oil glands, which can be caused by hormones, heredity and age. It is best to seek out herbs that promote oil production and improve circulation, helping the skin retain moisture. Use apple cider vinegar or hydrosols as toners. Both rose and orange blossom hydrosols work well.

Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin is easily susceptible to problems, such as allergies, rashes, sunburn, and hypersensitivities to a variety of ingredients in products. Since sensitivities vary greatly, it is difficult to find herbs that are good for everyone in this category. The rule of thumb is to use herbs that are soothing and gentle or that ease the discomfort of rashes and irritations of the skin.

Acne
Over 20% of adults suffer from a form of acne, a skin condition of clogged hair follicles characterized by inflammation – in other words, pimples. While much of acne is related to hormones and other internal components, there are some natural products that can aid in the relief of this uncomfortable and embarrassing ailment. For best results, these ingredients should be used in conjunction with dietary and lifestyle changes in which the body’s system is purged of toxins.

Signs of Aging
Mature skin is often dryer and shows various signs of aging. To prevent or diminish the signs of aging, including wrinkles, you’ll want herbs and ingredients known for their rejuvenating properties. Herbs that aid in skin elasticity and toning the skin are also very desirable. Ingredients with antioxidants are very beneficial for maturing skin.

Part Two will cover herbs and essential oils that you want in your skin care products. Don't forget to subscribe to this blog.

Goals for a Blog

2009-07-25T22:25:00.004-04:00

I thought I would let you know my goals for this blog. Yes, I do actually have some goals, which do not include ramblings on about my personal life and political opinions. Most people visiting a blog about handmade bath and body products want to learn more about related topics. So what do I plan on including?

Events - I will feature events I attend on this blog. I primarily attend Scottish Highland Games, and Celtic and Irish festivals, along with some crafts shows. I'll include pictures and highlights from the events to share with you.
Ingredient Profiles- If you are putting something on your skin, you should know what it is. I'll feature an ingredient on a regular basis so you can learn more about what goes into our products. From shea butter to lavender and everything in between, you'll get a wealth of information about what goes into each of our products and how it benefits you.
Tutorials and Tips - You'll find regular tutorials on this blog, both from me and guest bloggers. I'll teach you how to get the most out of our products, creative ways to reuse our packaging, and how you can create some of your own products.
Contests - We all love contests, and I will certainly have them here. Some contests will be my own, and some will be hosted by guest bloggers.
Recipes - I love a good recipe. I will share recipes for bath and body products with you to use at home, from facial toners to home remedies. I'll also provide ideas for gift giving.
Sales - Exclusive sales will be posted here just for our blog readers.
News - I'll include general news for The Bonnie Bath Co. right here. See photos of our products being made and read about new products and upcoming trends.

Please add us to your blog readers or join as a follower to keep up to date or learn new things.

Why Choose Natural Soaps and Bath Products?

2009-07-24T18:35:00.006-04:00

Why should you choose natural, handmade soaps and bath and body products from an artisan rather than purchasing bath products from the grocery or department store? Here are a few reasons:

Higher quality and fresher ingredients
Few, if any, synthetic ingredients
Support of small businesses
Purchase ingredients directly from small farmers or grow themselves
Support green products
Better customer service
Custom formulations

Obviously, you ultimately need to make your choices based on what is most important to you, but the list above gives you an idea of just a few reasons why you should consider buying products from small companies that make natural, handmade soaps and such.

Upcoming Event - Stone Mountain Highland Games

2009-07-17T23:19:00.006-04:00

We have a show coming up - the Stone Mountain Highland Games on October 17-18th. If you live around the Atlanta, GA area or are planning to visit this amazing event, be sure to stop by our booth where we will have our soaps, bath and body products, and home aromatherapy on sale. We will be offering a special at the games for anyone that mentions this blog, so check back soon for a special coupon. We'll be posting it along with our reminder closer to the event.

Website Under Construction

2009-07-09T15:48:00.005-04:00

We are diligently working on a new website to sell our natural soaps and bath products. While we work on codes, photos, and website authoring, we encourage you to follow our blog. Just because the website is not quite ready doesn't mean we won't keep you up to date right here. In fact, we are preparing for our first blog contest to celebrate our Grand Opening on the web. Check back soon so you can be a part of this upcoming event.

Welcome to The Bonnie Bath Co. Blog

2009-07-05T23:03:00.002-04:00

The Bonnie Bath Co. is pleased to announce our new bath and body blog. With the sole purpose of providing readers with valuable information, our blog will include articles, free recipes and tips, ingredient profiles, contests and upcoming sales, information on festivals and shows we attend (typically Scottish and Irish events in the US), and anything else relating to natural bath and body products and candles.

We hope you will find this blog useful, and we encourage comments, questions, and general input. If you have a blog of your own, please let us know about it, so we have a chance to get to know you as well. We also have another blog for fellow professional soap makers for networking purposes, so swing on by if it suits your needs better.