New Look New Products

Oh wow! It's been quite a while since my last post. For shame! So I plan on doing better.

So many changes have taken place since then. Too numerous to count. But some of the things that have taken place is the fact that we have been working hard behind the scenes to improve our products, we are still making soaps, scrubs, lotions, bath bombs, candles, body butters, and a whole lot more only better for your pampering experience.  We have even added getting your gifts monogrammed now so you can add that extra touch for your family and friends. Visit our website today at  http://LNSoaps.com . More will be added in the weeks to come.

A Truly Remarkable Food and Medicine.

Coconut Oil

While coconut possesses many health benefits due to its fiber and nutritional content, it's the oil that makes it a truly remarkable food and medicine.

Once mistakenly believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content, it is now known that the fat in coconut oil is a unique and different from most all other fats and possesses many health giving properties. It is now gaining long overdue recognition as a nutritious health food.

Coconut oil has been described as "the healthiest oil on earth." That's quite a remarkable statement. What makes coconut oil so good? What makes it different from all other oils, especially other saturated fats?

The difference is in the fat molecule. All fats and oils are composed of molecules called fatty acids. There are two methods of classifying fatty acids. The first you are probably familiar with, is based on saturation. You have saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats. Another system of classification is based on molecular size or length of the carbon chain within each fatty acid. Fatty acids consist of long chains of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached. In this system you have short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), and long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Coconut oil is composed predominately of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT).

The vast majority of fats and oils in our diets, whether they are saturated or unsaturated or come from animals or plants, are composed of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Some 98 to 100% of all the fatty acids you consume are LCFA.

The size of the fatty acid is extremely important. Why? Because our bodies respond to and metabolize each fatty acid differently depending on its size. So the physiological effects of MCFA in coconut oil are distinctly different from those of LCFA more commonly found in our foods. The saturated fatty acids in coconut oil are predominately medium-chain fatty acids. Both the saturated and unsaturated fat found in meat, milk, eggs, and plants (including most all vegetable oils) are composed of LCFA.

MCFA are very different from LCFA. They do not have a negative effect on cholesterol and help to protect against heart disease. MCFA help to lower the risk of both atherosclerosis and heart disease. It is primarily due to the MCFA in coconut oil that makes it so special and so beneficial.

There are only a very few good dietary sources of MCFA. By far the best sources are from coconut and palm kernel oils.  To read more about Coconut Oil here's a newsletter I'm sure you'd enjoy Lucy Bee

Copyright © 2004 Coconut Research Center

This website is for educational purposes only. The information supplied here comes from a variety of sources and authors and not every statement made has been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

What is Soap?

Interestingly, few people know what soap really is and how it is made.  Soaps are made by combining lye, animal fats and/or vegetable oils, and botanicals herbs and water in a process known as saponification.

website Handcrafted soaps made from scratch require three ingredients to become soap: oil (animal or vegetable oil, not petroleum-based oil), water and lye. These three ingredients, mixed together in correct proportions, combine and chemically change into soap - a process called "saponification". They may include other ingredients to provide additional benefits or to color or scent the soap, but these are not part of the chemical process that results in basic soap.

An accurate recipe is necessary, in order to ensure that the right amount of lye is used for the specific oils selected. #natproducts2 twitter.

Visit our facebook page to learn more at facebook

Why I love Coconut oil So Much

Coconut In Modern Medicine

Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many of the above conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.

Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.

Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.

Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.

Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.

Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.

Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.

Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.

Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.

Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.

Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.

Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.

Helps protect against osteoporosis.

Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.

Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.

Improves digestion and bowel function.

Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.

Reduces inflammation.

Supports tissue healing and repair.

Supports and aids immune system function.

Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.

Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.

Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.

Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.

Functions as a protective antioxidant.

Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.

Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.

Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.

Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).

Reduces epileptic seizures.

Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.

Dissolves kidney stones.

Helps prevent liver disease.

Is lower in calories than all other fats.

Supports thyroid function.

Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.

Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.

Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.

Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.

Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.

Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.

Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.

Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.

Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.

Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Helps control dandruff.

Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.

Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.

Is completely non-toxic to humans.

See Research to read some of the published studies regarding the above mentioned uses of coconut products. To purchase bath and body products made with coconut oil click here.

Copyright © 2004 Coconut Research Center

This website is for educational purposes only. The information supplied here comes from a variety of sources and authors and not every statement made has been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (carbohydrate) in the human body. It’s present in large amounts in the spaces between skin cells, where it provides moisture, plumpness, firmness and suppleness to the skin.Hyaluronic acid isn’t harsh or skin-stripping at all. In fact, it’s the exact opposite – a powerful humectant (aka moisture-binding ingredient) that keeps skin plump and hydrated and, yes, young-looking. The other way to help plump up skin is to use a serum or moisturizer that contains hyaluronic acid. See our lotions here.  While it won’t give you the dramatic, instantaneous results that a hyaluronic acid filler can, you will see benefits in the form of softer, smoother, more hydrated skin.

Natural Handmade Versus Store Bought Lotions

Many commercially produced body lotions contain alcohol, which dries the skin, while body lotions are supposed to do something quite the opposite: keep it moisturized!  visit our website for more . Designed to have a long shelf-life, these products are often stuffed with artificial preservatives that do nothing good for your skin. Among the most commonly used preservatives are parabens. According to some researchers, these substances can be a cause of concern; some even link using paraben-containing products to cases of breast cancer and other adverse health effects. Traces of parabens have been detected in the blood of people a few hours after application of paraben-containing lotions on their skin. Before more scientific evidence emerges through further research, some health experts suggest caution when using skincare products that contain parabens. So, do you really want to pay your hard earned money for a mixture of cheap fillers and chemicals? I guess not. If you really care about your skin, use natural and organic body lotions! You do not have to pay companies for fancy packaging, branding and advertising. Instead, you can invest your money in high quality, natural ingredients! visit our website  .

Suggested Essential Oil Choices for Different Skin Types and Problems

Essential oil choices for different skin types and problems 

Skin Type  Recommended Essential Oils  

Oily, acne-prone    Tea tree, lemongrass, rose geranium, ylang ylang 

 Dry, damaged , calloused Ylang ylang, patchouli, sandalwood, rose, frankincense  

Normal   Lavender, rose geranium, palmarosa,   

Sensitive   Lavender, chamomile, jasmine, neroli  

Eczema, psoriasis        Lavender, sandalwood, frankincense, rose , jasmine  

Scars & stretch marks     Helichrysum, lavender, patchouli, rose geranium , emu oil

This is just a short list of thousands of essential oils that are beneficial to the skin visit our website for more information.

or visit our facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/luxnatsoap

Why Try Luxuriously Natural Lotions?

Our natural body lotions view our store offer plenty of benefits to the skin and general health.  We make our products with natural ingredients, free from artificial preservatives and enhancers, these products improve the skin condition by:

-Moisturizing & Hydrating  Every day our skin gets exposed to harmful elements, such as sun, wind, or environmental pollution, which dehydrates it. Spending time in overheated spaces can also dry the skin, making it looking tired and flaked. Body lotions based on high quality ingredients, such as Shea Butter, olive, coconut, or almond oil penetrate deep into the skin, leaving it re-hydrated and rejuvenated.

-Improving blood circulation  Massaging body lotions into the skin improves local blood and lymph circulation. As both blood and lymph carry and delivers important micro elements to the skin cells, the process leaves the skin well-nourished and healthier.

-Protecting against ageing  Natural ingredients used in body lotions are often reservoirs of anti-aging elements. For example: coconut oil is full of vitamin E, known as the vitamin of youth, protecting the skin against free radicals and formation of wrinkles. Essential oils used in making natural body lotions, such as frankincense, also display anti-wrinkle properties.

-Stimulating regeneration Body lotions based on herbal extracts (such as Echinacea) can stimulate the skin regeneration processes. Applying body lotion on the skin can be very relaxing and therapeutic. Carefully selected aroma composition can positively affect your mind, either by stimulation, or the opposite: calm your senses, remove stress and restlessness.  view our store  http://lnsoaps.com or our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/luxnatsoap

 

Handmade Natural Body Cream

Featured in a Wonderful Blog

A must read.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Sherri's blogs.  And this month made it a little more special.  She was kind enough to feature me in one of her blogs.  If you enjoy reading about crafty artisans then you will enjoy this site.  Check it out http://sassyshuga.wordpress.com/2013/07/15/guest-post-sonya-from-luxuriously-natural-soaps/

Handmade Soaps and Goodies Are On Their Way

Hello Everybody!!

So glad to be able to write this blog today!  Oh it's been a rough few months for us!  As many of you know I have been battling breast cancer.  So things have kinda came to a screeching halt for a while.  However, I'm half-way through treatment and starting to be able to work in small doses.  So on good days I try to do a little soaping and creating.  Our site and store is still up and going Luxuriously Natural Soaps and I plan to be at the markets hopefully by summer.  But in the meantime my shelves are filling up with all kinds of goodies and infusing herbs.  So stay tuned and see what's heading your way. 

Some things to expect can be:  more soaps made with essential oils, more lotions and creams, a wonderful cream soap for shaving those legs for the beach this summer and a host of wonderful soy candles.  I'm currently working on labels and branding.  So be looking out for a new face to our products.  I hope you will like them.  Behind the scenes, we've been working on my workshop, adding shelving and making room for all these goodies and preparing for larger production so we can better serve you. 

Lastly, I want to send a big big warm hug and kiss to all of you for sending your well wishes, cards, letters, gifts, and prayers.  Words cannot express enough how grateful I am to each and every one of you.  It's been hard, but you have made it a little easier just knowing you're there.  Its been an experience to say the least!  I hope through our products (made with love), contacts with you through social media, meet ups, and whatever other means possible I may repay that kindness to you.  Please feel free to contact us anytime for questions, requests or just to say hello. 

Sincerely,
Sonya

Spearmint Anyone?

Do you like spearmint soap? Check us out at luxuriouslynatural.com or to see more shop here.

We use fresh spearmint herbs infused in oil to get the full benefit of it. Leaves your skin feeling minty cool and fresh!

If You Enjoy Our Blog...

If you enjoy reading the articles or want to keep up with additional comments, please be sure to select the follow button to the right.   This way we can ensure that you keep up with what's going on, on our journey of natural and wholesome products for you and your health. Please tell your friends as well.  I would like for everyone to have a part in sharing our knowledge of natural and organic bath and body products. I would love to hear from you so that I know that I am giving you the information you are looking for.  Thanks.  Sonya

New Handmade Soaps with Herbal Infusions

Neon Splash Handmade Soap with shea butter

Patchouli Vanilla Handmade Soap

Look out for some new soaps to our line of handmade bath and body products. We're adding: a luscious shea butter bath bar, cream soaps, lotions, liquid soaps, body butters, more soy candles and a lot more. We are doing a lot with infused herbs such as St. John's Wort, Sage, Calendula, and Chamomile. We use a lot of goatsmilk for extra moisturizing and nourishing properties. Visit our site to see more of our products made with natural ingredients.

What is Soap?

Interestingly, few people know what soap really is and how it is made.  Soaps are made by combining lye, essential oils, animal fats and/or vegetable oils, herbs and water in a process known as saponification.

Soap can be made in several different ways.

There are many traditional and now new ways of making soap. We make ours the traditional cold process method for the most part.

Testamonials From Our Friends

Just had to share what one customer stated about our body wash made with Aloe and Ginger. We'd love to hear from you.

 

 

"Hi Sonya!

I wanted to make sure I posted this on your wall for all to see...your Aloe & Ginger Liquid Soap is awesome! I bought it to try an get control of my adult acne that was becoming painful, especially on my jawline, and it worked better than I could have imagined! Not only did it get control of the acne I already had, but it essentially reversed it leaving no trace of acne behind on my face! I will say that I use a scrub to get my makeup off and to help clear dead skin and open my pores before using your Aloe & Ginger, but I know it's your soap that made the difference because I had no control of my acne and I had very painful continuous breakouts before adding your Aloe & Ginger.

So, thank you so much for your soap and other products and I will be ordering more around the 1st (you might have to send me a reminder lol)! I will also be ordering some for my daughter to try to help with her breakouts as well.

Thank you Sonya & Family!

Wesa (Misty) :)"

 

 

Thanks Misty.  We are glad you are so happy with our products.

 

Visit Our Facebook Fanpage

Often friends are on facebook but they want to order products without leaving the site.  Well you can.  Just visit us at :
https://www.facebook.com/groups/areti.ketime/#!/luxnatsoap/app_135607783795

We do take custom orders. Get ready for the upcoming seasons.  Order now.

Getting Your Natural Products on Store Shelves

Manufacturers have long since been aware that staying competitive in the world of retail means keeping up with the demands of the consumer. In spite of the crowded market space, there are still plenty of opportunities for new businesses to own their own share of that space and find a spot on store shelves. They key is giving the people what they want. One of the greatest areas we have seen growth in the last few years has been with organic and all natural products.  Visit our store to shop http://www.luxuriouslynatural.com

From clothing and handbags to bath and body products to food, consumers are becoming more conscientious about what they come into contact with and what they put on and in their bodies.

Total sales for the natural and organic industry increased 56 percent between 2002 and 2006. While consumers did back off on purchasing natural and organic products during the height of the recession, they have once again become more focused on purchasing all natural products. Retailers observed a seven percent increase in sales from 2009 to 2010, with another nine percent of growth in 2011.

Steven Hoffman, managing partner of Boulder, Colo.-based consulting firm Compass Naturals, notes that the “The number of natural products shoppers has increased so much that stores like Whole Foods are now opening in secondary markets.”

If you produce a natural or organic product, there are, according to the New York Times, several steps you can take to get your products onto store shelves.

1.      Start small. While you may want to see your products on the shelves of Whole Foods or Target eventually, it’s not going to happen right away. Begin by selling your product online, where you can test your product on the market and get achieve proof of concept. Another great option is to take it to small local stores that would be willing to consider selling them for a share of the profits or a small fee.

2.      Know your unique value proposition. In other words…know what differentiates your product from other products. Talk to and observe other retailers and buyers and make sure your product meets the demands of the customer with the features and colors they want. It may require you to make changes in your product, but in the end your product will sell more easily.

3.      Expect to hear no. Rejection is just part of the business, unfortunately. It may take years of emailing buyers or pushing your product at local businesses before you achieve your goals. However, you have proof of concept and have proven that your product will sell, so just keep at it and take any rejection in stride.

4.      Trade Shows. Trade shows can be expensive but they are also a great way to get your product in front of many people and/or store at one time. However, make sure you select the right show you or will find yourself out potentially thousands of dollars with no results to show for it.

5.      Hire a broker. If you can’t afford a salesperson and don’t have the time to do it yourself, consider hiring a broker who will get pair only when they make a sale. Typically they have relationships with buyers and will be able to move your product more quickly.

While you may have a great product, be prepared that getting onto retail shelves won’t happen overnight. Everything about getting your product into the hands of customers is all about building relationships, relationships with brokers, buyers and, of course, the customer.

Bio: Sheena is a specialist in custom labels. When she is not writing for LabelValue.com you can find her at the beach or on her latest trip.  Thank you Sheena for great information to help us share our crafts more with the world.

We are continually working on improving our products for you.  Please visit our website at http://www.luxuriouslynatural.com to see what new items we have in store for you.

Almonds in Natural Soap?

The Benefits of Almonds in Natural Soap



Botanically speaking, the almond is a stone fruit related to cherries, plums, and peaches. But unlike these fleshed fruit varieties, the almond’s edible “pearl” is the delicious nut found inside the fruit.

Originally believed to be native to China, the earliest varieties were brought to the Middle East, Greece, and Turkey by traders. Before long, almond trees flourished in the Mediterranean region. They were first brought to California in the 1700s by the Franciscans. Today, the Golden State is the only place in North America where almonds are grown commercially. More than 450,000 acres in the lush San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys are under almond cultivation.

Just one ounce contains 12 percent of your daily allowance of protein and 35 percent of your daily allowance of vitamin – the antioxidant with so many cancer-fighting qualities. And most of the fat inherent in almonds is monounsaturated, the “good” fat. This little nut is also loaded with minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc – calcium and folic acid are packed in there, too!

So if it's that wonderful to eat, just imagine what it does for your skin! We combine these nutrients with moisturizers and natural clays such as shea butter, sandalwood clay, to extract the impurities from your skin and you have an awesome skin conditioning product that will leave your skin feeling as smooth as a babies... well you know what I mean.

Try a bar of our almond and sandalwood or our almond and white tea and ginger soaps today. You'll be glad you did. You can find it on our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/luxnatsoap

visit our website at:

You can also find it on our Artfire page http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/luxuriouslynatural

Luscious Bath Bombs and Fizzies

Bath Bombs

Bath bombs can be used for therapeutic purposes because they can contain essential oils which give various benefits.

Bath bombs usually contain essential oils. Some contain other additives like sea salt for added cleansing effect. Due to the nature of the additives used in creating these fancy little balls, bath bombs are commonly used for therapeutic purposes. The following are some essential oils commonly used in making bath bombs and their effects:

§ Lavender oil to help bathers relax, calm down or get rid of stress.

§ Sweet almond oil or sunflower oil to help moisturize the skin.

§ Avocado oil or wheat germ oil to heal and sooth damaged skin.

Bath fizzies or bath bombs can serve as inexpensive gifts for people who need to be pampered, or who need a calming or invigorating soak. They can also be used to make bath time fun for kids because the bath bombs would swirl, twirl and spin around in the bath tub while releasing that fizzing sound and its skin softening oils.

Yes, bath bombs can be used even by kids because they contain essential oils that can rejuvenate the skin and leave it feeling soft. In fact, it might even be better for them since most bath salts or bubble baths in the market contain synthetic oils and chemicals that do nothing to keep their young skin healthy.  Shop here for our bath bombs and fizzies

Bath Bombs

Bath bombs or fizzies are usually made of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), citric acid or organic acid, corn starch, Epsom salts/magnesium sulfate. For added scent, most bath bombs are made with fragrance oils. While some bath bombs come in different colors and are made with ordinary food coloring, there are those made with skin-safe glitter. There are also some herbal bombs wherein herbs or dried flowers are sprinkled on top or embedded inside to add to the bombs relaxing properties when it is released.



ØThe sodium bicarbonate softens your bath water making it feel silky smooth



Ø The essential oils nourish your skin not only in the tub but if you let your skin dry naturally, you will feel the difference!



Ø Natural fragrance essential oils are designed not only to provide the aromatherapy experience of a spa but can also provide many other benefits, sooth aching muscles, clear your head, refresh and energize you, or help you sleep, just to name a few.



Ø Last but not least is the delight in watching the fizzy make your bath water come alive with bubbles, releasing the wonderful softening oils and your favorite and scent.