We've all heard the saying... "Necessity is the Mother of all Inventions" It's an old, old proverb that has been in use for centuries that means most inventions are created because of some need...thereby forcing the inventor to solve some problem. Well, more times than not, many of our products have come about because a customer needed something that wasn't available anywhere else. It all started with a problem...A few years ago, a good friend's brother had issues with his feet always being dry and itchy. It didn't matter what cream or salve he bought or was prescribed. Nothing seemed to work. He asked me if I knew of anything that I could make to help. Well, that got me thinking about all the combinations of oils, butters, herbs and essential oils. I was excited with all the possibilities! As I read about infusing oils with various herbs, using different types of butters for varying degrees of moisturizing, and the wonderful scents one could get from blending essential oils, I was determined to come up with a recipe that would be moisturizing, full of herbs, and smell delectable. I tinkered and mixed in the kitchen, blending this with that and testing it out. Too greasy or too soft or too stiff or too smelly...yikes! I was about to give up when I whipped up (yep, I literally whipped it with my soapy mixer into a butter-like consistency) the batch that has become known as Uncle Mark's Foot Cream. Eureka! I liked how it felt as it melted quickly into my skin and the scent was pleasant with a touch of Lavender along with Tea tree, calendula, and a hint of peppermint. Now the real test...Ok, so I liked how it felt and smelled...but would it work on Mark? I gave him a jar and asked him to use it for a few days and give me critical feedback so that I could tweak the recipe. After 3 days, he was all smiles and his feet were feeling great! Wow! He said not to change a thing except to make him a bigger jar. Yay! Little did I know that this cream would be one of our best sellers! It amazes me how well-liked it is by all different folks. It's a thick, buttery cream that soaks in for heavy-duty moisturizing. It's perfect for winter-dry skin! The recipe includes an herb-infused combination of coconut oil and Shea butter that seeps all the goodies out of calendula and dried peppermint during infusion. Then a bit of tapioca powder to help with any greasy feel, some beeswax to stiffen it up, and a blend of tea tree, Lavender, and peppermint essential oils rounds it all out. It's all in the name....Once we come up with new products, naming them can be tricky to pick the best fit. In this case, the family pooch was laying by my feet as I was trying to think up possible names for this new wonder cream. As I looked at RP and pondered possible names, I thought, "Why not after the guy who inspired it?" So it became Uncle Mark's Foot Cream.
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Now that it’s November, my mind is only one thing: Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, not just because it means gathering with family and loved ones, but also because it means filling my plate with the best food I’ll eat all year. While turkey is a necessary classic on the table, it’s not the dish I look forward to the most. The real stars of Thanksgiving are all of the delicious sides. However, making such a large array of dishes is complicated and time-consuming, so here are some easy recipes to try out this season. You’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family. Garlic Parmesan Knots
Mini Stuffed Peppers
Cranberry Brie Bites
The Extra Touch: Napkin Folding!Want to add a special touch to your dinner table? Try out some of these napkin folding ideas! The EnvelopeStart with your napkin in a square. Fold two opposite corners into the center, and fold a third corner in on top of them - like an envelope. Tip: Iron your napkins like this so that the folds will stay! Place silverware inside the “envelope,” and place on your plate. The Double DiamondUsing a square napkin, fold diagonally to make a triangle. Take each of the bottom corners and fold them up to the top point of the triangle, making a diamond shape. Flip the diamond over, then fold the corner closest to you up to the center of the diamond. Take the two side corners, and fold under. Set at each plate to impress your guests! You’re all set for Thanksgiving dinner. Now, it’s time to eat! Happy Thanksgiving from Tailored Touches!
Playing in the mud and rain...My son has had his Jeep for 18 years, and he LOVES it! He has gone on countless 4-wheeling trips over the years with his friends. Somehow, though, I've never gone with him. So when he asked me if I wanted to go along as my birthday prize, I was excited! All I had to do was ride along. The kids took care of all the snacks, drinks, food, everything. Never having gone 4-wheeling before, I knew it sounded fun, but was bouncing along and crawling over rocks really what it was cracked up to be? I was soon to find out! The event was held on private property at Oakridge Estate that is situated between Lynchburg and Charlottesville, VA along Rt. 29. The weather was rainy and downright chilly, which was going to make the event a bit wet and slippery. It was all for a great cause to support the American Cancer Society, so lots of Jeeps showed up... lots.... and lots... 200 in fact! Below you'll see all the Jeeps lined up and ready for the first trail of the day! Getting organized...There were 10 different groups, each led by an experienced Trail Guide. Each group would run a different trail so that everyone had a chance to get some quality off-roading in. Our trail guide happened to be an old friend of my son's, so it was going to be a fun time. Once everyone lined up, let out some of the air in their tires to make crawling easier, and jumped in... we started off! We started off with our group and followed Ben, our trail guide. He took us down through the woods winding along the trail. Then he came upon a stream that was running pretty fast because of all the rain. I asked my son if he was actually going to try to cross it, knowing that if Ben did, we would all have to follow. My son thought I was silly for asking... "Of course, we're crossing it!" Check out the video I took to give you a sense of the ride across. How cool was that?! Rocks? What rocks? ...Oh, and trees, too!For anyone who hasn't gone 4-wheeling, you can't imagine the terrain these guys cover. Rocks, trees, streams, hills...all of them are just another challenge as to who can make it over and who might get stuck and need to be pulled out. It's a slow ride with lots of stopping and waiting to see if the next in line makes the obstacle or needs a tow strap, but boy, is it awesome! Yep, it took some effort to get out of this. After we slid into the tree (on my side of course), I decided to get out and watch from ahead and take pictures. That rock you see in the center of the Jeep was only one of the problems. Being up against the tree and hung up on other rocks underneath were just minor details... :-) Because the guys try very hard not to damage the trees or bust up their vehicles, it takes time to figure out how best to "extract" oneself from such a crazy spot! "Goat" came through and paved the way for others behind us. What about the burritos??
Relaxing with dinner and music after the first day...chilly, rainy...but oh so much fun! Until Next Year! The weekend was a great way to meet new and old friends, get to play in the mud, and raise some serious funds for the American Cancer Society. Over the 2 days of wheelin' fun, $16,000 was raised...wow! Hopefully those monies and the thousands more over the past 7 years will help find a cure and save other families from the heartache of losing someone dear. My dad would have loved doing a trip like this... I'm so glad I could be part of it in his honor!
Happy Birthday, Dad! For more info on this event, please check out their website... Wheelin' For Hope You’re at the store buying soap. You have a choice between the plain, simple soap OR one that says “antibacterial” on the label. Seems like a no-brainer! We’d all buy the “antibacterial” soap because we all want our soap to be doing the best job possible. However, there’s no evidence that specially marked “antibacterial” soap is any more effective at preventing disease than regular soap. Any soap, when scrubbed under warm water for twenty seconds, is antibacterial! Branding a soap as such is nothing more than a marketing ploy to convince customers to buy that company's soap. Take it from a soap maker: SOAP IS SOAP...no fancy chemicals are necessary! This is why the FDA has decided to ban 19 chemicals that soap producers were using to make this alleged “antibacterial” soap. To make matters worse, the chemicals they were using are potentially harmful. What are these chemicals?The FDA banned 19 different chemicals, but the most commonly used are triclosan and triclocarbon. These are chemicals used in antiseptic soaps in hospitals - we’re talking some very strong stuff! Doctors in hospitals usually use soaps with these chemicals to wash before surgery… but should we be washing our hands with them every day? After an investigation, the FDA has determined that we should not. There has been some research to suggest that regular use of these chemicals could lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant germs, and the FDA is concerned about these chemicals’ ability to disrupt hormone cycles. While hospitals may need high concentrations of these chemicals in their soap to ensure sterilization, the FDA has banned their use in any over-the-counter soaps. Soap is soap...not a "beauty" bar.Relax! As long as you’re using real soap and warm water, your skin is getting clean without stripping it of good bacteria and needed oils. Read the label to make sure it says "soap" on it and not "beauty bar" which is usually loaded up with synthetic detergents and is not "soap" at all! These soap wanna-be's might contain harsh detergents and preservatives that may be harmful to your skin. Real soap is simply saponified fats that have reacted with an alkali (lye) to become soap...that's it! No preservatives needed in genuine soap. Check out one of our past blogs, “How Does Soap Work?” for a mini chemistry lesson on the subject. Basically, soap molecules attach to oil, dirt and other particles, and then are washed away with water - no scary chemicals necessary! This is why we focus on natural soaps here at Tailored Touches. Moreover, you can always look into the ingredients we use or contact us with questions. In case you haven’t noticed, we love to talk soap...and make it! Some of Our Artisan SoapsDoesn’t it seem that everything changes in September? The coming of Fall is not only a seasonal change, but we also trade our shorts for jeans and our sandals for boots. New jobs start, and of course, a new school year begins. It’s easy to be swept up in these Fall changes and to forget to find time to relax! Maybe you’ve started school and become overwhelmed with deadlines, or maybe you’re readjusting after sending your own children off to school. Whether you’re a new employee learning the ropes or just dealing with the stress of a familiar job, becoming absorbed with work and responsibilities is inevitable in the Fall! Finding time to take a break can be difficult, but there are simple ways to add some relaxation to a busy day. Sometimes pausing for just a brief moment to take a breath can relieve stress! Or, work some calming aromatherapy into your day. Scents like lavender are commonly used in aromatherapy for their stress-relieving effects. Typically, products with lavender scent use essential oil distilled from the plant; this natural oil has a wide variety of health benefits, not the least of which includes its calming effect on the nervous system. Lavender’s sedative effect on the nervous system is helpful for sleep disorders and anxiety. These relaxing benefits also make it a popular choice for other therapies, like acupuncture and massage! Here are a few tips for finding relaxation amid a busy life: 1. Before going to a stressful work meeting, massage your hands with some lavender Natural Aloe Lotion. Your hands are covered in pressure points; massaging them, particularly the palm of your hand and the space between your thumb and index finger helps alleviate stress. Try it! 2. After a long day, treat yourself to a warm bath. Slip in a bag of Natural Chamomile Lavender Tub Tea, and let the lavender buds and rose petals infuse the water to make a natural and calming haven after a stressful day. 3. Moisturize the sensitive skin under your eyes with our All Natural Gentle Eye Serum. In addition to lavender essential oil, this beeswax spread also includes chia seed and coconut oils. Apply in the morning or before going to bed, and let the natural lavender and beeswax keep your skin feeling fresh. Fall brings with it many changes, and it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of adjusting to the new season. Take a moment to relax. Share with us how you find ways to relax during a busy day! Try these products in lavender, or contact us to make something special for you!
This week we have a guest blogger. My daughter, Elana, wanted to talk about her experiences seeing vanilla close up in Zanzibar and Madagascar!
My Favorite Spice: Vanilla!Vanilla is my favorite spice. I love the smell so much, and always ask for all my Tailored Touches products in that scent (no, really!) I put vanilla in EVERYTHING. But did you know that most vanilla we use is manufactured?? Real vanilla is so difficult to harvest that the industry is propped up by companies that produce vanilla in a lab. Unless you're careful, you're probably buying synthetic vanilla! Try the real stuff and you should notice a difference (warning: it's a little pricey!). The fact that vanilla is difficult to harvest (and thus expensive) may explain why it has been around for centuries - since at least the 15th century - but didn't reportedly enter recipe books until the early 1800s. Vanilla in the wild is rare because the flower that must be pollinated is open for pollination for only 24 hours! If that window is missed, there's no vanilla that season. No kidding! If pollination works, you get a 6-10 inch pod filled with vanilla bean seeds and eventually vanilla sticks. Thankfully, locals have discovered how to "hand pollinate" the flower. According to the National Geographic, "Transplants of vanilla to tropical and presumably vanilla-friendly regions around the globe [was lacking until] Edmond Albius, a 12-year-old slave boy on the island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean, figured out how to hand-pollinate the vanilla blooms using a stick and a flip of the thumb. The simple technique had far-reaching implications. Vanilla plantations sprang up across the globe, from Madagascar to India, Tahiti, and Indonesia. Today about 75 percent of the world’s vanilla comes from Madagascar and Réunion." Still, because of the complications in growing vanilla, we humans only produce around 2000 metric tons per year, which is very little relative to demand, so 99% of vanilla we see in America is synthetic. So, what does it look like in the wild? Is Madagascar-ian vanilla really superior? Let's find out! Zanzibar: A Spice Farm TourIn Zanzibar, we went on an incredible spice farm tour. I had no idea what spices looked like on the vine! You'll see vanilla on the second row on left. From left to right/top to bottom: cocoa; green and black pepper; vanilla beans; a guy showing off climbing a tree to get coconuts!; the coconuts (look at his feet!); the farm's path; bananas; nutmeg, a nutmeg tree, and an open nutmeg; and finally, me drinking a fresh coconut! Madagascar: The Home of VanillaMadagascar is one of the main homes of vanilla (along with Reunion Island). My trip to Madagascar in May 2016 was just amazing. I didn't go on a spice tour, but I did get some fresh vanilla from some locals on a remote island. Before we talk about the vanilla, can we talk about this island? Look at this... As you can see from the photo on the left, this beach is actually a strip of sand between two islands. It's INCREDIBLE. The sand forms a peak, so the water washes up on both sides but not over. It's one giant sandbar. It's about a 90 minute boat ride from shore... and boy, was it worth it. I spent an afternoon on this sandbar trying to avoid a sunburn and swimming in the perfectly clear water. The locals were so incredible. And, of course, I bought some vanilla! I passed it to my mom this past weekend, and hopefully she'll make some good vanilla extract out of it! One site describes Madagascar vanilla as: The ‘classic’ vanilla. Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla Beans are superior with flavor and aromatic qualities that make these beans the most popular. The flavor is rich, dark, and creamy with an overwhelming sweet, buttery aroma. Yum! So once you've got your hands on some amazing, fresh, REAL vanilla... now what? Well, my ever-creative mother - the founder of Tailored Touches - puts it to good use. Here's what she does to make her own vanilla extract for cooking: ~ Take an organic plump vanilla bean. Make a slice from top to bottom without cutting entirely through and pull the bean slightly open. Place 2-3 beans in each jar and fill with 80+ proof vodka. Cap tightly, and store in a cool, dark place for 2-3 months, shaking once a week or so. The vodka will draw the vanilla out and grow darker in time. Use in cooking as you use any other vanilla extract. ~ You may dry the vanilla beans and run through a food processor to make a powder that can then be used in cookies or breads! Or mix 1 T. vanilla powder per lb. of organic sugar to make organic vanilla sugar. You may be wondering... what's the Kahlua doing there in the picture? Well... we have to keep some tricks up our sleeve. A future blog post on making Kahlua with vanilla perhaps...! In the meantime, enjoy your fresh vanilla!
Little did I know when I visited my daughter in Beirut that we'd have the chance to tour an ancient soap factory that has been restored into a wonderful museum. What a treat to be able to wander through a building that had been used for centuries to make bar after bar of SOAP! At the soap museum in Saida (Sidon), Lebanon, we watched a video of the history of soap and how it came to be. There is no one definitive proof of who invented soap or how long humans have been using it. Archaeology and ancient texts have been written of various cultures making and using soap from as far back as 2200 BC...wow, that's a lot of bubbles! Soap was used for cleansing and also for medicinal reasons. Even though the different cultures had their own recipes for soap, they all used either fat from animals or plants and some type of alkali obtained from ashes. Much like today, these recipes were passed on from one soap-maker to the next, perfected, and closely guarded. Even though everyone knows soap is a mixture of oils/fats and an alkali, it is the actual percentages and various additives - such as butters, fragrances, and natural colorants - that allow soap-makers to stand out from others.
If you ever get to Lebanon, make sure you take a day trip down to Saida. It has this wonderful museum, an incredible open souk (street market), delicious food, and an ancient castle right on the coast. We had a blast!
There is nothing quite like a handcrafted bar of good old-fashioned soap! No chemical preservatives, detergent-free, and made with all sorts of goodies that your skin will love! Some of the ingredients you might find in a natural, handcrafted soap are:
Tailored Touches' handcrafted artisan soaps do not contain any of the preservatives or detergents that are often loaded into store-bought "beauty bars." Did you notice that we called the store-bought variety a "beauty bar"? That's because it isn't even SOAP! Unless you see the word "soap" on the label, more times than not, it is a detergent-based cleansing bar that can strip your skin of natural oils and cause drying. Plus they are loaded with preservatives that can be harmful. Does real "soap" need any special care?
With just a little extra effort, you can become one of millions who enjoy the cleansing of real soap... and none of those yucky preservatives! ** Please keep in mind that even natural soaps may cause some folks to have allergic reactions to the oils, butters, natural colorants, or essential oils. So discontinue use if you notice any adverse reactions.
Now that summer is in full swing, there are so many great vegetables in season! These 12 vegetables are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and perfect to add to your summer menu. Leafy Greens Lettuce has its benefits, but there are plenty of other leafy greens that you should add to your meals! These greens will provide a pleasant change to boring dishes, and they each have important vitamins and nutrients. Watercress and spinach are sources for your daily value of vitamins A, C, and K. Watercress is an underrated vegetable, but its small leaves have the healthy vitamins and antioxidants our bodies need. Try adding some of this peppery green to your salad or with breakfast in your scrambled eggs. Yum! You’re probably familiar with spinach, but did you know this is one of the most versatile vegetables?! Whether you prefer it raw in a salad or sautéed with some garlic, spinach will always be a health-boosting choice. If you want to be more adventurous, add some spinach to your smoothie! Grab your favorite summer fruits, and blend them with spinach for a refreshing drink. Try any combination... like peaches, banana, and spinach. Beet greens and collard greens are another excellent and healthy addition to any menu. Both are rich with vitamin K, and collard greens provide a nutritious serving of folate (a vitamin) and beta-carotene, which helps strengthen vision. Try sautéing your beet greens with some garlic and olive oil for a lighter side dish to a heavier meal. Collard greens, a Southern staple, are best blanched in boiling water, and even make a great alternative to tortillas for wraps. Adding Some Color Incorporate some of summer’s bright colors in your meals! Beets add a bright red or purple to your plate, and, like their leaves, contribute many nutrients, like fiber and nitrates. Grate raw beets over your salad, or bake them in foil like potatoes. I’d suggest combining them with watercress and feta cheese in this delicious salad! Red bell peppers also add a vibrant pop of color, not to mention a huge helping of vitamin C. They’re delightfully crisp, and add a sweet flavor to any dish - I love wrapping them in a pita with some hummus, cucumber, and kalamata olives. Mmm. The colorful stalks of swiss chard also brighten any meal. Lightly steam them, or sauté them and add them to a quiche. Fun Sized Veggies Good things come in small packages, and summer vegetables are no exception. Microgreens are the mini versions of your favorite veggies, like broccoli, cabbage, and radishes, but hold even more nutrients, like vitamins C and E. Mix them into a salad with pomegranate or strawberries, or even use them to top your tacos. Baby kale is another vegetable to add to your shopping list. Sure, we all know about kale as a “superfood,” but baby kale is more tender, and doesn’t have the strong flavor of regular kale, making it better to use in wraps and pasta salads. The Classics Of course, sometimes you just can’t beat old favorites. Broccoli with forever be a favorite vegetable on the dinner table. Mix some chopped broccoli florets in stir fry or frittatas... or serve it on its own. Roast it in the oven with some olive oil and salt for a simple and delicious source of vitamins C and K! You probably have this veggie in your freezer right now: frozen peas! Not to be forgotten, peas are always a healthy (and economical) option. Steam them, or add them to soups and pasta. Their sweetness also pairs great with hearty grains like couscous! Asparagus and its surprisingly sweet flavor will always be one of my top picks from the produce aisle. It’s tasty when roasted or blanched, but when you break out the grill this summer, try searing up some asparagus with a bit of olive oil and topped with some lemon juice. Serve with your favorite summer dish. There are endless recipes for all of the tasty, nutritious veggies available this summer. Head to the grocery store or hit your local farmer’s market to fill your cart with these vitamin-rich vegetables; your body will thank you! Taking advantage of summer’s produce makes for a fresh and healthy season! Don't Forget Your Veggie Wash!Don't forget to wash all of your veggies before eating to remove any dirt or pesticides! Our All Natural Vegetable Wash soap is formulated with extra coconut oil, orange essential oil, and orange peel for extra scrub. We made it with 60% coconut oil so that it will be extra cleansing on your vegetables, yet still all natural! Happy Munching! :)
I’ve been a coffee drinker for as long as I can remember. While I spend more time and money in coffee shops than I care to admit, I know that brewing coffee at home is always the cheaper option. But...I never realized that I could get even more bang for my buck by saving my used coffee grounds! With its strong scent, rich color, and coarse texture, coffee can be a helpful tool for more than just giving you a caffeine kick! Coffee grounds are great as a meat rub or even for concealing scratches on wooden furniture, but their best quality is their ability to mask odors and exfoliate! Are the aromas of last night’s seafood leftovers taking over your refrigerator? Try leaving a bowl of dried coffee grounds in your fridge to get rid of the scent. Better yet, make yourself feel and smell fresher with some coffee soap! Lathering on some of Tailored Touches’ smooth Turkish Mocha Natural Soap will perk you up just like your usual cup o' joe, and the natural ingredients will moisturize your skin. Maybe you’ve used coffee grounds to scrub pots and pans before, but did you know that coffee grounds make an excellent natural exfoliator for your skin? Our handcrafted Coffee House Sugar Scrub is a lusciously aromatic solution for your skin. Whether you take your coffee with heaps of sugar and a heavy pour of cream, or you prefer your java straight black, find a new use for those used coffee grounds! There’s no better comfort than a warm cup of coffee. Add some of that same comfort to your shower routine with one of our many natural coffee soaps and scrubs! |
Welcome to Tailored Tidbits!If I'm not in the kitchen cooking up new items for my shop, I'm sewing fabric baskets, taking care of our honeybees, pitching in on the latest project at my son's, or planning a trip somewhere with my daughter. Here, I'll share a "day in the life" at Tailored Touches! Sign up for the newsletter for an instant 10% off coupon.
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