Botanical Earth

Hi happy BE readers!

I haven’t been posting for a while because the holiday was super busy.  After I came back from vacation on Jan 19th, I packed up all the order and thought I could settle in for a nice calm Spring but, life is taking over.  Since the 22nd of Jan. I have been in two car accidents (not my fault luckily but I hurt from them) and just the other day, I cleverly stuck my fingers in my plugged in stick blender…..needless to say this posting is taking quite a while to type as I have seriously cut my left hand.  I’m left handed by the way.

So because of all these things, I believe life is trying to tell me something and I need to listen.  I’m going to close the store until March 1st.  I didn’t want to have the store open and people not receiving orders on time or feeling pressure.  And the big thing is, I’m having a hard time making anything with just one arm and no help.  Jackie had to return to Colorado to help out there, so there’s only one person (me) to handle everything.

 Ok, Happy Valentines and I’ll see you all again March 1st!

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I received an early holiday present this year - our Hemp Lip Balms were part of a GreenDAY segment for the TODAYShow.com !!  Journalist Marisa Belger (a self proclaimed natural-beauty addict - talks about all the benefits of hemp goods and recommends her favorites - and our Lemongrass & Tea Tree Hemp Lip Balm is her favorite - yeah!  Read the full article here.

Because of the feature and the on-line link from the MSNBC site, we have been selling EVERYTHING HEMP!  This morning we sold out of our Hemp Toiletries Bag and I’m running low on a lot of our Hemp Soaps.  Once people understand the benefits of hemp and that you are not going to become “drugged out” by using it, they totally love it.  For those still concerned about THC in hemp, no worries. 

I’ve used and eaten Hemp products for over 15 years and passed every FAA required medical test with flying colors.  If you want to learn more about how hemp is processed for food, textiles and oil check out one of my favorite info spots at TestPledge.com . 

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This year I’m thrilled to include Flora and Fauna Letterpress cards!  Christine Brandt  is the clever indie stationary/card designer behind this artful biz located in California. 

What’s Letterpress and why is it so amazing?  Here’s a quote from Flora and Fauna’s site - “ Letterpress is the oldest printing technique, in which a raised surface is created from lead type, wood type, or polymer plates. The raised surfaced is inked, and paper is placed upon the inked surface with great pressure. This creates the lovely debossed surface unique to letterpress printing.”

One of the other reasons I love her work is that she went on a mission to find an antique Vandercook letterpress that she restored/rescued from a salvage yard.  How eco-friendly is that??  You can read all about it and see pictures on her About page.

The cards have such a lovely understated quality.  The paper stock is actually 100% cotton, so totally tree-free. The color and detail is not reflected in my picture taking skills.

Now when you order one of our gift baskets, you can select your favorite card.  Or if you order gift wrapping for your order, we’ll include one of her cards either filled out with your message, or blank so you can write your own message.

Ms. Brandt was kind enough to send me some extra cards in my order and I love those too.  You can expect to see her birthday and thank you cards being offered too throughout 2008 ~ yeah indie designers!  Check out her site at http://www.floraandfaunapress.com/

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Yep - it’s that time.  People go crazy tomorrow morning shopping for bargins….I use to work at a retail store in Colorado and people actually would be at the mall at 5:30am to be at that doorbusters.  I never could do that.  Not sure if it’s getting up so early to shop, or if it’s just dealing with the crowds.  And now, I just saw on TV that the stores are opening at 4am, so that means why should you even go to sleep tonight because you have to go to the store - yikes.  I am too lazy to drive that early in the morning.

So in honor of all the peeps like me out there in internet world, I have a deal for you my happy blog readers!  Now until December 1st, 2007 Botanical Earth is offering free ground shipping on all domestic US orders over $25.00.  Use the coupon code of GetReady at checkout for the free shipping! 

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At the beginning of this year, I started a blog called IndieGifts.net as a way to show off some of my favorite indie designers.  I love to show off other independant (indie) businesses.  You can always find unique, handmade goods if you take the time to look.  There’s no advertising, no trade for reviews sort to thing.  When I receive a gift (everyone knows to buy me indie goods!) or if I purchase from someone, I blog.  So yes, that’s me at indiegifts.net…and no, I don’t review my own products!

Might I mention that my original blog banner was done by Jenifer Altman over at Fieryeyed Studio .

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 You ever feel like you are being watched?

This afternoon while I was making soap, I looked out the window only to 1.) see the temperature, and 2.) to realize I was being watched!  These little wasps were looking to get in I guess, but stayed there about an hour moving around the window.

Just the other day while Colin, my husband was mowing out back of the shop, he noticed he was being watched.  This little multi-legged friend was eyeing him from the high grass - I think he was hoping Colin would see him and not mow over him.  So of course, Colin stopped what he was doing and moved him to a different area.  This is one of the largest praying mantis I have seen, and we have a lot around the property.  They are so cool, and watch everything.  Did you know they are the state insect of Connecticut?  Learn something everyday…..

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It’s been top secret for a while now, and I was asked not to say a word - but I can now…..Home of the Sampler is having a very special series of Samplers with exclusive items full size items from hand picked indie crafters.  Botanical Earth was asked to join for the very first one!  I was completely thrilled to have Alison consider us for this project.  She chose our Calendula Herb Unscented Soap. 

The Sampler Select is available starting today and here’s the link to see all the other indie artists in the box.  I LOVE Little Flower Designs who is in the box with us.  She makes the prettiest things and for the Sampler Select, designed exclusive wall tiles.

I didn’t have time to design an exclusive soap for Sampler Select, but am launching our new formulation of our Calendula Herb soap.  It has a larger amount of olive oil (which makes it an even higher percent of Castile style) and no more palm, or palm kernel oil.  The change is for environmental and animal rights issues, which I’ll expand later this week.

So check out the new Sampler Select Debut!  If you aren’t up for such a fancy Sampler, there’s always the super popular monthly Sampler that’s jam packed with lots of samples, coupons and crafty things from a huge variety of indie designers and crafty people.

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On Friday I’ll be packing up and travelling with my sister to Statesville, North Carolina.  My grandmother, who inspired me to continue soapmaking, needs her house fixed while she is ill in Colorado - so why not drive 750 miles to paint and mow the yard?  I love going there so it’s not a problem in the least.  On Saturday we hope to go to the Asheville Farmers Market and I’ll have to post about that because there are several great soapmakers there I have heard. 

On Sunday it’s a big trip to the cementary to see all the family…is that too morbid?  I love ancestory/heritage things and find great peace going…it gives me a sense of place and belonging.  There’s at least 4 generations just in one area.  The desk I use in the shop was my great- great -grandfather’s that he used at the Mill he founded.  I go to his grave and talk about business…actually some of my best ideas have come visiting - go figure.

Since I’m leaving, the shop will be closed Friday through at least Wednesday next week.  You’ll be able to order, but nothing will ship until I return on the 12th of Sept.

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While walking to the shop this morning, I was wondering what should I start with first….orders, making soap, answering emails, ordering supplies…the list goes on and on.  But sometimes something makes you stop and appreciate what is around you - and this little turtle did the trick!  I stopped and asked him what he had planned for the day.  It looked like his plan was to go to the pond about 1000ft away and eat some bugs.  So I figure since this humble little fellow changed my view of the day, maybe I would change my plans - so I’m having a sale!

 Now until midnight today (Tuesday Sept. 4th) Botanical Earth is having a 25% off sale on everything in our on-line store.  Use the coupon code of TURTLE at checkout.  An insight into my marketing genuis?  I saw a turtle, it’s Tuesday and it’s 3rd quarter (a 25% portion of the year).  Even items on special qualify for an additional discount. 

You might notice a new category here on the blog - Current Sales.  Instead of sending newsletters that end up as spam, I am just going to post current sales or promotions just on the blog. 

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Now with every order, you’ll receive a pack of Totally Indie Coupons loaded with discounts from 40 different indie designers.  We’ve participated previously and this time around Botanical Earth will be in both sets - so beside this first set of 39 designers (plus us makes 40), we’ll have another set of coupons for 39 other designers as we are in both Round 6a and b!

Shortly the entire list of participating indie businesses will be listed on the Totally Indie Coupon site.  Only by ordering from one of the stores involved will you be able to receive a pack.  I can say there’s a 20% off Botanical Earth coupon in there that’s good till August ‘08!

The clever woman behind this coupon co-op has a store of her own at Lindsay Designs - there you’ll find THE most adorable pet collars and ribbon accessories for people. 

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