Gift Guide: For Her!

Can you believe it's already nearly November, which means the holiday season is in full swing!  Last year, my Gift Guides were so popular that I decided to do them all over again!  I wanted to be able to include a "Gift Guide for Her" this year, even though I basically had four gift guides revolving around a girl like me: a Travel Bug, Crafty Gal, Tech Geek, and Home Chef!

Well, this guide is chock full of pretty and practical items for you or the girl in your life.  I included gorgeous items to wear, self-care items that smell heavenly, and adorable things for around the house that I have had my eye on.  Enjoy looking through the guide, and I hope you find something to add to your list!

To Wear

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Nature Skin Shop feature!

On this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I have a lovely one to share with you!  I met Terri from Nature Skin Shop in the midst of all the food vendors at Artisanal L.A., and the scents of her pretty products were still able to stand out from the crowd!  Not to mention, she was as cute as a button, in a lovely flower dress that matched her equally lovely bath and beauty items.  :)

I absolutely love her gorgeous products, and because she is so multi-talented, all of the beautiful photos you see below are hers!  Take a look and read through the interview, then tell me you don't want to try every single one of her items.  I dare you!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

I am a jack of all trades with a short attention span. I like to be creative in many different ways. I am a wannabe artist! Running a soap company gives me the opportunity to move through many projects throughout the day from scent blending, recipe development, web design, and designing and marketing. My background is in photography, web design and Photoshop.


Where did the name of your store come from?

The name of my store originated from the fact that all my products are all natural, and I wanted my store to reflect that with in the name!

Why did you start making goods for Nature Skin Shop?

I’m also a cosmetics junkie! This has lead me to where I am today.


What is your favorite item?

My favorite item is my cleansing conditioner because it is formulated for hair just like mine, which is dry and damaged from being addicted to dying my hair from one color to another.


What is your most popular item?

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Feet Tea feature & GIVEAWAY!

On this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I have such a fun shop for you today!  I first saw Feet Tea at one of last year's Patchwork shows, and I was immediately intrigued!  First of all, the entire area around their booth had the most tempting aroma, so as I approached Josie to say hello, I was already loving their "Feet Tea."  Then, I saw their adorable packaging (so will you in the pictures below) and the cute shop name.  Since all of the foot soak tea bags smell so delicious, they had to add a little tag that says "Don't Drink Me."  How funny!

I took home a sampler pack to try out four of their varieties – all amazing!  Now, one lucky reader will get the chance to take home a burlap sampler with eight Feet Tea foot soak tea bags.  Wow!  That's eight luscious, relaxing soaks to make you feel like you are at the spa... Aahhhhhh...

But first, let's hear from Josie and find out a few tidbits like her favorite product (which is made just for men) and see some pretty items from Feet Tea!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

My name is Josie and I am the creator and owner of Feet Tea. I make foot soak tea bags that contain Epsom and mineral salts, essential oils, and dried herbs or flowers. This is all contained in a tea bag that is perfect for softening dry feet in need of moisture and pampering.

Even at a young age, I had always preferred handmade goods over store-bought. I liked the fact that someone used the creative side of their brain to create something unique and original. I also loved visiting craft shows to get inspired and to chat with the makers about their creative process.


Where did the name of your store come from?

I did a lot of brainstorming as to what would be a fun and memorable name for my product, and also wanted to be really clear as to what Feet Tea was used for – soaking and steeping your feet, not for drinking. I also researched similar products on the market and the name Feet Tea was unique to the other foot soak products out there.


Why did you start making goods for Feet Tea?

I have always enjoyed drinking and mixing loose leaf tea and learning the benefits of using various herbs and dried botanicals. I have suffered from eczema since I was young which made my toes very itchy and I used soaking salts on a regular basis. I decided to add the salts and some of the herbs to one of the teabags made for loose leaf tea. Adding essential oils really brought out the aromatic qualities in the blend. The Feet Tea concept is about taking the spa experience home and also relieving your feet from soreness and muscle aches.

What is your favorite item?

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SOAP FARM feature & promo!

On this week's Shop Small Saturday Showcase, I have a long overdue shop to share with you!  As you know, I prefer using natural products whenever possible.  When I spotted SOAP FARM's beautiful products at one of my favorite craft shows, I knew they had to be a part of my series!

Vanessa has been making soap since 2001 and really knows how to make a beautiful bar of soap.  She also makes other natural bath and body products and puts together baskets of her items, which make perfect gifts.  Also, she is offering a promo to my readers to receive 15% off of her items.  Lucky you!  Make sure to check that out after the interview, and now let's get to it!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

I am an art school and film school grad who spent my entire adolescence figuring out a way to get to New York City. I am adopted from Korea, grew up in Minnesota with the Mississippi river in my backyard, and, yes, did get myself to New York at twenty after transferring from more than one college. I hated school so much I was truant and graduated high school a year early (just to get the heck out) and finally finished college summa cum, to my father's relief and disbelief.  I am a broadcast news and documentary producer/editor by profession with eighteen years working for the majors in television. I can make a bar of soap and produce your marketing video; a rare occurrence. I have had no professional training or background in soap making or business but I like to do things the hard way.


Where did the name of your store come from?

My father's side of the family are all commercial agricultural farmers from his generation in the American heartland. They grow soybeans and corn on thousands of acres of land. Their kids have gone off into other fields (pardon the pun) and careers. I've always lived in major cities (I'm a city mouse) but always wanted the purity that doesn't exist there. I've always wanted  to create businesses around delivering the essence of nature to the urban masses. Hence, SOAP FARM.


Why did you start making goods for SOAP FARM?

Everything comes from experimentation for me and I was attracted to all natural soap making because it's rather dangerous. Customers came next-and that's what changes why you make what you make.


What is your favorite item?

My first and coveted item, my SUPERFAT SOAP; an all natural, giant, fat bar of soap made with pure essential oils and ingredients that help and heal sensitive skin.

What is your most popular item?

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Bambu Earth feature!

Guess what?  I have a surprise for you because I have a Shop Small Saturday Showcase for you on a Wednesday!  This is partially so it coincides with an important day and partially because shopping small isn't just for Saturdays.  :)

Bambu Earth is a line of natural, sustainable, and ethical products.  It's pretty much tailor-made for this gal!  I tried all of the items in the picture below: Tea Tree & Lemongrass Soap, Cleanser, Toner, Sugar Glow Facial Polish, and Petitgrain Facial Cream.  Wow, I really felt like I was being pampered in a spa!  Best of all, I love how amazing the scents are without any harsh chemicals.

Lastly, Bambu Earth has its own Kickstarter campaign to bring all of its amazing products to you... in person!  Believe me when I say that the Rewards are pretty, pretty amazing.  In fact, if you end up getting the In-home Spa Event, I think I deserve an invite, right?  ;)

Now, let's get to the interview!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

My name is Amber and I'm the founder and CEO of Bambu Earth. I've been making soap for over 12 years now. Almost 3 years ago I took the leap and quit my day job to pursue my passion for making all-natural soap and skin care. I love Jesus and have a huge heart for orphans. I love traveling, cooking from scratch and raising my daughter, Bailey.

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FUN FACT : I protested the circus when I was 18 and almost got arrested. You could say I'm passionate about ethics.. which is basically why I created Bambu Earth.

SOMEDAY : I want 8 kids and a farm. I'd love to adopt and teach children how to grow their own food and make things with their hands. I think those are important things that are undervalued in our culture today.


Where did the name of your store come from?

Our signature ingredient is bamboo activated charcoal. It's an amazing ingredient that draws out impurities from your skin. Bamboo is sustainable, grown without pesticides, and replenishes itself quickly. Actually, bamboo takes about 5 years of nurturing before you even see one sprout. After that, it grows about an inch per day. It grows so rapidly, you can actually hear it growing! We are hoping the work we've put into Bambu Earth over the last 5 years has similar results!

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Tip: How to Squeeze a Toothpaste Tube

Today, I'm bringing you a funny tip that I would like the world to know.  Do you share a toothpaste tube with any significant others, kids, siblings, or someone else who squeezes from the top?

Yep, it's a pet peeve of many, and there are all kinds of gadgets to help.  However, I have a quick tip on how to squeeze the toothpaste to the top in about 5 seconds without any special equipment.  Let's see how!

First of all, it's never a problem when the tube is full or at least 50% full.  When the tube starts to empty, ideally it would end up looking like the tube at the bottom.

However, it's usually squeezed from the top, with all of the toothpaste left at the bottom.  So annoying!

Now, this is what you do.

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Organizing my Bathroom Toiletry Drawer for Spring Cleaning!

About a month ago, I did a quick reorganization of my toiletry drawer when I something silly happened for someone so organized...I ran out of deodorant!  I resorted to using my travel deodorant, but I knew that I had to do some major organizing of all of my toiletries to make sure I didn't run out of anything else.  Here is how I did that!

First of all, you should know that I had a huge stash of bottles and lotions because I ended up accumulating them from three different places: my parents' house from before I moved out to Nashville, my stash from Nashville (which was in storage temporarily), and the new stuff I bought when I moved back to California.  So basically, I had three times the stuff that any one person should have.

Add to that lotions and creams that I received as presents, the fact that I am switching to more natural beauty products, and I had a drawer filled to the brim with a bunch of items that I hadn't looked at in forever.  Maybe it doesn't look entirely terrible, but I had empty packages in there, tons of free samples, really old pore strips from high school, a tower of hair brushes balancing on a hair dryer that I barely use, and so much more.  It was time to get to work!

First, I cleared out the entire drawer and made sure to clean up all of the dust, hair, and dirt with my DIY orange cleaner.

Next, I reused the same IKEA cutlery trays from my jewelry organization post and stacked them end to end.  They fit perfectly!  Unfortunately, the lip on the bottom tray was a bit thick, so the top tray did not rest comfortably inside.  However, there was an easy fix for that...

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DIY Coffee Grounds Scrub

Hello!

I have obviously been sharing lots of goodies on the blog every day, but the last time I shared an easy DIY with you was almost 5 months ago!  What?!?!  Yep, it was my monogrammed glass cookie jar idea, but it wasn't even a tutorial.  The last time I shared a non-sewing tutorial was last May: my Nautical-Inspired Odds & Ends Jars.

Well, I would love to share something that is not jar-related with you all now: my DIY coffee grounds scrub!

Just to let you know, I use this all year round, but I think it would be a fun little Valentine's gift to make, give, and receive!

You might notice that I virtually put a cute little label on the jar using PicMonkey, because honestly I did not make a label for the jar in real life...  this batch is for myself!  You get the idea of how it would look cute in a jar, with a nice little label and a bow or two, perhaps!  :)

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I have seen recipes for coffee ground scrubs that claim to decrease cellulite, but honestly I just use this to smooth rough patches of skin.  It works great!  Also, I have never used it on my face, because that skin is far more delicate, and it would probably be more harmful than helpful.

With that, here is the "recipe" to making your own Coffee Grounds Scrub!


Coffee Grounds Scrub
A Vintage Zest original

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Handmade Gift Feature & Review: Moxxie Essential Care!

For today's "25 Days of Handmade Gifts" feature, I have something extra to share with you: a review!  Not only did I have the opportunity to meet the lovely owner and creator behind Moxxie Essential Care at Patchwork Santa Ana, I was able to get an interview for you all to see the magic behind this natural bath and body product line!

Now, I chose four different products all with a "peppermint" theme because it's the holidays!  It was definitely a gift for myself.  :)  First, I tried the Peppermint Solid Sugar Scrub and it was great!  It was not too "scratchy" and the tub contained small cubes so I could use one at a time without getting the other ones wet.  Next, I tried the Double Mint Body Bar and it was amazing!  As you could tell from its name it had twice the mint, so it smelled fantastic in the shower but did not leave me smelling like an Altoid!  Now, my favorite find of the four is the Peppermint Lip Balm because it completely resembles another unnamed brand of all-natural mint lip balm that I used in the past.  The brand was bought by a larger company and no longer used all natural ingredients, and it changed drastically even though it is still available.  This is exactly what I have been looking for since then!  Lastly, I tried the Peppermint Moisturizing Body Creme, which was my real favorite!  I was expecting a thick creme, but it was whipped and lovely!  And surprisingly, it was tingly after I applied it on my skin for about 15 minutes!

Okay, that was a quick rundown of just four of the many products in the entire Moxxie Essential Care line.  Take a peek at how beautiful everything looks and start picking out your favorite scent!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

My Story 

I AM     Philosopher - Designer -  Innovator - Producer.
I LIVE   to Create, Transform and Impact.
I LOVE  to Design the Blend of Colors, Forms, Textures and Aromas.

Formulating plant-based bath and body products gives me all that and then some.

During the 80’s and 90’s I studied the art and science of architectural design, community planning and construction then set upon a mission to design and develop pioneering affordable housing for non-profit community organizations and innovative office work spaces for multi-national corporations on the East coast and in Canada.

Amidst the anticipation and excitement of Y2K I reinvented myself, pulled up stakes and headed west with my family.  My husband and I acquired and took on the challenges of managing a west coast B2B manufacturing business.  At the same time we nurtured and parented two wonderfully terrific kids into young adults.

Some years ago, I discovered the simple feel good pleasures of handcrafted natural soaps.  I then stumbled upon a beautiful color-filled book on the craft of blending plant-based oils, pure plant extracts and botanicals to make natural soap.

Ahaa.. It was a calling for me to take better care of me.  And to design again!   A calling to craft marvelously spirited natural bath and body products that promote healthy skin while nurturing the mind, body and spirit.

In 2010 I created Moxxie Essential Care as a commitment to honor my passions.  To reaffirm my authentic self.  To explore, design, and create.  To enjoy and share!

Where did the name of your store come from?

The true meaning of Moxxie is about seizing the moment.  About thriving in that special space where luxury meets practicality, where fortitude and exploration reveals positive energy and determination unleashes personal style.

moxxie
mox·ie  /ˈmäksē/
Noun
1. The ability to manage competing demands - day in and day out - with spirit and courage.
2. Positive, creative energy.  determination.
3.  Whole body, mind-body self-affirming care.

What is your favorite item?

hmmmm..  hard to say.  I rotate through the line.  Currently  I am really enjoying  the lavender lip balm because I am a lip balm freak and the lavender is a nice, light scent that surprises me with how smooth and comforting a felling it provides each time I use it.

What is your most popular item?

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Handmade Gift Feature: Smell Swell!

For the "25 Days of Handmade Gifts" feature today, I am happy to share a line of all-natural beauty products!  At Patchwork, I had the pleasure of speaking with Brooke and one of her little helpers, her cutie patootie daughter.  :)  Smell Swell has been featured in the Orange County Register and orders have been placed all over the country since then!  Find out a bit more about the company and see how you can score a free lip balm at Patchwork - Santa Ana tomorrow!

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Tell me a little bit about yourself!

A bit about me.  Well, I am pregnant with baby girl #3 and celebrated my 10 year anniversary with my hubby this past summer.  We met in college on the first day of school and somehow over the last decade we have slowly become a little bit "granola" I guess you could say.  When people ask me to tell them one unique thing about myself, I can always shock folks by telling them I delivered my second baby in a parking lot in Germany.  Fun times!  Kids change things (in SO many ways!)  One of those ways for me what becoming aware of what I was putting in and on my body.  I slowly started buying more whole foods, switched toothpastes and shampoos and all that stuff.  At some point I started making my own deodorant and realized that I could sell it for not much more than Secret or any other name brand.  I felt that people would be willing to try something natural if it didn't cost them an arm and a leg.  And then came smell-swell.com!


Where did the name of your store come from?

Smell Swell came from wanting to smell swell of course!  Then came Sun Swell and Skin So Swell.  As I started expanding, I decided that All Things Swell was more appropriate because it encompassed the other products as well, and plus I hit a roadblock when I was trying to name my lip balm.  Swell and lips just don't make a good combo.  People don't want to buy a lip balm if they think it might make their lips swell, so then we have Lip Bliss (which is pretty swell I must say :) )

Why did you start making goods for Smell Swell?

I first made the deodorant for myself, and then I put some in a cute vintage mason jar that I got at a garage sale for my friend's birthday.  Her husband started using it and said, you should sell this stuff!  And so I did!


What is your favorite item?

If you were to just buy one item…hmmmm, I think I would say please just try them all!  The studies on aluminum in regular deodorant and the links to Alzheimer's are scary!  So, you want to switch if you can.  And then sunblock, you really should be using some everyday and in that case, you want to make sure you are using a zinc based sunscreen.  As for lip balm, mine is actually cheaper than Carmex!  Four bucks for twice as much!  And did you know that Carmex contains phenol which is actually banned in the European Union?  And lastly, body butter.  Everyone needs a good body butter, and not a body lotion.  What's the difference?  Well, there is no water in body butter and water is a drying agent, so when you are looking to moisturize your skin, you don't want to lather it in a lotion that has water as one of the main ingredients.  And so for those reasons, I can't say which item is my favorite!  They all seem so necessary!

What is your most popular item?

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