Recipe: Menta Doble Bath Bomb

Mint is refreshing and uplifting. It can also cool you down when the temperature is rising! Double the cooling experience with two types of mint!

 

You Will Need:

(all measurements by weight, not volume)

16 oz Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)

8 oz Citric Acid

0.50 oz  Kaolin Clay

1.5 oz Aloe Butter

0.25 oz Spearmint Essential Oil

0.25 oz Peppermint, Cut (Dried)

Silicone or Plastic Mold

Phase 1: Combine dry ingredients in a heat-proof, zip close baggie.This method is preferred because it prevents the particles from becoming airborne. Citric Acid can be irritating when inhaled, so if you are using a mixing bowl, wear a protective mask and work in a well-ventilated area. Break up any lumps in the bag and mix until free-flowing and completely incorporated. You can either include the dried botanicals in the mix or use them within the mold as a decorative touch.

Phase 2: In a double boiler over low heat, melt the aloe butter until no solids remain. Remove from heat. Place the baggie containing your dry ingredients inside a container like a pyrex measuring cup. Fold the edges over the rim of the measuring cup to stabilize the bag and then pour the melted aloe butter over your dry ingredients. (This is why you need a heat-safe zipper bag).

Phase 3: Zip the baggie closed, expelling most of the air, and begin to knead the contents together. It may take a few minutes of kneading the material to get a unified mix. Open the bag and add your fragrance. Close the bag and continue kneading to incorporate your fragrance throughout the mix. When the mixture begins to hold its shape when squeezed, you are ready to mold your bath bombs.

Phase 4: Using a gloved hand, pack the mixture into your mold of choice. Be sure to pack the mold tightly so the mixture does not crumble. Gently turn molds upside down on a cookie sheet and allow to sit for several minutes before unmolding. Timing is everything here, if you unmold too soon your bombs may crumble. If you unmold too late, you may damage the mold trying to remove your bombs.

Phase 5: Allow bath bombs to sit for a minimum of 24 hours before packaging for use. Store in an airtight container out of humidity for best results.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Invigorating Room Freshener

Hot, humid weather can mean stale, stagnant air. One remedy is this easy, aromatherapy room freshener spray!

You Will Need:

4 oz Cyclomethicone (Alcohol-Free Perfume Base)

20 drops Rosemary Essential Oil

8 drops White Grapefruit Essential Oil

4 drops Peppermint Essential Oil

2 drops Spearmint Essential Oil

Combine all ingredients and pour into a bottle with a sprayer cap.

To Use: Spray liberally around the house to revive stale air. Avoid spraying on or near pets.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Cooling Foot & Body Spray

You will need:

16 oz Body Splash Base
5 ml Peppermint Essential Oil
2.5 ml Spearmint Essential Oil
2.5 ml Eucalyptus Essential Oil

Phase 1: Combine Essential Oils and Body Splash Base in a glass or stainless steel mixing bowl.

Phase 2: Pour into bottles and apply spray closure.

To use: Mist directly on feet and calves. The mint essential oils will have a cooling effect on hot, tired skin, leaving you refreshed! Avoid spraying onto  the face or eyes.

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

Sunburn Relief & Treatment Tips (video)

In this short video from Howdini.com, Dr. Doris Day, M.D. shares her sunburn treatment tips, including some home remedies for quick sunburn relief.:

For quick sunburn relief:

•  If you have a fever or chills, you may have sun poisoning. Call your doctor or go to the ER right away.
• Take anti-inflammatory right away, like aspirin or ibuprofen to reduce redness and swelling.
• Go inside or somewhere cooler to help release heat from your skin.
• Minimize pain by adding water back to the skin. Products like hydrocortisone, aloe vera gel, or Solarcaine will help cool off the skin and reduce redness.

Home remedies for sunburns:

• Take cool or lukewarm showers. Hot/warm water will irritate the burn and delay healing.
• Apply a paste of oatmeal, whole milk, honey, and aloe vera gel. Soak in a lukewarm bath for 15 minutes. It will add moisture back into your skin and prevent peeling.
• Aloe vera from a plant works slightly better than gel, but either one will help.
• If you have to go back into the sun, wear protective clothing and apply plenty of sunscreen.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Stay Cool This Summer

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

We're experiencing an insufferable heatwave here on the East Coast. It's the kind of heat that makes you sweat when you breathe even while standing in front of the freezer. These tips can help you keep cool while the mercury is rising:

• Work out in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. If you can't change the time of your workout, make it shorter or do something less strenuous.
• Wear light colored, loose-fitting clothing made from natural materials.
• Fill a spray bottle with water or hydrosol and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick pick me up after being outdoors.
• Run fans to circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned house.
• Store lotions or body splashes in the refrigerator to use on hot, overtired feet.
• Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you're ready to go outside. As the ice melts, you'll have a supply of cold water with you.
• Take frequent baths or showers with cool or tepid water.
• Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes like Coconut Water. We're partial to R.W. Knudsen's line of Sparkling Essences (naturally flavored sparkling water).
• Place damp washcloths in a ziploc baggie and refrigerate or freeze overnight. Take with you to refresh your face and neck throughout the day. I take a frozen washcloth to the trail with me so I have something cool to wipe my face with after I run.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.
• Eat lighter summer foods including frequent small meals or snacks like cold fruit, cold pasta salads, or crudites. Added benefit, you won't have to turn on the stove.
• If you don't have air-conditioning, arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a public space that is cool (libraries, malls, movie theaters, etc.). Many cities have cooling centers that are open to the public on sweltering days.

What tips do you have to help stay cool?

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

New Fragrance Oils

It's almost August, which can only mean one thing...It's almost fall! The following fall-inspired fragrances have been added to our site, with more to follow!

Creme de Menthe Fragrance Oil

Plum Tarte Fragrance Oil

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Are You An Adult Cyber-Bully?

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

Cyber-bullying is defined as "the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others".

Cyber-bullying can be as simple as continuing to send e-mail to someone who has said they want no further contact with the sender, but it may also include threats, sexual remarks, pejorative labels (i.e., hate speech), ganging up on victims by making them the subject of ridicule in forums, as well as the posting of false statements as fact aimed at humiliation.

The practice of cyber-bullying is not limited to children. Cyber-bullying perpetrated by an adult towards another adult is sometimes referred to as cyberstalking or cyberharassment. Common tactics used by cyber-stalkers are to threaten a victim's earnings, employment, reputation, or safety. Moreover, bullies can gang up on their victims on electronic pages more efficiently than they do in traditional bullying, since there is no limit to the number of people who can join in, following a bullying statement.

A 2008 High Court ruling determined that, generally speaking, slander is when a defamatory statement has been made orally without justification. Libelous statements are those that are recorded with some degree of permanence. This would include statements made by email or on online bulletin boards.

While motives vary, whether romantic, a business conflict of interest, or personal dislike, the target is commonly someone whose life the stalker sees or senses elements lacking in his or her own life. The source of the defamation seems to come from three types of online information purveyors: Blogs, industry forums and commercial websites. Studies reveal that while some motives are personal dislike, there is often direct economic motivation by the cyberstalker, including conflict of interest, and investigations reveal the responsible party is an affiliate or supplier of a competitor, or the competitor itself.

In most states, Cyber-bulling is covered under Telecommunications Laws. Click HERE to access a list that consists of current and pending cyberstalking-related United States federal and state laws, as well as those states that do not have laws yet and related laws from other countries. In many states, providing a device that others use to bully allows law enforcement to charge you with a crime as well. (I.e. A home computer that your children use, or a work computer/cell phone that your employees use to bully others can cause you to be charged for harassment along with the one bullying.)

If you are a victim of Cyber-bullying, Cyberstalking or Cyberharassment and need to locate an attorney, check out The National Crime Victim Bar Association.  

Bullying people online is highly unprofessional, even more so when your actions or statements pull others into the same behavior. Luckily, in many states, cyber-bulling is also illegal.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com 

When Your Words Ruin Your Business Image

As a business owner, have you ever said something online you wish you hadn't? Maybe someone has publicly disagreed with you online about your beliefs or a position you have taken? Words are powerful. When a person you are conversing with is NOT in your immediate vicinity (i.e. in an email, on facebook/twitter, in online forums, etc.), it is easy for them to misunderstand the words you choose and the tone with which they are intended.

If you own a business and are using social media to build your client base or communicate with other members of your industry, that's great!  But you have to set an example for your business online. The point I'm making is that you don’t call people names online. Not ever.

A snide comment or retort, especially those made out of anger or misunderstanding, has huge potential to bite you later on down the road (or even immediately, depending on what is said). Your comments may even be construed as libel or slander. When someone calls a fellow colleague names online, I wonder what they say about their clients, their business partners, the people they meet on the street. Bullying is unacceptable, online and offline.

Check yourself before you wreck your self business image. The internet, particularly parts of it that are indexed by Google (like Facebook, Twitter and forums), is not the place to air nasty comments about your colleagues. There are too many people out there chomping at the bit to use your statements as a chance to bring you down. How fortunate are we that Google archives all of our online statements for future documentation?

It is possible to have a grown-up discussion online, it's even okay to respectfully disagree with someone online. The difference between a respectful disagreement and attacking someone rides a fine line when the tone behind your words is indiscernible. 

As a side note, if you find yourself asking if a comment might be harsh, it probably is. If you still aren't sure, they do make software now that will tell you without judgement!

Remember, choose your words wisely.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Response To Bill H.R. 2359: Safe Cosmetics Act of 2011

On July 4, 2011, text for the proposed Bill H.R. 2359: Safe Cosmetics Bill was made available to the public. The full text of the bill is available online at the Library of Congress Thomas.

We have waited to issue our official position so that we could read and interpret the material presented and to field questions regarding the proposed legislation. Because of the overwhelming amount of propaganda surrounding this bill, we find it necessary to make the following statement:

• We do not feel that additional legislation is warranted to ensure safe cosmetics, but understand that it is inevitable. 

• We agree that full disclosure of ingredients in cosmetics is necessary so that it is clear to consumers that the safety of cosmetics in the United States is both important and indisputable. This needs to be accomplished in a manner that does not harm businesses while fostering pride and continued growth in manufacturing safe cosmetics.

• We support provisions in the proposed bill that provide exemptions for small and micro businesses. It is invaluable that new legislation does not create a barrier to entry for new small and micro businesses, while protecting those that already exist and produce safe cosmetics.

• We continue to support the work of the Handcrafted Soapmaker's Guild. The HSMG has worked tirelessly to educate committee members about our industry as well as how the details of this bill need to be improved so that our industry is not inadvertently and/or negatively impacted.

• We look forward to supporting the HSMG in future bill discussions with the House Energy & Commerce Committee, Members of Congress and the Sponsors of the Bill. Additionally, we have offered to participate in these discussions. We believe that it is imperative to keep the lines of communication flowing in a non-confrontational manner to quash miscommunication.

We encourage each of YOU to read the contents of the bill and to formulate your own opinion regarding how it applies to your business. It is evident that the voices of small business owners in our industry are being heard and considered. It is more important now to keep that momentum going to ensure that we continue that progress.

Allison Kontur

Smell No Evil, Ltd/AliMar Labs, LLC

330-467-1637

Recipe: Tub Tablets

Copyright (c) Smell No Evil, Ltd.

This is a great project for older kids or teens. Learn about the chemical reaction caused by combining citric acid and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) with bath water!

You Will Need:

(all measurements by weight, not volume)

16 oz Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)

8 oz Citric Acid

0.50 oz  Kaolin Clay

1.5 oz Aloe Butter

0.25 oz Bazooka Bubble Gum Flavor Fragrance

0.25 oz Strawberry Fruit Powder

Silicone or Plastic Mold

Phase 1: Combine dry ingredients in a heat-proof, zip close baggie.This method is preferred because it prevents the particles from becoming airborne. Citric Acid can be irritating when inhaled, so if you are using a mixing bowl, wear a protective mask and work in a well-ventilated area. Break up any lumps in the bag and mix until free-flowing and completely incorporated.

Phase 2: In a double boiler over low heat, melt the aloe butter until no solids remain. Remove from heat. Place the baggie containing your dry ingredients inside a container like a pyrex measuring cup. Fold the edges over the rim of the measuring cup to stabilize the bag and then pour the melted aloe butter over your dry ingredients. (This is why you need a heat-safe zipper bag).

Phase 3: Zip the baggie closed, expelling most of the air, and begin to knead the contents together. It may take a few minutes of kneading the material to get a unified mix. Open the bag and add your fragrance. Close the bag and continue kneading to incorporate your fragrance throughout the mix. When the mixture begins to hold its shape when squeezed, you are ready to mold your bath bombs.

Phase 4: Using a gloved hand, pack the mixture into your mold of choice. Be sure to pack the mold tightly so the mixture does not crumble. Gently turn molds upside down on a cookie sheet and allow to sit for several minutes before unmolding. Timing is everything here, if you unmold too soon your bombs may crumble. If you unmold too late, you may damage the mold trying to remove your bombs.

Phase 5: Allow bath bombs to sit for a minimum of 24 hours before packaging for use. Store in an airtight container out of humidity for best results.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Goldfish Liquid Hand Soap

Copyright (c) Smell No Evil, Ltd.

It's hard enough getting kids to bathe without a fight. Help expedite the process with this fun and easy goldfish soap! This formula can be used as an all-purpose cleanser, functioning as a body soap or a hand soap.

You Will Need

16 oz Suspension Gel Soap

5 ml (1 tsp) Monkey Farts Fragrance Oil

Vinyl Goldfish

2 - 8 oz Boston Round Bottles

2 - 24/210 Push Disc Caps

Combine fragrance oil with suspension gel base. Begin pouring scented soap into bottles until approximately half full. Insert vinyl goldfish into opening of bottle, you can use a pipette or straw to manipulate fish into the position you prefer. Top off bottle with remaining soap and cap.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Super-Gloss Roll-On

Copyright (c) Smell No Evil, Ltd.

Mom's, do you remember "Kissing Gloss"? This recipe is one you can control to be less "sticky" than the original and it's a great way to learn a little science at the same time! This is a great project for discussing viscosity, weight vs. volume, primary colors vs. secondary colors, units of measure and more!

You Will Need:

1 oz Coconut Oil - Fractionated
1 oz Castor Oil
1 ml Vegetable Glycerin
2 ml Flavor Fragrance Oil

• We used 20 drops Pina Colada Flavor Fragrance in Blue and Natural
• We used 20 drops Banana Flavor Fragrance in Yellow
•  We used 20 drops Summer Berries Flavor Fragrance in Red

1 ml Oil Soluble, Lip-Safe Colorant

• We used  0.15 ml Mica Pigment Powder - Blue (Oil Soluble)
• We used 0.15 ml Mica Pigment Powder - Yellow (Oil Soluble)
• We used 0.15 ml Mica Pigment Powder - Red (Oil Soluble)

0.15 ml Sweetener Powder (optional)

• We used 0.15 ml Sweetener Powder (derived from white licorice root)

Tools you may need:

• Mini White Plastic Scoop - .15cc/.15ml
• Mini White Plastic Scoop - 1cc/1ml
• 4ml General Purpose Pipette
• Glass Roll-On Bottle - Recipe yields roughly 6 Roll-On's
• Dixie cups or glass ramekins
• Scissors

Combine all ingredients in a sterile Pyrex container. If you are using more than one flavor fragrance or color, you will need to separate your lip gloss base into individual mixing containers (dixie cups or glass ramekins are good choices). Once separated, add color and flavor of choice to each container and stir well to incorporate. Package in roll-on bottles using a pipette.  

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Beachy Lip Balm

Copyright (c) Smell No Evil, Ltd.

Mom's love lip balm, so do kids! Why not let them make a balm even mom will approve of and learn a little science at the same time? This makes a great project for discussing liquids vs. solids, primary colors vs. secondary colors, units of measure and more!

You Will Need:

2 oz Natural Lip Balm Base (For Sticks)

0.15 ml Sweetener

• We used 0.15 ml Sweetener Powder (derived from white licorice root)

2 ml Flavor Fragrance Oil

• We used 1 ml Orange Dream Flavor Fragrance for the orange half
• We used 1 ml Limeade Flavor Fragrance for the green half

Oil Soluble, Lip Safe Colorant (optional)

• We used  0.15 ml Mica Pigment Powder - Coral (Oil Soluble)
• We used 0.15 ml Mica Pigment Powder - Green (Oil Soluble)

Tools you may need:

• Mini White Plastic Scoop - .15cc/.15ml
• Mini White Plastic Scoop - 1cc/1ml
• 4ml General Purpose Pipette
• 0.27 oz Hinged Sphere (or mini-jars of your choice) - Recipe yields roughly 4 Hinged Spheres
• Dixie cups or glass ramekins
• Scissors

Phase 1: In a double boiler (or in a microwave - see note) on low heat, melt lip balm base until liquid. Add sweetener of your choice and whisk gently to incorporate. (Note: If using microwave, heat in short 5 second bursts to avoid over heating and splattering. Mix solids & liquids together between heat bursts and scrape down the sides of your microwaveable container.)

Phase 2: If you are using a single flavor fragrance and a single color, add your color and flavor of choice to your melting pot/container and whisk thoroughly to combine. If you are using more than one flavor fragrance or color, you will need to separate your melted lip balm base into individual mixing containers (dixie cups or glass ramekins are good choices). Once separated, add color and flavor of choice to each container and stir well to incorporate.

Use a different color for each half

Phase 3: While your colored/flavored lip balm is still melted, use a pipette to transfer the first color to one side of your Hinged Sphere. You may need to trim up the bottom of the pipette with scissors to make it easier to transfer the melted lip balm. Use a new, clean pipette to transfer your second color to the other side of your Hinged Sphere. Allow to sit in an undisturbed area until solid.

Finished Beachy Balm

Phase 4: Once completely cooled and solid, you can snap your Hinged Sphere together to admire your work!

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Watermelon Shower Gel

© Allison Kontur I Smell No Evil, Ltd.

Watermelon is a summertime staple and a perfect partner for summertime projects with the kiddos! This recipe can be tweaked to include different fragrances and colors. Cue up some creativity!

You Will Need:

16 oz Suspension Gel Soap

5 ml (1 tsp) Watermelon Flavor Fragrance Oil

7.5 ml (1.5 tsp) Kiwi Seeds

2 drops FD&C Red #40 - Liquid

2 drops D&C Red #33 - Liquid

Combine all ingredients in a sterile, glass mixing container. Pour into containers and cap.

Variations:

• Substitute 2 drops FD&C Yellow #5 - Liquid & 2 drops FD&C Yellow #6 - Liquid and make an orange watermelon.
• Substitute Kiwi Strawberry Fragrance Oil, 2 drops FD&C Blue #1 - Liquid and 3 drops FD&C Yellow #5 - Liquid to make a kiwi-strawberry.
• Omit colorant and substitute a tropical fragrance like: Tropical Fruit Fragrance Oil, Monkey Farts Fragrance Oil, Pina Colada Flavor Fragrance Oil, Passion Punch Fragrance Oil to make a tropical dragonfruit.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Recipe: Cashmere Coconut Perfume Roll-On

Copyright (c) 123RF Stock Photos

Need a simple pick-me-up that's purse friendly? Roll-on perfumes are the answer!

You Will Need:

2 oz Coconut Oil (Fractionated)

1ml Cashmere Coconut Fragrance Oil (or fragrance oil of your choice)

Roll On Bottles

Combine ingredients in a sterile mixing container and pour or pipette into glass roll-on bottles. Cap and label prior to use so the product is not accidentally mistaken for lip gloss.

Note: You can use any fragrance you like! Fractionated Coconut Oil makes an excellent base for perfume because it is odorless, colorless and absorbs quickly without a greasy after-feel.

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

Price Increase - Herbal Body Mist

BathBodySupply.com has been notified that due to the rise in raw material costs, our Herbal Body Mist has had a 30% pricing increase, effective immediately. We are unable to absorb the full amount of this increase as we have done in the past. Therefore, we have had to increase the pricing on this product accordingly. New pricing has been updated online.

We are actively investigating the reformulation of this product to help buffer the price increase and we are interested in hearing your opinions. Would you like to see this product reformulated with fewer high-cost additives? Or, do you prefer to leave the formula as is and increase the price to your customers accordingly?

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com

7th Anniversary Special Offer!

Earn Double Points!