tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64278853179084313692024-03-05T11:32:30.844-08:00Natural Beauty BlogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199356889306990095noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427885317908431369.post-78294280170515935362013-04-23T22:14:00.001-07:002013-04-23T22:18:19.697-07:00Can You Name A 100% Natural, Healthy, Delicious, Guilt-Free Sweetener?A University of Rhode Island researcher has recently discovered there
are more than 20 different compounds in maple syrup that are linked to
human health, 5 of which have never been seen in nature, most of which
have only been discovered in the last 2-3 years. These newly identified
antioxidant compounds i>>n maple syrup are reported to have anti-cancer,
anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. (<a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110330131316.htm" target="_blank">Science Daily, Mar, 30, 2011</a>)<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Is there anyone else shocked to find that something as sweet,
sticky and wonderful tasting as pure maple syrup could actually be good
for you?!</b><br />
<br />
<b></b>Okay, so even if you didn't go out and tap the maple trees in your yard as suggested in <a href="http://skinkissednaturals.blogspot.com/2013/04/you-can-make-maple-syrup-seriouslyits.html" target="_blank">You Can Make Maple Syrup (Seriously...It's Easy!)</a> or follow the step-by-step instructions on how to boil it down in <a href="http://skinkissednaturals.blogspot.com/2013/04/lets-make-syrup-part-2.html" target="_blank">Let's Make Syrup (part 2)</a>
(which by the way, you still can, because with this crazy, wintry,
so-called spring we're having, the maple sap is still flowing like
crazy!), you can still make the decision to buy pure maple syrup and
start incorporating it into your diet anywhere you would normally add a
sweetener.<br />
<div class="madmimi-text-container">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidW6jjMNxifaw8xSrSpSbRKUklOoY1Ph650Hz53JFmGHppJl0i2X5Qsr8lqI9yEGEBohg3zkZu41zMiVXOt8Dx2BMLwIm9JugK3c6Mx9FLXCQcZuSFcWUWGMyBblInhfVQGgLfIPoRDuBv/s1600/2013-04-23+07.18.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidW6jjMNxifaw8xSrSpSbRKUklOoY1Ph650Hz53JFmGHppJl0i2X5Qsr8lqI9yEGEBohg3zkZu41zMiVXOt8Dx2BMLwIm9JugK3c6Mx9FLXCQcZuSFcWUWGMyBblInhfVQGgLfIPoRDuBv/s200/2013-04-23+07.18.59.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maple Syrup Latte</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This morning I added it to my coffee with some half-and-half
(Mmmmm...), last night I made fresh-squeezed lemonade, replacing the
sugar with maple syrup (fabulous...and I didn't have to deal with trying
to get the sugar to dissolve!), and I've read you can replace it in
baking for the sugar (use 3/4 cup maple syrup for every 1 cup of sugar
called for in a recipe, then reduce the liquid content by 3 T).<br />
<br />
<br />
Whatever you do, don't mistake that pancake syrup stuff for pure
maple syrup. Take a look at the following side-by-side comparison:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGS4qIAQX-2hjC6WrjFOkULMJG1udZ6mQHOrEbRURHmM0osAzy4H7auUHq0W2aajuVfdC5nfDpbMXfRin0IAhFXOuoyGmn6onQcwDw6k2GKZm6752THihgwTer6j62vCVKV2n0LTtNTB7/s1600/Maple+Syrup+Bens+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGS4qIAQX-2hjC6WrjFOkULMJG1udZ6mQHOrEbRURHmM0osAzy4H7auUHq0W2aajuVfdC5nfDpbMXfRin0IAhFXOuoyGmn6onQcwDw6k2GKZm6752THihgwTer6j62vCVKV2n0LTtNTB7/s640/Maple+Syrup+Bens+pic.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="madmimi-text-container">
So can you think of any other creative ways to use maple syrup instead of sugar? I saw some recipes for <a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/maple_mustard_vinaigrette.html" target="_blank">salad dressings</a>,
marinades, sweet potatoes, squash, carrots. Opt for maple syrup
instead of refined sugar or artificial sugar substitutes in coffee, tea
or maybe on your grapefruit. Now I'm not saying to go crazy and declare
a Maple Sugar Diet frenzy, because after all, it is still high in
sugar, but just consider using it in places where you would normally use
sugar.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, pure maple syrup is expensive. I noticed in the store
a 12oz. bottle was $9.47!...but if you tap your own maple trees you can
make it yourself for free (except for the cost of the $2.99 tapper,
which is cheaper than sugar). Already this year we've gotten more than 2
gallons, so you can bet we're going to be finding some mighty creative
ways to add this sweet, delicious, healthy syrup into our diets!<br />
<h1>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">And Don't Forget...</span></span></span></h1>
High quality food is as important to me as high quality natural skincare products. SkinKissed Naturals products will give you <b>beautiful skin</b>, that <b>feels good</b>, that you can <b>feel good about</b>.<br />
<br />
Click this link to take a peek at: <a href="http://skinkissednaturals.com/" target="_blank">SkinKissed Naturals natural skincare products</a>.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199356889306990095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427885317908431369.post-66191248677335466112013-04-16T05:54:00.001-07:002013-04-16T05:54:50.343-07:00Let's Make Syrup! - (part 2)If you haven't read <a href="http://skinkissednaturals.blogspot.com/2013/04/you-can-make-maple-syrup-seriouslyits.html" target="_blank">You Can Make Maple Syrup (Seriously...It's Easy!)</a> then you might want to do that first, because today we're covering how to boil the sap down to syrup (part 2).<br />
<br />
As a little recap, first you find and identify your maple tree(s). Here's a link to a <a href="http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/naturalresources/dd6286.html" target="_blank">UofM article to help identify maples for making syrup</a>. And <a href="http://tapmytrees.com/preparation.html" target="_blank">another resource I found shows a few silhouettes of different trees</a> with additional links, and <a href="http://www.wqed.org/birdblog/2011/12/14/winter-trees-sugar-maple/" target="_blank">one more simple resource has good pictures</a> of the bark and twigs of sugar maples. Hopefully, this helps to identify your trees (it is tougher to figure it out in winter). <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWoV6MgJH147an5XQ5qS1ePSd7aGa6Hue2OhK30fjjDQ5FjleXaB5XfVN4bAKoZhnjEhw-uaRlAiRYrWYYUF7spZJu3twhn28djsbTe90Wlbxg-7t0MFiZ_o9K5EYjJZ3V9OCJ6mxHJDG/s1600/maple+seed+pods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="maple tree seed pods" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWoV6MgJH147an5XQ5qS1ePSd7aGa6Hue2OhK30fjjDQ5FjleXaB5XfVN4bAKoZhnjEhw-uaRlAiRYrWYYUF7spZJu3twhn28djsbTe90Wlbxg-7t0MFiZ_o9K5EYjJZ3V9OCJ6mxHJDG/s200/maple+seed+pods.jpg" title="maple tree seed pods" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maple seed pods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTNmrZmsQxcM1Qsm7kHHke70WrCvlcMjjlnMj6kuZC4arWUoOm9FXTV7TOzripQN6Ed0nYnRyzqQJ_JTS0IXtZ-jJzVOnera00wNQyDxMgzI6U8mGbrJv18x5v_uIJEN3jvBxFDZxRoPM/s1600/Maple+Leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="green maple leaf picture" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTNmrZmsQxcM1Qsm7kHHke70WrCvlcMjjlnMj6kuZC4arWUoOm9FXTV7TOzripQN6Ed0nYnRyzqQJ_JTS0IXtZ-jJzVOnera00wNQyDxMgzI6U8mGbrJv18x5v_uIJEN3jvBxFDZxRoPM/s200/Maple+Leaf.jpg" title="green maple leaf picture" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distinctive maple leaf shape</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You'll have to try to remember from last fall, but their leaves are very distinctive looking. Typically, they are the first ones to turn colors in the fall and can be brilliant shades of orange and red (our tree just turns yellow). They are also the ones that produce those little "helicopter" or "whirlybird" seed pods in the spring/summer.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicw39_0O50OdaTlgik9zU_YbBKkFsv32SCqE_V4bsPyPHcpuk-Q_ovk8nBmTHuFFiUX6Ol6_OzYsbivuN6cOyuF2RJSRN96f9YbC6sMeeCpZbbn5pwft90F1KHCaPLHb_7nLKI68dDqRBk/s1600/2013-04-04+09.49.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="clear sap in collection bucket" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicw39_0O50OdaTlgik9zU_YbBKkFsv32SCqE_V4bsPyPHcpuk-Q_ovk8nBmTHuFFiUX6Ol6_OzYsbivuN6cOyuF2RJSRN96f9YbC6sMeeCpZbbn5pwft90F1KHCaPLHb_7nLKI68dDqRBk/s200/2013-04-04+09.49.30.jpg" title="clear sap in collection bucket" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down into collection bucket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-uLPwezDwo2MV5qKu3ipaTcTn0pZ6amZRwAN_kIN-Bn1VQwqFWnSJYvohyphenhyphen0Xum4t_EBqNxXN40xXYcFiHmM4Exz5NUv6Mr88VraH_6sv-oOz_7SNC74nzkRIffo6MaK7b6W5AKlf9kR2/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="sap dripping from tap" border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-uLPwezDwo2MV5qKu3ipaTcTn0pZ6amZRwAN_kIN-Bn1VQwqFWnSJYvohyphenhyphen0Xum4t_EBqNxXN40xXYcFiHmM4Exz5NUv6Mr88VraH_6sv-oOz_7SNC74nzkRIffo6MaK7b6W5AKlf9kR2/s200/1.jpg" title="sap dripping from tap" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maple sap looks like water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Also, be aware, the sap has the same look and consistency of water. And there is barely any sweet flavor to it at all; that's because at this point it is only about 1-3% sugar. Finished syrup has 66% sugar.<br />
<br />
After your collection buckets get full, pour them into a larger storage bucket (we used a 5 gallon plastic bucket). You can filter it at this time through a fine mesh strainer before pouring into the storage bucket to remove any large pieces of sediment, bark, bugs, etc. Then you'll need to keep the storage bucket in a cool place until you decide to boil. We took shelves out of our second refrigerator and kept it in there, but I've read where you can even pack your container in snow to keep it cool, out of the way of the sun.<br />
<br />
<b>Properly stored sap will keep up to one week, but then you must boil it down, as it can spoil if kept any longer.</b> We were able to fill 2 five-gallon buckets ranging between 2-5 days, but we collect from two trees (our super huge tree and our neighbor's tree). The amount you collect will vary; just plan on boiling it down within a week.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>So Let's Do It! </b></span></span><br />
You need to decide the best place to boil the sap down. And it needs to be a place with good ventilation, because it will produce a tremendous amount of moisture in the air. Here are some ideas: Outdoor fireplace, outdoor fire pit with a grate to set your pot on, an outdoor turkey fryer would work great, an outdoor grill, etc.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKay_48XKbLFw4Lu-an8Gj50SJajBcPVRxWAAFlYaMLbaUGm7gbz9ZTcYcnJNes4XAETKAfV5qJID2wFw47e1fdBgt5XsiAZEKkuiP7H3oRo_fb8CAWh5xqn9DJetZevxYoP9Lgdm7UcrN/s1600/Boiling+down+the+sap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Boiling down the sap" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKay_48XKbLFw4Lu-an8Gj50SJajBcPVRxWAAFlYaMLbaUGm7gbz9ZTcYcnJNes4XAETKAfV5qJID2wFw47e1fdBgt5XsiAZEKkuiP7H3oRo_fb8CAWh5xqn9DJetZevxYoP9Lgdm7UcrN/s1600/Boiling+down+the+sap.jpg" title="Boiling down the sap" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boiling 3 pots to speed the process</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since my husband is an appliance guy, we plugged in an old stove out in his shop and left the doors open. At one point we forgot to keep the doors open and when we went in to check on it, the humidity was at 70%!<br />
<br />
So make sure you have an accurate candy thermometer and start boiling away! I read one tip to help keep it from boiling over is to rub butter around the rim of the pot. Then just keep (carefully) adding your sap to the boiling pot. On our second batch, we decided to run 3 pots at once to speed it up and then added them to one main pot.<br />
<br />
As it boils down to a smaller amount, you can transfer the liquid to a smaller pot and bring it in the house to finish it off (you still might want to leave a window open for a little ventilation).<br />
<br />
The rule of thumb is to boil it until it reaches 7 degrees hotter than when it first boiled (boiling point is apparently affected by your altitude, so take note of the temperature it first boils and add 7 degrees). Here in Wisconsin, water boils at 212 degrees Farenheit, so it will be done when it reaches 219 degrees Farenheit. And as the temperature starts to rise above 212, you'll need to watch it very closely, because it will get to 219 rather quickly. <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>To Filter, Or Not To Filter? </b></span></span><br />
There are 3 options when it comes to filtering (in a simple home setting):<br />
<ol>
<li>Filter when it is hot</li>
<li>Decant (pouring it off after it settles 24 hours)</li>
<li>Don't filter</li>
</ol>
<u><b>Hot Filter.</b></u> What you are filtering is what is called "niter" or sugar sand. It is a harmless substance made of various minerals and won't hurt you if you consume it, but it doesn't look pretty. So if you want to filter it, you must do it when it's hot, because once it cools it'll be way too thick! And even though you may have filtered before you boiled, the niter is extremely fine and you'll need to filter through a very fine substance like flour sack cloth, wool, a few layers of cheesecloth or a special orlon material made for filtering syrup. You'll want to "prime" or pre-moisten your filter by getting a small amount on it and gently squeezing, otherwise it may just pool and spill over the edge.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Decant.</b></u> If you go with the decant method then you don't need to worry about filtering at this point. You'll just pour the syrup in the jars and let it sit 24 hours. The niter will settle to the bottom and then you can pour it off into another container, leaving the niter behind in the first container.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Don't Filter.</b></u> As I mentioned above, the niter is harmless, it just doesn't look nice. The choice is up to you.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Syrup Storage</b></span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNEYvNNRJsTM1BeVWWb_HG6Uta18h5VyzPnOP5b71FvgqZsMMHyDWF7gmFRJ_ReHdX4FO7mY0IAQ9K6edLYvRUyv_zQm73n8bmcxwgMiIuEQAKvIZIJWIM0iE7Ee6dVSqWKB_c_cOt4Vj/s1600/Syrup's+Ready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Decanted, finished syrup" border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaNEYvNNRJsTM1BeVWWb_HG6Uta18h5VyzPnOP5b71FvgqZsMMHyDWF7gmFRJ_ReHdX4FO7mY0IAQ9K6edLYvRUyv_zQm73n8bmcxwgMiIuEQAKvIZIJWIM0iE7Ee6dVSqWKB_c_cOt4Vj/s400/Syrup's+Ready.jpg" title="Decanted, finished syrup" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decanted, finished syrup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
What's nice about maple syrup is that you don't have to "can" it in the traditional sense of the word, because the high sugar content in the syrup (66%) helps to self-preserve it. You can further enhance the preservation of your syrup by keeping it in the refrigerator or freezer (although it's not absolutely necessary). Take note that the high sugar content will prevent it from freezing solid.<br />
<br />
So all you really <b>have</b> to do is make sure you are putting it in clean, dry, food-safe containers, like we did for our first batch pictured at right.<br />
<br />
Another option is to seal the syrup in canning jars. However, you'll need to work quickly, pouring it as soon as possible after you hot filter it, so the temperature doesn't drop too much. Then you'll need
to pop the lids on and gently tip the jars on their side, so the lids stay as hot as possible to help them seal right.<br />
<br />
Another variation of this is to first do the decant method. Then after 24 hours pour (decant) the syrup into a saucepan and heat to 180 degrees, then pour it into canning jars and tilt them on their sides to help them seal.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Are You Going To Try It?</b></span></span><br />
As I'm writing this, we're boiling down our <b>3rd batch of sap</b>! We got 2 five gallon buckets filled <b>again</b> in just 2 days...it's crazy! The sap is still running strong...so it's not too late...I'm telling you, you can start today and have syrup by this weekend!<br />
<br />
So how about it? Is there anyone out there willing to try? Talk to me in the comments below...or ask me any questions...or post your own pictures on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/skinkissednaturals" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.<br />
<br />
In a couple days I'll conclude this little "series" on maple syrup, comparing its nutritional aspects to regular pancake syrup, and talk about closing up the syruping season. High quality food is as important to me as high quality natural skincare products. And with SkinKissed Naturals products you get <b>beautiful skin</b>, that <b>feels good</b>, that you will <b>feel good about</b>. <a href="http://skinkissednaturals.com/" target="_blank">Click this link to take a peek at SkinKissed Naturals natural skincare products</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199356889306990095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427885317908431369.post-23951372873759750632013-04-14T20:47:00.001-07:002013-04-14T20:47:31.779-07:00You Can Make Maple Syrup (Seriously...It's Easy!) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BRMyZQf0NZegVELNxyR8XDw-IfYxsKxpfA3iD8jY1j3ed4lmpDCi4H8yJgkgw29aee-uhR9VSkg17a6zhWlY81INb9Njd2EvH3n3gapAjwvjOQYVHPOD5_4kGkNWF10tP7UjgPMU-HQT/s1600/Maple+Leaf+to+Syrup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BRMyZQf0NZegVELNxyR8XDw-IfYxsKxpfA3iD8jY1j3ed4lmpDCi4H8yJgkgw29aee-uhR9VSkg17a6zhWlY81INb9Njd2EvH3n3gapAjwvjOQYVHPOD5_4kGkNWF10tP7UjgPMU-HQT/s320/Maple+Leaf+to+Syrup.jpg" width="320" /></a> If you can answer "yes" to these 3 questions, then you too, can make your own <b>pure maple syrup</b>:<br />
<ol>
<li>Do you have a maple tree in your yard?</li>
<li>Do you love pure maple syrup?</li>
<li>Do you love saving money?</li>
</ol>
All you need is <b>ONE</b> <b>maple tree!</b> In fact, if you get going <u>today</u>, you could have syrup in as little as <u>2 days</u>...seriously! If you don't have a maple tree, maybe a friend or neighbor does, so you could make this a joint venture.<br />
<br />
And don't worry about what kind of maple you have or how much sap it takes to get what yield, because I discovered ANY maple tree will work! And while Sugar Maples are preferred by maple syrup producers for the greatest yield, don't let that stop you, because we don't have a Sugar Maple (I think ours is a Soft Maple) and in just 2 weeks we have 1.5 gallons of syrup!<br />
<br />
I know my blogs are usually about natural skincare topics (I make and sell <a href="http://skinkissednaturals.com/" target="_blank">SkinKissed Naturals - natural skincare products</a>), but I care about healthy, natural food just as much as I care about natural skincare products! And since the sap is flowing like crazy <b>right now</b> where we live (in
Somerset, WI), if you have maple trees in your yard and this sounds like
something you'd like to try, then let's get to it and make some maple
syrup! Besides, what else is there to do in crazy April weather like this? <br />
<br />
Today we'll cover finding the right tree(s) and getting them tapped. Then tomorrow we'll cover the nutritional benefits of maple syrup and how to boil the sap down and store your finished syrup.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>What You Need To Get Started... </b></span></span> </span><br />
Our next door neighbors were originally from out east, where maple syrup is a really big deal, and they gave us their equipment before they moved to Florida. They convinced me it was easy and I really could do it...and so can you...I'll tell you how!<br />
<br />
Here's what you need to get started:<br />
<ol>
<li>Any maple tree that's at least 10" in diameter</li>
<li>The right temperatures outside </li>
<li>A drill </li>
<li>A tap (also known as a "spile") which our hardware store carries for $2.99 each</li>
<li>A clean, non-rusted, handled bucket or clean gallon milk jug for collecting the sap</li>
<li>1-2 large storage buckets (like a 5 gallon plastic bucket) to store the sap </li>
<li>One large stainless steel pot to start the boil</li>
<li>One smaller stainless steel pot to finish the syrup</li>
<li>A candy thermometer</li>
<li>Filtering material (optional)</li>
<li>Clean mason jars</li>
</ol>
That's it! But don't delay, because the syrup is flowing <b>NOW</b> and you can start <u>today</u> with just the first 5 things listed above! Then you can worry about gathering the rest of the items needed to complete the job. So let's break these steps down.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Right Tree, The Right Conditions</span></span></b><br />
First you need to find a maple tree that is at least 10-12 inches in diameter. Then you need to make sure the weather/temperature conditions are right.<br />
<br />
When the weather is below freezing (32 degrees Farenheit) at night and above freezing during the day, it's time to tap the trees! These are the conditions that cause the sap in the trees to flow. In Wisconsin where we live, this is usually some time in March. We've been at this for a couple weeks already, but the sap is still flowing with this crazy weather we're having (I am so OVER this snow in April thing, but it is good for getting maple syrup!).<br />
<br />
The diameter of the tree will determine the number of taps you can use on the tree. According to the Minnesota DNR, here's a general guide:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Diameter of Tree</u> <u>Number of Taps</u> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
less than 10" 0</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
10" to 14" 1<br />
15" to 19" 2 <br />
20" to 24" 3<br />
25" or larger 4 <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNS21TxtkqTInjOOA9cs3-AbIjTCI4Kg0aycr4QoPmthUraos9KzGjsmyDcSfZINjSVqNEk3wat75inVKOf1zhgzcCD4K-oNCL28ULoPk7ktOaeEsQRzSj8ZMbRvW-FIolPRVcHP5MURfJ/s1600/How+to+Drill+the+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNS21TxtkqTInjOOA9cs3-AbIjTCI4Kg0aycr4QoPmthUraos9KzGjsmyDcSfZINjSVqNEk3wat75inVKOf1zhgzcCD4K-oNCL28ULoPk7ktOaeEsQRzSj8ZMbRvW-FIolPRVcHP5MURfJ/s200/How+to+Drill+the+Tree.jpg" width="200" /></a>Now you need to install the taps (or the correct word is "spile"). There are different styles of these, but I saw them at our local hardware store for $2.99 each. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuSl6n4LPo5SX_k671ISJp6LsC90gWiEopNVby5MkzdXPVb9Ju9Bt_B1uOxccT8Zku7EbMeu2GR78hZs7Gk-UXbAJvvgFsFunpY4a5u6IWBRglu9BUhaIFyMBRBKQRv-TAguwXnjXsLle/s1600/Picture+of+Spile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuSl6n4LPo5SX_k671ISJp6LsC90gWiEopNVby5MkzdXPVb9Ju9Bt_B1uOxccT8Zku7EbMeu2GR78hZs7Gk-UXbAJvvgFsFunpY4a5u6IWBRglu9BUhaIFyMBRBKQRv-TAguwXnjXsLle/s200/Picture+of+Spile.jpg" width="200" /></a>Drill a hole only the size of the spile (usually 5/16" or 7/16") at a slight angle upward, no more than
2"-3" deep. Blow the shavings out of the hole, then gently tap the
spile with a hammer into the tree, being careful not to split the wood. Choose a
location about 3 feet off the ground, ideally either above a big root or
below a big branch, on the south side of the tree where it gets the
most sun.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIXJCIJIqIDH6ZddbxMoOa_6Z7cs_-E9Q4JA4Y_sESrDJyLsNv1VbgFTorn_p13iMQFq6dbuG2TIY6_Zy3SYq8k9GF0TonR2yAlWO1o7sdsyuyDgGCj9XRclI4gHEUXZKoajptag-_1d6/s1600/2013-03-30+Taps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIXJCIJIqIDH6ZddbxMoOa_6Z7cs_-E9Q4JA4Y_sESrDJyLsNv1VbgFTorn_p13iMQFq6dbuG2TIY6_Zy3SYq8k9GF0TonR2yAlWO1o7sdsyuyDgGCj9XRclI4gHEUXZKoajptag-_1d6/s1600/2013-03-30+Taps.jpg" /></a>Now all you need to do is hang your bucket! You should start to see sap running right away if the conditions are right. It will look like water and has the same consistency. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You might want to figure out a way to cover the bucket to help keep rain, snow and other debris out (but don't worry if some of that stuff gets in...it's bound to...and you're going to filter it and boil it later anyway).<br />
<br />
We got lucky and have one great-grand-daddy of a tree so we installed 3 taps (we didn't have a spile for one so my husband rigged a brass fitting with a refrigerator water tube that drips into the pan on the ground). Our daughter loves checking the buckets every day!</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Now Just Go Do It!</span></b></span><br />
You will be surprised at how quickly your buckets fill. And when they do, just transfer the sap into a 5 gallon bucket or other container, keeping it in a cool place until you're ready to boil, and keep filling. Then look for the next post tomorrow or Tuesday to learn how to boil it down and make your syrup!<br />
<br />
Now go! Hurry! It will be too late when the weather gets warmer, because the sap will stop flowing, we'll have to remove the spiles (then the tree will naturally heal itself), and we'll have to wait until next spring to make syrup again (now go on..go!...You can do it!).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
And just like there is no comparison between pure maple syrup and pancake syrup, there is also no comparison between natural skincare products and commercial skincare products. Check out SkinKissed Naturals - healthy, natural skincare products for every skin type at: <a href="http://skinkissednaturals.com/">skinkissednaturals.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrPCTg_fAMBjKf74ZCL-bg-K2Sk1jpAZkvsSBsomcal08slpg-wAnLo8jONhNBGsHweNliqQkF7Xi4gf5RWzgMvodUP7y5pBcyx722HUXSQl4La-u75WJ8_fAoXOUyIQgV29NNHY5O8kg/s1600/Maple+Syrup+Bens+pic.jpg"></a></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199356889306990095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427885317908431369.post-40357793069523463362013-01-28T04:40:00.000-08:002013-01-29T05:34:00.345-08:00Soap Nuts - When to Refill?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenRiykx-KxKD_pIx_qdfzqNq0G8V0Rm6qFvjRHgBkK5BBZUOO9VXFYpB8mq0B1cOKGozfUumE5gW4JkncCr4Es4ofiBj858wCu9fCGBXZQ6NOnvWrlNA77hwiw1bXJ5FPI6tBHCJpq3qK/s1600/Soap+Nuts+Laundry+Time+(437x640).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenRiykx-KxKD_pIx_qdfzqNq0G8V0Rm6qFvjRHgBkK5BBZUOO9VXFYpB8mq0B1cOKGozfUumE5gW4JkncCr4Es4ofiBj858wCu9fCGBXZQ6NOnvWrlNA77hwiw1bXJ5FPI6tBHCJpq3qK/s200/Soap+Nuts+Laundry+Time+(437x640).jpg" width="136" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">So you're trying out those soap nuts you just bought and doing</span> back-to-back loads, smiling with satisfaction at seeing your whites looking great, that those stains really are coming out, and <span style="font-size: small;">now you're </span>smiling extra big and closing your eyes as you take that first whiff after pull<span style="font-size: small;">ing</span> your clothes out of the dryer...<i><span style="font-size: small;">A</span>hhhh...<span style="font-size: small;">S</span>o <span style="font-size: small;">F</span>resh... </i></b></span></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span></span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">...A</span>nd then you <span style="font-size: small;">give yourself an im<span style="font-size: small;">a<span style="font-size: small;">ginary pat on the back as you realize you<span style="font-size: small;"> have </span>acheived <i><span style="font-size: small;">Total</span> <span style="font-size: small;">L</span>aundry <span style="font-size: small;">A</span>wesome</i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>ness</i> <span style="font-size: small;">AND you're protecting your family (<u>and</u> the environment) from unnecessary<span style="font-size: small;">, harmful </span>chemicals, <span style="font-size: small;">A<span style="font-size: small;">LL</span></span> while saving money too!...W<span style="font-size: small;">OW</span>! Now you find yourself holding your chin a little higher<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>thinking, <i>I <span style="font-size: small;">believe</span> I deserve a<span style="font-size: small;">n <span style="font-size: small;">award<span style="font-size: small;">...or at least a <span style="font-size: small;">S</span>uperhero cape...</span></span></span></i></span></span></span></span></span></b></span></span></h3>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>BUT THEN...</b>you get distracted by the phone, your kids, meals, chores, you know...<u><span style="font-size: small;">L</span>ife</u>! And you realize you've lost count of how many loads you've washed with this bag of nuts...<i><span style="font-size: small;">OH NO</span>!...</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>OR</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You've happily completed your laundry duties and hung them up to dry until the next laundry go-round. And here it is, laundry time again, but you realize you've forgotten how many loads you washed with this bag last week...<i>YIKES!...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">D<span style="font-size: large;">ON<span style="font-size: large;">'T WORRY</span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You DO deserve an award (or at least a cool cape) for making the decision to use soap nuts for your laundry AND you don't need to fret just because you've lost count of how many loads you've done with this wash bag. BECAUSE luckily, there are <b>3</b> <b>quick</b> <b>and</b> <b>easy</b> ways to check if your soap nuts need to be replaced or not:</div>
<ol style="text-align: justify;"><b>
</b>
<li><b>Feel Them (quick & easy way) </b></li>
<b>
</b>
<li><b>Look At Them (great way) </b></li>
<b>
</b>
<li><b>Squeeze the Bag After Soaking in Water (best & easy way) </b></li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So let's take a closer look at each one of these.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">FEEL THEM</span></b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>WET:</b> Squeeze the bag and check how they feel. If you're checking them while
they are still wet, you'll notice they do soften a bit after every load
and that is normal. But do they feel <u>mushy</u> and considerably <u>thinner</u>
or do they feel about the same thickness and still fairly firm?</span> If they feel mushy and thinner all over with no firm spots left, then it's time to discard them and refill with new ones, but if you can still feel firm spots then they likely have more life left in them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>DRY:</b> If
you're checking them after they've dried out, you'll notice they do
harden back up again. But do they feel noticeably <u>thinner</u>, <u>lighter</u> and more <u>fragile</u> or do they feel about the same thickness and hardness? </span>If they feel thinner, lighter and more fragile then it's time to discard them and refill with new ones, but if they still feel fairly thick and substantial then they are ready to go for more loads.<span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">LOOK AT THEM</span> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">If you're still not sure, you can open the bag and take a look at them.
Do you notice any lighter tan/gray color around the edges of the
individual nuts? How much of the nut has changed color?</span> If you notice a lighter tan/gray around the edges of the nuts, then they still should have some washing power left, but if you notice the whole soap nut has turned to this lighter tan color then it's likely they've given all they got and it's time to refill.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGo1JIGfwFnL_yX_GzAsUjmtqs-ZzaOVcIUAoHo1KlPDjlNYjt8aTwc2hRnoEwJxhpwq7bnVKO8WpXRUx41eHRKsRdClcJk_OHUZRIvMxSrsMNM6me4eBquLjxHfeaQ0XZx5JFaaNDlroR/s1600/Soapnuts+before+washing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGo1JIGfwFnL_yX_GzAsUjmtqs-ZzaOVcIUAoHo1KlPDjlNYjt8aTwc2hRnoEwJxhpwq7bnVKO8WpXRUx41eHRKsRdClcJk_OHUZRIvMxSrsMNM6me4eBquLjxHfeaQ0XZx5JFaaNDlroR/s320/Soapnuts+before+washing.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Soap Nuts Before First Wash</span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: center;">
<li>uniform dark color </li>
<li>firm, hard, heavy </li>
</ul>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7VT96LnVq0G9G-ejPsKw8wszZtQTGDhH1GstWSpM7DyBCPwaMnyFUFupg2TziPCiIBbyX1Ot4GcqfXlrOzqAmRqFEek45DC0hUS8v_XIj5BRE4pjo3tkIO24EgzdIYUZtc_mhz7iXaKf/s1600/Soapnuts+after+6th+wash.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7VT96LnVq0G9G-ejPsKw8wszZtQTGDhH1GstWSpM7DyBCPwaMnyFUFupg2TziPCiIBbyX1Ot4GcqfXlrOzqAmRqFEek45DC0hUS8v_XIj5BRE4pjo3tkIO24EgzdIYUZtc_mhz7iXaKf/s320/Soapnuts+after+6th+wash.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Soap Nuts After 6th Wash </span><br />
<ul>
<li>Thinner, lighter, more fragile, mushy when wet</li>
<li>light tan color over all/most of each nut</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">SQUEEZE BAG AFTER SOAKIN<span style="font-size: large;">G</span></span></b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2SRiu3AjP9-oY5a8ni1qlet9uHzeV90YX6d-_o_NfW1NbhI0tFbjctgj8MKrzc2v8EC50-bMRkhVqfBpgS87-dLbnwUU5g5qC5Hco3UZF3CU98ZHGmqR3gSCrmLLRWAQJ-Z1rZQ2ZAWO/s1600/P8030308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2SRiu3AjP9-oY5a8ni1qlet9uHzeV90YX6d-_o_NfW1NbhI0tFbjctgj8MKrzc2v8EC50-bMRkhVqfBpgS87-dLbnwUU5g5qC5Hco3UZF3CU98ZHGmqR3gSCrmLLRWAQJ-Z1rZQ2ZAWO/s200/P8030308.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #38761d;">The third way to k<span style="font-size: small;">now for <span style="font-size: small;">sure whether <span style="font-size: small;">your soap nuts can do another load or not is to squeeze the wet wash bag and check for sud<span style="font-size: small;">s. If you<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">just finished a wash</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>load<span style="font-size: small;">, then <span style="font-size: small;">grab</span> the bag and hold it under running water to thoroughly saturate it (or soak it briefly in a small bowl), <span style="font-size: small;">then<span style="font-size: small;"> pull your hand out of the water and squeeze the b<span style="font-size: small;">ag. Do you see tiny white bubbles coming out around your fingers? Or <span style="font-size: small;">are the bubbles more clea<span style="font-size: small;">r looking, large and weak, <span style="font-size: small;">popping right away? </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>If you see tiny white bubbles forming, then you're good-to-go for another load, but if the bubbles appear clear, larger, weak, fewer in number and popping right away, then it's time to reload with a fresh batch of soap nut<span style="font-size: small;">s.<span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTJMpfegiXeD4oXEpohFlcV0hR7TtyPh6fzQxdpe-gn_9aO3csQolnOOFWcw9-KFEFrEhAPWfzKxyMEupk-hhxei7UkfvnmO6f1nUzEBj6wMWlEwDeV3DriLakXcGtnCsk1S60Tx2Shuj/s1600/P8030316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTJMpfegiXeD4oXEpohFlcV0hR7TtyPh6fzQxdpe-gn_9aO3csQolnOOFWcw9-KFEFrEhAPWfzKxyMEupk-hhxei7UkfvnmO6f1nUzEBj6wMWlEwDeV3DriLakXcGtnCsk1S60Tx2Shuj/s1600/P8030316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTJMpfegiXeD4oXEpohFlcV0hR7TtyPh6fzQxdpe-gn_9aO3csQolnOOFWcw9-KFEFrEhAPWfzKxyMEupk-hhxei7UkfvnmO6f1nUzEBj6wMWlEwDeV3DriLakXcGtnCsk1S60Tx2Shuj/s200/P8030316.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">S</span>udsy Bubbles = Good for Another Wash</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc-Q1pnZvbWy2F8ubEG0M01T9T1vv7NZgSW7JA_VnBumrhwZfDgQfV6OFDrpcgGV4x4VToq6Jh4bF4xnZ4dNobOLt0xQ5jvnjGyVoeMymQDhMxVKx5gxX4_RTsPZDAc6dLJ6d9INHueOe/s1600/no+suds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzc-Q1pnZvbWy2F8ubEG0M01T9T1vv7NZgSW7JA_VnBumrhwZfDgQfV6OFDrpcgGV4x4VToq6Jh4bF4xnZ4dNobOLt0xQ5jvnjGyVoeMymQDhMxVKx5gxX4_RTsPZDAc6dLJ6d9INHueOe/s320/no+suds.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Weak/No Bubbles = Refill Bag</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQJ1XMusnv0RuFEmQm1BSYKt6lL2B64zoqBlIuvd-oieTPFq89YSBL4yIEZQB5OPomI38d1eSPvTXCw5A35qlxdTKnxmLAa8mGVXfpnehbbDCUuom3cB-oyS-71NKbngbaoK8yVAUm6yJH/s1600/no+suds.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So there you have it...3 quick and easy ways to tell when it's time to refill your soap nuts wash bag! Are you ready to try washing with soap nuts yet?<br />
<ul>
<li>Buy <a href="http://skinkissednaturals.com/body-care.php#laundry-time-soap-nuts" target="_blank">Laundry Time - soap nuts</a> online</li>
<li><a href="http://skinkissednaturals.blogspot.com/2012/05/soapnuts-before-after-pics.html" target="_blank">Learn more about soap nuts</a></li>
<li>See before and after pics of <a href="http://skinkissednaturals.blogspot.com/2012/06/do-soap-nuts-work-on-super-dirty.html" target="_blank">super dirty clothes washed in Laundry Time - soap nuts </a> </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">What are<span style="font-size: small;"> your soap nuts stories<span style="font-size: small;"> and </span>experiences<span style="font-size: small;">? Is there anything else you need to k<span style="font-size: small;">now about them<span style="font-size: small;"> before you give them a try? Would you like to know more uses for them<span style="font-size: small;">?</span></span></span> Would you like to see <span style="font-size: small;">progressive </span>pictures of <span style="font-size: small;">what they look like after <span style="font-size: small;">6 </span>washes<span style="font-size: small;"> (I <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">have</span> pictures!)?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199356889306990095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427885317908431369.post-5456838481220227672012-06-19T19:35:00.001-07:002012-06-19T19:49:55.152-07:00Do Soap Nuts Work on Super Dirty Clothes?<h4 style="color: #0b5394;">
Well, I experimented to find out! When someone asked me if soap nuts would clean really dirty work clothes (from working in the septic business), I have to admit, I wasn't really sure. My own husband works with appliances/recycling and has a particular talent for getting his clothes especially dirty and smelly. So I figured if I ever wanted to know, I would just have to experiment and see. </h4>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
</h4>
<h3 style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>BEFORE</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"> Soap Nuts</span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-YijAeKrJmmp-A4MzHrPB9fOwHhyphenhyphenIlbjER1ejPKDN7zc6bxYW5ph_FnYtS7MXjJCnqZqBuSAOo2D6ZV_U-au3nqelTF6uwBW7CF5ppSW1oL3jIstNNr8XpkjHzCk2WTn815F0agbmvgG/s1600/P6030230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Picture of super dirty clothes before soap nuts" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-YijAeKrJmmp-A4MzHrPB9fOwHhyphenhyphenIlbjER1ejPKDN7zc6bxYW5ph_FnYtS7MXjJCnqZqBuSAOo2D6ZV_U-au3nqelTF6uwBW7CF5ppSW1oL3jIstNNr8XpkjHzCk2WTn815F0agbmvgG/s400/P6030230.JPG" title="Super Dirty Work Clothes-Before Soap Nuts" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #f6b26b;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super Dirty Work Clothes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="color: #783f04;">
So this picture is very typical of how really dirty my husband's work clothes get. And before I started using soap nuts, here is the procedure I would follow to try and get them clean with regular detergent...</div>
<h4 style="color: #783f04;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></h4>
<h3 style="color: #783f04;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Laundry Procedure With Regular Detergent:</b></span></h3>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span></h4>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH63or4O073BLCmnsRsEx1BrNA1oQSkPlxTFEV2o0Em0XdvqoS7pMeWJgSsunRc7ssz6GMg0O4lPAX7VNd4qfX3VD5WFF7L1UbTxOmUF2oI4q5waHnDxbJDfP_zIJJBZF-bItT-ZL_MQXl/s1600/P6040242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Picture of work clothes after using regular laundry detergent" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH63or4O073BLCmnsRsEx1BrNA1oQSkPlxTFEV2o0Em0XdvqoS7pMeWJgSsunRc7ssz6GMg0O4lPAX7VNd4qfX3VD5WFF7L1UbTxOmUF2oI4q5waHnDxbJDfP_zIJJBZF-bItT-ZL_MQXl/s320/P6040242.JPG" title="Work Clothes After Regular Laundry Detergent" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="color: #f6b26b; text-align: center;">Work Clothes After Regular Detergent</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ol style="color: #783f04;">
<li>Pour maximum amount of detergent in the wash compartment <b>and</b> in the pre-wash compartment.</li>
<li>Add bleach to the bleach compartment.</li>
<li>Select: "Hot" wash, "heavy soil" and "pre-wash".</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div style="color: #783f04;">
All this resulted in a 3 hour wash, after which the clothes would come out just "okay", but with permanent stains and sometimes bleach marks too. I never pre-treated stains and never added fabric softener or dryer sheets. Considering how seriously dirty they started out, I figured this was as good as it would ever get. </div>
<br />
<h3 style="color: #7f6000;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Experiment With Soap Nuts</span></h3>
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">So I wanted to put soapnuts to the test with really dirty clothes, but I also wanted to make sure I kept my procedure as similar as possible to my laundry procedure with commercial detergent. Here is what I did:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Picuture of washer cycle settings for soap nuts experiment" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhiZ8cksJKEfWMUGpsRMYjiSxHWgn9MW3F4nl8xcKQHQEA21qzl6bLS33RNcNVBcK76Bvh1k2HJkCh6Qr0O_09KC06skSOdr5ffd6VQ1ZdW4ejUENNcYlPEuJ4zVj6g8sSnI75DkyKMr-/s320/P6030231.JPG" title="Washer Cycle Settings for Soap Nuts Experiment" width="320" /></div>
<ol style="color: #783f04;">
<li>Doubled the amount of soap nuts from .5oz. to 1oz.</li>
<li>Added bleach to the bleach compartment.</li>
<li>Pre-soaked wash bag of soap nuts in small bowl of hot water for 3 minutes.</li>
<li>Selected: "Hot" wash, "heavy soil", "pre-soak", "deep clean".</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div style="color: #783f04;">
I had <i>just</i> gotten this new washer and it has "pre-soak" instead of "pre-wash" like my old machine and all those selections resulted in a 2 hr. 23 min. wash versus the 3 hour wash with my old machine, but they are both front-loading HE washers. I did not pre-treat stains and did not add any fabric softener or dryer sheets. So I think I accomplished my goal of keeping my procedures as similar as possible. (<a href="http://skinkissednaturals.com/soap-nuts-laundry-instructions.php" target="_blank">You can read more on soap nuts laundry instructions here</a>).</div>
<div style="color: #783f04;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="color: #7f6000; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">AFTER Soap Nuts</span></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmPE1dXaPqNZYL6GZS2Esr1UyPKFl1uDg6aZX2PjFR3TEKdkCZIfzq9tqQsP8ifdw8gb9v9AeCE_MkVEBIZZjL4op_B5Px1_RdS502TCFwDDAX52n91sd5AZXk9jvQBoXLK0DV0aqXBMv/s1600/P6040236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Picture of work clothes looking clean after soap nuts" border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicmPE1dXaPqNZYL6GZS2Esr1UyPKFl1uDg6aZX2PjFR3TEKdkCZIfzq9tqQsP8ifdw8gb9v9AeCE_MkVEBIZZjL4op_B5Px1_RdS502TCFwDDAX52n91sd5AZXk9jvQBoXLK0DV0aqXBMv/s400/P6040236.JPG" title="Clean Work Clothes-After Soap Nuts" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: #f6b26b;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soap Nuts Really Work!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="color: #783f04;">
Wow! I am impressed, aren't you? Soap nuts far surpassed my expectations. Even though I was committed to using soapnuts with my regular laundry (<a href="http://skinkissednaturals.blogspot.com/2012/05/soapnuts-before-after-pics.html" target="_blank">after seeing the results with my daughter's school uniform</a>), I thought I was maybe going to have to continue with my "regular detergent procedure" for my husband's really dirty work clothes, but I was <u>wrong</u>! </div>
</div>
<div style="color: #783f04; text-align: left;">
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<div style="color: #783f04; text-align: left;">
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<h3 style="color: #7f6000; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">CONCLUSION: Soap Nuts DO Work on Really Dirty Clothes</span></h3>
<h4 style="color: #0b5394; font-weight: normal;">
<b> </b></h4>
<h4 style="color: #0b5394; font-weight: normal;">
<b>The results of the experiment are clear: Soap nuts definitely worked as well (in fact, I think even better) than the regular laundry detergent did! And I don't know about you, but I strive to use as natural, healthy, and good-for-the-environment products as possible, but the bottom line is, <u>they also have </u><u>to </u><u>work</u>! </b></h4>
<h4 style="color: #0b5394; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: black;"> </span></h4>
<h4 style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: #7f6000;">So now I know there is no reason to have to continue buying regular laundry detergent just to get my super dirty clothes clean, because soap nuts can get the job done. Plus <a href="http://skinkissednaturals.com/soapnuts-for-laundry.php" target="_blank">soap nuts are also more economical than regular laundry detergent and they're 100% eco-friendly</a>... what more can a person ask for? </span></h4>
<h4 style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: #7f6000;"> </span></h4>
<h4 style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: #7f6000;">So here's what I've decided to do with my really dirty clothes...I'm going to run 2 different wash bags:</span></h4>
<ul>
<li><h4 style="color: #783f04; font-weight: normal;">
One 1oz. bag of soap nuts for my husband's really dirty work clothes</h4>
</li>
<li><h4 style="color: #783f04; font-weight: normal;">
One 1/2oz. bag of soap nuts for my regular laundry</h4>
</li>
</ul>
<h4 style="color: #783f04; font-weight: normal;">
<b> </b></h4>
<h4 style="color: #783f04; font-weight: normal;">
<b>Tell me what you think of my experiment with super dirty clothes below! </b></h4>
<h4 style="color: #783f04; font-weight: normal;">
</h4>
<h4 style="color: #783f04; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">(Or you can <a href="http://skinkissednaturals.com/soapnuts-for-laundry.php" target="_blank">click here to learn more about soap nuts for laundry</a>)</span><br />
</h4>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199356889306990095noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427885317908431369.post-25468545495964608112012-05-15T09:46:00.000-07:002012-06-19T19:47:31.303-07:00Soapnuts - Before & After Pics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4s0XUFx_RomnZqYDFfW8xLd1XJwdI0Qhe-kIix8i3HD3Ny95o5OKSz-KBJ-EFl2cG6oOXKSAyQRgFzibRxTRf92Hc0Y7Puqv7WnQHEPnEvggFTBXVZBMFUwD6G6XHTWKdS9bHSXe7nkDp/s1600/P4030201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Soapnuts With Laundry Bag" border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4s0XUFx_RomnZqYDFfW8xLd1XJwdI0Qhe-kIix8i3HD3Ny95o5OKSz-KBJ-EFl2cG6oOXKSAyQRgFzibRxTRf92Hc0Y7Puqv7WnQHEPnEvggFTBXVZBMFUwD6G6XHTWKdS9bHSXe7nkDp/s200/P4030201.JPG" title="Soapnuts Laundry Bag" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Can you actually wash your clothes with these things?...YES!...with: </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: red;">NO</span></b> <b>DETERGENT</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">&</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b style="color: red;">NO</b> <b>FABRIC SOFTENER</b></span><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
In fact some of you have gotten some sample laundry bags like the one in the picture.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">What Are Soapnuts?</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The little muslin bag in the picture above contains about a half ounce of those brown acorn-looking things, called soapnuts. The official name is <i>sapindus mukorossi</i>, the latin root, <i>sapo</i>, meaning 'soap'. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">In fact, it is the outer shells that contain high levels of naturally occurring saponins (or "soap") that act as a natural detergent. The trees that produce the soapnuts originate primarily out of India and Nepal where they have been used for centuries to gently and effectively clean their fine fabrics. They have also been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for eczema and psoriasis.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">These soapnuts are 100% natural, certified organic, completely biodegradable, from a renewable and sustainable source, and require no fossil fuels or chemicals to produce! They are extremely gentle on skin and are a perfect solution for people with sensitive skin, babies and those with chemical sensitivities to regular detergents.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do you want to see some before and after pictures of my daughter's school uniform shirts? Check it out...</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioS5yR0HfrWMmi-C6-KgZA3IAz_qz5ftdelsRTNHTjtTdY7lTCBeqPxPJygwQMdDn7aA9I2Iq96i6rcm6qTdMrDYNuKxgieZxIQwAT1YRBwpWQElg668AZmiSoci3UQJGIAICcqioDDQ3x/s1600/P2270095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Soapnuts Before Picture" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioS5yR0HfrWMmi-C6-KgZA3IAz_qz5ftdelsRTNHTjtTdY7lTCBeqPxPJygwQMdDn7aA9I2Iq96i6rcm6qTdMrDYNuKxgieZxIQwAT1YRBwpWQElg668AZmiSoci3UQJGIAICcqioDDQ3x/s320/P2270095.JPG" title="Soapnuts Before" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <b>Here you can see the prominent tomato sauce stain on the shirt before I washed it with soapnuts</b></span><b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiJrM_VOQUR7Ic4PsPAtRWN0eLGyfn94-N7cL0E247cBXgxD5uOqA9TGmQ9ohRpMyUP8krtqTgLzFQRhey_veOKP-tlDhAZbl_mEaSUByjHt0sNjo9gW6i6dP8AfF8abmTReH0aAcekuB/s1600/P2270096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Soapnuts After Picture" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiJrM_VOQUR7Ic4PsPAtRWN0eLGyfn94-N7cL0E247cBXgxD5uOqA9TGmQ9ohRpMyUP8krtqTgLzFQRhey_veOKP-tlDhAZbl_mEaSUByjHt0sNjo9gW6i6dP8AfF8abmTReH0aAcekuB/s320/P2270096.JPG" title="Soapnuts After" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And here you can see how awesomely it came out of the laundry after I washed it with soapnuts! </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">And the SMELL...it came out of the dryer with the freshest, hung-outside-on-the-line-all-day smell ever...and all without chemical detergent or fabric softener! It's hard to believe they can come out smelling like so much fresh, sweet nothingness like they do, considering the smell of wet soapnuts is like a milder version of apple cider vinegar (not all that pleasant), but somehow they do!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div style="color: #38761d; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How Do Soapnuts Work?</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The natural saponins in the shell are released when hot/warm water hits them, turning them into a natural surfactant (<b><i>surf</i></b>ace <b><i>act</i></b>ive ag<b><i>ent</i></b>) or detergent that circulates in the water, which breaks down the surface tension in the water, freeing dirt, grime and oils from the clothing and rinsing away in the rinse cycle.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">One bag lasts 4-7 washes, depending on the temperature and hardness of your water, after which you just replace them with new ones. And since they're 100% natural and biodegradable you don't have to worry about them polluting the ground or water. I do still pre-treat any stains as needed with a stain remover, but then that's it. Just toss the bag in with the laundry, remove it to air-dry when the cycle is finished and put the clothes in the dryer. And soapnuts are perfect for HE (High Efficiency) washers that require low sudsing detergents. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #38761d; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Soapnuts:</span></b></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">anti-microbial properties</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">anti-fungal properties</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">hypoallergenic</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">gentle on fabrics; effectively clean, naturally soften</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">multitude of other household uses (counters, floors, sinks, windows, dishwasher, carpets, jewelry, pets, handwashables)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">environmentally safe</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Of course for me, the most exciting feature of all has to do with their potential and promise for use in personal care products. I've been working on a foaming handsoap and a 2-in-1 cleansing hair conditioner...stay tuned!</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<b><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Please comment below and tell me what you think of soapnuts. If you have tried them, we'd love to hear how it went. Or if you haven't tried them and think they sound like something you would like to try, let me know that too!</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">( <a href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/soapnuts-for-laundry.php" target="_blank">Learn more about soap nuts at skinkissednaturals.com website</a>)</span><b><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199356889306990095noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427885317908431369.post-56877913599899747282012-05-11T18:23:00.001-07:002012-05-15T13:50:16.189-07:00Sexy Summer Feet<div style="font-size: 11px; padding-left: 5px;">
(Originally Posted Thursday, June 23, 2011)<a href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/natural-beauty-blog/category/Dry%20Skin" target="_self" title="View more in this category"> </a><br />
</div>
So our feet have been safely under wraps all winter, but here we are in
sandals and barefoot season! Are your feet summer-ready? Well if you
would like to get some at-home tips to prepare them for this foot-baring
season or would just like some inexpensive DIY options to help extend
the time between professional pedicures, you are in the right place!<br />
<br />
Interestingly enough, the very same things we covered in the <a class="" href="http://mim.io/ec668" title="">January newsletter</a>
for dry winter feet are the very same things that will help you achieve
sexy summer feet! Basically, this highly effective treatment is done
using plain table sugar! You can read the whole article, <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/blog-page/ugh-i-hate-my-dry-disgusting-winter-feet-" title="">Ugh! I Hate My Dry, Disgusting Winter Feet!</a>
or you can follow along below where I will reproduce the pertinent
information and provide a link so you can see the results of
before-and-after pictures using different versions of a simple, at-home
sugar scrub. Just be sure to click the link called "Back to Summer
Feet" on the last picture page to bring you back here.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/r-foot-b4-after.php" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img class="yui-img" src="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/resources/summer%20feet.jpg" style="height: 147px; width: 185px;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/r-foot-b4-after.php">Click to see picture</a>s</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 18px;"><b><br /><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="color: magenta;">RESULTS<span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="color: magenta;">:</span></span></b><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="color: magenta;"> All the Treatments Worked Very Well, But Differently</span></span><br />
<span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<ul style="font-family: yui-tmp;">
<li><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 15px;"><b>Pumice Only: </b>Using
a pumice stone (or similar product) on feet softened from a shower or
bath does a good job to get rid of the roughest outiside layers. I had
been doing this alone periodically with some improvement, but still
wasn't satisfied with these results alone. However, I see this as an
important first step to lay the groundwork for the following
treatments. </span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="font-family: yui-tmp;">
<li><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 15px;"><b>Sugar/Water Scrub: </b>The natural alpha hydroxy
acids in the sugar made great progress "eating away" the rough, dry skin
leaving it feeling very smooth. The sugar keeps on working even after
it's dissolved and rinses clean away. However, it still showed dryness
in the cracks.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="font-family: yui-tmp;">
<li><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 15px;"><b>Sugar/Oil Scrub: </b>The sugar didn't seem to to "eat away" the rough, dry skin, as much as it <i>manually</i>
scrubbed it away, while the olive oil provided lubrication and moisture
to help protect my feet while I continued scrubbing, leaving the skin
feeling very smooth and nice.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="font-family: yui-tmp;">
<li><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 15px;"><b>Rescue Balm: </b>The <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/body-care.php#rescue">Rescue Balm</a>
really seemed to be the cherry on top in this whole process. It
removed all last traces of dryness in the cracks and left it smooth and
protected. It continued to work over the long haul and the best part is
that several hours later my foot <i>still</i> looked good!</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 14px;"><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;"></span><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;">In summary, any
one of these treatments alone, or in combination with 2 or more, made
definite improvements in my feet. However, If you are in need of
drastic measures (like me) or you're just looking to give yourself an
extra special at-home beauty treatment, doing all 4 is the ticket!</span><br /><br /><b style="color: magenta; font-size: 18px;">FINISHING TOUCHES</b><br />So
what would sexy summer feet be, especially after the wonderful DIY
treatments above, without topping them off with a great coat of nail
polish? Obviously, you may all have your own favorites, and I am
absolutely no expert in this arena, but my personal favorite to date is
one I picked up from River Market Coop called No-Miss. The color was
rich, beautiful, glossy, long-lasting, dried pretty quickly, came off
easily when I wanted to take it off, and most importantly, it didn't
leave my nail yellow, brittle and dry like every other commercial
product I've used in the past.<br /><br /><b style="font-size: 16px;">Tell
me what you think of this article and let us know how the treatments
worked for you. And please share your own tips for great summer feet!</b></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 14px;"><b style="font-size: 16px;">(Go to <a href="http://skinkissednaturals.com/">skinkissednaturals.com</a> website) </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199356889306990095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427885317908431369.post-36469173819704183022012-05-11T18:13:00.001-07:002012-05-15T13:51:40.653-07:00Sunscreen Anyone?<div style="font-size: 11px; padding-left: 5px;">
(Originally Posted Wednesday, June 22, 2011)</div>
<div style="font-size: 11px; padding-left: 5px;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju821z_0ldECGU7KtiN-AMzzrI_OR-lnMdHVZeVatLz9gYKk675sn-iLFL94DXC1XmK0XOnMP2i9ED0ovU1UfuRbuO9YTlXSCBejTE4XI1Tbm034aQTSlu5hGUJH3XB1jb_IB35iYP9AqB/s1600/sunbathing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju821z_0ldECGU7KtiN-AMzzrI_OR-lnMdHVZeVatLz9gYKk675sn-iLFL94DXC1XmK0XOnMP2i9ED0ovU1UfuRbuO9YTlXSCBejTE4XI1Tbm034aQTSlu5hGUJH3XB1jb_IB35iYP9AqB/s200/sunbathing.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
I am so torn on the whole sunscreen issue. On the one hand I have
incredibly sensitive skin that is extremely fair, burns easily, I have a
family history of skin/other cancers and I already have sun damage. On
the other hand, I have sensitive skin that has already been damaged by
what I believe is a lifelong exposure to <a class="" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraben" title="">parabens</a>
(preservatives found in most commercial personal care products), plus
recent research suggests vitamin D, aka "the sunshine vitamin" is
essential in helping ward off some serious cancers and a host of other
dastardly diseases, commercial sunscreens leave my face
red/hot/irritated, and finally, I am committed to trying to reduce the
amount of chemicals that go in and on my body. Furthermore, I get asked
quite often whether SkinKissed Naturals' <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/basic-skincare.php#greentea" title="">Go Green Tea</a>
facial moisturizers have sunscreen in them. So what is a person to
do? I decided to look into this issue further and share some surprising
information with you.<br />
<br />
First of all, Go Green Tea facial
moisturizers do not have sunscreen in them, because adding an SPF to a
moisturizer automatically makes it an over-the-counter drug according to
the FDA, and my insurance will not cover OTC drugs. However, if you
have sensitive skin like me that does not respond well to traditional
sunscreens, but would still like to put on some sunscreen in order to be
out in the sun, I have a suggestion for you: Apply your <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/basic-skincare.php#greentea" title="">Go Green Tea</a>
moisturizer as you would any other day and then layer your sunscreen
over the top of that. This way, you will have the more natural, gentle,
good-for-your-skin ingredients directly on your skin and can still get
the sunscreen protection you want as well (and perhaps get a bit of a
buffer from the harsher chemicals and ingredients in the sunscreen).<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: 15px;">THE BAD NEWS</b><br />
<br />
As
far as the other information I found out about sunscreens, I have some
bad news and some good news. I'll start with the bad news, but to
understand it fully, I need to give a little background information
first. To start with, UV radiation comes in two forms: <b> UVA</b> (Ultra Violet-A rays) and <b>UVB</b> (Ultra Violet-B rays). <b>UVA</b>
rays are a longer wave radiation that penetrate deep into the skin and
is generally referred to as causing premature aging of the skin and skin
cancer. <b>UVB </b>rays are a shorter wave radiation that only
penetrates the top layer of skin and is generally referred to as causing
sunburn and some cancers with repeated exposures. <b>SPF</b> (Sun
Protection Factor) is a measure of how long you can stay in the sun
before getting sunburned, comparing bare skin to skin with sunscreen.
So as an example, an SPF 4 should allow me to stay in the sun 4 times
longer without getting burned than if I didn't have any sunscreen on at
all. <br />
<br />
The bad news is that for years sunscreens only protected
against the UVB rays. It isn't until just recently that we have even
heard of or seen any sunscreens with UVA protection. So here is where
the bad news gets even worse. All this time we consumers have been
putting on our SPF 30 (or whatever), thinking we are protecting
ourselves from sunburn, skin cancer and premature aging, and we went and
spent the whole glorious day playing or relaxing in the sun. We were
thrilled if we didn't get sunburned, but meanwhile, the UVA rays that we
couldn't feel quite possibly had all that time to deeply penetrate and
damage our skin! <br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: 15px;">THE GOOD NEWS</b><br />
<br />
So here is where the good news comes in. After a 30 year wait the <a class="" href="http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/ucm239463.htm" title="">FDA</a> has finally just come out with <a class="" href="http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/ucm239463.htm" title="">new rules pertaining to sunscreen</a>.
And although you may start to see some manufacturers labels reflecting
this change now, the industry has been given a year to comply with the
new testing and labeling requirements. Following is a summary of the
changes. <br />
<ul>
<li><b>Broad Spectrum</b> - The FDA strongly
recommends using only sunscreens listed as "Broad Spectrum". This means
the sunscreen provides both the traditional UVB protection, as well as,
UVA protection. Only those sunscreens that provide both UVA and UVB
protection with at least an SPF 15+ can carry the "Broad Spectrum"
label. All other sunscreens with lower SPF numbers or UVB-only
protection must include only the SPF number on the label.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Product Claims</b>
- Only "Broad Spectrum" sunscreens with an SPF 15 or more can claim to
"decrease your risk of skin cancer, premature aging of the skin and
sunburn". Products with a lower SPF or UVB-only protection can only
claim they "help prevent sunburn".</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>No More "Sunblock", "Sweatproof", "Waterproof"</b>
- The FDA says no sunscreen completely blocks UV rays, and all
sunscreen loses significant effectiveness with sweating or in water.
They determined these terms are misleading and overstate their
effectiveness. Therefore, under the new rules, labels may carry the
term "water resistant" <u>and</u> then they must also state whether they
remain effective for 40 or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating, based
on testing. Furthermore, they must not state they are effective more
than 2 hours without re-application.</li>
</ul>
<b style="font-size: 15px;">MORE CONCERNS</b><br />
<br />
A
couple other things the FDA is looking into and thinking about
proposing for future rules has to do with products claiming SPF's over
50 and dosage. Apparently, the FDA has determined there is no evidence
that an SPF greater than 50 provides any additional benefit, and again,
is misleading. <br />
<br />
The <a class="" href="http://www.ewg.org/" title="">EWG</a>
(Environmental Working Group - a team of scientists, engineers, policy
experts, lawyers and computer programmers who pores over government
data, legal documents, scientific studies and conducts their own
laboratory tests to expose health and environmental threats and provides
solutions), agrees with the FDA's assessment of SPF 50+ products and
goes on to say studies show people wearing these products tend to stay
in the sun much longer with just one application, thereby increasing
their exposure to damaging UVA rays. Additionally, they believe there
may even be evidence that certain sunscreen chemicals actually<b> break down</b>
when exposed to sunlight, forming free radicals and possibly
penetrating the skin, leading to potential DNA damage. Therefore, the
higher SPF products just provide an increased exposure to these
potentially harmful chemicals that do not provide any greater sun
protection anyway! The FDA responds to this saying sunscreen chemicals
have been used for years and they have no reason to believe they are not
safe, but report they will look into this further in the future.<br />
<br />
Another
surprising (even shocking) thing I learned about sunscreen has to do
with proper dosage. The FDA plans to look into this area in the future
and come up with new rules. The EWG cites studies showing consumers
consistently apply only 1/5 - 2/3 the amount necessary to achieve the
SPF rating manufacturers use in their testing. They say this inadequate
dosing results in exponential cuts in protection due to the physics of
sunlight (which I don't understand, but just take their word for it).
They give an example of applying 1/4 of the amount of an SPF 30 product
provides you with just SPF 2.3 protection, and an SPF 100 product
becomes just SPF 3.2 protection! Say what?! <br />
<br />
So just how much
are we talking about? EWG says we should be applying a full ounce
(about a palmful) evenly to all exposed skin, leaving about a full
teaspoon for our faces. So think of it this way...a typical 8 oz.
bottle of sunscreen will give you just 8 applications! That is a lot of
slathering! They also say not to rub it in too much (no more than 6
passes).<br />
<br />
<b style="font-size: 15px;">SUMMARY</b><br />
<br />
The EWG
believes mineral sunscreens have the best safety profiles in general,
saying they are stable in sunlight, they do not appear to penetrate the
skin and they offer good UVA protection. However, if you just cannot
live with the whitish tinge and want something that disappears more
easily on your skin, they suggest opting for products with avobenzone at
3% for the best UVA protection. They believe we should avoid
oxybenzone and 4-MBC due to possible hormone disruption, especially in
kids' products. Personally, my sensitive skin does best with mineral
sunscreens without any parabens for preservatives, which I can easily
find in natural food markets.<br />
<br />
In summary, the FDA gives the
following recommendations to help avoid sunburn, decrease your risk of
skin cancer and premature skin aging when we are in the sun:<br />
<ul>
<li>Wear protective clothing such as long sleeve shirts, long pants, broad brimmed hats and sunglasses</li>
<li>Limit
your time in the sun, seek shade as much as possible and avoid sun
exposure between the hours of 10am-2pm when the sun's rays are at their
peak</li>
<li>Use sunscreen with "Broad Spectrum" SPF 15+, following all label directions</li>
<li>Re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours, more often if sweating or jumping in and out of the water</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Go to <a href="http://skinkissednaturals.com/">skinkissednaturals.com</a> website) </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199356889306990095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427885317908431369.post-44493283383289528922012-05-11T18:08:00.001-07:002012-05-15T13:52:44.483-07:00Do You Know What's In Your Perfume?<div style="font-size: 11px; padding-left: 5px;">
(Originally Posted Tuesday, March 15, 2011)</div>
<div style="font-size: 11px; padding-left: 5px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sMv4yWKdUQBXU7etczaHPXiFWtwX0WElV3ZwmpB2heMWSpbPWw4wQ9awh3viSMDADl_mVtfr0xDAcvrCTZUV8J-az9yMkrOM3jJyKflT_slABhZ7M8qR-7mK4UAf9nt22zie7LD5mEKP/s1600/Crystal-Perfume-Bottles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sMv4yWKdUQBXU7etczaHPXiFWtwX0WElV3ZwmpB2heMWSpbPWw4wQ9awh3viSMDADl_mVtfr0xDAcvrCTZUV8J-az9yMkrOM3jJyKflT_slABhZ7M8qR-7mK4UAf9nt22zie7LD5mEKP/s200/Crystal-Perfume-Bottles.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: yui-tmp; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<a class="" href="http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/perfume-/story?id=10616697">ABC News</a>
reported on a study done of a random selection of 17 of the most
popular perfumes. The study found all 17 perfumes contained sensitizing
chemicals that can lead to allergic reactions (such as wheezing and
headaches). All 17 perfumes also contained at least one of the chemicals
some studies suggest are linked to endocrine (hormone) disruption in
animals. These chemicals belong to a group commonly referred to as
"pthalates".</div>
<div style="font-family: yui-tmp; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: yui-tmp; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
Pthalates are a group
of chemicals used extensively in just about every area of our lives, from vinyl
flooring to plastic toys to our personal care products. Pthalates are
plasticizers made from petroleum. They are used in the perfume industry
to make the scent linger longer, but they are also added to nail polish to make
it chip resistant and in hair spray to keep it soft and flexible. But now
think about everywhere you have perfume, aka "fragrance", in the
products you useā¦lotions, soaps, sunscreens, deodorants, hair products, laundry
soaps, air fresheners, candles, cleaning products, etc. It is dizzying to
think about all the different products we use on a daily basis that contain
scent or fragrance, and it is easy to see how a little bit here and there can
really add up. </div>
<div style="font-family: yui-tmp; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: yui-tmp; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
More specifically,
the effects of pthalates on lab animals has shown an increase in reproductive
and genital defects including undescended testicles, deformed penises
(hyposadia), not to mention low testosterone levels, low sperm counts and early
onset of puberty. Pthalates do cross the placenta and the Center for
Disease Control found metabolized forms of pthalates in every single person
tested in their <a class="" href="http://www.cdc.gov/exposurereport/">"body
burden" study</a>. Okay, so just to be fair, there are groups out
there saying pthalates are harmless. So I would suggest you do your own
research and make up your own mind.</div>
<div style="font-family: yui-tmp; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: yui-tmp; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
For the record,
SkinKissed Naturals (SKN) is committed to using only natural, healthy
ingredients without any pthalates. The only fragrance used in any of our
products are from pure plant/flower essential oils. The scent from
essential oils does not last as long as artificial fragrance oils extended with
pthalates, but the scent is cleaner, fresher, and positively beautiful. </div>
<div style="font-family: yui-tmp; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: yui-tmp; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
I have been unable to
wear commercially made perfumes for years no matter how much I like the
fragrance, as they give me headaches, make me feel weak, dizzy and sometimes
upset my stomach. I have longed to be able to wear a scent again and was
motivated to develop some natural perfumes, consistent with the SKN motto of
"Pure. Simple. Natural. Beautiful". So for the first time ever,
I am able to wear perfumes made from pure plant and flower essential oils.</div>
<div style="font-family: yui-tmp; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: yui-tmp; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0in;">
SkinKissed Naturals
LLC is pleased and excited to announce the development of its all-natural
perfumes made from only quality, natural plant and flower essential oils in a
base of sweet almond oil. The scents will be perfume strength and are not quite ready yet, but should be coming out
within the next month. Four scents will be introduced. How does
"Hippie Chic", "Flirt" and "Sultry" sound?
I can't decide on the 4th scent's name; I'm torn between "Earthy",
"Earth Angel" and "Natural".<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Go to <a href="http://skinkissednaturals.com/">skinkissednaturals.com</a> website) </div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199356889306990095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427885317908431369.post-24333558515343662362012-05-11T18:03:00.001-07:002012-05-15T13:53:18.945-07:00Alligator Skin VS Candy Cream & Second Skin<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr align="center"><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRP3j4qe5zsWRkdnFi1DOTvD1xXpoXwFPt8vOBxrSSKPcPXy5TQEZ6SVcYf0dY3lnr-d33Lm8G-kalBuHfhcHFNUvKs_eEp2kml6tcboL4oX5Hoj9CYI7XZhiLeB-qF4gHtHbGGD23QMul/s1600/alligator-picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRP3j4qe5zsWRkdnFi1DOTvD1xXpoXwFPt8vOBxrSSKPcPXy5TQEZ6SVcYf0dY3lnr-d33Lm8G-kalBuHfhcHFNUvKs_eEp2kml6tcboL4oX5Hoj9CYI7XZhiLeB-qF4gHtHbGGD23QMul/s200/alligator-picture.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>
(Originally posted Wednesday, February 9, 2011)<br />
<br />
Four women agreed to put either <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/body-care.php#candy" title="">Candy Cream</a> or <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/body-care.php#candy" title="">Second Skin</a>
to the test against their dry, "alligator" skin and their current body
lotions. Over the space of approximately a week, they were asked to
test and compare their current lotion on one leg and either the Candy
Cream or Second Skin on the other and then answer some questions for me
at the end. Following is what they had to say.<br />
<br />
<b style="color: #c00000; font-size: 15px;">DESCRIBE YOUR SKIN</b><b style="color: #c00000; font-size: 15px;"><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="color: #c00000; font-size: 15px;"> & PRODUCT USE</span></b><br />
All
four describe their skin as dry to very dry, one with very dry hands
and cracks on her thumbs. They all apply lotions on their legs and
bodies, one applies on her hands throughout the day.<br />
<br />
<b style="color: #c00000; font-size: 15px;"><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="color: #c00000; font-size: 15px;">WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A BODY LOTION?</span></b><br />
With
regard to scent, two of the women prefer lotions that are either
lightly scented or unscented, one due to being sensitive to scents and
the other not wanting the scent to interfere with her perfume. The
other two women like nicely scented lotions.<br />
<br />
All four women look
for a lotion that addresses their dry skin, that lasts a long time and
doesn't leave them dry by the end of the day, one wanting her skin to
feel soft after it's on.<br />
<br />
<b style="color: #c00000; font-size: 15px;">WHAT BRANDS DO YOU CURRENTLY USE?</b> <br />
Bath and Bodyworks scented body lotions (two women use)<br />
Victoria's Secret body lotion<br />
Lubriderm Advanced Therapy lotion<br />
Johnson's Melt Away Stress-lavender & chamomile lotion<br />
Thymes Azur body lotion<br />
Neutrogena Hand Cream<br />
<br />
<b style="color: #c00000; font-size: 15px;">HOW DOES CANDY CREAM OR SECOND SKIN COMPARE?</b><br />
Two of the women used Candy Cream, two used Second Skin, one was able to try both.<br />
<b><br /><a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/body-care.php#candy" title="">CANDY CREAM</a></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Scent:</b>
The woman who was able to try both lotions, did not like the scent of
Candy Cream at all and discontinued use. One said she was not crazy
about the scent, but said the smell did dissipate quickly. One thought
the scent was okay.</li>
<li><b>Performance:</b> One woman said it
performed well, had good texture and lasted well. She prefers the scent
of her Lubriderm, but thought it performed as well. The other woman
said she loved the thick consistency, it was not "watery" like her
current brand and past brands, it felt really nice on her skin and she
did not have the white, flaky skin at the end of the day like she does
with everything else she has tried. She went on to say she keeps buying
different brands looking for something that lasts and works, but hasn't
been able to find anything. </li>
</ul>
<b><a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/body-care.php#candy" title="">SECOND SKIN</a></b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>Scent:</b> Both women liked the scent. The one who didn't like the scent of Candy Cream at all, even thought this was unscented.</li>
<li><b>Performance:</b>
One woman thought it stays on better and she didn't have the dry, flaky
skin at the end of the day like she does with her current brand or past
brands. The other woman absolutely "loved it". She used it on her
body too, but is mainly concerned with her very dry hands. She said
Second Skin goes on a little greasy at first, but then turned her skin
soft in just a few seconds. She went on to explain she has to reapply
other lotions several times per day, but not with Second Skin. She said
Neutrogena Hand Cream touts "just a dab heals dry skin" but she found
even though it went on thick like petroleum jelly, it only lasted one
hour. She also says she gave Second Skin to a coworker to try who has
extremely dry hands and currently uses an ointment stick/balm, and the
coworker loved it too. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<b style="color: #8000ff; font-size: 16px;"><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="color: #4040ff; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #990000;">SUMMARY </span> </span></b><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="color: #111111;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="color: #111111;">What scents people like is most certainly a very personal, subjective matter. <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/body-care.php#candy" title="">Candy Cream</a>
does have a very unique scent; I tell people it smells like a
chocolate-coconut-almond candybar due to the naturally-occurring scent
inherent in the ingredients that are used. However, because there is
not any kind of actual added fragrance (natural or not), it is light and
the smell dissipates quickly. So I've found some people love it,
others not as much. <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/body-care.php#candy" title="">Second Skin</a>
does have a small amount of organic lavender essential oil added to it,
as the naturally-occurring scent of the red rooibos tea that's in it
was not a favorite of many people (then again, some people are not fans
of lavender).<br /><br />With the scent issue aside, one participant thought
the product performed as well as her current brand and the others
thought both products worked very well, had a great consistency, lasting
much longer than what they are currently using, not leaving them with
the aggravating white, flaky dry skin at the end of the day like
everything else they have tried on the market. </span><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="color: #111111;"><br />I
have taken great care to choose very high quality (many certified
organic) ingredients to include in these lotions; I haven't settled for
inferior ingredients just to maximize profits. It is also the reason
for their higher cost. So you will have to be the judge and decide if
they are worth the longer lasting, better quality and performance.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="color: #111111;">(Go to <a href="http://skinkissednaturals.com/">skinkissednaturals.com</a> website) </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199356889306990095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427885317908431369.post-54567564734331224482012-05-11T14:28:00.001-07:002012-05-15T13:54:25.832-07:00Dry Winter Skin-Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SoUnN7_p8yjpk4X-dx4j5wAhNE_o_vAAUxUCgUcRNaolJ-OiSoCgYABXjQ7e59doAqCb9aExsF7HJm2QRInSGmXSrBnJGLo5wuKPo63c81wPfZkjV1LQh9Co-vcMfGi_yFBaJlugZz08/s1600/dry+skin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-SoUnN7_p8yjpk4X-dx4j5wAhNE_o_vAAUxUCgUcRNaolJ-OiSoCgYABXjQ7e59doAqCb9aExsF7HJm2QRInSGmXSrBnJGLo5wuKPo63c81wPfZkjV1LQh9Co-vcMfGi_yFBaJlugZz08/s320/dry+skin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;">(Originally posted Monday, February 7, 2011)</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;">Between
the cold, dry air outside and the furnace-heated air inside,
practically everyone is affected in some way by the extremely low
humidity and harsh, cold winds characteristic of winter. Nosebleeds,
scratchy throats, static electricity and itchy, dry skin are common
concerns. Caring for our "winter skin" can really be a challenge this
time of year.</span><br />
<span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;"><br />People in general prefer the feeling of a relative humidity level of </span><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;">40-60%</span><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 15px;">. </span>However,
did you know if we kept that level of humidity inside our homes in
winter, we would be way over-humidifying our home and seeing the buildup
of condensation or frost on our windows, not to mention hidden dangers
of mold, mildew, rot, etc. This is because cold air can't hold as much
moisture as warm air. (For more information on appropriate levels of
indoor humidity relative to the outside temperature, see this link at <a class="" href="http://www.home-smart.org/how_your_house_works/section_index.aspx?cat_1=752&cat_2=795&SelectCatID=795&CatId=795&ref=795:HYHW_LN" title="">Home Energy Resource MN</a></span>)<br />
<br />
<span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;">Given
this fact that cold winter air is just plain dryer no matter what,
caring for our "winter skin" can really be a challenge this time of
year. So let's take a look at some cold weather skin tips and see just
what we can do to deal with this challenge.</span><br />
<br />
<b style="color: #bf5f00; font-size: 20px;"><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="color: #bf5f00; font-size: 20px;">FACE</span></b><br />
<br />
<b style="color: #007f40; font-size: 16px;"><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="color: #007f40; font-size: 16px;">CLEANSER:</span></b><br />
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Switch formulas.</b> If you typically use a normal or oily formula, consider switching to the normal or dry formula for winter.</li>
<li style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Choose a gentle, mild cleanser.</b>
Strong, preservatives and harsh, artificial surfactants (to create an
abundance of lather) can irritate and over-strip your face (check out <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/basic-skincare.php#grains" title="">My Daily Grains</a> which is a gentle, 100% natural cleanser).</li>
<li style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Try cleansing once daily at night only.</b>
I know this can be a challenge to those of you who are in the habit of
washing in the morning or twice daily, but his way you will still be
removing the day's makeup, dirt, and excess oil. Then just splash warm
water on your face in the morning, followed by a final cool splash to
calm your skin and shrink your pores. If you feel you still must
cleanse with <i>something</i>, try swirling a small amount of your
moisturizer between your fingertips an using it as a "cleanser" on your
dampened face and rinsing as above.</li>
</ul>
<b style="color: #007f40; font-size: 16px;"><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="color: #007f40; font-size: 16px;">TONER</span>:</b><br />
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 14px;"><b>(Again), switch formulas. </b>While it is still important to tone your face to ensure the return of your skin's<span style="text-decoration: none;"> <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/toner-ph-info.php" title="">pH level to its preferred acid mantle state</a>, </span>switching to the next heaviest formula may help for winter.</li>
<li style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Choose a natural, gentle, alcohol-free toner.</b>
Alcohol can be very drying to the skin and even if you have oily skin
do not use alcohol-based toners. You may think you're fighting the
excess oil this way, but in essence, you are over-stripping your skin,
causing your brain to send a signal to just make more oil! A toner like
<a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/basic-skincare.php#toner" title="">Tone Up Time</a> is gentle, pH balanced and alcohol-free.</li>
<li style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Spray on with a mister or splash on with your hands.</b>
You can opt out of the cotton ball/pad method of application for winter
if blemishes aren't too much of a concern for you this time of year.</li>
</ul>
<b style="color: #007f40; font-size: 16px;">MOISTURIZER:</b><br />
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 14px;"><b style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;">Switch formulas</span><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;">.</span></b><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;">
As above, you may be able to get the help you need by just switching to
a heavier formula. Make sure you use a quality moisturizer (like <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/basic-skincare.php#greentea" title="">Go Green Tea</a>),</span><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;"> that doesn't contain silicone oils </span><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;"> that although go on nice and slick initially, are unable to penetrate your skin.</span>
And remember, even if you have oily skin, you still need to moisturize,
especially in winter. You won't win the battle against your body's
natural mechanism to keep a healthy, protective amount of oil.</li>
<li style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Use more/often.</b>
This one maybe goes without saying, but people are creatures of habit
and sometimes we get stuck doing things the same way day after day
(season after season). Remember the amount that works for our skin at
temps above 80 degrees is different than the amount that works at 50,
20, 0 or -10 degrees due to the differences in relative humidity. I'm
using about 3-4 times the amount now than I do on a hot, humid summer
day (when I use a fraction of the amount plus dilute it down with water
in my hand)! If you're bummed about the increased cost, just tell
yourself it all evens out when summertime comes back around and you can
use so much less!</li>
<li style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Boost with facial serum.</b> A high quality facial serum like <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/specialty-skincare.php#damage" title="">Damage Control</a>
can give just the boost of protection and relief your skin needs by
patting on a light layer over face/dry areas before applying your
moisturizer.</li>
</ul>
<b style="color: #bf5f00; font-size: 20px;">BODY/HANDS</b><br />
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 14px;"><b><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;">Avoid hot water.</span></b>
Resist the urge in these frigid temperatures to crank the hot water
nozzle up a notch and linger too long in the balmy paradise you've
created in your bath or shower. Hot water removes more of your skin's
natural oils and the longer we're exposed, the greater the drying
effect.</li>
<li style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Choose a gentle, mild cleanser.</b>
While we like the idea of killing off any kind of bug that might
potentially threaten to take us down in this cold/flu season the experts
say antibacterial soap is no more effective than regular soap and water
and very likely hazardous in the long run (see this <a class="" href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hand-washing/HQ00407" title="">Mayo Clinic article</a>
for more info). I can just about 100% guarantee I will break out with
an angry, itchy patch of eczema on my hands just by using antibacterial
or some other harsh soap. So personally, I only use a high quality,
handcrafted soap which is usually made without the harsh surfactants
included in commercial brands. Plus they are typically made with higher
levels of quality oils, helping to keep my skin better lubricated.</li>
<li style="font-size: 14px;"><b>"Squeaky-clean" = Over-stripped.</b>
I know what you're thinking...I too was taught to lather, rinse and
repeat until I squeaked. Well that "squeak" is the sound of every bit
of natural oil being stripped right out of your skin. Practice trying
to find that balance between just getting the lather off and
"squeaking". Then the oils in that quality handcrafted soap won't be
wasted by being completely rinsed away and can provide some benefit to
your skin. This goes for your hair too. Don't completely rinse away
all the nice oils your conditioner just put in, leaving your hair dry
and your scalp itchy and even flaky.</li>
<li style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Only use soap on the "necessary" parts.</b>
Your whole body doesn't probably need to be soaped up, especially in
winter. Even the good soap can be drying, so save it for those really
dirty parts (you know, like hands, armpits, genital area, visible dirt).</li>
<li style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Moisturize immediately after washing.</b>
Lightly pat dry and slather a good quality moisturizer on as soon as
possible to lock in that precious moisture before the dry winter air
evaporates it. Again, opt for a moisturizer with high quality natural
oils to keep your skin smooth and protected for hours. In summer I can
get away with applying moisturizer every few days, but in winter I apply
<a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/body-care.php#candy" title="">Candy Cream</a> or <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/body-care.php#2skin" title="">Second Skin </a>daily to my whole body to effectively ward off itchy eczema flare ups.</li>
<li style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Use a skin balm on exposed, chapped skin.</b>
If you can't avoid exposure to cold, dry, windy outside air for
prolonged periods, you can give your skin an ultra boost of protection
with an all-natural skin balm like <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/body-care.php#rescue" title="">Rescue Balm</a>.
Apply a thin layer before or after exposure by swirling a small amount
between your fingertips and lightly patting onto exposed, chapped areas
as needed.</li>
</ul>
<span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;">Don't
forget to keep yourself hydrated on the inside (which will help you on
the outside too) by drinking plenty of water and don't neglect your lips
(<a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/body-care.php#lips" title="">Love-a-Luscious Lip Balm</a> is incredibly soothing and long-lasting; see what others are saying about it<span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;">)</span></span><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;">. And finally, don't overlook the fact that babies and children can suffer from dry skin too.</span><br /><br />I
remember one February when my daughter was 3 months old and I took her
to the pediatrician for a rash that had developed all over her body.
Although I used soap sparingly on her, the doctor told me she was dry
and needed moisturizer! I wanted to use something natural, organic and
gentle, so I bought Burt's Bees buttermilk lotion for babies, but the
scent was so strong and stinky it made me sick and then she broke out
from that too!</span><span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;"> I sure wish I had <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/body-care.php#candy" title="">Candy Cream</a> for her back then; I use it now on her after every bath from head to toe and she loves it.<br /><br />Well I hope you found some helpful nuggets of information here. <b>Now don't be shy, tell me what you think of this article or share some of your own tips.</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="yui-tag-span yui-tag" style="font-size: 14px;">(Go to <a href="http://skinkissednaturals.com/">skinkissednaturals.com</a> website) <b><br /></b></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199356889306990095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427885317908431369.post-37517296710405409342012-05-11T14:28:00.000-07:002012-05-15T13:55:09.593-07:00Help the Children of Lougou, Haiti<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstt_iqO9GrPaZV52FN5qaOpPjsmj2lAwG-15zKe0Pe1oCnceqcK8VSFH_dE6l-03agzL98MPOBSwX2ToTmKuZWFdapVKnZr3xX0QzI4w-V568pf9NA1v4ZCMcZcONFpOO5HivcWkJDjrg/s1600/footbridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstt_iqO9GrPaZV52FN5qaOpPjsmj2lAwG-15zKe0Pe1oCnceqcK8VSFH_dE6l-03agzL98MPOBSwX2ToTmKuZWFdapVKnZr3xX0QzI4w-V568pf9NA1v4ZCMcZcONFpOO5HivcWkJDjrg/s1600/footbridge.jpg" /></a></div>
(Originally posted Tuesday, February 8, 2011)<br />
<br />
I just love it when
I can give to a charity or mission that is relatively small, addresses specific
needs, and has individual people you can actually contact who are directly
involved in the organization, don't you?
I personally just don't feel very good about giving my money to some
giant charity with gobs of overhead and high administrative costs. The children at my daughter's Sunday School
have done just that by partnering with their peers in the village of Lougou,
Haiti for three years now. </div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Their current goal
is to raise between $1000-$6000 to cover the cost of building supplies for a
simple footbridge. The villagers are eager to do the labor to build it, they
just need help to cover the costs of building materials. The deadline for the children's fundraiser is
February 20th, so <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/">SkinKissed
Naturals</a> has decided to donate a portion of all sales until the deadline to
join in the effort.</div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;">
Lougou Haiti has a
population of 1500 packed into a 1.2 square mile radius. Most of the children walk to school and must
cross a river on the way. Ordinarily, they can wade across at the shallow spot,
but during the rainy season the river quickly rises, making it impassable and
dangerous. The kids can get stuck on the wrong side of the river and/or be
unable to get to school for up to several months.</div>
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COFHED is the
mission organization involved that is all about working with the people of
Lougou to identify goals/needs and empower them to reach community-led,
sustainable solutions. <a class="" href="http://www.cofhed.org/where-we-work/about-lougo/">Read more about Lougou
and COFHED's approach and involvement here.</a> <br />
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(Go to <a href="http://skinkissednaturals.com/">skinkissednaturals.com</a> website) </div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199356889306990095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427885317908431369.post-24068386669455708732012-05-11T09:16:00.000-07:002012-05-15T13:56:02.919-07:00UGH! I Hate My Disgusting Winter Feet!<span style="font-size: 14px;">(Originally posted Tuesday, January 4, 2011)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmwcf6uYqYl9GfP0hOI7ProuygXPNVdM-TuhwU9-DiK7J2PpEHdr3gUGbiXMPx9Kw9RAp3_oierIW1xudvBwQ-A4XNoEIPT74DwKD0asFoCFlKZ86ar2jWL7R-m-rmHj6ESnriA3DbotC/s1600/pumice+stone+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmwcf6uYqYl9GfP0hOI7ProuygXPNVdM-TuhwU9-DiK7J2PpEHdr3gUGbiXMPx9Kw9RAp3_oierIW1xudvBwQ-A4XNoEIPT74DwKD0asFoCFlKZ86ar2jWL7R-m-rmHj6ESnriA3DbotC/s1600/pumice+stone+feet.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;">I know many of you take the time to
really take care of your feet; maybe you treat yourselves to pedicures
or keep up on a good at-home routine or maybe you were just born with
feet that always look like a newborn's bottom. But mine, even at their
best, are <span style="text-decoration: underline;">not</span> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">good</span>.
So even though I'm not showing my feet now like I was in summer, there
comes a point where even I can't ignore those rough, dry,
scaly appendages any longer.<br /><br />It started at my first assessment
appointment with the physical therapist. I thought I was
good-to-go....freshly shaven legs with plenty of <a href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/body-care.php#candy">Candy Cream</a> </span><span style="font-size: 14px;">slathered
on to keep them looking and feeling their best. And then, he asked me
to take my shoes AND SOCKS off!...Oh no!! Now he would see my rough,
dry, cracked, sorely neglected winter feet!<br /><br />It was time to do
something. I'll share my tips and even [big inhale] the before and
after pictures of My Dry, Disgusting Winter Feet. <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/r-foot-b4-after.php">See the transformation as you click through the photos</a>, then meet me back here to let me know what you think. <b>Just <span style="color: black; font-size: 14px;">click on the picture of My Loyal Assistan</span>t</b>...he
was there through the whole thing and feeling a bit left out, so I
thought I'd give him some recognition here. Prepare yourself...the
first one's a real doozie! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/r-foot-b4-after.php"><img class="yui-img" height="209" src="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/resources/scamp%20%28640x480%29.jpg" style="height: 90px; width: 115px;" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Meet "Scamp"<br />My Loyal Assistant</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><b><br />THE VERDICT</b>: All Treatments Worked Very Well, But Differently</span></span></span></span></span></div>
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</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 15px;"><b>Pumice Only: </b>Using
a pumice stone (or similar product) on feet softened from a shower or
bath does a good job to get rid of the roughest outiside layers. I had
been doing this alone periodically with some improvement, but still
wasn't satisfied with these results alone. However, I see this as an
important first step to lay the groundwork for the following
treatments.<br /><b>Sugar/Water Scrub: </b>The natural alpha hydroxy
acids in the sugar made great progress "eating away" the rough, dry skin
leaving it feeling very smooth. The sugar keeps on working even after
it's dissolved and rinses clean away. However, it still showed dryness
in the cracks.<br /><b>Sugar/Oil Scrub: </b>The sugar didn't seem to to "eat away" the rough, dry skin, as much as it <i>manually</i>
scrubbed it away, while the olive oil provided lubrication and moisture
to help protect my feet while I continued scrubbing, leaving the skin
feeling very smooth and nice.<br /><b>Rescue Balm: </b>The <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/body-care.php#rescue">Rescue Balm</a>
really seemed to be the cherry on top in this whole process. It
removed all last traces of dryness in the cracks and left it smooth and
protected. It continued to work over the long haul and the best part is
that several hours later my foot <i>still</i> looked good!<br /><br /><b>IN SUMMARY: </b>Any
one of these treatments alone, or in combination with 2 or more, made
definite improvements in my feet. However, If you are in need of
drastic measures (like me) or you're just looking to give yourself an
extra special at-home beauty treatment, doing all 4 is the the ticket!<br /><br />ADDED BONUS...You can do the sugar scrubs on your hands and legs too, then follow with <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/body-care.php#rescue">Rescue Balm</a> on your hands at night and a good quality body cream/lotion like <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/body-care.php#candy">Candy Cream</a> or <a class="" href="http://www.skinkissednaturals.com/body-care.php#2skin">Second Skin</a> during the day.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 15px;">(Go to <a href="http://skinkissednaturals.com/">skinkissednaturals.com</a> website) </span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: #007f40; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 18px;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: #007f40; font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #111111; font-size: 18px;"><b></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14199356889306990095noreply@blogger.com0