Art Form for Ears, Not Noses . . .

Like most of you, my passion for aromatics does not always supersede other artistic enjoyment.  As we grow nearer to Spring (thank the stars!), my wanderlust kicks in and I yearn to travel, clearing the cobwebs of inactivity and opening my senses to new cultures and experiences.  My brother recently visited Argentina (what me jealous?) for a month while working on fine art commission and has introduced me to many of the fascinating people he discovered.  Revel in this sensuous video featuring one of Argentina’s lovely songstresses of the Tango . . . makes you want to bite your scarf and dance with abandon. . .       

Silvana Deluigi vocal, Leading Ladies of Tango Orchestra. Live recording December 2006.Video by John Campbell.

The tanguera Silvana Deluigi dispenses with the cliché of the woman who was made to serve as the source of her man's unhappiness. In duos with the bassist Jean-Paul Celea, the saxophonist, Ulrich I. Lask, and the Uruguayan bandoneon virtuoso Luis di Matteo, she demonstrates that the sung tango is no nostalgic museum piece but a self-confident and up-to-date musical form.

Be well,
Marcia

Special this week only (through Sunday, March 22) take 20% off all aroma jewelry.  Enter “Silvana Deluigi” (no quotes) in promotional code on website
http://www.wingedseed.com

While Searching for Fractals . . .

I came upon this cute video . . . no, not created by Photoshop.

Since we talk of the delights of goat tincture (obtained from the male sweat glands by plucking a a few hairs) in perfumery circles, it struck my fancy.  Amazingly, these uncanny goats are actually climbing the Argan trees of Morocco in search of food, which is otherwise very sparse in the region.   They have become quite agile and adept, almost artful as they traipse across the trees and branches with a sure-footedness hard to imagine from a hoofed animal.

Special this week only (through Sunday, March 8) take 20% off all aromatic extracts (essential oils, CO2’s, Concretes, Absolutes, Floral Waxes and Oleoresins).  Enter “16goatsinatree” (no quotes) in promotional code on website http://www.wingedseed.com

Happy Valentines Day

 

Share your love and kindness on this Valentines day.  You’ll be the richer for it. 

We are busy adding drop down boxes on the website.  You can now order small samples of all aromatic raw materials to examine before purchasing larger quantities. 

FDA Globalization Act of 2008

Many of us are reeling when we envision the negative impact the FDA Globalization Act of 2008 could have on small beauty businesses, and the resultant curtailing of consumer choices when it comes to handmade natural products.   The restrictive annual and product registration fees that could be charged under this act could become so burdensome that many of these small businesses would have to close their doors.  Some of our small business customers could be facing a $12,000 product registration fee for each formula for a bar of  soap.

Donna Maria Coles Johnson, CEO of the Indie Business Network has worked diligently to support and provide a wide umbrella of education and services to support independent beauty products manufacturers, most of whom began in their own kitchens.  Many of these companies, after years of diligence and hard work have now emerged as successful, thriving alternatives to mass produced big box cosmetic products. Donna Maria is a big reason for this success.  She now has rallied her legal skills and the energies of the IBN membership to stop this potentially stifling legislation.

Watch the video, then go to her blog  and sign on as a signatory to the petition.  

Indie_Business_Blog 

Then, contact your own representatives in Congress to voice your objection to this pending legislation.  Your choices will be dependent upon the ultimate status of this bill.

Grow Your Own Mosquito Repellent

Yes, it is getting to be that time of year again.  Here in the Pacific Northwest, we've had an extremely rainy Spring season - so much so, we are calling this month, "Juneuary"!  This unusual dampness will produce optimum conditions for mosquitoes to breed and multiply as the temperatures warm.  Here is additional mosquito information on the website to learn more.

As you can see, we offer a fabulous ready-to-use mosquito repellent in a variety of product applications.  However,  many of you readers grow your own gardens and can easily make your own effective natural spray or oil to take care of those pesky mosquitoes or no-see-ums. 

As you probably already know, DEET is currently the most common active ingredient in commercial bug repellents.  DEET is a dangerous chemical, as discovered by Duke University researchers and can cause brain-cell destruction and has caused neurological damage in studies using rats.  Additionally, the Iowa State University Research Foundation has proven Catnip, Nepeta Cataria, known as a cat-pleasing herb or medicinal tea, to be safe and effective to keep bugs at bay.

Catnip is a perennial herb, preferring well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight.  It is easy to grow but can become invasive.  Best planted in the fall, it will get a boost for summer by forming a strong root system, increasing its natural drought resistance.  If you choose to plant now, purchase a hardy plant from a nursery, making sure of the correct Latin binomial.  Catnip doesn't need much help once it is established and only needs compost, not fertilizer.

Here are the recipes for making your own bug repellents:

Catnip Mosquito Mist (makes approximately 3 cups)

• 2 cups catnip, stemmed
• 3-4 cups mild rice or white vinegar

Rise and pat dry herb, roll lightly with a rolling pin to bruise and open plant cells, place in a clean quart jar and cover with vinegar.  Seal jar and store in a dark cupboard for two weeks, shaking lightly every day.  Strain into clean jar, seal and refrigerate for up to 6 months unused.  To use, spritz on exposed skin and around outdoor recreation or dining areas.

Catnip and Rosemary Mosquito Oil

• 2 cups catnip, stemmed
• 1 cup fresh rosemary, stemmed
• 2 cups light vegetable oil (such as fractionated coconut)

Bruise catnip leaves; finely chop rosemary.  Pack in a clean jar, cover with oil and place in a dark cupboard for 2 weeks, shaking lightly every day. Strain into clean jar, seal and refrigerate unused for up to 8 months.  To use, decant into smaller bottle for carrying and rub on exposed skin when outside.

Let us know if you try these ideas; we love to get feedback.

Aromatically,
Marcia

Eating Causes Global Warming?

I've recently read that our food system is responsible for one-third of global greenhouse emissions.  When you think about bananas being shipped to a U.S. port, then transported by container truck to a distribution point, then trucked across your state to your local grocer, this begins to make sense. 

Here's a great little calculator to help you compare the relative carbon impacts of your food choices.  The nifty thing is - if you reduce emissions by your eating habits, you will also be eating healthier and maybe learning to grow your own garden and shop at your local farmer's market (supporting your regional food supply).

You handmade products manufacturers might want to look into being a vendor at your local farmer's market.  You'll make good contacts for fresh herbs and flowers to use in your products.  It's a great way to expand your networking . . . all the time helping the environment.  Excellllent!  (Stroking imaginary beard.)  

Fabulous Bargain = Essential Oil Starter Kit

We've developed an Essential Oil Starter Kit, especially for beginners, or those more experienced who are looking for quality essential oils at a hefty discount to add to their stock.  We thought it would be a good idea to offer convenient and affordable collections.     This starter kit includes:    

CEDARWOOD (Cedrus atlantica), CYPRESS (Supressus sempervirens), EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus radiata), LAVENDER (Lavendula angustifolia var. vera), MANDARIN TANGELO (Citrus reticulata blanco), PALMAROSA (Cymbopogon martinii), PEPPERMINT MITCHAM (Mentha piperita), PINE (Pinus sylvestris), ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis ct. camphor), TEA TREE (Melaleuca alternifolia)

Also includes valuable information like "50 Ways to Use Essential Oils", "Be Safe & Smart, "Care of Essential Oils", and a dilution chart for accurate usage.  Only $40 for the entire set and information packet.  The total retail value would be $72.00-- that's over 45% savings, can't beat that!  Item number 17401001

We've included some upgrades.  Purchase the Essential Oil Starter Kit with our best selling book for beginners, "AROMATHERAPY: Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate, and Heal" by Valerie Gennari Cooksley for an additional $15 (regularly $16.95).  This  would make a lovely gift for the graduate, giving them a road to self-care as they choose their future path.  Complete Essential Oil Starter Kit plus Aromatherapy Book,  Item number 17403001 only $55.00.

And, we've paired the Essential Oil Starter Kit with our Sturdy Navy Blue professional essential oil carrying case. This case is 11.5x13 and 2.375 inches in height. It holds twenty-eight 5 ml. bottles and seventeen 15 ml. bottles. There are spaces for a 2 oz. bottle of carrier oil or lotion and a 25 ml. jar for cream or gel. In addition to over 45% off the essential oils, receive an extra $5.00 off the case.   Essential Oil Starter Kit plus Therapist Kit, Item 17402001 $63.50 

Finally, you can have it all!  Everything you need to embark on your aromatic adventure. Ten 5 ml size Essential Oils, what we think is the best beginners book on how to use them , and a professional carrying case to keep them safe and protected.  In addition to over 45% off the Essential oils, get the book for $15.00 (less than the $16.95 retail price), and $5.00 off the case.  Complete Essential Oil Starter Kit: OILS, BOOK, and CASE  Item number 17404001 $78.50