While taking a break from soap making this past weekend, we saw a bear. It was a young bear and we watched it for awhile as it explored and frolicked in the woods. Like the bear, we are finally emerging from our caves and reveling in the intoxicating spring air. In addition to replenishing our regular stock, we went on a binge of springtime products.
To moisturize our winter-dry skin, we made lotion, adding the essential oils of basil, lemon eucalyptus, juniper berry, and tea tree, for a fresh, woodsy scent.
Next we made beer soap, partly because we were sold out and partly because it’s fun. Why does everyone like beer soap? First, it lathers up beautifully. Also, beer is made of hops, which contain skin-softening amino acids. They also contain polyphenols which are potent skin care ingredients.
There are a few small but brave wildflowers emerging in the woods. Remember May Day? It is mostly forgotten, unless you still dance around the maypole. But May Day has an ancient history, marking the beginning of planting season in the Northern Hemisphere. It is meant to commemorate the turn of cold and wet months into warmer and sunnier ones. Starting in the 19th century, people practiced a delightful custom of hanging small baskets of flowers, called May baskets, on their neighbors’ doors.
To help you celebrate spring, we made botanical bath salts, with rose, marigold and cornflower petals for a light, delicious scent. Sprinkle some in your bath and let yourself soak in a meadow of wildflowers. Some people love bathing in water dappled with colorful flower petals. But for others, we enclose a handy mesh bag, to keep your wildflowers contained and tidy.
Go outside and frolic. Happy May Day!