THE TRUTH ABOUT SHAMPOO BARS

October 23, 2024

I've wrestled with whether or not to speak up about this for what feels like ages. Honestly, calling out other soap makers was never something I wanted to do; it just feels counterproductive and downright uncomfortable. But after a recent encounter at one of my craft markets left me feeling uneasy, and then experiencing a lightbulb moment today, I realize I can't stay silent any longer. I've observed a troubling trend that I believe amounts to manipulation of the public. It's disheartening to watch practices that not only confuse consumers but also undermine the integrity of our craft. So, to those of you who have embraced shampoo bars, whether it's because you love how they work for your hair or you're simply trying to cut down on packaging, it's essential to know this: what you may think is a shampoo bar is often just a bar of soap, and you definitely shouldn't be paying more for it.

A couple weeks ago, while I was manning my table at the Riverwalk Market, a woman approached me with a specific inquiry about shampoo bars. Unfortunately, I had to tell her I didn't carry any. She lingered, browsing my soaps and scrutinizing the labels. I could see her growing confused, and when she pointed out how similar some of the ingredients in my products were to shampoo bars she'd seen, I simply nodded in agreement. When she asked if it was common for ingredients to overlap, I confirmed, which seemed to set her off. "So they just slap on the shampoo bar label," she stated, visibly disappointed. That moment left me feeling uneasy; I didn't want to throw anyone under the bus for questionable selling practices, but I also couldn't deceive her. As she walked away, my mind spiraled into thoughts about how this perception could tarnish the reputation of all handmade body product sellers - including myself. More recently, during a visit to the co-op near my house, I stumbled across shampoo bars that were shockingly overpriced. The seller wanted $10 for a 3 ounce bar. They sparked my curiosity at first, but then the price left me scratching my head - where was the justification for such cost? Sure, people can set whatever prices they want, and I respect that, but it's disheartening to think that some products, labeled as artisanal or handmade, might mislead consumers. 

It's become increasingly common to stroll through stores and see products labeled as "shampoo bars" that, at a glance, look strikingly similar to your run-of-the-mill soap. What really gets under my skin is the pricing - these so-called shampoo bars often come with a price tag that's noticeably higher, leading consumers to believe there's something uniquely beneficial about them. Now, I can't say for sure whether the artisans behind these bars are intentionally trying to mislead anyone; maybe they just want their creations to be recognized for hair use and set a price they find fair. That's their prerogative. My concern lies in the message that's being communicated to customers who hop on board the shampoo bar trend, convinced they're purchasing something special that promises to improve their hair's health. When you dig a little deeper, though, and ask folks about the difference, you'll usually hear that these bars are pH balanced and enriched with nourishing ingredients specifically for hair. Yet, a quick look at the ingredient lists reveals that many use the same ingredients as regular body soaps. It creates this weird disconnect that feels a bit disingenuous, and I can't help but feel that consumers deserve more transparency. 

It's true that many of the same oils and butters used in handmade soaps are often found in shampoo bars, and some people might shrug it off, thinking, "So what?" But the reality is far more complicated than that, and the conversations happening on platforms like Reddit reveal a growing frustration among consumers. Many users are sharing their disappointment not only with the performance of these shampoo bars but also with the misleading marketing that suggests these products are somehow superior or tailored for hair care.  Claims that glamorize a product without full transparency can lead to some serious disappointment. It's not just about the ingredients; it's about the expectations that come with them and when these expectation aren't met, you bet people are going to voice their concerns loud and clear. 

The following two images are taken from a Reddit thread.


To be clear, when I talk about shampoo bars, I'm specifically referring to those handmade-looking blocks that resemble a classic bar of soap, the ones you often see displayed in eco-friendly shops. There are loads of other shampoo bars out there that are totally different, usually round and packed with ingredients tailored to hair care. Those aren't the ones I'm ranting about here. My concern lies with a specific subset, which, while appealing for being eco-friendly and containing safe natural ingredients aren't always what people think they are. 

The following image is what shampoo bars with specific hair care ingredients usually look like.


I guess what I really want to get across here is the importance of being informed about what you're buying, especially in the realm of personal care products. It's surprisingly easy for someone to take a regular bar of soap, slap a "shampoo bar" label on it, and charge you a premium because everyone seems to be jumping on that trend. There's nothing illegal about it - it's fair game in the marketing world. But as a savvy consumer, you should definitely know what you're spending your money on. Just because something is labeled a shampoo bar doesn't necessarily mean it's a superior product for your hair. So before you splurge on that trendy little bar, take a moment to really consider what's in it and whether it actually fits your needs. 
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A DAY OF FUN WITH FARM FRIENDS

October 20, 2024

Today, Maya and I ventured over to Whispering Oak Alpacas, where we spent a beautiful afternoon with the cutest farm animals. The peaceful environment, free from crowds, allowed us plenty of quality time with each animal. I particularly fell in love with the sweetest little dinky. He was so charming. Ya know how some folks have emotional support pets? Well, I"m pretty sure this place is my emotional support farm. 😂 A little alpaca, goat, donkey love is all it takes to brighten my day. 








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A JOURNEY BACK TO ALL NATURAL SOAPMAKING

October 8, 2024


For years I was all about crafting 100% all-natural soaps, pouring my passion for herbs and essential oils into each batch, but as you might guess, diving into that world was like jumping into a sea of wave after wave of competitors at Farmers' markets and natural food stores; it felt like every corner I turned had someone else peddling the same exact type of soap. So I took a different path and focussed on playing around with fragrance oils and micas, which allowed me to get more creative with my soap designs. It turns out people really love a little pizzazz in their body products. So from then on I didn't really make a lot of natural soap unless someone placed a custom order or the moment called for it, like the Earth Day market I did in Northfield this past spring. 

From the batches I made for Earth Day I gifted my doctor a bar of natural lavender soap, and when she noticed my unique blend of oils and butters she really liked it. Next thing I know I'm sending soaps over to be sold at her clinic, and they are flying off the shelf. 

It fills me with so much joy to think I'm contributing to someone's well-being, even in a small way. After all, health and healing are super important to me, and seeing my creations be a part of that for someone else truly makes me happy.


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ANOTHER DAY OF SOAP SELLING AND COMMUNITY CONNECTION

October 6, 2024

Yesterday at the Riverwalk Market was an absolute blast! The sun was shining brightly, and while the wind was trying a little too hard to steal our beautiful display, it added a fun twist to the day. It was awesome as always to chat with our wonderful customers about all things soap while soaking in the lively atmosphere. We're looking forward to diving right back into the excitement next week. We hope to see you there. 



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FROM CHICKENS TO ALPACAS: EXPLORING THE DELIGHT OF SPENDING A DAY WITH FARM ANIMALS

October 5, 2024



Nestled in the picturesque landscape in a rural part of Prior Lake, MN, is Whispering Oaks Alpacas where they offer a delightful escape into the world of hobby farming. This charming farm invites visitors to engage with a variety of friendly farm animals, from curious goats to soft, fluffy alpacas. One of the most unique experiences is taking an alpaca for a walk - a joyful activity that brings both laughter and a sense of connection to the animal. The alpacas, with their gentle demeanor, often have minds of their own, and I found it a bit hilarious to negotiate walking terms with my fleecy companion. Initially, he was set on stopping every few steps to munch on the grass; however, after a little persuasion, we struck a deal that kept both of us happy as we strolled along the trail, I'd stop every 10-15 feet to allow him to eat only if he kept the pace and not stop every foot to eat grass. 😂  That agreement worked out well and kept us moving along.

In addition to the interactive experiences on the farm, Whispering Oaks boasts a quaint little shop located inside the owner's home, filled with goodies crafted from alpaca fleece. From warm hats to soft mittens, each item reflects the quality and comfort of this unique fiber. Visiting the shop felt like unearthing hidden treasures, and I couldn't resist the charm of these handmade products so I bought my daughter a Christmas gift. As I wandered around I also spotted the enchanting little goats for sale, whose playful antics warmed my heart instantly. Mojo was my favorite. His adorable face and lively energy reminded me of how much I wished I'd been a hobby farmer. 

Growing up I had often fantasized about becoming a sheep farmer, inspired by episodes of Little House on the Prairie. The dream of harvesting wool and spinning it into clothing painted a vivid picture of a life intertwined with animals. Although that dream remains unfulfilled, my visit to Whispering Oaks Alpacas reignited that childhood passion. It serves as a reminder of the simple joys that farm animals provide. Whether you seek a peaceful retreat or a fun outing with a stubborn alpaca, Whispering Oaks Alpacas caters to both. It's a beautiful place to appreciate the connections we share with these wonderful creatures and to create cherished memories, even if it's just for a couple hours on a lovely Minnesota day. 








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EXPLORING THE FEASIBILITY OF CULTIVATING COTTON IN MINNESOTA FOR SPINNING. WILL IT WORK?

October 3, 2024


While I was digging through a seed catalog last winter I unexpectedly stumbled upon seeds for growing cotton. The thought had never crossed my mind before, but the allure of cultivating such a unique crop ignited a spark of curiosity in me. After reading the growing requirements, I learned that cotton typically needs 60 degree or above temps to thrive and takes around 150 days to be ready for harvest. I timed my planting for late April, believing this would ensure a ready yield by the end of September. However, my calculations may have been a bit optimistic; as the weeks roll by, my cotton plants seemed to be stuck in limbo, not progressing as I anticipated. 

As fall approaches the temperature is set to dip into the 40s for the first time this season. Thankfully, the daytime warmth still hovers comfortably above 60 degrees which is perfect for the needs of my cotton plants. I've made it my routine to bring them indoors at night to shield them from the chill, then return them to their sunny spot outside during the day. With each passing day I hope that my efforts will yield some success, even if that means just a modest harvest this year. I realize that I might not gather enough cotton for spinning just yet, but I plan to save the seeds for another attempt next year.

If this experiment turns out to be a bust, it won't be the end of the world; I'm prepared to start again. Next I'll begin the process in February, allowing for an earlier start that could potentially lead to a more fruitful outcome. For now I await the magic of my cotton plants, hoping for tiny tufts of fiber to emerge. I remind myself that the journey is just as important as the destination, and regardless of the results, I'm excited to to grow, both as a gardener and as a curios soul.



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THE BONFIRE CRACKLES, CRICKETS SING, AN OWL CALLS, AND STARS TWINKLE ABOVE

October 1, 2024

 

I don't know what it is about a fire and the smell of wood smoke while the insects buzz all around, but it makes me feel more connected to nature than any other time. There's a certain magic in the flames that seems to draw me in, tapping into the primitive parts of my brain that pulls my thoughts back to when fire was first tamed. I feel a sense of nostalgia for a time when life was simpler and survival was intricately linked to the cycles of nature. 

As I sit, mesmerized by the glowing embers, I find that gazing into a fire is an excellent way to practice mindfulness because it anchors me to the present moment, allowing my thoughts to slow and settle. It's a perfect way to relax at the end of a long, stressful day. Being surrounded by the comforting aura of flames,  the gentle humming of nearby insects, and an owl hooting in the distance. I feel an unparalleled sense of peace. Nature is a place of solace and is enduring and timeless as fire itself.

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