MsJudy’s Soap Newsletter                           April  2006

Produced by Judy Reed

at Reed Family Ranch

email: msjudy@reedfamilyranch.com

 

Soap for your Summer Sandal Feet

The luffa sponge is a vegetable that grows on vines here in Texas.  It is in the gourd family and looks like a giant cucumber.  The luffa is dried and the skin is removed to reveal the strong inner fibers that I use in my luffa soaps.  Using luffa stimulates circulation, exfoliates and leaves skin soft, vibrant and glowing. I combine the benefits of the luffa sponge and my all-natural glycerin soap to make a luffa slice of soap.  These are beautiful and wonderful to use. Using a luffa allows you get the most out of your bar of soap.  Even when there is only a little left, it stays attached to the luffa and can be used until it is entirely gone.  No waste and when the soap is finally gone, you can keep using the luffa sponge. You will begin to notice after only a short while a big difference.  Remember always use gentle pressure and follow-up with a light foot lotion for great sandal feet this summer.

 

Patchouli Luffa: Patchouli is good for athlete’s feet, cracked & chapped skin.  The oil has an herbaceous earthy fragrance that improves with age. Price $3.00

Lemongrass Luffa: The meditative scent of lemongrass and the great scrub of luffa.  What a great combination! Lemongrass is good for excessive perspiration and a good tissue toner.  Great for your feet. Price $3.00

Peppermint Luffa: Peppermint is fresh & cooling leaving your skin with a tingly feeling. Peppermint oil is great for happy feet. Price $3.00

New…… Luffa  Rope Soaps: All the above scents are available as soap on a rope. I just hang mine in the shower ready to use. Price $3.50

Just email me to order these fantastic summer scrubbers for your feet.

 

      Herbed Cheese Ball or Spread

For those of you like me that seem to have lots of herbs in your garden but don’t always know what to do with them all, well I have a suggestion.  An herb cheese ball is great for a snack or to take somewhere as a dish to pass.  You will need the following ingredients: 1 8oz package of light cream cheese softened, 3 cloves of garlic crushed, 1 teaspoon each of dried dill weed, chives, & basil, & 2 teaspoons of dried parsley.  In the summer, I use my fresh herbs chopped but in the winter I opt for dried. Directions:  Mix all ingredients & place into a plastic wrap lined container (cool whip carton works great).  Cover the top & refrigerate overnight. Un-mold on a pretty plate & enjoy on bread rounds, crackers or with vegetables. You may also substitute for some of your other favorite herbs from the garden.

Cucumber Toner        

Cucumber is all the rage and is a natural astringent.  I’ve heard for years to cut cucumber & place the slices over your eyelids while you rest.  It also makes a milk tonic for sunburned skin. Cucumber juice has a short shelf life so I suggest that you store it in the refrigerator.

Here is the recipe for my face toner: ¼ fresh cucumber juice ( made by chopping peel and all and liquefy in the blender then strain). 2 tablespoons witch hazel, 2 tablespoons distilled water and 1 tablespoon vodka (optional but I use). Mix all the ingredients together. Pour into a clean bottle with a lid. If you have small sediment settling to the bottom of your container just filter it for a clear toner. I use a cotton ball to apply to my face.

Disclaimer: The recipes & ideas contained in these newsletters are generally safe and effective.  However, despite every effort I cannot predict an individual person’s reaction to a particular recipe or ingredient. You should always try a small area of your skin to test the recipe & discontinue use if you have any signs of reaction. Care should always be taken when making & using a new product for your skin. Remember, you are the manufacturer of these products and quality control becomes your responsibility. Always work with clean equipment, wash your hands and use pure ingredients. Refrigerate when necessary for a longer shelf life. 

Soaps for Spring      

Beach Breezes: This complex sophisticated fragrance is actually a light ocean-type scent.  A unisex fragrance sure to please your summer “at the beach” taste.

Valley Fruit: Truly a lovely bar with that Valley tropical scent without being syrupy. Light, lovely, and not too sweet.  Just picture a lovely array of fruit in a basket on your dining room table.  A fruity pleasurable scent.  So Enjoy!

Chilly Mist: A perfect men’s fragrance. This light crisp scent is surprisingly also adored by women. It’s like navigating a kayak through icy waters – brisk and fresh but casual enough not to be overwhelming. A trendy blend for your shower! 

For more selections of our soap line go to our website www.reedfamilyranch.com and click on MsJudy’s Soaps.