Botanical Earth

 You ever feel like you are being watched?

This afternoon while I was making soap, I looked out the window only to 1.) see the temperature, and 2.) to realize I was being watched!  These little wasps were looking to get in I guess, but stayed there about an hour moving around the window.

Just the other day while Colin, my husband was mowing out back of the shop, he noticed he was being watched.  This little multi-legged friend was eyeing him from the high grass - I think he was hoping Colin would see him and not mow over him.  So of course, Colin stopped what he was doing and moved him to a different area.  This is one of the largest praying mantis I have seen, and we have a lot around the property.  They are so cool, and watch everything.  Did you know they are the state insect of Connecticut?  Learn something everyday…..

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It’s been top secret for a while now, and I was asked not to say a word - but I can now…..Home of the Sampler is having a very special series of Samplers with exclusive items full size items from hand picked indie crafters.  Botanical Earth was asked to join for the very first one!  I was completely thrilled to have Alison consider us for this project.  She chose our Calendula Herb Unscented Soap. 

The Sampler Select is available starting today and here’s the link to see all the other indie artists in the box.  I LOVE Little Flower Designs who is in the box with us.  She makes the prettiest things and for the Sampler Select, designed exclusive wall tiles.

I didn’t have time to design an exclusive soap for Sampler Select, but am launching our new formulation of our Calendula Herb soap.  It has a larger amount of olive oil (which makes it an even higher percent of Castile style) and no more palm, or palm kernel oil.  The change is for environmental and animal rights issues, which I’ll expand later this week.

So check out the new Sampler Select Debut!  If you aren’t up for such a fancy Sampler, there’s always the super popular monthly Sampler that’s jam packed with lots of samples, coupons and crafty things from a huge variety of indie designers and crafty people.

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On Friday I’ll be packing up and travelling with my sister to Statesville, North Carolina.  My grandmother, who inspired me to continue soapmaking, needs her house fixed while she is ill in Colorado - so why not drive 750 miles to paint and mow the yard?  I love going there so it’s not a problem in the least.  On Saturday we hope to go to the Asheville Farmers Market and I’ll have to post about that because there are several great soapmakers there I have heard. 

On Sunday it’s a big trip to the cementary to see all the family…is that too morbid?  I love ancestory/heritage things and find great peace going…it gives me a sense of place and belonging.  There’s at least 4 generations just in one area.  The desk I use in the shop was my great- great -grandfather’s that he used at the Mill he founded.  I go to his grave and talk about business…actually some of my best ideas have come visiting - go figure.

Since I’m leaving, the shop will be closed Friday through at least Wednesday next week.  You’ll be able to order, but nothing will ship until I return on the 12th of Sept.

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While walking to the shop this morning, I was wondering what should I start with first….orders, making soap, answering emails, ordering supplies…the list goes on and on.  But sometimes something makes you stop and appreciate what is around you - and this little turtle did the trick!  I stopped and asked him what he had planned for the day.  It looked like his plan was to go to the pond about 1000ft away and eat some bugs.  So I figure since this humble little fellow changed my view of the day, maybe I would change my plans - so I’m having a sale!

 Now until midnight today (Tuesday Sept. 4th) Botanical Earth is having a 25% off sale on everything in our on-line store.  Use the coupon code of TURTLE at checkout.  An insight into my marketing genuis?  I saw a turtle, it’s Tuesday and it’s 3rd quarter (a 25% portion of the year).  Even items on special qualify for an additional discount. 

You might notice a new category here on the blog - Current Sales.  Instead of sending newsletters that end up as spam, I am just going to post current sales or promotions just on the blog. 

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