Hey, where’s the blog?

Surprise!  Just when you thought it was quiet around here, I gave Soap Leaves a makeover and a new home!

I’ve had Soap Leaves hosted here at WordPress for a while, and this week I finally had the opportunity to both redesign the blog and move it over to its new location at http://www.sarvasoap.com/blog.  I can’t wait to hear your feedback!

Nothing will be lost… all of the Soap Leaves posts are moving too, though some links may need tweaking here and there as I discover them.  And, if you forget the new address, no worries… go to the Sarva Soaps site and click “Blog”.

There are some cool new widgets and features, and I’ll let you check those out at your leisure… a link to follow me on Twitter, among others!

Those of you who subscribe to Soap Leaves, either via RSS or e-mail – you don’t need to do anything; your subscriptions will be migrated automagically.

Those of you who would like to subscribe to Soap Leaves, either via RSS or e-mail – there are shiny new buttons for this on the new blog!

The page you’re viewing now will stay alive indefinitely, but any future posts will only be written at the new location.

So, in summary,

say goodbye to http://sarvasoap.wordpress.com

~ and ~

say hello to http://www.sarvasoap.com/blog

See you there!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Water Lily, © 2006 Michelle Gilbert

Stages of Motherhood

4 Years of Age — My Mommy can do anything!
8 Years of Age — My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot.
12 Years of Age — My Mother doesn’t really know quite everything.
14 Years of Age — Naturally, Mother doesn’t know that, either…
16 Years of Age — Mother? She’s hopelessly old-fashioned.
18 Years of Age — That old woman? She’s way out of date.
25 Years of Age — Well, she might know a little bit about it…
35 Years of Age — Before we decide, let’s get Mom’s opinion.
45 Years of Age — Wonder what Mom would have thought about it.
65 Years of Age — Wish I could talk it over with Mom.

- Anonymous

Mother’s Day Sale, new gift sets!

Grace Soap, Mother's Day 2009

I’m back from a fun, successful day at the Orange Art Fair.  Thanks to all of you who came out and visited… the show was a great success, and it was great to see you!

Mother’s Day is this Sunday (yes, already!).   So I want to offer you a special discount while you shop for Mom (read on for the discount code, at the bottom of the post) and show you some brand new gift sets that were very well received at their debut today!

There is also a brand new soap just in time for Mother’s Day!  In the frenzy of preparing for this weekend, I never had a chance to get it photographed… but it will be on the site by early Monday afternoon, and it’s beautiful!

“Grace“, $6.95,  is made from the same base formulation as popular Purity, which is 95% grade A olive oil.  Grace has an exquisitely divine heady rose/geranium/rosewood scent, formulated to showcase the sustainably harvested rosewood essential oil I recently obtained.  It’s a creamy white soap topped with organic rosebuds.  Simply stunning.  Grace will, of course, be included in the sale, so if you’d like to purchase that soap, be sure to stop by the Sarva web site, in the Spa Series section, on Monday afternoon.   EDIT:  It’s now on the site, found here.

And now, the four new gift sets!  I’m so excited about these, and they ARE already on the Sarva web site in the Gifts and Sets section.  The Artisanal Soap Trios are eco-friendly luxury at its finest… a set of three soaps (you get to choose the soaps!) from either the Cottage, Gallery, or Spa Series (or a set of one soap from each Series), packaged in a gorgeous 100% postconsumer recycled box.  The finishing touch is the vegetable-dyed, biodegradable paper ribbon that is hand-tied onto the slide-open box.  Each soap is individually labeled with a beautiful, ornate paper label, which is also 100% postconsumer recycled paper!

I’ve worked so hard to bring you these gift sets in some special earth-friendly packaging (please recycle on your end!), and I finally sourced out everything I wanted!  I hope you, and your recipients, enjoy them!  Pricing ranges from $15.50 to $20.50.    Here’s a photo of the “Mixed Series” gift box:

Artisanal Soap Trio - Mixed Series

Of course, the other lovely gift sets are still available… check them all out here!

So, I’ve saved the best part for last!  When you shop today through midnight Wednesday, May 6, please enter MOMLOVE in the “discount coupon code” section at checkout to enjoy a 15% discount.    I’ll need to receive your order by Tuesday night at the absolute latest to “guaranteed” get it to Mom… I ship USPS Priority Mail… but I’m extending the sale for an extra day in case you’d like to still see if we can get your gift to her, or you, in time!

Happy shopping!

Come to the Orange Art Fair!

What:  Orange Art Fair
Where: Moreland Hills Elementary School (Google map)
When: Sunday May 3, 2009  10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost:  FREE!

Those of you in the Cleveland area, mark your calendars for next Sunday, May 3rd! The Orange School District hosts a fabulous art fair every year, not to be missed! Just in time for Mother’s Day gift giving (and Father’s Day too)!

Sarva Soaps will be there with about 20 varieties of soap and some great gift sets.  Some of these items are not yet on the Sarva web site, so if you go to the show, you get a sneak preview and first chance to buy!   I’ll be in booth #52.   Stop by and see me… and if you found about the Fair via my blog, do please let me know!   I love meeting my readers.

Here’s info from the Orange School District’s web site:

The 5th Annual Orange Art Fair will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Moreland Hills Elementary School on the Orange Schools Campus, located at 32000 Chagrin Blvd. in Pepper Pike between Lander Circle and SOM Center Road (Rt. 91). Admission is FREE!

The Fair will feature more than 70 artists from around Northeast Ohio selling beautiful hand-made art and jewelry. A great time to buy for Mother’s Day, Teacher, and Graduation gifts. Sponsored by Orange Elementary PTA, money raised directly benefits Orange Schools.

There will also be kids’ entertainment, a kids’ art sale, food and refreshments, and a raffle.

I look forward to seeing you next Sunday!

Support a great cause, and meet your soapmaker!

If you live in Cleveland and aren’t doing anything Wednesday night, April 22 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., come support a great cause and treat yourself as well!

Sarva Soaps, in cooperation with Dermatology Specialists of Beachwood and Willoughby, will be appearing at “Leading with Style 2009″ at the Galleria in downtown Cleveland tomorrow, April 22! Proceeds benefit the Cleveland Marshall College of Law Future Courtroom. Tickets are $50 ($35 for students), with prizes including a once in a lifetime trip to the Umbrian Countryside!

In 2008, the Ohio Women’s Bar Association launched a new fundraising platform, named “Leading with Style.” It challenged previous conceptions that women attorneys could not be taken seriously if they engaged in activities designed to attend to their appearance, health or wellbeing.  It was designed to remind attorneys to make health, wellness, and relaxation a priority in their long list of professional and family responsibilities.  In its first year, over 500 women and men raised $50,000.00 to fund scholarships for future generations of attorneys.

This year, the event promises to be even more broad and impactful.  It is our mission to create opportunity for our community by funding an educational and economic initiative at the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.

I am proud to be invited to appear and represent Sarva Soaps at this special event.  If you come, you will have the opportunity to enjoy libations, retail therapy, and special ways to pamper yourself… and, of course, you’ll get to meet me!

Details can be found at The Ohio Women’s Bar Association, or on this PDF document.  Hope to see you there!

The one in which Sarva Soaps loses a family member.

Hecate, 1993-2009

I like to keep it light here on Soap Leaves.  Here in my home we’ve had some very sad news, though, and I want to take up just a little bandwidth to offer a tribute to our kitty, Hecate, who passed away today, April 13, 2009.

I came into Hecate’s life fairly late, in 2003, when I met my partner J.   Hecate and Sara were his cats, and I had my dear Sammy, the love of my life.  While I took an instant liking to Sara (who is completely adorable), Hec was another story.  A very bright animal, Hecate was also a problem child.  J had acquired her from the local animal shelter at one year old, already showing signs of having a checkered past.  She had a damaged eye that wasn’t exactly photogenic, was a bit scruffy, and also had many, many behavioral problems.

Those of you who are parents and/or animal lovers will easily recognize the many lessons herein.

J had the patience of a saint in dealing with Hec’s many struggles… me, not so much.   However, as time passed, thanks to this wise old soul in a wonky, furry body, I learned firsthand what it really means to choose to love another, to forgive, to put another first, to show compassion… to remember that they’re just shoes anyway, even if they were your favorites… and, ultimately, that this life is so fleeting and fragile and it simply must be cherished above all else.

Hecate certainly lived up to her name.   Her very namesake was the Greek goddess who, unbeknownst to J or myself at the time, represents crossroads:  Change… releasing things which hinder us… exploring things which scare us… finding ourselves along the way.

Hecate had been ill for two arduous years, suffering with kidney failure, and we learned to overcome our own squeamishness as we gave her saline solution through a big, giant, scary needle in the scruff of her neck regularly.   In the last month, though, it became clear that she was declining rapidly, and in the past few days, it was obvious that her suffering was beyond what any creature should endure.

So, Hecate, thank you for your time with us… for the many lessons you taught us… the fun… the not so fun… thank you for choosing us.   We hope you’re free and happy, and we hope that we gave you at least a fraction of the love and care you deserved.   Safe travels, sweetheart.

Things to come…

Many new soaps coming, and some great new changes/additions to the site!  I think you’ll all be so surprised and pleased.  I don’t want to say too much yet… but in the meantime, here are some sneak peeks of a few things presently on the curing rack.   

 

 

 

What are you doing Saturday night?

Turn out.

Take action.

Be part of this historic event.

EARTH HOUR 2009

March 28, 2009, 8:30 – 9:30 p.m., your local time

World Wildlife Fund is asking individuals, businesses, governments and organizations around the world to turn off their lights for one hour – Earth Hour – to make a global statement of concern about climate change and to demonstrate commitment to finding solutions.

In December 2009 world leaders meet in Copenhagen to agree on a post-Kyoto policy for tackling climate change. One billion people voting with their light switch during Earth Hour will create a powerful mandate for our leaders to take strong and decisive action on climate change in Copenhagen.  With the goal of 1 billion people switching off their lights as part of a global vote, Vote Earth is a global call to action for every individual, every business and every community. A call to stand up and take control over the future of our planet.

Will you vote for the Earth with your light switch? Sign up to participate in Earth Hour 2009… let your vote be counted!

I participated in Earth Hour 2008.  It was a wonderful experience! We went above and beyond… we powered down everything in our home – not only our lights,  but also radio, TV, you name it (well, ok, we left the fridge running)!  We ended up staying powered down for much longer than an hour.  

We spent a lovely evening by candlelight, free from the distractions our lives throw at us – news good and bad, constant “entertainment”, electronic noise – and tuned in to each other, our own selves, and the rhythms of nature.  We watched birds settle in at dusk within the tree in front of our house.  We noticed that we too were sleepy and ready to turn in much earlier than our artificially lit environment would otherwise have us believe.

On that one March evening, we felt truly connected.  I actually had to remind myself that this was for a greater cause than my own well-being!  But it is.

I will again be participating in Earth Hour 2009, and look forward to it tremendously.  

Watch this YouTube video, a beautifully done history of this annual event.  (sorry, WordPress wouldn’t let me embed the video!)  Check out the Earth Hour FAQ for additional information and details.

I encourage you to not only add your voice to the growing momentum, but to also give yourself  the gift of just one hour of quietude.  

Or, if that isn’t your style, go to www.earthhour.org for a clickable map of worldwide event listings.   West side Clevelanders, for example, can check out the Earth Hour event at the Lakewood Park (Google map) Women’s Club Pavilion starting at 8:00, including singalongs, stargazing, and storytelling.  

Either way, sign on, switch off, and make a difference! 

Join Sarva on Facebook!

Did you know that Sarva has a fan page on Facebook?

Sometimes your intrepid soapmaker gets a little too busy to create a proper blog post (blush!), so it’s great to be able to give quick, on-the-fly updates.  

Info about brand new soaps is posted regularly… and be on the lookout for special savings for Facebook members as well!  

I’m posting any events or fairs that Sarva is attending, which will be of particular interest to our local (Cleveland, Ohio) customers and friends. 

I’ve also set up discussion forums, where I’ll be happy to answer your questions about Sarva Soaps, and you can even submit product requests for us to consider.   I’ve started a few discussion topics already, such as what a truly natural product really is.   Just click the “discussion” tab to view all forum topics. 

So, if you want the freshest, fastest info about Sarva Soaps, and you’re a Facebook member, become a fan of Sarva Soaps on Facebook!

Palm Oil – is its use ethical?

image of a palm oil plantation in Indonesia, courtesy of hydrogencommerce.com

 

Did you know that widespread use of palm oil, a common ingredient in soap and many other products, is believed to be damaging our poor planet? 

Most frequently cited is the plight of the orangutan and other wildlife, wiped out from widespread deforestation; this deforestation also is said to directly contribute to climate change. 

It’s a hot topic of debate as to whether there can be a truly “sustainable” palm oil, and some parties even argue that palm oil harvestation has no negative consequences.  Still, persuasive and very heated arguments exist on all sides.

While the personal care industry is said to only comprise 7% of worldwide palm oil consumption, it’s still well worth seeking the best strategy.  

This is a complex issue, and I’ll try to break down the options concisely.   By necessity, this is a drastic oversimplification of the matter at hand.

Some personal care products companies choose to “give back” by donating a portion of their profits to organizations which support and help rehabilitate depleted geographical areas. We at Sarva want to be ABSOLUTELY sure that what we give to these associations… in essence, your money…  would be truly spent wisely and effectively. 

Other personal care products companies eliminate palm oil completely from all of their formulations. While this prevents further damage to the environment, it has the potential to rob countless harvesters of their sole source of income and support for their families.  

Sustainable palm oil is said to be available, but again, there is disagreement as to whether it is truly sustainable, and it is certainly higher in price.

Sarva does not take a definitive stance on the palm oil issue.  In fact, I personally believe that all sides offer a piece of the truth.  Nonetheless, decisions must be made.

As the owner of Sarva, I am personally researching this matter and carefully considering the following options in the coming months:

1. participating in a responsibly delegated “giving back” program
2. sourcing truly sustainable palm oil
3. reformulating all soaps which presently contain palm or palm kernel oil
4. a combination of the above

I’ll keep you informed here at Soap Leaves, the Sarva Soaps blog, as well as on the Sarva page at Facebook.  

I welcome your input, and ask that any comments remain compassionate and helpful for all involved.