Posted by Administrator on 12/27/2010 to Product Announcements

Can you believe it? It is almost the New Year! Now it is time to reflect on all the "good and bad" that happened throughout and vow to do better next year. Honestly, we can't all predict what will happen, and this year has definitely sent us a few surprises. For example: we planned to have a new warehouse ready around September before "Christmas Chaos" began. That did not happen, and we still are waiting to move into our building. Anyone in business knows what a pain it is to deal with our government's building codes and regulations (and anyone could rant for hours about this topic). In the end, we have been running inefficiently this entire Holiday season and we apologies for the occasional lengthy waits.
We also were unable to release the products that we were planning to release. Though our warehouse is still not ready, at least we are out of the busy season and ready to reveal our (not exhaustive) ... NEW PRODUCT LIST OF 2011 (January Edition: Products to be announced more officially upon release)
1) Beeswax Candles: With the controversies of Soy and Palm use, and true naturalness of beeswax, we have decided to use "beeswax" for our candles. Three times more expensive, but that much better, beeswax candles will be available in a variety of scents, colors, and several containers. Pillars (no containers) to be determined.

2) Lotion Bars (solid natural lotion): After much consideration, we have determined that liquid lotion is a rip-off and could even be more harmful than beneficial due to the necessity of synthetic preservatives, nasty parabens, and/or petroleum products often used. Yes, we will still have available synthetic (popular) fragrances, but in the end we won't need to add other synthetic preservatives that are necessary with water based lotions. Rip Off: Did you realize how much "filler" is in lotions? Water is usually the main ingredient! Does this really help your hands become moisturized?
Our first formula will be beeswax and shea butter based. Then we will undoubtedly make a vegan formula without beeswax and then most likely one with aloe in it as well.
All should be available in two sizes: mini (guest) size and full size.

3) Multipurpose Liquid Soap: Dish detergent, Laundry detergent, Car Wash, etc. This liquid may be a super concentrated paste or an actual liquid (TBD) but we really want to offer a "heavier duty" de-greasing liquid for an alternative to the common detergents out there. Probably will have a limited selection of all natural fragrances (eo blends) and EO's.

4) Dry Detergent for Laundry and/or multipurpose: This product will stray from the norm of "soap" but it will still be from natural sources and/or plant derived. A small variety of scents should be available.
5) New Cutting Services: We soon will be offering to cut soaps with a "crinkle cut". We have noticed a lot of customers that would like this option for "something different". We also hope to offer a "beveling" option that would make a more refined looking soap. Both of these options tbd.
6) New Soap Packaging: We have been selling the muslin bags (separately) with many positive results, however we feel that some customers want something a bit less expensive but still with a "natural" feel. We hope to offer a "full bar wrap" soon, that (hopefully) will be sure to impress. this will be an "option" for wrapping not replacement for other wrappers at this time.
7) Soap Displays and Cutters. With one of our new "young and talented" staff members hired over this past year we hope to make available soap displays and soap cutting "miter boxes" for those who cut the loaves in front of the customers. These displays will most likely be available separately or "stocked" with product (tbd) and the miter boxes attractive enough to sell to your customers as well.
Improved:
With each season, comes improvements, many based on customer comments.
Improvements:
1) Bath Salt Color. Salts that come in "blue", "purple", "deep green", etc. will now be colored with different coloring (mainly those more suitable for salts). Unfortunately some of these are considered "undesirable", but the staying power will be much improved with lower deterioration rates. All herbal colors will remain the same (no problems reported) and we will continue to allow the option to have "with or without" herbs and colors
2) -Biscotti Soap is now stronger with more "top note aroma".
-Pearberry got a boost about a month ago (anyone notice?).
-Woodberry smells more fragrant.
-Coming in the next few months, Florida Sunrise and Orange Hibiscus should be "stronger" with more staying power as we implement a stronger orange essential oil.
-Block style will continue to grow through the year; we will be adding more and more scents undoubtedly.

WEBSITE Improvement:
We have been working to have a more convenient "re-ordering website". So many people are frustrated with the "product by product" addition to the cart among other things. We are working on a solution that we hope revolutionizes our current ordering system, especially for our bulk purchasers. Not only that, but we will be implementing a new "reward points" program for the website that will give even more discounts to regular purchasers. Thanks for those who have commented on our websites. We hope that these changes serve you well.
Discontinued:
We are considering the discontinuation of Spa Salts (value salts), however Dead sea salts will continue.