Monday, February 28

New Release: Lemongrass Patchouli 100% Natural Cold Press Soap Bar

Another 100% Natural Cold Press Soap has arrived!




This large handcrafted premium soap provides the skin benefits of its natural ingredients in a wonderfully decorative bar. Made using all natural saponified vegetable oils and scented with Natural Essential Oils.






❤ Packaging

My cold press packaging is created from scrap "repurposed" fabric, trim, lace, bias tape, and other odds and ends. It also includes long lost buttons that often don't have a match and were put away in a drawer thinking that they might be of some need again one day. No two soap packages are ever the same since the materials are gathered from people's scrap piles.




❤ About Batty's Bath Cold Press Soaps

Batty's Bath Cold Press Soaps are 100% natural and made from scratch using old world techniques & ingredients. The care that was put into soap making years ago as well as the recipes that were passed down from generation to generation make their come back with these creamy, soft soaps that produce spectacular lather! The luscious lather from these soaps are not produced by any synthetic ingredients or chemical boosters; instead Batty uses specific oils in her soap batches that are known to be mild on the skin while producing great lather! In fact, they lather up so well that they can easily be used to shave with!

There are no short cuts when it comes to the cold press method - these soaps take weeks to cure but are well worth the wait! Batty's Bath handmade method of soap making ensures the most amount of glycerin possible is retained unlike commercial soap making. Retaining the glycerin makes a softer, milder soap which is emollient and moisturizing to the skin.

Batty's Bath Cold Press Soap is ideal for those with sensitive skin, for conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis or anyone allergic to commercial soap because they don't strip the skin of its natural, beneficial oils. In fact, they are mild enough to use on babies' delicate skin.

These 100% natural soaps do not contain any synthetic ingredients, colours, or scents. Instead they are made with the freshest, highest quality natural ingredients, colored with natural clays, and scented with aromatherapy grade essential oils.

If you haven't experienced the world of Batty's Bath Cold Press Soaps then you are in for a real treat! Many bath & body lovers say that once you try natural cold press soaps that have been made with the finest ingredients and utmost care, that there's go going back to anything they were using before!



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Sunday, February 27

BlogMania '11

Batty's Bath is a sponsor of BlogMania 2011 for the Ma21cuteboy blog! She's featured Batty's Bath on her blog and there will be a Batty's Bath giveaway on her blog on April 9th & 10th. Click her blog image below to head over to her blog and make sure to enter the giveaway in April :)












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Saturday, February 26

The Wonderful Weezi: A vintage inspired fashion designer from London, ON

Some of you already know the wonderful Weezi but it occurred to me that many of my international readers probably have never had the chance to meet this lovely lady! Today that all changes because if you're even slightly interested in fashion, especially vintage inspired threads, then you're going to love Weezi! Heck, if you're even the slightest bit girly you're going to fall in love with her.. and if you're like me and love vintage inspired clothing (I'm a sucker for the dresses), handmade goods, and delightful designers then brace yourself! I'm about to rock your world by sharing just a little peak into the world of Weezi! This first picture is one of her lovely designs (picture by Adam Gaverluk). The lovely girl is our gal pal Geisha (isn't she beautiful!? she's super sweet and fun too)!

So what's Weezi and her designs all about? I'll let her tell you in her own words:

"Weezi was started in 1989 with a love of vintage and retro clothing. I have always been inspired by the looks of the 40's, 50's & 60's. I enjoy the silouettes & femininity of the those times. My designs are influenced by these looks and images that really embrace the female form. I like to mix and match vintage patterns with my own designs and create modern garments for gals who like to have a vintage flare. Many Weezi pieces are one of kind or in limited editions to ensure your Weezi item is unique unto you. All Weezi items are handmade in Canada."

Besides creating awesome dresses, skirts, shirts, bags, journals, and all kinds of other goodies, Weezi is a huge help in the community! She helps to foster creativity in the handmade community by participating in events and opening up her studio to help out when she can. She also carries my full line of bath & body products! Oh, and did I mention she's a HUGE animal lover? Just ask her about Stella, her pretty kitty, or Matilda her giant gold fish! I really can't say enough good things about this gal! She keeps me laughing, working ;) and well dressed! What more could a girl ask for in a friend? :)

Below is some of the places you can find her around the web:




If you're a local Londoner or are ever in London, Ontario, be sure to swing by her vintage inspired retro haven at the corner of Albert & Richmond St! You definitely wont regret it because she's got the coolest studio EVER! There's always something new to see or a finding that you missed on your previous visit (there's so much eye candy you wont know where to look first!). Plus, Weezi is almost always in the studio so you'll be able to meet her in person!




P.s. She also dubbed me the queen of Halloween and made this AMAZING "Batty" dress!! I definitely wear it all year round :) Check out her Etsy shop or Official site to snag your own Weezi creation!!


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Friday, February 25

New Release: Hair Therapy Serum - Natural hair repair treatment

If your hair needs some serious TLC, it needs Batty's Hair Therapy Serum! This sprayable serum is formulated to repair damage, add moisture, smooth, de-frizz, and restore your hair to lovely, luscious locks!

You'll be amazed how well this serum works in just one application! It's made with ingredients that are proven to be beneficial to the hair by actually being absorbed and put to use. Did you know that coconut oil is one of the few oils that your hair will actually absorb and use to repair itself? It's true and this formula is LOADED with coconut oil (it's actually the main ingredient!).

Batty is known for changing her hair color often (whether that's a few layers or her whole head) and she wouldn't dare bleach her hair without her own handmade uniquely formulated hair repair Hair Therapy Serum! Whether you're putting your hair through some serious stress (like dying or bleaching it), or just subjecting it to daily styling damage, one thing is for sure - it could use some help to keep looking great! That last thing you need is dried out, frizzing, damage hair (not to mention fly-aways from breakage!)

Do your hair some good and pamper it the handmade way! Full directions for use are included on the bottle so you'll have a complete guide of how to resort your hair no matter what stage of damage it is in. You're also going to love fresh peppermint scent this 100% all natural hair treatment has!

This TLC treatment for your hair is now available in the Batty's Bath Etsy Shop and at BattysBath.com. Happy hair everyone :) hehe.




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Aww, Summer memories! :)

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Thursday, February 24

Spring Inspiration Board

Many of you know that I've been searching for inspiration for my new spring line. The one thing I love about being a soap maker is that I get to create new seasonal items all the time! I get to gear up for each holiday and season in extremely creative ways! I couldn't ask for a better job :) Today I wanted to share one of the inspiration boards I've created during my "spring research". I've got a lot of ideas floating around in my head and I'll have to narrow them down shortly so I can get to work. The only complaint I have about gearing up for each season and holiday is that I never feel like I have enough time to create every idea I come up with. I suppose if that's the only complaint I have, that's pretty good! After all, I can always save any ideas that don't make it into this year's line for next year :)

Photo Credits: 1. Run with me., 2. My radio, 3. Untitled, 4. Pink Vanilla Meringue


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Wednesday, February 23

Why Your Eyes Get Puffy

Awakening to puffy, swollen eyes is frustrating, especially when you know there’s no simple 10-minute solution that will get you out the door looking brand new. Puffiness or bags under the eyes can be caused by several factors: fluid retention, irritation causing inflammation, loss of skin firmness and elasticity as we age, allergies, eye disorders secondary to medical disorders, fat deposits, and fatigue. Several of these triggers come from poor sleep.

Excess fluid (edema) under the eye is one of the major causes of eye “puffiness,” and an increase in blood pressure is the likely culprit for many as a direct consequence to sleep deprivation. An elevated blood pressure causes vessels to constrict and invite fluid retention. Many of the known sleep disorders can also cause excess fluid or edema to occur not only in the eye area but in several parts of the body.

Is it possible for a person with retained fluid to reduce that baggage and puffiness under the eyes with getting a good night’s sleep over time? Certainly. And if you can reduce the fluid retention, you’ll also change the surrounding tissues for the better, especially since the accumulated excess fluid in the under-eye area may cause additional inflammation and swelling.

Medical conditions can also change the appearance of the eye, particularly thyroid problems like hypothyroidism (which can also be linked to sleep apnea). For most, however, getting enough sleep is all that’s necessary. Avoiding excess alcohol will also alleviate eye bags (as well as disrupted sleep!).

Attention allergy sufferers : Those with allergies typically have issues with puffy, inflamed eyes. They also face the challenge of getting quality sleep when bothered by allergies during the night. Sometimes taking anti-histamines can help to reduce baggy eyes, but this can come with a hefty price-tag because these medications can cause daytime sleepiness. What’s worse, the act of coughing and sneezing itself can cause forced air to escape through the sinuses. This, in turn, pushes air behind the fat pockets under the eyes, which then causes those fat pockets to protrude forward. Ask your doctor how best to manage your allergies so they don’t interfere with sleep, and neither does your medication.

{from Dr. Michael Breus, PhD, author of the book Good Night: The Sleep Doctor’s 4-Week Program to Better Sleep and Better Health.}


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Tuesday, February 22

New Release: Double Mint 100% Natural Cold Press Soap Bar

Another 100% Natural Cold Press Soap has arrived!
This time it's our Double Mint Soap Bar!




This large handcrafted premium soap provides the skin benefits of its natural ingredients in a wonderfully decorative bar. Made using all natural saponified vegetable oils and the invigorating pure essential oils of Peppermint & Spearmint to moisturize your skin and awaken your senses.






❤ Packaging

My cold press packaging is created from scrap "repurposed" fabric, trim, lace, bias tape, and other odds and ends. It also includes long lost buttons that often don't have a match and were put away in a drawer thinking that they might be of some need again one day. No two soap packages are ever the same since the materials are gathered from people's scrap piles.




❤ About Batty's Bath Cold Press Soaps

Batty's Bath Cold Press Soaps are 100% natural and made from scratch using old world techniques & ingredients. The care that was put into soap making years ago as well as the recipes that were passed down from generation to generation make their come back with these creamy, soft soaps that produce spectacular lather! The luscious lather from these soaps are not produced by any synthetic ingredients or chemical boosters; instead Batty uses specific oils in her soap batches that are known to be mild on the skin while producing great lather! In fact, they lather up so well that they can easily be used to shave with!

There are no short cuts when it comes to the cold press method - these soaps take weeks to cure but are well worth the wait! Batty's Bath handmade method of soap making ensures the most amount of glycerin possible is retained unlike commercial soap making. Retaining the glycerin makes a softer, milder soap which is emollient and moisturizing to the skin.

Batty's Bath Cold Press Soap is ideal for those with sensitive skin, for conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis or anyone allergic to commercial soap because they don't strip the skin of its natural, beneficial oils. In fact, they are mild enough to use on babies' delicate skin.

These 100% natural soaps do not contain any synthetic ingredients, colours, or scents. Instead they are made with the freshest, highest quality natural ingredients, colored with natural clays, and scented with aromatherapy grade essential oils.

If you haven't experienced the world of Batty's Bath Cold Press Soaps then you are in for a real treat! Many bath & body lovers say that once you try natural cold press soaps that have been made with the finest ingredients and utmost care, that there's go going back to anything they were using before!



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Sunday, February 20

Beauty in the 1950's

"Real glamor, it's based on femininity. I think that sexuality is only attractive when it's natural and spontaneous . . . We are all born sexual creatures, thank God, but it's a pity so many people despise and crush this natural gift. Art, real art, comes from it- everything . . . Marilyn Monroe



1950s Dorothy Gray Facial Cream AdvertisementCosmetic companies certainly did not shy away from using good, old fashion fear as a motivator to purchase their products. Should you not buy Dorothy Gray Salon face cream, your husband will leave you for another woman and you will die alone. This tragedy is compounded by the fact that nothing they had back then actually worked! Come to think of it, not much has changed with the advertising of big cosmetic companies has it? Except for maybe not being quiet so obvious.


The only thing that prevented millions of wrinkly women from being abandoned in favor of their smooth-skinned counterparts was the fact that divorce was more than frowned upon and not quite so easy as it is today.










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Saturday, February 19

New Release: Nature's Melody100% Natural Cold Press Soap Bar

Another 100% Natural Cold Press Soap has arrived!
This time it's our Nature's Melody Soap Bar!



This large handcrafted premium soap provides the skin benefits of its natural ingredients in a wonderfully decorative bar. Made using all natural saponified vegetable oils, French Kaolin Clay and the skin nourishing Essential oils of Neroli, Ylang Ylang III, Patchouli and Sweet Orange.






❤ Packaging

My cold press packaging is created from scrap "repurposed" fabric, trim, lace, bias tape, and other odds and ends. It also includes long lost buttons that often don't have a match and were put away in a drawer thinking that they might be of some need again one day. No two soap packages are ever the same since the materials are gathered from people's scrap piles.




❤ About Batty's Bath Cold Press Soaps

Batty's Bath Cold Press Soaps are 100% natural and made from scratch using old world techniques & ingredients. The care that was put into soap making years ago as well as the recipes that were passed down from generation to generation make their come back with these creamy, soft soaps that produce spectacular lather! The luscious lather from these soaps are not produced by any synthetic ingredients or chemical boosters; instead Batty uses specific oils in her soap batches that are known to be mild on the skin while producing great lather! In fact, they lather up so well that they can easily be used to shave with!

There are no short cuts when it comes to the cold press method - these soaps take weeks to cure but are well worth the wait! Batty's Bath handmade method of soap making ensures the most amount of glycerin possible is retained unlike commercial soap making. Retaining the glycerin makes a softer, milder soap which is emollient and moisturizing to the skin.

Batty's Bath Cold Press Soap is ideal for those with sensitive skin, for conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis or anyone allergic to commercial soap because they don't strip the skin of its natural, beneficial oils. In fact, they are mild enough to use on babies' delicate skin.

These 100% natural soaps do not contain any synthetic ingredients, colours, or scents. Instead they are made with the freshest, highest quality natural ingredients, colored with natural clays, and scented with aromatherapy grade essential oils.

If you haven't experienced the world of Batty's Bath Cold Press Soaps then you are in for a real treat! Many bath & body lovers say that once you try natural cold press soaps that have been made with the finest ingredients and utmost care, that there's go going back to anything they were using before!



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Friday, February 18

Batty's Bath is 1 Year Old! Thanks for making it happen!





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Spring Inspiration


Loveliness, originally uploaded by Krista Palmu {JoyHey}.

I'm working on my spring line and can't help but be inspired by all the wonderful pastels, florals, and airy pictures I'm finding on flickr! I'll probably share some of my inspiration boards in the near future. Stay tuned :)

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Weezi's Recap of the Birthday Bash for Batty's Bath!


There's a whole write up on the Weezi blog :)

Feb marks the first anniversary of Batty's Bath and I couldn't have been happier celebrating with so many friends! Thanks for your support everyone :D



Click here to head over to Weezi's blog for the full write up :)



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Wednesday, February 16

New Release: Thai Lemongrass 100% Natural Cold Press LARGE Soap Bar

Another 100% Natural Cold Press Soap has arrived!
This time it's our Thai Lemongrass Soap Bar!



This large handcrafted premium soap provides the skin benefits of its natural ingredients in a wonderfully decorative bar. Made using all natural saponified vegetable oils and African Shea Butter, coloured with China White Clay & Annato Root Powder, & scented with Natural Essential Oils.






❤ Packaging

My cold press packaging is created from scrap "repurposed" fabric, trim, lace, bias tape, and other odds and ends. It also includes long lost buttons that often don't have a match and were put away in a drawer thinking that they might be of some need again one day. No two soap packages are ever the same since the materials are gathered from people's scrap piles.




❤ About Batty's Bath Cold Press Soaps

Batty's Bath Cold Press Soaps are 100% natural and made from scratch using old world techniques & ingredients. The care that was put into soap making years ago as well as the recipes that were passed down from generation to generation make their come back with these creamy, soft soaps that produce spectacular lather! The luscious lather from these soaps are not produced by any synthetic ingredients or chemical boosters; instead Batty uses specific oils in her soap batches that are known to be mild on the skin while producing great lather! In fact, they lather up so well that they can easily be used to shave with!

There are no short cuts when it comes to the cold press method - these soaps take weeks to cure but are well worth the wait! Batty's Bath handmade method of soap making ensures the most amount of glycerin possible is retained unlike commercial soap making. Retaining the glycerin makes a softer, milder soap which is emollient and moisturizing to the skin.

Batty's Bath Cold Press Soap is ideal for those with sensitive skin, for conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis or anyone allergic to commercial soap because they don't strip the skin of its natural, beneficial oils. In fact, they are mild enough to use on babies' delicate skin.

These 100% natural soaps do not contain any synthetic ingredients, colours, or scents. Instead they are made with the freshest, highest quality natural ingredients, colored with natural clays, and scented with aromatherapy grade essential oils.

If you haven't experienced the world of Batty's Bath Cold Press Soaps then you are in for a real treat! Many bath & body lovers say that once you try natural cold press soaps that have been made with the finest ingredients and utmost care, that there's go going back to anything they were using before!



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Tuesday, February 15

Rosacea Skin Care


Wondering if You have Rosacea?
Rosacea is a frustrating skin condition that begins subtly, with the intermittent appearance of redness along the cheeks and nose. If left untreated, rosacea almost always worsens. Read More

Here are the signs to look for:

  • Red flushing over the cheeks and nose
  • Consistent, though random, and often extreme skin sensitivity
  • Acne-like bumps (but the bumps are not acne)
  • Flakey skin, sometimes accompanied by oily skin
  • Visible tiny blood vessels that may become more noticeable over time
  • Other concerns, which can still be present: dry skin, wrinkles, sun damage, and skin discolorations
  • Almost anyone can get rosacea, but those affected most often are lighter skinned women. Men are less likely to have rosacea, but when they do, they have more noticeable problems, including swollen bumps along the nose called rhinophyma.


What causes rosacea?
Although the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, various theories about the disorder's origin have evolved over the years. Facial blood vessels dilate too easily, and the increased blood near the skin surface makes the skin appear red and flushed. Various things -- called trigger factors -- can increase this redness response. Acne-like bumps appear, often in the redder area of the central face. This may be due to factors related to blood flow, skin bacteria, microscopic skin mites (Demodex), irritation of follicles, sun damage of the connective tissue under the skin, an abnormal immune or inflammatory response, or psychological factors. None of these possibilities has been proven, although potential inflammatory pathways have been identified in recent ongoing research -- including an immune response triggered by a type of antimicrobial protein known as cathelicidin. A recent study also found that certain bacteria present on otherwise harmless Demodex mites could prompt an inflammatory response in rosacea patients.



What You Should Eliminate from Your Skin-Care Routine:
If you have rosacea, it is critical that you eliminate the parts of your normal skin-care routine that increase inflammation, and make skin redder, such as the following:

  • Harsh cleansers such as "beauty bars" that contain detergents
  • Drying liquid or lotion cleansers (again, that contain detergents)
  • Toners with alcohol and fragrance
  • Abrasive scrubs
  • Rough washcloths
  • At-home facial peels
  • Using too many products at the same time.



What to Eliminate: Specific Ingredients
Skin-care ingredients that make rosacea worse include the following, and, shockingly, they often show up in skin-care products whose labels claim they are specifically for those with rosacea:

  • Fragrant plant extracts such as cinnamon, rosemary, lavender, and rose
  • Some Synthetic fragrances
  • Lemon, lime, menthol, peppermint, pine, and cedar
  • Alcohol
  • Witch hazel



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Monday, February 14

3 Ways Pamper Your Partner B&B Style!


Whether you've already made plans for Valentine's Day or not, pampering your partner doesn't have to be restricted to just one day! Why not say "I love you" and surprise them with some quality pampering year round? Today I'll share 3 ways to pampering your partner the bath & body way!

1. Treat their senses with sensual scent!
It's been proven that certain aromas can arouse desire so why not give your loved one a sensual new scent to enhance your romance? Yes, you'll be using a bit of psychology with this trick! By giving them a sensual scent you will strengthen their existing association of arousal and desire with YOU ;) oh la la! Now that's the kind of classical conditioning that can really heat things up! Pick a scent combo that fits your partner's personality and that stimulates your own sense of attraction. Suggestions for him include: musks, mints, cedars, or basil blends. Suggestions for her include: soft, feminine aromas such as crisp apples or sweet scents like buttercream icing and cotton candy.

2. Prepare a soothing soak!
Surprise your special someone with a soothing soak! This gets an especially good response after a they've had a long stressful day! To create a simple romantic escape, all it takes is a bathtub, wonderfully warm water, a candle or two, and a skin loving bath bomb or fluffy bubble bath! If you're partners skin could use some TLC (think dry skin), use an olive oil bath bomb. If you're partners joints, muscles, and mood needs some TLC, use a bath tea. If you just want to set the mood and play on your partners favorite scent, go for some bubble bath!

3. Make Magic with a Massage
Treat your loved on to the gift of therapeutic touch. There's a style that suits everyone, whether it's a Swedish massage for two at the spa, or a DIY back or foot rub at home. If you go for the DIY version, you and your partner will set the scene for some great bonding time - both emotionally and physically. Don't worry if you're not a master masseuse! All you need to do is listen to your partner about what they want! Maybe it's just a foot rub, or making circles with your thumbs on their sore, stress filled shoulders. Whatever the cause, add in some solid lotion to help smooth things along AND treat their skin!


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Spread the Love Contest Winners!

First off I have to give a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the Spread the Love Contest! The response was wonderful surprise because there were a lot of participants!! Thank you to each and every one of you who made this contest a huge success!! Many of your entries ended up on the Testimonial section of BattysBath.com!

Since there was a such a huge response, I decided to give "runner up" prizes in addition to the grand prize! Below you'll find the list of winners!

How to Claim Your Prize:
If you spot your name and are a local Londoner, you can pick up your prize at my next Covent Garden Market date (March 11th & 12th). If you're you're not from London, be sure to send me your mailing address (battysbath@hotmail.com) so I can ship your prize to you!


*drum roll please*


GRAND PRIZE WINNER:

BRITTANY G!!!

Congrats Brittany!!!



RUNNERS UP:
in no particular order...

Emily U
Jena B
Virginia B
Christine B
Heather G
Kristen S
Victoria B
Laura F
Laurie G
Emily T
Aliya H
Jane C




Thanks again to everyone who participated!
I can't express how blessed I feel to have such great customers, supporters, and friends! :)



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Sunday, February 13

New Release: 100% Natural Cold Press Unscented Hemp Swirl Soap Bar

Another 100% Natural Cold Press Soap has arrived! This time it's our Unscented Hemp Swirl!



This large handcrafted premium gentle soap provides the skin benefits of all natural, saponified vegetable oils & hemp seed oil in an unscented bar.






❤ Packaging

My cold press packaging is created from scrap "repurposed" fabric, trim, lace, bias tape, and other odds and ends. It also includes long lost buttons that often don't have a match and were put away in a drawer thinking that they might be of some need again one day. No two soap packages are ever the same since the materials are gathered from people's scrap piles.




❤ About Batty's Bath Cold Press Soaps

Batty's Bath Cold Press Soaps are 100% natural and made from scratch using old world techniques & ingredients. The care that was put into soap making years ago as well as the recipes that were passed down from generation to generation make their come back with these creamy, soft soaps that produce spectacular lather! The luscious lather from these soaps are not produced by any synthetic ingredients or chemical boosters; instead Batty uses specific oils in her soap batches that are known to be mild on the skin while producing great lather! In fact, they lather up so well that they can easily be used to shave with!

There are no short cuts when it comes to the cold press method - these soaps take weeks to cure but are well worth the wait! Batty's Bath handmade method of soap making ensures the most amount of glycerin possible is retained unlike commercial soap making. Retaining the glycerin makes a softer, milder soap which is emollient and moisturizing to the skin.

Batty's Bath Cold Press Soap is ideal for those with sensitive skin, for conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis or anyone allergic to commercial soap because they don't strip the skin of its natural, beneficial oils. In fact, they are mild enough to use on babies' delicate skin.

These 100% natural soaps do not contain any synthetic ingredients, colours, or scents. Instead they are made with the freshest, highest quality natural ingredients, colored with natural clays, and scented with aromatherapy grade essential oils.

If you haven't experienced the world of Batty's Bath Cold Press Soaps then you are in for a real treat! Many bath & body lovers say that once you try natural cold press soaps that have been made with the finest ingredients and utmost care, that there's go going back to anything they were using before!



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Saturday, February 12

What are the benefits of Jasmine?

Did you know that Jasmine's warm, floral aroma, soothes aching muscles, induces sound sleep and the scent is reportedly an aphrodisiac! It is a sensual, soothing, calming oil that promotes love and peace.

Since ancient times, Jasmine has been referred to as the King of oils (Rose is the Queen). Apparently this is because Jasmine is the most masculine of all the floral oils.

It is also interesting to note that it takes 8,000 carefully hand-picked blossoms to produce 1 gram (about 1 ml.) of Jasmine Absolute.




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New Release: 4 more new all natural soap bars!

4 new 100% Natural Cold Press Soaps have arrived!

Cedarwood & Rosewood 100% Natural Cold Press Soap Bar - Clay and Shea Butter: This large handcrafted premium soap provides the skin benefits of its natural ingredients in a wonderfully decorative bar. Made using all natural saponified vegetable oils and African Shea Butter, coloured with Canadian Red Clay, and scented with Natural Essential Oils.


Honey & Oat Delight 100% Natural Cold Press Soap Bar - Natural Beeswax and Honey: This large handcrafted premium soap provides the skin benefits of its natural ingredients in a wonderfully decorative bar. This bar combines Manuka honey, Canadian beeswax and Oat Protein together with moisturizing saponified vegetable oils and ground oats.




Rosehip Harmony 100% Natural Cold Press Soap Bar - Natural Shea Butter: This large handcrafted premium soap has a delectable spicy floral aroma with a perfect blend of Lavender, Patchouli, Geranium & Clove essential oils together with all natural saponified vegetable oils and the incredible moisturizing properties of African Shea Butter.



Orange Ceranium 100% Natural Cold Press Soap Bar - Clay & Shea Butter: This large handcrafted premium soap provides the skin benefits of its natural ingredients in a wonderfully decorative bar. Made using all natural saponified vegetable oils and African Shea Butter, coloured with Moroccan Rhassoul Clay, and scented with Natural Essential Oils.



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Friday, February 11

Body Polishes Get a New Look!













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Wednesday, February 9

Pore Clogging Ingredients

"Noncomedogenic" basically means "non pore clogging". You've probably seen "won't clog pores" or noncomedogenic on products before but how can you be sure? We've all learned by now that it's hard to trust advertising and packaging claims, especially when they are products of a big faceless company. Handmade, approachable, small time sellers are usually more trust worthy as they are often up front about their ingredients - including why they include them in their formulas - but it's alway best to educate yourself first - it's your best line of defense about false or uneducated claims. Today I wanted to share with you a few ingredients to look out for when it comes to facial skin care. The last thing you want to do is use something that's supposed to clean or hydrate your skin that actually ends up clogging pores and causing breakouts. Although there are some exceptions to using comedogenic ingredients in your skin care routine, today I'll just stick with the general comedogenic ingredients that shouldn't be part of a daily routine.

Some of the most common ones are:
  • Isopropyl myristate
  • Cetyl alcohol
  • Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
  • Laureth-4
  • Cocoa butter
  • D & C red dyes.

Even the prescription acne medication Retin-A (in the cream form) has one of the worst offenders - isopropyl myristate. If that doesn't make you paranoid about who to trust with your skin, I don't know what would! Be your own advocate for your skin and check the ingredients.

If you have acne on your body and/or near your hairline, be sure and check your hair products, especially hair rinses that leave a residue on the hair. These could be contributing to body acne - beware of every product you put on your body and hair that might come into contact with places you find particularly prone to acne. Moreover, get rid of any products that are stripping your skin of it's natural oils! I know I've said this many times before, but I'll continue to say it because it's so important when it comes to combating skin problems! As soon as you use these types of products (think commercially made body wash, "beauty bars", and the like) that include detergents in them, your skin's natural oil balance becomes out of whack which results in overly dry skin or an over production of oil (both of which can cause breakouts)!


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Sunday, February 6

Under Eye Dark Circles: Why & What to do about them

Dark circles are caused by several factors, and each one needs to be dealt with differently. Unfortunately, there aren’t any skin-care products in the world that can tackle all or even most of the causes of dark circles.

Hundreds of eye creams are being sold, all making claims they get rid of dark circles among other problems around the eye area, and yet none of these products actually seem to work. While there are definitely things you can do to improve dark circles, your solution won’t be found in a specialty product labeled with miraculous claims or a miracle ingredient.


What Causes Dark Eye Circles?
Sun damage
Veins and capillaries that show through thin skin
Irritation
Allergies
Genetic trait for having darker color around or under the eye area (inherited)
Natural shadows resulting from having deep-set eyes or sagging skin
Buildup of dry, damaged skin cells



What to Do About Dark Eye Circles?
Although the solutions below are worth exploring, keep in mind that for some people, eliminating dark circles entirely just isn’t possible. That’s where a great concealer and highlighter come into play, not to mention the incremental improvements you’ll notice from taking good care of your skin.


1. Use a well formulated moisturizer under the eye area every day. Remember, your under eye moisturizer doesn’t have to be labeled “eye cream.” There is NO research showing there are special ingredients needed for the eye area. NONE! Brilliant ingredients that fight dry skin, wrinkles, and environmental damage for the face work for the eye area, too. (Batty Bonus: Our primer and patchouli moisturizing cream both work great to keep skin well moisturized including the area under the eyes!)


2. Protect from sun damage with only zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. Sunscreen ingredients other than zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can cause irritation around the eye and that can make dark circles worse. Defend against wrinkles or the overproduction of melanin that can make dark circles worse by protecting the under eye area. (Batty Bonus: If you're using my mineral makeup concealing powder, you have the sun blocking power of titanium dioxide on your side as TD is one of the main ingredients!)


3. Always wear sunglasses outdoors. Sun damage increases melanin production (the brown coloring cells in skin) and that will absolutely make dark circles worse. Sunglasses rated with UV400 and using a well-formulated sunscreen is the perfect combination to prevent dark circles, wrinkles, and sagging!


4. Consider using an antihistamine. If you have allergies they can be a major cause of dark circles and puffy eyes. Talk to your doctor about over-the-counter and prescription options.


5. Practice the perfect under eye makeup routine. Start with a good primer, next use a mineral makeup concealer. Mineral makeup concealer is best because it has with a matte finish. Follow up with your favorite foundation to add some color. Finish off with a light highlighter (can be as simple as a light mineral makeup eye shadow) right beside your eyes (the side of your nose directly beside your eye). See a video example below.


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Saturday, February 5

Homemade Herbal Tea: Apple & Cinnamon


With the recent snow storm warnings, shoveling, and bitter cold winds, I can't help but crave a hot drink! When I've had more sugar that should be allowed (usually from hot chocolate with lots of whip cream!), I look for a hot cup of tea. I drink a lot of green and white tea, but sometimes those are just aren't exciting enough! If you're craving a great cup of tea (and possibility snowed in with some time on your hands), then try out this delicious apple & cinnamon tea recipe:


  • In a small pot, combine ½ cup dried apples and 1 cinnamon stick.
  • Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil, then turn off the heat and steep for 5 minutes, covered.
  • Pour the tea into a mug and drink, and then munch on the soft, warm apple slices at the bottom! You can reuse the cinnamon stick several times.

Enjoy :)


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Friday, February 4

Close Up of My Covent Garden Market Table Set Up

I'm here until 7pm tonight and back again tomorrow from 9am - 6pm.

Covent Garden Market
King St
London, ON

See more info in the side bar of the blog :)

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Today's Covent Garden Market Table Set Up

I'm here until 7pm tonight and back again tomorrow from 9am - 6pm.

Covent Garden Market
King St
London, ON

See more info in the side bar of the blog :)

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New Release: 100% Natural Cold Press Soap Bar - Clay & Shea Butter - Fresh Mint

Ahhhh, fresh mint! We've just released another new 100% Natural Cold Press Soap! This time it's our Fresh Mint bar!

This large handcrafted premium soap provides the skin benefits of its natural ingredients in a wonderfully decorative bar. Made using all natural saponified vegetable oils and African Shea Butter, coloured with French Green Clay, and scented with Natural Peppermint & Spearmint Essential Oils.

Our Fresh Mint Soap Bar is available on Etsy as well as BattysBath.com






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Thursday, February 3

Hair Therapy Shampoo Bar


Hair Therapy Shampoo Bar, originally uploaded by She's Batty.

A new addition to my artisan soap line!
Modeled by my sister-in-law, Britt.

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Acne: Adult Acne and Smoking

Most people assume that only teenagers and young adults should be concerned with acne. But that might not be so if you smoke.

In a recently published study in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, acne was found to be more prevalent among women who smoke than among women who do not smoke. Smokers comprised 66.3 percent of the total group that was studied. Two types of acne were observed: comedonal post-adolescent acne (CPAA) and papulopustular post- adolescent acne (PPAA).

CPAA acne is a type of acne that consists of non-inflammatory issues like whiteheads and blackheads that mostly affect areas of the forehead, along the jaw-line, and chin. Of the smokers in the group studied, nearly 73 percent suffered from comedonal acne.

PPAA acne is acne that consists of inflammatory issues like pustules (zits that appear as red circles with white or yellow centers) and papules (small, red, and tender bumps with no head). Only 29.4 percent of the group actually suffered from papulopustular post-adolescent acne. Being a smoker seemed to increase comedonal acne (CPAA), while it had little effect on papulopustular acne (PPAA).

Another study published by the Dermato-Endocrinology Journal in 2009 found similar results. Out of 1000 women studied, 277 (27.7 percent) were smokers. Of those women who smoked, an astounding 42 percent had acne! Less than 10 percent of nonsmokers in the study suffered from acne.

Acne may be more prevalent in women who smoke due to an increase in sebum (oil) excretion and a decrease in vitamin E. Vitamin E is beneficial for skin health and overall complete health, so obviously a decrease in this vitamin can be bad news.



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Wednesday, February 2

Celebrate the 1st Birthday of Batty's Bath

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Does Cranberry Juice Help With Urinary Tract Infections?

Cranberry juice has long had an anecdotal association with fighting urinary tract infections (UTI). UTI are largely the result of E. coli bacteria, which affix themselves and colonise the bladder and urinary system. Recent research has however confirmed how effective cranberry juice fights bacteria and infection at the molecular level.

The US-based Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) found that the little hooks which E. coli use to affix themselves to the lining of the urinary tract are susceptible to cranberry juice exposure, and lose their ability to attach effectively with extended exposure. This makes them more likely to be swept away with the passage of urine in the urinary tract. Furthermore their ability to attach was found to be directly related to the concentration of cranberry juice in the urine.

The bottom line: YES! Add cranberry juice to your regular diet but make sure it's the SUGAR FREE kind.






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Tuesday, February 1

THIS FRI & SAT: Batty is at the Covent Garden Market in London


Join Batty's Bath at
The Covent Garden Market
- London's local, fresh, and friendly market

THIS FRIDAY & SATURDAY!
Located at 130 King St, London, ON

We'll have a table set up at the market on

Friday from 10am - 7pm
Saturday from 9am - 6pm


You can check out the Covent Garden Market online at: www.coventmarket.com

To check out more upcoming dates for
Batty's Bath at the Covent Garden Market,



DIRECTIONS TO THE MARKETmap

Coming from the East
  • Take 401 West until you come to Wellington Road North exit 186
  • Exit North and continue going on Wellington Road
  • Turn left (West) onto York Street and proceed West 3 blocks to Talbot Street, turn right (North)
  • Turn right (East) onto King Street. Underground Market parking is a 1/2 block to your immediate left
Coming from the West/South
  • Take 401 East until you come to Wellington Road North exit 186
  • Exit North and continue going on Wellington Road
  • Turn left (West) onto York Street and proceed West to Talbot Street, turn Right (North)
  • Turn right (East) onto King Street. Underground Market parking is a 1/2 block to your immediate left

Coming from the North (Lucan, Exeter, etc.)

  • Take Highway #4 South which turns into Richmond Street
  • Cross Fanshawe Park Road
  • Continue on Richmond Street South
  • Turn West onto York Street
  • Turn North on Talbot Street, turn right (North)
  • Turn East onto King Street. Underground Market parking is a 1/2 block to your immediate left



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