MARTHA'S BATH AND BODY
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Tips for Using Natural Deodorant

10/15/2020

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Here's a few tips we've learned along the way in using natural deodorant.
  • Be sure you are starting with clean, dry armpits. You don't want your skin to still be damp from showering.
  • After applying the deodorant, give your skin a few minutes to absorb it before dressing.
  • Remember that this deodorant is not an anti-perspirant. You will still sweat. 
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  • To retain the potency of the essential oils in the deodorant, don't allow the deodorant to get too hot.  The flashpoint of tea tree oil can be as low as 135 degrees. If the deodorant is left in a hot car on a hot day, the temperature in the car could easily surpass this temperature. 

A Handy Laundry Tip

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This is our favorite tip of all, because it's so useful! If we get sweat or oil residue on our clothes, we spray the area with isopropyl alcohol before washing it. We put the alcohol in a spray bottle and spray as needed right before we drop the clothes in the washing machine. No need to let it set. This even works on oil stains that are set in the clothes. Sometimes I don't notice an oil mark until after the clothes have been washed AND dried. Even so, I just treat the stain with a few sprays of isopropyl alcohol and rewash. I've used this trick when I've spilled cooking oil on my shirt, and it works for that too! If it's a really bad oil stain, it might take a couple of washings for it to come out completely. We've never had it damage our clothes, but use your own discretion with your fabrics. 

We like to keep this alcohol spray around because we use it to sanitize our tools and equipment when we are making products. We have a spray bottle of alcohol in our laundry room and in our soap room. Cleanliness is important to us, and we thought you might appreciate knowing that!  

Stay well, friends!
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How We Make Deodorant

10/13/2020

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Here's how we make the deodorant that so many of you love!
First up, we melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax. For our vegan-friendly option, we can swap out the beeswax for candelilla wax. We use all organic oils.
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The tiny flecks in this picture are the beeswax pellets. The larger chunks are the shea butter pieces. The liquid is the coconut oil, which has the lowest melting point. While the oils are heating, we combine the dry ingredients -- the arrowroot powder and the baking soda. We do have the option on our website of substituting diatomaceous earth for the baking soda if the baking soda is an irritant for you. We whisk the dry ingredients together and set it aside until the oils are ready.
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The beeswax takes the longest to melt, due to its high melting point. Once the oils are melted and incorporated, we let the oil mixture cool until it's safe to add the essential oils. After we add the essential oils, we combine the dry ingredients into the oil blend. ​
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After we combine the wet and ingredients and make sure everything is incorporated, we are ready to start pouring the deodorant! This has to be done quickly, because as it cools it starts to set up.
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Finally, we allow the deodorant to cool to room temperature, then we add the lids and the labels! The worst part of the whole process is washing the dirty dishes when the batch is done! If you've ever tried to clean a dish that has has melted beeswax, you know what a struggle this can be! Good thing we have some great soap on hand! :) ​
​There you have it -- the making of the deodorant! We've created a graphic below to explain what is in the deodorant and the function each ingredient serves. 
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New Deodorant Scent

10/12/2020

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​The latest deodorant to join our collection is Bergamot Tea-Tree! Tea Tree oil is in every deodorant that we make due to its anti-bacterial properties, and the addition of the Bergamot essential oil adds a distinctive quality. The Bergamot scent is a unique blend of citrus with hints of spice and floral. If you've had Earl Grey Tea, you've experienced the Bergamot notes in its flavor. 
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If this scent appeals to you, give it a try next time you stock up on deodorant! You can use the coupon code DEOD15 for 15% off any scent of our deodorant collection on our website through October. Remember we have free shipping for orders over $35.
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Ideas for Serenity and Simplicity

10/7/2020

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Anyone else's life a bit out of control right now? :) If you're anything like me, you've been craving those peaceful moments. Here's a few ideas on how to get the calm back into your life. ​
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Be proactive instead of reactive. When we are reactive, we are letting someone else decide what dominates our thoughts and emotions. When life already feels out of control, a feeling of helplessness from being reactive makes it feel worse. When we decide to be proactive, we are taking back our power. It's true that there are a lot of things we can't control, but there are also a lot of things we CAN control! Here's some practical ways to be proactive.
  • Identify something minor that bothers you and then fix it. Maybe it's an overstuffed kitchen drawer that needs decluttered or a burned out light bulb that needs changed. Celebrate the small victories! 
  • Do a brain dump of "all the things" and then prioritize your tasks. Realize that some things may not get done. Prioritize the important things (and people!) and learn to let the other things go -- at least for now.
  • Set a timer or use the alarms on your phone to take charge of your schedule. Leave some time in that schedule for something that makes you smile. 
  • Make time for yourself. What can you do to relax or refresh yourself? Take a bath, read a book, do some journaling, or go for a walk outside. Breathe slowly and deeply. 
  • Appreciate the little things. In the late afternoon when the sun illuminates the landscape it fills my soul with such joy. Take the time to enjoy those little moments, whatever they are for you. Recently I treated myself to a bright and happy mum for our back deck. It's a small thing but it makes me smile whenever I see it. When we make an effort to be grateful, we are being proactive in controlling our thoughts. It feels good!
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Give yourself (and each other) grace. We all have off-days. We all feel like a hot mess sometimes. I have days when I feel sad for no apparent reason or times when I just can't seem to get anything done. The good news is that those days don't last forever. Those days will pass. Tomorrow is a new day!

Find encouragement. As the song goes, "We all need somebody to lean on." If you are struggling, look for a trusted friend, mentor, or therapist to help you walk through this time. Seek out encouraging or inspirational books, music, podcasts, and people to help you along in stressful times. A positive support system and community is so valuable! ​

Wishing you all the best this fall!
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Three Places for Fall Fun

10/2/2020

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Are you as ready for fall as we are? The crisp refreshing air, the wafting scent of baked apples and pumpkin spice, cozy bonfires with great friends... this is what autumn is all about! If you're looking for some fall fun, we've got some ideas to help!

Pigeon Roost Farm

With an activity center for people of all ages, Pigeon Roost Farm is a central Ohio fall destination. Activities include hayrides, a corn maze, a paintball range, and plenty of fall food! Located at 4413 National Rd SW, Hebron. Open weekends 10am-7pm Friday through Sunday. ​
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Lynd Fruit Farm

Whether you're looking to pick apples or pumpkins, Lynd Fruit Farm is the place to go! Take a drive out to their farm and experience the best fall has to offer. Get lost in their Jurassic corn maze and try their apple cannons! Shop the market on Morse Road near Pataskala for bountiful fall produce, decor, snacks and gifts. ​
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Branstool Orchards

Branstool Orchards in Utica never fails to delight! Whether you're visiting their orchard or their market, you'll love the breathtaking scenery and all the fall goodies. Located at 5895 Johnstown Utica Rd, their hours are Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 10am-5pm.
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Here's to all the fall fun!
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  • Home
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  • Find Us
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    • Lotion Reviews
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