Thirty years ago it wasn’t easy to find wholesome, all-natural bread on supermarket shelves. Despite extensive searching, Sheldon Romer just couldn’t find the kind of bread that he felt comfortable feeding his healthy and holistic-minded family. So, he decided to make the bread he was looking for himself. Thus began Rudi’s Bakery, and pretty soon he was selling his tasty, natural bread in Boulder, CO. It became apparent that other people were also searching for a better loaf of bread. [...]]]>

Thirty years ago it wasn’t easy to find wholesome, all-natural bread on supermarket shelves. Despite extensive searching, Sheldon Romer just couldn’t find the kind of bread that he felt comfortable feeding his healthy and holistic-minded family. So, he decided to make the bread he was looking for himself. Thus began Rudi’s Bakery, and pretty soon he was selling his tasty, natural bread in Boulder, CO. It became apparent that other people were also searching for a better loaf of bread. They began to abandon the mass-produced bread with the unpronounceable ingredient list for the wholesome, delicious bread from Rudi’s Bakery. Today, Rudi’s offers both Organic Bakery Bread and Gluten-free Bakery bread. One thick slice of Rudi’s is enough to prove that bread does taste better when it’s made from whole ingredients, sprinkled with sunshine and baked with a dash of love.

Jennifer Fowler, associate brand manager for Rudi’s Organic Bakery, says, “Rudi’s Organic Bakery was founded on the belief that healthy families are happy families. Rudi’s Organic has been about living free for more than 35 years – free of artificial ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, additives, dough conditioners and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) – and this commitment allows us to bake breads that are both nutritious and delicious. Moms can feel good about serving our breads to their families because we use only the best, whole food and organic ingredients that result in breads that are a good source of whole grains, fiber, protein and other important nutrients. Plus, the breads have a soft, fluffy texture and yummy taste the whole family can enjoy.”

On the outside, a package of Rudi’s bread looks much like the bread you’ll find on any supermarket shelf. It’s only when you take a package and notice the bright, fun Rudi’s Organic Bakery label, and then look at the ingredient list, that the differences between Rudi’s bread and conventional bread really stand out. At Rudi’s, they pride themselves on making bread from real ingredients that people recognize. In fact, all of Rudi’s breads are made in carefully crafted small batches in their 61,000 square-foot baking facility from select whole ingredients. Each batch of dough is allowed to sit for 12 to 24 hours before baking. In doing this, the bread acquires a distinctive flavor and “hole-y” texture. The full line of Rudi’s products includes sandwich breads, tortillas, English muffins, and rolls.

Even though Rudi’s mission is to make the world a healthier place with their bread, they also help the world in other ways. Rudi’s actively supports organic organizations, environmental causes and local charities. Running a sustainable business is also important to Rudi’s. Bread scraps (1.9 million pounds a year!) are recycled into feed for local pig farmers. Rudi’s Organic Bakery has implemented a formal recycling program for paper, cardboard, plastic and metal, and uses solar power for 5% of their energy needs.

“We’re proud that by baking organic breads we’re supporting sustainable farming methods, renewable resources, and soil and water conservation,” says Jennifer. “We source ingredients locally, when possible, to reduce transportation. For instance, we source millions of pounds our organic wheat per year from farmers in Colorado and neighboring states, and the wheat is milled into flour not far from our Bakery.”

The word organic is right in the bakery’s name, but to Rudi’s organic is more than just a word, it’s a promise. Jennifer provides insight into why buying organic is better, “Organic food differs from conventional food because organic crops are produced by farmers who emphasize sustainable farming methods, use renewable resources and promote soil and water conservation,” she says. “Organic foods are also produced without the use of synthetic ingredients, including chemical pesticides or fertilizers, which can contaminate the soil and water nearby. When you purchase organic foods, you are supporting sustainable farming practices that protect our natural resources and ensure a healthy planet for future generations.”

We’ve all stood in the supermarket aisle feeling frustrated and overwhelmed while trying to choose a product based on the label, with its questionable healthy claims and head-scratching ingredients. Rudi’s Organic Bakery has taken the worry out of choosing a healthy, nutritious bread for your family. When you see the Rudi’s Organic Bakery package, you’ll know the bread contains 95-100% organic ingredients and no trans fats, chemical preservatives, pesticides or artificial anything. Gluten intolerant people can again enjoy a simple bite of bread with Rudi’s Gluten-free. Many of Rudi’s products are vegan. All of Rudi’s Bakery products are certified Kosher. This is bread everyone can enjoy . . .”baked on the bright side”.

Chip Conley’s new book, Emotional Equations: Simple Truths for Creating Happiness + Success, may help you change the way you deal with your emotions by using a very simple concept: Math. Or, more specifically, formulas that can help you name and recognize the feelings or emotions that cause you to behave in certain ways. But the power of this method goes beyond simply recognizing what already exists. As with all formulas, there are inherent solutions that help you understand which [...]]]>

Chip Conley’s new book, Emotional Equations: Simple Truths for Creating Happiness + Success, may help you change the way you deal with your emotions by using a very simple concept: Math. Or, more specifically, formulas that can help you name and recognize the feelings or emotions that cause you to behave in certain ways. But the power of this method goes beyond simply recognizing what already exists. As with all formulas, there are inherent solutions that help you understand which parts of the equations you are in control of…and which parts you aren’t. Using the formulas to master your feelings could provide valuable insight into those traditionally messy feelings we like to hide, mask, manipulate and ignore, just as they did for the book’s best-selling author, Chip Conley.

Even successful, notable figures have to deal with overwhelming, and sometimes paralyzing, emotions. It’s all a part of the human experience. Chip Conley was no different. Despite his position as CEO of his own hospitality company, Joie de Vivre, and success as a sought after speaker, entrepreneur and author, a series of life events left Chip Conley with little in the way of joy. Instead, health issues and personal tragedies had left him questioning everything he thought he knew about life. While searching for some sort of explanation or revelation in regards to his situation, he used inspiration from Viktor Frankl’s “Search for Meaning” to devise a simple but powerful formula: Despair = Suffering-Meaning. Soon, he was creating formulas for many other situations and realizing that the formulas had the power to help other people facing challenges big, small, and everywhere in between.

As with all concepts, knowledge is power. But sometimes, simply knowing something is true doesn’t make it any easier to take action. Within the new book Emotional Equations, readers are not only given insight into the formulas that can help us as humans explain our inner lives, we are also given the insight and tools necessary to change our circumstances for the better. The ability to manage the consequences of negative emotions is the piece of the puzzle that has been missing for many who struggle to understand the relationship between what goes on inside and the life that has been created on the outside. Not only are emotional equations clear, simple, and adaptable to your personal situation, they have also been tested for both mathematical and psychological accuracy by experts. Once emotions are turned into formulas, it becomes clear which parts of the formula are the variables (the things that can change) and the constants (the things that can’t.) Suddenly, armed with the knowledge that there are some things we can change and control, life’s peaks and valleys begin to seem more bearable.

Over the course of his career, author Chip Conley began to realize that not only are we dealing with emotional circumstances in our personal lives, but that most of what happens professionally involves managing our own emotions as well as those around us. Chip Conley’s insight into the plight of a successful CEO can be applied to every person dealing with multiple pressures and circumstances, no matter what situation he is in. Chip says, “As a CEO for nearly two decades, I thought that to be a successful CEO one had to be superhuman. But as I became more emotionally fluent, it dawned on me that CEOs aren’t just Chief Executive Officers. Great CEOs are actually Chief Emotions Officers because they’re the emotional thermostats for the organizations they lead. I didn’t have to be superhuman after all. I could just work on being a super human.” As we grow and experience more of what life has to offer, we start to seek out the things that can make us into “a super human,” a person who cares about themselves, about others, about the world we live in and about making positive changes that can create a positive impact in our home or in our world. Using the inspiration and insight contained in Emotional Equations, creating happiness and success may be as simple as grade school math: just follow the formula.

Visit the website for more insight into the book Emotional Equations: Simple Truths for Creating Happiness + Success: http://www.emotionalequations.com/

Do you worry about what ingredients are truly in your cosmetics? Even cosmetic products that are marketed to be “natural,” or “mineral-based,” can have negative effects on your skin or contain unhealthy ingredients. Maureen Kelly was frustrated with what she was finding in the cosmetics marketplace, and in 1999 decided to do something about it. She believed that she could formulate cosmetics that contained healthy ingredients, left out the harmful ingredients and were sold in fun, trendy packages. Since that [...]]]>

Do you worry about what ingredients are truly in your cosmetics? Even cosmetic products that are marketed to be “natural,” or “mineral-based,” can have negative effects on your skin or contain unhealthy ingredients. Maureen Kelly was frustrated with what she was finding in the cosmetics marketplace, and in 1999 decided to do something about it. She believed that she could formulate cosmetics that contained healthy ingredients, left out the harmful ingredients and were sold in fun, trendy packages. Since that time, Tarte Cosmetics, the company she founded out of her apartment, has taken hold of the cosmetics world. Tarte has been featured in countless magazines and Kelly has stayed true to her initial vision of a healthy cosmetic product that is based on natural ingredients that ultimately can do good in the world.

Good For You Ingredients

 Tarte Cosmetics’ website features extensive information about what is in their beauty products, and (almost as important) what is not in their beauty products, something many beauty companies aren’t so forthcoming about. All products offered by Tarte clearly state the good ingredients contained within, such as Amazonian clay extracted from the banks of the Amazon River, Tarte’s exclusive t5 super fruit complex™  blend, and even a line of products that are completely vegan, cruelty free and endorsed by PETA. The products aren’t just good for you and good for the earth, they’re fun too! Tarte offers a cosmetics line based on HBO’s “True Blood” series, makeup for that perfect Halloween look, and a little glitz and glamour for the upcoming holiday season.

 The saying goes that what you put on your body is just as important as what goes into your body, and this adage couldn’t be truer in regards to cosmetics. Products worn on your face and body every day do have an impact on your skin, and it is especially important to feel confident about the products you use around delicate areas such as the eyes and mouth. Tarte products contain ingredients that are good for the skin. In fact, Tarte cosmetics containing the t5 blend (pomegranate, acai, acerola, goji berry and maracuja) can actually work to repair and renew skin by fighting free-radicals, help regenerate skin cells and reduce the signs of aging.

Packaging Beauty the Green Way

When Maureen Kelly founded Tarte Cosmetics, she wasn’t only fed up with unhealthy ingredients in cosmetics, but also with the ugly, wasteful packaging it came in. Tarte’s commitment to being green includes using packaging that is made from recyclable or recycled materials that can be reused. Tarte’s packaging helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduces waste and helps the company operate in a more sustainable manner. Tarte also rewards customers who recycle their Tarte packaging by returning the containers to Tarte. For certain packages, Tarte offers discounts on customers’ next purchases. You can check their website to see which items this recycling effort includes. Plus, Tarte offers tips on how some of their packages can be reused, such as turning the empty containers into vases or change purses.

Beauty that is Good for the Earth

Tarte’s mission to bring healthy cosmetic products to their customers is in itself refreshing, but the company goes beyond this mission with their efforts to help make the world a greener place. Tarte is part of the Sustainable Amazon Partnership (SAP), a program created by the acai-producing company Sambazon, which promotes healthy forests, creates jobs and performs a host of other beneficial tasks for local Amazon families and farmers. Through the SAP, Tarte is helping the Amazon Rainforest by supporting preservation with customer purchases of products containing the t5 super fruit complex. What could be more beautiful than a cosmetics product that helps the rainforest and helps you feel beautiful inside and out?

The historic Sutter Building in downtown San Francisco is home to the EpiCenter MedSpa and the companion medical skin and body clinic, EpiCenter Medical Associates. In 2008, coinciding with its 10th anniversary, the facility’s new suite opened its doors after its own eco-friendly makeover. Since that time, the medical spa has stayed true to the philosophy that “in addition to being on the forefront of the latest cosmetic treatments for skin rejuvenation, EpiCenter MedSpa is committed to being a sustainable [...]]]>  

The historic Sutter Building in downtown San Francisco is home to the EpiCenter MedSpa and the companion medical skin and body clinic, EpiCenter Medical Associates. In 2008, coinciding with its 10^th anniversary, the facility’s new suite opened its doors after its own eco-friendly makeover. Since that time, the medical spa has stayed true to the philosophy that “in addition to being on the forefront of the latest cosmetic treatments for skin rejuvenation, EpiCenter MedSpa is committed to being a sustainable and environmentally-friendly company.” Recognition for this commitment came in the form of a LEED Silver certification for the facility following its green makeover, making it the only LEED certified medical spa.  It is also the only spa in San Francisco combining clinical treatments from trained medical staff with organic skin care treatments. It’s a combination that shows it is possible for planet consciousness to cohabitate peacefully with beauty consciousness.

A Spa’s Eco Makeover

EpiCenter was already a respected medical facility in the San Francisco area, due to their unique combination of sound medical principals and the newest skin care methods. Co-founders Margaret Mitchell and Patrick Bitter, MD originally opened the practice in 1998 and continue to offer their patients high end beauty treatments, including Botox Cosmetic injections, laser hair removal and Dr. Bitter’s renowned PhotofacialSM. As the center began to add more earth friendly features to their treatment options, such as medical grade organics and crystal-free DermaSweep Microdermabrasion treatments, it became apparent that going green in a bigger way would benefit patients and the planet. EpiCenter worked closely with local green building experts to complete the renovation, and the resulting “eco med spa” became the first of its kind. The many sustainable changes that were made include:

- The use of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, including low VOC eco paints, recycled fabrics and FSC certified wood.

- An increase in energy and water efficiency. The Spa facility uses low-flow plumbing fixtures and water filters that eliminate the need for bottled water, electronic medical charting and digital photography to help reduce the use of ink and toner, and a reduction in lighting that decreases energy usage by 70%.

- Decorating touches that allowed a beautiful spa aesthetic while still adhering to the spa’s commitment to the environment such as cork flooring and weed based carpets, and ceiling boards made from newspapers.

Medically Safe Beauty Treatments

In addition to providing an environmentally friendly and beautiful atmosphere, EpiCenter MedSpa provides beauty treatments that are technologically advanced and planet friendly. The extensive treatment offerings at Epi Center are performed by trained nurses, estheticians, and medical doctors. The center’s focus is on practicing responsible medicine. Epi center offers a Teaching Facility where the center’s medical professionals train doctors and staff at other practices on the use of cosmetic treatments such as PhotofacialSM, Leg vein therapy and Botox injections.

Traditional skin care treatment options such as chemical peels and facials are available to patients of the MedSpa, while patients needing clinical treatments such as vein therapy, Botox or laser hair removal can have these procedures done at the EpiSpa Medical Associates Services, located at the same facility.

At EpiCenter, efforts have been made to provide organic treatments that are eco-friendly and reduce environmental impact while also helping reduce the amount of toxins taken in by the body daily. Examples of this philosophy in action include using laser hair removal to help lesson waste from shaving cream containers and disposable razors to using a bristle-based Microdermabrasion rather than the traditional crystal based method, which is better for the environment.

Feeling beautiful inside and out is important for health and well-being. Taking care of your body with healthy choices that have a low environmental impact is important for the beauty and well-being of the planet. EpiCenter helps clients fulfill their personal beauty needs while also taking care of the planet with earth-friendly products, treatments, and practices.

In 1985, Tami Simon only knew she wanted to build a company that would put spiritual wisdom directly into the hands of people who needed it. She didn’t know exactly how she would do that at the time, but 26 years later, her idea has become a successful multimedia publishing company offering books, audio recordings, downloadable media, CD’s and DVD’s. Every item offered seeks to inspire the transformation [...]]]> Sounds True: A Spiritually Minded Company Built on Serving Purpose, People and Profit

In 1985, Tami Simon only knew she wanted to build a company that would put spiritual wisdom directly into the hands of people who needed it. She didn’t know exactly how she would do that at the time, but 26 years later, her idea has become a successful multimedia publishing company offering books, audio recordings, downloadable media, CD’s and DVD’s. Every item offered seeks to inspire the transformation and spiritual awakening of Sounds True’s customers.

Some of the most respected authors, teachers and practitioners of spiritual growth in the world, including Caroline Myss, Andrew Weil, and Eckhart Tolle produce powerful material for Sounds True designed to speak directly to customers’ hearts and souls. However, this isn’t simply a successful spiritual growth company. Sounds True is a successful spiritual growth company that places a high importance on treating employees, customers, their community, and the Earth with respect.

 In creating a company that would help their customers navigate their spiritual path in life, Sounds True has also found many ways to navigate a business path that supports green initiatives and incorporates these into their everyday operations.

 Materials That Make a Difference

 Sounds True produces their products in a way that incorporates as much recycled material into the catalogs, books and packages as possible. The printed material the company produces is chlorine free, as is the paperboard in audio packaging. Books are made from 100% post consumer waste and catalogs are printed on 85-95% recycled paper. And, with today’s technology, many products are downloadable and don’t need to be printed at all. Even old recordings no longer available on traditional media are now available through the online store.

Minimizing the Environmental Footprint

 One of the most fundamental commitments Sounds True makes is to the environment, and this is especially true in the operation and maintenance of the company and its facilities. The Sounds True offices, located in the Colorado Technology Center in Louisville, CO, is powered with 100% wind power. The company encourages employees to take part in green activities, with Sounds True offering earned time off for employees who use bikes, public transportation or carpooling to travel to work. Recycling is encouraged and everyone is asked to conserve energy whenever possible.

An Active Member of the Green Community

Sounds True doesn’t keep their green beliefs under wraps. The company is active in several green organizations; including the Green Press Initiative, LOHAS and the International Spa Association.

Working with Prisons and…Pets?

Sounds True got their start by producing audio recordings. As founder Tami Simon was disposing of some old tapes, she was struck by the idea that these recordings could benefit someone. Soon, old materials and recordings were being sent to prisoners through the Sounds True Prison Library project. In this way, prisoners have access to spiritual and self-awareness materials that can help their rehabilitation process. The company also sends old material to libraries and charities.

Another way Sounds True sets itself apart from other companies is in its belief that coming to work should be relaxing, fun, comfortable and productive. Acknowledging that many people who work at Sounds True consider their pets as part of their families, the company began encouraging employees to bring their dogs to work. At any given time, there could be as many as fifteen dogs working alongside their owners!

Many people travel along a path of spiritual awakening and self-growth in their adult life, searching for answers, peace of mind or a healthy outlook. For those looking for materials and tools to support this process, Sounds True is a company that seeks to provide the teachings, philosophies and ideas necessary to facilitate such growth. And for customers looking for a company that emphasizes good works, a healthy environment and good business practices will find the perfect combination at Sounds True, where a healthy bottom line doesn’t just mean profit.

More than one billion pounds of pumpkin are purchased in the US every Halloween. The majority of those end up in the trash after their sole life purpose has been to sit on the front porch with a candle in [...]]]> Do you wince every time you have to throw out a perfectly good pumpkin, after it’s been carved? This is the point in your life when your CFL light bulb should come on, as you recognize your level of environmental stewardship.

More than one billion pounds of pumpkin are purchased in the US every Halloween. The majority of those end up in the trash after their sole life purpose has been to sit on the front porch with a candle in their mouth. With pumpkins having such diverse possibilities, it seems like a shame not to maximize their potential.

Know Your Pumpkins

Pumpkins belong to the vine crops family called cucurbits. They are also considered a winter squash. Though some varieties of pumpkin, such as Cheese Pumpkins, Sugar Pumpkins and Sweet Jack-Be-Littles are better on the plate, all pumpkins can be eaten. From a taste standpoint, smaller is often more appealing to the palette. Nutritionally speaking, any pumpkin is a home run. Pumpkins are packed with beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that fights off free radicals. Some of the pumpkin’s more frequently eaten cousins are the Zucchini and the cucumber.

Save The Best For First

The most interesting part of the pumpkin has to be the seeds. They are great on salads, in baked goods and in a school lunch box or for an after school snack. Pumpkin seeds are brimming with zinc, magnesium, manganese, iron and copper and are a good non-animal source of protein.

What’s Inside?

Toasted pumpkin seeds are just the beginning. After you have extracted the pulp, allow it to steam over boiling water for about 30 minutes or until it is tender. Use a food processor to puree the pulp and then use it as the base for your favorite casseroles, breads, bisques and milkshakes. Allrecipes.com has some great ideas and instructions on how to use your fresh pumpkin.

Compost Pile Here We Come!

Though there are some fringe recipes for the pumpkin rinds, I suspect most serial environmentalist will head to the composter at this point. If placed in it’s entirety, a pumpkin will most certainly decompose of it’s own accord. However, it is suggested that the pumpkin be sliced into 4 inch pieces to allow for a rapid decomposition. The nutrient-rich pumpkin rinds are an excellent source of soil for next autumn’s pumpkin crop.

Toasted Pumpkin Seed Recipe

·      Rinse with water to remove the stringy membrane.

·      Allow to air dry or pat with a cloth to absorb the moisture.

·      Open your spice rack and pick a wildly imaginative combination of flavoring:  Cajun seasoning, ginger, garlic salt, curry, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice or the time-honored standard sea salt.

·      After thoroughly coating the seeds with your desired topping, lightly oil or spray a cooking sheet.

·      Roast the seeds at 250 degrees for an hour*

·      Turn the seeds once or twice during that time.

*An alternative to oven-baked seeds is the stove-top skillet method. If the quicker skillet or open flame method is more appealing to you, just remember to keep those seeds moving. After about 5 minutes of constant stirring, they should be nicely toasted and ready to eat.

What Makes Inara Unique?

Oil from the Babassu Palm Nut is harvested by a female coorperative in Southeastern Brazil and is the primary ingredient in all Inara spa products. Babassu oil is a gentle skin moisturizer [...]]]> Whether you’re pampering yourself at home or planning a spa visit, consider the unique line of Inara products for the ultimate eco-friendly spa experience. From soothing crème wraps to rejuvenating milk baths, Inara spa treatments promise to relax and revitalize your body and mind.

What Makes Inara Unique?

Oil from the Babassu Palm Nut is harvested by a female coorperative in Southeastern Brazil and is the primary ingredient in all Inara spa products. Babassu oil is a gentle skin moisturizer that significantly improves skin quality and appearance. Along with this unique oil, Inara uses 100% certified organic ingredients like buttermilk, honey, coconut oil, natural extracts, and essential oils to create products that are good for you and the environment.

The Inara Collection

The Sample Canister ($35) is the best way to experience the complete Inara selection and makes an excellent gift. You’ll get a sample of all of Inara’s products, including:

* Handcrafted Babassu soap with certified organic Babassu, palm, coconut, sunflower, and olive oils.
* Rich Babassu body crème with organic honey.
* Soothing Babassu milk bath with organic powdered buttermilk.
* Silky and luxurious Babassu bath and body oil.
* Signature Babassu sugar rub with Turbinado sugar.
* Moisturizing lip balm with sweet vanilla extract.

All Inara spa products can be purchased individually in full sizes and can be packaged in a gift box with ribbon and a card for an additional $3.

The Enliven Blend

Inspired by native Amazonian traditions, Inara’s custom blend of essential oils is available in most products. This sensual combination of grapefuit, rose geranium, mandarin, and sage has a wealth of physical and mental benefits. Inara spa products can balance and stabilize, or stimulate and awaken. The Enliven blend also offers healing and detoxifying properties, is an ideal astringent, and contains powerful antioxidants to give your skin a healthy glow.

How to Experience Inara

Inara organic bath and body products are used in spas and resorts across the United States, as well as in Canada. If you’re interested in purchasing Inara products, you can visit the website to locate a retailor in your area or shop online directly through the Inara site.

The Process

Following family traditions, Appalachian Naturals starts their soapmaking process with a special blend of pure South African cocoa butter, moisturizing [...]]]> From calming lavender soaps to skin-friendly green tea and chamomile, the handmade bath and body products from Appalachian Natural Soaps are offered in more than 2-dozen intriguing varieties and contain the best natural ingredients available. These simple mountain luxuries (handmade in beautiful Asheville, NC) have been regional favorites since 1995 and are now available to consumers across the nation.

The Process

Following family traditions, Appalachian Naturals starts their soapmaking process with a special blend of pure South African cocoa butter, moisturizing vitamin E, virgin coconut oil, luxurious essential oils, and natural botanical extracts. The soaps are made in small batches, prepared in several stages, to keep these premium ingredients as pure and beneficial as possible.

Once a batch of soap is mixed, it is cured until a healthy, balanced pH level is reached. The soap is inspected for quality, molded into an easy to hold 4.5-ounce bar, hand wrapped and sealed. The process ends when the Appalachian Natural Soaps label, printed on recycled paper, is placed around the bar.

The Products

This careful process yields luxurious soaps that provide a rich, foamy lather and offer healing, moisturizing benefits to your skin. You can enjoy Appalachian Natural Soaps in a variety of scents, whether you need to relax or invigorate. Options include:

- Unscented oatmeal with cocoa butter and organic oats, ideal for babies and super sensitive skin.
- Granny’s original lye – the original family soap made by the company’s inspiration, Grandma Nova.
- Honey almond oatmeal, Appalachian Natural’s signature soap.
- Clove and oatmeal, or cinnamon and oatmeal.
- Refreshing peppermint, herbal basil, or energizing spearmint.
- Relaxing lavender, or the intriguing combination of lavender and mint.
- Blue Ridge inspired Appalachian forest (spruce, fir, and lime), mountain apple (cinnamon, clove, and citrus), or mountain breeze (lavender, patchouli, and ylang ylang).
- Green tea and chamomile, packed with vitamins and essential antioxidants.
- Exotic jasmine, mood-lifting patchouli, or rosemary lemon poppyseed.
- Pumpkin spice, tangerine supreme, or lemon bay.
- The floral scents of rose geranium or wildwood flower.

Appalachian Natural Soaps is more than luxurious handmade bars. Protect and moisturize your lips with all-natural Nova lip balm, an enriching combination of tea tree oil, vitamin E, shea and cocoa butters, and almond, jojoba, grape seed, and hemp seed oils. You can also find pure virgin coconut oil, spa quality salt scrubs, soothing lavender bath salts, essential oils, and creamy shea butter. Locally handmade shaving mugs with natural bristle brushes are also available.

How to Buy

If you’re lucky enough to live near the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, you’ll find Appalachian Natural Soaps in most gift shops and health stores. You can also visit the home store in Asheville, located in Biltmore Square.

Other US residents can contact the company for information on retail locations in their area, or you can shop directly at the Appalachian Natural Soaps website. The website also offers quantity discounts, like the Soaper’s Dozen (13 bars for just $52), as well as seasonal specials. The Summer Package – 8-ounces of coconut oil, lip balm, summer snow cooling body powder, and 4 bars of handmade soap – is currently available for $40.