Birdbath Soup

Flowers & Chocolate 20% off

2012-02-09T15:56:00.002-05:00

GLAMSOUL Star uses HollyBeth's Natural Luxury

2012-02-09T14:16:00.001-05:00

Part of my beauty regimen is to stay hydrated inside and out; HollyBeth Natural Luxuries, Butterfly Lip Nectar helps to hydrate one of my favorite and most inviting assets, my lips, the cover to my smile! Being a vocal artist can get busy. With traveling from place to place also come the demands of being camera ready on the go, and HollyBeth's Butterfly Lip Nectar never disappoints! My name is Miranda Nicole the GLAMSOUL Star, and I'm a real woman who uses HollyBeth!

MN*

Did you know that Lenten Roses are poisonous?

2012-02-08T18:07:00.002-05:00

My backyard is brimming with lenten roses. I love the muted and varied colors however I always wondered why the are drooping and now I know:

There are about 15 species of hellebores, with four more commonly found, the most common being the Lenten Rose (orientalis) and the Christmas Rose (niger). The Christmas rose blooms much earlier in mild climates such as in Britain, hence its name. One of the legends about it concerns a country girl, Madelon, who visits the Christ child in Bethlehem. Seeing her sadness for not having a gift to bring him, an angel brings her outside and touches the ground. There arise blooms of the Christmas Rose that she can then present as a gift to the baby Jesus.
One of the legends about it concerns a country girl, Madelon, who visits the Christ child in Bethlehem. Seeing her sadness for not having a gift to bring him, an angel brings her outside and touches the ground. There arise blooms of the Christmas Rose that she can then present as a gift to the baby Jesus.

It is odd to have such a plant celebrate Christ’s birth, as this species and the other members of this genus are highly toxic. It is one of the four classic poisons, together with nightshade, hemlock, and aconite. In fact, the name hellebore comes from the Greek “elein” meaning to injure, and “bora” meaning food.
Use of hellebore dates back to 1400 BCE, when it was used as a purgative to “cleanse the mind of all perverse habits”. It is found in writings through the ages, from the ancient Greeks through the Middle Ages, when it was used by herbalists. It has been used for animal ailments, to bless animals and keep them from evil spirits, to repel flies, to “purge the veins of melancholy, and cheer the heart”, or even in one superstition to make oneself invisible if scattered in the air! source
My yard is also full of camellias - and for the life of me I cannot find out the name of the creature in this camellia - please let me know if you know its name.

Angel St John

2012-02-07T14:36:00.001-05:00

This USDA Certified organic beauty line makes the perfect gift for yourself or your lover this Valentine's Day.

Product Review: HollyBeth's Natural Luxury
http://www.hollybeth.net/
If you are like me you can't get enough of organic natural beauty cosmetics and the more natural the better. It does not get any more natural then HollyBeth's Natural Luxury. Can you believe that HollyBeth actually makes all her organic products herself and believe me she is not just another small time, here today, gone tomorrow. HollyBeth's Natural Luxury Products are here to stay. This is good news if you get just a taste of her products and if you so desire you can literally taste them because all of her products are USDA Certified organic. They smell divine and are of the highest quality possible. I had the opportunity to test the Sample Gift Set and I can easily say that I am completely addicted to everything that I tried, especially the Rose Geranium Face Moisturizer. Her products are reasonably priced for what you are getting and make great gifts.

Pros

Each product is hand made
Proud signer of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
Uses simple, easy-to-pronounce natural ingredients
Certified USDA organic
Artisan-Crafted from family recipes
Uses only the highest quality, freshest ingredients available
Contain 0% water
Environmentally Sustainable
Made with 100% organic and natural essential oils (exceptional quality and are therapeutic-grade)
Chemical-Free
Gluten-Free
Certified Cruelty-Free by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program
Made with fair trade ingredients
Supports non-profits with every purchase
Affordable

Cons

I could not think of any ... and I really tried. .

Description

Packaged in an environmentally friendly box made from recycled material and printed with water-based inks, sustainable forestry-certified paper and recyclable glass jars.

Sample Gift Set (About a 1-2 month supply)

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Rose Geranium Face Moisturizer (½ oz)
Lemon Lime Shea Butter Cream (½ oz)
Lavender Hand Cream (½ oz)
Eye Cream (¼ oz)
Grits & Honey Scrub (½ oz)

Shelf life is one year from the date opened (all products)
Sample Gift Set - $25.00

Ingredients Listing(These are the ingredients for the entire line, taken directly from the HollyBeth's Natural Luxury website.)

Geranium Body Wash: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Aloe (vera) Barbadensis Extract*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Pelargonium graveolens (Geranium) Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil*. *organic

Butterfly Lip Nectar - Honey Orange Mint: Beeswax, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Shea Butter, Kokum Butter, Honey, Essential Oils of Orange and Mint, Canola Oil, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Lysine
Citrus Body Cream: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (organic sweet almond) Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil* , Beeswax*, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (bergamot essential oil)*, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (orange oil)*, citrus medica limonum (organic lemon) peel oil*, Litsea Cubeba (organic litsea Oil), Melaleuca Alternifolia (tea tree) Leaf Oil*, Lecithin (lecithin )* * organic

Citrus Body Lotion: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (organic sweet almond) oil*, beeswax*, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (bergamot essential oil)*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (orange oil)*, Citrus Medica limonum (lemon) peel oil*, Litsea Cubeba (Litsea Oil), Melaleuca Alternifolia (tea tree) Leaf Oil*, Lecithin (lecithin)*, Xanthan Gum. * organic

Eye Cream: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (organic sweet almond) oil*, Camellia oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil*, Beeswax*, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Lecithin *( lecithin) * organic

Flourish: Made with Rose Absolute Precious Oil (Rosa Damascena)*, Jasmine Absolute Oil (Jasminum Grandiflorum)*, and an exclusive blend of Organic Certified Essential Oils & Vitamin E.

Grits & Honey Scrub: Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Meal*, Honey, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (organic sweet almond) Oil*, Tocopherol (organic vitamin E). *organic

Hair & Body Silk: Camellia oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil*, Argania (Argan) spinosa oil*, Mentha piperita (Peppermint) Oil*, Andropogon zizanioides (Vetiver) Oil.* *organic

Lavender Hand Cream: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil*, Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Beeswax*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil*, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Lecithin* *organic

Lemon Lime Shea Butter Cream: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter ) Fruit*, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil*, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil*. *organic

Marigold Bergamot Face Moisturizer: Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Vitis vinifera (Grape)Seed Oil*, beeswax*, Calendula (Marigold) Officinalis ,* Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Oil,* Lecithin*. * organic

Orange Chocolate Peppermint Shea Butter Cream: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit*,Mentha piperita (Chocolate Peppermint) Oil*,Citrus sinensis (Orange) Peel Oil*. *organic

Organic Cleanser - Chamomile: Cocos Nucifera (coconut) Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba) Seed Oil*, Olea Europaea (olive) Oil*, Aloe (vera) Barbadensis Extract*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (rosemary) Leaf Extract*, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary)Oil*, Oenotera Biennis (evening primrose) Oil*, Chamomilla Recutita (matricaria) Flower Oil* *organic

Organic Cleanser - Marigold: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut ) Oil*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Aloe (vera) Barbadensis Extract*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract,* ,*Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil*, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*. *organic

Organic Toner -Marigold: Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Distillate, Lavandula Angustifolia ( lavender oil)*, salvia sclarea (clary sage) oil*, Calendula officinalis (calendula) oil* * organic

Organic Toner - Rose Geranium: Pelaronium Graveolens Leaf (Rose Geranium) Hydrosol*, Rosa Damascena (Rose Water) Hydrosol*, Helichrysum Italicum Distillate* (Helichrysum) Hydrosol * organic

Rose & Geranium Face Moisturizer: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (sweet almond oil)*, Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil, * Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Rosa Mosqueta (Rosehip) Fruit Oil*, Beeswax*, Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Oil*, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Pelargonium Graveolens Oil (rose geranium oil)*, Pelargonium Graveolens, Lecithin*. * organic

Snowflake Lip Balm - Vanilla Peppermint: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil*, Cera Alba(Beeswax)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, HelianthusAnnuus (Sunflower) Oil*, Vanilla Planifolia Extract (NaturalVanilla Flavor), Butyrospermum Parkii Fruit (Shea Butter)*,Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Tocopherol (NaturalVitamin E), Lauroyl Lysine *organic

My experience

Organic cosmetics, lotions and potions are extremely important to me and it can be really difficult to find one that is truly natural and organic. There are so many benefits from using organic beauty products that I don't know where to begin. First of all they are great for the skin because they are free from toxic chemicals. According to the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics many of the toxins that are in most synthetic beauty products at the stores contain carcinogens, neurotoxins and reproductive toxins. The skin absorbs the chemicals that are contained in cosmetics causing all sorts of problems. Some are very serious such as cancer, learning disabilities, asthma and damaged sperm. The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics also warns about a marketing technique known as greenwashing. Greenwashing is basically a way of misleading consumers into believing that something is more natural and organic than it really is. The only way to truly know that a product is really organic is if it carries the certified organic seal of approval by the USDA. HollyBeth's Natural Luxury products are USDA Certified organic and are safe enough to eat.
I had the opportunity to test the five products that are in the sample gift set. Each product in the set has its own charm and its own attraction. I felt like I was in the spa using these organic body products. Of all five products tested my absolutely favorite is the Rose Geranium Face Moisturizer. It is very hydrating and nourishing and takes only a small amount to do the job. It makes my skin feel and look moist and dewy, improving my complexion immediately. My husband noticed how nice my skin looked when I put it on and did I mention that it smells of heaven. He noticed that too. It absorbed into my skin within minutes, feeling light and weightless. I gave myself the royal treatment testing all five products out together one after the other. I shared this experience with my husband and a few friends and we are all in agreement - 5 stars baby. I am completely hooked on all of these products and if you don't believe me go ahead and try them out for yourself.

Closing

HollyBeth has done a great job creating an organic line of body products that are safe, nourishing and smell divine. All products are hand made with love and passion in HollyBeth’s Studio in Atlanta, GA. For more details, please visit www.hollybeth.net.

Robin, retired exec, grandmother, outdoors woman

2012-02-06T18:35:00.003-05:00

My two favorites are the butterfly lip balm and the body wash! Being out in the mountain west part of the year, the lip balm is a salvation for dried and chapped lips. Works better than anything I have ever tried. The body wash is divine! It is also the best leg shaving cream so you can be economical and use the body wash for cleaning and shaving. The results are wonderful and following up with any of HollyBeth's lotions make a perfect skin care routine.

Flowers from my yard for today's training At Urban Sanctuary

2012-02-06T07:40:00.001-05:00

Super Bowl Numbers

2012-02-05T09:21:00.002-05:00

The number of calories and dollars spent today’sgame are astounding. Just a few:

· A30-second commercial costs $3.5 million and that is about 300 hours of filming.

· Stockprices of companies doing these commercials increases a quarter of a percent onthe Monday after Super Bowl according to researchers at the University ofBuffalo

· Themost watched show in history was the 2011 Super Bowl with 111 million viewers.

· Ilive in a bubble, I had no CLUE that tickets are $ 600-$1200 – and that is facevalue – no telling what scalping is

· 71.4million: Number of pounds of avocados expected to be consumed, according to theHass Avocado Board.

· Apparentlychicken wings are consumed more than pizza and that is after 8 million poundsof guacamole and 14,500 of chips

Chichi – pass the chips!

Love at first site - Camellias

2012-02-04T07:09:00.003-05:00

Camellias, originating in China, are stalwarts in the south,living seemingly forever. Today there are over 2300 cultivars of camellias. Theoil that is produced form the seeds was first used for cooking then progressedas the oil of choice by Geisha in Japan. The oil penetrates the skin quickly not clogging pores and is full of anti-oxidants.A beauty to behold as flower and more wonderful applied to the skin. This oneis blooming in my backyard sharing its glory with all who pass. Love at first site, that is why the oil in almost all of my products and the base for my hair and body silk.

Nan Organic Egg Farmer and photographer loves HollyBeth's

2012-02-03T07:16:00.000-05:00

"RealWomen use HollyBeth's Natural Luxury"

Allof HollyBeth's products are wonderful, so it's difficult to choose just onefavorite. I enjoy the Marigold Organic Cleanser, the Rose Geranium FaceMoisturizer, the Eye Cream, the Citrus All Over Cream, the Lemon Lime SheaButter Cream, and a lip balm. Of all of these, my favorite is the LemonLime Shea Butter Cream. I use this cream on my "winter-time"dry heels and hands before tucking in for the night. The mild, subtle scent is refreshing and light. A very close runner-up to that is the EyeCream. I not only use this silky cream as a night-time eye cream, but I alsodab some on a small brush and blend it in with under-eye concealer for daytimeuse. Doing so prevents any concealer from caking in to those fine linesand crow's feet hours later.

As aformer hen "farmer", I made it my goal to produce organic eggs, so Iam aware of what it takes to produce an organic product and to meet thegovernment regulations. As with the eggs, I only want a pure and naturalingredient in and on my body and skin. Thank you HollyBeth for such afantastic product line!

~NanJolly Moore

Pat's testimonial on rose geranium moisturizer

2012-02-02T06:59:00.000-05:00

I once read a dermatologist claim that the best skin he saw was on those that had the simplest, least fussy beauty routine. Therefore I keep things short and sweet....HollyBeth's RoseGeranium is perfect! I follow up with a little of her Peppermint Vanilla lip balm and her Citrus Body Cream and I am out the door. All three of these products smell and feel so good I look forward to using them!

Organic Beauty Talk and Chocolate

2012-02-01T15:27:00.003-05:00

Thank you Organic Beauty Talk!!!
Nothing says Valentine’s Day or romance quite like roses and chocolate. They’ve come to be the national symbols for this annual celebration of love and part of what we expect to give or receive that day. Here are some of my favorite rose and chocolate scented natural products that are sure to bring a smile to any girl’s face on Valentine’s Day…especially mine (hint hint to my hubby if he’s reading this)!

How many rose petals in one ounce of rose oil?

2012-02-01T12:31:00.001-05:00

Red Grapefruit... the mutant hybrid

2012-02-01T08:24:00.001-05:00

Did you know thatgrapefruit is a hybrid and red grapefruit is a mutant? Grapefruit seeds wereintroduced to Florida in the 1700s from the West Indies. From there they wentto Texas where red grapefruit was born by accident, a mutation.

The essential oil of grapefruitis extracted from the peel of the fruit. The essential oil properties includeantibacterial, antiseptic, astringent, cleansing and of course as a diuretic.When I was younger grapefruits were synonymous with diets, cut in half withsomething sweet on top and to this day I just can’t eat them.

Of course the mostwonderful part of grapefruit oil is the refreshing aroma. I have addedgrapefruit essential oil in our marigold cleanser for oily skin and in myflourish perfume for its uplifting scent.

Foaming Geranium Body Wash

2012-01-31T14:01:00.000-05:00

HB's Products are used by real women... even in labor

2012-01-29T20:13:00.000-05:00

HollyBeth's Natural Luxury products sure helped me in a time of need. While in labor with both of my boys, HollyBeth was there as my personal massage therapist . She used her famous lavender body cream. Which help me relax with ease. Without her and her amazing cream, I don't know what I would have done! I would recommend this product to anyone I know.

These products are also incredible for babies skin. Non-irritant all handmade with organic ingredients. You don't have to worry about it! That helps a new mom out any day! All moms should use this! Thanks again for your amazing cream still to this day!
~ Pam Carnes

Marigold & Sweet Basil

2012-01-28T09:40:00.003-05:00

There are hundreds of types of basil from Thai, lemon, cinnamon and chocolate. My favorite is sweet basil, with olive oil, mozzarella, tomato, salt and pepper on bread, I could live on it!

Basil’s name is from the Greek basilikohn meaning royal. Its origins can be traced to China and India. Its original purpose was for embalming and taking the poison out of insect bites. Today its properties are so varied it should be considered the super herb. In Ayurvedic medicine it is used as a treatment for diabetes, impotence, allergies, infertility and respiratory ailments. Basil contains natural antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

The first shea butter product I made was marigold and sweet basil; you either love the earthy crisp smell or hate it. I love it because it reminds me of Thailand and India. It is great to keep in the kitchen for your hands and it is great for insect bites.

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Chinese New Year in Singapore - The Naturalist Grandeur

2012-01-27T07:57:00.002-05:00

Caleb Goi is the owner of The Naturalist Grandeur in Singapore – our exclusivepartner there. He sent this photo of the lion dance he had at his store forChinese New Year. I have never askedCaleb why but they love my grits honey scrub and marigold cleanser in Singapore.

Chinese NewYear Day was celebrated on January 23, however the Year of the Dragon begins on February 4, 2012, the first day of ChineseAstrology. In preparation for the new year, theentire house must be cleaned in a certain way and all cleaning equipment shouldbe put away. You must be careful not to sweep the dirt out the front door onlythe back door. Whatever you do on New Year’s Day will follow you through theyear so no money is lent, no foul language and no crying or talk of death. Don’twash your hands on this day as you will wash away your luck and wear red.Children and unmarried are given money in red envelopes for good luck. There areother interesting taboos and or superstitions here.

Organic Beauty Talk

2012-01-26T14:51:00.001-05:00

Organic Beauty Talk one of my favorites! Just gave us a lovely review.

A Little Southern Comfort Food for My Skin with HollyBeth Grits & Honey Facial Scrub

By Organic Beauty Talk

As soon as I saw HollyBeth’s Grits & Honey Scrub, I wanted it! I’ve eaten grits for breakfast and even had it with served for dinner under blackened fish (hmmm), but never in a beauty product for my face. Could I be experiencing a little southern comfort food on my skin for the very first time?!! Inspired by the traditional breakfast foods of HollyBeth’s native South and her mother, this natural facial scrub gently renews skin by buffing dead skin and pollutants with organic corn meal while the honey moisturizes it. The scent is fresh and sweet and smells irresistible to eat. Yes, I admit it…I licked my lips and tasted the scrub…I did say it smelled irresistible! I also tried it on both wet and dry skin and it should definitely be used on wet skin, even with the honey consistency. I found the consistency to have a little separation on my finger tips but once on the face, it starts to be more uniform and spread well. My skin looks radiant, smooth, and soft. HollyBeth’s Grits & Honey Face Scrub is the perfect blend of luxury and down-home goodness!

HollyBeth Anderson

HollyBeth’s beautiful & inspiring mother (who is also a breast cancer survivor) helping in the HollyBeth office today.

Daffodils and gifts

2012-01-26T09:01:00.002-05:00

This lovely daffodil was in my backyard this morning. Did you know that all parts of the daffodil are poisonous. If you put a daffodil in water with other flowers the sap will destroy the other flowers and not last as long. New York has 2,500,000 daffodils blooming a year. The Isles of Scilly give Prince Charles a daffodil annually for rent. The emblem of Wales is a daffodil. Daffodil bulbs contain a substance called galanthine, which has medicinal properties. In fact, it’s sometimes used in treatments for Alzheimer’s.In Australia, they have an annual Daffodil Day to help raise awareness about cancer. The daffodil is also used as a symbol by Marie Curie Cancer Care in the UK. source Tell me where the Isles of Scilly are and I will give the first 10 people who answer correctly $50.00 worth of product e-mail me: hollybeth@hollybeth.net.

Chamomile Mazanilla - Blue Azul

2012-01-25T08:09:00.000-05:00

Yesterday while making our chamomile foaming face cleanser,I realized that I am still awed by chamomile essential oil. I was first introducedto “manzanilla" or chamomile - a small yellow flower while living inSpain. We would pick and use the yellow flowers for tea - it wasn't till yearslater that I knew it was chamomile in English. The aroma is earthy with a nutty and fruity hint, a cozy, warm, clean smell – apparently I am notdoing a good job of explaining this – so hopefully you will be able to stop bythe studio one day and smell certified organic chamomile essential oil.

Blue chamomile essential oil is literally dark navy blue -truly amazing considering it comes from yellow flowers and rare in the plantworld. This occurs during the distillation process which produces azulene.Azulene is the organic compound of the blue color and its name is derived fromthe Spanish word “azul” or blue. Manzanilla – chamomile – whichever you prefera lovely plant and rare in the plant word, yellow to blue – who knew.

Jojoba Oil Shortage

2012-01-23T19:13:00.001-05:00

Jojoba oil is not an oil but a wax that is derived from the seeds ofjojoba. It is wonderful in creams because it is similar to camellia oil in thatit does not clog pores (non-comedogenic), absorbing quickly into the skin anddoes not go rancid as it has an unlimited shelf life. It is also non-toxic and non-allergenic. Its compositionis very close to sebum (oil) found in our skin.

This sounds too good to be true doesn't? Well it isand now there is a global shortage of jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is the base for myperfume flourish, and in most of my creams along with camellia and sweetalmond.

Jojoba oil became popular in the 1970s whensqualene oil from sperm whales was banned from being imported to the US due to the decline of the whale population. Squalene oil found in cosmetics now comes from shark liver oil, although there is a form derived from vegetables. We are seeing the same scenario with jojobaoil today i.e. lack of supply to meet demand.

Suppliers are now charging up to 4 times as much as last year for jojobadue to the shortage. I have read different reasons for this fromclimate change to scare in the markets to simply more demand and less supply. Please let me know if you happen to know thereason for this shortage because I would really like to know.

Turmeric, spinach and vermouth

2012-01-22T09:56:00.002-05:00

Turmeric has a distinctive pungent aroma that reminds me of being in India. The root has been used for over 3,000 years to treat everything from skin diseases, digestive problems to dying cloth and statues. It is a gorgeous dark mustard color. When Marco Polo found it is hi travels he referred to it as the Indian saffron. The plant is from southeast Asia and is a sterile plant, not producing seeds and it is from the ginger family.
Last night I sautéed garlic, onions, spinach and added turmeric. Then I saw a bottle of vermouth under the cupboard and added some of that. DeeJay was my guinea pig and I must say she approved. Then I had cut up some apples and onions and baked them with pork chops in the oven. Oh my, I must say we had a delicious dinner. We paired it with Cupcake’s Chardonnay and topped it off with Magnum ice cream that DeeJay brought. Good food with a good friend!

Carolina Jessamine.... jasmine

2012-01-18T10:40:00.002-05:00

MyCarolina jasmine is blooming or if truth be told it is the jasmine I planted onVicki’s (my neighbor) fence when she moved it. I knew it would look and smelllovely outside my kitchen window. Thename of this vine varies from Carolina jessamine,yellow jessamine, trumpet vine, evening trumpet flower etc. etc. Basically allone should know is that it is native to South Carolina and their state flower.This jasmine should not be confused with the decadent star jasmine that was myfirst introduction to jasmine while living in Spain. Ladies would put it intheir hair behind the ear and depending on which ear the intoxicating jasminewas place would determine her availability i.e. single or take. Then men wouldwalk on the opposite side of the square, flowerless.

Jasmineessential oil is quite expensive as it takes approximately 2,000 lbs. ofjasmine flowers to produce 1 lb. of oil. In my flourish perfume I use Jasminum grandiflorum that is so heady that I canonly have one whiff of it.

Lipstick Musings: Truly Organic Skin Care: HollyBeth's Rose Geranium...

2012-01-18T08:46:00.000-05:00

Lipstick Musings: Truly Organic Skin Care: HollyBeth's Rose Geranium...: Photo courtesy of HollyBeth's Natural Luxury So, as you all know, I've decided to launch myself on a quest for quality, yet natural (and ...

Little Bee

2012-01-17T12:40:00.001-05:00

Little Bee is a masterpiece that leave you questioning the world in so many ways. Like the triology that includes the Girl with the Dragon Tatoo it leaves you wanting more, more to read and more answers. Little Bee left me feeling thankful. Hope you will read this!

Virtues of Kale

2012-01-17T12:00:00.000-05:00

Kale appears to be the new miracle vegetable, low in calories rich in antioxidants and low in calories. One cup of kale alone should turn us in to Popeye, move over spinach! One cup of kale has 36 calories, zero fat and 20% of the RDA of fiber but let’s not stop there. Amazingly it also has 10% of RDA of omega-fatty 3 acids, 1327% RDA of vitamin K, 192% of Vitamin A and over 88% of Vitamin C. This is a tad overwhelming because if I continue to read all the virtues ascribed to kale I will be in the kale business, growing it in my backyard and standing on the street selling it in bunches with nice ribbons.

So I decided to try it for breakfast, how healthy of me. I put my Meyer lemon juice in a blender with a cup of water, an organic apple, blueberries and a dash of stevia and I must say it quite tasty… and if I were a true lush I would add vodka to it at night!

Sampler Gift Set - Spa Treatment in a Tin

2012-01-17T08:35:00.001-05:00

Treat yourself to a $25.00 spa treatment or give a hostess gift with our sample gift set. Everything you need is in the reusable tin: grits honey scrub to exfoliate your body from head to toe, best seller rose geranium face moisturizer, lemon lime shea butter that melts in your hands for a foot and had massage, and relaxing lavender cream for the finishing touch!

Hair and Body Silk THE multi tasker

2012-01-14T09:48:00.003-05:00

When the weather is cold like today my hands and face become so dry - like parchment paper. The only thing that will do the trick is my hair and body silk. Before running I put it on my face and hands; actually I use the hair and body silk every day on my face every day. It is made with camellia and argan oils that are rich in anti-oxidants that block harmful UV rays and prevent aging. In addition they are not pore clogging but are considered dry oil as they penetrate the skin quickly.The addition of vetiver essential oil to smooth away wrinkles, chocolate peppermint oil to combat oily patches and impart a cooling, tingly sensation, Holly Beth’s Natural Hair and Body Silk a fragrant and luxurious indulgence and certified organic! And the most wonderful part - less is more just a few drops will do you.

Lavender Hand Cream

2012-01-13T14:30:00.000-05:00

In the middle ages lavender had a myriad of uses, from perfume to raising money for King Edward 1. later in France in the renaissance it was thought to ward off cholera. Today lavender is known for its soothing qualities in reducing headaches to tired muscles.

What I love about my lavender hand cream is that it also been used in different ways. Models have used it in their hair, writers have used it as perfume and some of my customers love using it on the hands and feet before going to bed. Whatever the use, please enjoy it!

Meyer Lemons and Limes

2012-01-08T08:14:00.003-05:00

Frank Meyer introduced Chinese dwarf lemon trees to the US in the earlytwentieth century. Meyer lemons are a natural hybrid of a sweet orange andlemon. My lemons in this photo might look paltry but there are still 2 more on the tree. The aromaof the blossoms and the lemons they produce envelop my house, truly divine!Amazingly my plant has never been outside, always in my house.
My lemon lime shea butter cream comes close to reproducing the aroma. I useorganic shea butter, organic lemon and lime essential oils. It is decadent! Itis great for hands and feet, especially the cuticles.

Tango Orange & PMS

2012-01-07T08:30:00.001-05:00

Pantone has determined that tango orange is the color for 2012. Pantone is the founder of PMS – no another PMS - the Pantone Matching System. Clearly I would have chosen another acronym or maybe in 1963 when it is was created, PMS wasn’t publicly discussed but I am sure if someone took a survey on PMS the outcome would be an enlightened view of PMS. Pantone deserves credit for having this much control on the fashion industry.

Don’t get me wrong I love tango and I have spent extended time in Argentina enjoying it. I even danced on the same dance floor as Robert Duvall (albeit this was in NY but his partner is Argentine). My challenge is more philosophical or personal … that is for the reader to decide.

My dilemma is the following – although my fashion guru Daniel loves this color and so does my mother I don’t particularly love it – my favorite color is blue.

Accordingly, as a business person I realize that I must use this color at some point this year to get into magazines and to get noticed. In my delusional business mind I had always hoped that my product and the existing gorgeous packaging would suffice.

Orchestration for a small business can be complicated and expensive to add/change a color. The creation, production and implementation is an expensive and arduous task. Finding the right container alone could take weeks. A large company has their minions to do all of this in seconds… well hours maybe.

So maybe I could just wear orange when making my products? Daniel did say he wanted to use his ipad to film me….

NEW YEAR CELEBRATION 25% off

2012-01-04T13:34:00.000-05:00

First Woman to circle the globe

2012-01-04T08:27:00.003-05:00

From History

Nearly 250 years after Jeanne Baret became the first woman to circumnavigate the planet, scientists have named a new plant species in her honor. A French botanist who disguised herself as a man to join Louis Antoine de Bougainville’s journey around the world, she helped classify hundreds of species—including, some believe, the beloved and ubiquitous bougainvillea.

An 1816 depiction of Jeanne Baret dressed in a sailor’s uniform. (Credit: Glynis Ridley)

Born in 1740 in France’s Loire Valley, Jeanne Baret overcame her poverty-stricken childhood to circumnavigate the globe before any other woman in recorded history and play a key role in identifying hundreds of plant species. In the early 1760s she became the lover and assistant of the well-known botanist Philibert Commerson, possibly using her familiarity with medicinal plants to contribute to his research. A few years later, the celebrated explorer Louis Antoine de Bougainville invited Commerson to join a team of experts who would sail around the world in a grand show of France’s scientific preeminence.

Who would help Commerson with his fieldwork during the long journey? While Baret was the obvious choice, a royal ordinance in force at the time forbade women from traveling on French Navy vessels. To get around the problem, the couple hatched an elaborate plot in which Baret dressed as a man and showed up on the dock to offer her services—introducing herself as “Jean”—just before Bougainville’s ship, the Etoile, set sail in December 1766. As the expedition made its way toward South America, Baret spent much of her time evading the crew and caring for the sickly Commerson. Arriving in South America in February 1767, the pair began setting out on botanizing missions, amassing more than 6,000 specimens in two years.

According to some historians, we have Baret alone to thank for one of their most famous discoveries: bougainvillea, a plant prized for its vibrant flowers that now blooms in warm climates around the globe. Suffering from incapacitating leg ulcers in Rio de Janeiro in 1767, Commerson is unlikely to have traipsed through the Brazilian countryside collecting the specimen he ultimately named for the expedition’s commander. Instead, his right-hand “man” might have gathered the seeds that introduced bougainvillea to Europe and germinated a worldwide vogue. In her 2010 book “The Discovery of Jeanne Baret,” British historian Glynis Ridley further posits that Baret’s knowledge of herbal remedies attracted her to the bright blossoms, since colorful leaves and flowers were considered therapeutic at the time.

By the spring of 1768, Baret’s shipmates had learned her true identity, and some sources suggest she became a victim of sexual assault. She and Commerson, who reportedly pretended to have been duped as well, disembarked in Mauritius and continued their botany research there until his death in 1773. Stranded and penniless in the Indian Ocean, Baret married a French officer and returned with him to France, where in 1785 she received a government pension for her work with Commerson. She died in 1807 at the age of 67.

Despite her extraordinary contributions to the field of botany, until recently nothing in the natural world was named for Baret. (By contrast, 70 plants, insects and mollusks bear the designation “commersonii.”) Commerson’s notes reveal that he wanted to name a shrub he observed with Baret in Madagascar after his partner, perhaps because the plant’s many-shaped leaves evoked her ambiguous and multifaceted nature. He died before making the designation official, and instead of Baretia the genus is now known as Turraea. During aninterview on NPR about her book in December 2010, Ridley suggested that Baret deserved a species of her own, saying, “I think that would be a nice tribute.”

A flowering branch of Solanum baretiae, the newly discovered plant named for Jeanne Baret. (Credit: Eric Tepe)

Eric Tepe, a biologist at the University of Utah and the University of Cincinnati, heard Ridley’s suggestion and decided to heed it. Writing in the January 3 issue of the journal PhytoKeys, he and Ridley describe the new plant species he discovered and dubbed Solanum baretiae. Found in southern Ecuador and northern Peru, the fruit-bearing vine is part of the Solanum genus, one of the largest and most economically vital on the planet. (It also contains the potato, tomato and eggplant.) And, like the shrub Commerson called Baretia, Solanum baretiae features unique foliage patterns.

“Given the importance of her work and the singular nature of her achievements, Baret has clearly made a sufficient contribution to the field to deserve a species named after her,” the authors explain. “Following Commerson’s example, we believe that this new species of Solanum, with its highly variable leaves, is a fitting tribute to Baret.” They describe the plant’s namesake as “an unwitting explorer who risked life and limb for love of botany and, in doing so, became the first woman to circumnavigate the world.”

Organic Chocolate Peppermint & Orange

2012-01-03T08:19:00.001-05:00

Organic chocolate peppermint essential and organic orangeessential oil infused in organic shea butter, my favorite mixture yet! Sometimes I feel as though I am washing andcleaning all day long. In between batches I have to wash the mixers, spatulas etc.etc. and one would think that dealing in cream all day my hands would be soft.Not… all the washing dries them out.

My orange peppermint Shea butter does the trick, my handsare softer and the smell! Oh my goodness, so uplifting and clean! It is alsogreat for tired feet. And less is more just a little goes a long way.

Daphne birthday bloom

2012-01-01T17:29:00.001-05:00

A beautiful birthday gift, my first daphne bloom of the season! If only I could capture the intoxicating aroma and add to flourish!

Happy New Year's Eve

2011-12-31T09:18:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year's Eve! For those of you decked out with jewels to party be safe and enjoy. For those of you like me whose birthday happens to fall on New Year's Day you might be at home rejoicing, pondering or lamenting your next year ... with a dear cousin and possibly some bubbly!

As the New Year begins I would like to thank all of you who have enjoyed my products this year. It is such a joy and thrill to have lovely people like you sharing your stories about how you love the smell, the rose geranium has helped your rosacea and even to those who use my citrus cream to keep the bugs away.

As I can't send you all free gifts, I have decided to offer an unprecedented 25% for a week - just put in NewYear2012 at checkout . Please enjoy!! and start shopping! hollybeth.net

Pink Camellias

2011-12-27T15:17:00.001-05:00

My pink camellias are beginning to bloom!

Find the luscious oil in our products.

Happy Boxing Day

2011-12-26T08:17:00.002-05:00

True Meaning of Christmas

2011-12-24T10:22:00.004-05:00

Chichi knows
The True Meaning of Christmas

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T08:12:00.002-05:00

Christmas Cookie Weekend

2011-12-19T16:43:00.001-05:00

Christmas cookie weekend was this weekend. My most cherished tradition! This year we went to Nancy's childhood home where we grew up for the cookies. We even had a serenade! Argen, hers sister and husband played and sang for us! This year we had an actual photo shoot, Rad Pate (humble and handsome husband of Nancy, father of my goddaughters Caroline and Natalie) was the professional photographer. We also had another male attendant, Danny, Caroline's boyfriend. Words need not describe our joy.

DOUBLETAKE

2011-12-16T08:48:00.000-05:00

Doubletake is the place to go! And check out his model... please note I do NOT look like a Christmas Tree!

Click on the link above to see the clip on TV

Great Styles Without Busting Your Budget

Updated: Friday, 16 Dec 2011, 7:45 AM EST
Published : Friday, 16 Dec 2011, 7:45 AM EST

Karen
Graham

By KAREN GRAHAM/myfoxatlanta

Christmas and New Year's are the most festive times of the year. And we are in full holiday party mode. You can look like a million bucks without spending that much. Dressing for less doesn't mean less quality or style.

So once again we called on thrift guru Daniel Troppy for a design-on-a-dime, super-saving show-and-tell.

Ferrigamo, Chanel, Armani and Cole Hahn -- you can wear the biggest names in fashion and still pay the smallest price imaginable.

So imagine when you walk into that holiday party and people do a double take.

"You have that one special day -- New Year's Eve -- every woman wants to get her hair done, her nails done," said Daniel Troppy.

Atlanta Magazine just named Daniel Troppy -- owner of Doubletake Recycled Luxury Boutique -- the best in the city when it comes to style and design. So we gave him a designer challenge -- dress for less but still impress.

Troppy says start with what you already have in your closet -- the black basic dress, a soft cashmere sweater, a dress with a splash of color and then build from there by adding a bold statement piece around your waist or your neck, a signature skirt that shows off your sass and of course don't forget the sparkle -- but not too much sparkle.

"You want people to say wow that's really classy, not that she looks like a Christmas tree. No one wants to look like a Christmas tree."

And there you have it. Three classy designer holiday looks for $50, $75 and $100. All you have to do now is walk into the room and wait for the double takes.

"You've cranked the style volume up. It is gorgeous. Every woman needs to feel that way for New Year's Eve."

Again, Troppy says start with what you have. Then hit estate sales, yard sales, thrift stores and of course consignment shops like double taken and you can instantly turn your ho-ho-hum outfit into holiday hot, hot, hot!

For more information on a non-budget busting style, visit http://www.thethrifters.net and www.dtroppy.blogspot.com

When you're on the go, get the latest news from myfoxatlanta with our iPhone, Droid or Blackberry apps. Click here to find out more about how to get myfoxatlanta on your mobile phone.

DOUBLTAKE

2011-12-16T08:45:00.000-05:00

Great Styles at a Low Price

Deck the Halls with ChiChi - she is decked out for the Holidays!

2011-12-15T23:50:00.001-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-15T15:24:00.001-05:00

Atlanta's Beth Galvin Fox 5 News

2011-12-13T07:53:00.003-05:00

Thank you

FOX MEDICAL TEAM: Skin Care Gifts: MyFoxATLANTA.com

">Fox 5 News Beth Galvin!! Beth came to my studio and helped me make some goodies! Thank you Beth!

FOX MEDICAL TEAM: Skin Care Gifts: MyFoxATLANTA.com

By MYFOXATLANTA STAFF/myfoxatlanta
ATLANTA - If you're like me, you probably haven't even had time to start buying Christmas presents. So this year, I'm doing a little shopping around for you!
I found some skin care stocking stuffers that are all natural, many of them organic. They're all made in Georgia by some small companies creating products the old-fashioned way.
"Most products nowadays are made with machines, and I'm here with my little invisible elves doing it all here, you know?" said HollyBeth Anderson, creator of HollyBeth's Natural Luxury.
The skin care products HollyBeth Anderson cooks up in her Midtown loft are all natural, and all are handmade.
"They're all my recipes, or my mother's. I think the fact that it's handmade, and personal, you're not going to find that in a lot of places," said Anderson.
For a body scrub, HollyBeth mixes old-school Southern grits and cornmeal with tupelo honey, produced in Georgia. The smell of this stuff is intoxicating. And every product, from HollyBeth's eye cream to her orange chocolate shea butter is made with organic essential oils, like rose oil.
"Women love it because it just sinks into your skin," said Anderson.
HollyBeth is part of a small group of Georgia skin care companies creating products without artificial additives, preservatives, or ingredients with names too complicated to pronounce.
Their goal? Keep it simple, and natural.
"I mean I grew up in north Georgia where you grow what you eat, and that's what I'm doing now. And I'm using all these organic ingredients to make something people enjoy and like, that actually works!"
HollyBeth offers a rose and geranium facial moisturizer, hair and body silk, and geranium body wash, believe it or not, is a hit with men.
Or you can try a sampler of her five most popular products.
"You get a rose geranium moisturizer, honey grits scrub, lavender hand cream."
A few blocks away, Sally B's Skin Yummies offers dozens of handmade, all-natural stocking stuffers -- from Sally B's Healing Hand butter made with chamomile and neroli to lemongrass foaming hand soap. There's even a lip gloss with 95 percent organic ingredients.
Raise the Bar soap offers everything from cool peppermint soap to give you a pick-me-up to a Mutt Bar, to make your dog smell like lavender and eucalyptus
, nature-based "Dirty Beauty" has created a fresh body butter with cocoa butter and shea butter, and a face and body balm with extra virgin olive oil.
They're gifts you won't find at the mall, or a big box store. They are homegrown, Georgia-made and so good you could almost eat them.
HollyBeth’s skincare products are sold at Whole Foods Market and at her website, www.hollybeth.net . She is offering a 20 percent discount through the holidays to FOX 5 viewers with the code HOLIDAY2011.
Sally B's is offering a 5 percent discount for viewers. The code is FOX5. You can find Sally B Natural Skincare products at http://sally-bs-skin-yummies.myshopify.com .

Merry Christmas

2011-12-12T16:44:00.000-05:00

White Camellia

2011-12-12T12:13:00.000-05:00

My white camellias are blooming! Just in time for Christmas!

My products contain this wonderful oil that makes your skin soft as the petals on the camellias - try our chocolate peppermint hair and body silk that is camellia oil and argan oil and our best seller rose geranium face moisturizer.

Friends

2011-12-09T19:00:00.000-05:00

My Grandmother told me that to have 3 true friends is life is a blessing… well I must say I am SO blessed to have such dear friends who have help me in life and especially over the last 3 years.

Last night my girlfriends came and brought dozes of cookies each that they had made for the open house tomorrow AND help me make the products! And Alicia sent flowers from England. I am just so thankful!!!

My friends are better than Santa's Elves!!!

Thank you She knows ... Loving you for the press!

2011-12-05T05:07:00.000-05:00

Cookie tin gift set

For the Miss Fields in your family, the HollyBeth's Cookie Tin Gift Set comes complete with HollyBeth's cherished cookie recipe, snowflake cookie cutter, snowflake lip balm, vanilla and peppermint sugar cookie candle and orange chocolate peppermint shea butter body cream. Only $50 at HollyBeth.net.

Happy Holiday Song Indigo Girls

2011-12-04T23:29:00.001-05:00

The Happy Holiday Song by the Indigo Girls just makes me want to dance in the street! It is the happiest song ever! Nancy gave me the CD for Christmas last year and I listen to it year round!

Shamrocks in December

2011-12-03T18:35:00.000-05:00

This is the first time in my life that I have had a shamrock blooming in December... so I am wondering if this is some sort of sign other than global warming. In my effort to come up with the meaning of this rare occurrence could it be the significance of the trinity i.e. shamrocks were known to be holy to the druids and represent the trinity. Later in history those porting the shamrock were even hanged as they were considered rebellious. In times of famine people ate shamrocks. Clearly shamrocks have endured praise and outcast. I am going to believe that my shamrocks now blooming in my backyard for the first time are a good sign... Christmas and bounty.

Thank you AJC!

2011-12-01T09:53:00.000-05:00

Thank you AJC.com for featuring our Birchbox gift set!

Holiday gifts for a special woman

In honor of her Christmas cookie baking tradition, Atlantan HollyBeth, founder of HollyBeth s Natural Luxury, a line of handmade organic products for face, body, hair and home, has created the Birch Box Gift Set. The set contains Snowflake Lip Balm, Vanilla & Peppermint Sugar Cookie Candle and Orange Chocolate Peppermint Shea Butter Body Cream. It is available for $50 at HollyBeth's Studioplex, 659 Auburn Ave, studio 211; Hollybeth.net, Whole Foods and Natural Body Spas.

Cookie Cutter Gift Set

2011-11-30T08:06:00.001-05:00

It is almost Christmas cookie time!

My cherished tradition began over 26 years ago when Nancy and I began making Christmas cookies together in Atlanta. Now that Nancy lives in North Carolina, the cookie - baking weekend alternates between North Carolina and Georgia. Caroline and Natalie (Nancy's daughters and my goddaughters) claim it is one of the highlights of their holiday season.

The set includes one of our favorite cookie cutters and our recipe! And....

HollyBeth’s Snowflake Lip Balm
Richly moisturizing, yet sheer and lightweight, this delectable cure for stressed and damaged lips moisturizes, soothes and refreshes while imparting a delicious vanilla peppermint scent.
HollyBeth’s Soy - Vanilla & Peppermint Sugar Cookie Candle
HollyBeth’s soy two ounce travel tin candle is hand-poured and contains no petroleum products, synthetic fragrances, boosters or colorants. Cool and refreshing Peppermint Oil stimulates the mind and increases focus while the rich sweet aroma of Vanilla Oil is calming and soothing, creating a peaceful environment. Burn time: 12 hours
HollyBeth’s Orange Chocolate Peppermint Shea Butter Body Cream
Think of orange slices dipped in chocolate – yummy - just like HollyBeth’s orange chocolate peppermint shea butter. So moisturizing that you can use it head to toe. It is wonderful in the winter for nourishing and moisturizing. Apply to lips, hands, feet and dry skin anywhere, it is even great for your hair!

Wreath

2011-11-28T08:11:00.000-05:00

My mother begged me not to put on the turquoise and lime beads on the tree, the beads I LOVE! So we decided to make a wreath out of them. Can we say recycling? All from the basement and quite elegant at that!

What is the history behind wreaths? From the website of The History of Christmas:

In ancient Rome, people used decorative wreaths as a sign of victory. Some believe that this is where the hanging of wreaths on doors came from.

The origins of the Advent wreath are found in the folk practices of the pre-Christian Germanic peoples who, during the cold December darkness of Eastern Europe, gathered wreaths of evergreen and lighted fires as signs of hope in a coming spring and renewed light. Christians kept these popular traditions alive, and by the 16th century Catholics and Protestants throughout Germany used these symbols to celebrate their Advent hope in Christ, the everlasting Light. From Germany the use of the Advent wreath spread to other parts of the Christian world. Traditionally, the wreath is made of four candles in a circle of evergreens with a fifth candle in the middle. Three candles are violet and the fourth is rose, but four white candles or four violet candles can also be used. Each day at home, the candles are lighted, perhaps before the evening meal-- one candle the first week, and then another each succeeding week until December 25th. A short prayer may accompany the lighting of each candle. The last candle is the middle candle. The lighting of this candle takes place on Christmas Eve. It represents Jesus Christ being born.

Ginger lilies and holly berries

2011-11-26T09:16:00.001-05:00

This is the first time that my ginger lilies, cardinal plants and holly berries have been out at the same time. With the ginger lilies blooming I feel like I am back in Central America. As I have tried to plant only native plants to Georgia it appears that the definition of native plants is evolving. My backyard has pecan trees, black walnuts, mulberries, hydrangeas etc etc . However with global warming my camellias, daphnes and other heirlooms are now blooming out of cycle due to climate change. I wonder if I should just plant cacti?
Cardinal plants are pollinated by hummingbirds and always remind me of shrimp. My holly tree is the reason I bought my house - I looked at the dining room window and saw a huge holly tree and knew it was my house. Since then I planted a zillion holly trees. Ginger lilies are so deliciously fragrant that they lull me to calmness.

Black Friday 25% off

2011-11-24T16:15:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T05:33:00.000-05:00

Norman Rockwell's iconic Thanksgiving meal

The Dreaming Tree Wine Crush

2011-11-21T17:11:00.000-05:00

Crush..... I am in LOVE.... the most divine blend I have ever had - bold and bountiful... I must admit that the label is what made me by it - the tree is exquisite.

The Dreaming Tree Wine - and I cannot believe that Dave Matthew and Steve Reeder are the creators. How appropriate! And the price point at 8.99 is too good to be true! Crush is the name of the wine - should be called Love :)

Natural Body Morningside

2011-11-20T11:00:00.000-05:00

Stop by Monday @ Natural Body Morningside
Bring 3 cans of food & get 25% off - and help the Community food bank!
HollyBeth will be demoing

John Muir Exhibit at the Atlanta History Center

2011-11-19T18:55:00.000-05:00

The Atlanta History Center has a free exhibit of John Muir.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

2011-11-15T16:42:00.001-05:00

Sandalwood

2011-11-15T06:55:00.000-05:00

Sandalwood essential oil comes from the roots of sandalwood trees. The tree must have matured to at least 30 years old before the oil can be used. The tree is mainly found in India and is in danger of extinction. It is a root parasite taking its nutrients from other trees but scientist is baffled at how it survives. The scent of the roots will cover a forest as it will adhere to other trees. Sandalwood has been used for centuries for various medicinal purposes. It prevents rashes after shaving, it is great for acne prone skin, and is also known to be used in religious ceremonies for calming people which sound perfect for the holiday season! Our marigold cleanser and flourish have sandalwood instilled in them – great for gifting this holiday season!

Orange Peppermint

2011-11-13T23:50:00.004-05:00

Orange and chocolate peppermint doesn't that sound delicious? it conjures images of orange slices dipped in chocolate and reminds me of Christmas even though we never have that at Christmas. It actually conjures images of Charles Dickens for me for some reason.

Our organic sweet orange essential oil is very uplifting and delicious smelling. Chocolate peppermint also has a divine aroma and is known to reduce headaches and relieve itching. Combine the two in our organic shea butter and you have the best foot and hand cream you will ever use! The shea butter melts in your hands and makes your feet baby soft. Try some this winter or treat yourself to some for the holidays - they are perfect for gift giving!

clary sage

2011-11-12T13:55:00.000-05:00

Clary sage essential oil is known to relieve stress and depression as well as ease the pain of tired muscles. So just imagine combining it with soothing geranium for a lovely body wash and mixing it with antiseptic calendula (marigold) for a toner! Both fit comfortably in a stocking over the fireplace! :)

So when thinking of gifts this holiday season - get some relaxation for yourself!

OPEN HOUSE AT THE STUDIO - JOIN US

2011-11-11T16:12:00.000-05:00

Royal British Legion Poppy Pin

2011-11-08T06:59:00.000-05:00

The most beautiful gift arrived yesterday when I came home! A gorgeous poppy brooch and pin from my friend Alicia. Alicia lives in the UK and spoils me with goodies!

The poppy pin supports the British Legion which has the noble cause of Providing welfare, comradeship, representation and Remembrance for the Armed Forces community in the UK.

The story behind the poppies: This is the story of how the red field poppy came to be known as an internationally recognized symbol of Remembrance.

From its association with poppies flowering in the spring of 1915 on the battlefields of Belgium, France and Gallipoli this vivid red flower has become synonymous with great loss of life in war.

Yet the scope of the poppy and its connection with the memory of those who have died in war has been expanded to help the living too. It was the inspiration and dedication of two women who promoted this same “Memorial Flower” as the means by which funds could be raised to support those in need of help, most especially servicemen and civilians suffering from physical and mental hardship as a result of war.

As this weekend is Veterans Day I will be wearing my pin in honor of my Dad. He fought in the following wars: Korean, World War II and Vietnam.

Rose greetings

2011-11-07T17:20:00.000-05:00

What beauties! I walked in my backyard after work and these gorgeous roses greeted me! They bloomed today!

GIVE AWAY

2011-11-03T16:08:00.002-04:00

http://blog.dermstore.com/index.php/hollybeths-happy-holiday-giveaway/

infinity scarf with infinite uses

2011-11-03T14:00:00.004-04:00

My dearest friend is having a birthday this weekend. She has a unique fashion sense, so I decided to make her an infinity scarf. They are SO relaxing and fun to make - especially with a glass of red wine at the end of the day in the back yard. The lovely thing about them is there are so many uses...human and companion :) Please note that if you know me you know I detest having my photo made but had to have instructions for my friend's birthday so took a photo of myself - and once she receives this I will post her name - hope she doesn't read this and that it will be a surprise! Oh... and the pink earrings are Alexis Bittar that I got in NY with my goddaughter Caroline on her graduation trip.... we were supposed to be out of the country but ended up in NY and President Obama and her cousin Casey showed up :)

HOLIDAY DISCOUNT

2011-10-31T20:31:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween Cupcakes!

2011-10-31T09:31:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I visited with my family and my sweet little cousin Pam made cupcakes for her children's class - she let me put the icing on but not decorate :( She is a cat today... and she was a cat when she was little and she is still gorgeous!

Today's Camellia Bloom

2011-10-29T23:50:00.001-04:00

Camellia oil is so many of our products

Stuffed Birdhouse

2011-10-28T23:20:00.001-04:00

This delicious climbing rose is still blooming - at Halloween no less. Behind the rose is a bird house the is used every year. This spring the birds decided to stuff it with dog hair, my mother thought they would be smothered but they flourished. I hesitate taking the dog hair out as maybe they won't come back next spring.

White Perfection

2011-10-28T09:17:00.000-04:00

These virginal beauties are in my backyard this morning. True perfection! Two different camellias and a rose make life's troubles dissipate. And you can find the oils of these beauties in our hair and body silk, rose and geranium face moisturizer, eye cream and other products.

Happy Halloweeny

2011-10-26T15:08:00.001-04:00

Beauty Meets Obsession

2011-10-25T12:10:00.000-04:00

Thank you Susan Linney!! Beauty Meets Obsession

Good Enough to Eat (Really!): HollyBeth’s Natural Luxury’s Sugar Cookie Candle

In: Beauty

25 Oct 2011

I love candles, but I have to admit I’ve never been a huge fan of food-scented ones. Until now. HollyBeth’s Natural Luxury—a really terrific, all-natural line of face, body, hair, and home products—sells this amazing Sugar Cookie Candle that I just can’t get enough of. The scent is not overly sweet or food-ish (i.e. it [...]

Thank you LVMH ONBOARD MEDIA for the Press!

2011-10-24T15:10:00.000-04:00

Confused ChiChi

2011-10-23T19:55:00.003-04:00

So ChiChi is wondering why it is in the 70s and she is still smelling roses and gardenias and people are talking Christmas already.....

Thank you Susan Linney for the review!

2011-10-23T06:37:00.004-04:00

Thank you Susan Linney of crazyuglybeautiful for the review on new Holiday Birch Box Set!

Beauty Sets Worth Scoring Stat10/21/2011

I’m big into beauty sets. Sure, they’re great for gifts, but to be honest, I buy them more often for myself.

They have such pretty (and often re-useable) packaging, are a great way to sample new stuff,
and are (usually) quite reasonably priced. Below are some of my current favorites.

HollyBeth’s Natural Luxury is a line that I just recently discovered. All of her products are USDA certified organic,

so if you’re looking for truly eco-friendly fare, she’s got it. I love this beautiful Birch Box Gift Set, which includes a Snowflake Lip Balm, Orange Chocolate Peppermint Shea Butter Body Cream and Sugar Cookie Candle.

For the Eco-Conscious

Chrysanthemums

2011-10-20T12:57:00.000-04:00

For some reason I never truly appreciated my fall Chrysanthemums/Mums until recently. They come up by themselves – no coaxing needed and voila! They provide a beautiful array of color for the fall like the beautiful lavender one that is blooming in my backyard now alongside yellow, white, purple and sienna ones.

Chrysanthemums were first found by the Greeks when they were seeking a flower that would give them eternal life; they named it “krus anthemon” meaning golden flower

Feng shui states that chrysanthemums bring happiness and laughter to any room where they are place.

T-Shirt

2011-10-19T17:16:00.000-04:00

check out our facebook on how to win a long sleeve version of above - limited quantities

http://www.facebook.com/HollyBeths

Dahlias and Camellias

2011-10-12T15:13:00.000-04:00

This is the first time that my dahlias and camellias have bloomed at the same time. Just think, this lovely camellia possesses the beauty secret of the geishas, it absorbs faster than any other oil and is closer to the skin's natural sebum, more so than jojoba oil. It is known as the miracle oil . Studies have shown that it effective in anti aging due to its ingredients of essential fatty acids, omega oils, vitamins A, B, D, and E; and of course its uv blocking properties.

Monday's Backyard Edible Jewels

2011-10-10T10:23:00.000-04:00

Dahlias are newcomers to my garden but they are here to stay with their abundant blooms from spring till fall. Considered the national flower of Mexico and now possess over 270,000 species. Before insulin was discovered, the tubers were used to produce a sugar for diabetes. They are flourishing in my backyard and are large as a dinner plate.

However the jewel this morning is this beautiful red rose that smells like citrus with velvet petals. Did you know that rose hips contain more vitamin C than any other plant or vegetable? Our best-selling rose geraniumface moisturizer is chock full of it.

Rachel Ray has wonderful recipes for cooking with roses:

Use organically grown roses if you plan on using them in cooking. Commercial roses are heavily treated with chemical fertilizers and pesticides which should never be added to food.
Grow old-fashioned varieties of roses for culinary cultivation, as they retain their hips, which can be harvested and used for cooking at the end of the flowering season.

Create your own rosewater for cooking by simmering 6 parts flower petals to 4 parts water. When the color has disappeared, remove from heat, strain the flowers and add 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Store your rosewater in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed bottle. If purchasing rosewater, remember that rosewater made for cooking is different than that made for skin care.

Mix the petal with granulated sugar and blend in a food processor. Store the rose sugar in the freezer and use to sweeten tea, for baking or making frostings, ice creams, whip creams, smoothies and more. The amount of flowers you add to the sugar is up to you. However, you can always mix with plain sugar if you find the flavor too strong.

Make rose syrup, and use it in recipes that call for corn syrup, to top cheesecakes, waffles, pancakes or ice cream, or add it to frostings or yogurt. Combine 4 cups of rose petals and 5 cups of water in a large pan, and simmer until the color leaches from the petals. Strain the flowers, and then allow the liquid to reduce to about 1 and 1/2 cups. Add 2 cups of sugar, a squeeze of lemon juice, and stir until the sugar dissolves. Pour the syrup into a jar, and allow to cool before covering.

Add fresh rose petals to jam and jelly recipes, omelets, or even candy them to make unique and romantic recipes.

Vanilla Peppermint

2011-10-07T09:23:00.000-04:00

Vanilla has never been my favorite scent. However, coupled with peppermint I am in love! Thus our delicious and yummy vanilla peppermint snowflake lip balm and our upcoming holiday vanilla peppermint sugar cookie candle!

A few drops of vanilla in a can of paint will help eliminate unpleasant odors!
A vanilla bean under your car seat gives a fresh aroma and helps eliminate musty odors.
A teaspoon or so of vanilla in Italian tomato sauces or Mexican chili helps cut the acidity of the tomatoes!
The United States consumption of vanilla beans is approximately 1,200 tons per year!
In baking, cream the vanilla with the shortening or butter portion of the ingredients. The fat encapsulates the vanilla, preventing it from volatilizing in the baking process.
Vanilla beans are hand-pollinated, on family plantations.
The entire vanilla cultivation process, from planting to market, can take from five to six years!
Vanilla extract is used by veteran fishermen to mask the smell of their hands so the fish won't detect them!

NEW!!!!

2011-09-30T15:46:00.001-04:00

Thank you Gifts & Decorative Accessories!!

2011-09-29T11:08:00.003-04:00

Coming soon one of our Holiday Gift Set!

Thank you Leigh @ Gifts & Decorative Accessories!

SNEAK PREVIEW

Camellia Oil an organic elixir for the skin

2011-09-28T07:35:00.001-04:00

Did you know that camellia oil is noncomedogenic (non pore clogging)? Camellia oil is closer to skin’s natural sebum than jojoba oil and absorbs and penetrates quicker the skin quicker than other oils. Full of polyphenols, antioxidants and vitamins it possesses anti-aging properties by softening wrinkles and lines. It is the least oxidized oil and has UVB protection properties. Its uses are varied, eczema, rosacea, acne to stretch marks from pregnancy. We have camellia oil in most of our creams and our popular hair and body silk.

On top of all this – it conditions the scalp. What more could you ask from a gorgeous camellia?

Bob's Place

2011-09-26T10:11:00.005-04:00

This weekend was my Cousin Bob’s memorial in Colville, Washington. He and his wife Lyn and their friend Cathy (the tooth fairy) moved to Colville to live on a magical twenty acres with 11 horses, Maggie an Australian shepherd, Doc a corgi, cats galore, western bluebirds, turkeys and chilling coyotes. The coyotes are another story within themselves.

However it is Tiger who captured my heart; one blue eye and one brown eye with a loving disposition and his parents are brother and sister, clearly not planned. I am completely ignorant on horses and all that is required to maintain these wise and glorious creatures. However Cathy and Lyn have it down to a science. Feedings are at 7:30 and 4:30 – you weigh out the food – you move the horses from pasture to pasture and you have to separate some of the horses i.e. note aboveJ. Having always dreamed of living on a farm I never knew until this weekend all that is involved in the caregiving of so many animals and so much land. Cathy and Lyn are my version of the pioneer women, they can do anything – their talents include but not limited to knowing how much food to weigh out for the horses which sounds like a simple and logical task however, there are 11 horses and each has to have different amount – from 7 lbs. to 9 lbs. and I don’t even weigh out Chichi’s food! They know how to drive a bobcat to move the bales of hay, when to move the horses in for the winter, how to get coyotes away from the house and even how to build a house. It is an all-day event caring for so much and feeding so many creatures. Lyn is a true equestrian having been in the saddle before she could walk. She is petite but to see her handle the huge horses you would never think of her that way – she has a presence and a way with horses that leaves one in awe - just one of the many reasons why my cousin loved her so.

Thank you People Stylewatch!!

2011-09-21T11:07:00.001-04:00

A Spoonful of honey

2011-09-19T07:58:00.000-04:00

(photo thanks to my dear friend Claude)

Honey is the oldest preservative on the planet - dating back to 7,000 B.C. in Spain where prehistoric carvings depict men getting honey from the honeycomb. Culturally, honey has been used for medicinal purposes to beauty. While in Morocco the women used honey to wax their body. As a child my grandmother would give me honey and lemon for a sore throat.

It takes 2 million flowers to make a pound of honey
The average bee flies the equivalent of three times around the planet
Bees have been represented on the emblem of Pope Urban VIII, Napoleon's banner, and on the money of Ephesus
China is the largest producer of honey
Vanishing of the Bees is a must see
Albert Einstein apparently stated that without bees man would have only 4 years to live
My ode to honey and my mother : grits honey scrub

Fall Surprises

2011-09-15T23:45:00.011-04:00

Fall has always been my favorite time of year - no matter what country. Spring is heralded as a glorious however, fall encompasses much more for me... new beginnings, crisp and clear. This morning I had a lovely surprise that I had forgotten about - a yellow fall blooming flower - I thought they had all bloomed but luckily I was wrong.

Other blooms in my backyard today.

Good & Bad Foods for Pets

2011-09-15T07:36:00.002-04:00

Good Foods

Apples – without seeds or core (apple seeds contain chemical compounds that are poisonous to animals
Blueberries
Strawberries
Watermelon – without seeds
Frozen bananas
Green beans
Carrots – raw or cooked
Sweet potato – cooked, cubed or mashed without butter or seasoning; regular potatoes are also good, but in limited amounts since they are high in sugar and can increase weight
Squash, zucchini
Lettuce
Spinach
Popcorn – unsalted and unbuttered
Catnip or cat grass

Bad Foods

Grapes and raisins – contain chemical compounds that are toxic to dogs
Garlic and onions – both have chemical properties that can be toxic and even life threatening to dogs and cats
Tomatoes
Avocado
Mushrooms – particularly wild mushrooms
Fruits with pits, such as peaches, cherries, and plums – in some cases the pit can be toxic or can simply present a choking hazard
Nuts – particularly macadamia nuts, which are toxic to pets

Source: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/best-and-worst-people-food-for-dogs-and-cats.html#ixzz1Y1HB6NvR

late bloomers

2011-09-14T16:55:00.000-04:00

Blackeyed Susans - rudbeckia - is a native plant that is a true survivor... very drought tolerant perennial.
However my all time favorite late bloomer is the gardenia.... just heavenly this is their third bloom this year.

Diptyque BAIES

2011-09-14T10:08:00.000-04:00

Diptyque is another French obsession of mine! They have the most decadent scents - my favorite is BAIES candles, wash etc

Hearts and Crafts * Hermes: Behind the Scenes

2011-09-13T11:17:00.005-04:00

Hermes was created in Paris in 1837 as a harness making shop by Thierry Hermes. Still family owned they have evolved from saddles to crystal, leather and my coveted scarves. This is one of my favorites - at one time I tried to create a line around the scarf.
http://www.fullfrontalfashion.com/video/
Hearts and Crafts Documentary on Hermes is lovely

DermStore WIN THE CONTEST

2011-09-12T13:09:00.000-04:00

Thank you Laura Turner Seydel

2011-09-09T09:51:00.002-04:00

Thank you for the kind words and great post! Please go to her post to see the orginal - the following is taking from her website.

{Friday Favorites} HollyBeth’s Natural LuxuryPublished: September 9, 2011

Happy Friday, everyone! Today I’d like to share with you one of my absolute favorite beauty brands, HollyBeth’s Natural Luxury. Not only is this company based in my hometown of Atlanta, it is also certified USDA organic and uses sustainable ingredients. HollyBeth’s uses family-crafted recipes to create wonderful products – from eye cream to body and hair oils to lip balm – that really work, are safer for your body and do not put unnecessary burden on the environment.

The company creates its products in small batches in an old cotton warehouse here in Atlanta and truly has a passion for what they do. Founder HollyBeth says that she fell in love with nature when she was a young girl taking walks through the woods with her grandmother.
HollyBeth’s is open about the ingredients they use in their products, ensuring that they are truly up to the USDA’s organic standards and certified cruelty-free by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ Leaping Bunny Program.

Many of the ingredients are derived from herbs, trees, flowers and essential oils. To reduce its carbon footprint, HollyBeth’s works with local, organic suppliers as much as possible and with farms that practice environmentally-conscious methods.

Additionally, the company gives back to numerous nonprofit organizations, such as Atlanta Pet Rescue and Adoption, United Methodist Children’s Home, Circle of Hope Women’s Shelter and breast cancer research groups. This is a business that truly walks the walk in terms of its commitment to our community and planet.
HollyBeth’s Hair & Body Silk is definitely a staple in my beauty routine. It contains chocolate peppermint, camellia and argan oils. I use it both to smooth my hair and as a moisturizing body oil.

The line has received national attention in numerous publications, including InStyle, People StyleWatch, Redbook and Southern Living, among many others, making it accessible to environmentally-conscious consumers throughout the country.

While these products can be a bit of a splurge, knowing that they are good for you and your family, and have minimal impact on the environment make them worth it in my book.

Last Blooms of Summer

2011-09-09T09:34:00.000-04:00

As summer wanes my backyard is still blooming this morning with daisies, morning glories, ginger lilies and and rose of sharon.

ChiChi vs Facebook

2011-09-08T10:31:00.003-04:00

In this dire economic situation I was thinking of ways to increase cash flow. Perplexed, I looked at ChiChi for inspiration....so... I consider myself relatively bright but for the life of me I can't figure out my 3 Facebook pages and twitter i.e. why do I have 3 and why does everything go to the wrong one? And what happened to all my virtual friends? And here is where ChiChi comes in.... why not have a ChiChi likes page? I can always find her - there is only one ChiChi however her modeling days are getting shorter i.e. she is spry for 15 but she has to be able to really be a good judge. You can tell by the attached photos what she likes and doesn't like i.e. tongue to the left is a big like - tongue to the right is a psuedo like and the photo in the middle is un-determined. So, I doubt it will make us billions but couldn't you just see the face off of facebook owner and ChiChi? wonder if he would stick out his tongue.

Birdbath Soup

Flowers & Chocolate 20% off

GLAMSOUL Star uses HollyBeth's Natural Luxury

Did you know that Lenten Roses are poisonous?

Angel St John

Pros

Cons

Description

Read This Next

My experience

Closing

Robin, retired exec, grandmother, outdoors woman

Flowers from my yard for today's training At Urban Sanctuary

Super Bowl Numbers

Love at first site - Camellias

Nan Organic Egg Farmer and photographer loves HollyBeth's

Pat's testimonial on rose geranium moisturizer

Organic Beauty Talk and Chocolate

How many rose petals in one ounce of rose oil?

Red Grapefruit... the mutant hybrid

Foaming Geranium Body Wash

HB's Products are used by real women... even in labor

Marigold & Sweet Basil

Chinese New Year in Singapore - The Naturalist Grandeur

Organic Beauty Talk

A Little Southern Comfort Food for My Skin with HollyBeth Grits & Honey Facial Scrub

Daffodils and gifts

Chamomile Mazanilla - Blue Azul

Jojoba Oil Shortage

Turmeric, spinach and vermouth

Carolina Jessamine.... jasmine

Lipstick Musings: Truly Organic Skin Care: HollyBeth's Rose Geranium...

Little Bee

Virtues of Kale

Sampler Gift Set - Spa Treatment in a Tin

Hair and Body Silk THE multi tasker

Lavender Hand Cream

Meyer Lemons and Limes

Tango Orange & PMS

NEW YEAR CELEBRATION 25% off

First Woman to circle the globe

Organic Chocolate Peppermint & Orange

Daphne birthday bloom

Happy New Year's Eve

Pink Camellias

Happy Boxing Day

True Meaning of Christmas

Merry Christmas

Christmas Cookie Weekend

DOUBLETAKE

Great Styles Without Busting Your Budget

DOUBLTAKE

Deck the Halls with ChiChi - she is decked out for the Holidays!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Atlanta's Beth Galvin Fox 5 News

Merry Christmas

White Camellia

Friends

Thank you She knows ... Loving you for the press!

Cookie tin gift set

Happy Holiday Song Indigo Girls

Shamrocks in December

Thank you AJC!

Cookie Cutter Gift Set

Wreath

Ginger lilies and holly berries

Black Friday 25% off

Happy Thanksgiving

The Dreaming Tree Wine Crush

Natural Body Morningside

John Muir Exhibit at the Atlanta History Center

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Sandalwood

Orange Peppermint

clary sage

OPEN HOUSE AT THE STUDIO - JOIN US

Royal British Legion Poppy Pin

Rose greetings

GIVE AWAY

infinity scarf with infinite uses