Friday Food for Thought

Today, give a stranger

one of your smiles.

It might be the only

sunshine he sees all day.

~ Quoted in "P.S. I Love You", compiled by H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Ready To Be Bagged & Tagged

Goody, Goody Gumdrops!

So, the Soap Fairy in all of her sweetness decided to smile on me.  I love the way my latest Holiday Soap turned out!  Introducing Goody Gumdrops :)

A huge deviation from the look and feel of my other soaps, this sweet treat has all of the skin loving goodness you've come to expect from Ellia C. Naturals cold processed shea butter soaps with a touch of whimsy and sprinkle of fun!  Blended with essential oils of sweet citrus and a touch of spice, this smells just like a trip to Santa's candy shop.  The soap balls on top are also cold processed and were hand rolled to resemble gumdrops when cut.  Topped off with a sprinkle of organic cane sugar for just the right amount of sparkle, these little yummies make the perfect gift for the Holidays!

These baby's will be available in very limited supply beginning November 26th.  Once they're gone, they're gone!  Still debating whether to make them available for pre-sale.  Maybe you can help me decide?

BOGO, Baby!

I'm in the mood for a fabulous Holiday BOGO today!  Get a jump on your holiday shopping this year with some of our fabulous CP shea butter soaps.  TODAY ONLY:  Buy 1 Holiday CP Soap, receive another of your choice FREE!!  Just put your free selection in the "Message to Seller" section of the PayPal Checkout process...easy, peasy.  Ends 10/26 11pm EST.

Check 'em out today!

Seizing Soap Balls!

Ok, so this is my first attempt at imbeds of any kind, CP or otherwise.  I had to work quickly because the soap started to go into a major seize just as I was trying to swirl the top (prior to adding the soap balls).  Note To Self:  don't discount the water so much next time!  I was going for a more vibrant pastel pink (if that makes sense) in the top soap layer to play off the soap balls better, but c'est la vie when dealing with natural colorants and seizing soap (no play time to add additional mica this time around).  Also, because of the seizing, the swirl I was going for on the top looks more like a gloppy mess :(

I decided to insulate this one to try to deepen the pinkish color a bit through the gel phase and am crossing my fingers that the Soap Fairy will decide to smile on me since it's part of the Holiday Collection!  As for now, I've put it to bed and will try desperately not to peek (which is ever so hard for me!).  Any guesses as to what I'm going for with this batch?

It's Raining Soap Balls!

Here's a sneaky peek at the handmade cold processed soap balls I've been making for my latest batch of Holiday Bar Soap.  All hand poured and rolled today (no rebatching on these babies).

Here's hoping that my labor of love pays off in the finished product!

Also in the works...a decadently rich scrub for those who prefer a more traditional style over the solid sugar cubes (or for those, like me, who just want loads of options when it comes to skin loving goodies!).

Cosmic Cookies!

This is how I spent my Friday evening...

How 'bout you?

FREE Shipping on Sweet Treats!

Having a Harvest or Halloween party this year? Our Whipped Pumpkin Lather Lollies & Soap Pops make perfect party favors!

 Enjoy FREE Shipping on all Lather Lollie and Soap Pop orders over $25 now through Sunday.  Email me at elliacnaturals@yahoo.com for details.

Friday Food For Thought

You don't choose your family.

They are God's gift to you

as you are to them.

~ Desmond Tutu

Sweet Treats from the Lather Lab!

Soap Pops

 Lather Lollies

(soap lollipops)

The Winners' Board

Congratulations to allthingsnew!

Your comment "I love, love, love, love, love the ladybug outfit, especially the tutu. That is the cutest thing EVER!" was selected by www.random.org as the winner in our giveaway from Personalized Letters & Accessories.

Thanks to all who took the time to visit with us and enter this wonderful giveaway.  It's always a privilege to host a fabulous up and coming mom-owned business!

Ho, Ho, Ho...Start Your Shopping Early With A CSN Stores Giveaway!

This giveaway is now closed.

Ready for another fabulous giveaway?  It comes as no surprise to my current followers that I am a huge fan of CSN Stores and their over 200 sub-stores filled with goodies galore!  I am particularly fond of their selection of children's toys and kitchen gadgets (wink, wink).  However, recently I was browsing their selection of bar furniture and came across some great pieces.

 I also decided to wander over to take a peek at their Dining Room Sets (as we are in desperate need of a new one) and found these gems.

Luckily for you, my friends over at CSN Stores have graciously offered a $65 gift certificate to one lucky Bullfrogs & Butterflies Baby reader.  What better way to start checking off items on your Holiday List this year?

To Enter (mandatory):
Visit CSN stores and leave a comment on this post telling me an item that caught your eye. Please include your email or have it visible in your profile (mandatory entry).

For extra entries, do any or all of the following and leave a comment letting me know for each. Make sure to leave your email address if not visible in your profile so I can let you know if you win:

1. Follow my blog with google friend connect (2 extra entries)
2. Follow me on Twitter and leave me your twitter id (2 extra entries)
3. Tweet about this giveaway mentioning @ElliaCNaturals and leave the link (once per day)
4. Like Ellia C. Naturals on Facebook (our all-natural bath & body shop) and leave your FB id (2 extra entries)
4. Blog about this giveaway or post it on your sidebar
5. Grab my button and place it on your blog

Giveaway ends October 31st. Open to U.S. and Canada. Winner selected by www.random.org. Winner will have 72 hrs. to respond to email notification or alternate winner will be selected.

No compensation or test product was received in exchange for hosting this giveaway (just the opportunity to pass this great prize along to one of you!). Company information provided by CSNstores.

A Festive Party Cooler!

Looking for a festive way to keep your drinks cold at your next Harvest-inspired party?  Check out this super cute pumpkin beverage cooler from MarthaStewart.com!  I can just picture it with some beautiful leaf etchings like those seen HERE.  Want the skinny on how to make your own festive pumpkin party cooler?  Here you go:

You don't need a fairy godmother to turn a pumpkin into an ice bucket. Just choose a large, wide pumpkin, cut off the top third with a serrated knife or keyhole saw, and scrape out the pulp and seeds. Line the gourd with a glass or plastic bowl to prevent it from becoming water-logged. If the pumpkin opening is a bit too small for the bowl, carefully shave the inside edge with a spoon. Finish by filling the bowl with ice and bottled drinks.

Images and instructional courtesy of MarthaStweart.com.  All rights reserved.

Friday Food For Thought

Autumn is a second spring

When every leaf is a flower.

~ Albert Camus

Staying Healthy This Cold & Flu Season

I've seen the signs and symptoms everywhere...perpetual runny noses at preschool, hacking/phlegmy coughs while running errands in the stores...cold and flu season is quickly approaching! Whether you choose to immunize for the flu or not this year, it is important to educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of a cold vs. the flu and the typical treatment options available for each.

After an exhausting search and comparison of numerous respected medical sources, I was able to compile the following chart last year as a personal family reference. We kept it on our reference board in the kitchen all season last year for easy access, and I plan to do the same this year. Keep in mind, there are still many similarities between your garden variety seasonal flu and H1N1, but being able to rule in or out the common cold still goes a long way to preserving my peace of mind.

**This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the need for medical advice from a qualified practitioner. If you are experiencing any health related symptoms, seek consultation from your preferred medical provider.

Symptom	Cold	H1N1 Flu
Fever	Fever is rare with a cold.	Fever is usually present in 80% or more of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3-to-4 days is generally associated with the flu.
Coughing	A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.	A non-productive, non-mucus producing cough is usually present with the flu. It is sometimes referred to as dry cough.
Aches	Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.	Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.
Stuffy Nose	Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.	Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.
Chills	Chills are uncommon with a cold.	60% of people who have the flu experience chills.
Tiredness	Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.	Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.
Sneezing	Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.	Sneezing is not common with the flu.
Sudden Symptoms	Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.	The flu has a rapid onset within 3-to-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
Headache	A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.	A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Sore Throat	Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.	Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.
Chest Discomfort	Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.	Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.

Above all else, as with any cold and flu season, proper hand washing should be top priority in every household. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should:

Always wash your hands before:

• Preparing food
• Eating
• Treating wounds or giving medicine
• Touching a sick or injured person
• Inserting or removing contact lenses

Always wash your hands after:

• Preparing food, especially raw meat or poultry
• Using the toilet
• Changing a diaper
• Touching an animal or animal toys, leashes or waste
• Blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing into your hands
• Treating wounds
• Touching a sick or injured person
• Handling garbage or something that could be contaminated, such as a cleaning cloth or soiled shoes

Of course, it's also important to wash your hands whenever they look dirty.

How To Wash Your Hands:

It's generally best to wash your hands with soap and water. Follow these simple steps:

• Wet your hands with running water.
• Apply liquid, bar or powder soap.
• Lather well.
• Rub your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Remember to scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, between your fingers and under your fingernails.
• Rinse well.
• Dry your hands with a clean or disposable towel or air dryer.
• If possible, use your towel to turn off the faucet.

Keep in mind that antibacterial soap is no more effective at killing germs than is regular soap. Using antibacterial soap may even lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to the product's antimicrobial agents — making it harder to kill these germs in the future.

The Mayo Clinic also provides guidelines for using alcohol-based hand sanitizer as follows:

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers — which don't require water — are an excellent alternative to soap and water. If you choose to use a commercially prepared hand sanitizer, make sure the product contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Then follow these simple steps:

• Apply enough of the product to the palm of your hand to wet your hands completely.
• Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces, for up to 25 seconds or until they're dry.

If your hands are visibly dirty, however, wash with soap and water. Antimicrobial wipes or towelettes are another option, although they're not as effective as alcohol-based sanitizers.

Hand washing, whether with soap or hand sanitizer, doesn't take much time or effort, but can go a long way in helping to prevent illness. Adopting this habit withing your own family can play a huge role in keeping your loved ones healthy this winter season (and always!).

Thank you to The Mayo Clinic for some great information regarding proper hand washing!

And The Winner Is...

Congratulations to Shannon of The Fam! Your comment "I'd love the Go Gaga Bag!" was chosen as the winner in our CSN Stores $45 Gift Certificate Giveaway...Kick up your heels and get ready to go shopping from the comfort of your own home!

Thanks to everyone for playing! Remember, you can still enter to win a beautiful custom tutu or monogrammed no-spill cup from Personalized Letters & Accessories. And be sure to stay tuned...more fabulous giveaways are on the way!

Last Day to Enter! $45 to CSN Stores

Don't forget to enter now for your chance to win a $45 gift certificate from CSN Stores. The winner will be selected tonight at 10 pm. EST. Bon Chance!

Friday Food For Thought

Our greatest glory
is not in never failing,
but in rising up
every time we fail.

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Personalized Letters & Accessories {Review/Giveaway}

This giveaway is now closed.

As the owner of two small businesses and mama to 4 busy little bees, I'm always thrilled to help a fellow mom-preneur get the word out about her growing product line. Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to Melisa, the mama and new business woman behind Personalized Letters & Accessories. Melisa specializes in personalized items, including letters, tutus, hair accessories, pillowcase dresses, and dining sets.

I recently received this festive Candy Corn Tutu and matching bow from Melisa's Autumn inspired collection to test and review. I regret that the pics I have for you are without my sweet little model, but once dolled up in her new duds, The Bean was in no mood to sit still and pose for pics! She had a wonderful time twirling and playing in her fluffy tutu and was enamored with her reflection in the glass of the kitchen door. As the mama of an active toddler, I appreciated the fact that the elastic in the tutu and the embellishments were securely sewn to provide a firm attachment and added durability.

Buy It: Interested in purchasing some sweet personalized items for the special munchkin in your life? Stop by HERE to learn more about Melisa's growing line-up.

Win It: Melisa has generously offered one lucky Bullfrogs & Butterflies Baby reader their choice of a custom tutu or personalized spill proof cup (sippy and straw varieties available).

To Enter: (mandatory) Stop by Personalized Letters & Accessories and take a look around. Then, come back here and let me know what caught your eye!

Extra Entries: Please leave a separate comment for each. Make sure to leave your email address if not visible in your profile so I can let you know if you win:

1. Follow my blog with google friend connect (2 extra entries)
2. Follow me on Twitter and leave me your twitter id
3. Tweet about this giveaway mentioning @ElliaCNaturals and leave the link (once per day)
4. Like Ellia C. Naturals on Facebook (our all-natural bath & body shop) and leave your FB id
4. Blog about this giveaway or post it on your sidebar (2 extra entries)
5. Grab my button and place it on your blog (2 extra entries)

Giveaway ends October 20th. Open to U.S. residents. Winner selected by www.random.org. Winner will have 72 hrs. to respond to email notification or alternate winner will be selected.

An Ode to Mrs. Potts!

Photo property of www.bakerella.com.

Aren't these cake balls absolutely yummy? The latest edition in the line up of "How Did She Do That?" goodies from the uber talented Bakerella, these cuties were designed in honor of Disney's Diamond Edition Blue-Ray / DVD release of Beauty and the Beast.

Since I no longer have any equipment capable of playing my VHS version (or to copy it to DVD), I will be first in line to pick up this classic for our collection. How 'bout you? Yes? Even better, Bakerella is giving away copies of the new set to 3 lucky winners...just stop by now for your chance to win and take a look at some of her scrumptious eye candy while you're there!

Take a Gander at These Festive Lovelies!

Check out our new line-up of Holiday Soaps!

Autumn Harvest - roasted pumpkin, coconut milk, and freshly ground spices (this little yummy contains no essential oils)

Comfort - a warm blend of nutmeg, cinnamon, white pepper, chilies, and clove

Festive - cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, sweet orange, tangerine, and lemon

Frost - a true peppermint, earthy and herbaceous (includes moroccan red clay)

Orange Ya' Clover - sweet orange and clove

Pumpkin White Chocolate Mocha, Baby!

Fall is here and with it comes the arrival of Caribou Coffee's Pumpkin White Chocolate Mocha. So rich, so decadent, so incredibly yummy...I've already indulged waaaaay more than any one person should in an entire season!! And never fear, it's offered in both regular and decaf varieties for all of my pregnant and nursing mama friends out there. Be sure to stop by and check it out...your taste buds will thank you!

*I received no compensation for this post...only my own satisfaction for having shared such a magnificent treat with my sweet followers!

Holiday Gift Sets Are Back!

Our popular Holiday Gift Sets are back! Start making your list...we'll check it twice for you and even play Santa to your friends and family!

Friday Food For Thought

Strength is the capacity
to break a chocolate bar
into four pieces
with your bare hands
and then eat
just one of the pieces!

~ Judith Viorst