Different Types of Body Moisturizers – Which One Is Best For You?

Leave a comment August 21, 2024 Amanda Pehrson

When it comes to lotions and body moisturizers, not all moisturizers are created equal. So where do you start? What type of moisturizer is best for you and your skin? In this blog post we are going to focus on products offered by Apple Valley Natural Soap but you are welcome to use this information when searching for the perfect lotion and body moisturizer. (I might be biased, but you’re not going to find one better than what AVNS has to offer.) Let’s get started, shall we?

Natural Lotion Bars – Perfect For a Quick, Mess-Free Application (Suitable for All Skin Types)

Apple Valley Natural Soap offers these amazing, creamy, and moisturizing lotion bars that are perfect for a no-mess application. They are also perfect for traveling or keeping in your handbag, and they offer these lotion bars in a Creamy Butter and a Lavender option. These lotion bars are suitable for all skin types.

There is no skimping on the luxurious ingredients in our versions of a hard lotion bar. For this Creamy Butter Lotion Bar we use organic virgin jojoba, organic coconut oil, unrefined organic cocoa butter, unrefined organic shea nut butter and mango butter, making a concentrated, rich, all natural, moisture-drenched solution for extremely dry, problematic skin. Use it on your heels, knuckles, elbows, cuticles—or anywhere else you have patches of dry skin. We left this one unscented so that even the most sensitive skin will fall in love. However, you CAN smell the delicious, creamy, mild scent of the unrefined cocoa butter, yum!

Our luxurious Lavender Lotion Bars combine nutritious organic oils and butters with the healing power of organic lavender essential oil for a powerhouse of moisturizing properties for your skin. With a lighter textured than our Creamy Butter Bar, this lotion is great for everyday use or problematic skin. With the inclusion of organic virgin jojoba, organic virgin coconut oil, unrefined organic cocoa butter, unrefined organic shea nut butter and powerful organic lavender essential oil, this lotion bar is a wonderful option for a wide range of skin types from the delicate, to the problematic.

Why lavender essential oil? Because of its many health benefits for the skin, most of which can be attributed to its antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. Lavender essential oil is widely used to treat various skin issues such as acne, wrinkles, psoriasis, and other inflammatory conditions, it is also commonly used to speed up the healing process of wounds, cuts, burns, and sunburns because it improves the formation of scar tissues.

Both our Creamy Butter and Lavender lotion bars are packaged in a large, 2 ounce plastic twist up tubes that offers mess-free application. Simply rub wherever you need super-charged moisturizing!

Shea Butter Skin Therapy – Perfect For People With Super Dry, Itchy Skin (Best for Dry Skin Types)

Experience Soothing Nutrition for your skin with Shea Skin Therapy. This Shea Butter is a super food for your skin! Organic, unrefined African shea butter is intensely moisturizing, it can not only help relieve dry itchy skin, but can help eliminate greasy scalp and hair issues, as well as balance oil production which makes it also great for oily complexions. We have chosen to use only USDA CERTIFIED Organic Raw Unrefined African Shea butter, this pure and natural organic shea butter packaged in Violet glass is the only way to go in order to reap all the benefits.

What makes Organic Shea Butter so good for the skin? It has a high content of fatty acids which gives it the ability to deeply moisturize and retain the elasticity of the skin, it is also a great ingredient for those with inflammatory skin conditions, like eczema and dermatitis. Unrefined Shea Butter is loaded with natural vitamins A, E, natural antioxidants and fatty acids for maximum natural moisturizing power, it is an amazing body healer. Try it to help treating skin conditions such as dry skin, eczema, rashes, stretch marks, and burns. It may also help lessen the irritation of psoriasis and eczema, help diminish wrinkles, clear blemishes, and heal scars & skin discolorations.

Apple Valley Natural Soap offers their Shea Butter Skin Therapy in Lavender Bergamot and Rosemary Mint essential oils blends as well as an unscented options (however, as of today they are currently sold out of the unscented, so you will have to check back or you can add it to your wishlist and they will send you an email when it is back in stock.) But in the meantime, I am sure you will enjoy both of the other essential oil blends!

Unrefined Organic Jojoba Oil – Perfect For People Looking For A Moisturizer In It’s Purest Form (Best for Oily to Combination Skin Types)

Looking for an all natural body lotion that will leave your skin luminous and softly scented? Our pure, organic jojoba is the most natural way to moisturize both skin and hair. The benefits of jojoba are numerous and unparalleled. Jojoba is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and easily absorbed into the skin, leaving no oily residue, making it the perfect massage oil. It is used to maintain skin elasticity and leaves skin literally glowing. You can use jojoba to remove makeup, combat conditions like athlete’s foot, dandruff, eczema, skin bacteria and other skin infections. It improves hair quality and stimulates hair growth.

Just a little goes a long way. Use it as an all over body moisturizer after a shower, or do what I do and use it in the shower after you’re done washing. Simply pump the jojoba on your arms and legs, rub in, and you’re good to go! It’s my favorite, fast way to moisturize my skin. Jojoba also makes an incredible massage oil.

Our Organic Jojoba comes Unscented, just pure Organic Virgin Jojoba oil. Or choose our lightly scented Relax blend which has the addition of lavender, benzoin (smells like vanilla), mandarin, geranium, sweet marjoram, frankincense, palmarosa and ylang ylang essential oils. You can even create a Custom Scent by requesting your choice of essential oils to be added to your Jojoba Oil at checkout (follow instructions on the website.)

Whipped Body Butter – Perfect For People Looking For A Lotion That Will Leave Your Skin Hydrated For Hours (Suitable for All Skin Types)

Please Note: Due to the warmer temperatures of the summer months, we have temporarily suspended shipping of the Whipped Body Butters for the season, and resume again in late September or early October. We don’t want your whipped body butter to melt during transit!

Using only organic ingredients packed with intense nutrition for your skin, this unscented body butter is a soothing and effective way to moisturize all over! We’ve included ingredients such as Organic Unrefined Cocoa Butter which can actually penetrate further than the top layer of the skin, it moisturizes deep-down and really nourishes the skin. And organic Shea Butter which has a high content fatty acids which gives it the ability to deeply moisturize and retain the elasticity of the skin. This all natural, 100% organic, uber moisturizing body butter has no added scent, but a soft, oh so good, chocolatey scent is evident from the organic unrefined cocoa butter. An amazing treat!

(Our body butters are natural, gentle and safe for every type of skin. Please note that just a little bit goes a long way, so use sparingly!)

Apple Valley Natural Soap offers their Whipped Body Butters in Unscented, natural Vanilla Tangerine, Lavender Vanilla, and Cocoa Mint scents. If you live locally near the twin cities of Minnesota, you are more than welcome to stop by and shop these Whipped Body Butters at the AVNS Boutique in Eagan, MN.

I hope this was helpful in helping you choose the perfect body lotion or moisturizer for your skin type! When it comes to lotions and body moisturizers, not all moisturizers are created equal, so I hope this was just what you needed to help you make the best, educated decision possible. Maybe you are now so interested in all of these products you just have to try them all… I’m not going to judge, I say go for it!

Anyway, what are some of your favorite body moisturizers? What other products do you love to use to help keep your skin moisturized and hydrated? Let us know in the comments below and lets start a conversation.

If you found this post interesting, learned something new, or think of someone who might enjoy reading it, please share this blog post with your family and friends. It means the world to us! You can also leave us a comment to let us know what you learned or share one of your favorite hair care or skin care tips with us. We would love to hear from you!

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

Your Thoughts Matter To Us

Leave a comment August 7, 2024 Amanda Pehrson

Happy Wednesday everyone! I hope you are all doing well – there is a very important topic I wanted to bring to your attention today. Your voice! Did you know that Apple Valley Natural Soap would not be able to do what we are doing today with you? Yes YOU! We have been able to develop some amazing new products, hire a wonderful team, and even open our very own boutique because of your support. And for that we are forever grateful for you. With that being said, we could use your help…

We Want To Hear For You

Did you know that one of the best ways you can support AVNS is by leaving us a review? I don’t know if you are anything like me, but when I am looking into purchasing something new wether that be skin care, hair care, clothing, a new phone, even watching a new movie or trying a new restaurant, I first need to read the reviews. The reviews left by others (people I have never met) help me to make an educated decision on if I am going to go through with the purchase and if I am going to give something new a try. If I see an item with no reviews, I can be hesitant to try it out. However, if I see that those who have left reviews have just adored the product, movie, restaurant, etc. I am so much more likely to give it a try myself. So let me ask you a question now, do you love Apple Valley Natural Soap? Do you have a favorite product from Apple Valley Natural Soap? Have you visited our AVNS Boutique in Eagan, MN? If so, would you be willing to leave us a review?

Leave Us A Review

We want to know what your thoughts are! We want to hear from you and lucky for everyone there are a few easy ways to do that.

1. Leave Us A Review On Google: You can use this link HERE to take you to our Google Review page for AVNS Boutique and you can leave us a review about our shop, the products we have stocked, the atmosphere, whatever is on your heart.

2. Leave Us A Review On Our Website: This one is super simple, do you have a favorite product from Apple Valley Natural Soap? If so, head over to our website, use our handy search bar (the magnifying glass in the upper right hand corner) and search for your favorite products. Click on the product you wish to review, and on the right hand side, under the product title, you will see “Write a Review.” All you need to do now is to click on “Write a Review” and fill out the information prompt boxes and hit “Submit Review.” Do this for as many products as you would like! Your voice matters and your reviews are important to us.

BONUS! When you leave us a review (wether on Google or on our Website) you get the chance for your review to be featured on our Instagram and Facebook and in our weekly newsletters on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Ultimately, we just want to hear your thoughts, your testimonials about your experience with our products, and help us get the word out to more people so we can provide amazing and natural hair care, skin care, and home and beauty products to more people just like you.

What are some of your favorite Apple Valley Natural Soap Products? Have you left a review for us before? Let us know in the comments below and lets start a conversation.

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

Go To Battle Against Acne With The Acne Battle Face & Body Bar By AVNS

Leave a comment July 31, 2024 Amanda Pehrson

We all know someone who struggles with acne, or maybe it’s you yourself who has been fighting against it for years. I know that I personally spent most of my teenage years trying to clear, hide, and heal my acne and the scars left behind. It is nothing to be ashamed of, everyone can struggle with it to varying degrees, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying or make you feel any less self-conscious about it. Enter, the Acne Battle Face & Body bar from Apple Valley Natural Soap. This bar has been specially designed to help you win your fight with acne and give your skin the boost it needs to fight, win, and heal.

What Is Acne & What Causes It?

“Acne is a common skin condition that happens when hair follicles under the skin become clogged. Sebum—oil that helps keep skin from drying out—and dead skin cells plug the pores, which leads to outbreaks of lesions, commonly called pimples or zits. Most often, the outbreaks occur on the face but can also appear on the back, chest, and shoulders… For most people, acne tends to go away by the time they reach their thirties, but some people in their forties and fifties continue to have this skin problem.” There are different types of acne breakouts such as Whiteheads, Blackheads, Pimples, and Cystic Acne.

Acne can be the cause of different environmental and internal factors from the quality of the air and the water, the cleanliness of our clothes and bedding, to the things we eat and drink, plus the products we put on our skin. Acne can also be caused by buildup of dead skin, excess oil production, and the growth of bacteria in the pores. And finally emotional factors like stress and hormones can also cause acne.

Stock Your Acne Fighting Arsenal

What do we need in our “Anti-Acne Battle Kit” to fight this annoying skin condition? First of all, soft and filtered water to wash your face with will help to make sure your skin is getting the best water with no added chemicals, chlorine, or harsh effects. Second, a good acne fighting cleaning soap! Some like to do the double cleanse method with an oil based cleaner to get all of the makeup or dirt and grime off from the day, and then an acne fighting foaming cleanser or soap to wash off the oil cleanser and clean the face. (Believe it or not, but an oil based cleanser is not going to make your breakouts worse. It has been shown that an oil based cleanser can actually help to balance out the excess oil production in your acne-prone skin.) Third, you will want to have a clean towel or cloth to pat dry your face after it has been washed. You can either use a clean wash cloth or make-up removing cloth, or some people opt for the disposable dry towel to make sure there is no added bacteria being put back onto their skin. Next you will want a nice gentle toner, either a spray, or one you apply with your hands will work well (just make sure your hands are clean.) Now, there are a variety of other products you can add to your routine such as serums, creams, and gels, each with specific goals in mind. But most importantly, you will want to finish it all off with a good, high quality moisturizer that will put wonderful anti-acne ingredients into your skin and protect your skin for the day or night ahead.

Our Favorite Acne Fighting Products

Acne Battle Face & Body Bar

We have mentioned this a few times, but we have to start off with our star of the show, the Acne Battle Face & Body Bar by AVNS. Acne can happen anywhere on your body, not just on your face. So this bar does it all, use it to cleanse your face morning and night as well as to clean your body in the shower to help fight against back and chest acne. It has the oils to help remove dirt and grime, plus the foaming cleansing power to refresh and remove residue.

We formulated this antibacterial soap for acne with special weapons like organic neem oil, a powerful anti-bacterial oil known to be highly beneficial for battling epidermal conditions. (This is what gives our Acne Battle bar its unique, nutty scent.) We then included olive, grapeseed and jojoba—oils that do not clog pores, but may help heal acne scars. Bentonite clay works to draw impurities from the skin; colloidal oatmeal gently exfoliates dead skin cells; and essential oils like tea tree and lavender, known for their anti-bacterial, antiseptic properties, make this acne soap a beneficial and natural choice for oily or combination skin.

All Natural Facial Toner

Follow your cleanse and prep your skin for your serums and moisturizers with an all natural toner from AVNS!

Calming Toner: This faintly sweet, citrusy toner is great if you have oily/combination skin. Neroli hydrosol contains alpha hydroxy acids which help exfoliate the skin, and is anti-inflammatory so helps soothe and calm skin inflammation like acne, eczema etc. It is also antibacterial, which is another reason it’s great for treating acne, plus is highly astringent, as well as rich in vitamin C. The combination of the Papaya and Mango extracts increase enzyme activity and are attributed with soothing skin irritations and exfoliating dead cells. Papaya contains arginine, which is an amino acid that smoothes skin and aids in cell regeneration and Papain possesses anti-inflammatory properties.

Naturally Clear Skin Face Lotion

Wether you go straight from a toner to a moisturizer or have more steps in-between, we could not recommend your final step in your acne fighting skin care routine to be anything other than the Naturally Clear Skin Face Lotion by AVNS.

Our Naturally Clear Face Lotion is a favorite of teenagers and young adult’s alike for keeping skin clear and moisturized without weighing it down. What do we love about about this lotion? Naturally Clear contains ingredients known to help keep acne at bay while moisturizing & revitalizing skin. Our Naturally Clear lotion is applied morning and evening after gently cleansing facial skin with any of AVNS soaps for combination or oily skin.

Directions: Apply morning and evening after gently cleansing and toning skin.

Whether you yourself or someone you know is fighting against acne, we hope this blog post was informative, helpful, and hopefully introduced you to some new products and ideas to try out. For many of us, this is a battle that might take many years to win, but know that you are not alone. Acne is annoying and can eat away at your self confidence, but it is truly nothing to be ashamed of. Just remember, your skin and the acne on your skin does not define you. You are beautiful both inside and out, and none of the worlds standards of beauty could ever take that away. You are loved!

What are some of your favorite acne fighting tips and tricks? What other products do you love to use to fight acne on your face and/or body? Let us know in the comments below and lets start a conversation.

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

Sources:

https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/acne

The Importance of Natural Deodorant

Leave a comment July 24, 2024 Amanda Pehrson

Is it just me or does it feel like everyone is coming around to the idea of natural deodorant? Or at least we are realizing just how bad run-of-the-mill deodorant is. So with that in mind, I thought it was about time to sit down and dive into deodorant, why we use it, why generic deodorant is so bad, and why we should make the switch to a natural deodorant. Sorry not sorry if this blog post makes you run to your bathroom to check the ingredients on your deodorant, maybe it’s time to try something new. Let’s dive right in, shall we!

What Is Deodorant & Why Do We Use It?

There are two main options on the market, deodorant and antiperspirant. “Deodorant masks odor, while an antiperspirant reduces how much you sweat… Deodorants offer two forms of protection against odor. The first is antimicrobial properties that reduce the number of bacteria producing odor. The second is a fragrance that masks odor that is produced. Antiperspirants block your body’s eccrine glands, which make sweat. This is usually done with an aluminum-based ingredient. Deodorants are considered cosmetic, but antiperspirants are under the classification of a drug.”

We are not going to talk much about antiperspirant in this post but I wanted to highlight the key differences. Now I do understand that some people do truly require what an antiperspirant offers as their bodies naturally produce sweat on a different level. So if that is you, I am by no means wanting to shame you or make you feel bad if a natural deodorant is not an option for you. But I hope this is still an educational post for you and that you find some good information here.

The “stink” we notice coming from our armpits that we generally attribute to sweating, is actually not caused by the sweat at all! Rather it is being caused by bacteria that is able to grow and thrive in the dark, warm and damp environment that is your armpit. We will talk a little bit later about why this is important to know when making the switch to a natural deodorant.

What Is REALLY In Deodorant?

As we talked about earlier, the main purpose of a deodorant is to either kill the odor-causing bacteria or to cover up the odor. So because of this, we can quickly assume that generic deodorants probably contain some pretty harmful ingredients. Deodorant contains either an alcohol ingredient or artificial chemicals such as Triclosan to kill the odor-causing bacteria. But you know what also kills odor-causing bacteria and isn’t toxic for your body? That’s right, soap! You can use something as simple as a wash cloth with some water and soap to clean your underarms on the days where you are not having a shower or know that you need a little extra freshness.

The other purpose of deodorant is to mask the smell of odor-causing bacteria, so this means that the majority of deodorants on the market contain fragrances (fragrance on an ingredient label is a blanket term and it is not required for the company to divulge what exactly is in their “fragrance” concoction.) They also contain parabens, aluminum, propylene glycol, and biological additives.

There are a lot of cases, studies, and arguments over the harmfulness of generic deodorant with some studies stating that you have nothing to worry about when using generic deodorant containing all of the ingredients listed above. While other studies show the direct link from generic deodorants and antiperspirants to things like breast cancer, kidney issues, hormone imbalances, and more. So what is the alternative? Natural deodorant!

Natural Deodorant – The Difference

One of the biggest things that stood out to me when looking into the switch from generic to natural deodorant is that generic deodorant is not recommended for pregnant women. So if it is not recommended and strongly discouraged for pregnant women, then why are we using it to begin with? Shouldn’t we be prioritizing putting clean, non-toxic, natural products on our bodies no matter what, especially for women. As women, our bodies are so sensitive to what we put on our bodies and our hormones are the first to be disrupted when we use toxic and generic products full of fragrance, preservatives, etc. Our armpits are such a sensitive and high absorbency area, so we need to be so careful about what we put on them. So what exactly is in natural deodorant that makes it different? Well, the simple answer is, less. Less ingredients, clean ingredients, and ingredients you can read and understand. For example, the Natural Deodorant Creme from AVNS has a super simple ingredient list which includes ingredients such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, arrowroot powder, and unrefined beeswax. And it is scented with 100% pure essential oils, no fragrances or fake ingredients.

Now don’t get me wrong, the switch to natural deodorant can be tricky and some of you might have tried it in the past, got frustrated with it, and went back to your old deodorant. I don’t blame you, if you don’t know what to expect or how to make the switch, it can be a discouraging process. As mentioned earlier, what makes us “stink” is not our sweat itself but the bacteria build up in our armpits. So first things first, you want to make sure that your armpits are clean daily. You do not have to shower every day, just take a wash cloth or non-toxic wipe for sensitive skin and wipe down the area before you apply your deodorant. When you apply your natural deodorant, follow the directions given by the brand as each natural deodorant has a different application process. The next step is very important, give your self time to adjust. Your armpits will probably go through a bit of a detox and adjustment period, you might notice the smell gets worse before it gets better, but your body just needs a bit of time to adjust to the clean and non-toxic deodorant. Don’t give up! It is so worth it to stick with it and your body, your hormones, and your armpits will thank you.

AVNS Natural Deodorant Creme (Unscented & Regular)

Moisturize and deodorize those pits with our all natural, aluminum-free deodorant cremes. Made with anti-bacterial, odor absorbing ingredients like organic virgin coconut oil, diatomaceous earth, aluminum free baking soda, arrowroot powder, and white kaolin clay, our natural deodorant creme is safe and effective.

Our unscented version fights hard with the anti-bacterial, odor absorbing base ingredients (perfect for sensitive skin.)

Our regular deodorant adds an extra level of protection with the antibacterial essential oils of tea tree, lavender, and lemon.

Made with safe, natural ingredients you can trust:
Organic virgin coconut oil, organic virgin jojoba, organic arrowroot powder, aluminum free baking soda, diatomaceous earth, white kaolin clay and unrefined beeswax. Our “Regular” version also contains essential oils of lavender, organic tea tree, and lemon.

Directions: Using a dime-sized amount of deodorant, allow it to warm between fingers before gently applying to the underarm area until fully absorbed. Use as needed.

With so many people making the switch to natural deodorant, it is high time that AVNS put their name in the running for a generic deodorant alternative. With all natural ingredients and tried and true results, the switch to natural deodorant will not only leave your underarms smelling fresh, but your body and hormones will thank you! You can also have peace of mind knowing that you are not putting toxins, heavy metals, or fake fragrances on your body. I truly hope this post was educational, informational, and helpful to you as you take the leap and make the switch to natural deodorant and the next step into a cleaner, non-toxic lifestyle.

What is your favorite natural deodorant brand? What other products do you love to use to promote fresh underarms? Let us know what you thought in the comments below and let’s start a conversation.

If you found this post interesting, learned something new, or think of someone who might enjoy reading it too, please share this blog post with your family and friends. It means the world to us! You can also leave us a comment to let us know what you learned or share one of your favorite hair care or skin care tips with us. We would love to hear from you!

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/difference-between-deodorant-and-antiperspirant

Soaps Of The Summer

Leave a comment June 26, 2024 Amanda Pehrson

Happy Summer everyone! I can’t believe it is finally here in all of its warm and sunny glory. Today I thought we should address a very important subject, soaps for the summer from Apple Valley Natural Soap. What are important things to look for in your summer soap bar? What are the best scents to have in a soap bar for summer? We will talk about all of that in this post and give you all the links you need to make shopping easy and make sure your home is stocked with only the best for the summer ahead.

Kitchen Salt & Spice Bar

The best selling Kitchen Salt & Spice Bar is an excellent choice for cleaning odors from hands with its rich, spicy, fabulous scent. It is Marianne’s favorite bar for the kitchen, especially after chopping onions or working with garlic or peppers. It has two odor-killing ingredients: coffee and anise essential oil. This bar is also my dads favorite for getting the dirt and grime off his hands after working outside or in the garage, he says there is nothing like it!

“Whether you are a cooking enthusiast, a gardener, a fisherman, or a mechanic, this is what you’ve been looking for!“

Need exfoliation? Ground coffee beans and salt will do the trick to get off stubborn dirt. But you’ll also want to keep your hard working hands moisturized, softened, and protected, so we have packed this bar with loads of unrefined shea nut butter. European spa salt makes this bar antibacterial, rock hard, and long lasting. No more mushy soap by the kitchen sink. Really, there’s nothing not to love about this bar.

Limited Edition Gardeners Citrus Basil Bar

Back in time to take care of hard working green thumbs! The Gardener’s Citrus Basil Soap Bar is packed with ground apricot shells to effectively scrub off dirt and grime, black walnut powder for its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic, and anti-fungicide properties, plus moisturizing unrefined organic shea butter to keep your hands soft and silky.

Did you know that black walnut has rich levels of antioxidants and beneficial fatty acids can actually impact the health and appearance of skin? It has also been known to help clear up skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema, which makes black walnut a wonderful addition to this natural hand soap. You’ll also LOVE the warm, spicy essential oil blend of bergamot, basil, lemon, and grapefruit. The perfect bar for busy hands this summer!

“[I] gave this to friends who are always hard at work in the garden, all kinds of work maintaining [the] home and cleaning. They love how soft and moisturizing the lather is and how their skin feels. They said the scent lingers slightly on the skin later. Thank you AVNS, it’s a lovely bar for hardworking hands!!”

(Please Note: We make limited quantities of our Limited Edition soaps, so once they are sold out, they are gone for the season.)

Limited Edition Camping Shampoo & Body Bar

This one is for all you outdoorsy, adventuresome folks who like to go camping and fishing, but still want get an all over clean right there at the campsite. The Camping Shampoo & Body Bar will clean you from head to toe, is biodegradable and safe to use at campsites near bodies of water. Please note that I said “near” not in! The “Leave No Trace” guidelines state that even with biodegradable soap, the earth is needed to filter the soapy water, so it is strongly recommended that you shower or wash up 200 feet away from any body of water. (Read more about LNT.) When you go camping with this bar, you can rest assured that you are using a product which is safe for the environment and good for you! Plus, as it’s also made with fantastic bug repelling essential oils, there’s the added benefit of an extra layer of protection from little pests.

“…I tent camp an average of two months a summer. Often in rustic campgrounds. Looking forward to testing this out next summer. Looking forward to seeing the results of the bug repellent capabilities!…Love your products!”

(Please Note: We make limited quantities of our Limited Edition soaps, so once they are sold out, they are gone for the season.)

Lavender Lemon Salt Bar

Lavender and lemon – a summer match made in heaven! Marianne loves this bar in the kitchen and the bathroom. Also, have you ever wondered if you can use a salt bar for a shampoo? Well, the answer is yes you can!
This salt bar, plus our Lavender Rosemary Salt Bar make a wonderful shampoo for those with itchy scalps who have tried everything under the sun – including a wide range of our products to alleviate the itch. Even some of our team members who periodically get itchy scalps, find relief with these 2 salt bars. (If you do choose to try a salt bar as a shampoo, try a sample or half bar first as this bar won’t be for everyone.)

“I have this bar in the bathroom and love everything about it. I have not found a soap at Apple Valley Natural Soap that I dont love, and really enjoy trying new ones. I will be purchasing this one again!”

Pink Lemonade Shampoo & Body Bar

Pink Lemonade, name one thing that says summer more than lemonade! This bar is for all pink lemonade and summer lovers. It is sweet, bright and a great choice for normal to oily hair. It features rose kaolin clay which keeps skin hydrated, detoxifies, increases circulation, encourages new cell growth and reduces inflammation and irritation. Along with the amazing base oils and butters, its lemony scent essential oil tops this bar off perfectly.

“Just the name alone caused me to order this one. Come on who doesn’t love pink lemonade. This is a summer hair must. I love it! The look, smell and lather of this one are superb. It’s also a must as a body bar too. This is another re-order pick for me!”

Wether you are looking for something sweet and citrusy or exfoliating and moisturizing, Apple Valley Natural Soap has all the bars for your summer. Summer is hot, sweet and a ton of fun so make sure you are stocked up on soap that will not only keep up with the demands of summer but add to your summer. And of course these bars only scratch the surface of what Apple Valley Natural Soap has to offer! Be sure to visit our website for not only summer staples but for fun products year round.

What are your favorite summer hair and skin care soap bars? What other products do you love during the summer? Let us know what you thought in the comments below and let’s start a conversation.

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

GIVEAWAY TIME! AVNS x Seven Weeks Coffee

Leave a comment June 19, 2024 Amanda Pehrson

We have a really exciting blog post today! Apple Valley Natural Soap and Seven Weeks Coffee are collaborating on a GIVEAWAY over on our Instagram and Facebook. In this blog post we are going to take an in-depth look at the products featured in this giveaway and a special feature on Seven Weeks Coffee. Details for how to enter the giveaway will be at the bottom of this blog.

Cafe Mocha Shampoo & Body Bar

One of the products featured in our giveaway is the Cafe Mocha Shampoo & Body Bar!

Do you love the scent of freshly ground coffee? Then you will LOVE this shampoo bar!!! Full of rich moisturizing oils and butters plus oodles of coffee essential oil, all of which have amazing benefits for both skin and hair. No soft water? No problem! due to the high quantity of moisturizing ingredients along with the added stimulating power of coffee, this soap makes an amazing body and even facial bar!

What Other People Are Saying:

“I want to let you know that it’s perfectly lovely! It smells wonderful, and I like how it makes my skin feel. It doesn’t dry it out, even on my face! I love it!”

Organic Argan Oil

The second product featured in this giveaway is 100% Pure Organic Moroccan Argan Oil!

One of the world’s most rare and potent beauty serums, this unrefined (virgin), certified organic, Moroccan Argan oil is rich in nutrients, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. As a non-greasy, fast absorbing oil, it offers better protection for skin and hair than any other oil on the planet. Argan oil is high in something called oleic acid and even though it’s still considered a “dry” oil, meaning it won’t leave an oily residue and will absorb quickly, it’s an oil which will keep the skin moisturized, help battle the loss of elasticity and reduce inflammation. Oleic acid adds a richness to oils, making argan oil an excellent deep moisturizer. It penetrates easily and deeply into the skin’s surface, replenishing lost moisture that naturally comes with age, it also helps the moisture from evaporating.

What Other People Are Saying:

“This Moroccan Argan Oil is the real deal. I’ve tried others and immediately I noticed a huge difference when I applied this oil to my face. This is high quality and a little is all you need. My face is soft and those fine lines around the eyes are almost not there! I highly recommend buying it from AVNS.”

Seven Weeks Coffee

Who and what is Seven Weeks Coffee?

Seven Weeks Coffee is organically farmed, freshly roasted, mold and toxin free, and ultra-low acidity coffee with even more to offer. They also support pro-life organizations with every order. “When you drink our coffee you will help save lives because we donate 10% of every sale to pro-life pregnancy care centers—this is upwards of 50% of our profits. It’s simple: Drink Coffee, Save Lives.” Seven Weeks Coffee started in 2021 on a mission to save the unborn by providing the world’s best specialty coffee and donating 10% of every sale to pro-life pregnancy care centers across the nation. Seven Weeks Coffee proudly partners and supports over 850 pregnancy centers nationwide.

Seven Weeks Coffee gets its name because “At seven weeks of development a baby is the size of a coffee bean—and for the first time, a heartbeat is clearly detectable.”

“Not many coffee companies can trace their crops to the farmer level…we can. Through our sourcing partners we personally know every farmer who grows the coffee you drink. This type of sourcing is know as Direct Trade, which is the most ethical way to source coffee. It allows you to enjoy unparalleled quality and support local farmers. Furthermore, we pay our farmers 300% more than fair-trade coffee requires.”

You can shop their website for single origin coffee, coffee pods, premium blends, decaf coffee, and roasts all the way from light to espresso. You can also choose from one of their bundles of three coffees and save on your order.

Giveaway

So how do you enter this AMAZING giveaway? It is simple!

Head on over to our Instagram or Facebook and look for our AVNS x Seven Weeks Coffee Giveaway post. Then all you have to do to get entered to win the products listed above is:

FOLLOW – Make sure you are following both Apple Valley Natural Soap and Seven Weeks Coffee
LIKE – Like our giveaway post on Instagram or Facebook
COMMENT & TAG – Comment on the post and tag a friend in the comments
BONUS ENTRY – Share the post to your story and tag both accounts

Simple as that! Giveaway closes on Friday, June 21st at Midnight and there will be ONE winner chosen and announced the following week. GOOD LUCK!

Have you tried any of these products? Have you tried Seven Weeks Coffee before? Let us know what you thought in the comments below and let’s start a conversation. Be sure to head over to our Instagram and Facebook and get entered into our giveaway.

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

Father’s Day 2024 Gift Guide

Leave a comment June 12, 2024 Amanda Pehrson

Happy June everyone! Summer is right around the corner but before that, Father’s Day will be here before we know it. If the men in my life are anything like yours, they are not easy to shop for. So I thought I would do the heavy lifting for you and compile a list of fail-safe gifts any Father in your life will love. I hope this list will be helpful to you and at least one of these gift ideas will make your Father’s Day shopping just that much easier. Let’s get right into it, shall we?

MAN 2.0 Natural Body, Shampoo & Shaving Bar

Starting off strong with one of the best sellers at Apple Valley Natural Soap, the MAN 2.0 Natural Body, Shampoo & Shaving bar. Men are simple creatures and love a one stop shop when it comes to their hair and body care products. So, Apple Valley Natural Soap made it their mission to provide just that for all the men in your life.

With this bar, men can have their soap, shampoo, and shaving cream too. Made with organic olive oil, organic shea nut butter, and organic jojoba oil for an ultra gentle, moisturizing treatment, as well as bentonite clay for slip and silk on their face when shaving, this deliciously scented shampoo bar lathers like crazy and will leave them looking, feeling, and smelling like a million bucks in a few short minutes.

Traditional Shaving Soap

The perfect gift for the mature man in your life. Eco friendly, natural, traditional, and soothing for the sensitive skin during and after the shave.

These Nourishing Shaving Soaps are handcrafted with natural and organic ingredients and are created to build a luxurious and satisfying lather during a traditional wet shave. The key to a good shaving soap is a high fat content so skin is protected during the shave, it will also nourish your skin so it doesn’t become dry and irritated. A good shaving soap is economically a great choice as it lasts a long time, and it is a wonderful option for your skin because it adds, not detracts, moisture. Ingredients such as olive oil, shea butter and avocado will do just that, nourish and protect skin during and after the shave. We’ve also added bentonite clay which brings slip to help the razor glide over the skin, and colloidal oats which help protect and soothe. We offer this shaving soap in both Classic and Rugged scent options.

Natural Beard Shampoo Bar

For the bearded men in your life, keep your mans beard clean and silky smooth with the Apple Valley Natural Soap Natural Beard Shampoo Bar.

Made with premium natural and organic ingredients such as organic unrefined beeswax, organic unrefined raw shea butter, organic raw honey & organic olive oil, our Natural Beard Shampoo will gently cleanse and condition for a healthy beard. Apple Valley Natural Soap’s Beard shampoo is a one stop beard care and body grooming solution, a 100% natural shampoo for beard hair, face & body. This shampoo will cleanse, soften & condition beard hair, soothe skin & help with healthy hair growth. Remove harsh synthetic chemicals, sulfates, fragrances & parabens from your cleansing routine and use our eco-friendly, biodegradable beard shampoo for all your cleansing needs.

Personalized Leather Toiletry Bag Dropp Kit

The perfect finishing touch is a masculine and sophisticated place to keep all of their new personal care supplies.

“Our leather toiletry bags and Dopp kits make perfect gifts for men and are a practical and stylish choice. They are built to last and are perfect for traveling the world or to and from the gym.” Four colors and three sizes to choose from, choose one or a full set. Add a personalization to the bag for an extra special touch.

THE Dad Hat

If the men in your life are anything like mine, they love a good hat. Well, I recently found this company and they have truly hit the nail on the head when it comes to Dad Hats.

“This hat was made for all the dads that just love being dads. We have great days and tough days ahead of us, but it’s the responsibility that we love. Our kids bring us the most joy and sometimes when you have a crazy day and they’re finally in bed… all you can say is… wow… what a day… DadGang.”

Men’s Fragrance From Maison Beautique

For a truly luxurious and thoughtful Father’s Day gift, consider giving the gift of a high-quality men’s perfume. A signature fragrance is not only a personal touch, but it’s also a timeless gift that any man can appreciate. Whether it’s for daily wear or special occasions, a well-chosen perfume will be a lasting reminder of your appreciation every time he wears it. Consider a luxurious fragrance at Maison Beautique where it’s easy to find that perfect scent for the man in your life, one he’s sure to love!

Do you live locally in Minnesota? Stop by our AVNS Boutique in Eagan, MN for more specially selected items for men and last minute Father’s Day gifts.

Hours:

Wednesday 12pm (Noon) – 6pm

Thursday 12pm (Noon) – 6pm

Friday 10am – 5pm

Saturday 10am – 5pm

Address:

3825 Cedar Grove Parkway
Suite 1102
Eagan, MN 55122

Have you or a man in your life tried any of these products? Are there any go-to gifts the men in your life love? Let us know in the comments below and let’s start a conversation.

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

Top AVNS Products For Pregnant Mamas

Leave a comment June 5, 2024 Amanda Pehrson

I am not sure what is in the water at the moment but with so many expecting mamas right now, I thought it would be a perfect time to highlight some of the best AVNS has to offer to help expecting mamas feel their best during this special season. If you have ever had the time to sit down and chat with a pregnant mama or have been or are currently pregnant yourself, you will know that there are so many changed your body will experience in 9 short months. Their bodies need as much help as they can get wether that is extra hydration, relaxation, or pain management. Let’s dive right in shall we?

1. Natural Lip Balm

The running theme throughout these products is moisturizing power! There is nothing worse than going to sleep at night and waking up with chapped and dry lips or doing throughout your day with cracked lips. Meet your lips new best friend – the AVNS Natural Lip Balm!

With multiple variations of luxurious lip balm to nourish and heal lips, we have something for everyone! Let’s start with smooth, silky, creamy, rich, buttery goodness for your lips. The following two lip balms are made with organic virgin argan oil, nature’s “liquid gold,” organic virgin jojoba, organic virgin cocoa butter, organic virgin coconut oil, unrefined beeswax, organic olive oil and vitamin E (from Non-GMO Sunflower oil) to keep your lips soft, supple, healthy, and glowing.

Lanolin Intensive Lip Therapy: This lip balm was developed for lips in serious need of serious help. Chock full of lanolin, one of nature’s ultimate moisturizers, lanolin not only drenches your lips in rich moisture it also locks it in for the toughest winter days.

Vanilla Bean: Made with the addition of an organic Vanilla Co2 extract which is made from Madagascar vanilla beans, this lip balm not only smells wonderful, but also has medicinal benefits from the vanilla bean. The aroma is warm, creamy and sweet.

Now for the fabulous four! These lip balms are made with organic jojoba, organic cocoa butter, organic coconut oil, unrefined beeswax, organic olive oil and vitamin E (from Non-GMO sunflower oil). Plus we’ve added in a few other surprises to add some yummy love, all the while keeping your lips soft, supple, healthy, and glowing. What is this yummy love? Part one, Stevia! This adds a light sweetness to each lip balm while the other ingredients nourish and revitalize your lips. Part two, amazing ALL natural flavors!

Black Cherry: In addition to the base ingredients, this yummy lip balm is made with stevia and black cherry flavoring, which as you may have guessed, comes only from black cherries! A favorite for sure for both young and old alike!

Vanilla Latte: Like coffee? Then you truly will LOVE this one! With a hint of warmth from the vanilla (made from vanilla beans), coffee essential oil and then the slight sweetness that stevia brings, it’s really a lip smacking treat!

Sugar Cookie: What’s not to like? The name says it all! A taste of almond (from almonds), sweet warmth of vanilla (vanilla beans) and stevia to top it off and you’ll keep coming back for more. Plus you can feel good about letting the little ones layer it on.

Peppermint: Do you like a tingle on your lips? Then you’ll love this lip balm! With the added essential oils of Peppermint, Tea Tree and Eucalyptus, this lip balm can help nourish, soothe, and cool your lips.

2. Organic Virgin Jojoba Oil

Moisturizing in its purest form! Unrefined Organic Virgin Jojoba Oil is a multi-purpose product. It makes the perfect belly oil, a hydrating oil for your hair to keep it shiny and healthy throughout your pregnancy, a whole body moisturizer, and the perfect oil for your partner to massage into your feet, legs, or shoulders after a long day.

3. Symphony AVNS Signature Soap

Fall in love with this all natural soap which is made to retain all the natural glycerin from the natural oils & butters. A bar that gently cleanses while nourishing & rejuvenating hair, face & body. Beautifully scented, beautiful variations of natural colors & beautiful packaging, what’s not to love? Made with the moisturizing organic butters of Babassu and Shea, this is the perfect soap to revitalize hair & skin health.

Discover the joy and beauty of natural skin & hair care! From the captivating fresh scent and nourishing ingredients, to the beautiful variations of color, we hope our Symphony Signature Shampoo & Body Bar will remind you that beautiful things come in small packages, and that the simple pleasures are all you need. After many test runs we came up with this amazing shampoo & body bar; a bar that creates a symphony all on its own, with beautiful colors, moisturizing natural ingredients & an uplifting scent, all components harmonize beautifully. Symphony also gives a nod back to the business that Marianne started when her journey in natural skin & hair care began, Symphony Naturals.

4. Arnica Muscle Rub & Pain Relief Salve

The aches and pains of pregnancy and a changing, growing body are no joke! And at the end of a long day (or let’s be real, at any point throughout the day) mamas are looking for something, anything, to help take the edge off. With most painkillers and medications being out of the question during pregnancy, natural remedies it is! Let me introduce you to our Arnica Muscle Rub & Pain Relief Salve.

Crafted with certified organic extra virgin olive oil infused with certified organic or wildcrafted arnica flowers—along with the addition of certified organic menthol crystals and essential oils of eucalyptus, peppermint, camphor, and clove, this incredible salve is the perfect follow-up to a good work out, and an amazing foundation for the perfect massage! Arnica is known for reducing discoloration from bruising, treating muscle soreness (professional athletes love arnica!) and providing temporary relief from pain. Arnica is also great for sprains, soreness, and swelling and for the relief of arthritis, muscle, and joint pain. If you’re struggling with tight or sore muscles, this is a great salve to help relieve and release strain and tension.

Also, because of the addition of menthol crystals and the specific blend of essential oils, this salve also makes a terrific chest rub to alleviate the discomfort of congestion. It leaves a soothing, cooling sensation on the skin that penetrates into the tissues comfortingly. So if you are struggling with pregnancy congestion and a stuffed nose, just a little bit of our Arnica Muscle Rub & Pain Relief Salve will work wonders.

PLEASE NOTE: All of the products mentioned in this blog post are naturally and ethically sourced and made, however you should still consult with a trusted natural doctor, OB-GYN, or midwife before using these products is you are pregnant.

5. Whipped Body Butter

Body Butter is a MUST for expecting mamas! Not only is it perfect for the growing bump, it is a prefect baby safe moisturizer for your little one as well. Pregnancy can be very dehydrating, so having super hydrating and moisturizing products as a part of your daily routine. Enter, AVNS Whipped Body Butter!

Moisturize and nourish even the most sensitive of skin with our Lavender Vanilla Baby Butter. We’ve used only organic ingredients packed full of healing properties. Safe and effective for our little ones, as well as the young at heart. We’ve included ingredients such as Organic Shea Butter which has a high content fatty acids which gives it the ability to deeply moisturize and retain the elasticity of the skin. And Organic Jojoba Oil which closely resembles human sebum, an oily substance naturally produced by the oil glands below the skin surface, so it is an amazing moisturizer. Jojoba is packed with almost all of the vitamins and minerals needed for healthy skin.

Our body butters are natural, gentle and safe for every type of skin. Please note that just a little bit goes a long way, so use sparingly!

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the summer temperatures and the nature of the body butter to, well, melt. So we have temporarily suspended shipping of the Whipped Body Butters for the season, and resume again in late Sept. early Oct. However, if you live locally in Minnesota, you can stop by our AVNS Boutique in Eagan to shop all of our Whipped Body Butters and Moisturizers.

Are you currently an expecting mama or have you tired any of these products before during your pregnancy? Also, what other products did you use and love during your pregnancy? Let us know what you thought in the comments below and let’s start a conversation.

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

3 Natural & Easy Product Swaps

Leave a comment May 29, 2024 Amanda Pehrson

Have you ever looked around at your skin care, hair care, and general everyday products and think to yourself, “there has to be a better option out there than this.” Well, you’re not alone! Many people are starting to come to the realization that the products they use in their homes and on their skin and hair play a much bigger role in their health than they first thought. If you have ever lit a new candle from Target or Bath & Body Works and soon after started to get a headache, there is a good chance they are connected. Maybe you got a new bath bomb or soap bar from LUSH and the fragrance oil used in the product made your head spin or your skin broke out in a rash after you got out of the bath. Again, there is a very good chance there is a connection to be made here. There are countless other examples I could make here but you get my point, there are things in our home and every day products that can cause unpleasant and even serious health issues. In this blog we are going to talk about 3 natural and easy product swaps you can make so that no matter where you are at with your health and natural living journey, you can have peace of mind knowing you are using products that are safe for you and your family and better for the planet.

1. Bath Bombs

Let’s begin with a popular one, bath bombs. Ladies (and men), most of us can say there is nothing quite like a warm soak in the bath after a long week. And to make the experience more enjoyable, we can throw a lovely bath bomb in for fun colors and smells. Well, did you know that most bath bombs contain fake colors, fragrances, and other ingredients that are toxic for our bodies? And we’re sitting and soaking our bodies in that… no thank you! Instead, you can swap out your bath bombs from LUSH, Target, and Ulta for Natural Bath Bombs from Apple Valley Natural Soap.

Our luxurious natural bath bombs are crafted from high quality natural ingredients that are gentle and nourishing to the skin. Our ingredients help to moisturize and soothe the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.

Many bath bombs being sold today contain harsh ingredients, chemicals and synthetic fragrances that are toxic to the body. These harsh ingredients can disrupt hormones, cause skin irritation, and other health issues. By choosing our all natural bath bombs you will avoid exposing your skin to these harmful chemicals and enjoy a safer, more relaxing bathing experience.

We have 4 different bath bombs to choose from, plus the option to purchase all 4 in a beautiful gift box at a 15% savings! Give a loved one the perfect gift! Each bath bomb purchase comes wrapped in a waxed paper and sealed with one of our labels. Your purchase will also come with a beautiful card which contains a description and the ingredients for our bath bombs. Try them all and have fun finding your favorites!

Our bath bombs contain a base of Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Epsom Salts & Shea Butter, plus the essential oils. We have 4 different essential oil scented bath bombs to choose from, Lavender Eucalyptus, Grapefruit Mint, Cedar-wood Lavender, and Fresh Citrus.

2. Liquid Soap & Refills with Reusable Soap Pump

This is one many of you might be familiar with at this point, but let’s explore! Liquid Soap is probably one of the most common items you will find in any household. One in each bathroom and some might even change out their soaps to fit the season. Floral scents for Spring, Citrus for Summer, Pumpkin or Apple Pie for Autumn and Balsam Fir or Spiced scents for Winter. And while this might sound nice, there are a few things we need to consider. First, most of the places you might purchase your hand soap from such as Target, the drug store, or Bath & Body Works, are single use plastics, meaning that once you run out of that soap, you just throw away the bottle and put a new one in its place. This is not sustainable and can be harmful for the wellbeing of our planet. Second, these soaps are full of fake fragrances, colors, and other additives that are made to look like they are more moisturizing or anti-bacterial. These ingredients are toxic for our bodies and if the average person washes their hands 9 times throughout the day, just think about how much of that toxic hand soap you are rubbing into your hands. And what about your kids? Their little bodies don’t need all of that nastiness on their sensitive skin.

So instead, you can opt for a natural liquid soap such as Apple Valley Natural Soap’s Liquid Castile or Liquid African Black Soap. Not only is this soap safe for your whole family, it also comes in eco-friendly bottles made from bamboo and sugarcane pulp, which are not only 100% recyclable, but also 98% landfill biodegradable. Take it a step further by adding a reusable soap pump or foaming soap bottle to your kitchen, bathrooms, and wherever else you keep hand soap. This way you can just refill your hand soap whenever you run out and have peace of mind knowing you are taking care of your skin and the planet.

Liquid Castile Soap:

We specifically created this liquid soap with Organic olive oil as the main star, and then added a few other oils to enhance the soaps versatility. By adding other gentle and moisturizing yet cleansing oils, this liquid soap is perfect for hands, face and body, plus it may even help with household cleaning!

Try our natural Castile soap for a nourishing and effective cleansing experience for your hands, face and body. Add you own essential oils for a custom scented cleanse! Our premium Castile type liquid soap’s main ingredient is organic virgin olive oil, which deeply penetrates the skin, moisturizing and nourishing while cleansing. We’ve also chosen to combine the olive oil with a rich blend of premium oils to create a thick and versatile soap with creamy lather, gently cleansing while moisturizing, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth. We offer 3 different non-toxic scent options, Unscented, Lavender, and Lemon Verbena.

African Black Soap:

You can also try our African Black Soap, rich in unrefined Shea Butter & beautifully crafted by families in Africa using only ingredients hand gathered in nature.

African Black Soap which contains a high quantity of natural shea butter is said to be one of the healthiest soaps for all skin types due to the purity of the ingredients used during production. Handcrafted in small batches with ingredients hand gathered from nature, this soap is created by families who cook over open fires, and the “potash” used to finish the soap comes from the fire pits. This version has no added essential oils, but has a mild scent form the natural ingredients. We offer both Unscented and Peppermint scent options in our African Black Soap.

For both the Liquid Castile Soap and African Black Soap, use with one of our Soap Pump Tops for ease of convenience right out of the bottle! Or select one our of Foaming Soap Pumps by Full Circle made of recyclable glass and bamboo!

3. Essential Oils

Last but not least, let’s talk essential oils. Now, this one is a bit controversial but we are going to look at this from a healthy living and toxic-free home perspective.

Essential Oils are quite simply the oil that is extracted from plants found in nature. There are a bunch of natural benefits, plus essential oils have naturally occurring scents and they smell divine! They are an amazing option for those who are sensitive to strong fake fragrances that you would typically find in candles, soaps, cleaning products, etc. There are so many uses for essential oils but I will highlight a few of my favorite. First, they are an easy swap if you are sensitive to the artificial fragrances in candles, air fresheners, perfumes, etc. Swap out your Bath & Body Works products for a diffuser and lovely smelling essential oils! You can even have fun mixing and matching different oils in your defuser to create new blends. Second, swap out your hand and body soaps that are filled with artificial fragrances for Apple Valley Natural Soap’s amazing soaps that are scented with natural essential oils. Third, swap our your cleaning and home products for those harnessing the power of natural essential oils such as the previously mentioned and very versatile, Liquid Castile Soaps, which are great for household cleaning. Add your own essential oils to the Unscented Liquid Castile soap for a super easy, cost effective way to clean. Have some fun and DIY your own cleaning supplies, laundry soap, etc.

Need some additional help to start? Look no further! At Apple Valley Natural Soap, we have made it our mission to make sure our products are non-toxic and scented with natural essential oils or natural fragrances. Plus, we now offer Organic Essential Oils and Essential Oil Roll-ons.

Organic Essential Oils:

Our Certified Organic therapeutic essential oils have many benefits for all areas of life, from cleaning and skin care to aromatherapy and speeding illness recovery. Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for medicinal and health purposes, and they continue to gain popularity as a natural and safe way to treat health concerns. Essential oils are also a safe and effective way to assist with daily needs such as cleaning and body care.

Why Organic essential oils vs non-organic? Organic essential oils are of a higher quality, being produced using high-quality, organic plant material and processed using natural, non-toxic methods. By choosing organic essential oils, you are also supporting sustainable agriculture and methods that are better for the environment. This all means that the oils are more potent, effective, and beneficial.

We offer a variety of organic essential oils such as Organic Eucalyptus Blue Mallee, Organic Lavender, Organic Lemongrass, Organic Peppermint Supreme, Organic Tea Tree and MORE!

Essential Oil Roll-Ons:

Essential Oils when blended carefully create a synergy between their individual properties, which can greatly enhance the individual oils. Our blended essential oils are carried in Organic MCT coconut oil for easy application and perfect for when on the go. All our Essential Oils are 100% natural and pure, plus they are packaged in 10mL dark ultraviolet glass bottles which are designed to block all harmful visible light while beneficial UV and infrared rays extend the freshness of what’s held inside.

We offer 4 different essential oil blend options all designed to help specific needs such as Clarity, Immunity, Lavender (Relaxing), and Serenity. You can use these oils to help with specific needs as well as smelling amazing with a great alternative to perfume.

These are just 3 of MANY product swap ideas we could explore but I hope that this helps to give you a good place to start as you begin your product swap journey. There are things in our home and every day products that can cause unpleasant and even serious health issues. From LUSH to AVNS Natural Bath Bombs, Drug Store Hand Soap to AVNS Liquid Castile & African Black soap, and Bath & Body Works to Organic Essential Oils, these easy product swaps make sure that no matter where you are at with your health and natural living journey, you can have peace of mind knowing you are using products that are safe for you and your family and better for the planet.

Have you made some product swaps in your hair care, skin care, or home care? Do you have favorite or ride or die product swap? Tell us what they are and start a conversation in the comments!

If you found this post interesting, learned something new, or think of someone who might enjoy reading it too, please share this blog post with your family and friends. It means the world to us! You can also leave us a comment to let us know what you learned or share one of your favorite skin care tips with us. We would love to hear from you!

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

AVNS Boutique – Experience The Beauty Of Nature

Leave a comment May 22, 2024 Amanda Pehrson

If you have been following along on our journey for a few years now, you might remember when Apple Valley Natural Soap had the opportunity to move out of the Buck home in Lakeville, Minnesota and into our first wear-house and retail location in Apple Valley, Minnesota. Well, since then we had the amazing opportunity to move into a beautiful retail space in a prime location in Eagan, Minnesota. We were also able to hard launch AVNS Boutique, our beauty, hair and skin care, home and lifestyle retail brand. But, in case you haven’t been following along on Instagram and Facebook or are not subscribed to our weekly newsletter, please, allow me to do the honors of formally introducing you to AVNS Boutique.

The Best New Spot To Shop

AVNS Boutique is designed to bring our customers the best of only naturally made products, from clothing & hair care, to chocolate and perfume. We want AVNS Boutique to be a place where no label reading is necessary. Stop by and find clothing made from hemp, bamboo and organic cotton that your body will love, organic essential oils to aid your life, low acid, mold free coffee grown & harvested with organic practices, natural candles certified as MADE SAFE®, plus much more, all in one place. Rest assured that whatever you choose, it will be naturally good for you and your household.

A Sneak Peek Into What You Will Find At The AVNS Boutique

Have you ever been on our website to order a soap bar, lotion, or bath bomb and just wanted to reach your nose through the screen to smell it? AVNS Boutique is the perfect place to come to get all the hands (and nose) on experience of our products. From soap bars and candles to bamboo clothing and home goods, AVNS Boutique is a one-stop-shop for all of your hair care, skin care, and home goods needs. Plus you never have to worry about toxic or fake ingredients in the products we stock in our shop. Our goal was to make sure that AVNS Boutique wasn’t only a lovely place to shop, but a safe place to shop. You will find ethically sourced, natural, toxin-free items for all areas of your life like toothpaste, coffee, candles, t-shirts, and so much more.

Hours & Address Details

Can’t wait to shop? You’re in luck! We are so excited to be able to bring you AVNS Boutique 4 days a week every single week. AVNS Boutique is open Wednesday through Saturday every week.

Our Hours Are:

Wednesday & Thursday 12pm (Noon) – 6pm

Friday & Saturday 10am – 5pm

Our Address Is:

3825 Cedar Grove Parkway
Suite 1102
Eagan, MN 55122

(Our store faces HWY 13, we are a few doors down from Football Pizza and just off Nicols Rd)

We cannot wait for you to stop by and visit us at AVNS Boutique in Eagan, Minnesota! Have you already visited the AVNS Boutique? Let us know what you thought in the comments and we hope to see you again really soon.

If you found this post interesting, learned something new, or think of someone who might enjoy reading it too, please share this blog post with your family and friends. It means the world to us! You can also leave us a comment to let us know what you learned or share one of your favorite skin care tips with us. We would love to hear from you!