Happy November, everyone! Holiday season is nearly upon us and something that I don’t think is taught enough now a days is how to be a good guest. More often we focus on the ability to be a good host, but we are not the host 100% of the time. So how can we be good guests during the holidays this year?
1. Be Helpful
This might seem like an obvious one, but we can get so caught up in the day or event that we as guests can forget about the amount of work our hosts are putting into making it as lovely an event as it can be. So what can we do to help? We can simply start by asking this question of our hosts – “How can I help?” Now, sometimes your host will have everything under control at the moment and not need any assistance, but don’t just ask the question once. When the meal is over, ask if you can help clear the table or start on the dishes. At the end of the day, ask if you can help put chairs, leftovers, or decor away. There will be more than one opportunity to offer your help and to show appreciation to your hosts by helping to tidy up, so don’t just ask once. And if in the event you are told that there isn’t anything you can do to help every time you ask, simply pay attention to your surroundings and take care of your space. Clear your own dish after meal time, throw your trash away throughout the day, and do what you can to help keep the mess to a minimum and thus making less work for your hosts at the end of the day.
2. Bring a Gift
The act of giving your hosts a gift is simply not taught enough now a days. But something as simple as bringing a bouquet of flowers for your hostess goes a long way in expressing your appreciation for the invite. Like I said, it doesn’t have to be anything crazy or elaborate, it can be something simple that is catered to the individual or holiday. For example, a bouquet of flowers for your sister who is hosting a Friendsgiving party, a bottle of wine for your mom who is hosting Thanksgiving, or a bar of Seasonal Hand & Body soap from Apple Valley Natural Soap for your best friend who is hosting a Secret Santa Christmas party. Just a little something to say “Thank You!” to your host for opening up their home and providing a lovely meal.
3. Contribute To The Meal
This one is more common as often times the host will ask their guests to bring rolls, veggies and dip, or a pie to contribute to the meal time spread. But in case you haven’t heard anything from your host about contributing to the meal, simply ask them if they want you to bring something. And try to be specific. Sometimes if your host has already planned the menu it can be hard to try to think of a new idea for you. But if you offer to bring the dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, or a cheese and cracker tray, they may be more inclined to say yes to your offer as it doesn’t create any extra work for them at all.
4. Don’t Overstay Your Welcome
At the end of a long day (or more accurately, at the end of a long week, as your host has been preparing for and thinking of this event for a long time leading up) all a host wants to do is sit down and put their feet up. Now, I personally have been hosted by a wide range of personalities over the years. Some have the mentality of ‘there is a time frame and once the clock hits 8pm, all guests should be out the door,’ while others have a truly open door policy, where in you are welcome to stay as long as you would like, just please close the door behind you on the way out wether it is 9pm or 1am. My first piece of advice to you on this, is know your hosts! Are they likely to enforce a “end time” or do they have an open door policy? Either way, be respectful of their home, their space, and their time considering they have been busy for not just today but the past few days preparing to host you. Honor the “end time” if there is one and be respectful of the time as it gets late and try not to stay until after your hosts have all gone to bed (unless of course you are staying in the same home, then this doesn’t really apply to you.) Needless to say, be respectful of your hosts and their time and don’t overstay your welcome. The goal is to be invited back next year!
Some of these tips might seem obvious to you, but you would be surprised how little is taught on the art of being a good guest. I hope that at least one of these tips was helpful to you and maybe gave you some ideas on how you can be a better guest this holiday season.
Are you more often than not the host or the guest during the holidays? What other tips would you add to this list? And hosts, what would you like to see from your guests this holiday season? Let me know in the comments!
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!
Autumn is a very divided season! Some love it, while others look upon it with dread. For some, it is a refreshing season, the coolness in the mornings and evenings is a welcome change after the heat of the Summer. Others look at the Autumn months as nothing more than the gateway to winter. Too cold. Too gray. Marking the end to yet another gloriously warm Summer. Well, I am here today to do my best to help you embrace the change in season for all it can be – fun, refreshing, cozy, and oh so enjoyable. Here are my top tips for embracing the Autumn months and finding joy in the changing seasons.
1. Nature Walks
There is quite simply nothing like getting outside in October and going for a walk in nature! The vibrant colors all around you, the coolness in the air, and the sounds of nature preparing for a season of rest. There is something truly magical about how the trees put on such a show for us with all of their fiery yellows, oranges, and reds and dark greens. Wether you go with your family, a friend, your kids, or just by yourself, I encourage you to find a nature park or trail near you, get outside, and enjoy a walk surrounded by nature embracing the changing season.
2. Apple Orchards
Nothing screams Autumn quite like going to a good old apple orchard. The kids love it, the adults love it, and even grandma loves the fresh apples she gets to turn into yummy pies, jelly’s, and apple sauces. Find a local apple orchard, pack up the car with your family or friends, bring a picnic lunch, and enjoy a Saturday at the orchard picking apples, eating fresh apple cider doughnuts, and enjoying the cooler weather.
3. A Bonfire Night With Friends and Neighbors
One exciting thing about Autumn is the cooler mornings and evenings! Perfect for a warm bonfire outside with some toasty marshmallows. Invite your friends and neighbors to come over and join you by the fire (maybe with a Hot Toddy in hand) and let yourself relax into the simplicity of the night, the community, and crisp Autumn air.
4. Hot Apple Cider
You can pair this one with the one above, but I thought it was only right to give it it’s own feature spot. Apple cider is an Autumnal staple, some drink it cold (weirdos), while us normal people drink it piping hot. And some even like to spice it up a bit by making a Hot Toddy for a little extra warmth on a cool night. But no matter how you like to enjoy your cider, we can all agree it is a staple in Autumn and there is something both cozy and refreshing about drinking an apple cider a the orchard, around a bonfire, or cozied up on your couch in the evening with a good movie or book.
5. Baking An Autumnal Recipe
There are so many options to choose from, just pick your favorite! Pumpkin, apple, zucchini, molasses, maple, cranberry, and the list goes on. Choose your favorite flavors and spend some time in the kitchen with a candle, a cup of coffee or cider, and bake a delicious Autumnal recipe for your family and friends (or eat it all yourself, there is no judgement here.) Pumpkin loaf with cream cheese frosting. Apple pie with maple ice cream. Chocolate chip zucchini bread. Molasses cookies. Maple brown butter cookies. White chocolate and cranberry scones. Pick your favorite and start baking!
6. Decorate You Home For Autumn
This might be one of my favorite ways to embrace the changing season. I love a fresh space that welcomes the season and brings a bit of newness into my home. And the fun part is, there isn’t just one way to decorate your home! That is entirely up to you and your personal style. You can take inspiration from Pinterest, seasonal home magazines, or home decor shops. Or you can go entirely off the vision in your head! Have fun with it, bring your favorite parts of the season into your home, wether that is pumpkins, oak branches, or wheat. Oranges, greens, or golden yellows. Get creative and have fun! You can also bring Autumn into your home with scents through candles and soaps. Stock your bathrooms and kitchen with Apple Valley Natural Soap Seasonal Fall Soaps like Pumpkin Spice, Spice Cake, and Black Licorice.
Wether you already love the Autumn season or this is a season of dread for you, I hope this blog gave you some inspiration on ways you can embrace the change in season and enjoy it for what it is. A new season, a fresh start, full of new possibilities, and ready for you to make new memories. I hope I was able to help you embrace the change in season for all it can be and you were able to find some good take-aways from my top tips for embracing the Autumn months and finding joy in the changing seasons.
Do you have a favorite way to celebrate the changing seasons, specially this autumn? Share with us 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, 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 autumn hair care or skin care tips with us. We would love to hear from you!
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?
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.
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.
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. We offer both an Unscented version and a Relax version which has the addition of lavender, benzoin (smells like vanilla), mandarin, geranium, sweet marjoram, frankincense, palmarosa and ylang ylang essential oils.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Another week, another blog! Welcome back everyone, this week we will be diving into the world of castor oil. You have probably heard of castor oil at least once in your life but wether you are a regular user of castor oil or a newbie, this blog is for you!
What is castor oil anyway? Well, according to the National Institute of Health “castor oil is a [thick] vegetable oil made from the Ricinus Communis [the castor bean or castor oil plant], a plant common in the Eastern areas of the world.” Castor oil is a thick and mostly odorless oil but due to how thick it is, it is very tough to get out of clothing and can leave a dark, wet-looking stain. However, castor oil has been used for centuries for many different things such as (and most commonly) a natural laxative, to encourage birth in 40+ week pregnant women, hair and skin care, and so much more.
The History Of Castor Oil
Castor oil’s “first recorded medicinal use goes back to the time of the Ebers papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical treatise… A traditional name for the plant is “Palma Christi” because of its supposed resemblance to the hand of Christ and its widely-reputed healing power.” “Castor Oil has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs dating back to 4,000 B.C. Evidence of its cultivation was discovered circa 500 B.C. in central Egypt where it was used in cosmetics, medicines and as a lamp oil. Castor oil is mentioned in the Ebers papyrus in recipes intended to treat numerous health conditions and ailments.” Castor oil has been used for hair and skin treatments, medicinal purposes, to cure leather, and oil lamps (although we can imagine that would not have smelled very nice) among other things. It was used in Egypt and all over the continent of Africa as well as in China, India and Brazil. Castor beans were brought to America and cultivated as early as the late 1600’s.
The MANY Uses For Castor Oil
We have a few of the benefits and uses of Castor Oil listed on our website:
Castor oil’s benefits for hair & body are many, here are the highlights
It is reputed to be good for repairing hair, softening skin, and easing aches and pains.
Rich in fatty acids, as well as antioxidants.
Contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it effective for treating acne-prone skin, as it penetrates the skin easily without clogging pores or aggravating the skin condition.
Stimulates circulation to boost hair growth and locks in moisture.
Anti-fungal properties can treat scalp infections by eliminating the bacteria and microorganisms that can cause hair loss, dandruff, and infection.
For mature skin types, it may delay the signs of aging by deeply moisturizing, softening and soothing the skin, boosting elasticity, and stimulating collagen production.
Restores the skin’s hydration and reduces the appearance of unwanted blemishes and scars when applied regularly.
Medicinally
Soothes skin inflammation caused by dry skin, acne, sunburns.
Relieves the discomfort of sore muscles and joint pain, especially for those who suffer from arthritis.
Antimicrobial properties help it work effectively as a disinfectant for wounds, minor cuts, and scrapes.
Breaking up adhesions or scar tissue.
Strengthening the immune system
Increases relaxation and improves sleep quality
Improving lymphatic drainage
Reducing headaches
Detoxifying internal organs
Reducing menstrual cramps
Castor oil is a highly absorbent oil so if you put it on your skin, it will penetrate deeply and work quickly. It can be used with a Castor Oil Pack to help to break up blockages, inflammation, and bone spurs and growths under the skin. You can also put a little in your belly button with a small piece of organic cotton for better sleep, to relieve constipation, and improve overall health. Use the castor oil with a castor oil pack on your liver, kidneys, or thyroid* to help with detoxification. Use on your stomach and digestive system to improve inflammation, digestion and gut health. It has been said that castor oil can help with fertility in women. It can also be used both externally and internally to induce labor in 40+ week pregnant women. It has been used for centuries to induce labor because castor oil is a natural uterine contractor (which is why it is not recommended for use during pregnancy.)
*Please note that you should talk with a trusted natural doctor or specialist before you use a castor oil pack for detoxification and be aware of the side effects of the detoxification process. You might not feel your best for a day or two during detoxification as your body has to clean out and flush all of that crap (pun intended) from your body. When using a castor oil pack, start with only 20 minutes at a time a couple of times a week for a couple of weeks or so and slowly increase the time and frequency as your body is able. Eventually you will be able to wear your castor oil pack overnight.
Why the Quality Of Your Castor Oil Matters
As with most things, the quality of the product you use matters. As mentioned earlier, castor oil is a highly absorbent oil so if you put it on your skin, it will penetrate deeply and work quickly. If you are putting something onto your skin that will be quickly absorbed deeply into your body, wouldn’t you want to make sure is it the best of the best? If you are getting castor oil for any topical or internal uses, make sure that it is first and foremost Organic. This means we don’t need to worry about it the castor bean plant having been sprayed with chemicals and pesticides or grown with the use of GMO’s. Next you want to make sure it is Cold Pressed and Expeller Pressed, this means it is not heated while going through the extraction process so none of the goodness and healing benefits of the castor oil have been lost or “cooked out” of the oil. And finally you want to make sure your castor oil is Hexane Free. You might be asking, what in the world is hexane? Great question, according to Toxic-Free Future, “Hexane is a solvent widely used as an industrial cleaner and degreaser and is an ingredient in many consumer products. Easily inhaled or absorbed through the skin, hexane has been recognized for more than 40 years to cause long-lasting and even permanent nerve damage in feet, legs, hands, and arm.” Do you want that in your castor oil to be absorbed into your body and organs? Yeah, I didn’t think so. A castor oil this pure can be tough to find but don’t worry! We have an amazing organic, expeller and cold pressed, hexane free castor oil just for you on our website, or if you are a Minnesota local, you can stop by the AVNS Boutique to pick up a bottle.
Use alone, or with a Castor Oil Pack for cleansing internal organs, helping sore joints, & reducing inflammation. Our Organic Castor Oil is thick and undiluted and is packaged in a 16 ounce amber glass bottle.
(Please note that this product is not intended for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease. Castor oil may stain clothing or other fabrics. Keep out of the reach of children. For topical use only, do not use on open wounds, and do not use if pregnant.)
3. A heating pad or hot water bottle if desired. (A heating pad or hot water bottle is recommended if you are only wearing the castor oil pack for a short period of time, it is not necessary if you are wearing it overnight.)
4. A glass container with a lid to store the oil soaked pack in-between uses. A glass mason jar or glass food storage container would both be great options.
5. Old clothes and towels – as mentioned above, castor oil stains so it is best to wear old clothes that you don’t mind having oil stains. And you’ll want to put an old towel down where you are planning to sit or sleep to protect your furniture from the oil.
6. A place to relax that you will be comfortable.
Directions:
1. Choose your relaxing spot and place the towel down to protect the furniture from oil. And wear old clothes you don’t mind getting oil stains.
2. Have your book, TV show, or music and snack or tea ready to go. (Making this an enjoyable experience is important!)
3. Have your hot water bottle or heating pad ready to go where you will be laying.
5. Place the Castor Oil Pack on where you want it (most commonly over your liver or kidney’s, thyroid, stomach/digestive system, etc.)
6. Get into your relaxing spot and put the heating pad or hot water bottle over the pack.
7. Lay back and relax for 20 minutes to an hour. If you have a pack with ties and you’ve gotten used to using the pack, you can go about your day wearing it or sleep with it on.
8. When it is time to remove the pack, gently take it off and wipe off the excess oil with an old towel or rub the excess oil into your skin. Place the pack into your glass container and put the clothes and towels you used into the wash. (Make sure you don’t put your Castor Oil Pack into the washing machine.)
Personal Castor Oil Testimony
I personally have used castor oil regularly and for many things for almost a year now. I was first introduces to Castor Oil and Castor Oil Packs when my doctor recommended it to help with liver detoxification. I used castor oil packs on my liver primarily for many months and then when I started to deal with inflammation in my abdomen and digestive issues, I used the castor oil packs on my abdomen overnight. I also used castor oil in my belly button overnight with a small piece of organic cotton to help with sleep and to fight against inflammation. During this time I have done lots of research on castor oil and its many benefits. I have personally seen the healing benefits of castor oil and have recommended it to family and friends. I have also used castor oil to help fight against dryness and irritation in my ears from years of being a competitive swimmer, countless ear infections, and antibiotic ear drops. During 2023 I was dealing with some health issues and I would get inflamed lymph nodes and adrenal glands frequently, so I would apply castor oil to them to help with drainage and decrease inflammation. A high quality castor oil is an amazing tool to have in your self care collection and I couldn’t recommend it enough!
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!
You’ve probably heard and seen some buzz about our new physical storefront in Apple Valley…but if you haven’t…here’s all the details!
Grand Opening
Everyone is welcome to come to our Grand Opening weekend! You can pop by on Friday May 20th or Saturday May 21st and we’ll be open both days from 10-5pm! Stock up on your favorite products without having to worry about shipping, discover exclusive products that are only sold in-store, and enter a giveaway for a chance to win a bundle of AVNS products! (If you are out of state keep an eye out for our online inclusive giveaway in June!)
“We are calling the retail space The AVNS Market, and it has grown out of a dream I’ve had for the last few years. A dream to have a retail area where we sell products that are good for us and the environment, products that are fun, sweet & unique, while also being able to support other small businesses. We hope the AVNS Market will offer a relaxing, joy filled shopping experience for all.”
-Marianne Buck
Location:
7570 West 147th Street
Suite 301
Apple Valley, MN 55124
Hours:
1st & 3rd Weekends Of The Month
Friday & Saturday
10am – 5pm
(Not open Sundays, Holiday hours may vary)
Since purchasing the business in 2018, someday being able to open a physical storefront was always the hope for the future of AVNS. Three years of hard work from the Buck family and AVNS family as a whole has finally paid off as we prepare to open our doors to anyone who wants to visit!
“When we saw the space in Apple Valley, MN as a possibility for the business I immediately saw the brick wall and knew it could be something special. After deciding to move ahead with signing the lease (a huge scary step of faith), we focused on getting the business up and running for on-line orders. Once everything was running smoothly, I started thinking and processing through what it would take to turn part of the space into a relaxing shopping experience. Once I found some inspiration the transformation took off.
Now that the shop is ready to open its doors to the public, I’ve found myself doubting the decisions and the journey, but then remind myself that my future doesn’t rest in my hands, I have confidence that God has led us on this journey and He doesn’t make mistakes. Over the last week or so I’ve been blessed with many affirmations about our decision, and recently found out that research is now showing that many people are moving away from doing only on-line shopping as they want to get out and shop in person. They want to touch, feel, smell and be around others after having 2 years of not being able to. I am amazed that a decision that my husband and I made months ago, which we felt was stepping out into the unknown, is now proving to be the right path for us.”
-Marianne Buck
We love what having an online store has to offer: the ability to cater to customers who live far away, the efficiency that online shopping allows, and we hope to continue growing our online store for all our far away friends!
We’re excited that our physical store will give people the chance to come and connect with us and our products on a personal level…not sure if you’ll like the smell of a particular soap? Now you can just pop by and sniff it for yourself!
I haven’t had the chance to explore our new line of candles yet, so my visit gave me the chance to sniff around and I absolutely fell in love with the quaint clay pot that the Sun-Kissed Coconut All Natural Soy Candle came in…not to mention the amazing smell and the fact that the lid and pot can be turned into a flowerpot and seeds after the candle has been used up! I had to take one home for a Mother’s Day gift!
I’ve been fortunate enough to have already had the chance to pay the Apple Valley Natural Soap Market an in-person visit, and let me tell you…once you walk through the doors into this dreamy naturally scented haven of crafted goods you’ll want to stay all day!
One of the most exciting things about the AVNS Market is all the cool products that are only available in-store. Jewelry that incorporates essential oils, eco-friendly dish ware, cotton goods like blankets, towels and robes, reusable beauty products.
The New Year season is especially sentimental for me because it’s around the time I composed and released my first blog for Apple Valley Natural Soap. I had just returned home to Minnesota from my three month study abroad trip in Europe, and having suffered recent loss, felt lost myself. Starting my work with Apple Valley Natural Soap brought me the joy and focus to work through that time, and my first blog helped me process the grief and change that life brings with it.
Last year we faced grief and uncertainty together, as the pandemic stretched out before us with no clear definition for the type of world we would be left living in. Yet, we chose to look forward. To push forward into the next year believing that good was in store for us and to turn to those around us for support and camaraderie. To me, this includes the beautiful AVNS community.
So once more, I’d like to take pause. To turn around from my spot on the mountain, see what I’ve come from, and take a breath before turning back to the path. I hope you’ll take the time to join me on this journey. Lay down the burdens, challenges, joys, and accomplishments you’ve accumulated over the past year and think about where you’ve come from and where you’re going.
I won’t lie, this was a difficult year for me. It seems the older I get the more grief I’m given to deal with. I am thankful that my ability to comprehend and grow through this grief continues to expand as well. I know I’m not the only one facing hardships in the AVNS community, as both I and the Buck family have had to say goodbye to our favorite furry friends this past season. I imagine many of you have faced grief to, and I can only offer my most sincere condolences.
I usually start thinking about how I want to approach the coming year before it’s even arrived. Whether it’s focusing on the small things, or trusting God with the bigger picture…there is always something clear on my mind and this year was no exception.
We think about New Year’s resolutions as new starts, new habits, a brand new us. But this year has me thinking, what was so wrong with the old me? Does growth ever include backtracking? What about the pieces of myself I loved that got lost somewhere along the way? For the first time, I’m contemplating the idea that the process of growing yourself is not solely the accumulation of new growth, but the continued nurturing or intentional revival of the best parts of yourself throughout your lifetime.
This year, I’ve picked my resolutions from a pool of things I’ve loved about my past self and life. Things that have brought me great joy, things about me that have made the world a better place even if just on a microscopic level, things that have grown me and stretched me and got me to where I am today. Things I want to reclaim for the life ahead of me.
I invite you to grab a paper and pen and sit down with me as I list the three things I want to rediscover in my life. Let’s not only write them out, but let’s brainstorm ways in which we can make these resolutions realities too, sound like a plan?
Get back into improv comedy
Why: connects me with others, teaching it brings joy to others, brings joy to me.
Offer to lead a beginners workshop at my workplace.
Teach a workshop for my old college improv troupe.
Branch out and see if there is a school or theatre program that would want to start an improv troupe.
Freshen up my Spanish skills
Why: connects me with others, expands my world of communication, brings joy to me
Try downloading an app like Babble or Duolingo.
Read children’s chapter books in Spanish at my own pace.
Find a Spanish club in the local area.
Dance more
Why: dancing makes me happy, keeps my body happy and healthy.
Make more time to dance for fun in the living room.
Take a Zumba class.
Take lessons to learn a new style of dance.
What I love about the theme of this year’s resolutions is the do-ability and stress-free nature of the goals I’ve set for myself. I’m not focused on scrambling up the ladder of success, I’m building that ladder stronger so that when the time comes to climb I feel safe and supported in my endeavors. I’d love it if those who have read this blog would take the time to leave a comment with one New Year’s Rediscovery they’d like to focus on this year.
Every once in a while I like to take a mindfulpause, contemplate the joys and difficulties of our current season of life, and write a more reflective piece for the AVNS blog. Why? It’s my way of connecting with all you wonderful people as a fellow human being. It’s also a chance to remind myself and the AVNS community that behind every beautiful bar of soap is a fantastic team of people who all have stories to share and lives to live. With this being said, I’m excited to share that over time and starting within the coming months we’re hoping to craft feature blogs for all of the amazing people behind AVNS…but for now I’ll have to do.
I sincerely hope the contents of today’s blog are useful to you, wherever you may be on your life-journey and regardless of religious affiliation, however I do want to take a moment to share what stirred me to write this blog in the first place. Today’s blog was inspired by the recent Easter holiday, an important holiday for many AVNS team members, including myself. For Christians, Holy Week is a time of respectful reflection, gratefulness and celebration. Holy Week and Easter are commemorations of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, a purposeful and powerful sacrifice resulting in eternal life in Heaven for all who acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God and their Savior.
What Does Soap Have To Do With It?
Now you may be wondering, what does Easter, or even Christianity…or even religion in general…or EVEN just the acts of contemplation and reflection…have to do with soap? To be honest, I had the same question…which is why I turned to my Bible. I figured the Bible is just as much a historical account as a religious text, maybe I’d find some ancient soap recipe (probably involving salt…or clay) to write about, but a quick internet search brought me to an even cooler connection…How To Soap.
Our popular Honey Carrot and Tangerine Soap!
The S.O.A.P Method
Well, that’s obvious…right? Just lather, rinse, and repeat with your favorite bar of AVNS soap and you’re good to go. I was surprised to learn that soap or S.O.A.P is actually an acronym for a method to read and reflect on scripture. How cool is that?! I found this method on Love God Greatly, a website for women’s ministry. I share the original method below, but I’ve also adapted each step so that everyone is able to utilize this method.
S.O.A.P
S – stands for scripture, or sentence-by-sentence.
You’ll start by taking your verse or line and actually taking the time to write it out. It’s amazing how just the act of intentionally slowing down will allow you to really focus on what you are reading. If you aren’t so sure about religious texts you could always start with a piece of poetry you love or even song lyrics. If you’re curious or interested in what the Bible has to offer, here are a few verses that I find calming and encouraging.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Proverbs 24:14 Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.
Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
O – stands for observation.
Ask yourself. What stands out to you as you read your text? Which words are repeated? Does it sound different if you read it out loud? Who is the speaker addressing? What is the tone? You’d be surprised how a deeper understanding of a text can teach you so much about life and yourself.
A – stands for application.
When in a religious context, you can ask yourself “How is God speaking to me today?” Also ask yourself in what ways you can apply what you’ve read to your personal life. Are there habits you need to change? Actions to take towards a goal you’ve set for yourself? A comfort you can fall back on in times of stress?
Talk to God. Tell Him about what you learned, ask Him about any questions that came up during your reading. If you aren’t familiar with prayer, think of the p as personal dialogue. Take a walk out in nature where you have some privacy and speak out loud to yourself, it may seem strange at first…but try it. Did you know that the act of talking out loud to yourself, or self-talk can actually improve concentration and self-esteem? If self-talk isn’t your cup of tea, try journaling. Write a letter to yourself, or a friend…even if you don’t plan on ever sharing what you write with them. If you’d like to try praying but aren’t sure how, try talking to God like He’s just another one of your friends or family members who cares about you. God is never judging you, he loves you and wants to know you.
Thank You For Your Time Today
I hope this blog served as a fun and interesting change of pace. If you’re interested in checking out our more typical posts (natural ingredients we use, benefits of the products we offer, etc.) click here!
I’ve been thinking long and hard about how to properly reflect on the past year, and how to prepare myself for the year to come. Every once in a while I like to write about life’s journey because it gives me a chance to slow down and connect with everyone who reads the AVNS blog.
I am thankful for beautiful sunsets.
I think the entire world must have let out a sigh of relief on New Year’s Eve as it felt the immense tension accumulated over the course of this infamous year finally giving way to the anticipation of a new start, but did anyone else have doubts that 2021 is truly the cure we’ve been waiting for?
I’ve seen the New Year’s Eve Instagram posts of my friends, their captions roughly shove 2020 out the door, personifying it as though it was an unpleasant houseguest who overstayed its welcome. While I admire and envy this bold and enthusiastic display of spirit, I’m a bit ashamed to admit I’m far too weary to join in and even more than that…I’m wary.
Wasn’t it just a year ago that we believed that 2020 would be our banner year? If 2020 let us down, who is to say 2021 will be any better?
Yikes, what a debbie downer, right? I’m kind of bumming myself out with all the cynicism, but bear with me and I think we can reach a brighter outlook.
I value storytelling because it allows people from all different backgrounds to find common ground amongst many differences. The experience I’d like to share with you is a Christian experience, and before you stop reading because you feel you may not be able to relate, I’d also like to emphasize that this experience is also wholly human and worth reading if you relate to attempting to navigate a world that contains both unbearable loss and overwhelming joy.
During a New Year’s Eve church service I attended (virtually) the speaker had asked the congregation to consider a perfect gift God had given them over the course of the 2020 year. As I thought about all the beautiful things I was grateful for (including my boyfriend of five years who was sitting next to me at the time) I realized I could not think of all the perfect things God had given me without also thinking about all the perfect things God had taken away.
This thought unsettled me, not just because of its bitter nature, but because of how inaccurate my understanding of God was in this moment. I gently reminded myself that God does not purposefully take things away from us and that loss and chaos are side effects of living in a broken world, but the entire incident had shaken me and I spent a great deal of time in thoughtful contemplation trying to reconcile my strange anger with my love for God.
I am thankful for snuggly puppies.
As I write this blog, I reflect on 2020. I celebrate the fact that this blog marks a full year of writing weekly blogs for this beautiful company under the undeniably kind, creative, and giving guidance of Marianne. I mourn the fact that there are people who read this blog or love AVNS products who have lost loved ones this year due to COVID-19 and other causes. I think about all my friends who got engaged, planned their weddings, and started their lives while I moved back home with my parents. I think about how so many of those weddings were postponed or felt incomplete because of COVID while I rejoiced over reconnecting with my family after four years of being away at college.
What I understood from that moment during the service and what I understand now as I write is this: humankind relies too often on rhyme and reason. If there is anything we can agree on after this year it is how little the world actually adheres to a model of rhyme and reason.
As I said to my boyfriend after the service, “I think my greatest struggle as a human being is forgetting that there is a bigger picture and also my inability to fully reconcile myself with the idea that there is no way for me to know or understand exactly how that bigger picture works.” I continue to practice recognizing the gifts in live while simultaneously working through the difficulties.
That strange anger I felt, that instant need to blame God for the earthly occasions that caused me grief was my own humanity getting in the way of my love for God. My earthly compulsion to apply rhyme and reason to a world plan that defied earthly limitations set me up for heart ache and exhaustion. So what do I do to avoid feeling this way this year?
If you are weary.
If you are wary.
Consider this: 2021 is a new houseguest. Not an old friend, but a complete stranger. Instead of trying to control this year, let it pull up a chair and introduce itself. Don’t worry too much about how the house looks, or making some elaborate dinner. Simply focus on the basics. Be kind and be hospitable to others, and yourself. Welcome, 2021.
Is confidence something you’re born with? Or something you can naturally obtain over time with experience? Are there things you can do to boost your confidence quickly? I decided to spend five minutes power posing every day and then keep a daily journal to record any signs of increased confidence. I can say with complete confidence that the results surprised me.
Boost Natural Confidence?
Outer Sources of Confidence
Natural ways to improve confidence are easier to achieve than you might think. Evaluating the patterns in your life can help you determine ways to boost confidence with only a few mindful adjustments.
Surround Yourself With Supporters
Spending time with people who believe in you can help you to believe in yourself. Be mindful not to rely on others to feed your ego, but learn how to participate in a community focused on the goal of lifting up others.
Essential oils are used as natural remedies to boost confidence. Our noses have a powerful influence on the rest of our bodily systems. Introducing your senses to certain smells in order to influence your body or mind is known as aromatherapy. Specific essential oils such as lavender, bergamot, and peppermint have been used to relieve tension, boost self-esteem, and even increase performance ability (have you ever received a peppermint before a big test? I know I have!). Many essential oils and plant products also have topical benefits as well, which is why they are the perfect natural solution for scenting our soaps and other products.
Inner Sources of Confidence
There are tons of natural ways to boost confidence, and most of them start with the way you treat yourself.
Self-Talk
How you talk to yourself influences your self perception. When your inner monologue is positive and not self-deprecating, your self-esteem increases. For some examples of negative self-talk vs. positive self-talk, check out this educational example!
If you’ve ever prepared for a job interview, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the term “Power Posing” before. Power posing comes from the idea that our body language plays a big role in determining self-perception and if we look powerful, we’ll feel powerful. The initial Power Posing Ted Talk by Amy Cuddy became wildly popular after its debut in 2012, but after a replicated study in 2015 failed to produce similar findings power posing was called out as pseudoscience. Despite receiving fervent backlash, Cuddy must have been power posing 24/7 because she refused to give up and confidently continued her research into 2018 until she confirmed without a doubt that power posing is shown to make people feel more confident, even if it doesn’t actually produce a hormonal change.
Five Days of Power Posing
I kept a little journal for each day that I spent standing like Wonder Woman to record any changes in confidence that might have occurred as well as some overall feelings and observations about the experiment.
Today was my first day “Power Posing!” I decided to use the same pose every day, even though there are many poses to choose from. I chose the Wonder Woman-esque “hands on hips” pose because it seemed the most natural (just in case I ever had to do it in public) and it’s also the pose used on Grey’s Anatomy (Season 11, Episode 14) which is where I first got the inspiration for this blog. I posed in my bathroom so that I could look in the mirror to check that I was doing it right. Wow. Five minutes sure seems like a long time when you aren’t doing anything, I tried to think “powerful thoughts” but I kept getting distracted and I think I checked my timer like a million times. I’m so glad I decided to start this project today because I had an interview and I needed all the confidence I could get. The interview went very well and at one point my interviewer asked me if I was actually good at writing. Normally I’d come up with a tactful reply balancing between humility and positivity, but when he asked me my instant response was a big, confident, “Yes.” WHOA. WHERE DID THAT CONFIDENCE COME FROM?! Does power posing work that well? I guess I’ll have to see and find out!
Power posed in the shower today so that I could let my favorite deep condition do its trick at the same time. I felt pretty low today because my long term boyfriend and best friend leaves for college in three days and I’m going to miss him a ton. I went over to his house to help him pack for school and was just overwhelmed by sadness (and all the packing that needed to get done). I was sitting in his room feeling sorry for myself when this thought popped into my head, “You know, if you work at being productive you might not feel so sad.” Cleaning is never my favorite task and I’d have normally dismissed the thought, but for some reason I felt like I had the inner reserves to push through and get the job done. After five hours and a bunch of sorting and organizing we had gone through his entire room. It was extremely satisfying and I felt like maybe the power posing had helped me feel like I was capable of accomplishing tasks I would normally avoid.
Day 3
I was super busy and didn’t have time to power pose until late afternoon because I spent the morning driving to Wisconsin to get to work on time. I didn’t notice much of a difference throughout the day, although one interesting thing did happen at the end of the day. I was sitting behind the front desk and a couple came in looking for a recommendation for trips down the river. When I started talking to them, I found myself getting out of my chair and standing. Then my hands naturally went to my hips and before I knew it I was discreetly power posing (nervous sweat begone!)!
I forgot to power pose at home and had to do it at work today. The workplace can sometimes be stressful and I found I had difficulty holding my pose for the full five minutes. I kept resorting to more anxious body language. The rest of the day went relatively smoothly. I think my main takeaway from today is that maybe power posing offers more than just boosting confidence, maybe it also acts as a gauge to determine how confident you are at any given place or time. Perhaps, if you recognize a place where you don’t feel as confident, your awareness can help you push through the situation.
The last day of power posing started off with really great news! I was offered the position at the place I interviewed! For the rest of the day I felt extremely productive. Over the last five days I’ve found that I’ve been able to initiate action with more ease than I have in the past. I think I’m going to continue power posing every day for two minutes instead of five. Even if its effects are just placebo, power posing gives me a couple minutes to just breathe and be in my own body and I’ve come to appreciate and cherish that time.
I hoped you enjoyed following my five days of power posing. Feel free to replicate the project and reach out with your results! If you’re new to AVNS, welcome! You can join our community newsletter to stay up to date on sales and giveaways and get 10% off on your first purchase!
A Brand Ambassador represents a company and promotes the company’s products either in person or on-line.
Apple Valley Natural Soap Brand Ambassador/Affiliate Program
We want people to have natural, organic, vegan, cruelty-free, options when it comes to health and beauty products. As a smaller business we do our best to reach people with quality, hand-made natural products, but sometimes we need a little help. The Apple Valley Natural Soap Brand Ambassador/Affiliate program was created so that people who love our products can benefit from sharing them with others via social media (Facebook, Instagram, personal blogs…you get the idea).
Don’t Think You’re Tech Savvy enough to be a Brand Ambassador? Think Again!
Okay, let me start by saying: I have never been a tech savvy person. When I tell people this they think I’m being dramatic. Then I tell how I failed my computer skills class in eighth grade. The story goes like this:
We were supposed to program a short animation of a cat doing the following: walking across the room, picking up a can of tuna fish, eating the tuna fish, turning green, and barfing.
After five hours of sweating over my keyboard and mouse my cat did this:
Turned green, walked…upside down across the ceiling, barfed (while still upside down), completely ignored the can of tuna, and then disappeared.
People don’t question me after that.
Steps to Becoming an AVNS Brand Ambassador
I decided that if I could figure out how to become an AVNS Brand Ambassador, you could too. I spent the entire week attempting to learn the ins and outs of being a Brand Ambassador and even if I’m never successful, hopefully I can give you the start you need to become the best AVNS Brand Ambassador EVER.
Step One: Create an Affiliate Account Through Apple Valley Natural Soap
If you’re on the mobile version of our site it will say “Pages”
Once you’re on the AVNS website, click on “More” and then scroll through the drop down menu until you find the “Ambassador/Affiliate Program” tab.
The Ambassador/Affiliate Page will walk you through the process and benefits and at the bottom of the page you’ll see a button that says “Register.” Click on it.
Here are the basics of becoming a Brand Ambassador
Setting up your account is super easy, as is setting up a Paypal account if you don’t already have one.
Step Two: Set Up a PayPal Account
I’m pretty sure all I had to do was enter my email…
If you know you’re putting all your profits towards more AVNS soap, we have an option for your commission to be in the form of store credit as well!
The trickiest part for me was the actual Brand “Ambassad-ing”
Step Two: Create Promotional Posts
We’ve already supplied you with banners (photos of your fav products) that can be found on your affiliate account. Just download the photo you want to post and then upload it to social media. I love Instagram and Facebook, but I quickly learned that I wasn’t as good at navigating them as I thought. It took me a while to understand that I couldn’t share a click-able link on my Facebook and Instagram stories. The trick is to put your affiliate link (which you can find on your account page) in your bio. And then direct people to your bio.
Aww, look at my cute lil affiliate link!
Not sure what a bio is? That’s okay, you aren’t alone! A bio is a place for you to introduce yourself on social media platforms and is typically under where your name is displayed. A blog is also a great way to share products with others
My First Post
I chose the half-sized bar banner because one of my favorite things about AVNS is the huge selection of unique soaps. I put my affiliate link in my Instagram and Facebook bios so that I could redirect people through my story. My Instagram gives me the option to share the post on Facebook and to that I said YES!
When people purchase through your affiliate link you’ll earn commission starting at 6%!
Why Be a Brand Ambassador for Apple Valley Natural Soap?
Apple Valley Natural Soap is about more than keeping surface-level clean. We design our products to exist in harmony with the environment and with your body. What we put in our earth and on our bodies MATTERS. We strive for a deep clean of mind, body, soul, and earth because we believe it is a noble undertaking. If you believe this, and want to help others achieve a deep clean then you’re already on your way to becoming an AVNS Brand Ambassador (if only we can get this pesky post to upload, am I right?)
APPLE VALLEY NATURAL SOAP BLOG 