My Favorite Bath Accessories From Apple Valley Natural Soap

Leave a comment November 20, 2024 Amanda Pehrson

We know that nothing helps to elevate your bathroom, beauty, and skin care routines quite like the perfect accessories to pair with your products. Keep reading for some of my favorite bath accessories from AVNS and all of the links to shop and add to your self care routine.

1. Eco-Friendly Soap Trays

AVNS has a couple of different options to choose from when it comes to soap trays, but the concept is the same. Elevate and show off your beautiful bar soaps with Eco-Friendly Bamboo or Bioplastic Soap Mats. They are the perfect way to help style up any sink in your home and keep your soap high and dry so it doesn’t get mushy.

The Eco-Friendly Bamboo Soap Trays allow water to drain and air to circulate, ensuring no mess is left behind while preventing your natural soap from turning to mush. To clean, just hold it under running water! They are the perfect size for our full sized soaps, and with 3 different designs to choose from, refresh your look with this aesthetically pleasing, compostable, earth friendly, natural soap tray that is sure to brighten any bathroom.

The Eco-Friendly Soap Mats from AVNS work perfectly for our organic & natural soaps! Made from bioplastic to allow the water to drain and air to circulate, they prevent your natural soap from turning to mush. These soap mats are made from eco-friendly, BPA and phthalate free bioplastic – right here in the USA! With 15 colors to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect color for every sink in your home. Plus, they are reusable, so once you are ready to switch out your soap bar, don’t throw your mat away! Simply clean your soap mat of the soap residue by holding it under warm running water.

2. Natural Sea Sponges

Say goodbye to the plastic luffa and hello to the natural and antibacterial powers of your new shower BFF, the Natural Sea Sponge! These natural sea sponges are sustainably harvested maintaining strict industry regulations and are naturally eco-friendly and biodegradable. AVNS has 3 different sizes to offer –

The Yellow Sponge is named after its beautiful color! These sponges are firm, absorbent and durable, a great addition to your bathing routine. Harvested from the Gulf of Mexico waters, these beautiful natural sponges gently cleanse skin when used with one of the natural soaps from AVNS.

The Wool Sea Sponges are the softest most absorbent sponges available, the champion of all-natural sponges. Harvested from the Gulf of Mexico waters, these beautiful natural sponges gently cleanse skin when used with one of the natural soaps from AVNS.

The Prime Wool Sea Sponge is again, the softest most absorbent sponges available, the champion of all-natural sponges. Harvested from the Gulf of Mexico waters, these beautiful natural sponges gently cleanse skin when used with one of the natural soaps from AVNS.

Sponge harvesting isn’t an easy process, but the results are worth it! These beautiful natural sponges will last for years if taken care of and have additional benefits to the skin. Did you know that natural sea sponges are actually hypoallergenic? They also contain an enzyme that makes them naturally antibacterial, preventing the growth of bacteria, mold & mildew. Plus they contain nutrients such as magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium and more, all beneficial minerals for the skin.

3. Foaming Liquid Soap Pump

This beautiful foaming liquid soap pump is a new addition for all our liquid soap lovers! Wonderfully functional and visibly pleasing, the frosted glass foaming soap dispensers from AVNS have a wide solid base for no tipping, and a neutral appearance that coordinates with any bath or kitchen space. Each dispenser holds approximately 8 fluid ounces, has an elegant frosted glass base with easy to fill opening and a white pump. It pairs perfectly with one of the Liquid Castile Soaps or Liquid African Black Soaps from AVNS!

4. Reusable Beauty Cloths

Made from premium hemp, bamboo & organic cotton, these cloths are created from some of the most sustainable fabrics in the world, bringing you a luxurious cleansing experience. The cloths are perfect for removing make-up, oil cleansing and much more. Hemp is an exceptionally durable and strong fabric and when mixed with the softness of bamboo (cream cloth), not only do you get our most sustainable fabric, but one of our softest and most luxurious. Premium hemp & organic cotton also delivers a luxurious, hypo-allergenic cloth, perfect for light exfoliation, removing make-up and oil cleansing.

Cream Hemp & Bamboo Beauty Cloth – This premium hemp + bamboo fleece creates a luxurious, hypo-allergenic cloth perfect for oil cleansing and removing makeup. Hemp and bamboo make one of the most sustainable fabrics. Made from 55% hemp and 45% bamboo.

Black Hemp & Cotton Beauty Cloth – Use this premium hemp & cotton fleece for a luxurious, light exfoliation or for removing make-up and oil cleansing. Made from 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton.

I hope this gave you a few ideas on ways that you can elevate your bathroom, beauty, and skin care routines with the perfect accessories to pair with your products. These products from Apple Valley Natural Soap also make the perfect socking stuffers and gifts for the self care lovers this holiday season.

Which of these bath accessories are you going to add to your self care routine? Maybe you have already tried a few of them, if so, what did you think? 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!

All my love and have a happy week,

Amanda

Our Favorite Soaps For Autumn

Leave a comment September 18, 2024 Amanda Pehrson

It should be no surprise to any of you that at Apple Valley Natural Soap we love any excuse to celebrate the changing of the seasons. And autumn is no joke around here, we love all things cozy, warm, & pumpkin spice. Give us all the autumnal cozy vibes! This is why we created our Seasonal Fall soap line featuring all of our favorite things about the autumn season. Our Fall soaps are filled with pumpkin, apples, spices and everything we love about the cozy vibes of autumn and they are available now! We make limited batches of these natural Special Edition Soaps for the Fall season, specially formulated to not only bring the warmth of the season into your home, but to give your skin and hair the extra special care needed during the cooler & dryer months. They make the perfect addition to any home during the autumn season and they make amazing gifts for family and friends as well. Our fabulous fall soaps are around for only a limited time so stock up now!

Seasonal Pumpkin Spice Hand & Body Bar

Let’s kick this list off with a crowd favorite, everyones go-to autumn treat, Pumpkin Spice! If you are a pumpkin spice lover, then you will just adore this hand & body bar. Along with pumpkin, we’ve added rich baking spices like cinnamon, clove, and ginger to this amazing soap making this seasonal Pumpkin Spice Soap a feast for your skin. Lots of rich, fluffy lather and the scent of orange and clove will warm your body, heart, and soul. This natural soap bar makes a fun, practical hostess gift during the holiday seasons.

“This soap has an amazing lather and scent. Perfect for cool mornings as a way to start your day. I highly recommend this luxuriant fall special.” – T. Happel

“The scent was amazing and my skin felt clean and fresh.” – J. Yannuzzi

Seasonal Spice Cake Hand & Body Bar

There is nothing quite like a spicy baked treat to get you into the autumn mood! We love to celebrate autumn with a natural soap that smells just like freshly baked spice cake stuffed with ingredients which are good for your skin. Made with apple, spices, moisturizing mango and shea butters, our Spice Cake bar is totally natural and smells just like Grandma’s house on a crisp, autumn day. An added benefit of this bar is the light exfoliation power due to the salt, it makes a wonderful bar to have by the sink, or in the shower. Also, we don’t use any fragrance oil, instead we’ve created a blend of essential oils that smell sweet and spicy. Here for a limited time only, this natural soap bar also makes a fun, practical hostess gift during the holiday seasons.

“Oh my goodness I love the smell of this bar!! So wonderful and perfect for my bathroom sink in the fall!!” – Michelle

Seasonal Black Licorice Hand, Foot & Body Bar

Calling all black licorice lovers! This bar was made for you! The release of this fantastic soap was our first nod to the change of seasons and cooler months. This amazing black licorice soap is for those who simply just LOVE the scent of black licorice. Brace yourself for an incredible licorice scent along with a satisfying exfoliation experience from the black walnut hull powder, which also gives it the dark coloring. Licorice root not only smells great, but has many health benefits. The herb is used directly on the skin to help with eczema, skin rashes, psoriasis, and itchy, dry skin. Black walnut is also regarded to be useful in the treatment of skin diseases and complaints such as eczema, ringworm, athlete’s foot etc. It’s long been used as a natural remedy for acne, canker sores, psoriasis and other fungal infections. There’s nothing like it! Here for a limited time only, this natural soap bar also makes a fun, practical hostess gift during the holiday seasons.

“This is my favorite body bar. Light exfoliation and great for my skin.” – M. Hetrick

“I love the exfoliation, but not too harsh. I enjoy the smell. One of my favorite soaps!” – Melissa

Our Fall Soaps are filled with pumpkin, apples, spices and everything we love about the cozy vibes of autumn and they are available now! We make limited batches of these natural Special Edition Soaps for the Fall season, specially formulated to not only bring the warmth of the season into your home, but to give your skin and hair the extra special care needed during the cooler & dryer months. We are so excited that the autumn season is back again and cannot wait for you to try out our homage to fall with these seasonal, limited edition soaps.

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!

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.

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

5 Unique Eco-Friendly Father’s Day Gifts 2022

Leave a comment June 15, 2022 Eleanor Jahns-Roerick

I’ve been scouring the internet for 5 incredible father’s day gifts that are eco-friendly, organic, or produced by a small business! I’m not sure why, but a theme has emerged from this year’s gift guide search and I’m proud to title it: “cooking and cleaning: gifts for the scrupulous chef in your life.” I’m super excited to share these gifts with you today, and I hope they make your father’s day shopping just a bit easier.

5 Unique Father’s Day Gifts

1) BirdmansHome Stoneware Coffee Tumblers & Mugs ($50+)

These beautifully hand crafted, fired stoneware tumblers and mugs are a wonderful and unique gift idea for the men in your life. Sold in a set of two or more they are prefect for having at home, at the office, and a welcome addition to any coffee bar set up.

2) DIY BBQ Making Kit by Grow and Make

What better way to celebrate your bb-cutie than with a BBQ adventure!

Description: Great DIY gift for DAD for Father’s Day!

Make your own tangy barbecue sauces with our Artisan BBQ Sauce Making Kit! Great for family projects. A DIY BBQ sauce kit is the perfect birthday gift for grill cooks, barbecue enthusiasts, or the dad who has everything! Simple instructions make this kit fun and easy for everyone interested in showing off their own exceptional BBQ sauce. Just add tomato paste, oil, and our kit ingredients to make three flavor-packed tomato or mustard-based homemade barbecue sauce recipes. Contains all the grilling spices and seasonings to give your barbecue dishes unique flavor, like cayenne, turmeric, garlic, and liquid smoke.

3) Grill Master Gift Box with Organic Spices by Fresh Jax

This grilling gift set has everything you need for a delicious grill-out!

Description:

“What’s the hardest part about shopping for the grilling guru in your life? They think they already have everything they need! This Grill Master Gift Set was made with grilling fanatics in mind. This set includes three organic spice blends, a grill master t-shirt to claim reign, grill master koozie to chill drinks, and 4 Alderwood grilling planks!”

Spice Blends

Peppered Habanero Hot Grill Spice: Turn up the heat on steak, kabobs, chili, wings, and caulifower!

Ingredients: Organic cracked black pepper, sea salt, organic cayenne pepper, organic habanero pepper, organic brown mustard seed, organic onion, organic garlic, organic parsley, organic lemon zest.

Grill Master Organic Burger Seasoning: Bean burgers, beet burgers, and beef burgers alike, will warm you to your core-iander and have you feeling rose-merry with coats of this colorful blend!

Ingredients: Organic cracked black pepper, organic onion, organic paprika, sea salt, organic dill, organic coriander, organic thyme, organic garlic, organic fennel, organic rosemary.

Rosy Cheeks Organic Maple Bourbon BBQ Spice: Craft the perfect backyard BBQ when you use this on chicken, ribs, pulled pork, and baked beans.

Ingredients: Organic paprika, organic light brown sugar, organic cane juice, organic dried maple syrup, cherrywood smoked sea salt, organic onion, Himalayan pink salt, organic cracked black pepper, organic garlic, organic chipotle pepper, organic mesquite, organic flavors, organic cumin, organic turmeric, organic lemon zest.

4) Oven Scrub Cleaner: 100% Natural – Eco-Friendly Cleaner by Everneat

100% Natural Oven Cleaner powered with pumice stone & pure essential oils to deep clean your oven without toxic fumes

– Plant-powered ingredients

– Vegan & cruelty-free

– Powerful cleaning

– Refillable & reusable

– Approved by professionals

– Probiotic cleaning

Safe for:

– Porcelain-enameled steel ovens, racks & oven interior glass

– Cast-iron

– Scratch-resistant metals & surfaces

5) Eco Friendly Pet Hair Remover – Lint Brush by Modern Pets Living

This business sells tons of cool pet products, so if you’re looking for something even a little more “upscale” check out the rest of their site!

“A must-have minimalist design pet hair remover and a great substitute for your traditional lint roller. A comfortable wooden handle and large brushing surface area will make this daily task a breeze.

– 3 colors to choose from

– Natural wooden handle

– Self-cleaning housing

– Modern Matte Finish

– Electrostatic Reusable Brush

– Sustainable, green, and reusable

– Made from recycled materials

– Measurements: 12 in x 3 in x 1.8 in

Care Instructions:

– Gentle hand wash only

– Allow to fully dry before usage”

Much Love,

Nora

4 Unique Eco-Friendly Father’s Day Gifts 2021

Leave a comment June 8, 2021 Eleanor Jahns-Roerick

I’ve been scouring the internet for 5 incredible father’s day gifts that are eco-friendly and sustainable. I found father’s day gifts for fathers who like to cook, father’s day gifts for dads who love camping, and father’s day gifts for fathers who enjoy coffee and a good shave! I’m super excited to share these gifts with you today and I hope they make your father’s day shopping just a bit easier.

5 Unique Father’s Day Gifts

1) CMTImpressions ECO FRIENDLY Father’s Day Gift- Vegan Leatherette Wallet $20

These customizable wallets are made mindfully with:

“- Office Equipment Powered With 100% Sustainable Solar Energy

– Shipped with Sustainable Packaging

– Small Solar Powered Office Reducing Carbon Footprint

– Products Purchased in Bulk to Reduced Incoming Shipping

– Engraved with top of the line Energy Efficient Lasers”
-CMTImpressions

Pair one of these wallets with one of our vegan soaps, and maybe a giftcard to a vegan cafe or restaurant for a fun, vegan inspired gift-set!

2) Himalayanart Extra Soft High Quality Yak Wool Knitted GIFT Blanket $70

“The extra soft blanket is handwoven by the local artisan in the Himalayas. We only use ethically sourced yak wool blend from Nepal to create blankets that wrap around you like a warm hug. On winter nights when you’re away from your loved ones, gift them this blanket as a warm reminder of your love.”

Pair this blanket with our Pink Himalayan Salt Bar to completely transport your man to the mountains!

3) Everythingsourdough San Francisco Sourdough Complete Bread Baking Kit and Dried Starter $38

This kit comes in reusable packaging and is the perfect gift for any dad that likes to cook or bake! Pair with one of our salt bars which is the perfect soap bar for your kitchen because it keeps your hands clean and moisturized!

“All the ingredients you need to make authentic sourdough bread. My sourdough starter is incredibly healthy and has produced many delicious loaves of sourdough bread, rolls, waffles and other items. Once reconstituted, and fed regularly, my starter has lived in my refrigerator for up to 3 weeks without feeding. Yes, it’s that healthy!”

4) Outdoor Shower Water Bag by Nueby $39

I’m super excited to share this gift idea because it is the perfect pairing to any of our shampoo bars, especially out camping bar!

“The Outdoor Shower Water Bag is amazing for hiking trips, camping, and outdoor adventures!

The water in the bag heats using solar energy. Get a hot shower even in the middle of the forest!

Comes with switchable shower heads for a personalized showering experience.

Right now, the Outdoor Shower Water Bag is on sale!”

Don’t Forget!

Comment below to let us know which gift the man in your life would love most!

Much Love,

Nora

Eco-Friendly Mother’s Day Gift Guide and Giveaway!

2 Comments May 4, 2021 Eleanor Jahns-Roerick

Eco-Friendly Mother’s Day Gift Guide

We all know the perfect Mother’s Day gift is a beautiful bar of artisan soap paired with a sugary body scrub, lip balm, or custom scented jojoba oil, but did you know our soap bars also pair beautifully with other eco-friendly products? It’s true, which is why I hunted down some amazing little companies that strive to make products exist in harmony with the earth we love so you’ll have all the options when it comes to finding the perfect gift for your mom, aunt, grandma, cousin, sister, or just plain wonderful woman in your life this year!

1) Natural Coconut Bowls Paired with an AVNS Coconut Bar

This zero waste, eco-friendly gift is as vegan as our coconut bars! Fill one of these bowls with a bunch of half-sized coconut bars for an adorable presentation! Check out Jungle Culture’s website with all their amazing products here!

Photo credit for coconut bowls: jungleculture

Product Information

“Our coconut shell boho bowls are sourced directly from rural farms which allows us to work closely with local communities in order to create interesting and unique designs. We go direct to the farmers and each sale helps to support local industry in the region.

Jungle Culture is a proud member of the 1% for the Planet global organisation & movement. We pledge 1% of our sales to the preservation & restoration of the natural environment. We donate to domestic & international grassroots & environmental groups which helps make a difference in their local communities.”
-Jungleculture

2) Wildflower Seed Bombs paired with a Wildflowers Coconut Bar

Okay, I know I already talked about coconut bars, but this pairing is just too perfect! Every time you wash your hands you’ll be reminded of the flowery explosion about to burst in your backyard!

photo credit for wildflower bombs: Makersofhyssoplane

Product Information

“Embedded with prolific self-seeding annual and perennial wildflower seeds grown on our solar-powered Virginia farm, including coreopsis, baby’s breath, larkspur, poppy, wallflower, daisy, cornflower, zinnia, black-eyed Susan – these seed bombs gives both humans and pollinators plenty to be excited about.

Our zero waste, small batch paper is handmade with a process that is respectful to water resources, using 100% post-consumer material as a base. No chemicals are used, ever.

Plant in a sunny spot. Push the seed bomb gently into lose, moist soil, leaving the top uncovered. Water well, especially during germination which can take 10-30 days.”
–MakersOfHyssopLane

3) Simply Organic Bamboo Bedding paired with a Bamboo Shampoo Bar

The amazing woman in your life will feel even more amazing as she climbs into a soft set of bamboo sheets after taking a shower and lathering up with our fresh and peppery Bamboo Shampoo Bar. No plastic allowed!

Photo credit for bamboo sheets: Simply Organic Bamboo

Product Information

“Simply Organic Bamboo is proud to provide bedding crafted from organically grown 100% bamboo viscose. All of our products are designed and manufactured responsibly by expert craftspeople.

We can change the world one small step at a time by making responsible decisions. That’s why every day we consciously choose to reduce our ecological footprint and protect the health of our customers because we believe it’s the right thing to do. Sustainability is at the core of how we operate – from sourcing eco-friendly & renewable materials, minimizing waste, recycling, and partnering with like minded suppliers who refuse to use harmful chemicals.

We respect our planet and its environment and only want the best for our family, friends and customers. The earth is our home and we share the air, water, and sunshine with everyone. Organic bamboo grows naturally and provides a beautiful fiber for our products unlike any other. It helps us sleep and rejuvenate in the way nature intended…without toxic chemicals or their byproducts. When we spend a third of our life in bed we want that time to be as healthy as possible. Our Simply Organic Bamboo bedding gives us maximum comfort and the restful sense of knowing that we start each new day in good health and respect for our global home.”
–Simply Organic Bamboo

4) Organic Mixed Citrus Box paired with a Mixed Citrus Soap Set!

Is your mother a citrus lover? Get her a box of delicious organic citrus fruits that are seasonal and sensational! Pair it with a set of four citrus half-sized bars that will provide her with lasting citrus joy long after she’s peeled her last orange! Pick from our citrus soaps here!

Photo credit for citrus in a box: Frog Hollow Farm

Product Information

“Enjoy a mix of seasonal, certified organic citrus. Boxes are packed with 2-3 different varieties of what’s currently available and may include juicy delicious navel oranges, blood oranges, Meyer lemons, mandarins, tangerines or Minneola. We partner with other local, organic producers to bring you a fresh, rejuvenating mix of the best citrus.”
–Frog Hollow Farm

Happy Mother’s Day!

I hope you’ve been inspired by these unique and personal gift ideas!

Much Love,

Nora

Do Your Christmas Shopping In One Day

2 Comments December 8, 2020 Eleanor Jahns-Roerick

Say it with me. Holidays can be hectic.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

With all the planning and all the prepping you probably feel like your head is minutes from exploding (cue festive silver tinsel bursting out of my ears) which is why I’ve been focusing my blogs for the past several weeks less on the science of beauty and healthcare and more on little ways to make this busy season just an itty bitty less stressful. I promise we’ll get back to the DIY Beer Hair Rinses, The Benefit of Tea Soaks, and all the other fun ideas I can’t wait to explore.

But not this week. This week I want you to take a moment to relax, enjoy some amazing soap, and get your Christmas shopping done with time to spare. Which is why I’m about to leak my Super Top Secret Christmas List for Friends and Family 2020. I hope you’ve got a pencil and paper.

Easy Christmas Shopping: does it exist?

It’s the night before all the big festivities, you should be home baking cookies, reading your favorite Christmas stories, and decorating the tree, but you’re not. Instead you’re racing through your local mall, getting sucked into overpriced boutique stores and paying waaaaaay too much for a set of wooden serving utensils your sister-in-law probably already has. Does your brother actually want his own popcorn popper set with 20 gourmet seasonings? Probably not…but oh well. Next year you’ll plan ahead…right?

This scenario is what many would identify as Last Minute Christmas Shopping, and I’m guessing I’m not the only one who has experienced it.

But this year I put my foot down. No Last Minute Christmas Shopping for me…and guess what…all my gifts are already wrapped and under the tree…and I’m about to tell you how.

SPOILER ALERT

If you are reading this blog and think you might be related and or receiving a gift from me, you probably want to go read a different blog instead…unless you hate surprises in which case…I warned you.

Do Your Christmas Shopping in One Day

Without leaving the comfort of your bed. This year I handpicked a beautiful bar of Apple Valley Natural Soap for almost every friend and family member of mine. Apple Valley Natural Soap made this process incredibly easy because

AVNS has a huge selection of not only soaps, but other high end beauty products as well making it easy to find not just something but the perfect something for everyone.
Has an awesome deal that gets you a free bar of soap with every seven bars purchased (limited edition or already discounted bars do not apply).
Has a Rewards Program that earns you points towards more free products.
Allows you to support a small business while not sacrificing variety or quality.
Ships quickly or makes free pick-up a breeze.

Find The Perfect Gift For Everyone

We’ve already established that our Christmas Soaps make the perfect hostess gifts, but what about all the other amazing people in your life?

Of course, I understand that one bar of soap might not cut it for that extra special someone in your life…but four might…or how about an entire box of skin care and hair care products, customized and pre-packaged in a beautiful Christmas box? You could even let the soap be the stocking stuffer that inspired the gift waiting under the tree!

One note: I listed as many relationships as I could think of for this blog, but there are tons of very important, unique relationships I probably didn’t cover as well. I understand this and I honor those relationships, which is why I want you to look at this list as an inspiration rather than something set in concrete. If you’re facing the holiday season without a mom, think about mother-figures instead. Have a biological dad and a step-dad but don’t differentiate? Awesome, me too! Christmas is the time to celebrate family of all kinds. The first Christmas started with the unlikeliest, most unique of families. A mother gave birth to the son of God and the entire world changed forever, a truly beautiful reason to celebrate.

The Perfect Gift For Your Mom

She’s sacrificed so much for you, so give something back this year.

It’s why I’m parting with one of the Black Licorice Hand Foot and Body Bars I stocked up on back in October. My mom loves black licorice as much as I do and I can’t wait to see the look on her face when she receives her own full sized bar. I went the extra mile for her and paired the bar with a bottle of Organic Jojoba customized to smell just like the Black Licorice bar!

The Perfect Gift For Your Dad(s)

He’s supported you, so show him how excited you are to support him.

Get him something that means something to you

One of my dads grows an awesome beard during hunting season, and this year I was so excited about our new Natural Beard Shampoo Bar that I actually gave him his gift early!

p.s. He loves it!

I got my other dad the Honey Carrot and Tangerine Face and Body Bar because it is one of my favorite bars (and a TOP FIVE FAVORITE) and I want to share it with him!

The Perfect Gift For Your Brother

Find something he’ll love regardless of whether he enjoys getting his hands dirty or prefers keeping them clean.

My brother is an avid outdoorsman, so I got him the Wild North Shampoo Bar… a bar that will bring the subtle scents of the outdoors…in. Sometimes brothers can also be a bit forgetful, so I’m pairing his soap with a mat so his bar doesn’t accidentally glom to the rim of the tub.

The Perfect Gift For Your Sister

For all the times she was sweet to you…or maybe to make up for the times you weren’t so sweet with her.

I don’t have a sister, but if I did I would make sure she had a bar of our Wheat and Honey Almond Shampoo Bar or Chamomile and Orange Blossom Shampoo Bar. These bars are perfect for pairing with a sweet treat like Baking Betty’s Cookies! They make tons of unique and delicious cookies, are located in the Mall of America, and have a very similar, God-centered mission to AVNS!

The Perfect Gift For Your Aunt

Why do you look up to your aunt? Her Style? Authenticity? Work Ethic? Get her a bar that tells her what you appreciate most about her!

I have three aunts.

A Trendy Pumpkin Spice Bar for my trendy aunt.

An Unscented Cocoa Butter and Vanilla Bean Facial Bar for my down-to-earth aunt with sensitive skin (runs in the family)

The Sweet Rosehips Body Polish for my aunt so she can let those sweet, exfoliating sugar crystals do all the hard work for her!

The Perfect Gift For Your Uncle

This one is tricky. How do you pick a gift for a man with refined tastes who probably already has everything he needs? An equally refined bar of soap.

I got the Cowboy Shampoo Bar with my uncle in mind and as soon as I smelled it I knew I made the perfect choice. My uncle has a knack for coordination and a practicality that makes him an amazing chef and fantastic interior designer so I got him a bar with a unique and masculine scent profile I know he’ll appreciate.

The Perfect Gift For Your Niece

I don’t have a niece yet, but I imagine she looks up to you just like I look up to my aunts and uncle, so get her something that makes her feel like she’s following in your footsteps!

I have a little cousin who is more of a little sister to me and she already tried a lot of AVNS products during my summer photoshoot blog…so I’m making her another gift instead, but pairing it with my all time favorite: Vanilla Latte Lip Balm.

The Perfect Gift For Your Nephew

I don’t have a nephew, but getting something you know he’ll use is always a safe bet.

Our Lotion Bar packs as a solid and is perfect for the nephew who loves to travel.

If he’s an athlete, our Extra Strength Balm is a hemp oil product that can be used by serious athletes to help relieve muscle aches and pains.

The Perfect Gift For Your In-Laws

Show them how much you care

Yes, it may mean letting go of another Black Licorice Hand Foot and Body Bar, but you know they’ll love it and that makes it so worth it.

The Perfect Gift For Your Grandfather

Give them something practical that shows them their hard work does not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

All of my grandfathers are shining examples of what it means to be a hard worker. My grandpas are always on the move. Whether it’s mowing the lawn, doing handiwork around the house, or plowing snow, they show their love through practical acts of service. So I got them bars they could get on board with: the multipurpose Man 2.0 Body, Shampoo and Shaving Bar and our Rugged Shaving Soap, a shaving soap to protect against the elements when my Papa is out and about!

The Perfect Gift For Your Grandmother

Spoil her as much as she’s spoiled you.

Both of my grandmothers exude tranquility and gentleness, so I looked for bars that would fit their vibes. One grandma is a beauty guru and I can’t wait for her to try her Antioxidant Beauty Facial Bar, full of pampering ingredients. My other grandma enjoys the soothing scent of lavender, so I got her the Oatmeal Lavender Body Bar made with oats to calm and soothe her skin.

The Perfect Gift Spouse/Partner

Nothing says I love you like a gift that shows them how well you know them.

Sigh, there goes another Black Licorice Hand Foot and Body Bar. I made the mistake of letting my boyfriend wash his hands with my coveted bar and ever since he’s been hinting about getting one of his own for Christmas.

The Perfect Gift For Your Co-workers

Give them something unique to mix it up this year.

Don’t get me wrong, you can never go wrong with leaving a box of adorable cupcakes in the office with a little note saying “help yourself and happy holidays!” But how would you like to stand out this holiday season? I did. So I bought the Shampoo Bar Sampler Pack and put each sample in a plastic reindeer baggy with a little label and I am so excited for my coworkers to try them!

I hope your Christmas shopping just got a little easier!

Much Love,

Nora

Three Unique Father’s Day Gift Ideas for 2020 that were Inspired by Natural Soap

Leave a comment June 15, 2020 Eleanor Jahns-Roerick

I don’t mean to brag, but I’m a fantastic gift giver.

I Love Gift Giving for a Number of Reasons

Of course, I enjoy counting all the money I saved in the process because I’m thriving on thrifty, but the best part of gift giving is finding the perfect gift for the perfect person. It’s realizing that taking the time to put together a quality gift for someone you love is more than an obligation. It’s an act of art, love, and acknowledgment.

This being said, I’ve always been stumped when it comes to Father’s Day.

Dads, husbands, brothers, sons, son-in-laws, uncles, nephews, grandpas, great-grandpas and all the men who have made a difference in your life deserve a day of recognition, but is there ever a way to truly show the tremendous amount of appreciation you have for them?

In the time I’ve been with AVNS I’ve come to believe that we have a bar for every occasion.

Finding the Perfect Father’s Day Gift

So this Father’s Day I turned to some amazing bars for inspiration and came up with three, simple, special Father’s Day gifts that won’t break the bank, but are sure to make the father-figures in your life feel irreplaceable.

Now, I personally love giving and receiving multipart/themed gifts because I think they show the time and creativity that went into the process. These bars make for great gifts just on their own, but can also be paired with the three inclusive and customizable Father’s Day experiences they inspired for a personal touch.

*All of these ideas can be accomplished with social distancing in mind

1) Cook a 5-Star Meal with the Man 2.0 Body, Shampoo, and Shaving Bar

Turn your kitchen into your own personal 5-star restaurant with the help of our Man 2.0 Body, Shampoo, and Shaving Bar. Every great chef needs clean hands before they get to chopping. This multipurpose shampoo bar’s woodsy scent will make him feel like he just spent the afternoon trekking through the forest, making it the perfect scent-appetizer. As a bonus, organic olive oil will leave his skin super moisturized. Make it a romantic evening, or get the whole family involved for a night of culinary creativity. This is the perfect indoor Father’s Day gift for a relaxing night in the comfort of your own home.

A Soap Inspired Father’s Day Menu

Let our soap be the opening and closing act for a fantastically themed meal. I was inspired by this shampoo bar’s orange and rosemary essential oil blend and came up with a complementing menu. Try this Orange Rosemary Chicken grilled to juicy perfection and complemented with a show-stealing citrus side salad.

Vegan? So is a Lot of Our Soap!

Instead of meat, try this Creamy Mushroom Risotto. The depth of flavor is out of this world!

2) Un-cramp with a Customized Camping Trip with the Limited Edition Camping Bar

He’s itching to get out of the house, but if swarms of bugs and “doing your business in the woods” are the only images that come to mind when you think about camping I can see why you’d be hesitant to venture into the deep woods.

The thing is, camping doesn’t have to be all about roughing it. With the right planning and the right soap, camping can be more fun than you’d think! Not only is our Camping Bar biodegradable, it’s also packed with pest-repelling essential oils. This bar can be used as shampoo when used with soft water (lake or river water) and can be used as a body bar with hard water.

You can camp anywhere, allowing you to tailor your Father’s Day trip to perfection.

Glamping (Glamour Camping)

Celebrate the fantastic father of your children with a childless romantic getaway into the deep woods. Pitch a tent under the stars or have someone else do it for you.

Bamping (Backyard Camping)

Get the kids involved with a fun night in the backyard! Have a father themed sing-along and get the grill going for a cookout…the ideas are endless.

3) Horseback Ride with the Cowboy Bar

Feel the thrill of the Old West with a trail ride. Never ridden a horse? No problem! Many trail riding companies will tell you everything you need to know and will help you find a horse matched to your riding abilities.

Nothing feeds his sense of adventure more than sitting astride a mighty steed as you spend a day on the trail. He’ll feel like a true cowboy when he dismounts with newly stiff legs and covered in some authentic cowboy dirt.

Don’t like the sound of cowboy dirt? No worries!

A scrub with our Cowboy Bar will keep him clean and smelling like a fresh man with the smokey scent of vetiver and spicy black pepper.

Making Father’s Day Special

Whatever you plan to do, make this Father’s Day count by letting Dad know you care. You’d be surprised just how much a handmade card and a bar of natural soap can brighten his day.

Much Love,

Nora