Just in time for Mother’s Day… or Any Day!
I generally don’t make holiday-themed items. They aren’t my style–no Santa soaps, or leprechauns or red heart soaps or whatever. But I’m going to make an exception (sort of) this year. I’m making these...
View ArticleBlue Bombs. Bomber Blue…
This weekend is the Ithaca College graduation. Although I didn’t study there, I did work there (in IT) for almost a decade. So a little homage to the Ithaca College Bombers seems in order....
View ArticleOlive Oil & Dead Sea Salt Scrub
This is like a trip to the Med–olive oil, crushed olive leaves, sea salt, and a dry citrus and rosemary fragrance. But in your shower. And without the great espresso, pasta, and a guy named Giorgio...
View ArticleSoap Molds, Reposted
This is an old post–from April 2013, but still relevant! I still use 2 different sized soap molds (and sometimes more!), but even though the bars are shaped differently, they are well over 4 oz, making...
View ArticleFresh!
Just out of the mold: Ithaca is so… Psychedelic, Man! Swirly soap scented with pure patchouli essential oil. Love it or hate it! Every time I make this soap, I use different colors and different...
View ArticleWait, Which one…?
There is a whole lot of skin-loving goodness going on at Avital’s. Starting with my flagship Lotion Bar that goes back to the beginning my business, I’ve been making things that are so good for your...
View ArticleLet’s Talk about Bar Soap
Recently, I interviewed many of my customers to get a feel for what they like about my products. One thing became clear quickly: a lot of people prefer liquid soap to bar soap. This was surprising to...
View ArticleSomething New Coming Up!
After the holiday rush, there’s a lull for businesses like mine. It’s a great time to take a deep breath and get creative! So that’s what we’ve been doing. Cole and I are working on some new lines to...
View ArticleWacky Weather Spring Sale!
You know those whipped body butters you all love so much? Me too. But they are hard to ship in summer. I pack them with ice packs and mail them Priority so they’ll arrive tout suite, but still. It’s a...
View ArticleNew for Winter: Scrub Bee
Confession: I hate winter. Every single year, I wonder what possesses me to live in a place where the air makes my face hurt. (And then spring comes and I smell the violets on the edge of the woods,...
View ArticleLotion Bar Or Body Butter?
Recently, a customer came into Sunny Days. She was a regular user of my Lotion Bar, but wondered if she should try the Ithaca Body Butter instead. Deirdre at Sunny Days did what any good store owner...
View ArticleBee Inspired… To Take Care of Yourself
I snapped a selfie a few days ago while I was working. The light was a combination of ultra-bright fluorescents and natural sunlight. For someone with my fair (read pasty!) skin and no makeup, this can...
View ArticleScrub Bee!
Scrub Bees have really taken off! After a few demos and some explanation, people who try them love them. And keep coming back for more! The hard part is explaining what it is. So here’s the long form...
View ArticleWho Doesn’t Love A Good Bath Fizzy?
Baths are not for getting clean. A tub full of warm (or hot!) water with fabulous additives relaxes your muscles, opens your pores, softens your skin, and lightly moisturizes and fragrances your whole...
View ArticleMelt Alert!
The Ithaca weather lately has alternated between blazing hot and rainy drab. Today is blazing hot! Our balms and butters do not love this heat; they are designed to melt at skin temperature–around 90℉...
View ArticleFall Is Coming, I Promise!
Crazy hot weather, no? But fall will come, leaves will turn colors here in the Finger Lakes, we will pick apples and rake leaves and put on sweaters. When we do, this soap will be your friend in the...
View ArticleCustomize Those Gifts!
We love our little logo bee, so we stamp her on our soaps and fizzies. By hand. When you’re giving gifts to your donors, clients, or employees, personalize it the same way. Handmade says that you care,...
View ArticleItalian Sunshine Hand & Body Lotion Now at GreenStar!
The title says it all! GreenStar on Buffalo has carried our much-loved mango butter & aloe lotion in Unscented and Dark Lavender for quite a while, but as of today, they are adding Italian...
View ArticleHow Our Scrub Bee Is Made
I’ll bet you wondered! Scrub Bees aren’t soap–they’re a solid sugar scrub you use in the shower, after you wash. Rub the bar on any bits that need exfoliating–knees, elbows, that spot on the back of...
View ArticleShampoo & Conditioner
You’ve been washing with my soap since 2010. It’s time for some haircare! As of today, Avital’s Bee Fresh Shampoo and Conditioner Bars are available at GreenStar on Buffalo. More locations coming soon!...
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