Edited to say: Hold the presses! You all are fast. These treasures sold out in under 10 minutes. Read on below just for fun, but at last count we're sold out. Sorry for those who missed it! 

Last spring a postal carried placed a customer's Treasure Box behind their delivery truck and promptly drove over it.

It was the weirdest LüSa delivery mishap yet.

The recipient came home to a wonderful smelling but tragically crushed box of product in her driveway. Needless to say, this was not what she was hurrying home to find. (I won't judge. I once drove over our lunch, which contained a glass jar of homemade pickles. Also messy; also fragrant.)

For reasons like this we always hold back a few Treasure Boxes, in case we need to reship after a delivery goes awry. 

And this season? Well, this season was a rare disaster-free delivery cycle. (Go, team Post Office!)

And that means we still have a few Summer Treasure Boxes looking for homes.

I decided to offer them up here. Because I like you. And because I think everything in this box is fabulous! 

The Treasure Box is always a surprise, but since this one is a past delivery, I'm revealing all her secrets.

The Summer 2017 Treasure Box contains:

• Dry Shampoo made with organic arrowroot (because who has time to shower every day? or every two?) * cornstarch-free
• Acne Stick (which your teenager will probably steal, or so our customers report)
• On-the-go Hand Cleanser (we are crazy about this!)
• A big, beautiful "everybody needs to chill" sachet, stuffed with organic lavender and lemon balm
• Peppermint foot polish (because: summer) made with organic sugar and Himalayan pink salt, among other things
• and Phoenix Burn Balm (one of my favorite new formulas of all time) that I'm pretty sure I don't ever want to live without

If you're interested in purchasing one, snag one while you can and enjoy $20 off. I know. Seriously. But I really want these to find a home, and I thought that a big juicy coupon code would do the trick.

To receive your discount use code "20BUCKS". That coupon will work on the purchase of a single box or an annual subscription. Either way we'll ship you a summer box right away.

There aren't many left, so don't wait! When they're gone I'll add a note here letting late-comers know. (Coupon good only on the Summer 2017 collection or annual subscription beginning with the Summer 2017 box. Good while supplies they last.)  

Edited to add: Oh my goodness you are fast! We sold out in 10 minutes. Thanks, to everyone who ordered, and apologies to those who missed it.

Snatch them up, friends! And enjoy.

Happy weekending, dear ones!

 Let me start by admitting how terrible I am at hosting work parties. I'm pathetic. In the 15 years I've been running a business I have never (never!) hosted one.

I know. So lame.

But last week we wanted to send two of our favorite LüSa family members off in style as they move on to the next chapter of their lives and careers, so a work party was planned.

On the river, of course, because we think that's more fun that hors d'evours or pizza. 

Because LüSa is family at it's core it was a family party, and other team member's kids were in attendance as well. And as the rain passed and the clouds cleared, we hit the water. 

We were sending off the wonderful Raina and Jaia, who have been working at LüSa for years in one capacity or another.

When Raina was just 12 she would often come to work with her mom Karen, our Operations Manager, during summer break. Back then LüSa was home-based and my own kids were small. While we were upstairs immersed in the day-to-day of homeschooling, nursing, and naps, there was a constant buzz and undertone of LüSa in our world, our team always in the background. Lupine was then (and now) enchanted with these older girls, and she has grown up with their songs and their art and their stories as an influence in who she has become.

Fast forward to today and Raina and Jaia (who have been our shipping team for some time) are ready to move on to their next adventure, launching their first album with a tour out west. 

They departed just a couple of days after our paddle, and we were so glad to have a chance to send them off, Kickapoo River style.

Happy travels, you two.

We'll miss them so!

As most of you know, I create a seasonal subscription box packed with organic body care just four times a year. It's one of my favorite projects, as it's a huge creative outlet for me dreaming up a new collection each season. I over-stocked the Summer Treasure Box this year, so – for only the second time ever – we still have a few on hand as of shipping day! That means if you're still contemplating signing up for one box or for a year, we've got you covered.

Sign up today and add a comment on your order of "Stainless Straw Set" and I'll add two stainless steel straws to a single box and a set of four for an annual subscription. (While they last!) Or if you prefer, add a note of "Surprise me – blog bonus" and I'll add an extra body care item to your summer box instead!

But hurry! We only have a few on hand, and these gems won't last. 

Happy summer to each of you!

Rachel

*This offer can not be combined with other Treasure Box offers.

Below is a little special I was running for my LüSa Organics customers in our weekly newsletter. I thought I'd share it here as well, since I know some of you are in the market for an effective tick and mosquito repellent.

 

If you'd like to receive my weekly email and coupon code, simply enter your email address here. I promise not to spam you.

 

The special offer follows. Have a lovely weekend, friends!

 

 

Spring is in full swing and it won't be long until summer is here. That means ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies are back – and the sun is shining bright! But don't despair. We've got you covered.

 

LüSa Shoo is an effective toxin-free insect repellent. And it's safe for kids! Shoo is effective on:

* Ticks

* Mosquitoes and

* Biting Flies

 

Our new Sunshine Butter is made with 20% non-nano zinc oxide. Easy to apply and safe for kids over 6 months of age! 

This week only pick up a bottle of Shoo (any size) and a tin ofSunshine Butter and we'll add your choice of a free Summer Lime Lip Balm or a small Better Balm to your order.

Can not be combined with other offers or promotions. Retail customers only, please.

Two years ago today I introduced you to a new idea I was working on – the LüSa Treasure Box.

I wasn't sure if the idea would take off, or if maybe, I don't know… three of you would subscribe and I would have to make good on my promise of six new products each season anyway! Of course that isn't how it worked out at all. The first Treasure Box (and the two years worth that have followed) were a runaway success, and I feel I owe much of that success to you.

You were the first place I brought that idea, and you loved it and jumped in to give it a try. I'm honored and grateful indeed.

When I explained the concept to Steven, our production superhero at LüSa he said, "Wait… so people are saying 'Here's my money, you can send me whatever you want.'? They love you." And I feel that love and trust everyday. You know we're not a corporation, we're a family. And that we care about your families as much as we do about our own.

In the two years since we first launched the Treasure Box we've dreamed up many new products that were such a hit we had to bring them into our permanent line. These are now LüSa customer favorites like our Charcoal Facial Bar, Sea Spray Hair Texturizer, Magnesium Mist topical magnesium oil, and our zinc oxide Sunshine Butter.

But we've delivered on so much more than that! Everyone has their favorites, like a lemon myrtle whipped body lotion we offered in the very first box that people are still emailing about, or an arnica muscle balm we shared during the second year. There's been so much goodness, it's hard to keep track.

Because this box marks the start of our third year, I wanted to offer something really special to you, my blog readers, because this is where it all began. I rarely offer LüSa products to you, but for so many reasons today feels like a good time.

Since you're my online inner circle; my favorite corner of the internet; I'll even give you a few hints of what we're tucking into the upcoming collection. (If you promise not to tell!)

The summer box just might contain…

~ something for hair

~ something for face

~ something for happy summer feet

~ something for a relaxing home

~ something for when you're on the go

~ something to keep handy in the kitchen or by the campfire. 

Did I pique your interest yet? I hope so!

Sign up for a summer box today and I'll throw in a full-sized extra (or four!), just for you…

Choose one item from the list below if you sign up for a single box, and receive all four if you sign up for a full year!

Arnica Muscle Mender 

This oil was from a pervious Treasure Box and is one of our most-requested products ever. Rub it in to your muscles and joints, anywhere you need a little Arnica goodness.

Headache Balm

A bestseller from one of our first Treasure Boxes, Headache Balm is now a regular item in the LüSa shop.

Cooling Facial Mist

We offered this in the Summer 2016 Collection and still receive requests for more! We made a batch as a special order for a customer, and kept a few to share with you.

Tinted Lip Balm

Another favorite from our first year of boxes, our Tinted Lip Balm is subtle color for any skin tone.

 : : :

To redeem, simply order your Treasure Box (single or annual subscription) today. Leave an order comment of "Blog Bonus" and if you're ordering a single summer collection let us know which product you would like us to add.

It's that simple! But don't wait. Our Treasure Boxes never last long, and this collection is sure to be no exception. 

Thanks to each of you for the empathy and kindness you offered my family this week. Honestly, it's really a small bump in the grand scheme of things, but in the moment these struggles really can derail you. (And by "you" I mean me.)

Lots of projects and plans are sidelined for now, but little by little we're finding a new rhythm – a new normal – at home.

Several of you suggested a Kickstarter or crowd-funding for our medical bills, and honestly, I don't expect it to be all that awful. So far it seems that surgery won't be necessary, and I have managed successfully to redirect Pete whenever I find him googling "DIY casts". (Kidding/not kidding.)

While crowd-funding isn't my style, a little LüSa blog reader special can't hurt. Some free soap, perhaps?

We have a new Booty Balm – Naked Booty – that I'm quite thrilled with. I've wanted to offer an unscented version of our bestselling Booty Balm for ages, and finally worked out the details last month. I've been using mine on so may things, including as a lip balm, and I'm crazy about it.

The calendula in there really works some magic.

For anyone who'd like to place an order for a Naked Booty (what a strange sentence this is!) I'm offering a free 2-3 oz. scratch-and-dent bar of soap with every tin!

To claim your free soap simply order a Naked Booty this weekend and add a comment to your order of "free scratch-and-dent soap for me!" I'll add one to your order (expires 4/10/17).

Feel free to specify our classic (vegetarian) soap line or our new locavore (local grassfed tallow) line. If you're on the fence and not opposed to tallow, the Locavore soaps are amazing!

That's all I've got for today. Thanks again for the love, beautiful people. It means so much.

Happy weekending!

xo

Rachel

Place any LüSa Organics order this weekend and add a note of "Weekend Blog Freebie" and we'll add a free gift to your order.

The more you buy, the bigger your gift! It's a small way for me to say thank you for your perpetual support and love of both what I share here, and what I create at LüSa. 

Here are a few of my favorites products this season:

Charcoal Facial Bar (amazing!)

Sunshine Butter (20% non-nano zinc oxide)

Shoo (insect repellent that's works on ticks!)

Naked Booty (EO-free Booty Balm)

Maple syrupy hugs all around!

Love,
Rachel

First, your response to yesterday's post was beautiful and encouraging. Thank you. Pete is still feeling awful, but the kids seem to be rebounding. I'm grateful.

Second, a quick reminder before we all head into the weekend. It's almost Treasure Box time!

Things have been buzzing at LüSa for the past many weeks, as we prepare the Spring Treasure Box collection. It's been two years since I first dreamed up this project (and shared it here first!). Two years of imagining, refining, and creating seasonal products that you have fallen as in love with as I have.

Honestly, I'm amazed at where this project has gone! From products first offered through the Treasure Box we have discovered some gems and have launched several of our current bestsellers (like Headache Balm, Facial Cleansing Oil, and our Charcoal Facial Bar – among many others). 

Each Treasure Box contains six surprise products made just for you, just for the season. And each box sells out in a hurry! I currently have a handful Spring Treasure Boxes left. Care to claim one? They ship out soon, slated for an Equinox arrival in just two weeks.

Order a Treasure Box now and if you add a note to your order of "Generous Extra" and I'll tuck a special blog-reader only bonus in your Spring collection. (While they last.)

I can't wait to share these with you. 

Happy weekending, friends!

Warmly,
Rachel

My life goes through seasons where what keeps me most occupied shifts from one part of my life to the next. If drifts from homeschooling to farm; from family to garden; from writing to LüSa.

And while I've been busy doing some writing and retreat planning lately, I'm mostly busy with body care this season.

Since I've been a bit more quiet here as I dig in hard over there, I thought I would share a few highlights for those who are curious as to what I've been up to. It's always an honor to share my current projects with you! 

(If any of the LüSa items below speak to you, please add a note of "Kindness IS contagious" to your order. I'll be sure to throw in something extra, just because.)

Bee's Knees Gift Collection

A limited edition vanilla-citrus gift collection, I created this sweet little bundle for Valentine's Day. The scents are divine, and the products are far from our usual offerings!

Our base oils, sugars, and honey are organic and we're are donating 15% of sales to the Center for Honeybee Research. What a treat this was to put together!

You can check out the Bee's Knees collection here. 

Be you bravely tees!

Our Kindness is Contagious and Water is Life tees were a runaway hit, but it was time for a fresh new design. "Be You Bravely" is printed in white on a black organic cotton tee shirt. We're offering them in sizes S through 5XL. 

We love these! You can find them here.

Better Balm

I've been working on the formula for Better Balm for years. We included it in a recent Treasure Box and it was met with wild enthusiasm!

Better Balm is an all-purpose herbal balm. Infused with calendula, comfrey, lavender, and chamomile, it's like Booty Balm in a superhero cape. It brings the best of Booty Balm and Cheek and Chin together, for all your skin care needs.

You can find Better Balm right here.

Treasure Box 2017

Treasure Box 2017 is off and running and I've been busy in my studio working on the spring product collection. 

It's hard to believe it's been almost two years since I dreamt up this project – and so many of you jumped in to support it. Thank you for trusting in me and helping make this vision a reality. 

Creating each Treasure Box collection is one (well four, actually) of the best parts of my year and I love the creative process of dreaming up six new products to share each season. We still have some 2017 Treasure Boxes available, both as single boxes and annual subscriptions.

You can find more details here.

Spring Herbal Retreat

And last but not at all least, I'm digging in on preparations for the Spring Women's Herbal Retreat.

I'm polishing my recipes, ordering and preparing herbs, and dreaming up all of the new and lovely potions we will create during those four days together. I can hardly wait! 

I do still have space for six more ladies, so if you've been mulling over joining us, now is the time! I'll be closing registration very soon. 

Some retreat details can be found here, or drop me an email and I'll answer all of your herbal retreat questions!