Back home (and sewing already).

June 22, 2011March 17, 20187 Comments

We're home! The Midwest Renewable Energy Fair was amazing, as always. I love this show. Really, truly. Old friends, new friends, great conversations, and inspiring ideas. And the critical mass of homeschoolers is astounding.

Sage was in his element, running free (with a walkie-talkie on his hip in case he (read: we) needed something) with new friends and old, playing, learning, exploring. Lupine was happy to explore and play as well, hand in hand with Pete or me. She packed her bumble bee tutu (yes, to wear to the Energy Fair) and someone there gave her a bee antenna headband to complete the ensemble. She was, well, very Lupine. Ask anyone who was at the fair. They likely saw her. She was pretty hard to miss.

Thanks to all of you who visited (or sent Wisconsin-based friends and family our way in your place!). It is lovely for me to put faces to both readers here and long time LuSa Organics customers.

We got home just in time for our team member Nina's last day (above left). Nina has worked for us since 2009 and now she's headed for Asheville, NC. (Also pictured are: Chris O., production; Karen R., shipping; Lupine, my girl; and Raina, Karen's daughter. Pete and I are at Right with our son Sage who needless to say was not so into the photo shoot.)

Nina came to us when she was 19. I got an email and then a phone call from a very together sounding young woman who wanted to apprentice at an organic soap company. At 19 I wish I had thought to do what she was doing. I was impressed already. So we met and I adored her and Nina came to work for us for "two months" of soap-making training.

Somehow two months quickly became two-plus years and Nina moved from apprentice to intern to part-time production specialist with grace. (If you use LuSa product you have surely used something made by Nina.)

Because she's moving cross-country, I didn't want to burden her with a gift that wouldn't serve a useful purpose. But I wanted to make her something to say thank you for her time, her work, and her friendship. Since like us, Nina uses homeopathic remedies on occasion I thought a little remedy roll-up would keep her blue vials organized on the road.

I sewed two pieces for Nina: a roll-up to secure her remedies (a simple elastic band instead of pockets to help keep the labels visible) and a zip bag to hold any extras and to keep the remedies from jumping out of the roll-up along the way. I even silenced my fabric-miser self and picked three favorites from my stash for the project. I'm glad I did.

So yes. Easy, sweet, and useful. That's pretty much what I need out of every project. And this one took just a bit of elastic, some fabric, a zipper, and some vintage ribbon. Nina's remedy kit holds 10 Boiron remedies, but you could make yours any size you wish. (I actually had to reference my own tutorial to make the zip pouch. I couldn't remember how to do the zipper and get my choice fabric on the outside. Total geekdom.)

Safe travels, Nina. We love you! Thanks for bringing your spirit to the LuSa family.

Three Year Blog Birthday and a LuSa Organics Giveaway.

May 31, 2011March 17, 2018276 Comments

Four years ago I had a baby on my hip and an almost five year old at my side, a new small business venture of my own making, and a very happily full plate. I was home with my kids, my man, and our body care business wondering what the next phase of my life was going to bring.

Four years ago I did not even know what a blog was. Really.

Then while searching on-line for some craft tutorials I found a handful of lovely blogs. I found community, education, and inspiration through my computer. This was new for me. I dug it. Real people. Like me! People who share my values who were talking about things that inspired me. I loved it.

Then three years ago I decided to write my own. Three years. Nearly 500 posts. Sewing patterns and knitting updates. Holiday celebrations and recipes. Unschooling ideas and gentle parenting advice. So many posts, and so many more yet to be written. I feel like I've barely begun. Suddenly (three years later) I am a Blogger. And you get a peek into my life each week, to see how we live, what we treasure, and what makes me tick.

Why "Clean"?

I am a soapmaker so I named my blog Clean. I own an organic body care company so I believe deeply in what I would call Clean ingredients (whole, natural, non-synthetic, organic). I believe in what I think of as Clean food (local, organic, whole), and Clean relationships (non-violent, connection-based) and a sustainable Clean lifestyle. So Clean it was. And then I sat down and started typing. And I really haven't stopped.

Why Blog?

Initially I started blogging to create some transparency for people learning about my body care company, LuSa Organics. I wanted customers to have a chance to get to know me so that they knew where I was coming from when it came time to choose safe, natural body care products for their family. I wanted to show people who I was, what I believe in, and why I do what I do. I am not a corporation. I am a mama who cares deeply and believes passionately in how we go about our business. I am also a teacher, so reaching out this way was a natural fit. And that is what I did. And it felt great.

And then… something shifted.

This transparency for customers and future customers was still an important component, but the connection to my readers and the act of writing became an important part of my life in-and-of-itself. Writing became a passion in its own right. And that shift was really about all of you. You came here, day after day, either through LuSa Organics or separate from it and you cared about what I had to say. You kept coming back. And you brought your friends. And you shared your own ideas, your own inspiration, your words. Community manifested out of thin air.

The more I wrote the more important it became to me. And so today, thanks to your support and encouragement I have started working on my first book. A book! It is an exciting time in so many ways. Good things brewing on so many fronts. Thank you for showing up here (the frequent commenters and the quiet folks alike). You've given me the courage to take on a big exciting project that will change my life.

To celebrate my blog's birthday I am giving away some LuSa Organics goodies. LuSa Organics is how our family makes its living. We also are a portion of the income of thee other local families. Because of LuSa Organics it is possible for me to be home, unschooling my kids and bringing this blog to you.

One blessed winner will receive an assortment of LuSa Organics goodies, from either our Mama and Baby lines or our Body Care product line. Choose from a Baby Mama Gift Set or a Blissful Bath Gift set.

Oh, and for everyone, how about a LuSa Organics coupon code? Place an order before the end of the week (By June 4, 2011) and receive a free scrumptious LuSa gift with your order. Just say "Blog Birthday" in the comments field. You won't regret it. Best. Body care. Ever. I promise.

Comments are now closed. I'll announce the winner later in the week!

To be entered in today's giveaway, do as many of the following as you wish. (Be sure to leave one comment for each action for up to five entries per person.) Thanks for celebrating with me! I'll close comments and annouce a winner after the weekend.

Tell us why you read Clean and/or why you love LuSa Organics.
Share with us one new (natural) scent combination for product or one new product you would like us to offer.
Become a fan of LuSa Organics on Facebook.
Become a fan of Clean on Facebook.
Share a link to this giveaway via Facebook or Twitter OR Invite your friends to Clean via email (for the non-social media folks).

Thanks again for coming here and for sharing in the little moments of my life.

LuSa Organics is Hiring! (And a coupon code for the rest of you.)

March 28, 2011March 17, 20189 Comments

By now most of you know that I own an organic body care company called LuSa Organics (named for our kids, Lupine and Sage). We handcraft high quality body care for babies, pregnant women, and the everyone else. Booty Balm, Baby Wipe Juice, soap, lip balm, essential oil blends, belly balm… loads of lovely organic products. (If you haven't tried it I assure you – we make fantastic stuff.)

Our business is growing fast and we are ready for one more positive soul on our production team. If you are local and looking for the best-smelling job around, read on! And spread the word. Thanks!

And what the heck – since most of you aren't local but you just read this how about a coupon code for you? Type the phrase "LUSA IS HIRING" in the comments field of your next order and receive a free gift! The more you order the bigger the freebie. (But they are all luscious. I promise!) Coupon valid until April 4, 2011.

Peace,
Rachel

Are you the PRODUCTION SPECIALIST we’re looking for?

If so you are reliable, honest, and hard-working.
You are consistent and follow systems precisely.
You are a self-starter and offer your best each day.
You are enthusiastic about herbal organic products.

LuSa Organics is a home-based business located in Viroqua, WI. The new PRODUCTION SPECIALIST will work three shifts per week of approximately six hours each. (Hours will vary and flexibility is required.) Come with an eye for detail and a steady hand as you make and label soaps, scrubs, balms, and infusions. Be prepared for some heavy lifting.

Our home also contains our children and pets, so comfort with these critters is vital as well. We love what we do and can’t wait for you to join our team!

Ready to get started?
Call 608-606-5374 by April 4, 2011. Position begins soon!

On The Road.

December 2, 2010March 17, 20184 Comments

I'm off to the Twin Cities for No Coast Craft-o-Rama! (Click the image above for more info on the show.) Hope to see some of you there, Minnesota friends. Do stop by my booth and introduce yourself, won't you?

Blessings,
Rachel

LuSa Organics Giveaway.

November 26, 2010March 17, 2018141 Comments

I love LuSa.

And that makes sense. It is my business after all. (That's baby Lupine and I cutting soap a few years back.)

But it is more than just that. I really love LuSa. Even if it weren't my business I would still buy our products. Because they work better for my sensitive skin than anything I've tried before and they smell dreamy.

I'd also buy LuSa because it is not made by a big corporation, but by an actual family. (I have a tendency to root for the little guy. In this case that would be me.) And the ingredients are ethical and top notch. And we are really nice people to boot. What's not to love?

And what about you?

Some of you have found your way to Clean because you already love LuSa. Others have only heard of LuSa because of coming to visit me here. Let's mix it up a little. If you are an existing customer I'd love to hear why you love LuSa. Why are you hopelessly in love with what we create? If you're new to LuSa I'd love to encourage you to give us a try. It's how we make our living. It's how I write this blog. And it's really fantastic stuff, I tell you. You'll be so happy you did.

Today I am hosting my own giveaway for a $50 LuSa Organics gift certificate. Keep it, share it, do some holiday shopping with it. It's up to you. Such a delicious opportunity to bring some good smells into your world.

And for everyone I'm offering free standard US shipping on all orders over $60 between now and December 20, 2010. (International customers – email me for your special shipping discount code.) Use coupon code "SHIPCLEAN" during checkout, then choose "free shipping" from the shipping menu.

To enter the drawing, do any or all of the following ~

1. Leave a comment stating one of the following:

A) For existing customers, share something you love about LuSa Organics. Product, philosophy, story… anything.

B) For future/potential/almost customers mention a product from our website that you would be interested in trying or tell us what it would take for you to make your first purchase.

2. For a second entry, invite a friend or two to enter our drawing as well (use Facebook, Twitter, your blog, email, or your trusty telephone). This will be the honor system. Link to your post or let us know how you invited your friends in your comment.

3. And finally, for a third go, let us know what future LuSa product you would be most interested in trying of we decide to make it:

Nipple Balm (for nursing mum)
Liquid Soap (foamy perhaps)
Room Freshener (spray essential oils)
Best Ever Natural Deodorant (guaranteed to really work)
Or make your own suggestion of a great new product!

I'll close comments by Wednesday and announce a winner in this post.

Congratulations to Alyssa T who said:

girl, if you make an all natural deodorent that works, you've got me! love your blog and the friends we share…

Comments are now closed. Winner will be announced soon!

And if you really really love LuSa and find yourself inexplicably pumped today, we welcome your reviews on Diaper Pin (especially Booty Balm or Baby Wipe Juice) or the Cosmetics Database. Also immensely helpful are your testimonials and reviews on the forums and discussion groups you participate in. These make all the difference to us and help us build trust with new customers.

Thanks for your unwavering support and love. We're so grateful for each of you!

Giveaway : : LuSa Orgaincs

July 15, 2010March 17, 2018189 Comments

Since we've slipped away for a few days I wanted to sweeten the pot with a LuSa giveaway and a free shipping offer for one and all. Many of you know me simply from this crafty/parenting place, but there's more to my world than this!

As most of you know, my sweetheart and I own LuSa Organics – a small organic body and baby care business. Our goal is to create the safest, most gentle and effective, luxurious products available. I'd say we're doing just that. Our business is growing faster than we imagined and its been quite a ride!

I shared more about me and about LuSa in this post, so have a read if you are curious as to who we are and why we do what we do. Oh, and the name? LuSa Organics is named after our two kids, Lupine and
Sage.

Today's giveaway is up to you! I am sharing your choice of either a Baby Collection (one Baby Wipe Juice, one Booty Balm, and one bar of Calendula Baby Soap); a Summer Collection (one Hey You. Shoo. bug spray, one Lemongrass Lotion Bar, one Garden Scrub soap, and one Healing Lip Balm); a Mama Collection (one small Lavender Organic Sugar Scrub, one Mama Massage Oil, one Belly Balm, and one Citrus Lip Balm), or a Soap Collection (your choice of any six naked soaps).

To participate leave a comment below and we'll draw a winner on Monday, July 19th.

Want to earn lots of extra entries? (Yes, even if you aren't on Facebook!) Enter one comment for each of the below that you do: Leave an honest review of any LuSa Organics products that you've used in the Cosmetics Database, Diaper Pin, or any other forum you can think of or share a link to the giveaway on your favorite parenting or natural lifestlye discussion board. Retweet this post to Twitter. Become a fan of Clean on Facebook; become a fan of LuSa Organics on Facebook; or repost this giveaway to your FB page. Edited to add: Blog a link to this giveaway! Enter once for each of the above that you do.

Comments are now closed. I'll announce the winner shortly!

And to celebrate our most successful season ever, enjoy free standard US shipping on all LuSa Organics orders over $50.00 (this week only!). Use coupon code "SUMMER" before July 20, 2010. (Be sure to select "Free Shipping" as your shipping method after you've entered the code. International customers: email shipping@lusaorganics.com for a reduced shipping rate!)

We’re Off! Er – Wait, No – He’s Off.

June 17, 2010March 17, 20188 Comments

This was going to be my departure post before we headed out the door to the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair, my favorite LuSa Organics show of the year. But then we got fevers. And belly aches. And the crud.

So while Sage and I nurse ourselves back to shining health (and Lupine bounces off the walls awaiting our usual energy to return) we'll be hanging here at home. Yep, the three of us are bowing out of the E-fair, the vacation at the cabin, and all. Pete will be there at the fair though, so don't despair if you were headed that way.

I may be away from this space for a few days while we rest and recover. However, I have some special posts from years back that I was going to share while we were away. I'll post them for you just the same!

Have a great rest of your week.

xo,
Rachel

Edited to say: Have you seen this? Really. Lavender Lemonade? I think if we all made it this weekend the world would spiral into irreversible joy and peace.

Quick! Local Food.

May 5, 2010March 17, 201840 Comments

As a small business owner my family directly feels the impact of your buying decisions. When you choose a product made by a family business there is a real family that feels that purchase. I believe that it is almost always a conscious decision that leads customers to pass up the big brands (or the CAP sales) and choose a product that is made by a small or local producer.

When it comes to our family's food we garden, join a local CSA farm, gather wild foods, hunt and fish, buy directly from local farmers, and find the rest of our food at the farmer's market and the coop. At the coop we hardly venture into the center isles. We rarely see a need for packaged foods. It's just not how we eat.

Well, its not how we usually eat anyway.

Yesterday we had a busy day and no meal plan. A Crisis Dinner if you will. I dashed to the coop to pick up something (anything!) to eat and came home with an amazingly local dinner. A local pizza crust. Regional pizza sauce. Local cheese, spinach, and asparagus. Even regional beer.

What was interesting to me was how conscious the purchase of this meal was. I put back the zucchini (from Mexico) that I wanted when I saw the asparagus (from six miles away). I chose a different sauce and beer than my first inclination when I started thinking about the miles those products had traveled to my coop. I questioned the disappearance of the local pepperoni we have bought in the past and mentioned that I'd like it stocked again to a manager.

Edited: Thanks for the link to the newest chart. I replaced the older version above with the new one.

What it really came down to was my conscious decision to be awake in my purchasing even though I was in a hurry. Even though for us this was fast food. It was my decision to be present to the reality that Muir Glen is owned by General Mills but Eden Foods is a small family owned business and DiSalvo's, the sauce I bought last night, is a family-owned Wisconsin company.

Unless you live in a town with a vibrant local food economy, you might not feel like you have choices as great as these. The document above can help you make better choices with your food budget. Created by the Cornucopia Institute, I believe this chart should hand on the wall of every coop and natural foods store. (I requested it at my coop but was told that it was "too depressing.")

This chart lets you know what corporations own which food brands so that you can choose consciously. The same goes for body care and other products, but there isn't a chart to guide your buying decisions. Your best bet is to do your homework and choose local when you can. Relevant examples for body care are that Colgate owns Tom's of Maine and Clorox owns Burt's Bees but I own LuSa Organics (see photo above, taken 30 seconds ago without even brushing my hair.)

I am a real person, not a corporation.

I care about your kids, your community, and our planet.

We speak our values with our dollars. Its just that sometimes we forget.

LuSa Organics is Growing.

April 29, 2010March 17, 201816 Comments

I don't talk about my business very much here, aside from a few ads scattered around the page. But there is a buzzing in the business today that is preoccupying my brain this morning.

I just got out of the shower. I was in there way too long to call myself an environmentalist today. But the soap. I love our soap. (Sure, I am biased, but I am a bit of a snob about the products that we use and the food that we eat. If I didn't make this soap I would buy it every time. It's that good.)

There was a new bar in there that I hadn't used for a while (Calendula Baby Soap) and it was so amazing that I just kept washing up. This got me to thinking about all of the other people who are enjoying our soap this very moment (or our sugar scrubs or our belly balm or countless other products) and out of curiosity I checked our order history for the week.

Is it the power of my Manifestation post or was this just an exceptional week?

Something is stirring in LuSa land. In the past few days we've sent
product to Arizona, North Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin, Quebec, Alberta,
Minnesota, New York, Texas, Illinois, New Jersey, California, Indiana,
Vermont and Pennsylvania. Oh. And Columbia. And Great Britian. (And a
few weeks back Costa Rica and New Zealand.)

In previous months more than 90% of our orders were local or regional, sent to customers the upper Midwest. But now… now our organic soap is inspiring decadently long showers and our Booty Balm and Baby Wipe Juice are soothing wee bums from coast-to-coast and around the globe. That feels wonderful. I can't wait to see what comes in next.

In celebration I am offering a two-day coupon code for you to enjoy. Who knows – maybe your first-time order will put us on the map in your part of the world.

Go to the LuSa Organics website and enter coupon code HEREweGROW to receive free standard shipping on any order over $50. Coupon is valid through May 1, 2010. (Free shipping cannot be combined with other coupons or offers. Free shipping can not be added to existing or already shipped orders.)

And if you've never tried our products before know that everything we make is guaranteed to be the best and most delightful you've ever used or we'll take it back and refund you – without a fuss.

To all of our existing customers – thank you for believing in us and trusting us with this most important job of helping care for your family. I am honored to know that my products are in your nursery, your bathroom, your diaper bag, your pocket and your purse. Truly honored. Thank you.

Rachel

P.S. We're giving away a wonderful children's book tomorrow – The Tales of Tiptoes Lightly, sponsored by A Toy Garden. Check back with us!

A Survey and Two Giveaways. (Three if you count the soap.)

March 8, 2010March 17, 2018Leave a comment

I'm thankful, flattered, happy and tickled that you read my blog. Thank you. It feels so good to see people coming here to find inspiration or ideas for their day-to-day lives.

And what do you think about Clean? What brings you back?

I've
put together a wee small survey and ask you to play along. It's just ten questions and will help me
understand why you come here and why more of you keep showing up. You see, I love this. I really love this and want to be able to focus my energy here in a way that will help support my family and our lifestyle. I want to write a book and build my writing resume, and this blog has lit that fire. So help me understand who you are and why you keep coming back.

As my thank you for completing the survey I am throwing in a free bar of naked LuSa Organics soap. You'll find your LuSa Organics coupon code at the end of the survey.

If you're ready to get started, the survey is found here. Edited: the Survey is now closed. But you can still tell me what you think by leaving it here as a comment. I would love that. And really. Truly. Thank you.