Fall is well upon us and winter is looming just around the corner. After a summer spent soaking up the sun and enjoying the fun and adventures that the season brings, life has resumed back to its’ “normal” chaos of work, school, sports and household chores.
While this season can feel a lot like the beginning of the arduous, long, cold and dark; it brings with it the promise of cozy nights at home, the fresh tang of fall air, the first gentle flakes of snow to grace the ground and my personal favorite; warm cozy foods!
Ayla’s blog this season has been focusing on simple and fun ways to practice some DIY self-care at home. And this week I have the very distinct pleasure of being a guest blogger and sharing some of my favorite fall recipes to give your spirit the comfort food it craves.
Pumpkin Pecan Cream Cheese Rolls
First up is a creamy, sweet and delicately spiced Pumpkin Pecan Cream Cheese rolls. These fluffy cinnamon bun style rolls capture the flavor of all that is fall. While these buns appear to have a lot of steps, I promise they are worth every bit of effort! You can also make the rolls ahead and chill in the fridge to bake the next morning.
Dough Ingredients:
Combine pumpkin, milk, butter, egg and sugar in a stand mixer or large bowl and mix well. Add remaining dry ingredients, and mix until combined. Switch to a dough hook or pour out onto a floured surface and knead for 5-10 more minutes until the dough is soft and not sticky. Add more flour or milk if needed. Cover and allow the dough to rise in a greased bowl in a warm spot until doubled (about half an hour to one hour). Turn out onto a floured or parchment lined or floured surface and roll out the dough into a 1/4" thick rectangle.
Cream cheese filling:
Combine the filling into a paste and spread across the rectangle and roll into a log. Slice into roughly 2" thick rounds and place in a well-greased baking pan and prepare the crumble.
Crumble topping
Mix the topping ingredients until just combined and crumbly. Gently press the crumble on top of each bun. Allow the Buns to rise another 20 minutes.
Bake at 350F until golden brown and cool slightly.
Icing ingredients:
Combine hot melted butter, cream cheese and icing sugar together until smooth. Add additional sugar to create a thicker glaze if desired. Drizzle over slightly cooked buns and enjoy!
Self-Care Soup
With the bounty of the garden ready to be harvested a cozy fall soup is the perfect self-care food. It’s also a great meal to generate leftovers for the freezer for busy nights, and a great way to help stretch your grocery budget.
This year I overzealously planted tomatoes and the literal fruits of my labor quickly took over my garden and later on, my kitchen. In an effort to use up this bounty, we have all practically eaten our respective weights in tomatoes!
One of my favorite meals I made was a Smoked Tomato Basil Bisque. We served this soup topped with a drizzle of cream and gooey grilled cheese sandwiches made with sharp cheddar cheese and fresh, homemade bread.
Side note: This recipe can easily be adapted for those without a smoker or who may not want the smoky flavors by simply using oven roasted tomatoes instead of smoked.
Smoked Tomato Basil Bisque – Serves approx. 4.
Place tomatoes, onions, garlic cloves and peppers in a foil roasting pan in your smoker at 250-300F for approximately 1-2 hours. If no smoke flavor is desired, an oven at 300F for 2-3 hours will suffice as well.
Add tomatoes and remaining ingredients to a blender in batches OR place in a large pot and puree with an immersion blender until smooth and combined.
Heat the soup over medium-high heat until bubbling and warm throughout.
Serve topped with a drizzle of heavy cream and a sprinkling of fresh basil if desired.
Enjoy and stay cozy!
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1. Set the Mood:
2. DIY Face Mask:
3. Relaxing Bath:
4. Hand and Foot Soak:
5. Aromatherapy:
6. DIY Sugar Scrub:
7. Relaxing Teatime:
8. Meditation or Deep Breathing:
9. Nail Care:
10. Cozy Attire:
11. Journaling:
Remember, the key is to create a serene and soothing environment that allows you to unwind and focus on self-care. You can customize this spa night to include activities you enjoy and have on hand. The goal is to pamper yourself and create a sense of relaxation and well-being, all within a budget-friendly approach.
]]>Deep Conditioning: Hair masks provide intensive moisture and conditioning to dry and damaged hair, helping to restore and maintain its natural luster and softness.
Repair and Strengthen: Many hair masks contain ingredients like proteins, vitamins, and oils that help repair damaged hair and strengthen it, reducing breakage and split ends.
Improved Elasticity: Hair masks can enhance the elasticity of your hair, making it more manageable and less prone to damage.
Hydrate and Nourish: They provide essential hydration and nourishment to dry and frizzy hair, leaving it smooth, shiny, and more manageable.
Reduce Frizz: Hair masks can help reduce frizz and make your hair smoother and more polished.
Enhance Shine: These treatments can add a healthy shine to your hair, making it look vibrant and well-cared for.
Promote Scalp Health: Some hair masks contain ingredients that benefit your scalp health, helping to prevent dandruff and alleviate itchiness.
Color Protection: For those with colored or chemically treated hair, some masks are formulated to protect and extend the vibrancy of your color.
Heat Damage Prevention: Hair masks can help protect your hair from the damaging effects of heat styling tools and environmental stressors.
Stress Relief: The act of applying a hair mask can be a relaxing self-care ritual, offering a moment of pampering and stress relief.
Overall Hair Health: Regular use of hair masks can contribute to overall hair health, making it more resilient, manageable, and beautiful.
Prevent Split Ends: Deep conditioning can help prevent split ends, which can result in less frequent trims and longer hair.
It's important to choose a hair mask that suits your hair type and specific needs. Also, remember not to overuse hair masks, as too much protein or moisture can sometimes lead to hair becoming overly saturated. A once-a-week application is generally sufficient for most hair types.
Here's some DIY Hair recipes you can do yourself with stuff you probably already have on hand! As always: make sure your prep space is clean and disinfected, you'll want to keep pets away from this area while you prepare these recipes.
If you find these recipes make too much, you can cut them in half. Or share your mixture with friends.
These recipes are NOT to be stored long term and need to be used ASAP. They are designed for single use only.
1. Moisturizing Avocado Hair Mask:
Ingredients:
Instructions:
2. Strengthening Egg and Yogurt Hair Mask:
Ingredients:
Instructions:
3. Revitalizing Banana and Honey Hair Mask:
Ingredients:
Instructions:
These DIY hair masks are easy to make with ingredients you likely have on hand and can help improve the condition of your hair. Enjoy your at-home spa treatment!
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So let's start with the reasons for body scrubs:
Exfoliation: Body scrubs remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smoother and looking more radiant. This exfoliation can help improve the texture of your skin.
Improved Circulation: Massaging a body scrub into your skin stimulates blood flow, which can help your skin look healthier and more vibrant.
Deep Cleansing: Scrubs can help unclog pores and remove impurities, reducing the risk of breakouts and improving overall skin health.
Reduced Ingrown Hairs: Exfoliating with a body scrub can help prevent ingrown hairs, particularly in areas like the legs and bikini line.
Even Skin Tone: Regular exfoliation can help even out your skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots or hyperpigmentation.
Enhanced Skin Absorption: Exfoliating before applying moisturizers or other skin care products can help them penetrate more effectively, maximizing their benefits.
Stress Reduction: The massaging action involved in applying a body scrub can be relaxing and stress-reducing, contributing to overall well-being.
Soothing and Relaxation: Many body scrubs include calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus, which can create a spa-like experience and promote relaxation.
Hydration: Some body scrubs include moisturizing ingredients, like oils, that can help hydrate the skin as they exfoliate, leaving your skin soft and supple.
Invigorating Scent: The aromas of essential oils in body scrubs can provide an invigorating and mood-enhancing experience.
Cost-Effective Spa Experience: Using at-home body scrubs allows you to enjoy spa-like treatments without the cost of professional spa services.
Customization: You can create your own DIY body scrubs, tailoring the ingredients to suit your preferences and skin needs.
As mentioned when we talked about face masks: These recipes below are meant to be made and used right away. They do not contain any preservatives; they are not meant to be stored long term or used more than once. Once you've dipped your fingers in there, you have quite possibly introduced bacteria into your scrub and any length of time after this can become a breeding ground for yuckies. To minimize waste, you can cut these recipes in half or you can make and gift immediately to a friend to be used right away also.
Some quick housekeeping:
Please clean and disinfect all of your tools and counters before you begin. Always use clean hands to apply your creations, and ensure your prep area is clean and free of pets.
1. Sugar and Olive Oil Scrub:
2. Coffee Grounds Scrub:
3. Honey and Brown Sugar Scrub:
4. Oatmeal and Yogurt Scrub:
5. Sea Salt and Coconut Oil Scrub:
6. Lemon and Sugar Scrub:
7. Almond and Honey Scrub:
So Let's start with Face Masks!
Possibly the simplest face mask you can make! One Ingredient: Plain, High fat, YOGURT
Why Yogurt?
Stress Reduction: Engaging in self-care activities helps reduce stress by providing an outlet to relax and unwind. This, in turn, lowers cortisol levels and contributes to overall well-being.
Emotional Regulation: Self-care practices, such as mindfulness and meditation, can enhance emotional awareness and regulation, helping individuals better manage their emotions and reactions.
Increased Resilience: Regular self-care boosts resilience, enabling individuals to better cope with challenges, setbacks, and difficult situations.
Improved Self-Esteem: Taking time for self-care enhances self-worth and self-esteem, fostering a positive self-image and reducing negative self-talk.
Enhanced Coping Skills: Engaging in self-care activities provides healthy coping mechanisms that can replace unhealthy behaviors, such as avoidance or substance use.
Prevention of Burnout: Consistent self-care helps prevent burnout by allowing individuals to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Better Focus and Productivity: When mental health is prioritized through self-care, individuals often experience improved concentration, focus, and productivity.
Reduced Anxiety and Depression: Self-care routines can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by promoting relaxation and positive emotional experiences.
Increased Self-Awareness: Engaging in self-care encourages introspection and self-reflection, leading to better self-awareness and understanding of personal needs and boundaries.
Social Connections: Self-care activities can involve spending time with loved ones or participating in social events, fostering meaningful connections that contribute to mental well-being.
Mind-Body Connection: Activities like exercise, yoga, and meditation foster a strong mind-body connection, promoting holistic well-being.
Positive Habits: Incorporating self-care into daily routines helps establish positive habits that contribute to long-term mental health.
Next week we'll talk about specific self-care activities to help reset your mind and your body so you can get back on track.
That's why Studio 36 is the Home of the Salt Bar. The OG. The trials and errors of maaaany bars of soap that were too ugly to sell, too drying to use, or too crumbly to cut. Yeah, it was all of that, that led us to this. I will not say that I'm the first person to ever make Salt Soap. The sheer history of soap making spans several thousand years that to say it, would be ignorant. I won't do that disservice to the chemists, witches, and apothecary's that came before me.
Instead, I will nod my head to their spirits and thank them for the first paving stones on this journey to make for you, THE BEST bars of handmade soap possible.
Let's dive into the world of salt soap and uncover the secrets it holds.
Long-Lasting & Hard Bars: Durability that Delights Say goodbye to flimsy, quickly dissolving soaps. Our salt soap bars are meticulously crafted to withstand the test of time. These hard bars not only last longer but maintain their shape and texture, ensuring you get the most out of each bar. As with all handmade bars of soap, please allow them to drain and dry fully as ANY bar left in a pool of water, will melt away.
Packed with Trace Minerals and Vitamins: Nature's Nourishment Imagine treating your skin to a luxurious blend of trace minerals and vitamins every time you cleanse. Our salt soap bars are infused with these skin-loving nutrients, promoting a healthier complexion while leaving your skin feeling pampered and rejuvenated.
Balancing Skin pH: The Harmony Your Skin Craves Healthy skin thrives in a balanced pH environment. Salt soap bars help maintain this delicate equilibrium, gently cleansing without stripping away your skin's natural protective barriers. Experience the difference as your skin finds its perfect pH harmony.
You have heard it before. I have heard it before: your skin is the largest organ that your body has.
What you put on it, is as important as what you put in it. You deserve to wash with the best soap there is.
Why Choose Bar Soap: A Sustainable Sensation Embrace the eco-friendly choice with bar soap. By using salt soap bars, you're reducing plastic waste and contributing to a cleaner planet. Plus, their solid form means they're travel-friendly, spill-proof, and a hassle-free addition to your skincare routine.
Why Salt Soap Bars Shine: The Ultimate Skincare Solution Elevate your skincare routine with salt soap bars that are designed to cleanse, exfoliate, and invigorate your skin in one simple step. Their unique composition offers a gentle yet effective, smooth, non-abrasive scrubbing action, revealing the radiant skin beneath.
Conclusion: Make the switch to salt soap bars and experience the difference that nature's goodness can bring to your skincare journey. Discover the art of balance, nourishment, and sustainability – all wrapped up in a beautifully crafted bar.
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update:
We have received some sad news. Our favourite Canadian Supplier of high end, unique blend fragrances, is closing. And so we’ve made it our mission to snag as many amazing scents as we can before they close for good. More Kentucky is coming. And some other amazing scents. For now, I shall hoard away a tiny bottle for my shelf, and the rest will stay in the soap studio to bring you some amazing scented products.
**Man, I sure hope you're picturing this scent ... and that your imagination is doing it all the justice it deserves.
One day I was making a big batch of bubble bath truffles - only to find that I was missing some key ingredients. I slapped the lid on the bucket and walked away, figured I would finish making them up when the supply order came in.
That night, with children anxious to get in the bath no bubble bath kicking around to speak of ... I had an idea.
I took a tablespoon of my mixture and threw it into the running bath water. That first batch, we got 'okay' bubbles. Toddlers had a blast with it but I wasn't sold on the results just yet.
A few more batches later, lots of tweaking, calculating, measuring & testing (thank you for every friend of mine with kids who tried it out) we were happy with the formulation and we decided to make Bubble Bath Powder one of our mainline products.
(Photo Credit: Customer Jill M. 1tsp BBP in jetted tub).
How to use:
We like simplicity, low waste-packaging, and not paying for water. What that means is that every package of bubbling bath powder is concentrated and the packaging is recyclable in some city programs.
If you're using a jetted tub, start with 1 teaspoon of bubble bath powder. Add it to running bath water then flip on your jets for a few minutes for some intense agitation and bubble action.
If you're not using jets try 1/2 TBS - 1 TBS. Add this to the running bath water. Don't add this at the end, you want to add it as your filling. The more agitation the water gets, the more bubbles you will have. You can even use your hand to swish up the water a bit.
These amounts all depend on your water hardness. Softer water will require less powder.
https://studio36body.myshopify.com/products/bubbling-bath-powder
Enjoy!
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Truffles can be made into almost any shape or size - the "dough" is moldable and you might even see them "rolled" or in the shape of smaller novelty molds.
The addition of cocoa butter helps these little suckers harden into shapes. This is how they hold their cute little ice cream scoop look - which is how we like to make them and package them. We have a couple different scoop sizes but the medium is our favourite and by far the most popular.
How exactly does one use such a thing?
There are SO many different ways you can use a bubble bath truffle. When we first started making truffles we used them the old fashioned way: holding them under hot running water and crumbling them as the bath tub filled. The agitation from the filling water helped to generate bubbles. (Agitation will ALWAYS help build copious amounts of bubbles).
Few soap makers have the luxury of a dedicated work space - and I have been happy to take what I can get because ANY SPACE means that I’m not working in my kitchen (and I’ve been fortunate not to use my kitchen for a lot of years and I’ve been thankful every step of the way). Thankful to my family for the days we had soap curing in closets. For the days the kitchen table was my office. For the days we rearranged and moved my business to make room for children. For the days I had ingredients taking up half the closets. For all of it. It's been a great ride and lesson in minimalism.
The plan this past year since we moved, has always been to expand and to expand into THE STUDIO. THE STUDIO is phase 3. It's the dream. It’s endgame. It’s #goals. It’s still under construction and it’ll be some more time until we can transfer everything over. I’m thankful for both of my parents having the foresight to build THE STUDIO years ago, and so the bones are in place but right now it’s a storage hub which still needs insulation, ventilation, water, paint, and floors. One thing at a time. As with anything in life, growth takes time and my projected timeline for moving to THE STUDIO is a year or so away.
Yesterday was a hot day. The littles and I went to the river to cool off, which has been our summer afternoon’s routine thus far. We are so blessed to live close to cool running water. During that heat wave man, we were down at the river first thing in the morning and didn't come home until supper time.
After a refreshing swim, I went into my current Studio thinking I would start restocking body scrubs and finish some custom orders so they can ship Monday. I have to do inventory, I have to label some products, I have to restock scrubs, I have to fill some wholesale orders, and maybe I'll tidy up the packaging drawers.
My current Studio is phase two of the big move. It’s located in an addition on the house which originally was going to be the master bedroom but it has some walls to come out and some minor work to be done. I chose to work in the "kitchen" of the suite, which is approximately 40 square feet and was the only usable space for what I do, attached to the suite.
I’ve become an expert at small spaces - utilizing every square inch to maximize functionality.
And you know what? I walked in with my Spotify Playlist under my thumb, ready to work and Josh had taken the walls down, moved a bunch of my things around, and essentially gave me a whole new work space Studio. And it’s HUGE. It’s the biggest Studio I’ve ever worked in - I’m not even sure what to do with all this space!
Confession: my first studio 10 years ago was 30 square feet - also in the addition of our first house together. It had a makeshift sink which drained into buckets. My first original soap-making table was heavy AF and solid wood - I still have it - it's well-loved. It has character.
So why am I telling you this?
Because Studio 36 is growing, it's expanding, and I CANNOT WAIT.
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