It would be perfect for the anti-ageing cream as I can lower the price back again, and toss the expensive emulsifier (which incidentally you need to use a lot of)  It also gives quite a good texture and you only need a very small amount.  Which means more nourishing content, although gelatin is very nourishing anyways.  Also lecithin has a small preservative action as well. 

However, I’m not too sure about the lecithin since it is derived from soy.  Is soy lecithin ok to eat or put on the face??  Does anyone know? 

xxKaren.

Freebie sale was super quick!  Great to clean out the closet.  :-)

One of the best thing about small scale cottage industry is that you’re not locked into a certain set of ingredients dictated to by packaging and bulk labels.   Nothing is set in stone.   My new moisturisers and cleanser are now made with new and improved emulsifiers and food grade preservatives.   Woohoo!

I’ve also figured out the ‘graininess’ to the anti-ageing cream.  It was doing my head in!  It was the suma powder after all..  In the new improved version I boil the suma in the distilled water, and then strain with muslin.  I also included coconut oil to the mix, with the result of a lovely luscious cream, super smooth, with a lighter texture.  Quite frankly, its awesome.

I’ve also been experimenting with base creams for natural health practitioners, using shea butter, distilled water, veg-emulse, grapefruit seed extract and potassium sorbate.  With an all natural product, health practitioners can blend their own tinctures, extracts and remedies for their clients.  

Update on Dr Tony…. All was well until shipping rates hit the fan..  But he has given me great ideas - like the one above. 

Take care until next time!

xxWitchypoo - aka Karen.

I am getting rid of old stock. 

For the rest of May and month of June, (or until stock runs out) every item you buy from my ebay store, you can have another product of same or lesser value for free!  Just leave me a note during checkout that you are a nourisher and the product you are wishing to have for free. 

I am currently revising old recipes, and changing over my preservative from phenoxyethanol, to grapefruit seed extract with potassium sorbate.  Potassium sorbate is a food grade preservative, and although it is not broad spectrum, it will help prolong the life with the grapefruit seed extract.

I am also changing emulsifiers, as I have found even better, skin friendly waxes.  I am quite excited about them… :-)

New ones include ‘veg emulse’ INCI name: Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate.   A food grade emulsifyer, and extremely gentle.   It also uses Lactic acid technology, which is perfect for my creams.

Am also trialling Olive emulse: INCI name: Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate.   A very fancy shmancy (and pricey) emulsifyer and also extremely gentle with benefits for the skin.  Made from olives, it is getting rave reviews from natural cosmetic companies, and I may use it just for my anti-ageing cream.  We’ll see how it goes. :-)

Thank you to all who have supported me through Nourished and through my ebay store!  Especial thankyou to all who have given me such great feedback and beautiful constructive criticism. :-)

Blessings - and get in quick!

Karen.

http://stores.ebay.com.au/The-Witchs-Brew-Skin-Care

Hallo Nourishers!

I have some exciting news.  I have been contacted by a Dr Tony Perrone, clinical nutritionist to the stars :-)  who wants me to make up an anti-ageing cream for him to sell.  A bit flabbergasted, but excited about the possibilities to say the least!

By the way, has anyone read his book, ‘Bodyfat Breakthru’?  Because I haven’t!  His list of ingredients he wished to include (in his cream) was most of the vegetarian saturated fats.  He may be on the right track.  I can’t find too much info on his diet recommendations, I guess I’ll have to buy his book…

Will let you know updates as they come.  Will be talking to the Dr this week to discuss further options.

By the way, I’ve always had a secret fantasy to be a nutritionist to the likes of Jessica Simpson, Lindsay Lohen etc, purely based on the media coverage they get regarding their weight and health issues.  To me, popular culture would be the easiest way to get the Weston Price philosophies out to the mainstream public (where it is sorely needed).  Maybe this is a small step for this journey.  I hope so!  I won’t stop dreaming regardless. 

Cheers, and more Cheers!

Karen.

PS  My good friend from Newfoundland, Shawn Silver is selling T-shirts with the above slogan for around $22 Canadian dollars.  You can visit his website at www.idance.ca  for orders and more info.   Newfoundlanders have had an awesome diet for generations, including a great variety of seafood (including seals) and of course cod.  When I was there a few years ago, Cod tongues, caplains (smoked little fish bait type fish, eaten completely whole) and bread which you had to soak overnight before it was soft enough to eat was still very normal.  Gorgeous musical culture and (good looking) people - of course. 

‘This T-Shirt is a very tongue and cheek comment about a very important topic which involves a culture, and a way of life in Newfoundland Labrador for generations. Available through iDance only. Email for yours! Shirts are CDN $22.50 or 2/$40. Makes a great gift…AND an even better political statement!’

I have just finished updating my ebay store with three new products.  I have the flaxseed and cinnamon hair gel/leave-in conditioner, Soapwort cream cleanser for sensitive skin, and luscious cocoa lip gloss.  

I also have two anti-ageing creams for auction, starting at $15 each - that’s half price!  Let me know you’re a nourisher, and I’ll include a lip balm free.  Auction ends Saturday night, Australian time.

Check them out! 

http://stores.ebay.com.au/The-Witchs-Brew-Skin-Care

The Witch’s Brew has moved!  I have found a little gorgeous hidey hole up in the Byron Hills, and moved into a ‘gypsy’ style self contained caravan, with permanent annex.  I’m surrounded by lushious gardens, trees, and have even started my own herb garden, which I intend to use for my brews and potions! 

I am full of ideas for this year and how to improve my products.  I am so grateful for everyone who has bought products, and left such wonderful feedback!  Thankyou!

On the agenda is the addition of cinnamon oil for the anti-ageing cream.  Not only does cinnamon work synergistically with the other herbs, but it has a gorgeous smell, and you only need a tiny amount.  Cinnamon is warming, and helps blood flow and circulation.  Perfect!

Still working on a cleanser.  I’ve found a wonderful book called ‘Celtic Daily Life’ with lots of recipes for cosmetics.  A lot of the cleansers include raw milk, and were remarkably simple to make. 

I’ve found a lot of organic brand cleansers are still a bit harsh for me, so I’m thinking of perhaps providing a recipe, some of the ingredients, like perhaps dried soapwort, cosmetic bottles, and you can make your own.  Its just an idea…… 

Cheers! and have a wonderful February!

Karen, aka Witchypoo!

More products will be added over the coming week. They are all buy it now for the moment, but am planning on auctioning off a few items soon. Check it out!

I’ve had wonderful reports already. I’ve even had one woman try it on her rather large breasts! She put it on one side only and definitely noticed a lift!
The colour is a smooth caramel, and occasionally has small grainy fragments from the unrefined shea butter. These are soon rubbed in. It has a pleasant smell unlike any other cream, as it is fragranced by its own nutrition. A miniscule amount of lemon myrtle essential oil is added to the cod liver to downplay the distinctive fishy smell. Lemon myrtle is also wonderful as an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.

I also happened to turn 33 last week and went out on the town with a few friends. I was chatted up by a 22 year old who refused to believe I was turning 33 and asked to see ID! I’ve been using my own creams for over 2years now and I know there is more than just genetics or bad lighting going on! It was very ego gratifying to say the least :-)