My soap-less weekend

This past weekend I spent soap-less (except for my showers) in Maryland at a family reunion.  No Internet, no TV, and no soap making (did I already mention that?).  Just family, food and a very relaxing atmosphere.



Some family...




...and more family




The food....




...and more food



And where I spent most of my time relaxing.

I am grateful I was able to spend some time on what is truly important.

Yours in Gratitude,
Angela

Earring Tabu

My husband and I decided one day to take a walk through Port Jefferson, NY. I like that the village is on the water, and the ferry to Connecticut is right there. I brought my soaps along (I bring soap everywhere) in case I found a store I thought would be a good fit. As soon as I walked into Earring Tabu, I knew I wanted my soap sold here. The store is classy and stylish. The sales girls are courteous and friendly. And the accessories in the store are fabulous!


I love this display!




Great jewelery of all kinds.




They carry one-of-a-kind clothing.




Some women collect shoes, I collect earrings! Love these!



















I gave the salesgirl a bar of my soap and some information about my products and asked her to pass it along to the owner. I was lucky, she said, the owner was in the store and if I waited a few minutes she might be able to see me. (Of course I'll wait!)  After speaking with Kim, showing her my soaps and explaining the benefits of handcrafted soaps, she decided to carry Alegna Soap.  So, if you find yourself in Port Jefferson, stop in Earring Tabu to shop and say hi to the great staff there. Better yet, make a special trip and tell them Angela sent you.

Yours in Gratitude,
Angela

Back Porch Soap's NYC teaching assistant

A few years ago, I was on the Internet and saw that Marla Bosworth of Back Porch Soap taught some soap making classes in Boston. I was wishing I could travel there to meet her and take some of them, but my schedule didn't allow it. I connected with her on Facebook and encouraged her to come to NYC to do some classes. Marla decided to come for a weekend to teach. And she came back a few months later.  Each time she came to NYC I would take a different class. We got to know each other and she asked me to be her NYC teacher assistant.  I jumped at the chance to work with her.

Marla

Melissa of Naturally Good Soaps and Marla

Marla and Erin of Soapsmiths



Me and Sue of You Scent Me

Marla offers a program called Bath and Body University, which is "an exciting, all inclusive four-day bath and body intensive program", both in NYC and in Boston.  She teaches classes in cold process soap making, liquid soap making, anti-aging classes, creams and lotions, body balms and butters, anything you can think of in the sphere of bath and body.  Her students come from all over the world and as her assistant I get to meet and work with them. It's been such a positive experience for me.  I've grown as a soap maker and a person.  I'm more comfortable speaking to groups and meeting new people. Every time I watch her teach a class I learn something new. I've gained confidence in myself, in my soap making abilities and in all aspects of running my business. Meeting and working with Marla has been such a great experience for me. I look forward to working her classes every other month.  Thank you Marla!

Yours in Gratitude,
Angela

Absolute Yoga

Absolute Yoga

There three things I love to do, make soap, read and yoga. The order of those things change, depending on my mood, but they are all a constant in my life now.  I started yoga about 5 years ago, taking classes at my local library and soon realized I wanted to learn more.  I found Absolute Yoga through a friend and have been going there ever since. The staff is friendly and the instructors are knowledgeable and helpful.  There are classes in the morning, afternoon and evening. Three levels of classes are offered. But what I love most about the studio is the variety of different types of yoga classes that are offered. There is truly something for everyone here.



Leslie, who always reminds me to "Breathe"

 

Leslie is the owner and director. Besides having three rooms for classes in the studio, she has a shop with some very unique items for sale.  When she heard that I make soap, she asked me if she could have some for her store.



Alegna Soap at Absolute Yoga

I know when I walk in the door at Absolute Yoga, I will be greeted with a smile and a warm hello. I know I will have an hour and fifteen minutes with no distractions, no cell phones, emails, nothing but attempting to be in the moment.  And when my mind wanders, as it usually does, Leslie and the other  instructors will gently guide me back to my breath. Try it, it works for me.

Yours in Gratitude,
Angela

October Customer of the Month

My October Customer of the month is Lorraine.  Lorraine, like Kaitlyn last month, is also camera shy.  But she sent me a picture of her Halloween craft fair table.  Lorraine is known as "The Chocolate Chick" and makes amazing chocolates!

Tell me about yourself- I work as a recreational monitor at an elementary school in the mornings and at the Boys & Girls Club in the afternoons every day.  Children are my passion and making sure they make the most of their day is my goal.  I love baking and cooking and of course, chocolate creations.

How long have you been using Alegna Soap products? 2 years

Which soap is your favorite? The peppermint soap with crushed nut shells.

What do you like to do in your spare time? I enjoy making chocolates and goodies.  Making children smile is my favorite thing to do. 

Do you have any pets? I have two English Bulldogs, Zeus & Brutus.  My daughters have a bunny and a lizard and a bunch of fish.

Who is your favorite movie star? Johnny Depp

What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? I would create a system that would help get all children a good, safe  home to live in .

Describe your perfect day. Wake up. Eat a yogurt. Walk the dogs.  Make chocolates.

Yours in Gratitude,
Angela