This year just be grateful for the simple things.

Hey there loyal MSF friends, it’s Joanne here.

Okey, by now we all realize that this Thanksgiving will bring a totally new way to celebrate one of our most beloved holidays.  And celebrate, we SHALL!

Our own family is settling into the stark reality that we won’t be gathering in our usual ways with all the trimmings, family, friends and traditions.  (…and we have a LOT of Thanksgiving traditions!)  Sadly, across our country this is a reality that we all share. For this year at least, we won’t be able to enjoy Grandma’s holiday potato casserole WITH Grandma, or share all the family festivities with crazy Auntie Lu.  But I contend, we still have the opportunity to be thankful and show our appreciation in new ways while bringing happiness to others. (and c'mon, this isn't a forever situation we're living through!)

It’s so dang easy to dwell on the “we can’t” of it all.  But here’s what we can do…create special moments of thankfulness for yourself and your loved ones this month.  Taking care of you has never been so important. Easy for me to say, but if you’re a mother of two and the day doesn’t have enough hours, it’s a whole different story.  Truth is a simple cup of tea and some music in the background (once your jungle is finally quiet ) can be very rejuvenating. Can’t sleep for all the pressures in your world? In those wee hours write a list of the things in your life you are thankful for, and in the morning reread it.  Sleeping on the positive will make your morning a little less challenging, and reflecting on your list in the morning will keep your positive thoughts present in your day ahead.  No matter what you do, choose to be kind to yourself. You really can’t take care of others if you haven’t taken care of yourself first.  Yup, you first!

And what about the needs of the ones around you?  I understand how draining this can be.  But kindness doesn't have to be lavish, cost money or take a lot of time. Remember that the simplest things are the best, and positive attitudes are contagious.  A simple sticky note on your neighbors door will go a long way in brightening up their world.  Telling folks that they matter doesn’t cost a thing but the effects are priceless. Do you have an elderly family member or neighbor that's alone this holiday season? Offer to wash their car and watch them smile with gratitude!  Good exercise for you, happiness for them…WIN, WIN!  And while your at it...leave behind a few groceries and a barista made cup of coffee. (order two...you deserve it. Win, Win, WIN!)

Just choose to be positive…then share your positivity with everyone.

During these challenging times, try making your Thanksgiving Day celebration special all month long. Notice the need and share a kindness.  I feel that remaining grateful takes the power away from the “we can’t” of our world.  So go ahead, write a little snail mail note to Auntie Lu, ask Grandma for her secret recipe and call that nephew of yours.  When you brighten someone else’s day, your day will brighten as well. Guaranteed!

This year, even if by yourself, celebrate what IS good in your world and share that goodness with others. Don't forget to set a place at your holiday table for your fur family, they can truly be the sweetest company of all!

From our family to you and yours, we wish you wellness this holiday season in mind, body and spirit.  Stay grateful and share your thankfulness with others.

The best to you always, from your Mountain Soap Factory family.

WOW…Its been 8 years!

To celebrate our online anniversary, today we are reinstating our

Mountain Soap Factory

Soap Box Blog!

Back on October 1, 2012 we launched our Mountain Soap Factory online store from our ranch in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. But when was the first bar poured? It was during a 4H project in 2007 that we (actually our daughter Julia) made our first bar of soap. Over the years thanks to countless County Fairs, Christmas Shows, and Farmers Markets our reputation grew organically by word of mouth. 

Today we want to thank all of our loyal customers from the past 8 years for supporting our online family business. We love our customers like family and recognize how they have directly helped to build our company. We also send out a warm welcome to our newest customers. MSF is so grateful to all of you for supporting our Colorado made products. Welcome to the family!

We hope you will enjoy reading future posts, browsing our pages and finding your favorite soaps.  Each month on the Soap Box Blog you can look forward to learning about upcoming Mountain Soap Factory events, monthly promotions, discussion of current fun world topics, and from time to time, learn a few interesting soapy facts. 

So come along, join us, and spend a moment in the mountains every day when you use our family made products.

The best to you always, from your Mountain Soap Factory family.

What the heck is the difference between Hemp and marijuana?  And what’s the big deal about growing it commercially in America?

It’s been a little over a year since marijuana was legalized here in Colorado. LOTS of money has been made by the dispensaries and consumers seem happy, but public opinion on the subject is as varied as the folks you ask. Colorado has neighboring states angry and our Federal government finds itself at odds with State law.  With so many ‘facts’ flying around, I decided to do a little research on the subject in hopes of debunking a few myths and becoming more properly informed on the topic. Many of you may already know all this, but here’s what I’ve learned.

Myth: Hemp and Marijuana are the same.

Yep.

Turns out, this is true....“Marijuana and hemp both come from the same species of plant, Cannabis sativa L., but are different varieties...” (FAQ’s VoteHemp).  Put simply, it’s the difference between a Poodle and a Great Dane...both dogs, different breeds. Hemp and marijuana both contain the controversial chemical THC...just in measurably different potencies which are, by law, monitored.  One gets you high, the other couldn’t if it tried!

Myth: The Cannabis industry is a relatively new economic opportunity here in the US and therefore should be subject to rigorous research regarding its economic viability and social implication.

Wrong. 

So this is where it gets interesting. Way back in the 1700’s, because of its incredibly diverse applications, American colonists were required to plant hemp in order to help build our young country. In fact, it was considered patriotic to do so. And get this, George Washington, along with having his own hemp plantation, made it possible for Americans to pay their taxes with the stuff (Will).  Seems George was taking the term ‘cash crop’ to a whole new level.

(Click here for more info about George and hemp)

In the article, The Forgotten History of Hemp Cultivation in America (and yes, this is a real article!), there are all sorts of interesting historical facts about hemp in America. Another I found particularly interesting was the fact that commercially grown hemp met its demise in the mid 1950’s with the advent of synthetic fibers. Right up there with detergents, also developed in the 50’s, synthetic fibers were toted as the “way of the future”. (but we'll leave the discussion of the 1950's scientific advancements in America for another day...)

History shows that between the 1700’s and the 1950’s hemp was put to work building our nation; fighting wars (Revolutionary, Civil, WWI, WWII) and actually supplying the fibers for the fabric of our country....drafts of the Declaration of Independence were written on hemp paper (Will).

Great for back then, but what good is it to us nowadays? Well, from what I have read, there are countless economic and global opportunities connected with growing commercialized hemp in America, starting with its relatively small environmental footprint. Requiring few pesticides and no herbicides, this ancient plant has far reaching modern applications. Forget, for a moment,  the medicinal uses of hemp's cousin, marijuana. Paper, clothing, beauty products, fuel, foods, plastics, building materials... the list is endless as to the uses of hemp. Not to say anything about the potential it has, much like its cousin, of contributing billions of dollars to our economy.

Why indeed, Henry?  Once upon a time, the powers that be in America understood the distinction between hemp and marijuana and capitalized on the benefits for the betterment of all. Left with more questions then I started with...I have to wonder, why is the United States the only industrialized nation where growing commercial hemp is illegal?  Politics, money, and special interest group’s come to mind....oh, and did I mention politics?

"Vote Hemp: Why Hemp?: FAQs." Vote Hemp: Why Hemp?: FAQs. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2015.

Will, Oscar. "The Forgotten History of Hemp Cultivation in America." Farm Collector. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2015.

To shop our fine Hemp Seed Oil soaps, click the banner below.

Happy Chinese New Year!

It’s the year of the Wood Sheep (or Goat) ...the year 4713 on the Chinese calendars.
What will Wood and Sheep mixed together bring? According to the Chinese beliefs, the Sheep is kind, tender and sympathetic. In the traditional Chinese teachings, sheep bring creativity and are considered an elegant pastoral animal. Because of their softer side, they are symbolic of peace and harmony. So the year of the Sheep is expected to bring us tranquility after a year of fits and starts. Combined with the evergreen and renewing characteristics of Wood, the Sheep's characteristics will offer clarity and understanding.

Very interesting stuff!

Here’s my take. Reveling in a new year, no matter the cultural origin, offers one the opportunity to celebrate new beginnings. I, for one, can always use a ‘do-over’ and the chance to refresh my ordinary. Basically put, I need every opportunity to climb out of whatever rut I may have recently fallen in!

The Year of the Wood Sheep is projected to be a “year for contemplating and appreciating what has already been accomplished, to think about bringing goodness to others, to take a deep breath and calmly look at what's ahead.”

Brilliant! I can do that!

Wishing you a moment to 'refresh your ordinary' on this Chinese New Years day.  May you enjoy new found wisdom and health in this, the year of the Wood Sheep.

Did you know that the name February comes from the Latin word februa, which means cleansing? Me either! When I found this out I decided to dig a little deeper and it turns out, there was actually a Roman god named Februus. (Imagine that, a god of clean! Could I have stumbled on the origins of today’s Mr. Clean? Could this be the beginning of the new science, Bubble Archaeology?)

Now although I love a good bath and a tidy house, I am by no means a clean freak. But I have to say, I was inspired by my new found knowledge about February. It is, after all, the ‘cleansing month’. With cleaning bucket in hand I bravely headed into my bathroom to, well, clean it. I cleaned out the cupboards, threw out TONS of old stuff, scrubbed the floor, and scoured the shower. Certainly not as lavish as a Roman Bath, my own humble sanctuary was simply gleaming. (I, however, was less than socially acceptable.)

It was my turn. With good music, fresh towels, a yummy smelling candle and, of course, a fresh bar of Mountain Soap Factory soap I settled into some much needed ‘me’ time in my newly rejuvenated bathroom. Dare I say, it was pure heaven!

This month, think about doing a deep clean on your bathroom...and then be the first to reap the benefits.

You’ll feel like a goddess!

 Fall in the high country brings blustery days, chilly nights and the promise of snow. The firewood has been stacked and the hay is in the barn. (No, it really has!)

What better time to pamper yourself with soaps from our Fall Favorites Collection?

Our top requested soap for three years running is "Coming Home". Warm, welcoming and cozy.  This olive oil soaps is a blend of cranberry, apple, marmalade and cinnamon and is the very essence of one big homecoming hug.

Look for all your Fall favorites and enjoy a discount now through November 1st.  Enter FALL14 at checkout.

We look forward to helping you with your order!

 Mountain  Soap  Factory

Santa's  workshop  in  Colorado

Meet the Mountain Soap Factory elves:  Kate, Stuart, Julia, Joanne, Chris & Michael

Looking for stocking stuffers?  We're busy wrapping up all kinds of wonderful soaps that make perfect (and very thoughtful!) holiday gifts. Whether you need stocking stuffers for the family, party favors, office gifts or teacher presents, you can be sure that Mountain Soap Factory will have a great selection of bathing products for everyone on your list.

With so many soaps, how do you choose?

Here are a few shopping tips....

Our Premium olive oil soaps are silky smooth and great for moisturizing, as are our goat milk soaps which are EXTRA creamy and reminiscent of an old fashioned milk bath. If you are looking for that perfect squeaky clean, try our glycerin soaps, and for an exotic clean reach for our Shea Butter soaps. Or, just go with your favorite fragrance! No matter the recipe, all our soaps will be a welcomed gift. 

And...

Be sure to take a moment for yourself this winter with our 100% pure Dead Sea Bathing Salts.  Salts from the Dead Sea have the highest mineral content on the planet and therefore insure the healthiest soak available. Dead Sea bathing salts will naturally soften and detox your whole body...its the best thing you can do for your skin! So, treat yourself to our bathing salts and enjoy a moment of relaxation and good health!

Visit us at www.mountainsoapfactory.com for more ideas for your holiday gift giving needs.

~ Wishing you a relaxing holiday and a healthy New Year ~

Mr. Norman Rockwell really hit it out of the park with his ability to show life from multiple perspective without loosing focus on the main event. From my perspective, there always seems to be juicy stuff happening that I'm sometimes too busy to enjoy. So, this November I'm hoping to pay more attention to the checker board game on the floor than the dishes in the sink. Notice more the sound of my loved ones then whether the perfect CD is playing. I know, those of you who know me are saying  "that'll be the day!"  But, honestly, I don't want to miss a moment of what November has to offer...so I'm making a personal pledge to be more like Norman than Martha this holiday season. Will I still pull out the family dishes and make a lovely meal?  Absolutely!

But more importantly, at the end of the day I plan on being exhausted with happiness...not exhausted by the details. 

May you enjoy your very own Rockwell moment this November. 

Wishing you the best from our family to yours!    Joanne and Family