Tree Of Life

New Year, New Look

2009-01-09T17:00:00.000-08:00

I have tons of exciting things planned for Lote Tree this year!
After my earlier epiphany, I am going to simplify and focus on only the best Lote Tree has to offer. Thank you touched graphics for doing a great job on the blog template!

I took the one less travelled by... and that has made all the difference.

2008-12-13T06:53:00.000-08:00

Photo Taken of Ayla in November 2008 Giant City State Park, IL

This week something has changed.

Without going into too much detail, I received an order for a few things to be shipped to a recipient who lost a pregnancy- a baby. Heavy, for a simple soap blog- I know. But something changed. I have done orders like this before- sympathy gifts aren't fun to package, laden with this emotional charge... things must be perfect because, none of it matters now- at least to the recipient.

What was different about that order was I had woken that morning with an intention for Lote Tree. A new direction was decided upon, regardless of the financial impact it may have, because it's right and truthful. That's all I want, really when everything is taken away and Lote Tree is gone and I have the privilege of being old, I want to just be real and to know myself. Does anything else matter? Can anything else matter? I'm genuinely curious.

So, I'm excited, grateful, empowered, compelled, relieved, and joyful about the changes I have in store for 2009- a year surely to be a bright beacon in this otherwise dark decade.

One of a Kind Gift Sets are Up!

2008-12-08T16:31:00.000-08:00

We had a great time over the weekend at SIU- it was so lovely to see all of our local customers come out and support the wonderful artists who participate in this particular show.

We have some leftover gift sets and I've been putting them up on our Etsy shop- They really are lovely and would make great gifts- already wrapped!

SIU Holiday Craft Show

2008-12-02T07:22:00.000-08:00

I hope to see all of you at the SIU holiday craft show this coming weekend! We'll be there Thursday, Friday and Saturday- with new products! My mother, a former florist, clocked in and created some absolutely gorgeous gift baskets for us! If there are any left over, I'll be putting them online- so come and get yours!

Announcing our Soap of the Month Club!

2008-11-30T13:53:00.001-08:00

Lote Tree Love Club is now available!

Get 3 months worth of Lote Tree goodies delivered to your door!

This would make a great gift for the hard to please bath and body enthusisast ;)

Check out the shop for more details: www.lotetree.etsy.com

Giving up Thanks

2008-11-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

Remember to turn your thanks above this week.

Lotion Nugget goodness

2008-11-19T20:07:00.000-08:00

Yay! I finally got around to loading my little lotion nuggets in the shop!

These little butter cakes are scented with essential oils and are all natural. 7 flavors to choose from with more on the way, I'm sure *wink* These make great little gifts for people who work with their hands or handle a lot of paper.

World Kindness day and new product

2008-11-13T09:54:00.000-08:00

Today is world Kindness day!

I've listed my "Kindness" perfume oil in my Etsy shop.

Here is a list of ideas you can use to practice kindness day:

http://www.pbs.org/parents/supersisters/archives/2008/11/10-ways-to-celebrate-world-kin.html

Studio Update

2008-11-08T18:28:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness we are finally getting our studio re-roofed this coming week! I was afraid it wouldn't happen until spring! This is incredibly good news because after the roof is finished, the interior will be able to go from bare studs to a nice new space for us!! I'll be able to get production up to full swing again soon after the remodle is completed. Ah, I see the light at the end of the tunnel!

photo taken outside the studio last week!

Vulturefest fun

2008-10-22T07:32:00.001-07:00

Here are some shots I took over the weekend at vulturefest. There was a smaller crowd this year I think. Still a fun show, and I enjoyed the weather tremedously!

See you at Vulturefest!

2008-10-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

We will be at Vulturefest this weekend!
Here is a tidbit taken from the Vulture Society website:
"The Artist's community in the small village of Makanda is blessed every fall with hundreds of black and turkey vultures. Home to Giant City State Park, Makanda has an abundance of large trees and cliffs, appealing to the vulture families. The Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura) is extremely beneficial to our ecosystem. Being scavengers, who don't kill their prey, vultures play a vital roll in the food web. Vultures eat carrion (dead flesh), like road kill and dead animals. Because they have such a unique digestive system, they can eat diseased and infected carcasses and there is no trace of bacteria in their droppings. Up close the turkey vulture is certainly one of the most unattractive creatures, but in flight they have the grace and beauty of eagles. Turkey Vultures have lived in the trees and cliffs of Makanda since the last ice age. They rear their young in the cliffs during Summer and return to the trees in the fall. The artists of Makanda in the Valley of the Arts wanted to have a fall festival much like the one they have in the Spring and with the number of vultures flocking to the valley, the theme for Vulture Fest was hatched. What better reason to have a FREE fest."

Coming very soon....

2008-10-15T12:44:00.000-07:00

A sneak peak at some things I'm super excited about presenting to you very soon!

mmmm Tea!

2008-10-15T12:31:00.001-07:00

While at the previously mentioned Indieana Handicraft Exchange, I met the lovely owners of Herb and Ginger Tea compay They are also a husband and wife team from Indianapolis and I must tell you, their tea ROCKS! I got the "orangeology" and "bollywood star" and I honestly can't tell you which one I like better. Herbal tea just got way more cool to drink- thanks Herb and Ginger! Tell me if you mouth doesn't water with ingredients like this in "Orangeology": Apple Pieces, Carrot flakes, blackberry and eucalyptus leaves, beetroot pieces, hibiscus, lemongrass, tangerine pieces and orange slices- this made an awesome iced tea!

I took a pic of steeping "bollywood star"- I love to drink this one in the evening- the cardamom is soooo good.

Aren't we cute

2008-10-09T13:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know you don't see me in person that much, but give me some feedback on these photos. We needed to change our pamphlet photo and set up our camera and tripod in our living room one night (literally at midnight) and snapped some photos of us. Two of them are the same photo just faded out around the edges more and one of them I literally look like death (dark circles come with not believing in sleep). Ha! Bet you didn't know the guy behind all the pretty graphics is a big lumberjack looking guy who knits and writes music!

Jerry Lee's Western Wear

2008-10-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

We were happy to be set up next to Jerry of Jerry Lee's western wear. He hand embroiders and sews each of his designs and they are amazing to see in person. He told us he loves the tactile 3 dimension aspects of embroidery. Marcus and I want to get matching "Lote Tree" shirts made!

Schleping Soap

2008-10-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

Tis the season for schleping our soap to art fairs around our part of the world. We just came back from Indianapolis where, although the economy is tanking people took time out to stop by and learn about our little company. I met some other fabulous artisans while there and wanted to share some of their work here. Look for that in the next few posts, until then some random pictures of our set up.

Indieana Handicraft Exchange

2008-09-29T07:41:00.000-07:00

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Little Park of Horrors (nothing to do with soap)

2008-09-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

rusty razorblade with park in background

noxious weed growth

decaying equipment

limbs next to playground equipment

rotting stump near swings

probable drug deal being witnessed by my daughter

more limbs

grafitti on slide

uneven footing

where I found the blade

*The following post has nothing to do with soap or Lote Tree business.*

It is a rant so if you don't care... don't read. If you a first time reader, know, I normally don't post things like this at all.

You all know I am a mother of 2 ages 1yr and 3yrs. Part of being a Mother is taking your children out to play at parks and doing fun outdoor activities. Apparently some people in the world don't realize this.

Today the kids, the puppy and I walked to Oakdale Park (Carbondale, IL) to play for a bit. Now, I don't neccesarily love this little park, but the kids do and so I comply and tote them down there about once a week or so.

Nevermind that the playground equipment always has grafitti scrawled over it, or the little bouncy animals are in desperate need of pain jobs or replacement. I even ignore the whispers from other Moms about it being a place where drug deals are done.

As we approached the park, I noticed that there were downed limbs everywhere. We did just have hurricane IKE remnants last week so, I can sort of understand... sort of (my 80yr old neighbor found time/energy to clean up their limbs for the city to pick up).

I knew to keep an extra close eye on Ayla because the ground is so uneven at the park she can't walk very well there. As it happens, after "riding" the paint chipped froggy, Ayla did a face plant and as I was picking her up, a glinting something caught my eye. Yes, INCHES away from where my precious baby's face landed was a RUSTED RAZORBLADE.

Can you imagine my horror?!

I grabbed my camera and took some nervous shots, trying to reference the blade with the park as proof. I tucked the blade away in my camera case and grabbed the children and did what I thought would be the RESPONSIBLE thing to do and call the City of Carbondale.

Yeah, there is a "pitbull and lipstick" phrase that is currently very popular right now. When it comes to my kids... I am more like a rabid, frothing, hyena in Birkenstocks.

"May I speak to whomever deals with irate mothers about finding rusted razorblades on the playground?"

Well after being given 3 different phone numbers I was able to contact a certain individual who we will call "Bob". This man, who by his own saying, is responsible for all of the parks matenience would not apologize nor admit any wrongdoing. Instead he blamed the city for the limbs scattered about the playground area and claimed that that particular park is cleaned every day.

"Every day Bob?"

"Yes, everyday"

"I highly doubt that Bob."

"Bob" Went on to say that we just had a storm and he can't be responsible for every cigarette butt on every park. He then told me I needed to calm down.

There is where "Bob" made his real mistake.

You don't tell frothing hyenas to calm down. Would he have told a man asking the same questions to calm down?? I highly doubt it.

This story is sadly, far from over but I won't confuse or bore you with all the details. I am expecting a phonecall from the Mayor over this issue... and if not, well, I guess I'll be calling more media. Here are some photos of the park, you judge for yourself if you think the park is 'cleaned' even on a regular basis.

On important things...

2008-09-18T11:40:00.001-07:00

Vacation

2008-09-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

Hello All!

The shop is on vacation and all orders placed between now and Oct 5th will be processed starting Oct 6th. Thanks for looking!

hints of what's to come

2008-08-30T05:54:00.001-07:00

I have been training my husband to make soap. I think the best compliment to a teacher is a student who does well. A few shots of what's on the curing rack and hubby's latest creations.

Blood Orange and Chocolate Cake

2008-08-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

Now available in the Etsy Shop! It looks good enough to eat, but please don't. You won't like it. I promise.

The spotted box

2008-08-19T09:32:00.001-07:00

Lote Tree will be contributing samples to the spotted box in Sept. TSB is geared towards families with small children who enjoy living a more natural life. We're very excited to be a part!

Sneek peek at our sample!

www.thespottedbox.com

Newsletter!

2008-07-31T11:27:00.001-07:00

Sign up for our newsletter, quickly! Why? Because we are going to close our main website down for about a month. When we go back online with it, our registered customers will be getting cupon codes and be entered in giveaways!!!

Going Greener

2008-06-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

Our main website will be closing down for a bit this summer. The Etsy shop will remain open http://www.lotetree.etsy.com/ and products will be put on discount. We're going greener! No more synthetic scents! Only pure essential oils and extracts from now on :) We're so happy about this change and we know our customers will be too! Drop us a line and let us know what you think, and/or with product requests.

Peace!

Jessie

Earth Hour Tonight

2008-03-29T05:08:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the first international Earth Hour. It was held last year in Sydney AU and gained a lot of press from it. I hope everyone can do their part and turn their lights out from 8-9pm local time. For more info go to http://www4.earthhourus.org/

Weddings

2008-03-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

One of the cool things about my job is the really neat people I get to meet over the years. We live near an artistic community ( Makanda ) that holds festivals a few times a year. We love going down there and setting up and hanging out with friends. We met an awesome couple a few years ago from Detroit who make a pilgrimage to Makanda once a year. They always stock up on soap and this year they are getting married! So, they called and had us do their favors. We already had a weddings/special events page planned for the website so it was really great to work with them on this. Kristy requested a special scent of Lavender, Rosemary and Bergamot- which smells very fresh and clean and herby. We wish them all the luck!

The Last Snow

2008-03-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

I think finally it will be spring around here! Thought I would share some pictures taken outside the studio last week.

Lip Scrub yumminess

2008-03-07T11:59:00.000-08:00

I have another new product coming to the web very soon. It has gone over extremely well locally and I think you're going to love it! It is a lip scrub and if you have never tried one before... well you're missing out on some seriously soft lips! Mine is made from decadent coffee butter and organic american grown sugar. If you must try a sample, email me and we can arrange something. The scrub will come in a generous 2oz tin inside a cute little box and will be priced under $15. YAY!

Hemp and Jojoba love

2008-02-23T10:51:00.000-08:00

I am in love with this butter! This is the first in a series called Nurture Whips. This one is made with Hemp butter, jojoba oil, hempseed oil, and organic sunflowerseed oil infused with calendula flowers and organic comfrey. The rosewood and patchouli is my current fav but I also have two other flavors Lavender and Vetiver and Lemon and Vanilla. The rosewood and patchouli smells just like brewing tea though... it's so nice.

Eco Etsy Valentine Swap

2008-01-23T11:18:00.000-08:00

I got my swap! As a member of EcoEtsy we did an environmentally friendly Valentine's swap. I got mine today and it is beautiful! I know you're jealous. Visit http://www.zoestoys.etsy.com/ for more beautiful vintage items!

Times they are a changin

2008-01-04T14:13:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! Just checking in to say we're working away at some exciting new products!!! My sister just got engaged and we will be offering wedding/special event products on the website very soon. Please stay tuned! In the meantime, feel free to ask for our help with wedding/ bridal shower favors.

The ONLY one?

2007-12-09T16:29:00.000-08:00

There is another fairly LARGE natural soap company who is claiming they are the ONLY ones with handmade natural laundry soap. I beg to differ!!! Ours is all natural, made by my hands and people love it - thank you very much! Sorry, I do have to unload sometimes!!

Gift Baskets

2007-11-25T18:33:00.000-08:00

Lote Tree has gift baskets available now in the bath and body section of www.livinggreenshop.com and under the gift sets section of www.rapunzelgifts.com
these are fun to put together when I have time!

Busy Busy

2007-11-05T06:59:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for Autumnfest at John A Logan! A fairly large show- but always other soapers there. Our souffles went over really well- much better than the soap actually. Here I am jarring some Tuscan fig small jars. Looks good enough to eat!

A happy day indeed

2007-11-02T10:13:00.000-07:00

It's only noon and I'm having a GREAT day! First, the website is online and people can buy stuff!! HOORAY FOR MARCUS!!! All of you, go now and write a product review!!! www.thelotetree.com
Speaking of product reviews.... check it out baby! http://thesoapbar.blogspot.com/2007/11/review-lote-tree-chocolate-cake-soap.html

Jo of www.productbody.com (wow) wrote a great review. It is so awesome when other people like your stuff!

Website pending!

2007-10-30T16:32:00.000-07:00

I want our website up!!!! DH has been working on it for months and it seems we're always just hours away from it being online. I have done a lot of advertising work for Nov and I want the site up now!! argh... I had to vent.

Ayla laughs and vulturefest

2007-10-24T20:36:00.000-07:00

Last night Ayla laughed!! She has made noises that sound similar to laughing for a while (ever since she could smile- 5weeks-) but last night she really really laughed. Of course it was at Gabe who was running out of the bathroom having flushed the toilet just for fun. I was holding Ayla and he ran out and looked up at me and did his little "I did something I wasn't supposed to and it's funny" hiss. She found this hilarious and was rocking with laughter. She turned 2 months on the 22nd.

Vulturefest was a success. It was rather warm and on sunday it was tooo windy. The lip balms were a huge success again this year, I had to go home and make more on saturday night. We were so tired, DH locked the keys in the car and we had to call a locksmith! The kids were really well behaved too. I really want to be more prepared for Autumnfest. I have three weeks and I hope I have everything done the week before!

What is a "Lote Tree" anyway?

2007-10-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

I have had many people ask me that question. I thought I would write a little something to convey our understanding of it.
What exactly is a Lote Tree? The Lote Tree is a mythical tree found in many religions and cultural traditions throughout history. We like to think of it as the tree of life. The oils we use to make our products are of the highest quality food-grade and come from trees that in their native lands, are considered trees of life. Consider the Olive tree in the Mediterranean, the coconut and palm trees in the tropics, the karite tree in Africa and the cacao tree in South America.
There are also numerous mystical definitions of the Lote Tree. Egyptians believed God sat on top of a Lote-Tree high above muddy water symbolizing mind over matter and the divine intellect. The ancient Egyptians also believed the sacred sycamore tree was the door between life and death, a link between both worlds. Muslims believe there is a Lote Tree in the seventh heaven, beyond which there is no passing. Ancient Arabs used to plant such trees to mark the ends of roads. Interestingly, a “Lotus Eater” is defined in Brewer’s Dictionary of phrase and fable as “One living in ease and luxury”. This is certainly how we want our customers to feel.
The Celts also highly regarded trees and considered them to be bridges between the underworld, the middle world and the upper world. In this sense the tree lives in three worlds- its roots in the earth, the trunk on the ground and the branches and leaves in the air. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the tree grows in the center of Eden. The tree is also a symbol of resurrection. The tree looses its leaves and "dies" in the winter to be reborn again in the spring. We hope our customers feel a sense of renewal and rebirth when using our soaps, scrubs and lotions.
The tree plays a central role in the mystic study of the Torah and is also repeatedly mentioned in the Bible's book of revelation. In the Norse tradition, it is called Ygdrasil, an Ash tree that supports the world. In the book of Morman, it is a symbol of God's love. The tree was the center of the universe in ancient Mayan culture. Everyone, it seems, has their own tree.
What does your tree look like? Is it a tall hundred-year old oak with large green leaves? Is it a sapling pine pushing its way through the cracked concrete of the city? Please think of The Lote Tree as your special secret tree. It's your place to come and be with yourself under its sheltering branches. Empty your mind of idle thoughts. Here, at The Lote Tree, there is always time for you.

Yay Vulturefest!

2007-10-16T04:39:00.000-07:00

We're busy getting ready for Vulturefest in Makanda this coming weekend. Hope to see you all there. Last year the weather was in the 50's and WINDY. This year it is going to be sunny and around 80. Last year was also the first show we introduced the shea massage souffle. Now, I'm scared they will melt while we are there! This will be the first show we will have the tattoo soap... and maybe the balm if I can spare time to whip some up. I'm not happy with the containers we have right now so I'm reluctant to put it out there and then change it up on people later. It was really weird, last night I posted the tattoo soap on Etsy and then clicked Storque their ezine and the first article is about homemade tattoos. Anyway, I'm really pleased with the label and I'm hoping it is a success.

Vaccinations

2007-10-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

The babies went to get their checkups this morning. DD got several immunizations. Why do they have to stick tiny babies w/ huge needles?!? She cried so hard, it was hard not to cry myself. While we were in the office I got a call from a lady wanting to know where our shop was. She is from out of town and I arranged for her to come over to the house @ 10:30 in the morning. Arrgh. The house is of course, a wreck and of course, dh will be gone all day at a bookkeeping workshop. So we'll see how trying to sell soap out of the living room with the two babes will go. Not looking forward to this. This situation did get me thinking about creating an appropriate studio space with room for display so that we can have people by appointments. Check out these chubby cheeks!! She weighed in at 11lbs 9oz today. 80th percentile.

Nod from the Universe

2007-10-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

I have been looking at various periodicals to advertise the website in. I found one for the wholesale accounts and I was looking to promote retail when I requested a copy of Sage Woman magazine. Lo and behold the cover has a big drawing of a woman and the name RHIANNON underneath! I consider this a 'nod from the universe' since our new baby's middle name is Rhiannon. I guess I will be putting aside some funds to run an ad! I don't really know what I was expecting but, I was impressed with the mag. The Rhiannon article was particularly well written. If you get a chance, check it out.

I Forgot

2007-10-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

I tried to open a new blog account today... this is how much I forgot I had already started one! I just scrolled down and looked at that little picture of Gabe! LOL He just celebrated his 2nd birthday- Yea! Now we have to find and post a little tiny picture of Ayla so the next time I forget I will find it and I'll think awww.

I also can't believe how naieve I sound in those previous posts!!!! I had no idea what a hard time lay ahead of me!!! But, I'm still at it!!!

2006-02-04T15:50:00.000-08:00

We have been busy updating our ingredient inventory in that Soapmaker program. What a great little software program it is! I've already played around and "made batches" of stuff that I don't have yet and it tells me how much it will cost etc. I have a few great ideas that I am soon going to implement in my product line. I was fortunate enough to meet a woman from Greneda studying here in Carbondale. She was going back home for a while and she brought us back %100 pure nutmeg oil and some AWESOME chocolate in a pure unsweetened form. After discovering the amazing theraputic qualities of nutmeg, I am determined to make a nutmeg soap! Oh and the chocolate will be incorporated in our bath melts for extra indulgence! I'm soo excited!

photos

2006-01-31T10:42:00.000-08:00

I got a new photo tent to start taking photos of the soap and lotions. Its huge. I am tempted to put Gabe in there and snap a few. I took some photos of labeled soap on top of one of my crystal bowls, but I think everything will be photoshopped out anyway though. I can't wait until photos of the soap are on the net!
Rummaging through my soaps I realized I need to restock a few flavors- Emerald Isle, Sugar Cookie, Chammomile ZZZ, Late Summer and Log Cabin. Which means I need to order more scents.
We are mad excited! We found a new software program called Soapmaker and it is tailor made for a soapmaking business. Whew! Finally something that does exactly what we need it to do--- no more screwing around with peachtree and trying to fenagle things to fit our needs. I am really feeling like things are working out for once!!

The first post

2006-01-30T13:15:00.000-08:00

Hello cyberspace! Where to begin.... If you have the time please check out my business website www.thelotetree.com I make awesome handmade soap and lotion and the profits directly benefit the raising of my son Gabriel.
I want to use this blog to update everyone on my new products, my new son, and my life. I hope you enjoy!