Adventures With The Sage

Value of Notes: Testing Oils

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

I always feel that notes are my best friend, no matter the project I am making. Today, I’m going to share the PDF that I designed for writing note about oils I test and my comments about the oils. The value of keeping such notes will save you in the long run when you are trying to create a new recipe and you can’t decide which oils to include. As some say, “The value of my notes. Priceless!”

Here is the PDF for you.

How do you test the oils? Place a few drops on the back of the hand and inner forearm. I test these two places because my hands can be rough and this allows me to test the oil on soft skin and on rough skin. If I am considering on using the oil in a lip balm or gloss, then I also test the oil on my lips. I make note of ALL the properties of the oil because one day, those notes will allow me to decide whether or not to include the oil in a new recipe.

Can’t think of properties? Let me help. Does the oil absorb into your skin quickly or slowly? Does the oil feel light, mid-weight, or heavy on your skin? Did the oil feel light and velvety or oily? Do I like the feel? Does it last on the skin? Does it have an odor or taste?

Record the date the oil was tested, because an oil that you enjoy in the winter, may not be as enjoyable in the summer.

Enjoy!

Submit your photos and text for the guest written Embedded Melt & Pour Soap Challenge! Submissions will be accepted through October 18th at blog@thesage.com. The submissions will be released October 19th through October 23rd. Each guest writer will receive a $25 gift certificate. I have already received one entry! Don’t miss out on your chance!

Don’t forget to submit your blog or video posts to win the MMS Perfumer’s Kit. Remember, this kit is worth $280! Wow!

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Posted in Thoughts from The Sage | No Comments »

Body Cream

Monday, October 12th, 2009

Last week, I told bluebutterflz I would formulate a recipe that is similar to our Body Cream Base so she could play with making a cream just like our base! I finally have the recipe finished and I hope you enjoy! I have scented this batch with Rooibos Tea Fragrance Oil, since our discussion about the Body Cream Base originated on the Rooibos Tea blog post. You can find the recipe in our Recipes Section under Rooibos Body Cream.

Collect needed items:
Citric Acid
Hydrovance
Dimethicone
Stearic Acid
Emulsifying Wax
Sunflower Oil
Shea Butter, Refined
Chamomile Extract
Comfrey Leaves Extract
Liquid Germall Plus
Fragrance of your choice (I’m using Rooibos Tea Fragrance Oil)
Water
Premixed colors from January 12, 2009
Scale
Beaker or Mixing Bowl
Immersion Blender
Microwave
Containers for the finished cream

Recipe:
1.3 grams Citric Acid
15 grams Hydrovance
24.5 grams Dimethicone
20 grams Stearic Acid
25 grams Emulsifying Wax
95 grams Sunflower Oil
5 grams Shea Butter, Refined
330 grams water
2.5 grams Chamomile Extract
2.5 grams Comfrey Leaves Extract
2.6 grams Liquid Germall Plus
5.2 grams of Rooibos Tea Fragrance Oil

Weigh all ingredients except the extracts, Liquid Germall Plus and Rooibos Tea Fragrance Oil. Heat in the microwave, using short bursts, until the oils have melted. Use the immersion blender to blend together. Allow to cool until the temperature drops below 140 degrees Fahrenheit and then add the remaining ingredients and color if you desire. Blend until all ingredients have been mixed together. Pour into jars and allow to cool completely. Now you have a fantastic cream!

Enjoy!

Submit your photos and text for the guest written Embedded Melt & Pour Soap Challenge! Submissions will be accepted through October 18th at blog@thesage.com. The submissions will be released October 19th through October 23rd. Each guest writer will receive a $25 gift certificate. I have already received one entry! Don’t miss out on your chance!

Don’t forget to submit your blog or video posts to win the MMS Perfumer’s Kit. Remember, this kit is worth $280! Wow!

Oils and water wieghed into a beaker.

Oils after microwaving.

Adding extracts, Liquid Germall Plus and Rooibos Tea Fragrance.

Pouring finished cream into jars.

Filled jars of cream.

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Posted in Lotions and Creams | 7 Comments »

MMS is now on Facebook!

Friday, October 9th, 2009

If you are familiar with Facebook, you can now become a fan of Majestic Mountain Sage! Now get updates, blog post notification, and more!

Click here for the link to our Facebook Fan Page.

Enjoy!

Submit your photos and text for the guest written Embedded Melt & Pour Soap Challenge! Submissions will be accepted through October 18th at blog@thesage.com. The submissions will be released October 19th through October 23rd. Each guest writer will receive a $25 gift certificate. I have already received one entry! Don’t miss out on your chance!

Don’t forget to submit your blog or video posts to win the MMS Perfumer’s Kit. Remember, this kit is worth $280! Wow!

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Posted in Thoughts from The Sage | No Comments »

Liquid Bubble Bath Colors

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

Do you ever listen to a little child ask you why their bathtub water isn’t blue like the swimming pool? Why can’t we give them their own colored bath with the excitement of bubbles? Now any one can have a colored bath tub of their choice, although, I wouldn’t recommend a yellow bathtub for reasons not needing explanation.

Collect needed supplies:
Liquid Soap of your choice Shower Gel & Liquid Hand Soap in One, Extra Thick Shower Gel, Bubble Bath, or Paraben Free Body Wash (I’m using the Shower Gel & Liquid Hand Soap in One)
Premixed colors from January 12, 2009
Fragrance Oil of your choice (I am using Blowing Bubbles Fragrance Oil)
Scale
Small Transfer Pipette
Mixing Bowls
Spoons
Containers for storing finished colors (I’m sending out samples in the 10 mL Lip Balm Jars)

Recipe in ounces:
6 ounces Shower Gel & Liquid Hand Soap in One
0.01 ounces Blowing Bubbles Fragrance Oil
3 to 12 drops of Premixed Colors

Mix the Shower Gel & Liquid Hand Soap in One and Blowing Bubbles Fragrance Oil together. Once mixed, divided into 6 smaller mixing containers for adding the color. This will give you red, yellow, blue, green, purple, and orange bathtub paints.

Red:
3 drops of Purple Raspberry Premixed Color

Blue:
3 drops of Grape Premixed Color

Yellow (if you desire, but I wouldn’t recommend it):
3 drops of Lemon Yellow Premixed Color

Green:
1 drop Grape Premixed Color
2 drops Lemon Yellow Premixed Color

Orange:
1 drop Purple Raspberry Premixed Color
2 drops Lemon Yellow Premixed Color

Purple:
10 drops Purple Raspberry Premixed Color
1 drop Grape Premixed Color

Add color and mix thoroughly. Pour into final containers for use. A great gift to any splashing bather.

Submit your photos and text for the guest written Embedded Melt & Pour Soap Challenge! Submissions will be accepted through October 18th at blog@thesage.com. The submissions will be released October 19th through October 23rd. Each guest writer will receive a $25 gift certificate. I have already received one entry! Don’t miss out on your chance!

Don’t forget to submit your blog or video posts to win the MMS Perfumer’s Kit. Remember, this kit is worth $280! Wow!

Adding the fragrance oil to the shower gel.

Stirring the shower gel.

Dividing the scented shower gel into 6 parts.

Finished colors in 10 mL jars.

Labeled finished jars. Click on to enlarge for more detail.

Labeled finished jars. Click on photo to enlarge for more detail.

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Posted in Color In Products, Fast and Simple Gifts | No Comments »

September MMS Perfumer’s Kit Winners

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

MMS Perfumer's Kit

I am so excited to announce the winners of the September MMS Perfumer’s Kits! I enjoyed reading and watching the submissions.

Winner #1

This video is a great review of various products that Elma ordered from us. I enjoyed her product review. I hope you do too!

Winner #2

This blog shows Emily having a great time making lip balm. I felt that I was listening to her explain making lip balm. I hope you enjoy her blog.

Congratulations to Emily and Elma! I will be contacting both of you for a shipping address.

Remember, I still have several Perfumer’s Kits to give away. Each month will reveal a new lucky winner. Need an update on the rules? Click here to see the original post. I’m now accepting submissions for blogs and videos posted in the month of October.

Submit your photos and text for the guest written Embedded Melt & Pour Soap Challenge! Submissions will be accepted through October 18th at blog@thesage.com. The submissions will be released October 19th through October 23rd. Each guest writer will receive a $25 gift certificate.

Don’t forget to submit your blog or video posts to win the MMS Perfumer’s Kit. Remember, this kit is worth $280! Wow!

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Posted in Drawings and Contests | No Comments »

Layered Meringue Sugar Scrub

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

After reading the title, you may be wondering how a dessert can become a scrub. I’m looking to make a scrub that will give a bubbly top layer that looks just like a meringue.

Before I continue with the recipe, what is a meringue? A meringue is a dessert made from whipped egg whites and sugar. The majority of meringues are flavored with vanilla, almond, or coconut. Meringues are made in several different ways, depending on their final use, whether it is used in a main dish or a dessert.

Collect needed supplies:
Oil of your choice (I’m using Colorless Jojoba)
Extra Thick Shower Gel
Sugar
Fragrance Oil of your choice (I’m using Tahitian Vanilla Fragrance Oil)
Transfer Pipettes
Scale
Mixing Bowl
Mixing Spoon
Hand Mixer
Containers for the final product

Recipe in Percentages:
10% Colorless Jojoba
20% Extra Thick Shower Gel
70% sugar
Tahitian Vanilla Fragrance Oil, at preferred fragrance percentage.
Lemon Yellow Color, a few drops to color

Recipe in grams (Makes 200 grams or 7 ounces):
20 grams Colorless Jojoba
40 grams Extra Thick Shower Gel
140 grams sugar
1 mL Tahitian Vanilla Fragrance Oil
2 drops Lemon Yellow Color

Weigh the Colorless Jojoba and Extra Thick Shower Gel into a mixing bowl that can fit the beaters of the hand mixer. Beat the Colorless Jojoba and Extra Thick Shower Gel until you have a white foamy cream. Add the Tahitian Vanilla Fragrance Oil and Lemon Yellow Color and fold into the cream. Once everything in the bowl is completely mixed, stir in the sugar. After the sugar has been incorporated, fill your final product containers.

Allow to sit for 4 hours for the separation to occur. Once the separation has occurred, the scrub is ready to give away.

Instructions for use:
Open jar and gently mix layers together. Once layers have been mixed, apply to damp skin and scrub in a circular motion. Rinse off with warm water. Daily use is not recommended.

Enjoy!

Submit your photos and text for the guest written Embedded Melt & Pour Soap Challenge! Submissions will be accepted through October 18th at blog@thesage.com. The submissions will be released October 19th through October 23rd. Each guest writer will receive a $25 gift certificate.

Don’t forget to submit your blog or video posts to win the MMS Perfumer’s Kit. Remember, this kit is worth $280! Wow!

Colorless Jojoba and Extra Thick Shower Gel ready to be mixed.

Starting to beat the oil and shower gel together.

Adding color and fragrance to the whipped gel.

Blending color and fragrance into the product.

(more…)

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Posted in Scrubs, Spa Related | 3 Comments »

Confetti Soap, Part 3

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

I cut the confetti soap and it looks FANTASTIC! As you can see by the pictures, I’ve stacked the soaps Stonehenge style and I’ll turn them daily until they have cured for a few days. Once they can handle the rigors of shipping, I’ll send samples back to the shipping department to be shipped out with orders.

Next week, I’ll show the Confetti Soap made with chunks instead of shreds.

Have fun!

Submit your photos and text for the guest written Embedded Melt & Pour Soap Challenge! Submissions will be accepted through October 18th at blog@thesage.com. The submissions will be released October 19th through October 23rd. Each guest writer will receive a $25 gift certificate.

Don’t forget to submit your blog or video posts to win the MMS Perfumer’s Kit. Remember, this kit is worth $280! Wow!