Natural Living Talk

During one of my recent soapmaking workshops, a lovely participant shared that her plumber advised never  to let fat go down the sink because it’s on a septic tank. A fair concern — and one I hear often. But here’s the good news: Tallow soap is completely safe for septic systems. Let’s walk through this in a simple, homestead-friendly way. To boost the post’s SEO, include a keyword in the title. 🌿 Soapmaking 101: What Actually Happens to the Oils? When we make soap, the oils

“If you’re interested in living more consciously, two documentaries I recommend are Stink! and The True Cost. Stink! looks at the hidden chemicals in everyday products and why transparency matters, while The True Cost exposes the real impact of fast fashion on people and the planet. Both offer a powerful reminder to question what we buy and choose more mindfully.”

Top benefits of attending a soapmaking workshop: n many workshops, participants craft beautiful soaps rich in texture, color, and natural toppings like botanicals, clays, or herbs. The structured setting allows you to ask questions and receive hands-on guidance, helping you understand each step with confidence. You’ll leave the class not only with your own handmade creations but also with a sense of pride and a new hobby to enjoy and grow.

Did you know many women wear around 85 chemicals on their body everyday?

It’s that time of year again — warm days, cool days, and everything in between here in the South Island. With the unpredictable summer weather come those unwelcome little visitors: the bugs that bother our pets, nibble our gardens, and sometimes find their way indoors. One ingredient I’ve relied on for years is neem . It’s one of those beautifully versatile, old-world remedies that fits perfectly into a natural home and garden. 🌱 What Is Neem? Neem oil comes from the seeds o

I’ve had ‘problem’ skin for about the last 16 years, with very sensitive but very oily skin, leading to my fair share of acne.

That's right.... Liquid shampoo is just that, soap mixed with enough water to create a liquid you can squeeze out of a bottle! The word shampoo comes from India champu meaning to massage. The Indians used soapnuts (Sapindus) boiled and mixed with herbs to create a soapy lather which left the hair soft, shiny and manageable. My first memory of liquid shampoo is Egg Shampoo and VO5..... maybe even with Farrah Fawcett Major advertising Wella Balsam with her beautiful hai

I don't think we really understood the importance of individual stores making their own products, being able to go to your local town or nearby town and wander into each store, having a chat to the owner, sampling their wares, knowing that majority of the ingredients would have been sourced locally and having your goods wrapped in paper and string. Well the Soap maker is back! Why do I love making soap for myself, my family, friends, and, of course, those who choose to buy