Motherland Essentials Blog

As the weather gets cooler and the air gets dryer, many are looking for a solution for maintaining skin moisturization during these weather changes. You've probably spend countless hours and dollars searching for a skincare product that will help you achieve your skin goals. If you're tired of trying different products without success, it's time to consider the benefits of lotion bars. Let's explore what lotion bars are, why they are a game-changer for your skin and how you can get your hands on the best ones available.

What Are Lotion Bars?

Lotion bars are a unique and innovative skincare product that is gaining popularity among beauty enthusiasts. Unlike traditional liquid lotions that come in bottles, lotion bars are solid bars made from natural ingredients such as shea butter, beeswax, olive oil, and essential oils. These ingredients are carefully selected for their nourishing and hydrating properties, making lotion bars a powerful and eco-friendly solution for your skincare routine.

Benefits of Using Lotion Bars:

1. Intense Moisturization: Lotion bars are incredibly moisturizing. They melt upon contact with your skin, releasing a rich, creamy formula that deeply moisturizes and nourishes your skin. Say goodbye to dry, flaky skin, especially in harsh weather conditions.

2. Long-Lasting: One of the key advantages of lotion bars is their longevity. A single bar can last for several months, making them a cost-effective choice compared to traditional liquid lotions that run out quickly.

3. Eco-Friendly: Lotion bars are environmentally friendly because they typically come in minimal packaging, reducing plastic waste. Many brands, like Motherland Essentials, use sustainable and cruelty-free ingredients, aligning with a more responsible and conscious approach to skincare.

4. Travel-Friendly: Lotion bars are perfect for travel. Their solid form means you won't have to worry about spills or TSA liquid restrictions. Just toss one in your bag, and you're good to go.

5. Versatile Application: You can use lotion bars on your body, hands, feet, and even your face. They provide targeted moisture wherever you need it most, leaving your skin feeling soft and rejuvenated.

Why Choose Motherland Essentials Lotion Bars?

At Motherland Essentials, we take pride in offering some of the finest lotion bars available. Our commitment to quality and sustainability sets us apart from the rest:

• Handcrafted: Our lotion bars are handcrafted in small batches to ensure premium quality and attention to detail.

• All-Natural Ingredients: We use only the best natural ingredients, free from harmful chemicals and additives.

• Ethically Sourced: Our ingredients are ethically sourced, promoting fair trade practices and supporting local communities.

• Wide Variety: Whether you prefer a soothing lavender scent or a refreshing citrus twist we have a lotion bar to suit your preferences.

Take Action: Experience the Magic of Lotion Bars Today!

Are you ready to transform your skincare routine and experience the benefits of lotion bars for yourself? Visit our website at Motherland Essentials Lotion Bars to explore our range of luxurious lotion bars. Treat your skin to the nourishment it deserves and make the switch to lotion bars today.

Candles not only create a cozy ambiance but also fill our homes with delightful scents. Once your favorite candle has burned its last flicker, don't toss it away! Instead, consider repurposing it in creative and practical ways. In this blog post, we'll explore several exciting ideas to give your empty candle jars a new life while promoting sustainability. Let's dive in!

1. Storage Containers: One of the simplest and most practical ways to repurpose a candle jar is to use it as a storage container. Clean out any remaining wax residue and labels, and you have a stylish container for small items like office supplies, jewelry, cotton balls, or even spices in the kitchen. You can keep multiple candle jars with varying sizes to organize different items around your home.

2. Flower Vases: Transform your candle jar into a charming vase for fresh or dried flowers. The transparency of glass candle jars allows you to showcase the natural beauty of flowers and create eye-catching centerpieces for your dining table or shelves. Add a decorative ribbon or twine around the jar for an extra touch of elegance.

3. DIY Candle Refills: If you're feeling crafty, repurpose your candle jar by making your own candles. Purchase candle wax flakes, wicks, and your favorite fragrance oils. Melt the wax, add your desired scent, and carefully pour it into the cleaned candle jar with a new wick. Voila! You have a personalized and eco-friendly candle ready to light up your space once again. Don't feel like buying all that stuff? Bring that cleaned vessel back and make a candle with us!

4. Makeup Brush Holders: Keep your vanity organized by repurposing candle jars as makeup brush holders. The tall and narrow design of many candle jars is perfect for holding brushes upright, making them easily accessible while adding a touch of sophistication to your beauty routine.

5. DIY Terrariums: Turn your empty candle jar into a miniature garden by creating a DIY terrarium. Layer rocks or pebbles at the bottom for drainage, add activated charcoal to prevent mold, and top it off with soil and small plants or succulents. Terrariums bring a touch of nature indoors and can be a low-maintenance way to add greenery to your living space.

6. Bathroom Essentials Holder: Maximize your bathroom organization by repurposing candle jars to hold essentials like cotton swabs, bath salts, or small soaps. With various candle jar sizes available, you can create an aesthetically pleasing display while keeping your bathroom items easily accessible.

In the world of natural and handmade soapmaking, countless ingredients have been explored for their unique properties. Among these ingredients, one may find an unexpected addition that stands out: okra. Traditionally renowned for its culinary uses and nutritional benefits, okra, when incorporated into soap recipes, brings a multitude of advantages that contribute to healthy and radiant skin. Let me tell you why okra is the REAL super skin food.

1. Nourishing and Moisturizing Properties: Okra is a treasure trove of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which makes it an excellent ingredient for nourishing and moisturizing the skin. When incorporated into soap, okra provides natural emollients that help to lock in moisture and prevent dryness. Its high content of vitamins A and C, along with minerals such as potassium and calcium, help to promote skin cell regeneration, resulting in a softer, smoother complexion.

2. Soothing and Anti-Inflammatory Effects: For those with sensitive or irritated skin, okra can be a game-changer. The mucilage, or gel-like substance found in okra, possesses soothing properties that can help alleviate skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Its anti-inflammatory nature reduces redness and swelling, providing relief and comfort to irritated skin. By incorporating okra into soap, you create a gentle cleansing product that can be particularly beneficial for individuals with sensitive skin.

3. Natural Exfoliation: Another remarkable benefit of using okra in soapmaking is its natural exfoliating properties. Okra contains small seeds that, when ground or crushed, can serve as a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and promoting a healthy glow. By incorporating okra seeds or powdered okra into soap recipes, you can create a soap that cleanses and exfoliates simultaneously, leaving the skin refreshed and revitalized.

4. Enhanced Lather and Silkiness: Okra is a natural emulsifier, which means it can enhance lather and contribute to the silky feel of the soap. When combined with other soapmaking ingredients, okra helps create a luxurious and creamy lather that cleanses the skin effectively without stripping away its natural oils. This quality makes okra an excellent choice for both body and facial soaps, providing a pampering experience with every use.

5. Antioxidant Protection: The presence of antioxidants in okra makes it a valuable addition to soap formulations. Antioxidants help protect the skin from harmful free radicals, which can cause premature aging and skin damage. By incorporating okra into soap, you infuse the final product with antioxidant-rich properties, helping to combat the effects of environmental stressors and promote overall skin health.

While okra may seem like an unconventional ingredient in soapmaking, its numerous benefits cannot be overlooked. From its moisturizing and nourishing properties to its soothing effects on sensitive skin, okra brings a host of advantages to handmade soap recipes. Whether you're a soapmaking enthusiast or simply seeking natural alternatives for your skincare routine, incorporating okra into your soaps is a fantastic way to harness its potential. Embrace the power of okra and indulge in the wonders it can bring to your skin, paving the way for a radiant and healthy complexion.

Enjoy your own Aloe + Okra bar

Bath bombs can be a fun and interactive way for kids to learn about science. Here are a few ways bath bombs can help kids understand science:

1. Chemical reactions: Bath bombs typically contain a combination of citric acid and baking soda, which when mixed with water, undergo a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas, causing the bath bomb to fizz and dissolve. This chemical reaction can help kids understand concepts such as reactants, products, and chemical changes.

2. pH and acidity: Bath bombs often contain ingredients that are acidic, such as citric acid, which can lower the pH of the water in the bathtub. Kids can learn about acidity and pH by observing how the bath bomb changes the pH of the water and understanding the concept of acidity.

3. Dissolving and solubility: Bath bombs are designed to dissolve in water, and kids can observe how the bath bomb dissolves and releases color and fragrance into the water. This can help kids understand the concept of solubility and how different substances can dissolve or not dissolve in water.

4. Colors and pigments: Many bath bombs contain colorful pigments that create vibrant colors when the bath bomb dissolves in water. Kids can learn about pigments, color mixing, and how different substances can produce colors by observing the colors produced by the bath bomb in the water.

5. Density and buoyancy: Some bath bombs contain ingredients that affect their density, causing them to float or sink in water. Kids can learn about density and buoyancy by observing how the bath bomb behaves in the water and understanding the concept of density and its effects on objects in liquids.

6. Observation and prediction: Kids can practice observation skills by observing the behavior of bath bombs in water, noting changes such as fizzing, dissolving, color changes, and other reactions. They can also make predictions about what might happen when different bath bombs with different ingredients are used, encouraging critical thinking and scientific inquiry.

Overall, using bath bombs can provide a hands-on and engaging way for kids to explore scientific concepts such as chemical reactions, pH, solubility, density, color, observation, and prediction. It can make science fun and accessible, encouraging kids to develop an early interest and curiosity in science.

We made a fun playlist for our kids bath bomb making class coming up. Maybe your kids would enjoy it to. Check it out!

Approximately 60%-70% of women and 50%-60% of men reported that they had some degree of skin sensitivity according to an article published in the National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information. With that information in mind, it's safe to assume that many people that use our products have some degree of skin sensitivity that they may have experienced in some form at some time in their skincare journey. The greatest thing about our products is that we create every formulation with the confidence that everyone in your household can use them - even the most sensitive skin. Here are some ways you can care for your sensitive skin.

Diet & Hydration

Give your sensitive skin some help with a healthy diet and hydration. Many of the essential vitamins, minerals, fats and oils your skin needs to maintain a healthy glow can be found in the foods you eat. Foods like salmon, walnuts and flaxseed are rich in omega-3 and omega-6, which are essential fatty acids for overall good health and skin. Fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants are also helpful. Of course, always drink your water, but also treat yourself to some green tea. Green tea had anti-inflammatory properties and has also been known to reduce the risk of ultraviolet light (such as the burning rays of the sunlight.)

Don't Overheat

Getting your vitamin D from the sun is essential to mood boosting and your overall healthy, but don't overdo it. The rays from the sun can cause damage, especially to sensitive skin. Put on your sunscreen, even if it's not a hot day. You'll want to give your skin the protection it needs. Make sure you're also keeping cool with a hydrating mist if you're outside. Our Rosewater and Lavender Hydrating Mist provide skin cooling and restore moisture and essential hydration to the skin immediately.

Look for Skin-friendly Ingredients

Less is more when it comes to sensitive skin. You don't want to overwhelm your skin with too many fragrances or ingredients that are known to dry out the skin. Avoid products that contain alcohol. Stick with unscented options if you can. If you do opt to use products that have scent, make sure it's nothing too heavy. We recommend our Turmeric Kombucha, Oatmeal Honey, Lavender, Vanilla Coffee, and Activated Charcoal bars. Try them as a build your own bundle.

Stay Moisturized

Moisture is key element when it comes to skin healthy. Dry skin can cause irritations and we don't want that. One of mine and my kid's favorite thing is soaking with a bath bomb. It releases sunflower oil, which is a wonderful, light oil because it doesn't clog pores, it moisturizes the skin and provides some skin-loving vitamins. If you're on the go, lotion bars are the perfect addition for your bag, as they contain beeswax, which provides a protective barrier over your skin to prevent damage and helps to repair irritated skin. It also has a high melting point, so no mess. It activated ones it makes contact with your skin. During the cooler months, a thicker moisturizer such as our whipped body butter will also keep you moisturized.

Stress Less

Skin irritations are often triggered by stress. Breakouts, psoriasis flare-ups, eczema can all be triggered by the day to day stress we endure in life and for that reason, it is essential to take a moment and destress. Exercise, going for a walk, reading, journaling - even coloring in our Inspiration Self-Care Coloring Book, can bring the stress down and leave your skin vitalized.  

What do you do to care for sensitive skin? Let us know in the comments.

Lighting a candle has the power to set the tone for your space. As the aroma fills the room, the fragrance immediately has an effect on your entire mood. Why do you think we're so particular about our smells? Aromatherapy has the power to trigger memories, energize you and even calm and relax you after a stressful day. Something this powerful requires care. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your candle.

Tip 1: Trim Your Wick

Tip 2: Keep an Eye on Your Candle

 As relaxing as a candle can be, you're still dealing with a flame. Make sure your candle is out of reach of children and pets. You also don't want to burn your candle too close to something flammable or near a draft that can carry a flame to something flammable. Candles also shouldn't be lit for more than 3-4 hours at a time.

Tip 3: Keep Your Candle Clean

Debris, dust, and soot can make their way in your candle and you don't want that for several reasons. Before lighting your candle, make sure it's clear of any mess.

Tip 4:  Put Out Your Candle Carefully

When it's time to put out the candle, blowing it out is fine, but do so carefully. If your candle comes in a jar, place the lid back on the jar. You can also use a candle snuffer if you have one handy.

Tip 5: Store Your Candles in a Cool, Dark Place

Did you know that candles have an expiration date? While they're unlikely to spoil like food, your candles will lose their fragrance and experience discoloration over time. Temperature fluctuations and light can also have an effect on the lifespan of your candle. That pumpkin spice candle not in season yet? Put it in a cool, dark place until fall. It's best practice to burn your candles within 12 to 16 months of buying them.

**BONUS** Retire your candle & reuse your jar

Once you've enjoyed your candle, give it a new life. Clean out the remainder of the wax by placing the jar in the freezer (the wax will shrink and allow you to remove it more easily) or warming the jar and wiping out the rest of the wax with a dry towel. Repurpose your jar any way you' like.

Our Signature Candle Kit Has Everything You Need

Shop our signature candle kit for everything you need for your candle to last. Shop here > https://www.motherlandessentials.com/collections/candles/products/signature-candle-care-kit

Already have a candle? Shop our accessories here

So you've started a beauty business, or maybe you're in the idea phase, and you want your products to stand out. The problem is, funds are tight, but you still want that professional look. Hiring a professional graphic designer may not be in the budget yet, but that doesn't mean you can't have labels that catch the attention of potential customers.

My hope is that this tutorial helps you to learn of a new way to create beautiful labels on a budget. Everyone has to start somewhere, but the important thing is that you start. I hope this gives you the boost to start. Watch the tutorial below and don't forget to subscribe:

Did you find this helpful? Let me know if there are any other topics you'd like to chat about in the comments.

Starting a business can be one of the most exciting things to pursue in your life. Unfortunately, some people may not share in that same joy and enthusiasm. You may encounter many people in your immediate circle of family and friends that you would expect to find support, only to be met with rejection and discouragement. It's hard to overcome, but here are 5 ways to handle unsupportive family/friends should you find yourself in that situation:

1) Recognize Not Everyone Understands

The thought of someone starting a business is unheard of for some people. They are perfectly fine with finding a career they love, working their job and living their life, which is great. It's not that they don't want to support you. They may not see starting a business as a priority in life. That's ok. Don't make it your job to make them understand. Continue pursuing your endeavor with the understanding that the topic may not be interesting to them.

2) Treat Yourself Well

It all starts with you. Not everyone will see your vision, and that's ok. What you can't do is allow the negative feelings of a friend and/or family member disrupt your self-care practice. Continue to pour positivity into you.

3) Build Your Own Community

Family and friends may not be the people you need to reach with your endeavor. Start documenting your journey and sharing your passion on social media, community groups, etc. You will find all the support you need by taking a step and building your own community.

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4) Include them in your business

I'm not saying make them an owner, but sometimes people don't understand what you do, so it comes out as unsupportive behavior. For example, my grandmother told me that starting a soapmaking business was not a good idea. Her mind changed once she came to visit and we made soap together. She never had the experience. Once she did, she understood why I was so passionate about what I do. She even told her entire church congregation about my business. Needless to say, she's proud and supportive now that she had the experience.

5) Cut out negative relationships.

If family and/or friends are going out of their way to show their lack of support for you, then it may be a situation where you have to set firm boundaries in terms of how they have access to you. I don't discuss certain things about my business to certain friends or family, and that's ok. I have a family member who I don't talk to at all because of the pain and trauma caused interacting with them. Yes, it can be deemed as extreme, but for me it's necessary in protecting my peace.

What are some other ways you can handle unsupportive Family/Friends? Drop your advice in the comments. Have questions? Place them in the comment section!