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Handmade Toiletries Weekly Newsletter
February 13, 2000

A Publication of The Handmade Beauty Network
ISSN 1530-9630
February 13, 2000
Issue 5

------------->THIS WEEK'S SPONSOR: THE SOAP FAIRY<-------------

The Soap Fairy specializes in handmade soaps, bath salts, lip balms, aromatherapy products and lotions. Everything we sell is handcrafted, using only the most natural ingredients. All of our products are completely vegetarian, containing no animal fats. Open House -- All Welcome!! February 27, 1:00-5:00, at our new facility in a remodeled part of the historic Lewes, Delaware, Ice Plant. Enjoy tours, finger foods, aromatic surprises and networking with fellow handmade toiletries makers. The Soap Fairy, http://www.soapfairy.com. (302) 645-4596.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Handmade Toiletries Thyme Trivia Question -- win a delicious bottle of LuShus LoShun (see recipe below).
2. HBN Update
3. What's New On HBN's Web Site
4. Donna Maria's Aromatic Beauty Recipe - "LuShus LoShun"
5. Coming Next Week! Our Exclusive Profile Of An 8-Year-Old Budding Toiletries Maker!!

1. HANDMADE TOILETRIES THYME TRIVIA QUESTION -- LAST WEEK'S WINNER -- Laura Bruhns of Cordova, Tennessee. Check out Laura's new web site ... LathersByLaura.com. If you would like to send in a contest question, forward it to donnamaria@handmadebeauty.com. If selected, your question will be posted, along with a credit to you!!

LAST WEEK'S QUESTION: Name the weekly publication that provides the beauty industry with specialized coverage of regulatory, legislative, scientific, financial and legal news. Among the most well-respected cosmetics industry trade publications, it has been in existence since 1939 and is headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland. A 1-year subscription is $745. What is the exact name of the publication?

LAST WEEK'S ANSWER: The Rose Sheet.

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION: In 1867, Sarah Breedlove was born to Africans who had been held as slaves in Delta, Louisiana. In 1905, in her kitchen, she began handcrafting a product which, when applied to her hair, restored its luster and strengthened its roots. Sarah began selling her handmade hair care product door to door, and seven years later, became America's first female millionaire. By 1925, Sarah's company had commissioned over 25,000 "hair culturists," many of whom, like Sarah, had been single mothers. Sarah was a generous benefactor for worthy causes of the time, including the YMCA and the NAACP. In the early 1900's, out of anger and frustration resulting from indignities suffered as a result of her race, Sarah gave herself a new name which she felt was reflective of her proud heritage.

What is the name this remarkable role model gave herself?

Be the first one to answer correctly and win a delicious bottle of LuShus LoShun (see recipe below). Read contest rules at the end of the Newsletter.

2. HBN UPDATE

--->This week, HBN is featured at CosmeticIndustry.com, the place for people who love cosmetics -- for professionals, for consumers and for those who dream about having their own company. Take a peek ... you'll find HBN featured in the "What's New" section under "Sites To See"!!

3. WHAT'S NEW ON HBN's WEB SITE

--->LEGISLATIVE/REGULATORY. Ever wonder about the proper way to contact an Internet Service Provider if you believe one of its customers has infringed your copyright? Well, believe it or not, Congress made it really (well sort of ...) easy when it passed the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998. Check out the details on HBN's web site!

--->HBN STAFF. Many of you know Leslie Plant of Leslie's Garden from her wonderful handmade soaps and informative posts to some of the handmade toiletries email discussion groups. Well, HBN's Staff page finally lets you match a face to the name and those wonderful handmade products ... check out Leslie's lovely photo taken in her herb garden in Brentwood, Maryland.

--->HBN's NEW ICONS!! Our web master is in the process of replacing empty bottles with custom designed icons which make HBN's site even more fun to visit. Each icon is unique and one-of-a-kind ... individually arranged by hand!! My favorites are "Consumer Information," ... each flower was placed in the border by hand, "Industry Suppliers," with the clever hover button effect and "Feedback," with the blinking blue/green colors. It sometimes takes a few additional seconds for these icons to load but they're always worth the wait!

--->INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS. Our extensive supplier listing will be unveiled to HBN members in April. In the meantime, by sending in their listing information early, some suppliers have expressed a special interest in meeting the raw materials and packaging needs of HBN members. HBN greatly appreciates the support of these businesses ... check them out at the site's Industry Supplier page. There, you will find One Planet, Anderson Country Products, Sage Meadow Sundries, Rainbow Meadow, Gentle Ridge EMU Products, Sweet Cakes, Cotton Blossom Crafts, The Packaging Goddess and Camden-Grey Essential Oils. If you are a supplier and would like to be listed, send us your information through the Industry Suppliers icon and we'll add you too!!

4. DONNA MARIA'S AROMATIC BEAUTY RECIPE - LuShus LoShun

If you would like to send in a recipe, forward it to donnamaria@handmadebeauty.com. If selected, your recipe will be included in an upcoming issue of the Newsletter, along with a credit to you!!

LuShus LoShun is similar to last week's recipe, but not quite as thick due to removal of the stearic acid and borax. LuShus LoShun provides a more pourable formulation, but those who like extra "thick & richness" may just prefer last week's formula. The lemon/rosewood essential oil blend is fantastically refreshing!!

LuShus LoShun (yield @ 7 ounces)

Phase A Ingredients
10 grams anhydrous lanolin
10 grams extra virgin olive oil
12 grams fractionated coconut oil
2 grams beeswax
10 grams vegetable emulsifying wax

Phase B Ingredients
150 grams distilled water
8 grams liquid grapefruit seed extract (optional to extend shelf life)

Aromatic Oils (optional)
6 grams rosewood essential oil
2 grams lemon essential oil

Combine Phases in separate heat proof (I use Pyrex) 16 oz. glass measuring cups. Place each Phase in separate double boiler to warm water/borax and melt lanolin and waxes. When waxes are completely melted, use an electric mixer to combine the two Phases. LuShus LoShun should form in about 5 minutes. Add Aromatic Oils last and stir to incorporate. Pour into clean lotion bottles. Shake before using. Enjoy!!

*******More Aromatic Beauty Recipes at http://www.donnamaria.com

5. COMING NEXT WEEK!!

Next week's issue will highlight the accomplishments of a remarkable 8-year-old who has already started her own handmade toiletries business. Check out HBN's exclusive profile of Little Miss Rachel Dahlem, and try out her recipe for "Rachel's Peppy Peppermint Lip Stuff."

This Newsletter is announcement only ... all messages sent using your "Reply" key will bounce. To contact me, donnamaria@handmadebeauty.com.

Have A Great Week!!
Donna Maria
Founder & President, The Handmade Beauty Network
"Securing The Future Of The Handmade Toiletries Industry"
http://www.handmadebeauty.com
http://www.donnamaria.com

Handmade Toiletries Thyme Question Contest Rules.
To enter, send one answer ONLY, name and street mailing address to donnamaria@handmadebeauty.com.  The winner will be notified via personal email.  Winner's name and correct answer will be announced in next week's HBN Newsletter.  Email entries are tallied based on the time indicated as "received" on my computer.  HBN VALUES YOUR PRIVACY ... your personal information will not be sold, loaned or given to any third party without your permission.  HBN staff not eligible to win.