Bend Soap Company - Family Run, Family Values

Dwight and Marilee Johnson (no relation to us!) and their family of 11 live on a 40-acre farm in beautiful Central Oregon. I know that area well. Back when I was playing airline pilot we had a run into the Redmond/Bend airport and it was one of my favorite trips as we had a layover long enough to enjoy the amazing scenery.

 As the Johnson's raised a herd of happy healthy goats that ate only good food and were given natural substances to keep them healthy rather than medications that would then end up in their milk – they got the idea of making some soap with it. With a long history as a successful entrepreneur and the support of his creative and clever wife, Dwight's  initial soap soon became a family effort as a result of crafting some soap from their farm’s goats to help with eczema that their young son Chance was suffering with.

Making some goat milk Kefir in my "cowboy wineglass"
 - no milking involved, just a trip to Whole Foods.

Consuming goat milk (which I drink in place of cow’s milk which I don’t digest well) the Johnson family knew the benefits of the milk nutritionally.

• Goat’s milk is full of vitamins, proteins, and minerals
• Is easily absorbed by the body
• And has a pH that is relatively close to that of the human body

Could that also help young Chance's skin if used topically?

They found that by putting a couple bars of their newly created honey and oatmeal soaps into the bath and letting Chance play and soak in the water for 15-20 minutes gave him great relief, and his eczema was practically gone after one week of daily baths like this. This is great news because it’s often recommended that you avoid frequent bathing if you have eczema as it dries out the skin, making the itching worse.

That’s the secret behind their amazing milk bath product. This was one of the first products I ordered, the online ordering easy and the products arriving quickly (with a free sample bar of tea tree soap - thanks!)

Rather than a powdery, strongly scented product like many bath additives, it’s fine shards of the purest soaps with essential oils (except the unscented one which has no essential oils) that dissolves in your bath like a cloud. Goats milk also has natural alpha-hydroxy acids which will gently exfoliate the skin. I used some for the first time last night, the “English Garden” scent and my husband commented on how smooth my arms were when he gave me a hug as I came out of the bathroom in my pajamas. He also commented on how clean and pretty the scent was.

He then used a bar of unscented goat milk soap in his shower to wash his hair. When we first married and I moved into his home, I noticed he only used this one generic brand of dandruff shampoo. I told him several years later that it must work as he had no dandruff. He laughed and said, “I never have, I just hate the strong scents of drugstore shampoo.” Well, the dandruff shampoo was kicked to the curb. So much of what we put on our skin is absorbed into our bodies that I didn’t want him using a medicated product he didn’t need. He'd found a couple of natural shampoos he liked but he loved the idea of a bar he can use to shampoo as much as he travels in his engineer job.

He washed his fine blond hair with the unscented Bend Soap and his hair was SO soft and shiny. I’m loving the soaps as well, the unscented for my face cleared up some acne-like bumps I get on my arms after working out and sweating a lot. Within two days, my skin looked 100% better.

Got Pets with sensitive skin?  Made to lather well, the goat milk soap is easy to use on your dog or cat's coat.  It will get their fur clean, but it is a LOT easier to rinse off than most other pet shampoos.  Gentle and non-irritating on the skin it also doesn't contain chemicals that their bodies will absorb, or remain on the skin to be licked off later.  Always do a patch test first like any new product, but Abby has her baths with goat milk soap (a much more expensive brand so I'm happy to find this) since we got her and her fur is SO soft and shiny.

For a shower or bath for we humans, it’s great. Most commercial skincare products are made with a mixture of alcohols, synthetic fragrances, and other chemicals which strip our skin of its natural oils that keep it protected and are intended to defend it against becoming dry, irritated, and unhealthy.I had a little rubber bucket of assorted bath products for my nightly bath, but I couldn't use them every night or my skin would dry out and itch.  (I hadn't learned yet that the GMO oils used in cheap bath products, even those touted as "moisturizing", can irritate and dry the skin.)

The Bend Soap and Bend Milk Bath have made a huge difference in my skin in only a few days and the milk bath is soothing and inexpensive enough I can use it frequently! I can’t wait to use the goat milk lotion on my face and body instead of the scented products that often make me itchy or break me out.

With the quality ingredients including palm oil, that they ensure is sustainably harvested, it’s no wonder.

So for my book fans and readers some questions

 •Do you suffer from harsh skin sensitivities, like me, spending thousands of dollars over the years trying to help?

 •Are you allergic or sensitive to many skin care products and can’t use them?

  •Are you concerned about toxic products in your body and the effect on you and your family's long-term health?

  •Would you love to use wonderful products to make your skin and hair soft and supple without spending $9 a bar or $30 a jar?

 Natural, gentle, deeply moisturizing, healing and convenient products from a family run company that's had years of happy customers.  What's not to LOVE?

• Bend Soap Company

There's soaps, lip butters, scrubs, lotions, and even a natural deodorant and lots of information on their company and products and it's obvious how close this family is.

I so enjoyed the photos on their website of their children helping with the chores and the production - growing up as I did doing things with my brother around our Western home to earn a little money, learning responsibility, sharing, and commitment to something.  As I look at the smiling faces of the Johnson family, I can't help but think of what wonderful family memories are being made right now as they provide a product that supports and nourishes a community of people.

Go check them out, especially the gift tins with the holidays coming up (and seriously- orange Sugar Scrub? - I am SO ordering that!)

Triple Berry Sourdough Muffins

Thanks for your patience everyone - I've got a new Novella being published in October (part of an anthology with other authors) and I've been busy finishing that up with my editor.  Fortunately, I got on the scale and though I've been eating somewhat haphazardly being busy and with a husband that's been traveling for work a lot, I haven't gained any weight.

So time for some baking.

My sourdough starter has been doing really well, so I made another batch of muffins.  My husband eats one of these every morning as a snack and they are always a hit. I vary the berries in them and sometimes use  1/4 tsp. Cardamon in place of the Cinnamon. They also freeze really well so I can take some into work to share.  They aren't particularly low-fat or low-sugar (you could replace some or all of the oil/butter with applesauce to make them healthier), but for a homemade snack they are really moist and tasty and the slight tang of the sourdough pairs nicely with the fruit.

You can get sourdough going two ways:

(1)  Find a friend that has some going and borrow at least a half a cup.  Store in a glass jar covered with a coffee filter and rubber band.  You will need to "feed" your new sourdough, then feed it again in a few days.  Feed by adding equal parts flour and non-chlorinated (always) water, stir with a wooden spoon (sourdough does NOT Like metal) and let sit in a warm room (68-70 degrees min.) for an hour or two before and after feeding. If the room is cold, set it on top of a heating pad set on "low". Then store in the refrigerator between feedings.  Feed it with equal amounts flour/water mix at least once a week (I don't feed more than a cup of flour at a time, usually a half cup). In a few days with a couple feedings, it will be ready for baking. Always leave a 1/2 cup in the jar to grow additional starter.

Every two-three weeks I pour the starter into a clean dry bowl, thoroughly wash the glass jar, dry and re-add the starter as some of the starter eventually dries on the side of the jar as you pour it into a measuring cup.

(2)  Or you can make your own starter if you have a warm kitchen and about 5 days (daily upkeep is minimal but it takes several days for it to "take off").

Directions are here:
http://blog.kingarthurflour.com/2012/04/05/creating-your-own-sourdough-starter-the-path-to-great-bread/

Triple Berry Sourdough Muffins

In one bowl stir until well combined:

2 cups flour (if using gluten-free add 1/2 tsp Xanath gum)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup plus 3 Tablespoons brown sugar

In another bowl mix:
1 cup sourdough starter (mine is about the consistency of Kefir - if your starter is thicker you may wish to add another Tablespoon or two of water to the recipe).
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons) melted butter
1 egg (whisked)
1 Tablespoon honey
pinch of lemon zest (optional)

Mix wet and dry ingredients and fold in:

1 and 1/2 cups clean and dry berries (I used 1/2 cup each of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries).

Sprinkle muffin batter with a tiny bit of granulated sugar and bake in a preheated 375-degree  F. oven for 27-30 minutes (or until lightly browned and toothpick inserted comes out clean)

Thai Noodles with Chili Ginger Dressing

I LOVE Thai food and could eat it a couple of times a week.  However, it CAN be somewhat high in oil and sugar when commercially prepared.

Wanting a taste of Thai on this meatless Monday, this was my cold lunch - and it was SO good.  The dressing actually makes enough for one large or two single serving noodle salads.

To assemble - fill a single serving sized bowl with cold cooked linguini or rice noodles.

Top with a large handful of assorted:
carrots
snap peas
celery
red pepper
cilantro
a pinch or two of peanuts
lime for drizzling.

Then top with a wonderful ginger chili dressing (do in your food processor to incorporate the red pepper flakes into an emulsion, if you wish).

Chili Ginger Salad Dressing

1/4 vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
1/4 tsp. fresh grated ginger
1/4 tsp. dried chili pepper flakes
1 tsp. honey or Agave Nectar (natural sweetener)
1 tsp. Spring water
1/4 tsp. salt
black pepper to taste (optional)

Mexican Food Doesn't Mean 2000 calories

I had a craving for Mexican but I knew that if we went to one of the local restaurants I'd have a platter the size of New Jersey preceded by 2 pounds of fried chips and salsa.

Still, I wanted that taste and that crunch.

So I made homemade tostadas.

Rather than buy Tostada shells I just used corn tortillas and lightly sauteed them in a little hot oil, just until crisp, then patted dry to remove most of the grease.  They were topped with some fat-free beans ( pinto's smashed with a little cooking water and a dash of oregano), lettuce, a few strips of leftover chipotle seasoned veggie beef crumbles from a previous meal (you can also replace with Setain) a TINY sprinkle of dairy-free cheddar, fat-free sour cream substitute, mild salsa, a splash of hot sauce,  and a few slices of avocado I served it on a colorful salad plate to give it the appearance of being a larger serving than it was, a great trick I use all the time.

Yummy - and I didn't even miss the chips

Beeswax Candles and Handcrafted Honey - A Review of Raines Honey Farm

I love honey products, using beeswax candles in my home to clear the air which helps with both allergy and pet dander issues.

For years I used the typical decorative candle that smelled like apple pie or cinnamon or such.  I also attributed the constant sneezing and sniffing when I was burning a decorative candle to seasonal allergies.  But when I started cooking and canning and doing more things from scratch around the home, I looked into a better, cheaper option.  Well, beeswax isn't cheaper, not at first glance, but it is SO much better, and ultimately, a good value.

Hundreds of years ago, candles were made from beeswax.  Over time, those beeswax candles were gradually replaced by tallow (animal fat) candles, and then in the last century by paraffin candles.  If you look at the candles in your home, that's likely what you have. But what exactly IS paraffin?

Well, it's made from the goo found at the bottom of barrels of crude oil, which is then treated and bleached with chemical solvents such as benzene and toluene to "clean it up".  This is AFTER the stuff to make asphalt is extracted.  There's a reason such candles put out soot and smoke when you burn them, along with some tasty carcinogens.  To get around that natural "diesel fuel" smell the makers add synthetic fragrance oils, many of which can be toxic if burned.

No wonder I was sneezing and sniffing.  The minute particles of that sludge byproduct, over time, can also stain walls, and drapes.

Then I discovered 100% beeswax candles.

Not only do beeswax candles not put out the pollutants, they also help clean the air, for as the candle burns, negative ions are emitted that clean the air.  How?  Negative ions are drawn to positive, and positive ions attract and hold on to airborne things such as mold, dust, bacteria, viruses, and odor causing pollutants, and are suspended in the air.  The negative ions latch on to the "contaminated" positive ions and weigh them down where they fall to the ground.  It's similar to  the cleansing of the air you see after a thundershower a negative ionic event if there ever was one.

I have no hard science as to the allergy connection, but several friends for whom I gave beeswax candles as gifts, say they have seen a marked improvement in their allergies, burning a beeswax candle in their bedroom for about 3 hours before sleep.  I burn one for a few hours in my small home prior to a visit from a friend that's sensitive to pet dander and she says it helps immensely.

But LB!  You're part Scot!  You're a spendthrift!  You refinish and reupholster throw away curb furniture and bake your own bread.  Those candles are rather pricey!

100% Beeswax candles burn 3 times longer than traditional candles.  Considering that, they are quite competitively priced with most high commercially sold candles. It's dollars well spent.

Home Emergency Supplies - candles are a part of most smart folks ready reserves for a natural disaster or electrical outage.  Not only does the beeswax candle burn cleaner, nice in close quarters, but it has a flame that's much brighter than traditional candles, with the same light spectrum as a ray of sun.  I keep one in the glove box of my vehicle, in case of an on road emergency requiring a bit of natural light and heat without polluting the cab of the bat truck.

But (there's always a but).  Not all Beeswax candles sold are 100% pure. Labeling in the US requires only that they be 51% beeswax to be pure (much like some of our food labeling).  Look for the phrase "100% pure beeswax" and note the unique and fresh, subtle honey fragrance.

Today's new beeswax candle comes from an Illinois beekeeping family:

• Raines Honey Farm

The Raines family has been beekeepers for the past 19 years, expanding their business to keep up with the demand for their premium honey.  Their hives are placed on family farms across Northwest Illinois and Southwest Il.  A small one-family operation they produce some of the tastiest honey I've had in years.  Sure, premium honey costs more than store bought but once you try it you'll view store honey like "really bad coffee".  There is that much of a taste difference.  The Raines honey is pure, raw, and natural with a sweet flavor that comes from local flowers, mostly clover.  They never cook, pressure filter or add anything to their honey nor do they use any chemicals in their beehives. 

Ordering online is easy and it's also found in a number of stores in North Central Illinois.  I did an online order and I got my package promptly delivered to Chicagoland, wrapped securely with bubble wrap to avoid damage.  In addition to my new candle, I got two kinds of honey, both regular and whipped (I love that on my morning bagel) a beeswax balm stick (great on dry heels and elbows and as a travel moisturizer since it's solid the TSA won't take it away), a scented bath soap. and they gifted me a new lip balm as a thank you for my first order. All of their products are vegetarian and are only tested on friends and family, NOT animals.

Now I can add a new animal candle around my tub now instead of those Ikea tub o'tealights for ten bucks, which just sooted up my bathroom. These candles produce NO smoke and last SO long, while your drapes, walls, and air stay fresh and clean.

Whether you are a candle lover, a homesteader, someone who loves their "Calgon Take Me Away" candle accompanied baths, or live in an area with power outages, add some pure beeswax candles to your supplies and order up some yummy honey from the Raines family while you are at it. You'll be glad you did.

Be Warned - Appetizer Crack

Looking for something to serve at a family outing or take to a party that you can nibble on without guilt?  The first time I made this for three friends, they ate the whole bowl - and it was a BIG bowl. We ended up putting the enchiladas I made for the main course in Tupperware for everyone to take home.

It's easy to make but for some chopping, fat free and vegan.  For a Paleo friendly dip transport celery sticks work great.  This does have beans and corn so it's not perfectly Paleo but it's a lot better for you than all of those heavy cheesy dips.

Around here it's known as Appetizer Crack

(easily cuts in half measurement wise)

2 cups roasted corn, chilled before blending with other ingredients. (honestly, you can  use the Trader Joe's frozen roasted corn and no one will be able to tell the difference)

2 cans black beans - rinsed and drained

2 red peppers

2 green peppers

2 Roma tomatoes - chopped

2 jalapeno peppers, seeds removed and finely diced.

1 cup chopped cilantro. (I'll be honest, I don't like cilantro but I loved it in this dish).

1 medium to med/large red onion - chopped (but not one of those Jabba the Hut sized onions).

DRESSING

juice of 4 limes (if you must use bottled lime juice, try and find the Key West brand, use 8 tablespoons).

2 Tablespoons APPLE CIDER vinegar

1 clove garlic (if you used the minced fresh in the jar, the amount to equal a clove is on the jar, about 2 tsp).

1 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika (there's sweet and smoky types, get the sweet)

few grinds of fresh pepper,

1/4 (roughly) teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder (I used Penzey's, their stores are in many Midwest cities and you can buy on- line, very reasonably priced). Some stores carry other brands. If you absolutely can't find it, use regular chili powder.

2 Tablespoons honey

1/2 cup  extra virgin olive oil

Directions: Wash all the produce well. Chop and combine all the fresh veggies, the corn and the beans. Chill while mixing dressing. Mix all dressing ingredients except the olive oil. In a thin stream, while using a whisk like you mean it, slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whipping it until it is emulsified (if you want to be boring you can use a blender).

Pour over veggies and stir well, chill at least two hours, re-stir and serve.