Clean.

Unschooling. At LuSa Organics.

Once a week I load my kids into the car and the whole family heads in to our LuSa Organics business space. It's my one day a week to work on site - developing new products, blending new scents, and making product prototypes for private label customers.

Yesterday I reflected on how this day works for my kids. Are they just spending the day waiting for me to finish my work, or are they learning? And in that moment in the other room I overheard Pete teaching Sage long division. Pete took a quick break from bookkeeping to explain the math to Sage, who had been carefully measuring and drawing something to scale all morning.

Meanwhile Lupine was singing and dancing (as usual), cutting some treasures out of paper, working on a puzzle, drawing, and helping me quality check the soaps. As always there were lots of questions about the map of the world that hangs on the wall. 

And then I remembered what I have known for so long. That wherever we go they learn. They learn at home, in the woods, in the city, and yes, even at LuSa. There was math and art and fine motor work. There was geography and chemistry. There was physical education and natural history. It's all happening. Everyday. No matter where we are. And I love that for so many reasons.

~ * ~ * ~

P.S. Some of you have emailed looking for a LuSa Organics coupon code. You can find one here for Mother's Day. Enjoy!

Love,
Rachel

LuSa Organics Coupon Code and Giveaway!

Hi ya'll. It's me, Rachel. In the pictures above. And that's my family. And those are the products we make with our own hands. We are actual human beings! (Not a corporation at all.) And every so often as an actual human I issue a sweet and gentle reminder that not only do I spend my time here writing, but I also own a lovely small business. A small business that pays my mortgage as well as feeds my soul. (The job of writing here, which I so love, does only the latter.)

So I am here to say, "Hey, I'd be stoked if you bought some product from me!" There. It's out. Yes - you, too, can have a little LuSa in your life.

I am the creator and owner of LuSa Organics, a line of highest quality, handmade organic body care and baby care. This blog actually was born out of my desire to make our business a little more transparent by giving you a view into our life, my philosophy and values. Because I think who we are is almost as important as what we make. And while the blog has since become it's own entity it began because of LuSa.

Our products are outstanding and I figure, hey, everyone needs soap. And some of you need baby products. Will you try mine? 

I created our recipes out of my head over a decade ago and have continued to improve upon them ever since. Our soaps are moisturizing, gentle, long-lasting and offer a crazy buttery lather. And as any customer will attest, they smell incredible. Our award-winning Booty Balm borders on cult-like in its following. Booty Balm is magic in a jar and will heal almost anything you throw it at (the balm, not the jar).

All of the products align with my beliefs about the world. Less waste, more sustainable farming practices, better treatment of people, animals, and the planet. More good mojo all around. We donate 10% of our profits to amazing causes like La Leche League, the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, and dozens of other noble organizations. We donate some of our scratch and dent product to our local food pantry and try in general to be all-around-do-gooders.

And our products are made by hand right here in the Driftless. Vernon County - the second poorest county in Wisconsin. We employ four amazing people who all rank on my short list of the nicest folks I've ever met. And by supporting LuSa you support Heather buying chickens for her girls' homeschooling studies and a hay baler for her small farm. You support Chris's quest for a healthy gluten-free life as he heads towards marrying his sweetheart in the coming season. You support Karen finishing the construction of her hand-hewn home. Your support Steve as he bring live theatre to life in our small town. You support me, coming here to write to you here. Real people. A real small town. Real lives.

That's the power of buying from a small family-owned business.

 

I'm offering a giveaway of your choice of a Welcome, Little One! Gift Collection, a Mama is Born Gift Collection, five bars of naked soap, or a Delight Gift Collection. Leave a comment below to enter. Tell me what you think of our products, or anything you think I should know.

I'd be honored if you decided to share this post, follow me on Pinterest, and like both this blog and LuSa Organics on Facebook.

And to encourage you to take the leap into trying LuSa for the first time, I'm offering a free lip balm with any LuSa order this week, and a free lip balm and bar of naked soap with any order over $35. To redeem, type "Taking the LuSa Leap" in the comments field and we'll choose something spectacular for you to try. (Expires March 31. Valid for retail customers only, please.)

Thanks for coming here to read each week, and thank you for supporting LuSa - and therefore both my family and my passion for creating this space where you come to read.

Love,
Rachel

P.S. For those of you who are LuSa customers and not yet blog readers, take a look around. I think you'll find inspiration here that you didn't even know you were looking for.

Comments are now closed. Congratulations to Lynne who said,

"Finding truly natural products, especially for baby, is such a challenge The transparency you offer here on Clean is extremely refreshing. I would love to try your products! Thanks for hosting the giveaway."

Juggling.

I'm up early. A decaf latte in my hand and sound-blocking ear muffs ready for when the rest of the family wakes up in an hour or so. It's cold in the house at 6:30 so I also dig out my slippers, hat and fingerless gloves. All handmade by me, but sometimes I wonder how I found the time.

Today I'm up, trying to carve out some work time for myself. Because I sometimes remember: I'm supposed to be running a business too. On top of the rest. I have an amazing team at LuSa Organics, but this business is my baby. It's all out of my head - every recipe, every ethic of how we do it, every scent blend. And I need to stay with it to keep things humming in the direction I have in my heart.

~ * ~

Occasionally (like today) I feel my confidence waver over just how many things I'm juggling at one time. I want so much to do well at what I've set out to do, but sometimes I worry. Can I pull this off?

Mothering. Homeschooling. Housekeeping. Running a small business. Growing said business. Visioning for the future. Writing this blog. Writing a book. Dreaming our country dream over and over again as we sell our home and get ready for moving. And then there is making time to connect with myself, my friends, my husband, and my family beyond this house.

Sometimes that seems like too much.

Today Pete and I started a new work schedule which has me here at the computer from whatever-time-I-can-talk-myself-out-of-bed until 10:30 AM. Which is great. But also when I do make time to step into business owner mode I panic a little. Because, well, I'm not they business person type. I'm a people-person and a words-person and a teaching-person and a feeling-person more than a systems and production and growth and charts person. And while our products are outstanding, LuSa Organics doesn't compare in size or sophistication to the big-yet-honorable family business out there. (Like this one or this one or this one.) I'm teeny. Teeny tiny little me. Sitting here in a wool hat and PJ's at 6:30 in the morning, tweaking labels and designing new products and trying to update ingredients and prices and do a little marketing between homeschooling, laundry, and dinner prep.

And sometimes I hope that is good enough.

Like today.

LuSa Organics Giveaway

As you already know (or I hope you do!), I am the founder and owner of LuSa Organics. LuSa (which stands for the names of our kids, Lupine and Sage) is a family-owned small business devoted to creating exceptional organic body care and baby care. We love what we make, we love what we do. That's all there is to it.

My husband Pete and I run LuSa Organics business together, taking turns trading roles between home/homeschooling time and LuSa time. It's a balancing act, but we can't imagine it any other way.

Every day I appreciate the customers who choose - mindfully - LuSa each day. You make a decision that your purchases matter; that quality matters; that families matter; that small matters. And you choose us. The little guy/gal over the big dogs. We're humbled by that act. And we thank you.

To celebrate LuSa's recent move from our home to our new production space, I am hosting my own giveaway for a $40 LuSa Organics gift certificate!  Keep it, share it, or give it away as a holiday gift. It's up to you. What a delicious opportunity to bring some good smells into your world.

And for everyone I'm offering free standard US shipping on all orders over $50 between today and January 1, 2012. If you hurry, that might even be in time for the holidays!(International customers - email me for your special shipping discount code.) Use coupon code "CELEBRATE" during checkout, then choose "free shipping" from the shipping menu.

  To enter the giveaway drawing, do any or all of the following ~

1. Leave a comment stating one of the following:

A) For existing customers, share something you love about LuSa Organics.

B) For future customers, tell me what you're most excited to try.

2. For a second entry, invite a friend or two to enter our drawing as well (use Facebook, Google+, Twitter, your blog, email, or the telephone, or hollering out your car window). This will be the honor system. Link to your post or let us know how you invited your friends in your comment. 

3. And finally, for a third go, let us know what future LuSa product or scent you would be most interested in!

Thanks for your unwavering support and love. We're so grateful for each of you!

Comments are now closed. Congratulations to Erin who said, "I would love to try some of the handmade soap or hard lotion. I put them as well as a couple other things on my Christmas wish list so hopefully I'll be getting some from my husband. :)"

Back home (and sewing already).

We're home! The Midwest Renewable Energy Fair was amazing, as always. I love this show. Really, truly. Old friends, new friends, great conversations, and inspiring ideas. And the critical mass of homeschoolers is astounding.

Sage was in his element, running free (with a walkie-talkie on his hip in case he (read: we) needed something) with new friends and old, playing, learning, exploring. Lupine was happy to explore and play as well, hand in hand with Pete or me. She packed her bumble bee tutu (yes, to wear to the Energy Fair) and someone there gave her a bee antenna headband to complete the ensemble. She was, well, very Lupine. Ask anyone who was at the fair. They likely saw her. She was pretty hard to miss.

Thanks to all of you who visited (or sent Wisconsin-based friends and family our way in your place!). It is lovely for me to put faces to both readers here and long time LuSa Organics customers.

We got home just in time for our team member Nina's last day (above left). Nina has worked for us since 2009 and now she's headed for Asheville, NC. (Also pictured are: Chris O., production; Karen R., shipping; Lupine, my girl; and Raina, Karen's daughter. Pete and I are at Right with our son Sage who needless to say was not so into the photo shoot.)

Nina came to us when she was 19. I got an email and then a phone call from a very together sounding young woman who wanted to apprentice at an organic soap company. At 19 I wish I had thought to do what she was doing. I was impressed already. So we met and I adored her and Nina came to work for us for "two months" of soap-making training.

Somehow two months quickly became two-plus years and Nina moved from apprentice to intern to part-time production specialist with grace. (If you use LuSa product you have surely used something made by Nina.)

Because she's moving cross-country, I didn't want to burden her with a gift that wouldn't serve a useful purpose. But I wanted to make her something to say thank you for her time, her work, and her friendship. Since like us, Nina uses homeopathic remedies on occasion I thought a little remedy roll-up would keep her blue vials organized on the road.

I sewed two pieces for Nina: a roll-up to secure her remedies (a simple elastic band instead of pockets to help keep the labels visible) and a zip bag to hold any extras and to keep the remedies from jumping out of the roll-up along the way. I even silenced my fabric-miser self and picked three favorites from my stash for the project. I'm glad I did. 

So yes. Easy, sweet, and useful. That's pretty much what I need out of every project. And this one took just a bit of elastic, some fabric, a zipper, and some vintage ribbon. Nina's remedy kit holds 10 Boiron remedies, but you could make yours any size you wish. (I actually had to reference my own tutorial to make the zip pouch. I couldn't remember how to do the zipper and get my choice fabric on the outside. Total geekdom.)

Safe travels, Nina. We love you! Thanks for bringing your spirit to the LuSa family.

Three Year Blog Birthday and a LuSa Organics Giveaway.

  

Four years ago I had a baby on my hip and an almost five year old at my side, a new small business venture of my own making, and a very happily full plate. I was home with my kids, my man, and our body care business wondering what the next phase of my life was going to bring.

Four years ago I did not even know what a blog was. Really.

Then while searching on-line for some craft tutorials I found a handful of lovely blogs. I found community, education, and inspiration through my computer. This was new for me. I dug it. Real people. Like me! People who share my values who were talking about things that inspired me. I loved it.

Then three years ago I decided to write my own. Three years. Nearly 500 posts. Sewing patterns and knitting updates. Holiday celebrations and recipes. Unschooling ideas and gentle parenting advice. So many posts, and so many more yet to be written. I feel like I've barely begun. Suddenly (three years later) I am a Blogger. And you get a peek into my life each week, to see how we live, what we treasure, and what makes me tick.

Why "Clean"?

I am a soapmaker so I named my blog Clean. I own an organic body care company so I believe deeply in what I would call Clean ingredients (whole, natural, non-synthetic, organic). I believe in what I think of as Clean food (local, organic, whole), and Clean relationships (non-violent, connection-based) and a sustainable Clean lifestyle. So Clean it was. And then I sat down and started typing. And I really haven't stopped. 

Why Blog?

Initially I started blogging to create some transparency for people learning about my body care company, LuSa Organics. I wanted customers to have a chance to get to know me so that they knew where I was coming from when it came time to choose safe, natural body care products for their family. I wanted to show people who I was, what I believe in, and why I do what I do. I am not a corporation. I am a mama who cares deeply and believes passionately in how we go about our business. I am also a teacher, so reaching out this way was a natural fit. And that is what I did. And it felt great.

And then... something shifted.

This transparency for customers and future customers was still an important component, but the connection to my readers and the act of writing became an important part of my life in-and-of-itself. Writing became a passion in its own right. And that shift was really about all of you. You came here, day after day, either through LuSa Organics or separate from it and you cared about what I had to say. You kept coming back. And you brought your friends. And you shared your own ideas, your own inspiration, your words. Community manifested out of thin air.

The more I wrote the more important it became to me. And so today, thanks to your support and encouragement I have started working on my first book. A book! It is an exciting time in so many ways. Good things brewing on so many fronts. Thank you for showing up here (the frequent commenters and the quiet folks alike). You've given me the courage to take on a big exciting project that will change my life.

To celebrate my blog's birthday I am giving away some LuSa Organics goodies. LuSa Organics is how our family makes its living. We also are a portion of the income of thee other local families. Because of LuSa Organics it is possible for me to be home, unschooling my kids and bringing this blog to you.

One blessed winner will receive an assortment of LuSa Organics goodies, from either our Mama and Baby lines or our Body Care product line. Choose from a Baby Mama Gift Set or a Blissful Bath Gift set. 

Oh, and for everyone, how about a LuSa Organics coupon code? Place an order before the end of the week (By June 4, 2011) and receive a free scrumptious LuSa gift with your order. Just say "Blog Birthday" in the comments field. You won't regret it. Best. Body care. Ever. I promise.

Comments are now closed. I'll announce the winner later in the week!

To be entered in today's giveaway, do as many of the following as you wish. (Be sure to leave one comment for each action for up to five entries per person.) Thanks for celebrating with me! I'll close comments and annouce a winner after the weekend.

1. Tell us why you read Clean and/or why you love LuSa Organics.
2. Share with us one new (natural) scent combination for product or one new product you would like us to offer.
3. Become a fan of LuSa Organics on Facebook.
4. Become a fan of Clean on Facebook.
5. Share a link to this giveaway via Facebook or Twitter OR Invite your friends to Clean via email (for the non-social media folks).

Thanks again for coming here and for sharing in the little moments of my life.

LuSa Organics is Hiring! (And a coupon code for the rest of you.)

By now most of you know that I own an organic body care company called LuSa Organics (named for our kids, Lupine and Sage). We handcraft high quality body care for babies, pregnant women, and the everyone else. Booty Balm, Baby Wipe Juice, soap, lip balm, essential oil blends, belly balm... loads of lovely organic products. (If you haven't tried it I assure you - we make fantastic stuff.) 

Our business is growing fast and we are ready for one more positive soul on our production team. If you are local and looking for the best-smelling job around, read on! And spread the word. Thanks!

And what the heck - since most of you aren't local but you just read this how about a coupon code for you? Type the phrase "LUSA IS HIRING" in the comments field of your next order and receive a free gift! The more you order the bigger the freebie. (But they are all luscious. I promise!) Coupon valid until April 4, 2011.

Peace,
Rachel

 Are you the PRODUCTION SPECIALIST we’re looking for?

If so you are reliable, honest, and hard-working.
You are consistent and follow systems precisely.
You are a self-starter and offer your best each day.
You are enthusiastic about herbal organic products.

LuSa Organics is a home-based business located in Viroqua, WI. The new PRODUCTION SPECIALIST will work three shifts per week of approximately six hours each. (Hours will vary and flexibility is required.) Come with an eye for detail and a steady hand as you make and label soaps, scrubs, balms, and infusions. Be prepared for some heavy lifting.

Our home also contains our children and pets, so comfort with these critters is vital as well. We love what we do and can’t wait for you to join our team!

Ready to get started?
Call 608-606-5374 by April 4, 2011. Position begins soon!

On The Road.

I'm off to the Twin Cities for No Coast Craft-o-Rama! (Click the image above for more info on the show.) Hope to see some of you there, Minnesota friends. Do stop by my booth and introduce yourself, won't you?

Blessings,
Rachel

 

LuSa Organics Giveaway.

I love LuSa.

And that makes sense. It is my business after all. (That's baby Lupine and I cutting soap a few years back.)

But it is more than just that. I really love LuSa. Even if it weren't my business I would still buy our products. Because they work better for my sensitive skin than anything I've tried before and they smell dreamy. 

I'd also buy LuSa because it is not made by a big corporation, but by an actual family. (I have a tendency to root for the little guy. In this case that would be me.) And the ingredients are ethical and top notch. And we are really nice people to boot. What's not to love?

And what about you?

Some of you have found your way to Clean because you already love LuSa. Others have only heard of LuSa because of coming to visit me here. Let's mix it up a little. If you are an existing customer I'd love to hear why you love LuSa. Why are you hopelessly in love with what we create? If you're new to LuSa I'd love to encourage you to give us a try. It's how we make our living. It's how I write this blog. And it's really fantastic stuff, I tell you. You'll be so happy you did.

Today I am hosting my own giveaway for a $50 LuSa Organics gift certificate. Keep it, share it, do some holiday shopping with it. It's up to you. Such a delicious opportunity to bring some good smells into your world.

And for everyone I'm offering free standard US shipping on all orders over $60 between now and December 20, 2010. (International customers - email me for your special shipping discount code.) Use coupon code "SHIPCLEAN" during checkout, then choose "free shipping" from the shipping menu.

 

To enter the drawing, do any or all of the following ~

1. Leave a comment stating one of the following:

A) For existing customers, share something you love about LuSa Organics. Product, philosophy, story... anything.

B) For future/potential/almost customers mention a product from our website that you would be interested in trying or tell us what it would take for you to make your first purchase.

2. For a second entry, invite a friend or two to enter our drawing as well (use Facebook, Twitter, your blog, email, or your trusty telephone). This will be the honor system. Link to your post or let us know how you invited your friends in your comment. 

3. And finally, for a third go, let us know what future LuSa product you would be most interested in trying of we decide to make it:

• Nipple Balm (for nursing mum)
• Liquid Soap (foamy perhaps)
• Room Freshener (spray essential oils)
• Best Ever Natural Deodorant (guaranteed to really work)
• Or make your own suggestion of a great new product!

I'll close comments by Wednesday and announce a winner in this post.

Congratulations to Alyssa T who said:

girl, if you make an all natural deodorent that works, you've got me! love your blog and the friends we share...

Comments are now closed. Winner will be announced soon!

And if you really really love LuSa and find yourself inexplicably pumped today, we welcome your reviews on Diaper Pin (especially Booty Balm or Baby Wipe Juice) or the Cosmetics Database. Also immensely helpful are your testimonials and reviews on the forums and discussion groups you participate in. These make all the difference to us and help us build trust with new customers.

Thanks for your unwavering support and love. We're so grateful for each of you!

Giveaway : : LuSa Orgaincs

Since we've slipped away for a few days I wanted to sweeten the pot with a LuSa giveaway and a free shipping offer for one and all. Many of you know me simply from this crafty/parenting place, but there's more to my world than this!

As most of you know, my sweetheart and I own LuSa Organics - a small organic body and baby care business. Our goal is to create the safest, most gentle and effective, luxurious products available. I'd say we're doing just that. Our business is growing faster than we imagined and its been quite a ride!

I shared more about me and about LuSa in this post, so have a read if you are curious as to who we are and why we do what we do. Oh, and the name? LuSa Organics is named after our two kids, Lupine and Sage.

Today's giveaway is up to you! I am sharing your choice of either a Baby Collection (one Baby Wipe Juice, one Booty Balm, and one bar of Calendula Baby Soap); a Summer Collection (one Hey You. Shoo. bug spray, one Lemongrass Lotion Bar, one Garden Scrub soap, and one Healing Lip Balm); a Mama Collection (one small Lavender Organic Sugar Scrub, one Mama Massage Oil, one Belly Balm, and one Citrus Lip Balm), or a Soap Collection (your choice of any six naked soaps).

To participate leave a comment below and we'll draw a winner on Monday, July 19th.

Want to earn lots of extra entries? (Yes, even if you aren't on Facebook!) Enter one comment for each of the below that you do: Leave an honest review of any LuSa Organics products that you've used in the Cosmetics Database, Diaper Pin, or any other forum you can think of or share a link to the giveaway on your favorite parenting or natural lifestlye discussion board. Retweet this post to Twitter. Become a fan of Clean on Facebook; become a fan of LuSa Organics on Facebook; or repost this giveaway to your FB page. Edited to add: Blog a link to this giveaway! Enter once for each of the above that you do. 

Comments are now closed. I'll announce the winner shortly!

And to celebrate our most successful season ever, enjoy free standard US shipping on all LuSa Organics orders over $50.00 (this week only!). Use coupon code "SUMMER" before July 20, 2010. (Be sure to select "Free Shipping" as your shipping method after you've entered the code. International customers: email shipping@lusaorganics.com for a reduced shipping rate!)