Clean.

Giveaway : : A crazy, fun, heap of goodness from me to you.

Because why not? It's my blog and I can give you random stuff if I want to.

I noticed earlier this week that I hit 2000 Facebook fans for Clean and almost 3000 for LuSa Organics. And frankly I was kind of jazzed. That's a decent number of folks who either show up to read to what I write each week - while wearing my pajamas - or love the products we create.

I mean seriously. How did you all find your way here?

I wonder that often.

You see, I started writing this blog as a way to create a bit of transparency between what we do for our income and who we are as people. Because lots of body care out there is... well... eh in my opinion.

Questionable safety records, sketchy ingredients, synthetic surfactants and fragrances, you know. Eh.

And much of it is made by companies you might not want anywhere near your skin (or your baby for that matter). But I don't think most people know that.

But we're us. We're parents. We're real and quirky and likable - okay, and perhaps a wee bit non-conformist - us.

And we make body care that you can trust with your precious baby and your precious body.

So I started to write.

And then a funny thing happened.

Writing here became a joy in and of itself.

Transparency for my business ceased to be my motivation. I simply love to share with you, why-ever you are here.

I love writing this blog.

And so I don't do it to create transparency anymore. I do it because I love it.

Today I wanted to say thank you for showing up.

For coming here and reading, maybe commenting, and perhaps even stretching what you've held before as truth. For learning and feeling and growing right along side me.

I love that even though we might see the world from different perches, what I share here has a chance of changing something in your life. What fun that is!

The same goes for me when you share of yourselves.

It's that connection is what keeps me coming back.

Maybe it's the same for you.

To celebrate all of you wonderful people coming along on this journey I'm hosting a random giveaway of all kinds of goodies I'm just dying to share.

I'll choose two winners. Each winner will receive the following:

Three bars of LuSa Organics soap (Because that's what got me into this to begin with!)

Three LuSa Organics lip balms (because they're crazy good)

An early copy of my soon-to-be released (first ever!) sewing pattern - Festive Felt Birthday Crowns - (Your early copy will come later this spring. The pattern will be in my Etsy shop this summer!)

A copy of Celia the Great - Tricks of Being a Happy Kid (Author Abby sent me two copies to share with you.)

A set of four wee little peg dolls, for your favorite board game. (Because they're adorable, that's why.)

One zipper pull of your choice from my Etsy shop (acorn or mushroom)

One favorite recipe from my family (you choose the type - main course, dessert, or side)

One of Sage's amazing sachets (Yes, yes. I'll pay him for it.)

And one big scoopful of Mid-March Wisconsin snow! (Okay. Not really. Now I'm just messing with you.)

How does that sound? Fun?

Yes indeed.

To be entered tell me something real and wonderful in the comments below. Something about you or your family or your heart or why you come here. It's that easy!

Oh. My. The comments you left on this post have cracked my heart wide open. I've cried over and over again and am humbled by what you have shared. Thank you. Thank each and every one of you for coming here to share your hearts.

Comments are now closed. The winners are...

Amy who said:

"Your blog is inspiring and real and honest, and I really appreciate it, and you for keeping it, and for sharing so much of what you do and who you are. We share very similar values and lifestyle choices, and it is nice to know other amazing people who are choosing to live consciously. I hope to move to a homestead one of these days in the near future, so it is extra fun and inspiring to read about your journey in that too. Thanks for being so cool! ;) And thanks for a yummy giveaway!"

and k who said:

"i found you via a random image on instagram. I'm always looking for natural products - especially ones good for travel. well, i bought my firsts from you last month and i loved everything. i smell great ;)"

You can also like my business or my writing on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, like, share, tweet, or pin this post, or talk me up to your friends.

But you don't have to. Because I'll keep writing anyway.

Thanks you lovely people. Have an awesome weekend!

So much love,
Rachel

Can you help?

May I ask you a small favor?

Last night I applied for a small business grant. Being awarded the grant could mean the world for my small business. In order for my application to be considered I need 200 more votes for my company LuSa Organics before the end of the week.

I see each day how many of you come here to read my words, so if even a fraction of you are willing to cast a vote for me I would be considered!

If awarded the grant many doors would open for my family and my business that would transform how we make our products and run our company.

The Dream

I have a dream of LuSa owning an organic farm where we could grow our own organic herbs and ingredients. Imagine rolling fields of organic mint, comfrey, lavender, and calendula. We would build or renovate a small barn in which to distill and press oils, dry herbs, and transform these basic ingredients into our healing organic body care.

The grant would help us do this and more. Help with marketing. Staffing. Growth. A filling machine perhaps.

It would be huge, I tell you.

What I am asking is for your vote. It will take you less than a minute to show your support.

1. Go to the Mission: Small Business web page.

2. Click the bottom right blue button: Log in & Support (there is even a fast "log in with Facebook option).

3. Search "LuSa Organics" in the company search bar and click to vote!

That's all it takes.

Thank you for coming here each day and reading my words. And thank you for supporting this little dream I have. Just the process of writing the grant was exciting as I was able to see more clearly what more funding will create for this little venture of mine.

Love,
Rachel

Edited to add: I just emailed to see if there is a non-Facebook way to vote. Strangely there is not. Here is their reply to my inquiry:

"Thank you for your email. We do not have any other ways of voting other than through Facebook. The goal of this program is to bring attention to local small business  and we are doing all we can to drive traffic to these business' social media pages. We appreciate your feedback and will obviously take it into consideration for future programs."

Renewable Energy Fair.

Well that was fun.

We spent the past four days in central Wisconsin at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association's Energy Fair. Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair to be precise. 

We've attended the Energy Fair as vendors every year since Sage was in diapers and the sling. It's one of the only events we attend with regularity other than the farmer's market.

We love it. You could say these are our people.

We lived in this area in the past, so we have lots of community here. But beyond that, the types of folks who attend a renewable energy fair inherently get what we're creating and why. They want organic soap and safe, natural baby care products. It's a pleasure to come here and share our products and our story.

For the past two years my company LuSa Organics has sponsored the children's activities. It seems only right since my children spend 90% of their time at the fair hanging out there.

(Thus the photos above are only the kids area and our tent. I could have done better with some awesome shots of timber framing workshops and wind turbines, but there you go. This is where I spent the weekend.)

I was so happy to meet so many of you at the fair! (Most of you recognized my children first, which makes sense.) I wasn't expecting to meet so many of you! Thanks for introducing yourselves. It's wonderful for me to have faces to put on the other side of the writing I do here.

And today we're back home. Home sweet messy home. The laundry is up to our ears, my kids are begging for baths (yes, they are that dirty), and the cat, rabbit, and dogs are wanting lots of love.

Coming home is often the best part of going away, isn't it?

Love,
Rachel

Edited to add: the tutorial for the fabric bunting shown in the photos of my booth is over here! Enjoy.

Free Soap.

Well good morning. I got up early again with even intention of hitting the trail with my pup. But the book I keep saying I am writing is calling today. And truly, so is this cup of tea. I'm skipping my daily sunrise walk and penning a few pages instead. It won't write itself, so I'd better get to work.

Before I go, I wanted to tell you that this month is my four-year blog anniversary. Four years feels like a long time. Lupine was just a baby when I began, and Sage was the age she is now. And poof! Over 700 posts are somehow done and here you are, reading my words.

It's humbling.

In those first few months I shared a blog mission statement with you. Well, with a couple of you. There were so few of you here that only two people commented. (Oh wait. One of those people was me.)

I thought I would share it again to let you know why I've been coming here since the beginning.

Here is what I said when this all began:

So here is my blog Manifesto, my Mission, Intention, or Over-Thought-Moment-of-Misplaced-Seriousness:

1. Inspire

Our world is brimming with hidden beauty and inspiration. I strive to inspire you through the moments and thoughts that I share through words and pictures.

2. Be Inspired

I will seek inspiration and beauty each day. There is so much around me that is magical. I will touch it, photograph it, and share it.

3. Uplift

Our words shape our world and I choose to work for good. May my message lift your heart and make your soul sing.

4. Challenge

I challenge myself to try new things, to post with regularity, to be present each day. I challenge you with ideas that may be new, unusual, non-conformist.

And you know, four years later I think that sums it up. From posts about making toothpaste to picking nettles, peaceful parenting to clearing the clutter. I think it's all there. Do you?

Why do you come here?

This is something I wonder often. So many of you are quiet, coming here to read and then slipping away until tomorrow. What brings you back everyday? I've often wondered.

Leave a comment here with anything you want me to know. Tell me your favorite sort of post (parenting, crafting, homeschooling, cooking, etc.) or tell me something about you. Tell me how long you've been reading or what you want more of. Tell me why you are here.

You can post a second entry for sharing a link to the blog or this giveaway via whatever method you choose. (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, email, phone, tin-can-and-string, etc.) Just leave a second commenting saying so.

Comments are now closed. Thank you for the amazing love-fest that you left with your notes on this post. What a tresure this turned out to be! I'll annonce the winner later this week.

The winner is Katie who said:

I love LuSa products - the Belly Balm has saved my ever growing pregnant belly :) I appreciate companies who are making a difference and care about their customers. I love bragging about your products to my friends and recommend them to everyone! Thank you!

I'll pick one comment at random and send you some of my delicious LuSa Organics goodies. A nice box of my organic body care that smells like heaven. You'll love it. I promise. 

And for everyone, to celebrate my anniversary here receive a free bar of my LuSa Organics naked soap with any order on my website. Type "I love LuSa. And I love ______." In the  comments field of your order. In the blank write mint, lavender, patchouli, or citrus to help us choose your soap. Then we'll add a bar of naked soap of our choice. Offer is good through June 22, 2012.

So that's it. Happy anniversary to Clean and thank you to everyone who finds there way into my world each day. Now then. Onto that book...

Love,
Rachel

 

 

Dreams.

I'm guest blogging over on Whip Up, talking about manifesting my dreams. (More specifically our family's journey to self-employment and my love for creating in its many forms.) 

You can find my post right about here. Take a peek. I think you'll enjoy it.

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.