Dragonfly Blog

Here at Dragonfly Soap Works, February is known as “Singles Appreciation Month” While we respect the fact that many of our friends and customers happily celebrated Valentine’s Day with their loved ones (and we have some great Valentine’s Day gift ideas, if you’re a little behind), we also understand that there are just as many of us who spent this February 14 relaxing at home, partying with friends, or in the company of close family.

Regardless of your relationship status, loving yourself should always be your focus.

The best way I can think to love yourself is to figure out what it is you really enjoy, and DO IT!  For me, it’s a toss up between time with a good book or long run, but if your thing is ice skating or rock-climbing or vegging in front of the TV with 10 seasons of E.R., take the time to indulge.  If your partner or friends don’t share your passion, that’s OK.  Join a goup of people with similar interests through a site like meetup.com, or just head out on your own and see who comes your way!

Second, cut yourself some slack.  So many of us get caught up in trying to be everything to everyone, or in trying to help every needy person we come across.  Those are noble ideas, but they can be completely impractical.  Say “no” to those things or people that you find draining or even toxic, and replace them with things you really love (see the paragraph above for ideas).

Finally, treat yourself.  It doesn’t have to be extravagant; sometimes a simple vanilla cupcake or a new lip gloss can be all you need to feel nurtured and loved.  And as a bonus, if you’re buying for yourself, there’s no stress that whatever you’re buying will be the wrong size/color/item.  You know what you like!

Do you have any ideas for loving yourself?  Let us know in the comments below, or on our facebook or google+ pages.  Until then, enjoy!

Whether you’re in love, out of love, lookin’ for love,  love-less, or feeling lovey-dovey, Dragonfly Soap Workshas gift ideas for you  and your loved ones this Valentine’s Day. (And by “loved ones,” we mean anyone  you love- your kids, your mom, your dog, your bff, or even your significant  other.)

Flavorful Lip Lotions- Aside from the obvious fact that moisturized  lips are better for K-I-S-S-I-N-G, Dragonfly Soap Works flavorful Lip Lotions  are a great Valentine’s Day gift idea because they’re so cute!  Well, that and they’re the perfect size for  your Valentine to keep with her, helping to make sure you’re always on her  mind.

Long-lasting Fragrance Diffusers- The sense of smell is strongly linked  to the emotional centers of the brain.   How do you put this to use to work for you?  Get your special someone a Dragonfly Soap  Works oil-based Fragrance Diffuser in his favorite scent and he’ll always  associate that fragrance with the one who gifted him with it- you!

Moisturizing Massage Oils- People love massages.  Enough said.   (OK, one more thing- Dragonfly Soap Works Massage Oils come in all of  our fragrances, plus some flavored varieties for those of you looking take your  massage to the next level.)

Exquisite Home Spa Collections- The gift of a Dragonfly Soap Works spa collection,  with Artisan Soap, Glycerin Bath Salts, Sweets Scrubs, and Olive Oil Lotion is  the perfect gift for saying “You are special to me, and you deserve the  best.”

We want to know! Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? What is the best or worst Valentine’s gift you have ever received? Let us know in the comments below, or comment on our facebook, twitter, or google+ pages.

These days, we hear a lot about STRESS- definitions of it, causes of it, its effects on our bodies- and none of it is positive. No one can seem to agree on the best way to minimize this curse of modern life, yet we can all agree that we need less of it!

Personally, I have tried many different things to alleviate stress, from the conventional anti-anxiety medication to more holistic things like aromatherapy. While it is most definitely a work-in-progress, I have found a few key things really help me to keep stress levels low.

1. Exercise! Running used to be my go-to stress-buster, but fitting in a 5K between the demands of a houseful of kids, a part-time job, and the cold weather just doesn’t happen very often. Instead, I’ve found that a few 1-2 minute workouts throughout the day help keep me energized and reduce any anxiety that starts to creep in. I’ve just started adding a short yoga routine into my day, and that is great for centering my mind, although getting the poses right can sometimes feel like more to worry about!
2. Eat well. Good food is my passion. I love things that taste amazing (flourless chocolate cake is my ultimate indulgence) but I also notice that I feel better and more able to handle the stress in my life when I eat healthy. And really, who can feel sad when they have a strawberry-mango-banana smoothie in front of them?
3. Rest. You know how toddlers have more melt-downs when they’re tired? Well, we adults don’t cope as well when we’re short on sleep, either.
4. Rest. This time, I don’t mean sleep. Sure, sleep is great, but sometimes, you need some down-time to process the craziness of the day and nurture your spirit. I like to make a cup of Chai and sit in front of the fish tank. The Zen-like sounds of the water in the tank help me really let go of the stressors of the day.
5. Pray. Or meditate, or whatever it is you need to do to feel connected to the greater powers of the universe. Giving my problems to God really puts them in to perspective.
6. Laugh. Watch a funny movie, go to a comedy club, play peek-a-boo with a baby, or just go online and find a few clips on youtube. Search for “funny cat video” You won’t be disappointed.
7. Get some vitamin D. And not from a pill. Go outside for 10 minutes and put your face up to the sun. Especially on these icy winter days, it feels fantastic.
8. Aromatherapy. Lavender, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Vanilla and Peppermint are all great stress-busting essential oils. I’ll be posting more detailed info about each of the essential oils in weeks to come, but these are a few good ones with which to get started. Whether you apply them to your skin using a Pulse Points applicator or just enjoy the scent through a fragrance diffuser, these are really great for setting a calm and relaxing scene.

There are tons more ways to help reduce stress and its effects. What are some of your favorites? Leave your ideas in the comments below, or on our facebook page.

Earlier this month, we closed out 2011 to make room for all things new for Dragonfly Soap Works in 2012. So, here is a quick sneak preview of what is in store for 2012.

New Products: Keep your eyes peeled in March for the launch of Dragonfly Soap Works’ kid-friendly Bitty Bug line, in conjunction with monthly installments of Knut and the Dragons by Vicki Steger. Starting in March, a chapter of the book will be revealed each month here on our website, along with a coordinating fragrance. Plus, find some brand-new products to help keep your bitty bugs happy and healthy. Also in the works are some products for your four-legged friends in our upcoming Pet Potions line! Finally, a Dragonfly Soap Works Liquid Soap is headed down the pipeline for arrival late this Spring.

New Information: Along with new products, we hope to continue to keep you abreast of information to keep you healthy. We hope to educate you on the many uses of essential oils (start here with essential oils for beating the blues), show you the benefits of our all-natural Artisan Soaps and home spa products, and even provide some wholesome recipes for feeling your best from the inside out.

New Events: In addition to continuing with many of the events we have visited in past years, look for us and our products in new venues for 2012. Some possibilities include the Antioch Farmers’ Market in Antioch, IL; the Redgranite Labor Day Festival in Redgranite, WI; and the Warren Township Vendor Fair in Gurnee, IL. Also, look for products and events from our sister company, Aqua Eterna Home Spa Parties at Anything’s Possible in Racine, WI and Water 2 Wine Custom Winery in Brookfield, WI.

What are you looking forward to in the 2012? Let us know in the comments, and let us know what you would like to see from us here at Dragonfly Soap Works. We would love to know if there is a fragrance or product that you’re looking for, or some ailment we can help alleviate.

Dragonfly Soap Works’ 1st-ever Clearance Sale is still going on!

Selected slightly-damaged spa products are 25% off, with $5 flat-rate shipping! Find cooling Aloe Body Mists, moisturizing Bath Salts, soothing Olive Oil Lotions, and more!

CLICK HERE to be taken to our clearance page!

This time of year, it’s easy to let yourself slip into a funk.  Between the cold weather, the long nights, the post-holiday blues, and the bills arriving from all those Christmas gifts purchased on credit, there is a lot to feel down about.  January 24 has even been researched as being the single most depressing day of the year.  (Here at Dragonfly Soap Works, we’re in the midst of major production time!)

This year, be prepared to banish the blues with nature’s help.  Simple things like making a point of being outside for 5 to 10 minutes during the day (lunchtime walk, anyone?) and getting enough sleep can help, as can continuing a healthy diet and exercise plan.  However, I have found that one of the simplest ways to boost my mood is through the use of essential oils.

My preferred methods of use for uplifting essential oils are to have a Dragonfly Soap Works oil-based Fragrance Diffuser on my desk while I work or to carry a Pulse Points essential oil applicator with me for on-the-go application.  A little rolled onto the inside of my wrist goes a long way to helping me stay calm during this low point of the year.

Below is a list of several essential oils used for happiness and contentment, along with a brief description of each fragrance.

Anise- black licorice (found in our Stealth fragrance)
Bergamot- sweet citrusy floral
Cinnamon- spicy and warm
Clary Sage- sweet and heady
Clove- spicy and sweet
Gingergrass- heady and grassy (found in our Mongolian Steppe fragrance)
Lavender- sweet and astringent (found in our Lavender and Lavender Peppermint)
Lemon- citrusy and pungent
Lime- -fresh citrus (found in our Litsea Lime)
Litsea- floral and citrus notes (found in our Litsea Lime)
Peppermint- sweet and invigorating (found in our Peppermint and Lavender Peppermint)
Petitgrain- warm, woody and floral
Rose Geranium- sweet and green floral
Tuberosa- heavy and sweet floral

Dragonfly Soap Works fragrances containing these essential oils are noted where applicable, but this is not an exhaustive list.  Please email us for more information about purchasing products containing any of these mood-boosting essential oils or any of our other high-quality oils.  Plus, check out information about essential oils that help curb appetite to help you lose weight this new year!

Which of these oils have you used or would you use to help boost your mood?  Any others you like for their uplifting effects?  Let us know in the comments below!  Also, check out our Burst Bubble Clearance Sale for 25% select spa products.

Dear Friends,

As we enter 2012 I can’t help but look back at 2011.  What an eventful year it was here at  Dragonfly Soap Works.

The biggest and most exciting change was welcoming Kelly to  Dragonfly Soap Works.  Kelly is our  Director of Social Marketing and first official Sales Rep.  I say “official” because my Mom and Dad have  regaled the virtues of our products, often to complete strangers, since I  started Dragonfly Soap Works.  Not  surprisingly their lack of shyness had made a number of sales.  Go Mom and Dad!  Kelly has been an incredible addition.  She has taken on projects that I had  envisioned but never found the time to make a reality.  It is because of her efforts that you are  receiving these fabulous newsletters, Facebook and Twitter updates.  Kelly also started selling Dragonfly Soap  Works products at the Antioch and Zion farmers markets as  well as a number of craft fairs.  She has  been unbelievably patient with yours truly.   I had no idea what was needed to take Dragonfly Soap Works to the next  level of having independent sales reps and couldn’t have asked for a better  person to stumble over that learning curve with.  Kelly has built great relationships with her  customers and is planning to expand her customer reach in 2012.

I’ve dubbed 2011 as the year of the floods.  I don’t think in the six years combined Dragonfly  Soap Works had been in business prior to 2011 we’ve had as many rainy events as  in 2011.  Several events experienced so  much rain that rivers deeper than my ankles were running through the tent.  At another event, the storm hit so sudden and  violently that it took 5 people to hold the tent on the ground as I covered and  packed product at super-human speed to save it from damage.  Our Artisan Soaps and Spa Products are your  best friend in the bath but don’t survive the rains well.  Too many events to count were just plain  soggy.  In spite of the rains it was a  great year.  We went to a number of new  events and had a chance to catch-up with friend from events we’ve attended  since the beginning.  We’ve added several  new retail locations that are selling Dragonfly Soap Works and have a number of  new products, fragrance and flavors.  All  in all, we were very blessed in 2011.

Thanks to the many rainy events, Dragonfly Soap Works is  having its first Burst Bubble – Don’t  hate them because they’re not beautiful Clearance Sale.  These are great products that are now a bit  ugly on the outside.  Rain or oils from a  too-quickly packed neighbor smeared the label, or the container may have been marred.  The sale is first-come first-sold and is  limited to the quantities listed here.  Shipping is a flat rate of $5 so order everything  available, if you want.  To order simply  e-mail your product selection to orders@dragonflysoapworks.com and we will  send you a PayPal invoice for your purchase or call us with your order @  262.914.9347 to pay by credit card.

Thank you all for a fabulous 2011 and happy 2012!

Sincerely,

Laura Zielinski
Founder- Dragonfly Soap Works

I woke this morning, saw the date on my alarm clock, and really, truly could not believe that it was correct.  We survived Christams?  Winter is officially here? 2011 is almost over?  I couldn’t believe that this year has flown by as quickly as it has.  Then is dawned on me that the close of 2011 means New Year’s resolution time is here!  While I rarely make a true resolution, I often take a few minutes on January 1 to see where I am in life and what I want from the next year.

Even though I don’t typically set a New Year’s resolution, I know that many of you, our dear readers and friends, do.  Whether your resolution is to be more productive, trim your waistline, or take better care of yourself, it can be difficult to keep once the momentum of the new year wears off.  Fortunately, many Dragonfly Soap Works products can assist you in achieving your New Year’s Resolution goals.

If being more focused and productive at work or at home is your goal, a good starting point is to organize your work space.  Clear the clutter off your desk by getting a few attractive storage baskets or an inexpensive shelving system (Target always has tons of nice containers this time of year) .  Replace the mess with items that help make the space more productive, like a notepad for quickly jotting down important ideas and a tray to organize supplies like pens and paper clips.  Add a Dragonfly Soap Works Oil-based Fragrance Diffuser in Lavender-Peppermint for an additional boost.  Lavender’s calming and soothing properties can help keep you stress-free, while peppermint’s energizing and refreshing effects can help in keeping you focused on your work.

The most popular goal for a New Year’s Resolution is, as always, to loose weight.  Perhaps they’re the same few pounds you’ve always wanted to loose, or perhaps you indulged a bit too much over the holidays.  Either way, loosing weight during the long, dreary months of winter can be difficult.  Fortunately, there are several essential oils that can assist you on your way.  Citrus oils*, like Pink Grapefruit and Lemon are energizing and uplifting, and also help control appetite and boost digestion.  Food fragrances*, like chocolate, vanilla, anise, or peppermint, when inhaled several times before eating, help boost feelings of satiety so you feel full sooner.  Dragonfly Soap Works Pulse Points rollerball applicators are the perfect way to keep essential oils or fragrance oils with you for a few quick sniffs any time or place.

A more general goal for a lot of people each year, myself included, is to take better care of yourself.  That can mean different things for different people.  For me, it means eating healthy (carrots instead of cheese curls, green tea* instead of coffee), working out, getting enough sleep, and taking time to do something for myself every day, not just squeezing in something fun when there is left over time.  One way to treat myself is a pedicure with Dragonfly Soap Works moisturizing Glycerin Bath Salts in my absolute favorite fragrance, Citrus-Basil.  A 15-minute soak with a good book (or my facebook newsfeed), a quick foot massage, and a pair of soft, clean socks make me a new person on even the worst days!  Try it for yourself!

Do you have some more unconventional New Year’s Resolution ideas?  Share them in the comments or on our facebook page.

*We have a wide variety of pure essential oils and high-quality fragrance oils available to choose from, many of which are not currently available on our web site.  We also carry a large selection of hand-blended teas.  Please contact us for more information on either of these products..

During the holidays it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Shopping, party-hopping, traveling, and more can stress you out and wear you down. To keep the “happy” in “Happy Holidays”, taking care of yourself is key. Keeping up with your normal exercise and nutrition plans, saying “no” to events you really don’t want to attend, and getting adequate rest are all ways to help keep you healthy and stress-free. But even if you can manage all those, there are times when you just want a little more. Browse our list below for some ideas of how you can pamper yourself and still have time for decking the halls and making cookies for Santa.

Enjoy a hot cup of tea*. The soothing heat can help relieve tension and scare away December’s chill. As a bonus, drinking hot beverages has been found to increase people’s emotional warmth and generosity! Our spicy-sweet Ginger Peach* and our caffeine-free herbal Chai* or Heartening* varieties are great on a frigid winter afternoon.

Have an at-home spa day. Mix a spoonful of Dragonfly Soap Works Glycerin Bath Salts into a tub of hot water and let the steamy aroma take you to a calmer place. Scrub away the rest of your worries with our Sweet Scrubs, and moisturize your rejuvenated skin with a bit of Olive Oil Lotion. Lavender is a great calming and relaxing scent, while Peppermint will leave you feeling refreshed and energized.

Take a breather. Roll a little of your favorite fragrance or essential oil onto your chakras using a Dragonfly Soap Works Pulse Point. As your body heat warms the oil, the fragrance will be released. Spend a minute or two (or ten!) with your eyes closed, focusing on your breath as it goes into and out of your lungs. The small size and the rollerball tip of Dragonfly Soap Works Pulse Points make them perfect to slip into a purse or briefcase so you can take a time out any time you need.

Share your ideas for a stress-free holiday season in the comments below or on our Facebook page. Check back next week to find out how Dragonfly Soap Works can help you achieve your New Year’s Resolution.

*Dragonfly Soap Works’ hand-blended teas are not yet on our website. However, please email us or comment below for more information and our complete tea list.

Truth be told, I’m not very crafty.  Don’t get me wrong, I like to make things, I’m just really bad at it.  Or maybe, to be more precise: I’m not very patient, I don’t always think things through, and I don’t have the time to keep working until I get it right.  Every now and then, something turns out really well.  Last week, for example, I made a really cool ribbon necklace while working the Holidays at the Mansion event in Racine.  That was, by far, the exception to the rule.  But, hey, I get points for trying, right?

Anyway, I bring this up because this week’s post is about a theme I normally hate: Do-it-Yourself!  In this case, DIY Gift Baskets.  I have three examples to show you, all using our Artisan Soaps and other home spa products.  They’re nothing fancy, just fun little containers, some gifts, and some cellophane.  Enjoy!

Unique items, like this pink acryclic dessert dish, make cute gift holders.

For a cute teen or pre-teen girl’s gift, a unique container makes a great base.  For this one, I used a pink acrylic dessert dish, stuffed with some crinkled paper and topped with two Lip Lotions, a Pulse Points fragrance roller in a fun Door County Cherry fragrance, and a few pieces of jewelry.  Add a gift card or two from her favorite store, or maybe some miniature nail polishes, and she will be thrilled.  I would either tuck this into a gift bag or wrap it in cellophane and tie it closed with a coordinating ribbon.  Easy and cute!

For a sophisticated look, a black-and-white printed box makes a perfect wrapper for a gourmet home spa product selection!

A decorative gift box with a sophisticated black-and-white damask pattern is not only cool and sophisticated, it is practical, as well.  The box is sturdy enough to hold the full home spa product assortment, and it looks pretty on a bathroom counter or bedroom table.  This gift contains a miniature Glycerin Bath Salts, miniature Sweet Scrubs, olive oil-based Artisan Soap, luxurious Olive Oil Lotion, Fragrance Diffuser, loofah, soap bag, Lip Lotion, and a hand-blended Gunpowder Green Tea.

An adorable animal-print box filled with baby essentials make a perfect Christmas gift for a new baby, or it's a perfect baby shower present for the mom-to-be.

At long last (or, is it way too soon?) the holiday season is upon us. My extended family has really scaled back this year, and I am thrilled about that. I love that we are going to celebrate the real reason for the season- the birth of our Lord- and family togetherness, rather than the budget-straining, Santa-filled, crazed Christmases of years past. I also love that this frees up my budget for gifts to those I often overlook- babysitters, bank tellers, my hair stylist, my daughter’s Sunday School teacher, and so many others.

What follows is a roundup of gift ideas featuring Dragonfly Soap Works products for a variety of price ranges, from just a few dollars to an all-out pampering buffet!

Under $5
For my kids’ teenage babysitter, my bank teller, the cashier at my grocery store who knows my daughters’ names, and others who just deserve a little “I wanted you to know how much I appreciate you” gift, I often give Dragonfly Soap Works Lip Lotions. At the low price of 2 for $5, I can wrap a couple in a pretty ribbon and present them with a small card and a sincere “thank you”. Fruit flavors always go over well (Black Cherry and Tangerine are favorites), but sweets-themed ones are popular at this time of year. Cheesecake, Buttercream Frosting, Chocolate Cream…Yum! Men appreciate this gift as well, especially when I gift mint-flavored or unflavored (Bare Naked) Lip Lotions. As a bonus, the super-rich formula can double as a cuticle cream!

Under $20
For those I have more than a passing relationship with, I prefer a little more substantial gift. My daughter’s Sunday School teacher, women from the moms’ group I belong to, and the secretary at my husband’s company all deserve a little something special. I often give a Dragonfly Soap Works Olive Oil Lotion and an olive oil-based  Artisan Soap in the same fragrance, along with a Lip Lotion. After all, who doesn’t need their skin pampered at this time of year? Another great option is a long-lasting oil-based Fragrance Diffuser. With so many people entertaining this time of year, anything to brighten the home is welcome. For a festive treat, try the snicker doodle cookie-like Cinnamon-Orange or the pine-fresh Alaskan Adventure!

Under $30
A favorite gift to give the special ladies in my life is the Dragonfly Soap Works basic spa collection* of a Sweet Scrub, a Glycerin Bath Salts tub, and an Olive Oil Lotion. These products give the lucky recipient a refreshing pampering experience. After soaking in a tub of water sprinkled with Glycerin Bath Salts, he or she can scrub away rough skin with the sugary Sweet Scrub, then lock in moisture with the ever-popular Olive Oil Lotion. Or, for a unique gift idea, give the gift of wellness! A Pulse Points Essential Oil trio of Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Peppermint oils can help treat a variety of ailments, from stress and fatigue to respiratory congestion caused by the common cold.

Under $50
To the person in your life who really needs some me-time, give the full spa collection* and allow her to truly embrace the Dragonfly Soap Works experience. A 6-piece set including an olive oil-based Artisan Soap, a Sweet Scrub, a Glycerin Bath Salts, an Olive Oil Lotion, a Lip Lotion, and either an Aloe Body Mist or a Dragonfly Balm provides a full-body pampering experience, plus the added benefit of a take-along fragrance spray (with the Aloe Body Mist) or purse-friendly moisturizer (with the Dragonfly Balm).

Which of these gifts have you given? Let us know in the comments below. Be sure to stop by next week for some cute Do-it-Yourself gift basket ideas, complete with photos and instructions!  Also, be sure to Like us on Facebook for a chance to win a gift basket full of Dragonfly Soap Works pampering spa products!

*You can purchase the items separately online, or email us with the collection and fragrance of your choice for quicker and easier ordering.