The Infamous "Secret Squirrel" Project

secret (sē'krĭt) n. - Something kept hidden from others or known only to oneself or to a few.
squirrel (skwûr'əl) v. - To store up (tangible items or intangible ideas), usually well beyond one's needs. Hoard, stockpile, treasure.
secret squirrel (sē'krĭt - skwûr'əl) adj. - 1. Something top-secret; 2. A nickname for intelligence officers and their activities; or 3. A cartoon squirrel spy satirizing James Bond.

What the heck is a "Secret Squirrel" anyway? In my family, a "secret squirrel" anything is something deemed super-secret or top-secret. Therefore, a "Secret Squirrel Project" is a project that is top-secret.

If you follow us on Twitter and our Facebook Fan Page, you may be wondering about our "Secret Squirrel Project"...

Our Secret Squirrel Project has been a nearly year-long search for a new warehouse to house BathBodySupply.com! Since January of 2009 we have been viewing properties, looking at retail locations and warehouses and researching locations until we located a building which suits our immediate needs with the ability to expand as necessary.

We have had several locations fall through over the last few months for various reasons, so we made a collective decision to wait until we were nearly ready to move in to announce the news. We still have a building re-inspection and an occupancy inspection to complete over the next couple of weeks before we can set a move in date, but we are tentatively planning to move between the Christmas and New Years holidays.
The new facility will not be open to the public due to sanitation requirements and zoning which prohibits retail shopping. However, local customers will be able to place orders online and schedule a pick up from our new facility to save on shipping costs.

We will be updating you as each of the next few phases are completed. We thank each and every one of our loyal customers who have helped to make this expansion possible. We look forward to continuing to serve you in 2010!

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

On Sale! Natural Lip Balm Base

Our Natural Lip Balm Base offers exceptional protection for lips. Containing castor bean oil, hemp oil, olive oil, shea butter and meadowfoam seed oil, this base is ideal for chapped winter lips. With added vitamin E, it is very stable to oxidation. The hemp oil contains additional vitamins, minerals and Omega 3 & 6.

For every 16oz container, you can expect a yield of 64 - 1/4oz pots. This base is not acceptable for Lip STICK type containers.

Before you Start

You will need a double boiler, thermometer, ladle, rubber spatula for stirring, glass or plastic pitcher, lip balm pots or jars:

• Place Lip Balm Base into double boiler and set your burner to medium.
• Items will melt in less than 1 hour, if you have a thermometer, check temperature, it should be around 65-70c / 140-160f.
• Use Micas or Pigments for these oil based products. Add your colors and mix thoroughly. Pour a small amount in a clear container and wait for it to set for 20-30 minutes. You will notice the colors tend to lighten as the product goes opaque.
• Only add Flavor Fragrance Oils deemed suitable for Lip Products. Strength will vary on the type of scent.
• Pour into your choice of containers.

Tip

If product is poured too hot, you will notice when cooling a well or dip in the center of the product.

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

Video Tutorial: Whipped Shea Butter

This video shows how to make Whipped Shea Butter from just 2 ingredients!

You will need:

• Shea Butter
• Shea Olein

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

Tei Fu Essential Oil Blend

Tei Fu Essential Oil Blend is derived from an ancient Chinese formula used to soothe aching muscles and stiff joints. Applied to the temples and back of the neck, it often relieves headaches. However, the oil must not be near the eyes or they may be irritated by the strong fragrance. The scent of this essential oil blend has been described as a "Be My Valentine" candy heart!

For congestion or just to enjoy aroma in the air, place a few drops of the oil in a small pan with water. The hotter the water, the more these oils evaporate into the air, acting as a disinfectant, deodorizer, and mood enhancer.This blend is safe for diffuser use as well. This is a pure, concentrated essential oil blend, if using for massage then it needs to be diluted in your favorite carrier oil or massage oil.

Tei Fu Blend contains camphor, peppermint, wintergreen with some sweetening floral oils and absolutes as minor components.

Camphor Oil is an effective stimulant. It stimulates circulation, metabolism, digestion, secretions and excretion, thereby helping problems and ailments associated with improper circulation, obstructed secretions etc. Camphor can be toxic if ingested and should be used topically in small amounts. Camphor Oil is an excellent disinfectant, insecticide and germicide. The strong penetrating aroma of Camphor Oil is a powerful decongestant. It immediately opens up congestions of bronchi, larynx, pharynx, nasal tracts and lungs. It is therefore used in many decongestant balms and cold rubs.

Peppermint contains menthol, which helps in clearing the respiratory tract. It is an effective expectorant and therefore provides instantaneous, though temporary, relief in numerous respiratory problems including nasal congestion, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, cold and cough. As a result, it is used in numerous cold rubs. When these cold rubs are rubbed on the chest, they assist in clearing nasal and respiratory congestion. Peppermint oil can be used externally to provide relief from pain. It is believed that the presence of calcium antagonism in peppermint oil aids in removing pain. It is cooling in nature and therefore helps reduce fever.

Wintergreen Oil increases circulation of blood and brings warmth to the application site. The relaxing and stimulating effect of this oil fights spasm in the respiratory, muscular, nervous systems and gives relief from congestion in chest, breathing troubles, asthma, spasmodic coughs, muscular cramps and nervous disorders.

This blend is excellent in massage oils and lotions or use it as is in a diffuser or humidifier.

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com

Holiday Hours & Lead Times

We are getting positive feedback that shows and holiday venues have picked up considerably which means the number of orders entering production has increased dramatically. Order processing times have increased to 3-4 days. Please plan accordingly.

Orders containing Custom Scented/Colored items will not ship same day, regardless of delivery method chosen. Please add 3-4 business days processing time to UPS time in transit to estimate delivery of your order.

As a reminder, there is limited UPS service the week of Thanksgiving. BathBodySupply.com warehouse and offices are closed on 11/26 & 11/27.

Allison B. Kontur
www.BathBodySupply.com