Soap Making With a Passion

Handmade, natural soap is definitely high on my list of favorite things. I love the way it makes me feel when I see an array of beautiful soaps, take in the fragrances, and finally make my selection so I can take some home to experience the sheer creaminess of the lather. Not many people fully understand my attraction to soap, but that changed one Sunday afternoon at the Bethesda Central Farm Market.

As my husband and I were walking through the market, Mystic Water Soap lured me over with a beautiful display. As I was touching and smelling all the soaps, the owner and soap maker, Michelle Burns, introduced herself. She was very friendly and helpful, and her passion for handmade, quality soaps shone through as she shared some information about her soaps, and also a little of her personal experiences.

Michelle has always been drawn to traditional handicrafts. She's led a very interesting life, from her early years living with her grandparents on their farm in upstate New York, to San Francisco, where she worked in a restaurant which led to her becoming a professional cook. She traveled the world, and spent most of her adult life living in Italy, where she learned to make soap from local olive oil. Michelle's cooking background influences her soap making - color, appearance, and interplay of scents are very important to her.

If you share my love of wonderful, handmade soaps (or know someone who does) make sure to check out Mystic Water Soap. You will find Natural, Bath, Sea Salt and Specialty soaps. She also offers bath and body products. You can purchase Mystic Water Soap products at markets, festivals, order directly by phone or email, or find them at Smile Herb Shop in College Park, MD.

http://www.mysticwatersoap.com/ Available products, contact and ordering info, festival/market schedule

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Hidden Treasure in Bethesda, MD

If you are like me and my husband, you're always on the lookout for that "gem" of a farmer's market. Well, we found a treasure at the Bethesda Central Farm Market.

What really makes this market special is the quality and uniqueness of each vendor. I don't think I have ever been to a farmer's market that had quite the spirit and selection that we found there. Founders, Mitch Berliner and Ann Brody Cove, were looking for "the place" where they could do their weekly food shopping in one location with high quality farm fresh produce, meats, poultry, cheeses, bread, prepared products, seafood, baked goods, and more, easy free parking, without hassle and frustration. That place did not exist closeby, so they decided to open their own site. Let me tell you - they succeeded in their endeavor!

Walking into the market Sunday morning, we were greeted by Banjer Dan playing some fun music for a gathering of children and their parents. It was a delight talking with him, and he even took out a moment to pose for a picture with me. Such fun! Hmm...maybe I should have asked for a banjo lesson!

It was a pleasure meeting Michelle Burns of "Mystic Water Soap". She definitely has a passion for old fashioned crafts and skills, especially soapmaking. Mystic Water Soap products are wonderful, and Michelle's customers (including me) appreciated the soap samples she sent home with us.

Next, we sauntered over to "Pitango Gelato" and all I can say is YUM! Chris Novashinski offered us samples of their flavors and we loved all of them - especially "Chocolat Noir" and "Mojito" sorbets, which we took home with us. We WILL be back for more!

Being that I love honey, I had to check out the Banner Bee Company. Andrea Langworthy offers a variety of honey, candles, bath products and so much more. She's more than happy to share her knowledge about beekeeping and honey. If you have any questions - just ask away! You'll enjoy talking with her.

By this time, the aroma of grilled sausage enticed us to visit the Meat Crafters booth, where Mitch Berliner tempted us with a few samples of delicious sausages and meats. There was an awesome chicken basil sausage that we will be picking up on Sunday.

It would be impossible to mention all the wonderful products and vendors at the Bethesda Central Farm Market. Do yourself a favor, and check it out!

For more info on the Market: http://www.bethesdacentralfarmmarket.com/

Brand of the Free - Better Apparel for a Better World
http://www.brandofthefree.net/

Spreading the Message

Saturday was beautiful and sunny, and we spent the day meeting fun and interesting people at the Eastern Market in DC. Athough it was a little chilly for my taste, you could just feel the joy of Spring in the air!

So many of you have stopped by our Brand of the Free booth and we enjoy getting to know you and hearing your thoughts. We love your comments and input on our graphic tees, ranging from a chuckle to belly laughs, or either LOVING the design or "just not getting it".

Our goal at Brand of the Free is to provide you with cool tee designs that communicate subtle messages that promote conversation. It is also important to us to offer you the choice to purchase American made, 100% organic cotton - a choice that is eco-friendly and supports the American worker. More and more we are hearing from you that these choices are important to you, too.

One mom that we met just touched my heart. Her daughter was having a slumber party, and she wanted to get some eco-friendly shirts for the girls. She purchased four "New Growth" shirts, each in an individual bag to give out. What a great idea! The girls will have soft, organic cotton tees to remember their sleepover, and they will be wearing a shirt with a positive message. It really made me think about how the message is getting out there - one person at a time, sharing an idea or thought about who they are and what they choose to support.

Please leave a comment, to let us know your thoughts of ways to get the message out.

Maybe you have your own ideas for shirts or events that you would like to discuss. Always feel free to email or call.

What's important to you? It's time to let the world know.


Brand of the Free - Better Apparel for a Better World

http://www.brandofthefree.net/



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Fun Fashion at Crystal Couture 2010

Brand of the Free is SO looking forward to the 2010 Crystal Couture experience in Crystal City, VA, February 1-6! Last year we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, mingling with fashion designers, artists, fashionistas, models, and all of the interesting and wonderful people we met. We look forward to spending some time with good friends, and meeting many new ones!

Crystal Couture is a trendy, creative event, transforming some available retail space into a nightclub atmosphere. There’s lots of fun to go around, including runway shows, open bar, free snacks, free makeovers, local DJs, dancing, and more!

This year, Bianca Richardson, finalist from America’s Next Top Model will appear, and there will be a t-shirt and design competition, selected by audience vote.

Don’t miss Brand of the Free designs on the runway! It’s going to be a very cool week!

For more info: http://www.crystalcity.org/item/fun-fashion-comes-to-crystal-city-update

Brand of the Free - Better Apparel for a Better World
http://www.brandofthefree.net/

DC Party Capital

Wow - Fall has arrived and the holidays are right around the corner! Hope you are enjoying this crisp and colorful time of year. We are keeping very busy, but as always taking some time to enjoy life!
Grab a cup of coffee (or your beverage of choice) and take a moment to check out BOTF's latest release - D.C. Party Capital! Your request for some long sleeve styles came through loud and clear. Party Capital is available in long sleeve, a perfect addition to your tee wardrobe or great for gifts.

Be sure to use the coupon below for a great discount!

Three reasons Brand of the Free Designer Tees stand out in a crowd:

· Super soft ring spun cotton with designs that continue to turn heads. Look at the new "D.C. Party Capital" on our web site. http://www.brandofthefree.net

· "American Made" which keeps money in the US and helps our economy by employing local American workers at a fair wage.

· 100% organic cotton (and regular cotton in select styles) while using non toxic water based print inks. This makes for toxic free, clean and healthy garments that are environmentally sound.

If you're in the DC, MD, VA area come and see us most Saturdays at the historic Eastern Market on 7th Street near Pennsylvania Ave. in DC. We will be in the Hine School parking lot across the street from the main market.
As always, we would love your input. If you have any ideas or comments please let me know as they are always welcome.

Coupon GOGREEN35

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