I've been reading the book Four Winds by Kristin Hannah. It is a story about a woman and her children during the Dust bowl followed by the Great Depression. The book paints a picture of the struggle people endured during this time in history. It is amazing the sheer determination and toughness people had during that era. People were literally 'dirt poor' but refused government help and would do anything for work even if it was only a few cents a day. Families couldn't afford shoes for their children so they fashioned them out of cardboard - an old tire if they were lucky. There were migrant camps in California for people that were forced to leave Texas and Oklahoma. Locals treated them poorly and were unwilling to help. Even if they were lucky enough to find a job, it was never enough to get themselves out of the tents they called home. Many in the camps were sick but couldn't afford health care. Babies were dying of starvation and disease. America had few labor laws at that time, so children often worked the fields along side their parents. Food was scarce. Many survived on just beans, rice and flour. They learned to live without, worked extremely hard, and prayed for better days.

When I feel like times are hard, I like to reflect on this story. Things can feel awfully bleak these days with gas prices, inflation and the bitterness that seems to be invading many of us. But I do know, that there have been worse times in history and we certainly aren't struggling to the degree that Americans did during the depression. (Yet) 🤔

Running our small business has some hurdles that just keep getting harder to jump over. We are proud of the fact that Queen B/Miller Organics has been in business for over 4 1/2 years (2 1/2 of which were during lockdowns and a pandemic). It might not seem like much of an accomplishment but according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 21.5% of small businesses fail their first year. Only about half of businesses manage to reach their fifth fiscal year. And there aren’t many businesses that manage to stay open for a decade. Those are some sobering statistics and I have a feeling that they will only get worse for small businesses.

So what kinds of things are small businesses struggling with today? 

Inflation:
Yes, we get it. Everyone is feeling the pressure of inflation. But in small business it affects EVERYTHING. Our ingredient costs have gone up at least 30%. Our cute custom boxes have doubled in price so we had to make the decision to go back to plain boxes. (Boo!) Our bottle and jar costs are up 20-40%. Labels, tissue and bubble wrap? Cost is up at least 10% on those as well. All of our utility costs are up, subscription services for our websites have increased. If we don't raise our prices on our products, our profit margins will just keep getting slimmer. At some point it becomes senseless to stay in business if we can't afford to pay our employees or our bills with revenue earned. The knee jerk reaction is to raise our prices but that can be a fine line. Raise them too much and we won't sell a thing. We are searching high and low to find ways to cut costs with still being able to provide quality products. 

Supply Chain:
The effects of the pandemic punched us hard in the gut right away. We spent countless hours desperately trying to find the same bottles and jars that we usually ordered. Everything was backordered and not expected for months or even longer. We've had to make changes to some of our products because we can no longer get them. For example, our hero product Pain B Gone has been in a frosted glass jar for years, but they are impossible to find now. So we switched to a white plastic jar. Not that big of a deal, right? But once we change a product's container, that means new labels and new professional photography so that our pics match the new look. All of this is expensive and time consuming, not to mention frustrating. We are STILL struggling to find ingredients and containers today. I cringe every time I need to place an order not knowing IF I will be able to find it AND what it will cost this time.

Shipping:
Everyone knows that shipping costs have gone through the roof and yet everyone wants free shipping when they shop online. (Me too!) We offer free shipping on orders over $49 and a $5 flat shipping fee on all other orders. I feel like we need to continue to offer this in order to stay competitive but the costs are becoming unbearable. Once again this affects our profit margin. 

Employees:
We love our employees and we couldn't do what we do without them. Our employees never start at the  minimum wage and we try to give raises at least 2X a year. But now, we can't even hire a high school student for less than $12/hr starting. According to U.S. Small Business Administration, the real cost of an employee is 1.25 - 1.4 times the salary. That means $12/hr actually costs our business between $15 - $16.80 when you factor in payroll tax and insurance coverage. These days we consider ourselves lucky when we actually find people willing to work hard, are good at what they do and show up. So hats off to our current Queen B Team - we do appreciate you!

Pricing:
This is where small businesses get hit with the all the feels. Our products are truly handcrafted. We do not have large bottling lines, robots that whip up batches, or fulfillment centers that quickly fill orders. It's just our little facility with a handful of people that pour their heart and soul into every aspect of the business. We know that you can run to Walgreens and purchase a bottle of lotion for a fraction of our prices. We know that you can go on Amazon and order a porch full of products and get it shipped to you for free in two days. We just can't compete with the big guys on pricing. We have to spend a lot more than our large competitors for everything that we use to create a product. For example, we purchase bottles in groups of 200, whereas L'Oreal makes a bottle purchase in the hundreds of thousands. That means they will get tremendous price breaks while we are forced to pay a premium price. This happens with everything we purchase. The little guy just has to pay a lot more.

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The reason for this blog post is to not garner sympathy. Even if we have to close the doors tomorrow, it has been a great run. I have learned so much and feel blessed to have been able to build this little business. It is a joy to be able to create products that help others and to be able to connect with people all over the country.

So what is the reason for this post?

Well, we hope that this post gives you a little insight into the struggles small businesses are facing. While companies like Aveeno and Dove will more than likely survive even as people tighten their belts, the same can't be said about many small businesses. At some point, the profit margin will be too little for small businesses to afford to stay in business. 

We also want to say THANK YOU to all of our customers for the last 4.5 years. Your support, referrals, reviews, social media likes and shares, and purchases have not gone unappreciated. Yes, it is true that every time my phone dings that someone just placed an order - I do a happy dance! Pretty sure the CEO of Dove doesn't even flinch when you purchase a bottle of their soap. 

We would also like to thank our store dealers that share our products all around the country. Without their support I'm not sure where Queen B would be today. We acknowledge that they too are small businesses that are jumping over those ever growing hurdles. 

So for now, Queen B is hanging in there and we are hopeful that the economy will turn around. It certainly isn't as bad as what Americans endured during the Great Depression. I can only hope though that I will have the same tenacity as Elsa in Four Winds should that day arrive. 

Please consider shopping small and once again thank you for supporting family businesses like ours. ❤️

"Every time you spend money you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want." – Anna Lappe

Every day there are headlines highlighting the dangers of chemicals that can be found in our food supply. Consumers are more aware than ever about the dangers of chemicals in processed food or pesticides that are used to grow our fruits and vegetables. People are reading nutrition labels and choosing to buy organic. Yay!

​Not only is there an increase in awareness about what we put IN our body but also what we put ON our body. Double Yay!

Our skin is the largest organ of the body. Think of your skin as your flexible shield. "On guard!"

This thin shield at only a few millimeters thick, has the prime job of protecting blood vessels, muscles, bones and tendons. It shields your body from bacteria and UV radiation. Your skin allows you to feel the sensation of touch, heat, cold, pressure, itching and pain. Skin also functions as a large storeroom for the body: The deepest layer of skin can store water, fat and metabolic products. And it produces hormones that are important for the whole body. Your flexible shield also regulates body temperature, water loss and some nutrient levels. 

As you can see, our skin is extremely important and almost magical since it can actually repair itself. Imagine if our bodies still displayed every scrape, cut, or bruise that we ever received. Ewww. David.

Well, if our skin is so magical doesn't it protect us from absorbing chemicals that may be in skin care products? Sorry, unfortunately this is where our flexible shield can fail us. Darn.

Or benefit us as in pain medication via a transdermal patch, or the topical application of magnesium, or other nutrients. Oh nice.

Our bodies are capable of absorbing all kinds of chemicals or nutrients through the skin. This is called dermal absorption. It is the transport of an ingredient from the outer surface of the skin into the body. Chemicals commonly used in skin care products could potentially result in systemic toxicity or bioaccumulation. As these chemicals enter the blood stream they can cause a myriad of health problems if they are not flushed away by the body.

In an eye opening study conducted by the CDC, researchers sampled the blood of 10,000 subjects in an effort to determine 'chemical body burden'. They found that all samples contained hundreds of various synthetic chemicals. Huh? Yep, our bodies are contaminated with synthetic chemicals that linger in our bodies and can take decades to break down, if ever. 

What?! That's right. You most likely have at least 700 different synthetic chemicals in your body that shouldn't be there. What's maybe even more alarming is that these chemicals mix with each other to create a "cocktail effect". One single chemical may have no effect on its own. Yet, it may have damaging effects when combined with other chemicals in a so-called ‘cocktail’. Now I'm thirsty.

What sources contribute to this cocktail that none of us want?

• 8000 chemicals are used in the transformation of raw materials into fabric
• 14,000 synthetic chemicals are used to preserve food 
• In the US, average city tap water contains over 500 different chemicals
• Tests of air quality in new cars found 275 chemicals linked to birth defects, cancer, learning impairment, and liver damage (and who doesn't love that new car smell?)
• Over 10,000 personal care product ingredients are defined as reproductive toxins, carcinogens, or hormone disruptors 
• 8000 chemicals are used to produce fabric

This information may make it feel like it is impossible to avoid toxic substances and we wish we could say that isn't true but our mama's taught us not to lie.  Even people living in remote areas that grow their own food have been shown to have many toxins floating around in their bloodstreams. So cancel your moving plans and lets talk about what we can do to stay as healthy and chemical free as possible. I'm listening.

Bioaccumulation occurs when an organism (that's you) absorbs a toxic substance at a rate greater than that at which the substance is eliminated. 

Your body has some remarkable filters; liver, kidneys, spleen, and the lymphatic system. These organs are like buckets. They work hard around the clock to filter out things that your body doesn't need. They would be the opposite of a hoarder. You may even hear them whisper "nope, nope, don't need that - let's throw it out". But over time some items settle to the bottom of the bucket - much like a junk drawer that is in desperate need of reorganizing. The more toxins you throw at your body's filters; the harder they have to work.

Now I have a mental image of the oil change employee holding up my car's filthy air filter and shaking his head at the long overdue oil/filter change. If only it were that easy to just drive up and get a new liver when ours becomes filthy. Ha. Funny.

Overtime with repeated toxin exposure our buckets may begin to overflow.

Who put all this stuff in the junk drawer anyway?

The result is a body that doesn't function properly. And as unique as our fingerprints, our bodies react and behave to this overload differently. It may appear in the form of hair loss, acne, brain fog, weight gain, rashes, fatigue, indigestion and even dementia. Many doctors believe that this toxin overload is the beginning of disease and cancer formation. 

Here is our list of the big No No's. Read your labels and if you see any of these ingredients - Run. Or at least put it back on the shelf.                                                                                 

A great resource is EWG's Skin Deep. You can type in any ingredient and learn about the risks associated with it. It's a resource that our team uses before we work with any new ingredient. 

It certainly can feel overwhelming as chemicals are all around us and we can't control everything. The good news is that if we can reduce exposures -even just a little bit- it does make a difference.  

UC Berkeley researchers led a study where they had teenage girls take a three day break from personal care products containing parabens, phthalates, and other chemicals of concern. After just three days, the levels of all these chemicals dropped in the girls' urine samples by 27-45 %. See just a small change can have an immediate positive impact! Good to know.

By choosing to avoid parabens (Mr. Hormone Disrupters), or turning your nose up at "fragrance" (AKA endocrine disrupting phthalates) P.U., you're making a worthwhile difference in the toxic load on your body. Look for natural ingredients as opposed to synthetic. Synthetic ingredients are created and processed in a lab, and have no ties to nature or the natural world at all. These ingredients are derived from petrochemicals and often created to mimic what nature provides. Many (most) skin care manufacturers prefer synthetic because these ingredients are cheaper and more readily available. 

And since we cannot drive to Jiffy Lube and get a new filter for our bodies, make sure you help those filters by: 

• Drinking lots of water
• Getting regular exercise
• Limit alcohol 
• Eat nutritious food like cranberries (shameless plug)
• Cut down on sugar
• Manage your stress load​

Don't rely on the government or a company to tell you that something is safe. Do your research and read labels. Just because the front of a lotion bottle has the word "natural" or "organic" doesn't mean that on the ingredient list you won't find a cocktail of toxins. How sneaky!

Now run off and enjoy life. Don't stress the small stuff. Read your labels. Eat more cranberries. And clean out your junk drawer.​

  
It's our 3rd birthday and we couldn't be more excited. We survived another year even during a pandemic. WHEW! Not too bad considering 30% of all small businesses fail in their first 2 years.

Fingers crossed we can keep pushing forward.

Birthdays are a time for reflection. And I've been thinking a lot lately about all the things we've learned in our 3 years as a small family business.




Here are my top 8 business reflections: 

1. We all start somewhere.  
We had the vision. We had the idea. We bought some equipment. But now what?

After months of trial and error, my husband figured out how to cold press a tiny little seed and extract the most nourishing oil on the market. He always said it's "the best oil that no one knows about".  We worked hard on building connections, making cold calls, and talking about our oil to anyone that cared to listen. It was a rough start. Nothing was easy. Nothing fell into our laps (well except for some splashed oil I suppose).

Then along came the idea to begin formulating products with our cranberry seed oil. What started out as 2 products handcrafted in our kitchen has grown to over 50 SKU's produced (still by hand) in our very own food grade facility. 

We had so much to learn in the beginning and we STILL have so much to learn. But that's good, right? Keeps life exciting.
 
               "If you are always waiting for the perfect time, you'll never get started."

2. You're only as good as the last product you've made.
Thankfully, we have had a pretty good track record. It's probably because I tend to be a perfectionist (maybe even a bit of a control freak). In over 3 years of selling products, we can count the number of complaints on 1 hand. Seriously. But for me, an unhappy customer makes me feel like a failure. It will honestly keep me awake at night. Every product that heads out our door has to be perfect. We work hard at being consistent and making sure everyone on the Queen B Team values their part in the process. 

            "Mistakes are proof that you are trying."

3. Working with your family is a gift not to be taken for granted. 
When we started Queen B, it was just my husband and I. Along the way, we have hired on both of our children. Our son Chase, is instrumental on the cranberry marsh but also extremely talented when it comes to fabricating and problem solving equipment malfunctions in our plant. Our daughter Kyla, joined Queen B almost 2 years ago. She left her corporate finance job in downtown Minneapolis to run our office and make sure we are making wise financial decisions.  I love how both of our children can not only work with each other (and get along) but also with my husband and I. Whether our business has hit a speed bump or is soaring high, it's nice to know that we have each other for this crazy ride.

        "Behind every successful small business is a family."

4. A disruption in the supply chain can wreck havoc on a small business quickly.
Holy schnikes! Dang Covid has had us searching the world over for ingredients, labels and containers. It seems every time I try to place an order; the product is backordered. Some of our "go to" suppliers have gone completely out of business. Some have temporarily closed their doors. While others are also left scratching their heads looking for supplies. We've learned to have a back up plan, watch inventory closely and stock up when given the chance. 

        "Keep Calm. It's the new normal."

5. Support from friends and family is priceless.
We cannot explain in words what it means when a friend or family member supports our venture. Whether it is by liking posts on social media, giving a product review, sharing our business with others, or buying Queen B products, those acts do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. We have been amazed over and over again at the outpouring of love and support from friends near and far.  We certainly wouldn't be celebrating 3 years without that kind of support. It has taught us the importance of supporting small businesses and shopping local.

     "Behind every successful woman is a tribe of women who have her back."

6. As a small family business you have to be willing to do everything.
Sometimes I  wonder as I am sweeping the plant floor, if Jeff Bezos would be willing to pick up a broom or a toilet brush. 
As a small business, we just don't have the luxury of saying no. We have to be willing to handle all aspects of the
job-even the dirty ones. Fortunately, we have been able to hire several employees and it is wonderful to have the extra help. No matter how much our business grows I hope that we are never too proud to pick up a mop.

      "Humble yourself. Or life will do it for you."

7. You find excitement in purchasing odd things -  like a new shipping scale.
Seriously. Every time we can improve our productivity and organization, it's like Christmas morning in this place. I also find myself looking at online equipment auctions. My favorite is Wisconsin Surplus Online Auction. I spend spare time searching and thinking 'hey we could really use a kick butt Hobart mixer' or (more likely) 'hmm I wonder what that thing is used for?'
 
I just recently added to my wish list a new bottle filler. We have a bottle filler but she is on her last leg or at least on our employees last nerve. We need one that is easy to use and fills quickly and precisely. Hey, a girl can dream. 

      "Work hard so you can shop harder."

8. You never stop thinking about your business. 
All day. Every day.

From new product development, social media posts, responding to emails, or wondering why the last batch of lotion didn't turn out right.  I just wish sometimes there was an off button. But...

​       "Success doesn't come from what you do on occasion, it comes from what you do consistently."


So to all of our customers - past, present and future - we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your support gives fuel to our passion of creating a brand that offers quality skin care that does more good than harm. 




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Here at Queen B we do our best to vet every single ingredient that we use. We check EWG's site to learn about possible toxicity. We never use fragrances and we are forever searching for the highest quality ingredients from trusted vendors. It's a huge feat and expensive. We know it would be easier to use the cheap synthetic chemicals that most companies use. We also know that it would be easier to use chemical stabilizers and harsh preservatives. But that is not what we are about. We strive to bring our customers pure, clean, good for you products.

Even if you make the switch with just one of your daily product applications to a healthier version , think about the long term effects. Think about how you can lessen the burden on your body to flush out unnecessary toxins that you slather on. 

Be a smarter consumer and don't be fooled by companies that Green Wash.
B wiser. B more diligent. B more beautiful!

​

Did you know that magnesium is involved in more than 300 reactions in your body? In fact, every cell in your body contains it and needs it to function. Here are just a few examples of how magnesium works in your body:

• Helps convert food into energy.
• Maintains PH balance.
• Helps create new proteins from amino acids.
• Helps create and repair DNA and RNA.
• Part of the contraction and relaxation of muscles.
• Helps regulate neurotransmitters, which send messages throughout your brain and nervous system.

We all need magnesium every day. And most (some estimates are 80%) of us aren't getting enough through our diets.  Our modern diet and lifestyles have made magnesium a drastically less abundant mineral in our bodies. 

What are some symptoms of low magnesium?

• Fatigue
• Restless Legs
• Muscle cramps
• Migraines
• Hormone inbalances
• Aches and pains
• Irregular sleep patterns and insomnia
• Heart palipatations
• Muscle twitches and spasms
• Anxiety
• Lack of appetite
• Constipation
• Brain fog
• Memory problems
• Depression

Our Pain B Gone uses pure magnesium chloride harvested from the ancient Zechstein seabed in the Netherlands. This naturally occuring mineral contains over 90+ trace minerals. Magnesium chloride is transdermal which means that it can be absorbed through the skin. Today, we know that many substances we apply to the skin are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. 

Who can benefit from transdermal magnesium?
 Everyone! Not only does topical magnesium treat sore muscles but it can help with chronic body pain and restless legs. It has been shown to promote better sleep, relieve stress and tension, and ease hormonal issues. We have heard from numerous customers that our Pain B Gone helped alleviate pain and stiffness of arthritis. 

Why not just take a magnesium supplement?
 Many people suffer GI upset when taking magnesium orally. What's more, much of the mineral is excreted out of our body as it tends to act as  a laxative when taken orally. Studies show that topical magnesium is a fast, effective way to increase magnesium levels. Transdermal    magnesium has  - through a growing number of trials and studies - proven to be more effective than oral supplements in delivering magnesium  to the body. 
​
How about using the magnesium spray?
 The trouble with using magnesium spray is that most people are sensitive to it when applied in this fashion. Many say that it irritates and   stings their skin. Our Pain B Gone actually soothes and nourishes your skin all the while delivering magnesium to your body.

Doesn't epsom salts do the same thing?
Epsom salts are magnesium sulphate not magnesium chloride. Epsom salts are beneficial but are less concentrated than magnesium chloride. 

How fast can I expect results?
 Our proprietary blend utilizes the power of cranberry seed oil. Cranberry seed oil is balanced in Omega 3, 6, & 9. This balance allows better   absorption into deeper layers of the skin. According to some reports, magnesium chloride is absorbed transdermally in just 90 seconds. The only way you could absorb it faster is with an IV.  Some people have noticed instant relief while others report finding success after applying it  every day for a week or more. Everyone is different and everyone's body reacts differently. 

How should I use Pain B Gone?
 Massage the lotion into affected areas as needed. We use only natural oils and butters. No preservatives, chemicals or artifical fragrances. You can expect the lotion to melt on contact with your warm skin. Continue massaging it into the skin. If you suffer from migraines or headaches, some people have noted relief by applying to the neck  and/or skull. If you suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome, apply to lower legs just before bed.  We've noted the best results are from applying it daily. 

How much should I use?
 We don't think you should worry too much about the amount you use. If you are getting good results then you know it's working. It's hard to   have too much since each day magnesium is depleted in the body.  Each teaspoon of our Pain B Gone contains approximately 600mg of       magnesium. That said, the exact amount that is absorbed isn't perfectly known. So finding the right dose can be a matter of trial and error and see what makes you feel best.

When should I apply Pain B Gone?
 Magnesium is essential for energy production at the cellular level but it also promotes relaxation. You can apply it at any time of the day! If you are getting enough magnesium, it will help you feel energized but it will also allow you to relax and sleep better. So, you can apply it at     any time of the day. You may want to try applying it after a strenuous workout, or when you are feeling tense, or just before you slip into bed. 

Our Pain B Gone is fast becoming a customer favorite with fans all around the United States. Grab yourself a jar today and see what it can do for you!


**Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. **

The overwhelming question we hear at Queen B is "What does cranberry seed oil do?".
The answer should be "What doesn't it do!"
Everyone knows (if our cranberry marketing committee is doing it's job) that cranberries are considered the Super Fruit. Here's why...

​



Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) contain:

• Vitamin C. Also known as ascorbic acid, is one of the predominant antioxidants in cranberries. It is essential for the maintenance of your skin, muscles, and bone.
• Manganese.  Manganese is essential for growth, metabolism, and your body’s antioxidant system.
• Vitamin E. A class of essential fat-soluble antioxidants.
• Vitamin K1. Also known as phylloquinone, vitamin K1 is essential for blood clotting.
• Copper. A trace element, often low in the Western diet. Inadequate copper in your diet may have adverse effects on heart health.

As if that's not enough, cranberries also have strong bioactive plant compounds and antioxidants - of particular interest is flavonol polyphenols.

• Quercetin. The most abundant antioxidant polyphenol in cranberries. In fact, cranberries are among the main fruit sources of quercetin. Quercetin is known to inhibit histamine release, promote cardivascular health, and protect against stress damage.
• Myricetin.  Myricetin may have a number of beneficial health effects including anticancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory. 
• Peonidin.  Another source of anti-inflammatory action. Cranberries are among the richest dietary sources of peonidin.
• Ursolic acid. Concentrated in the skin of the berry, ursolic acid is a triterpene compound. It’s an ingredient in many traditional herbal medicines and is boasts anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-carcinogenic effects.
• A-type proanthocyanidins.  These polyphenols are believed to maintain urinary tract health.

So now imagine taking all of that healthy goodness and condensing it into tiny little seeds. Seeds house the embryo and all the information necessary for a plant to grow and thrive. The seed is chocked full of  the same protein, vitamins and minerals that are in the berry. When those precious little seeds are carefully handled and cold -pressed; you get a rich, vibrant, healthy oil.  Our cold- pressed oil has better nutritive properties than those that have undergone the refining process. This is because the cold-pressing procedure does not involve heat or chemical treatments, which may alter their composition and therapeutic effects.

Another benefit of cranberry seed oil is it's unique molecular make up. The perfect ratio of Omega 3, 6 and 9 means that the nutrients in the oil are able to pass through the skin barrier. Additionally, the free fatty acids found in cranberry seed oil can act as permeability enhancers for other products applied with the oil.
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You'll like how the oil almost instantly is absorbed into your skin. You'll love how hydrated and soft your skin becomes. 

Fresh squeezed cranberry seeds from Wisconsin = beautiful healthy skin!




 

Sometimes I feel like I should wrap myself in bubble wrap to protect against the onslaught of chemicals that my body is bombarded with each day. But then I think about the BPA and other things that are infused into bubble wrap and I come to my senses. Since we started on this journey of creating natural skin care products, I've stumbled across some facts that are truly frightening. I've become so much more aware of what I am putting on and in my body all the while trying to maintain a sensible approach to living in this chemical filled world where big company profits endanger us all. 
Did you know that it's perfectly legal for a company to use ingredients that are linked to cancer, reproductive harm and endocrine disruption in personal care products? That's because the industry is largely unregulated. Furthermore, companies can use terms like 'fragrance', which is considered a trade secret so that they don't have to list the multitude of chemicals that are present. We are not talking about trace amounts either. Many body care products contain substantial amounts of complex chemical compounds that are proven to be harmful.

Not alarmed yet? 

These chemicals can bio accumulate. That means with repeated exposure they will build up in tissue. Take for example glyphosate, the main component of Round Up weed killer. In a recent study it shows that we have become essentially carriers for glyphosate in our bodies.
You probably pee glyphosate!
In fact, the study showed that there is a 1200% increase of this chemical inside of us. All the while the government is telling you that it is safe (remember money talks).

1200 Percent Increase of Weed Killer In Your Body

You really need to read labels and not just grab something off the shelf that is labeled Organic or Natural. These terms have little meaning in the largely unregulated personal care industry. Natural means "existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind" so in theory that could be lead, aluminum, talcum powder, petrochemicals, and mineral oil. All of which have been linked to cause anything from irritation to cancer. Plus companies rely on a self made marker that as long as x% of ingredients are natural they will call their product Natural.

This article Toxic Ingredients to Avoid In So-Called Natural Personal Care Products will show you how you are being taken advantage of by some companies.  I know of one company in particular that claims it has Organic Cranberry Seed Oil when in fact it does not have any organic certification. Companies can get away with calling something organic because they can say their product is derived from living matter. Be careful. Investigate. Don't be bamboozled. 

As consumers, we can be more proactive by reading labels and looking up ingredients. Two great places to search for ingredients in skin care products are:
Campain for Safe Cosmetics
EWG's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database

To make my anxiety even greater and looking for the bubble wrap, I have been reading Feeding You Lies by Vani Hari.
Wow.
Amazing what the food industry will do to make a dollar. Did you know that large companies have people on their payroll or will create "Advisory Committees" that will fight real scientists and activists that are trying to show a particular ingredient is harmful? 

It seems that we have to be our own best advocates. Be skeptical of claims. Do more research. Don't believe everything you read. And know that if we as consumers start demanding quality products that do us more good than harm, companies will have to meet those demands if they want to sell us products. 

I'm not a scientist, nutritionist or a doctor but I can research and try to make the best choices in what I choose to put on and in my body.  All of which benefits our product line at Queen B. I don't pretend to know all the facts.

This journey has opened my eyes and I realize that we don't need harmful chemicals to be clean, healthy or beautiful.
​
So for now, I'll leave the bubble wrap on the shelf... Besides I just googled Bubble Wrap and saw headlines that the bubbles contain a toxic gas. 

Here in Wisconsin there have been a few signs that our season is about to change. Crickets magically appear in the basement. A few leaves have decided that they've had enough of chlorophyll. Kids are back in school. Football has started. The nights are cooler which means I've been digging in my closet looking for forgotten sweatshirts. And sitting around the fire pit with an Oktoberfest beer in hand is the highlight at the end of a long week. 

We've had an unusually hot and humid summer. I've lived in Wisconsin my entire life and I don't ever remember a summer that could cause you to sweat just by breathing. I love summer and gave it all I could to not complain about that gosh darn humidity.  But it was oppressive at times. It was a challenge to dry our cranberry seeds with so much humidity in the air. It felt as though we were working in a sweat shop. We do have labor laws about that right?

I'm not sure I'd be happy living in a state that doesn't experience the 4 seasons. There is something so refreshing, so renewing, about the change. Each season brings it's own to do list and a menu of activities to choose from.  We also get a host of chores that must be done before the next season appears. We are hardy as Wisconsinites and we know that we have to be prepared. I spent today putting away a few pieces of outdoor furniture, painting the front door, washing windows and hauling firewood. I also had the urge to make chicken noodle soup. Strange things happen when the thermometer barely reaches 70 degrees.

Things are happening quickly on our marsh as we prepare for harvest in just a few weeks. We've been interviewing for harvest help, taking water and berry samples to be tested, checking on harvest equipment, talking with brokers, and preparing for our food safety audit.

Sunshine and cooler weather help the berries turn from green to red. But this also means that someone has to stand guard and make sure that the berries don't freeze. Once it gets to about 35 degrees we fire up the irrigation to protect the crop from frost. Luckily, I've never been burdened with that job. A wise woman once said "never learn to drive the tractor". In this case, I never learned how to turn on the irrigation. Probably similar to how my husband doesn't know how to run the dishwasher...

So now we sit and wait on those little berries. They will let us know when they are ready by turning bright red.  I guess it's when they have had enough of this season and are ready to take a long winters nap.

How many times have you looked in the mirror and thought, "I wish my lips were fuller" or "if I could only lose 10 pounds" or "why does my hair have to be so thin"? We are certainly our own worse critic. Our society has become obsessed with the way things look. This includes our bodies, our homes, cars, lawn, food and even beauty products. 

Think back to a time when brand named clothing wasn't important (this would be before my time as I had to have an Eclipse sweater. Gawd!). As long as you were clean and presentable - no one judged. Homes were modest and functional. Women weren't scouring through images on pinterest trying to make their homes match the latest decorating trend. Men went out and cut the lawn. No services came to spray chemicals on the sparse grass that the kids played on. Food was homegrown or purchased locally. A few bruises on an apple. No problem. Cucumbers are small this year? That's okay. They'll make great pickles.
 
Don't get me wrong I am as guilty as the next when it comes to wanting things to be perfect.

This is a typical day. First, I spend way too much time every morning putting on makeup and fixing my hair. Then I'll stand in my closet and profess that I have nothing to wear even though it is overflowing with clothing. Now it's time for breakfast, I grab a banana off the counter but first inspect it for any bruises.
Well. I hate bruised fruit. Even though I'm sure it tastes fine - but it looks icky.
I look down at my shoes and notice that they are looking worn even though they are comfortable as I slip my 'need a pedicure toes' into them. I get into my reliable car that has gotten me safely and comfortably from Point A to Point B for over 7 years and realize that it really needs a good vacuuming or maybe better yet it's time for a shiny new car!  I arrive at the office and notice that someone left their huge hand print on the door. Again. 

Woa.

The stress all this presentation brings. And I don't even have little kids anymore. I really feel for you young moms out there. I feel like you are being pressured into creating this illusion of perfectly, themed, crafty, organized child rearing. It all starts with the Gender Reveal Party. What the heck is that all about? When I had my kids, the gender reveal was the doctor exclaiming "It's a boy!" 
Oh, and what about the birthday parties you mama's are expected to throw every year for your children? I've seen less event planning at weddings. Then there's Naughty Elf, and elaborate scrap booking, and special clothing for important holidays (like St. Patrick's Day) that you stayed up until midnight to create. When my kids were little I felt accomplished if their diapers were clean and they were fed. I'm not sure I could live up to today's parenting standards and still have my sanity.

But I digress.

The reason I am on this tangent today is because I have entered this new realm of Natural Products. I have been working on creating products that are void of chemicals and nasty things that can give you cancer. I see why skin care companies have resorted to using chemicals. Chemicals make lotions softer. Chemicals are lot cheaper than wholesome natural products.  Chemicals also keep products from separating (so you don't need to stir or shake before use). Chemicals give skin care products a life longer than I've been driving my car. Chemicals give products that wonderful smell and texture you've come to expect. 

But at what cost? 

Did you know that fragrance formulas are considered trade secrets, so brands don't have to disclose what's in there. The only rule is that they cannot use chemicals that are banned. But here's a little fact that I find interesting: The European Union has banned over 1300 substances for use in cosmetics. These substances are known to cause a myriad of reactions from headaches to central nervous disorders. 

How many has the United States banned? 

11! Eleven. Ten fingers and 1 toe. That's how many. Don't believe me? You can read for yourself here: Beauty By Earth

Since I have been making a conscious effort to get rid of toxins in our home, I've been amazed at how my sense of smell has changed. I find heavy perfumy smells nasty. I don't even wear perfume anymore. I've stopped using fragrance candles that essentially fill the air with chemicals and I bought a diffuser instead.  Just recently I up'd my game and I switched from dryer sheets to wool dryer balls. Works the same as dryer sheets but now my clothes and the air in the house aren't laden with chemicals. Score.

So I ask you to think about this... As Americans we are slowly killing ourselves with the need to have things look and smell perfect. We have become blind to the fact that big corporations don't really care if an ingredient is a known carcinogen. We are so gullible as we slather an $80 cream on our face thinking that it is making us "better". When in reality it could be causing your weight gain, hyper-pigmentation of your skin, or even fatigue. Read more: Deadly Scent.

It's a really hard habit to get out of. I like my grass green, my fruit perfect and all my girly stuff that makes me feel purdy!

Baby steps.

That's all. Let's try to be less perfect, care less about presentation, and focus on healthy products for ourselves and family. 

​Think local. Read labels. Be informed. Hug your farmer.

Every year at the end of harvest, my husband will undoubtedly say to me "It won't be long and we'll be harvesting these little red buggers again". At which point, I give him my annoyed look as I'm exhausted, want life to get back to normal, and don't even want to think about next years harvest. Pulease!

But he's right. It's odd how life seems to speed up the older you get. 

I remember being a child during a long hot summer. Unlike today's children, my day wasn't strategically mapped out by my parents. I wasn't being rushed off to t-ball, gymnastics, swimming lessons and play dates all in one day. Instead I had to figure out a way to entertain myself. That meant playing with dolls for hours at a time, dressing my little sister up in funny clothes, running through sprinklers, begging my dad to take us for ice cream, and at night playing Kick the Can with the neighborhood kids. I remember that a single day seemed to take forever. Summer seemed endless. If there was a big event coming up next week - that week felt like torture.

Remember when an hour ride seemed as though you took a trip to the moon. Are we there yet?! How 'bout now?

But as we age, our perception of how long an hour, day, month or year changes. We begin to realize the importance of time. We can see it in our growing children and our aging parents. If only there was an app for slowing time down. Wait! I want to enjoy this moment a little longer. 

Recently my husband and I were checking on things at our organic marsh. Which really means I ride along and watch as he jumps in and out of the truck to inspect vines, turn on pumps or fix sprinklers. Just being honest. I do however give my opinion now and then, even if it isn't requested. 
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I was perched in the air conditioned cab of the truck admiring the beautiful pink bloom canvasing the cranberry beds. And I thought "nature is amazing". It's a spectacular cycle that plants go through. And we really should slow down and take the time to appreciate it. How awesome is it that this tiny pink flower turns into a tiny green berry and then eventually a tart red berry?

Here is a picture of some of our hardest working employees. The honey bees. For very little pay the females work the beds every day. They not only pollinate our crop while collecting pollen but they also are responsible for feeding, cleaning, nursing and defending the hive.  Meanwhile the male bees sit around and try to mate with the queen. I imagine the male bees in those tiny boxes drinking beer and watching baseball. Humph.







​But as with most farming there are a lot of factors that can affect your crop. Hail, drought, disease, frost, and insects can wreck havoc on those berries. My husband and son put in long days to make sure that our cranberries are protected and well taken care of. And if all goes well, in the blink of an eye, we WILL be harvesting those little red buggers again.
So take some time to slow down. Enjoy the moment you're in. Hug your littles. Call your mama. Have lunch with a friend. Because until there's app for slowing down time it just keeps marching on faster and faster.

For as long as I can remember, I have been cursed with this itchy, scaly, nasty rash professionally known as ECZEMA. Thank goodness I only have it on my hands. And using key words from the title I'm sure you can guess which part of my hand. 
If you are one of the fortunate ones to not be afflicted with this skin condition, let me fill you in. For me, eczema isn't a constant. I can go weeks even a month or two at time with clear skin. But it likes to rear it's ugly head when my hands have been in water too much. Whether it's something dreadful like dish washing or something I live for like frolicking in the ocean. Okay, I've never frolicked but it sounds fun.
I do wear rubber gloves when I'm cleaning but wouldn't you know the rubber or latex also aggravates my eczema.  This is especially true at harvest time when I'm wrist deep in crimson colored cranberries as they travel along our conveyor belts. I have to wear gloves for food safety but the entire time I'm thinking about that nasty SOB eczema who is always lurking. Ready to attack and usually does.
 
But it doesn't have to be harvest time, cleaning time or even frolicking time.

Sometimes my eczema just likes to barge in for no apparent reason. "Oh, you again." I say. "What the heck do you want?" 
My hand doesn't talk back but if it could I'm sure it'd say something like this. "Hey, whatsup? Thought I'd stop by for a bit, maybe longer. I'm about to aggravate the shit out of you. Do you have something nearby to scratch with because you're going to need it. I plan on making your hand look like raw hamburger. Everything you put on it is going to hurt. Ha. You better plan on at least a few weeks to get it under control. Do you still have enough of your prescription left? I'm hoping not. Well, let's get started. Pop. Pop. Pop."

That's how it starts. Out of the blue. Pop. A blister like thing appears. Pop. Another. Pop. Several more. Oh, and do these little buggers itch! I'm not talking mosquito bite kind of itch. I'm talking about chicken pox kind of itch. Isn't it sad that a good portion of you reading this have no reference for that? That was a right of passage when I was little. Let's have a chicken pox party. What were our parents thinking? 

So, now you can imagine several blisters appearing that itch like nothing you've ever felt (well unless you've had chicken pox). You can't NOT scratch. No one has that kind of will power. There have been many times in my life when I've tried to fight the urge to scratch. And then all of sudden, much like a cat ready to pounce, ugh you give in. You'll find anything to scratch with because fingers just aren't enough. Once when I was about 8, I remember I gave into the itching and started to rub my palm on the arm of our recliner. Before that itch was relieved, I had actually pulled the cloth of the chair free from it's stitching. I told my mom that the cat did it.
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That's how intense the itch can be. It is no laughing matter or for the feeble minded. Seriously. 

Once you give in to the itching (and most will), the blisters pop and what you're left with is red raw skin. That's when the rash starts to spread like wild fire. The rash will last anywhere from 2-3 weeks if I'm lucky enough to not develop new blisters. I've tried everything thru the years and have seen many dermatologists. I have a prescription that seems to work when the rash appears. It has been what has gotten me through this thing called life (yes I'm a Prince fan).
It's called BETAMETHASONE DIPROPIONATE or Diprolene Lotion.  (Or lovingly referred to as Beta Dip by the pharmacist.) I found this interesting when I researched the drug that I've been using for well over a decade: "Common side effects of Diprolene Lotion include burning, itching, irritation, redness, dryness, or peeling at the application site when first applied to the skin. This should disappear in a few days as your body adjusts to Diprolene Lotion. Other side effects of Diprolene Lotion include thinning of your skin, blistering skin, or stretch marks."  Click here to read more.
So THAT'S why whenever I'm seeing a doctor they call in the interns to observe my hands. Then in secret code, using words I don't understand, they talk about how thin the skin is on my palms. They act as if they have never seen such atrocities as their fingers follow the many lines on my hands. I think I hear them do an evil chuckle but I'm not sure. And why am I putting a lotion on my itchy hands that can blister my skin or cause itching? Things that make you go hmmm.

Bring on the Cranberry Seed Oil.

Since we started pressing oil my hands have been drenched in this lovely liquid gold. I put it on daily if not twice a day on my hands. It has been over a year and I have not had ONE visit from the eczema fairy. Not one! And that includes time frolicking in the ocean and being very brazen and not wearing gloves to do dishes. Yeah. I like to live dangerously. 
Well, that was until a few days ago. My luck had run out. I was sitting on the couch enjoying a little television when I felt the formidable POP POP POP. There he was. Snickering at me begging me to start scratching. That's when I thought about the best defense I know. No it's not Beta Dip silly. Cranberry Seed Oil.
I decided to place myself in a Laboratory Study.  I would put the oil to the test! No more Beta Dip thinning my hands to mockery. 

So I've been applying Cranberry Seed Oil several times throughout the day instead of just once or twice a day. I even took a roller ball with me wherever I went and when I got the itchies I rubbed it in. It stopped the itching! I honestly couldn't believe that it had that kind of power. I only had to bear the insanity for maybe a minute until I'd get relief. The oil would soak in and work it's magic.
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 This is my palm on Saturday morning. Just 2 1/2 days after I started generously applying the Cranberry Seed Oil. Notice that the blisters are gone. They never popped! My hand is already in a healing stage. It doesn't itch anymore. 

I must say I am quite happy with how Cranberry Seed Oil helped my dreaded curse of eczema. After my extremely scientific study, I can say:

• Cranberry Seed Oil helps keep my eczema from developing (1st blisters in over a year!)
• Cranberry Seed Oil seemed to dry up the blisters 
• And the most amazing aspect of the experiment is how it stopped the itching

I am a bigger believer in this product having witnessed it's ability to tame the beast lurking under my skin. Sure I could use a prescription drug but if a completely natural product can do the same thing only better - why would I? 
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I'm reminded of a commercial from the 80's. 

"And remember, I'm not only Queen B's president but I'm also a client." 
For those of you that do not have chicken pox scars, here's the commercial. 

I have been reflecting a lot lately on my life. It could be menopause, or I'm hungry or the fact that I turn half a century this fall. I keep feeling like I want to hurry up and live life. There is so much that I want to do yet and time is running out. It feels as though just a moment ago I was in agonizing labor for 23 hours. And yet yesterday we celebrated the 23 hour, ending in an emergency C-Section kid's 25th birthday. How does that happen? Where do the years go?
I have worn many hats in my life. My first real job was waitressing at Country Kitchen. I was fortunate enough to be able to work the bar shift when all the drunks would come into Kitchy Counchen for the breakfast buffet. I'm saying that with sarcasm. I was pinched, grabbed, and propositioned by many slobbery drunks who often would forget to tip before they passed out in the booth.
I was a pre-school teacher while I was in college. I enjoyed being around the littles but I remember being so exhausted at the end of the day that if no one was around I may have shed a tear or two.
Then I was a stay at home mom until my youngest started Kindergarten. I will never regret the time that I was able to stay home and just be a mom. The days were long and lacking adult conversation but some of my favorite memories are from those years. My husband worked long hours and often it was just me and my two kids hanging out, playing games, making messes or snuggling.
Once my youngest entered school, I decided it was time to put my elementary teaching degree to work. It was challenging re-entering the workforce. Especially since I hadn't been able to prove myself as an elementary teacher yet. I vividly remember a male teacher asking in front of a group of 30+ teachers "What the heck have you been doing the last 7 years?!" I felt so small and inferior. This was at one of my first district meetings after being hired to teach 3rd grade. What an ars that guy was. 
I ended up staying in the teaching profession for 15 years. Most of my time was spent as a first grade teacher. I absolutely LOVED my job for a long time. Until I got burnt out that is. I could give you a thousand reasons why I left teaching but it was one of the best decisions I ever made. It wasn't an easy decision but one that was best for my well being and for the children that would walk thru my classroom door. If you do not love what you do, you can't be good at it. You can only fake a smile and be pleasant for so long until eventually you start eroding away. 
So I left teaching, and joined my husband in our family businesses. He is the master of crazy ideas, taking on too much and unafraid to try anything. This means I have been trying on more hats. Some that really push me outside my comfort zone. In the 4 years that I have been away from teaching, I have been controlling inventory and invoicing for our business Supply House (a farm supply company). I learned how to plant corn and soybean with a tractor. That 25 year old kid I mentioned earlier is the one who taught me that new skill. I became a certified Food Safety Manager and deal with all the paperwork and audits for our organic operations. Eight hour audits still intimidate me. I've had to learn a whole new set of acronyms. BTW, acronyms annoy me. 
And then along comes the idea of Queen B oils. I was very hesitant at first. I mean how much more can we take on? Do we really want to invest a large portion of our savings? My hubby's answer: really it's no big deal. Well it is a big deal. It has become all consuming for me as I learn a new role. I've been learning about FDA regulations, working with brand ambassadors, contacting brokers, creating labels and products, purchasing equipment, meeting with potential customers, creating a website, making sales calls and taking on the craziness of the social platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. It is a big deal but I wouldn't change it for anything. I have been meeting so many new people, I've reconnected with old friends and have learned so much in the few months that we have been at this. I believe in our product. I know that we are offering a quality oil that has many therapeutic benefits. It feels really good to know that you can help people with some of their biggest skin concerns. We don't need to make stuff up, use fancy words or create catchy advertisements. People have been willing to try something new and have found that it works for them. I am humbled by the amount of support we have already gotten from friends, family and community members. 
It turns out that in almost 50 years of life, a lot of hats can get thrown at you. Some fit just right, some are fun for a little awhile and others make you proud of who you are becoming. Who knows where life will take me next but I know that I'm enjoying the ride right now. 
A special thank you to everyone who has read a Bog Blog (new hat by the way), followed us on FB or IG , shared Queen B news, or even just asked us about it, or bought a bottle of oil!  Muwah! Much love!

Since we started peddling Cranberry Seed Oil I have been absolutely amazed at how it has helped different people in various ways. From psoriasis, eczema, nail fungus, cold sores, wrinkles, age spots and even warts. Our customers have been willing to try this oil and are reaping the rewards. It becomes a very personal interaction as they tell you about their biggest skin issue. I love when I hear a new idea for application. I always say "Go for it! You never know if it will help until you try it." They are claiming benefits of Cranberry Seed Oil that I didn't even know existed. I can't make this stuff up. I'm not that clever. 
​I have come across some skeptics though. People give you this quizzical look. "Oil on my face? Thanks but no thanks. I've got enough oil." So I thought I'd do a little research on the benefits of using an oil on your skin and how to apply it. But first a little refresher course on our bodies largest organ.
Our skin has 3 distinct layers. And within each layer there are multiple layers. I know. You are so mulit-layered. The epidermis is the outer region of the skin. The epidermis consists of five layers. Interestingly, it does not contain any blood vessels and is dependent on the dermis, the layer of the skin underneath it, to provide access to nutrients and dispose of waste. The epidermis is responsible for: 

• Creation of new skin cells
• Production of melanin to give color to the skin and reduce the absorption and impact of ultraviolet radiation
• Immune protection of the body
• Physical protection of the body

The dermis, beneath the epidermis, contains tough connective tissue, sweat glands, and hair follicles. It is the thickest layer of the skin. The dermis provides strength and flexibility to the skin and is comprised of two layers; papillary dermis and the reticular dermis. The dermis is responsible for:

• Supporting the epidermis
• Detecting touch, temperature, pressure and pain
• Producing sweat
• Secreting sebum (oil)
• Producing hair
• Carrying nutrients to and discarding waste in the epidermis and dermis layers

The deepest layer is called the hypodermis and contains subcutaneous tissue which is made of fat and connective tissue. This fat tissue insulates the body from cold temperatures and provides shock absorption. Fat cells of the hypodermis also store nutrients and energy. As we age, the hypodermis begins to shrink, contributing to the thinning of skin.
Your skin also has millions of tiny holes called pores. Pores are formed by a folding-in of the epidermis into the dermis. The skin cells that line the pores are constantly being shed, just like the cells of the epidermis. Your pores work hard by providing oxygenation, detoxing, cleansing, and penetration. The skin cells that line the pores (keratinocytes) are continuously shed, just like the cells of the epidermis at the top of the skin.  If you are thirsty for more detailed information about skin check out this article. 

lesliebaumannmd.com/understanding-the-skin-and-its-components/

Okay,I think I may have heard a few yawns out there so let's move on to WHY and HOW you should use Cranberry Seed Oil.
Tweet and let others know why they should use cranberry seed oil.
Why?  Cranberry Seed Oil gives skin an instant softness. You may find yourself petting your face. Or maybe a stranger will want to pet you. Either way, once you've applied your oil that is packed full of essential nutrients, fatty acids and antioxidants you'll notice a difference. It is your skin saying thank you for the support in providing a protective layer for your skin cells. As you age, your skin produces less oil which can exaggerate the look of wrinkles. Cranberry Seed Oil can reduce the look of your wrinkles because it contains antioxidants that can quickly pass into the epidermis preventing water loss. This will keep your skin plump. Cranberry Seed Oil boosts collagen production and strengthens skins elasticity. Now I'm not saying it will make you look like you have a plastic face like many Hollywood starlets (thank goodness), but it will help reduce fine lines. So as you can see Cranberry Seed Oil is perfect for aging skin. Check out this awesome resource I found. It is an ingredient dictionary for skin care products. Look up Cranberry Seed Oil. It ranks it as BEST for skin.
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www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary?crefn1=name-first-letter&crefv1=C
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What about acne-prone or oily skin though?
Cranberry Seed Oil can help balance your skins oil production, get rid of excess oils and minimize appearance of pores. The antibacterial properties in this oil can dissolve excess sebum and remove grime and fats from pores. Cranberry Seed Oil is non-comedogenic. So it should not clog pores. The trick is to remember that just a little bit goes a long way. It may take a week or so for your skin to get used to the application of oil. My skin broke out a little bit at first in a few trouble spots. But I kept applying the oil knowing it was what my skin was craving. After a week or so, my skin thanked me and decided that it really liked this new skin care routine. 
​What about sensitive skin?
Cranberry Seed Oil fights free radicals with its antioxidant properties. It helps protect skin and combat future damage by reducing cellular oxidation. Cranberry Seed Oil also has anti-inflammatory properties which means it can calm the skin and reduce redness and irritation. 
What about dry skin?
Dry skin means that your skin is struggling to make enough sebum. This quick absorbing, nutrient dense oil helps to deeply moisturize and smooth your skin. It helps to balance your skin. For dehydrated skin you may want to use a hydrating serum first, followed by the Cranberry Seed Oil. You can use oil as part of your morning and evening skin care regime. 
So as you can see, oil is actually very beneficial to all skin types. It may take some experimenting with it to see how it works best for you. 
How?
Our skin needs both oil and water. So even though we've talked about how oil is a great moisturizer it is still missing a key ingredient. Water. And your moisturizer is missing (or just simply doesn't have a beneficial amount of) oil. I prefer to put the oil on first then add a moisturizer. I've heard that some prefer it the other way around. Experiment. See what works best for you. I do know that Cranberry Seed Oil is a great vehicle to get your serum or moisturizer beneficial properties to penetrate the skin more efficiently. Bonus! 
So a sample skin care routine using an oil might look like this:

1. Cleanse your skin
2. Apply toner
3. Apply oil (apply by putting 2-3 drops in palm of hand, rub hands together and then pat it onto skin and glide across using the whole hand)
4. Apply moisturizer

Wa-la! Now give yourself a pat on the back for trying something new. Something natural. Something so packed full of nutrients and benefits that it just can't be wrong!
​

 Lately I've been asked, "How do you get cranberry seed oil?" 
My answer: "It's a very pressing operation." Ha.
In all seriousness, it's a long labor intensive operation. Especially when you consider everything that it takes to grow a cranberry. Growing cranberries is such a unique industry I feel compelled to tell you our story. Bear with me.
My husband and I (high school sweethearts) were away at college together when he came up with the idea of starting a cranberry farm. His family already owned some acreage with enough reservoirs to sustain a marsh.  So armed with an old giant bulldozer he went to work sculpting the land. He was a one man show for a long time. Not sure how at the infantile age of 19 he even knew what he was doing. He worked long hours. Sun up to sun down. I remember when he'd come home from work all you could see were the whites of his eyes, as he would be covered head to toe in dirt. After a lot of investment in time and money we finally were ready to plant our first vines. 
It's a test of patience as you cannot harvest from those vines for at least three years. And production isn't at full speed until year 4 or 5. It's a struggle waiting to reap your first harvest. But seeing those beautiful red berries in the fall was worth the wait. Times were good back then. We were paid handsomely for our labor. But almost 30 years later our industry is hurting. It actually costs more to grow and harvest our berries than what we get paid. For now we are holding on, hoping for change. Trying to diversify. But our farm still needs to be cared for.
Cranberry beds (or bogs) need year round care. Springtime is a when you work hard to ensure that your buds are healthy and protected from frost. This includes applying fertilizer, fungicides or insecticides. It also includes purchasing lots of honey bee hives to pollinate the little pink flowers that blossom and eventually turn into berries. Might I add that still to this day I run like a fool when I see a bee. Can't help it. Bee stings hurt. Springtime also means that someone needs to frost watch. When the nights are cool in the spring we irrigate to keep the buds from freezing. It is round the clock care. Almost like being in the intensive care unit.
When our Wisconsin summer finally decides to arrive we worry more about the pests, and making sure that the vines are not stressed from the heat. Keeping the right amount of moisture on the beds is a delicate dance. And just in case anyone is confused - cranberries do NOT grow IN water. The beds are only flooded for harvest.
When the leaves begin to change color so do our berries. They go from a bright green to a deep crimson red. The cool nights and fall sunshine help this process. Fall is the time of year that becomes all hands on deck. It is when we finally get to harvest. To reap what we've sown. The beds are flooded and the berries get knocked off the vines with either a picker or a harrow machine. Once the berries get tickled off the vines they float to the surface. The bed becomes a beautiful sea of red. (That's where you'll see those crazy guys from the Ocean Spray commercials).  
The berries then need to be conveyed off the beds, cleaned, sorted and sent away to a processing plant.
Once harvest is over there is a lot maintenance that needs to be taken care off. During the winter our beds need to be flooded again so that we can form layers of ice to protect them during our harsh Wisconsin winters. We also spread sand on the beds during the winter by driving a dump truck over the ice and spreading a thin layer of sand. This helps the vines grow during the spring. To learn more about cranberries visit Wisconsin Cranberries.

But what about the oil? 
Well, once our cranberries get processed at a local processor the seeds are expelled. The seeds are actually a by-product that in the past was discarded. We have arrangements to pick up the seeds. They come to us in large totes but are a very wet. In fact, it sometimes looks like a murder scene at our plant when the totes start to ooze out cranberry juice. 
It has been a trial and error process of learning how to effectively dry the seeds. It's not like there are books on it. Even Google is silent on the process.
You have to be careful not to use too much heat because you ruin the integrity of the seed. The seeds have to be at a certain moisture level (sworn to secrecy on that percentage) before they can be pressed. We currently are tumbling the seeds with the right amount of heat and moisture control. It takes a few days just to dry one tote. 
Once the seeds are dried they can be pressed. A hopper above the press receives the dry seed and it funnels down into a press. The press is essentially a large screw looking thing that applies enough pressure to squeeze out the oil. One side of the press, oil is released and the other side has another by product which is called press cake. Some companies are using this press cake for protein powder formulas. I have found that it works as a great colorant to bath and body products. 
Anyhow, so now we have a container of 100% Pure Cold Pressed cranberry seed oil. The oil then needs to sit for awhile and settle. After a few weeks, the oil is ready to be poured into containers using a fine mesh filter. 

Fun Fact: It takes a full semi load of cranberries to make just 5 gallons of oil.
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Our seeds are never exposed to chemicals or cleaners. Our cold press process ensures that all the goodness of cranberries is present in the oil. It's amazing to think about how such a tiny little seed harnesses so much potential. 
Thanks for listening but I have a pressing matter to attend to. 

Every February when my husband and I have had enough of ice, snow, shoveling, and winter coats we pack up our suitcases and head to Florida. There is no better place in my opinion to recharge our frozen bodies than the crystal white sands of Siesta Key. We were very fortunate this year because the area was having record breaking high temperatures. The days were in the mid 80's and full of sunshine. We spent countless hours on the beach, in the water and on a boat. It truly put our sunscreen to the test. Trying to live up to my new mantra of natural is better, I opted for a "healthy" sunscreen this time. 

Do you think manufacturer's purposefully print the ingredient list in microscopic print because they know it's too much work to find your reading glasses? 

Preparing for my first day out in the sun I slathered on my new found healthy alternative to avoid a sunburn and skin cancer. I squeezed out a healthy portion in my hand and applied it to my face. Much to my surprise, when I looked in the mirror I resembled a Japanese hostess otherwise known as a geisha. Only then did I search for my glasses to see just what I was putting on my face. 

I know. I know. Practice what you preach girl. 

But I did read the front of the bottle which assured me that it was healthy and contained no chemicals. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
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Aha. Glasses on. Now I can see even though there is a glare coming off my stark white face. Active ingredient: 4.8% titanium dioxide. Hmm. I thought we were told to avoid that stuff...  

http://www.safecosmetics.org/get-the-facts/chemicals-of-concern/titanium-dioxide-2/
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​https://drjockers.com/titanium-dioxide/

After spending hours researching this titanium dioxide stuff I'm still not sure. I guess it comes down to who you want to believe. I did notice that this "healthy alternative" did not protect my skin as well as Coppertone, which I also used with a much lower SPF.

So I guess we are left to pick our poison. Sunburn, chemicals, skin cancer... oh I thought this vacation was supposed to be rejuvenating! 

Here comes the product pitch.  Wait for it. Wait...

Guess what helped my sunburned skin?!

If you were thinking Cranberry Seed Oil than you and I are soul mates. I slathered on our delightful ALL NATURAL oil all over my face twice a day. My skin did not blister or peel. Now I'm just left with a tan. Scouts honor. 
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If you are still reading this, I bet you are wondering when the heck you get to hear about the police report.  Well pull up a chair and let me tell you about this wonderful crazy world we live in. 
My husband and I flew from Milwaukee to Tampa. We stayed at a Marriott near the airport in Milwaukee and payed for the Park Here, Fly there stay. Nice. Convenient. Easy. Got a great parking spot under a bright light right up front to the building and next to the door. Perfect.  
We waved goodbye to his truck as we left the hotel in the free shuttle service bound for the airport. No worries.

That was until we returned to the truck just 9 days later. 

As we pulled back into the hotel parking lot, recharged and rejuvenated but eager to sleep in our own beds, we heard the shuttle driver ask "Did you leave a window open?"
Say what?
While we were away, someone decided that what we had in our truck they deserved more than us. To enter the locked vehicle, they brutally smashed the driver side window into tiny little pieces. These little shards of glass lay all over the seats, floor and dash. They then decided that they should hurry along so they ransacked through all of our belongings. Throwing the insides of his console all about the truck. 
What did they steal?
My winter jacket. My favorite winter jacket. A bag full of dirty clothes from the night at the hotel. Hope they wash and return. My cardigan sweater. My favorite cardigan sweater. And that's it. Not much taken. Left behind were the Oakley sunglasses -still hanging on the visor. The $50 cash in the console- untouched. The various tools scattered about my husbands work truck - still scattered. So what gives? The police officer thought perhaps a ring of keys lying on the seat gave the hoodlums the idea that they could steal the truck because the keys were inside. Little did they know that my husband (owner of a multitude of buildings and businesses) has so many keys that it'd make any custodian feel inferior. The key to the truck though was resting along with us in beautiful Siesta Key. 

It's now 11:00 pm and we still have nearly a three hour ride home in a glass riddled truck with no window. We're tired, grumpy, cold and pissed. Time to call the police and file a police report. Time to use the hotels vacuum cleaner and clear away as much glass as we can. Did I mention that we haven't had dinner yet? 
It was a very long loud COLD ride home. 42 degrees was a stark difference from the mid 80's we just came from. Luckily we found an old flannel shirt and a sweatshirt to wrap around our heads to seal in some heat. Our ears kept popping from the wind blowing around the cab. We couldn't have a conversation without yelling over the noise of the interstate. Oh, and the smells! I didn't realize Wisconsin had so many God awful smells. The skunks came out in droves to leave behind their pleasantries. Every farmer must have decided it was a good day to spread manure. Of course, don't forget about the lovely paper mill smells.  Heat on full throttle, heated seats turned all the way up. Still so c-c-c-cold. 
No longer recharged and rejuvenated we returned home to central Wisconsin. None the worse for wear we survived an assault on our personal property. We have a good story to tell and thanks to cranberry seed oil I still have my tan. 

 Now that I have your attention...
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     The average woman wears  515   chemicals on the average day.

Say what?! Yes, you read that correctly. 515 different chemicals are infiltrating your body as you read this. And that's just what you put ON your body. What about the room fragrance, the detergent in your clothing, the chemicals leaching off the sofa you're sitting on? It seems like every day we learn about something new that is bad for us that we once so joyously consumed, felt, or breathed. Think about non-stick cookware, flip flops, anti bacterial soap, Q-tips, microwave popcorn, sunscreen, plastic bottles, plastic anything, carbs. I'm sure I could go on until I am in such a tizzy that I won't sleep tonight... on my  dust mite infested mattress snuggled under the sheets once dipped in formaldehyde. Seriously. Google it.
It's crazy to think about how our world has changed in the last 50 years. We've become slaves to convenience and numb to the warnings we hear every day. We believe everything that manufacturers tell us because we want to. It's easier that way. Someone once told me "Hey, something needs to kill me". But do we really want to just throw our hands up and say come get me? Probably not yet. 

Do you want to know what's lurking in your bathroom drawers? Here's just a few of the 515.

• BHT - used as a preservative in skin care products, shown to have toxic effects in lung tissue
• Parabens - another preservative, interferes with hormone production 
• Propylene Glycol - keeps products from melting or freezing, found in anti-freeze, linked to cancer
• Ethylene Oxide - used in shampoos, classified as a known human carcinogen
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - a foaming agent, causes problems in brain, heart & liver
• Fragrance - makes stuff smell good, linked to allergies, dermatitis, irritability, & depression
• FD & C Color & Pigments - synthetic colors from coal tar that deposit heavy metal salts in skin, almost all are carcinogenic
• Triclosan - antibacterial ingredient, registered as a pesticide, causes cancer
• Diethanolamine (DEA) - helps provide a rich lather, exposure to high doses has been linked to liver cancer and precancerous changes in skin and thyroid 

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So what do we do? We become informed. READ LABELS.

Since we've started this business I have been paying attention to what I put on my skin. No, I haven't abandoned all the products that I like. I'm not that resourceful. Yet. But if I can swap out a few things at a time, I am making progress towards a healthier lifestyle. So, tonight before you go to bed check out your face wash, toothpaste, and lotion. When you wake up in the morning vow to swap out one of those products for a healthy one. I happen to know a great all natural superior moisturizer.
​Sweet dreams! ​

Have you ever wondered what it'd be like to be a cranberry farmer?  As with any job there are certain things you need to know in order to do it well. People are often amazed if not at least curious when they hear that we grow cranberries. They can't help but ask questions to see how well they know the industry. My favorite question is "so they grow in water right?" I thought it'd be fun to put together a little quiz (my teacher side of me is emerging) to see if you could be a cranberry farmer.  

1. Cranberries grow in water.  T or F
2. In order to protect the crop during winter months the vines have to be covered with ice.  T or F
3. Bees are brought out to the marsh to help with pollination. T or F
4. The Titan Beetle is a pest that damages the vines by destroying the foliage.  T or F
5. Sand is often spread over the cranberry beds. T or F
6. Farmers are currently getting paid record high prices. T or F
7. Chicken poop is an approved fertilizer for Organic Cranberries. T or F
8. Cranberry beds have to be flooded during harvest so that the vines go dormant.  T or F
9. There are different varieties of cranberries. T or F
10. The sun helps to turn the berries from green to red during late summer. T or F

Answers: 1 (F) cranberry vines would die if kept under water for too long  2 (T) when it gets very cold farmers flood the beds and build ice on top of the vines in order to protect them from the elements 3 (T) bees are a crucial part of the marsh during bloom 4 (F) The Titan Beetle is one of the largest beetles found in the rain forest 5 (T) sand is spread on during the winter by driving on the ice, the sand helps the vines grow 6 (F) farmers are unfortunately being paid at record low prices with some buyers paying less than what it costs to produce 7 (T) chicken poop is often used on organic cranberry farms 8 (F) while it's true that the beds are flooded during harvest it is because the berries need to get knocked off and float to the top in order to be picked up 9 (T) many varieties exist including Stevens, Hi-Reds & Sundance  10 (T) sunshine and cool nights help to turn berries into a beautiful red color

How'd you do? 
8 or more correct:  You should come work on our marsh!
5-7 correct: Not bad. Come on out to the marsh. You know you'd look good in waders.
​Less than 5 correct: Don't quit your day job.

Brag it up! Share your test results below. After all, we are always looking for good help.