If you’ve ever gazed at the beautiful tinsel sparkling on your Christmas Tree and wondered who came up with idea of decorating the tree in this way, wonder no longer. According to the legend, it signifies a Christmas miracle from many years ago.

2020 has been a challenging year for many, young and old.  Our day to day routines were upended, our future became unpredictable and our in-person social interactions risky. Too many people have lost family members, freinds, jobs, homes, or savings. Many are facing long term health problems  The year has been stressful to say the least. 

So what exactly are we thankful for this Thanksgiving?

If you look at ingredients in body wash, you might see SLS, an anionic surfactant used in detergents to create foam. Coconut milk creates a natural foam in handmade soap.

For September, we've added two hurricane Laura relief funds to our "You Shop. We Give" widget featured in our Giving Back Program. 

The massive storm made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane near the Louisiana-Texas border. Recovery could take weeks. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic creates additional challenges. 

Let's Have Some Good Clean Fun!

Are you a Xylophile? A Thalassophile? Or a Bohemian at Heart?

Take this completely non-scientific seven question quiz to find out!

In addition to considering SFP factors when shopping for the best protection for your skin, those of us who live by and love the ocean often factor which type of sunscreen to use based on its effect on coral reefs and other marine wildlife.

The Victorian novelist Elizabeth Gaskell once wrote: "I would far rather have two or three Lilies of the Valley gathered for me by a person I like, than the most expensive bouquet that could be bought!" 

In folklore, Lily of the Valley is said to protect gardens from evil spirits and is also considered the flower of fairies, who drink from its tiny cups.  In Breaking Bad, it was revealed to be the source of young Brock's illness that Jesse assumed was from the ricin intended for Gus Fring. 

It's delicate, but mightly powerful.

The easy to identify scent of patchouli essential oil is rich, earthy and strong. It stimulates the senses; as deep a mystery and as dark as the night itself. We love patchouli soap blends so much at Island Thyme Soap Company we'd marry it if we could. But not everyone is a fan.

Patchouli: A Love or Hate Relationship

Last month we focused on three charities for our Giving Back Program that provide food security assistance to those most affected by the coronavirus crisis. This month we turn in heartbreak and inspiration to those peacefully marching across the globe to send this singular message loud and clear:

BLACK LIVES MATTER

Because No One Should Go Hungry

Last month we announced the names of the three charities Island Thyme Soap Company chose to feature in our Giving Back Program as we continue to move through coronavirus crisis. During this time of uncertainty and spiking unemployment, many in the Tampa Bay area are struggling with essentials, like groceries. Today we're highlighting the featured charity that's making the biggest impact on our immediate neightbors. 

Feeding America Tampa Bay