Serene & Clean

The New Holistic Health Examiner

2009-11-30T07:19:00.003-05:00

I am very excited to announce that I have been named as the new Holistic Health Examiner for the Examiner-dot-com! Here you can find articles on everything from alternative methods of reducing holiday stress to finding a medical doctor who treats their patients with a holistic approach.

If you have ideas or requests for topics related to holistic health please feel free to comment here or to email me directly at niki@theserenestore.com

Holiday Unwind

2009-11-24T08:21:00.004-05:00

With the US Thanksgiving just a few days away and the rest of the holiday season just around the corner I'm already feeling the stress of the holidays. Hmm, maybe stress is too strong of a word. The pressure? As a business owner who creates and sells products, often given as gifts, this is one of our busiest times of year. And of course we would NEVER complain about such a thing. Ever. But it seems that no matter how well you plan and project you're never quite ready for the unexpected. But that's what makes life so much fun right? The unexpected. The daily surprises, big and small.

But even with all the wonderful surprises and excitement and hustle & bustle brewing around Serene this time of year I find I still need time for me, time to unwind and just chill for a bit. Especially since, in addition to all the Serene work, my husband and I are in the midst of a somewhat major addition to our home (structural additions, that's not a euphemism for me being pregnant or anything like that!). So to say it's been hectic around here is a major understatement. So that brings me back to ME time.

I've tried many things over the years to relax, unwind, calm down. Running. Then walking when my body decided running was too much. A glass of wine. Or 3. Reading. And while all of those would help a little, none of them really seemed to do it for me, deep down. That's when I tried meditating. I won't pretend and say that I sat down one day and BAM, I was in a state of bliss. My mind quiet. My body relaxed. Finding my great purpose in life. Um, no, I would definitely not say that was the case. But what I did find was that after doing it over and over and over (and over and over) again my mind actually did start to quiet down. My body did relax. Even my over-clenched jaw seemed to let go. And while I have not seen a grand vision of my destiny in this lifetime, I have had amazing ideas and (waking) dreams come to me during that quiet time. But sometimes in the midst of the chaos of everyday life I forget to take those relatively few minutes and quiet my mind. Go to that place where "It's All Good". So I have to remind myself every day to take this time for ME. And in turn I know it actually helps those around me (I'm not so abrupt and, shall we say, fussy).

So here's a reminder to myself, and to all of you, be sure to take time for YOU, especially during this crazy time of year. It will make you AND everyone around you feel better.

SUPER SALE- this weekend ONLY

2009-11-20T12:37:00.005-05:00

THIS WEEKEND ONLY you will receive an astonishing 25% off ALL Serene Bath & Body products!! That's everything in the Celestial Farms line as well as our all new organic Persephone's Wish line! Use Promo Code NOW25OFF at checkout to get your discount.
Hurry because this sale ends at midnight THIS Sunday!!

What better time to finish your holiday shopping?? Pick up some fabulous holiday packaged gift sets like these or perhaps some fabulous liquid foaming soaps for yourself- they're perfect for the kitchen or the bath. And don't forget- if you spend $30 or more not only will you get 25% off your ENTIRE order but you will also receive a free Serene rubber duck!
Come on, let's go shopping!

Soap of the Month Clubs

2009-11-09T13:05:00.003-05:00

We at Serene Bath & Body are REALLY excited to announce the start of our Soap of the Month Club! This is a fun new offering that can be given as a fabulous gift OR why not treat yourself to something special like this! We have numerous levels of membership (18 in total!!) and can be as simple as 1 bar of all natural or organic soap every month or as luxurious as 3 bars of soap PLUS an extra VIP gift which can vary from our all natural lotions, Dead Sea salt scrubs, foaming liquid soaps, or lip balms. But wait, there's more!! With each 6 or 12 month membership you (or your gift recipient) will receive an adorable Serene rubber ducky.

There's no better gift this holiday season? Let's look at why-

1.It's fast and easy for you. Just go here and shop from the comfort and privacy of your own computer.
2. You will be showing that special someone that you're thinking of them ALL YEAR! Just imagine your gift recipient getting that fun and fantastic package from Serene Bath & Body every month! Each time they get that package they will remember what a wonderful and generous person you are.
3.You will be giving the gift of all natural and organic bath & skin care products. Show them how much you really care by giving them gifts that actually nourish their body without added chemicals and other nasties that can adversely effect them and the environment.

So get shopping!
And as always-
~Be Serene~

Rubber Ducky You're The One

2009-11-04T12:38:00.005-05:00

How adorable are these rubber ducks? They're sporting their little spa robes and cucumbers on their eyes. Well now you can get your very own FOR FREE when you spend $30 or more at Serene Bath & Body. And with our new holiday gift sets now available it's the perfect time to go shopping! Get your holiday shopping done early this year (we'll even personalize your gifts), maybe get yourself a little something too AND get one of these ducks!! You just can't beat that!

"Rubber ducky you're the one...
you make bath time lots of fun..."

Check out our new website

2009-11-01T16:41:00.003-05:00

I'm really excited to announce the roll out of Serene Bath & Body's updated website! We have new product info, new pictures and even a new newsletter to sign up for. Be sure to sign up too because you'll be the first to receive coupons and info on sales!! We promise not to give your email address away and if you ever get sick of hearing about fabulous all natural bath care we'll remove you from the list. So check it out!!

~BE SERENE~

Holiday Gift Sets are in!!

2009-10-24T10:29:00.003-04:00

You might be thinking- hey, it's only October, it's not even Halloween yet, I don't need to start thinking about holiday shopping yet! But the holidays will be here before you know it! And why not give the gift of Serenity this season? The Serene Bath & Body holiday gift sets are in and ready to ship. We have sets as low at $10.99 and ultra luxurious sets selling at a steal of only $49.95!! If you bought all of the products in these lux sets individually they would cost you more than $75! Plus they come in a fabulous hat box. Check out just a few of our sets below. And they go buy some!!

P.S. We're offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $10!!! Use Promo code SHIP4NOT at checkout!!

MEGA SALE!

2009-10-16T07:22:00.003-04:00

An unprecedented 25% off your order of only $10 or more at Serene Bath & Body!! This amazing sale only lasts until midnight this Sunday so get your soapy on and go shopping!! Use Promo Code 250OFFSER at checkout.

And be sure to check back soon because our new, extra lux gift sets will be for sale soon- just in time for the holiday season!!

Friends of Nest

2009-10-02T07:50:00.003-04:00

Serene Bath & Body is excited to announce that we have become one of the Friends of Nest! What's Nest you ask? Nest is a nonprofit organization that empowers female artists and artisans around the world. They use a unique combination of interest-free microfinance loans, mentoring from established designers, as well as a market in which to sell their crafts, which helps Nest's loan recipients create successful small businesses. Nest instills pride of ownership, preserves ancient artistic traditions and successfully moves women from poverty to self-sufficiency.

We believe in what those at Nest are creating so we've become a Friend of Nest. This means that Serene is donating 20% of the sales of qualifying products to support Nest and the women they are working with around the world. Your purchase of these products directly supports their efforts.

We've selected some of our most popular products to be in the Nest family. You can go directly to our Nest products page here and you can also read about a few of them below.

Help Nest and these women around the world by making your purchase today!

Goddess Lotion

Release your Inner Goddess. A blessed and charged moonstone has been added to this lotion, vibrating with feminine wisdom and Goddess energy. This creates a reflective, calming energy and serves to strengthen intuition, psychic perception and bring balance and harmony with the Divine.

Goddess Bar Soap

Release your inner Goddess with one of our best selling soaps in this powerful Goddess shaped mold. A blessed and charged moonstone has been added to this soap, vibrating with feminine wisdom and Goddess energy. This creates a reflective, calming energy and serves to strengthen intuition, psychic perception and bring balance and harmony with the Divine. 3.5 oz.

Eve's Garden Foaming Liquid Soap

Discover Love with this seductive blend of fruits and florals. This delectable scrub is filled with the aromas of jasmine & light rose. These scents, along with the addition of a rose quartz crystal, help one to balance & intertwine earthly desires with the higher planes of love.

The Fall Equinox is Upon Us

2009-09-21T07:00:00.002-04:00

Some of you may have read this recent article published at Explore Your Spirit but I thought since the first day of Fall is tomorrow I would re-post the article here. You don't have to be "in to crystals" or anything like that to benefit from the bathing ritual described below. And even if you don't have any of our bath products you can do the ritual with any old soap or salt scrub you have at home. The important part of the ritual is the intention and the energy you put into it. It's not hard, it doesn't take long AND it's a lot of fun. And I bet you'll feel pretty darn good afterward too!

Fall is my favorite time of year. Every summer, right around the end of August, I start getting that itch, that nagging feeling that I’m ready for the seasons to change. I do love all of the seasons and celebrate the coming and going of each one but for me there’s something extra special about Fall. I love everything about that time of year- the beauty in the colors of the changing leaves, the smell of mulled apple cider on cool evenings, the sound of honking geese as they fly south for the winter, and that warm snuggly feeling you get when you put your favorite sweater on for the first time that season. It feels like a magical time to me when we finally get a reprieve from the long hot summer.

Spiritually, one of my favorite things about this change of seasons is the Fall Equinox and the rituals that are associated with it. I believe, as many others do, that the Fall Equinox is the true Thanksgiving. It is the time of the harvest and a time to look back on the past year and reflect on what we have experienced and learned. It is a time of gratitude and abundance. The equinox is the perfect time to release excess baggage or stagnant energy you may be carrying so that you can start the new year (November 1) with a clean slate.

There are a number of rituals that can be done during this time and, being that I own a holistic bath products company, one of my personal favorites is a ritual bath or shower. Unfortunately most people on most days don’t really think about their bath or shower- except to think they need one. I think that people would be much happier in general and certainly happier with their bodies if they were more mindful and thoughtful during their bathing time. What we are thinking about during that very personal time can have a great impact on our physical and emotional well-being. There is much more to go into on this topic but we’ll save that for another time. For now let’s focus on what we should be doing for the Fall Equinox. There are many good resources available that can guide you on rituals for your house and home but again, we’re going to focus on a bathing ritual.

I do this ritual the day before the official Equinox day. I do this so that I can focus on other rituals and celebrations related to my home and family on the day of the actual Equinox. Because this is the time to reflect on all of my actions (and inactions) and experiences over the past year I light a candle and spend some time sitting quietly and thinking of all that has come to pass since the last Fall Equinox. I think about the lessons I have learned and those that I am still working on. I try to pay close attention to any negative thoughts or energy I may have. I also try to think about the seeds that I want to sow in the spring, the lessons and adventures I want to take on in the coming year. When I feel like I have gone over the past year and my experiences and taken note of any negative thoughts and energy I want to be rid of I get into the shower. I actually prefer a shower to a bath for this particular ritual because once I am in the shower I take all of those negative thoughts and energy and I visualize them being washed away as the water washes over me. I see them swirling down the drain, away from and out of me. When I feel that my etheric body has been cleansed I move on to my physical body. For this particular ritual I use the the White Light soap from our Celestial Farms product line. This soap has a clear quartz crystal embedded in it which is useful here because clear quartz enhances energy by absorbing and balancing it- which is exactly what we want at this time- absorbing (negative energy) and balancing (equinox literally means equal night or balance). I wash my body with the soap (and the embedded crystal) from head to toe, all the while thanking the Universe for all that I have and all that I am. Since I am bathing I pay particular attention to my body and I say things out loud such as, “I am thankful for the body I have been given in this life. I am grateful for all that is has done for me and I treat it with love and respect”. I also take a few moments to give thanks for my family and friends, for the life that I have and for the coming year. Once I have rinsed the soap from my body I use the White Light Dead Sea salt scrub where I gently exfoliate and purify my body with the therapeutic energy of the Dead Sea. The salt scrub also has a clear quartz crystal in it so I know I’m doing even more to absorb negative energy and keep myself balanced. Once I have rinsed the salt scrub off I am ready to get out of the shower. As I towel myself off I visualize myself surrounded in a blanket of White Light and I say out loud, “I am surrounded by Pure White Light and all that happens, happens for good”.

And remember it’s Thanksgiving so give thanks and live abundantly!

Mommy PR Product Review

2009-09-17T09:06:00.001-04:00

Check out a great product review for Serene Bath & Body at Mommy PR. You too can win some FREE products from Serene Bath & Body!

Cleaning- That's Sunshine Cleaning

2009-09-02T07:25:00.003-04:00

Ok so this is not a post about my business or soaps or cleaning your fine selves with products from Serene. It's actually more of a movie review. Or maybe more accurately a movie recommendation. I'm sure most people have already seen Sunshine Cleaning. I'm one of those people who is slow to watch movies, only going to the theater for something I am just dying to see. Usually I just wait for Netflix.

So last night hubby and I sat down to watch Sunshine Cleaning- a movie about two sisters who start a crime scene cleaning business for the simple purpose of making some good money, fast. In the begining I was not so interested in the story line as I was in the great cast- Amy Adams, Emily Blunt, and Alan Arkin. But as I watched and as the characters developed I fell in love with this film. I don't want to say too much and give it all away (not that it's a cliff hanger or anything, no secret plot twist, etc. but some things are better left to developing in the film) but some of the scenes and flash backs were deep and moving and yet so simple.

There is a scene where the young, troubled son uses the CB radio to "talk to the heavens" as he's been told he can do by a slimy used car salesman. The boy has been told he's stupid and is going to be placed in "the retard class", as he puts it. In reality he's not stupid at all. In fact he's quite intelligent and curious and inquisitive. He sneaks outside in the middle of the night and pushes the button on the CB and asks, "what was I before I was born? What happens when we die? Can you see everything down here? If you don’t believe in heaven, where do you go when you die?". Aren't these questions we all ask at some point in our lives? Isn't this what its all about?

Having to deal with death throughout most of the movie, the sisters have to deal with their own mother's suicide that took place when they were young girls. And through this process we see that they are able to help people deal with the death and associated emotions of their loved ones.

I love this movie. I'm not a movie reviewer but if I was to recommend or suggest a movie this would be one on the top if my "IT" list.

Bathing Rituals for Fall

2009-09-01T08:06:00.001-04:00

Visit the Explore Your Spirit with Kala and her Bohemian Blog and read about bath rituals for the coming Fall Equinox.

Campaign for Safe Cosmetics

2009-08-29T12:19:00.007-04:00

Serene Bath & Body is proud to announce that we have signed the Compact in the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is working to protect your health by eliminating the use of chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and other health problems.

You can visit their Skin Deep Cosmetic Database and search for your favorite cosmetic or bath care product and check out the hazard score. You might be surprised by what you find.

New Product Review & Giveaway

2009-08-26T12:30:00.004-04:00

Check out the most recent Serene Bath & Body product review and giveaway at sweeps4bloggers!
You can win some FREE goodies from Serene including our new All Natural Rosemary & Mint Lip Balm made with certified organic ingredients. YUM!

The Natural Living Expo 2009

2009-08-12T12:28:00.005-04:00

If you live in the New England region or plan to be there in mid-September then you need to make you way over to the Natural Living Expo in Sturbridge, MA.

This fantastic expo features over 75 workshops, concerts & activities for adults and kids that are included with your admission!Not to mention the 135 exhibitors showing and selling holistic and all natural products and services.

Less than 60 miles from Boston and Hartford and a short (and beautiful!) weekend drive for those of you in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and eastern NY. And what a great time of year to visit the area! I grew up in upstate NY and I miss this time of year in the north. The turning leaves. The cooler air. The scents of fall filling the air. Mmmm.

And did I mention that Serene Bath & Body is a sponsor of the Sample Bar at the Expo? Well we are! And that means if you stop by the sample bar you will receive, among other fabulous freebies, a small gift from Serene Bath & Body. At this show we're giving away a free tube of our new All Natural Rosemary & Mint Lip Balm, made with certified organic pomegranate seed oil and other luscious all natural and organic ingredients. You will also receive a promo code that will give you 15% off your next purchase at Serene Bath & Body!

So mark your calendars now and plan a weekend in Sturbridge for the Natural Living Expo!

Interview with Kala

2009-08-10T07:12:00.003-04:00

I'm very excited to share an interview I had with Kala at The Examiner! Check out the interview and get FREE SHIPPING using the Promo code at the end of the interview.

Organic Trade Member

2009-08-07T09:05:00.004-04:00

Serene Bath & Body is very excited to announce that we have just joined the Organic Trade Association. OTA's mission is to promote and protect the growth of organic trade to benefit the environment, farmers, the public and the economy. OTA envisions organic products becoming a significant part of everyday life, enhancing people's lives and the environment.

Their mission and vision mesh perfectly with Serene as we too strive to do our part in making organic bath care and skin care products a part of everyday life.

Come check out the newly updated website for more information.

Press Release- New Soap

2009-08-03T10:45:00.002-04:00

Check out our most recent press release introducing our new Pomegranate Citrus Soap.

Product Review

2009-07-29T12:43:00.002-04:00

Prissy Green's site was down for a few days but she's back up and better than ever. Take a look at her awesome review of some of the soaps and lotions from our Celestial Farms line. There's also an opportunity for some FREE products so go check it out!
Thanks Karissa!

New Serene Website

2009-07-27T10:14:00.002-04:00

Check out the new and improved Serene Bath & Body website! In celebration of the kickoff of the new site we're offering 20% off EVERYTHING in the store! Just purchase $25 of products and use the promo code 20SERENE at checkout.

Hurry though, the sale only lasts until this Friday at noon!

Product Review

2009-07-26T16:29:00.002-04:00

Check out a great review of some of our Celestial Farms products at Prissy Green. Karissa is a young woman with a passion for all things green. She makes her own skin care products and even makes her own laundry soap! She also has a blog where she honestly reviews green products. Check out what she has to say about us!

Moonstone Guest Blog

2009-07-23T07:23:00.003-04:00

Check out my most recent guest blog discussing the mysticism of moonstone at Explore Your Spirit With Kala here.

Crystals in my bath products?

2009-07-18T10:25:00.006-04:00

Serene Bath & Body is the home to two different bath product lines. The newest is Persephone's Wish which is a 100% natural line. Most of the Persephone's Wish products are made with certified organic ingredients as well. I'll talk more about our newest line next time because today I want to tell you about our other line, Celestial Farms. Celestial Farms is the line that Serene Bath & Body was founded upon.

So what makes Celestial Farms so different from every other bath product line out there? The answer is two-fold. The first is that we developed products designed to elicit certain emotions and experiences. We did this by being exceptionally thoughtful not just about the quality of the product (which of course we do) but also the scents we selected for each product. For example our Awaken line is jammed packed with citrus scents like orange, lemon, and grapefruit. Then we add just a smidge of peppermint to really get you going in the morning....or when you're feeling sleepy at your desk at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.

Then what we do is REALLY cool. This is my favorite part- we add crystals and gemstones to the products! That's right- a beautiful tumbled stone goes right into each and every product. If we continue looking at the Awaken line you will see that we add an aventurine crystal to all of those products. Aventurine is a fantastic crystal for many reasons and one of them is that its great at recharging and replenishing depleted energy reserves. So you combine the zippy citrus scents with the recharging power of the aventurine crystal and you've got quite an eye-opener!

If you look at the other products within the Celestial Farms line you will see this theme of combining wonderful scents and aromas along with just the right crystal to create an amazing experience*. You see, we at The Serene Team believe your bathing ritual should be just that- a ritual. An EXPERIENCE! Don't just rub some soap on your face or slap some lotion on your body. FEEL the products. Feel their energy. Feel your own energy change when you use them. Love you body.
And don't forget..
Always Be Serene.

*Other products in the Celestial Farms line include Goddess, Aura Enhancer, Eve's Garden, White Light, and Zen For Men.

Who Is Serene Bath & Body

2009-07-17T18:32:00.002-04:00

As a young woman, like many girls my age, I found myself with a poor body image and did not treat my body with the love and respect it deserved. One surefire way to lift my spirits when feeling down was shopping for and using sumptuous soaps and lotions. Nothing felt better than indulging in a little luxury (even if, while in college, the checkbook didn’t agree). The act of bathing with a wonderfully smelling soap and finishing with a silky smooth lotion created a sense of peace and well being. Through the years I was able to overcome my body issues and realized that everyone, especially young women, needed to learn to care for and respect their bodies- physical and otherwise. I wanted them to experience the same indulgence and feeling of serenity that I felt while caring for my body. This is what inspired Serene Bath & Body. I wanted to create products that would help young girls and women learn to love their bodies and treat them well by using high quality products that nourish the body, the mind, the spirit and the soul. Serene Bath & Body was founded in 2005.