I do a little thing around here where I post about ways that John and I try to become more environmentally friendly (and I invite people to link in with any of their recent “green posts”). I call it Project Support Beauty in Nature (PSBN) and I kind of declared that I would do that every month, on the second Monday of the month.
But I didn’t take into account the fact that:
a) At some point, the second Monday of the month would be when The Blood Curtain Dropped,
b) That when The Blood Curtain Drops, I can’t think of anything but yelling at my Uterus, angrily,
and
c) I’m a lazy douche, so obviously, at some point, I won’t remember to post the PSBN piece on the right day.
All this is to say that yesterday I was supposed to publish a PSBN post, but instead, I got all wrapped up in my menstruational emotions and berated my uterus for all to see, instead.
Somehow, I don’t think that’s going to save the earth. But sticking a funnel up there next month, instead of a tampon, just might. So I’m going to order a Diva Cup this month, and next month, when I’m feeling pretty angry at my girly parts again, I’ll test-drive it and let you all know how things went.
For now, I’ll mention that we’ve started using a different shower soap around here that’s “earth kind.” It’s called Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap/18-in-1 Hemp Pure-Castille Liquid Soap.
From the website:
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You can see the different fragrances here.
We’ve used 2 scents. The Lavender… um, it smells… interesting. But not in a bad way. It’s just that, well, it doesn’t particularly smell like lavender to me. ???
The peppermint one will kind of make your believe you’re a candy-cane. Compared to how I smell between my monthly showers, that’s not at all unpleasant, though.
You can use this stuff not only for body cleaning but also as shampoo – it’s an amazing all-in-one. If you have long hair, you’ll want to buy their conditioning product, b/c the soap will leave your hair a bit tangly. Other than that, it’s amazing. Cleans well, and leaves you feeling really fresh.
But I can’t talk about this stuff without mentioning the INSANE LABELS on the bottles.
Talk about some nutball-type mind control propaganda. Whew! They sure as hell want to make sure that when you buy their product you also buy into their entire philosophy on… well… everything batshit crazy under the sun, man.
(They probably have Internet Spies and will now send operatives to kill me, making the whole thing look like an accident. I am telling you all now, if I am found with a bottle of Pure Castille Soap crammed up my butt, it was NOT an accident, I did NOT fall on it! Lies! Lies!)
But on the serious, reading the labels of these soaps started making me feel that at any moment, I could be insanely driven to join a cult living in some remote place, perhaps the jungles of South America?
Random sampling of weirdness from the bottle:
“7th – Each swallow works hard to be perfect pilot – provider – builder – trainer – teacher – lover – mate, no half-true hate! So, each day like a bird, perfect thyself first! Have courage and smile my friend. Think and act 10 years ahead! And the man without fault? He’s dead! Do one thing at a time, work hard! Get done! Then teach friends & enemy the Moral ABC that unites all mankind free! Uniting One! All-One! Face the world with a smile, life is always worthwhile! To the fearless are given crowns, keep out the past, disappointments won’t last! Help unite mankind, or we’re wandering clowns! Diligent preparation, precede… spectacular restoration! So, help teach the whole human race, the Moral ABC’s All-One-God-Faith, lightning-like, for we’re All-One or None! All-One!!”
Uhhhhh, okay?
The whole bottle is covered with stuff like that, top to bottom, in tiny print.
Whenever I look at it for too long, I start wanting grape koolaid, for some reason.
Gotta go wash my hair and body with Pure Castille Soap now. If I start referring to my home as “The Compound” sometime soon, send help, okay?
#1 by Elizabeth on September 9, 2008 - 12:45 AM
I love that stuff (the bars anyway)–I used to use it to wash my face, but it ended up drying it out because my skin is ridiculous like that, but I use it as bath soap now with a loofah, and that works pretty well.
Elizabeths last blog post..Youth fades, love droops, the leaves of friendship fall…
#2 by Erica on September 9, 2008 - 12:53 AM
I just recently posted about natural soap too! I use Dr. Bronner’s for a hand soap. I read somewhere that the guy was a real nut case. I think his family runs the business now and just kept the labels as is.
Ericas last blog post..TSA Boob Security
#3 by flickrlovr on September 9, 2008 - 1:00 AM
My Mom loves this soap! I use it occasionally, and whenever I do, I like it too. It definitely leaves you feeling minty fresh. I feel like my skin just chewed a piece of Stride afterwards. But by God, the label? ZOMG. Cah-ray-zee, right? I started reading it one day and was like, “ummm, Mommmmm! what is this?!?” and she’s all “oh honey don’t pay attention to the bottle, it’s kind of strange”. Yeah, Dr. Bronner was one kooky lad.
#4 by KAT on September 9, 2008 - 1:14 AM
Ha! Dr. Bronners totally rocks. (Aside from the freaky labels.) Get the unscented, though. All the scents are weird, I think. Unscented doesn’t smell like much, just sorta soapy. I use it in the shower, have filled pretty pump bottles with it at every sink in the house. Even if you do use the scents, its the ONLY scented soap I’ve been able to find on the market that does NOT have weird ass chemicals in it making it smelly. It is also one of the few that is truly non-toxic.
And the DIVA CUP! YAY, do it, order that thing. I love mine. Weird to say you love your feminine products, but seriously. I love it.
KATs last blog post..My Husband Got Stabbed
#5 by Lilacspecs on September 9, 2008 - 1:18 AM
I’ve been using the Divacup since April and I love it. I wrote a few tips on my blog about it, but in general I’d say try not to start using it on a very heavy day…it can be slippery to handle at first, and do not, I repeat, DO NOT try to take it out before peeing. Pee first, then remove Divacup.
Or you will be covered in your own pee.
Lilacspecss last blog post..Cat-atonic
#6 by imaginary binky on September 9, 2008 - 1:32 AM
I actually know the Bronner family from my days as a fellow owner of a natural bodycare company. David, his grandson, is much more mellow and hippie-ish, and he’s at the forefront of the natural and organic movement in bodycare, especially in getting other companies to own up to their label claims. I dig that.
Dr. Bronner himself survived the Nazis, which attributes to his wackiness on the labels, or as they call it, his “urgent message to realize our transcendent unity across religious and ethnic divides.”
There is even a movie you can see about the history of Dr. Bronner, his sons, his message, and the humble way that the company is run. They were always a model of business to me. Just go to imdb and search for Dr. Bronner. It’s a great movie to add to a Netflix queue.
imaginary binkys last blog post..Sarah Palin doesn’t represent THIS Sarah
#7 by Veronica on September 9, 2008 - 1:34 AM
I think you should cover the bottle in water proof stickers and save yourself while you can!
Veronicas last blog post..Astounded
#8 by Maggie's Mind on September 9, 2008 - 2:11 AM
I am madly in *love* with my Diva Cup. I thought of mentioning it yesterday, but I was being a lazy douche then. I did a mini-post on the Diva Cup if you are interested (too lazy to link but you can search my posts if inclined). Much to love. Little to hate. There was a learning curve for me of a few times, and there was a moment of panic, but they do come back out even when all hope seems, um, lost. Then it gets easier.
Maggie’s Minds last blog post..Boxes
#9 by river on September 9, 2008 - 5:06 AM
I use a vegetable oil soap which has absolutely no fragrance or colouring. All “normal” soaps dry my skin and make me itch, since I have very dry skin anyway I’m glad I found the soap I now use. I can buy 13 cakes of it for $10:00, a real bargain since one cake lasts me about a month.
#10 by natalie on September 9, 2008 - 5:39 AM
diva cup. i must admit i have never ever heard of such a thing.
thankfully after a uterine ablation i don’t need to worry about it, but i bet i would have loved it before that!
natalies last blog post..A well-refined French experience…again.
#11 by Miss Britt on September 9, 2008 - 7:51 AM
Are you telling me my body wash is eating the Earth AND MY SOUL??
Shit.
Miss Britts last blog post..Who is this guy?
#12 by Miss Britt on September 9, 2008 - 7:51 AM
Oh! And! I’ve used the Diva Cup.
Not. a. fan.
Miss Britts last blog post..Who is this guy?
#13 by lceel on September 9, 2008 - 7:52 AM
You’re okay until you start calling him “Reverend”.
lceels last blog post..Happy Birthday To Me
#14 by It All Started With A Kiss on September 9, 2008 - 8:11 AM
I personally love the almond scent. But, trust me, it doesn’t taste AT ALL like it smells. Ha.
Those bottles… It’s kind of like reading the cereal box while eating breakfast. I’ve had fun coming up with what each letter would be for his Moral ABC.
#15 by Sticky on September 9, 2008 - 8:32 AM
Grape Kool Aid….that’s funny
Stickys last blog post..Bugs Bugs Bugs
#16 by Ree on September 9, 2008 - 9:25 AM
I love Castille bar soap (although the rest of my family hates it), but I didn’t know they made a liquid version.
Must look for it.
Rees last blog post..Maid of Honor – Past in Polaroids 5
#17 by celticbuffy on September 9, 2008 - 9:27 AM
I’ve used Dr. Bronner off and on, peppermint for me & lavender for the kids. They don’t like it but I do. Although, I don’t really like how it leaves my hair feeling. The bottles are entertaining in a strange way.
celticbuffys last blog post..Better Late than Never
#18 by missy wiggins on September 9, 2008 - 9:44 AM
That’s funny! I use that stuff sometimes and found myself trying to read the entire bottle after I was done with my shower. I was like, “wth?”
ANyways, great post! I wrote one but will post it in a while.
missy wigginss last blog post..Too soon to pack?
#19 by Athena on September 9, 2008 - 9:56 AM
We use veggie handsoap, body soap and face cleaner. I found them a long time ago and started using them because they smell so good! I only realized after buying the soap that it’s so clever and green. It’s great to smell good and save the planet too.
Athenas last blog post..color
#20 by Colleen - Mommy Always Wins on September 9, 2008 - 10:07 AM
What you posted from that bottle makes me think of a local “nut job” – a semi-homeless guy who drives around in what used to be a black station wagon. Its now covered in white block lettering from bumper to bumper, with signs filling the back windows – all of it about saving ourselves and being true to God. He drives it around town, complete with loudspeaker on top, so he can berate folks as they take nice family walks in the evening hours, traumatizing their 3-yr-olds. And yes, that DID happen to me. Dammit…
Contemplated the diva cup after reading other blogger’s reviews, but am very hesitant after the wrath my good ol uterus (I call her Utey, the bitch) inflicted upon me this month.
#21 by Colleen - Mommy Always Wins on September 9, 2008 - 10:08 AM
And for some reason my last post is never pulled in by CommentLuv, so the rest of y’all should come read my PSBN post too!
#22 by lynette on September 9, 2008 - 10:49 AM
I have the big GINORMOUS bottle of the peppermint. And I love, love LOVE it. I try not to read the bottle too intently, I’m scared I will be talked into giving up all of my worldly possesions, and shaving my head.
lynettes last blog post..Too Much Info
#23 by missy wiggins on September 9, 2008 - 10:56 AM
Okay. Posted my PSBN post.
All about the almighty Baking soda!
missy wigginss last blog post..Too soon to pack?
#24 by Queen of Shake Shake on September 9, 2008 - 12:26 PM
First the cloth diapers, now the Diva Cup. You are totally obsessed with me and are copying everything I do, aren’t you?
#25 by Queen of Shake Shake on September 9, 2008 - 12:26 PM
Oh, and let me add…
YAY FOR SILICONE CUPS UP MY HOO-HAA!
Queen of Shake Shakes last blog post..In a Galaxy Far, Far Away, James Bond Becomes My Lover
#26 by Lori on September 9, 2008 - 12:30 PM
That doesn’t even make sense to me. Sounds like some kindof legal hippieze. Weird.
I tried the Diva, but it always leaked. Now I just use cloth pads. They’re SO soft and I love them!
Loris last blog post..Being Frugal Part 1
#27 by Sarcastic Mom, aka Lotus on September 9, 2008 - 2:54 PM
Shake Shake,
I’m totally BUSTED.
Though, I doubt I’ll ever be as sexy a bitch as you.
Lotus:)
#28 by Military Wife on September 9, 2008 - 4:33 PM
I converted to cloth diapers over a month ago and I wrote a post about it: http://sahmilitarywife.blogspot.com/search/label/Cloth%20Diapers
#29 by Elisa on September 9, 2008 - 4:41 PM
I hate that soap, it doesn’t lather. But their shaving foam is delish.
#30 by Cassandra Rae on September 9, 2008 - 4:56 PM
Crazy bottle? Yes. But, certainly fabulous soap! I use it too.
Cassandra Raes last blog post..A Strange Place to Find Support!
#31 by Condo Blues on September 9, 2008 - 5:09 PM
I heard that people use Dr. Bonner’s for cleaning other things around the house. I didn’t realize that it was for bodies.
oops, I guess I should clarify that and say “for cleaning bodies.”
Condo Bluess last blog post..How to Hem Pants Into Shorts, Then Use the Pant Legs to Make a Hat!
#32 by Lottifish on September 9, 2008 - 5:14 PM
I’ll be interested to see how this diva cup thing goes. It seems a little scary/gross to me but I’m curious to hear your report of it. Keep up the good earth-saving work!
#33 by Raging Dad on September 9, 2008 - 5:41 PM
Yeah, that certainly seems like some strange language for a bottle of soap… And I’m not gonna ask what a “diva cup” is, I will just assume it is a nice glass, maybe like a brandy snifter, for drinking lady-like beverages from.
Raging Dads last blog post..Blaspheming, booted, blue-jeaned baby boy[s]
#34 by Elizabeth on September 9, 2008 - 6:01 PM
I picked up a travel size bottle of the Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap just because I had to read the label and ponder the craziness. I was also going to write a post about it but you beat me to it!
Elizabeths last blog post..“Baby Mama” Giveaway-tell me your crazy roommate story!
#35 by MaryAnn on September 9, 2008 - 7:12 PM
In addition to giving your life meaning and direction, Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap also works as a terrific flea/tick shampoo. Bring the Mexican into the shower some time, and let him share in the minty freshness.
#36 by Jinxy on September 9, 2008 - 7:21 PM
I use Dr. Bonner’s lemon (or maybe its just citrus) bar soap and I really like it.
I have a Moon Cup which is kind of the European equivalent of the Diva Cup. I really love it. I know that sounds weird to say about a menstrual product, but I do. It took me a couple of months to get really good at using it. But now I can’t live without it.
#37 by Karleigh on September 9, 2008 - 7:47 PM
Have you tried using it as toothpaste? The bottle says you can…
#38 by gooddog on September 10, 2008 - 6:59 PM
get the diva cup and report back. i’m DYING to hear about it. I never knew such a thing existed but facinating! (and thinking i may want to try it….) you’re always enlightening
#39 by Tranny Head on September 10, 2008 - 9:58 PM
I’m so impressed that you’re doing all these small things to be nicer to planet earth. What a good example for your son.
I, on the other hand, suck and still want mmy toilet paper.
*hangs head in shame*
Tranny Heads last blog post..Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It’s Halloween Shopping I Go!
#40 by JD on September 11, 2008 - 9:11 AM
Trader Joe’s makes a very comparable soap product. We use it around here to clean our house (including dishes), wash our hair and bodies, and yes, it makes a GREAT hand soap. Especially if you’ve got one of those soap dispensers that pre-foams the soap for you. (Now if only the soap could wash my hands for me and dry them for me, clean my house for me and cook gourmet meals, I would finally feel pampered…)
#41 by busyHSmom on September 12, 2008 - 2:14 PM
Dr. B’s peppermint soap is my favorite all-around-the-house cleaner. Just get an empty spay bottle, fill mostly with water and add a little (maybe a few tablespoons) of Dr. B’s liquid castile soap. It is great for cleaning countertops, floors, bathrooms, etc. etc.
And another bonus?? It kills bugs! No lying! I live in the South where we have giant roaches from Hades. Yes, some folks like to call them “palmetto bugs” and “water bugs,” but that is just glossing over the fact that we have big, honking roaches that live in the trees and like to come in our houses to get cool. I am not good at squishing. I get the heebie-jeebies just thinking of crunching a bug. Ack! So I spray them with the peppermint soap/water spray. It clogs their breathing and slows them down or straight out kills them, depending on how much soap to water ratio you have. That sure beats the smell and chemical poisons in sprays like Raid, Combat, etc.
As for soap in the hair…it may leave a bit of a film, but if you do a apple cider vinegar rinse (a few tsp. of ACV in some water) after you shampoo, that will help combat the build-up. And the vinegar smell totally goes away once your hair dries.
busyHSmoms last blog post..EEEK!
#42 by Madness on September 12, 2008 - 6:04 PM
Lotus .. I havent used the Diva Cup . but I tried the Instead Cup and I gotta tell you .. EEWWWW I made it through one whole 7 day period using them and OH MY GOD .. EEWW. It was too gross to handle.
Thank you
Amen
Madnesss last blog post..Where Typhoid Suzie is actually Lotus Carroll
#43 by kidlet on September 12, 2008 - 7:05 PM
We started using that soap about a year ago and love it. Scent-wise its peppermint, tea tree or eucalyptus as the others smell a little weird as you mentioned.
As for the nutball commentary on the packaging, we’ve taken to putting the soap in new bottles when company’s expected. We don’t want our friends thinking we’re gonna dress them in fresh nikes and off them in their sleep.
kidlets last blog post..Unrelated Thursday Linkfest