Hi <<First Name>>,

We know it has taken us longer than expected, but our website is finally up with a live shopping cart. We still need to continue adding content, so any feedback at this point would be appreciated. But for now, onto the fun stuff!!!

We are giving a flat $3.99 for shipping on all orders through the rest of 2009. For orders over $25, input SHIPFREE on the shopping cart (before clicking CHECKOUT) to get free shipping!

Alternatively, for Austinites, you MAY be able to pick up your order at a pre-determined location from me for the small price of a cup of coffee. But time is limited for such an endeavor.

Our greeting card for the season is a seed card: it has wildflowers embedded throughout the stock. The recipient can plant and water the card when the weather gets warmer for a nice bouquet.

Finally, our winter special is a giftbox that contains samples of all our products: seed card, soap nuts, fragrant lavender and mint sachets, and holiday spice potpourri. Yes, you can give LAUNDRY PRODUCTS as a present and it will still be unique, fascinating, and smell amazing to boot.

The Final Trip

On Wednesday, Dec 16, we will be having our final flavor tripping party of 2009. Fear not, we will have many more in 2010, including our big launch party in February.

For those many who have not heard of "flavor tripping," it involves use of a berry called miracle fruit. It would be an otherwise unimpressive berry if not for the presence of a single protein that happens to alter for about an hour the way your taste buds perceive taste. During that time, sour and bitter will taste sweet.

So a lemon will taste like lemon candy, cranberries will be more sweet than tart, and Guinness will almost have a chocolaty malt beverage taste.

The miracle fruit is a completely safe berry, having been used for thousands of years and all over the world. In Japan, it is served to diabetics in restaurants before sour desserts.



We will be holding the party from 6:30 - 8:30pm at Soma Vida, 1210 Rosewood Avenue, which is on the corner of Rosewood and 11th Str. about five blocks east of 35.

We will have limited capacity for this event, so please RSVP if you would like to reserve a spot. There will be a sign-up on www.natureswash.com later this week, but you may email to confirm your place. We will waive our fee for this last party, but donations are always appreciated.

A Pinch of Peace

A student asked Soen Nakagawa during a meditation retreat, "I am very discouraged. What should I do?"

Soen replied, "Encourage others."

 
Cleanly yours,

David Oh-you're-the-soap-nuts-guy!