update

Hello beautiful people and sorry for the content delay.  If this is your first time stopping by the blog rest assured that I'll be back to my regular daily schedule in a few days.  I've been out peddling Mariposa products at the holiday gift shows and meeting so many wonderful people.  The next show's will be the Hintonburg Community Association on November 26th and we'll be back at Lansdowne Park in the Aberdeen Pavillion on November 27th!  Check the website for more details on where to buy or where the shows are.  www.mainsdemariposa.com

Explore and enjoy what's here.  I'd love to hear your comments/suggestions/opinions, and check back often as we'll resume our posts shortly.  Or better yet, subscribe by email and when we're back to normal you'll be the first to know.  This will save you having to check back.  I'll let you know.

In the meantime I hope you're all well and finding balance in what can be an overwhelming season.  I think that's a great topic to discuss in the next few days.  Maintaining balance throughout the next few months when pressures from society and family etc. can weigh heavy on us to over extend or commit ourselves.  Balance is a big part of being beautiful.

So until then,

Be beautiful!

Benefits of Rhassoul Clay

Rhassoul clay is also known as Moroccan Lava Clay, Rasul Clay, and Ghassoul.  It is mined in the Atlas mountains of Morocco under precise conditions and undergoes special treatment before it gets to us Westerners in the form we know it.   Moroccan Naturals has a very detailed article on this process. Rhassoul comes from the Arabic word "rassala" meaning "washing’’ and it has been used for centuries for personal care including skin care, washing, and hair care.

*(In Arabic the actual pronunciation of “ghassoul” begins with a “ghain,” which is a sound that English speaking people find very difficult to pronounce. For this reason many native English speakers have changed the pronunciation to a “ra” sound pronouncing it as “rhassoul.”)  Moroccan Naturals

Rhassoul clay contains higher percentages of silica, magnesium, potassium, calcium and other trace minerals than other clays. These minerals make the clay highly detoxifying as they can actually exchange themselves for toxic compounds like metals, in the skin. The clay not only works to remove impurities from your skin, it can also replace them with nourishing trace minerals. The clay's high level of ion exchange makes it ideal for toning and enriching the skin.

A study has shown Rhassoul clay to:

Increase skin elasticity/firmness 24%

Reduce dryness 79%

Reduce flakiness 41%

Improve skin clarity 68%

Improve skin texture 106%

Rhassoul is a smectic clay.  Which means it is capable of absorbing large amounts of liquid. Or as is often the case, oils from our body.

It has also been long used for washing and in particular washing the hair.  By simply mixing the clay with water, coating the hair with the mixture and then rinsing you can absorb and remove excess oils from the hair and replace minerals.

With all of these benefits, it's not wonder it is the natural choice for spas and is seeing a revival of it's popularity world wide.

Check out our DIY beauty section for ways to use Rhassoul clay at home and...

Be Beautiful!

Ressources:

Argan Oil Tree

The Black Hair Diary

Mountain Rose Herbs

mains de mariposa detoxifying face mask

I'm so excited about introducing this product for the holidays!  I've been working for a long time on developing a face mask formula that would be simple, natural and really effective.  I've tried all kinds of clays and ingredients and feel I've found the most effective, natural combination.

You know here at mdm I prefer short ingredient lists. I like to keep things clean and organized with little clutter, especially on the labels!  Talk about concentrated!  I didn't just reduce the water that takes up room in packaging, we took it out all together!  This way I could also cram 30 treatments into that small re-useable stainless steel container!  It also allowed me to continue to offer you great products without preservatives.  Add your own water or customized liquid as you go for whatever you need that day! 

Even though the ingredients in this mask are few it does so much and it is so versatile, I'm confident you will be excited about it too.

Why Rhassoul Clay?

The main ingredient is Rhassoul clay, or sometimes called Moroccan lava clay. (See the ingredients posts for more on this clay).  For now let's just say that it is amazing.  This is the clay they're using most often in the fancy spas.  Now, as with most mdm products, the spa comes to you.  And it's so much more economic

In clinical tests, Rhassoul Clay has been shown to:

increase skin elasticity/firmness 24%
Reduce dryness 79%
Reduce flakiness 41%
Improve skin clarity 68%
Improve skin texture 106%

It's also very high in silica, magnesium, potassium, calcium and other trace minerals making it a perfect choice for our detoxifying face mask.  It not only removes impurities and toxic compunds but replaces them with important minerals!.

 It leaves skin noticeably smooth and soft!  I was really blown away by how many dramatic things this clay could do.  And it's so easy to use!  Just add water.

What else is in it?

The second ingredient is calloidal oatmeal.  (I'll write a post about that too)  This will help sooth and moisturize the skin.

And finally we have spices!  They add a warming quality, they're slightly exfoliant, and packed with antioxidants.  Not to mention they are a totally natural way to make it smell heavenly!

What you do!

If you're in a pinch, you just tap a little of the powder out of the stainless steel container into the palm of your hand.  Add a tiny bit of tap water stirring with your finger until you have mud.  Spread on, wait, rinse, glow!

More benefits?

Instead of water try these alternatives to boost the power of the mask while customizing it to your needs!

Mature or Dry Skin

Rose water, yogurt, avocado oil or fresh avocado flesh, witch hazel (alcohol free), glycerin, aloe vera gel

Normal/mixed Skin

Rose water, orange water, jojoba oil, yogurt

Oily Skin

Witch Hazel (alcohol free), castor oil, rose water, 

To Firm Skin and Reduce Pores

Witch Hazel, Egg whites

For natural AHA's and exfoliation

Sugar, honey, fruit juice

Acne

Witch hazel, aloe vera, castor oil, a drop of tea tree oil or lavender oil, egg whites

Look for the face mask at the craft shows to be the first to get your hands on it.  It's not available in stores yet!  Once you do, try one of these suggestions to customize your mask and boost the effectiveness!

Have you tried this great mask?  Let us know how much you loved it and why by emailing you story to bonnie@mainsdemariposa (dot) com and you'll be entered in the monthly draw for free mdm products!

Missed the craft shows?  You can also get your hands on this hot little item by checking out the website  www.mainsdemariposa (dot) com or by emailing me bonnie@mainsdemariposa (dot) com. 

Resources

(http://theblackhairdiary.blogspot.com/2011/05/treatment-rhassoul-clay.html)

(http://www.arganoiltree.com/products/rhassoul_clay/)

101 Free Ways to be Beautiful - #1 Stand up Straight

Don't roll your eyes at me!  Your mother was on to something!

Proper posture does so much for us.  First of all it allows our energy, blood and lymph to circulate properly which in turn will keep you healthier.  It helps keep bones aligned properly preventing all kinds of inconvenient and even debilitating situations.  I for one, find that quite attractive.

More to the point though, try this little exercise (I'm sure you've done it before).  

Stand up.  

Take note of your natural posture.  Now go to a mirror.  Resist the urge to modify your posture.  We all have a natural tendency to stand up straight when we're in front of the mirror, but is that really what we look like when not faced with our image?  Be honest.  Stand there with the honest, natural posture you assume throughout most of your day.  If you find that difficult, catch yourself off guard during the day, focus on the posture in the middle of doing something and try to keep that posture as you get to the mirror.  

Next, stand up straight.

  The best tip I can give you for standing up straight is keep your chin down.  When you chin is level with the floor it's more difficult to round your back and shoulders and you automatically stand up straighter, your tummy comes in.  Your core supports you more when your neck and spine are aligned. They were on to something with that whole, carrying a book on your head thing.

Standing up straight is going to go a long way to presenting an air of confidence and strength.  Self assurance, grace and pride.  Not to mention everything looks better.  You can buy the most expensive clothes but if they're hanging off of a lumpy sofa, they're not going to have a chance.

I will not lie to you.  This might be free but it's not easy.  Especially if you've developed poor posture over the years. But be aware, be committed, see the difference and stick to it.  Eventually you will simply train your body to stand differently.

Chin Chest Belly Boots 

There are all kinds of other tricks for changing posture.

Pretend there is a string tied to the bottom of your feet that follows up your spine and out the top of your head.  Imagine always keeping that string straight, like you're being pulled up by that string from the top of your head.

Chest out, belly in.  Especially for the women.  While keeping your chin level to the ground, be proud and lift your chest.  Don't just stick it out but really lift, like you want to make sure the top of your breasts are always pointed towards the sky rather than forward. (This is a little exaggeration of course, but the visual will help you get the posture right).  When you do that.. whoops!  What just happened?  Your belly came in!  Chin, chest, belly... now for the boots.

Keep your weight evenly distributed between the two feet, flat on the ground, feet under shoulders.  Remember we want everything to line up.

Something that will really help you is exercise. Why you will exercise is a whole other topic.  But, in terms of posture, working on core muscles through yoga, pilates, swimming, push ups, plank: all will help make good posture easier.

If you've already developed poor posture that is impairing your movement or hurting you, I highly recommend seeing a therapist.  My choice is a massage therapist trained in Active Release Therapy.  In a short time you should see results and if you therapist is worth their salt, they'll give you great exercises to do at home.  My therapist's belief is that if he hasn't gotten you well on your way in 3 sessions, he probably won't be the best to help you and will refer you.... that's the kind of person you're looking for.  In January 2010 I had such severe pain in my legs I couldn't walk more than 10 minutes without having pain for 3 days.  In September 2011 I ran a half-marathon and never looked back.

Check out this great video with Ms. Ratherly Stern!  She puts it all together.

So, remember.  People keep looking at you once you've stopped looking at you.  Want to put your Best Face Forward?  Practice standing up straight and feel the change in your energy.  Feel the change in confidence and ...

Be Beautiful!

Do you have any tricks that have helped you modify your posture?  Let others know!  Leave a comment.

101 Free Ways to be Beautiful

You've heard it over and over again, beauty is more than skin deep.  I agree. Free Beauty 101 articles are 101 free ways to be beautiful.  Ideas, tips and tricks that are free and work to add that 'je ne sais quoi' to your energy, your influence, your confidence and contribute to you becoming an overall beautiful person.

When I was young we had periods where we did not have any money.  I vividly remember my mother stressing that being poor was no excuse to go out looking poor.  You can always brush your hair and straighten the clothes you have, stand up straight etc.  These are lessons I've learned to live a beautifully abundant life despite the amount in the bank account.

But remember: because beauty is in the eye of the beholder... the biggest thing you will need to do is to always be true to what you believe to be beautiful, no matter what I say.  

Take what you need and leave the rest.

But always, be beautiful!

Be well,

Bonnie

Easy All Natural All Purpose Cleaner

Hello beautiful people!

It is that time of year again.  No not spring cleaning but fall feathering of the nest.  As the days get cooler I feel it's a good idea to clean things out and prepare my home for the extra time I'm going to spend cocooning in it over the winter months.  It's a time when all those little places that may get forgotten or missed during the business of summer get a once over and refreshed.

Essential oils and natural products are great for this.  As we close up our house for the winter, we'll want to be sure we're using natural cleansers and scents that will not only clean things but actually support out health.

Here is a really great all purpose, natural cleaner you can easily make at home.  I've been using it for years, for everything!  Don't forget that most essential oils are also anti-bacterial and have a profound affect on our emotional health as well.  Feel free to make your own blend.  In the recipe I've included my favorite but I'll suggest a few more as well.

The Recipe

What you need:

A clean spray bottle

2 tablespoons liquid soap (preferably natural castile soap like Soap Works or Dr. Bronners)

2 tablespoons white vinegar

2 cups warm water

essential oils  (4 drops patchouli, 4 drops orange, 2 drops peppermint)

What you do:

Put all ingredients into your spray bottle, shake before use.  Spray on, wipe off.  Breath deep, it's all natural!

Other blends you might like:

A-5 drops eucalyptus or tea tree with 5 drops lemon

B-5 drops lavender 5 drops chamomile

C-4 drops orange, 3 drops tea tree, 3 drops cinnamon

Have you tried this recipe?  Let us know what you think.  Do you love mdm products?  Let us know by emailing your story to bonnie@mainsdemariposa (dot) com and as a thank you we'll enter you into the monthly draw for a great product gift pack!

Body Polish - my go to product

When it comes to beauty products one of the most amazing products I've ever used is body polish.  It's a busy girls best friend.  A major multi-tasker and you get quite the bang for your buck.  Everything a Beauty loves.

 A body polish is basically something that will exfoliate your skin and moisturize at the same time.  It removes dead skin cells to reveal the bright healthy skin layer below.  It usually contains some type of oil to hydrate the skin as you rub it in.  By sheer virtue of how you have to scrub it in, it increases circulation,helping to aid in detoxing of the skin.  (Detoxing can = less cellulite btw.)  Wow!  What more can you ask out of one product!  Add some well chosen essential oils and you've just boosted the power of your polish!

No matter how many times I use my body polish I'm always amazed at how wonderfully soft and glowing my skin is after.  It's the quickest, easiest way I know to raise the health of my skin with almost no effort at all.  It's great to moisturize our face everyday but nothing makes you feel more like a Goddess than having baby soft skin... everywhere.

This holiday season mains de mariposa will be releasing the first in the line of all natural body scrubs.  The main ingredient in our body polish is organic cane sugar.  Sugar contains natural alphahydroxy acids.  These help to chemically remove dead skin cells while the scrubbing action will physically remove them.  Again, what a multi-tasker!   Cane sugar was also chosen over salt.  This way you can feel free to shave and then finish off with your body polish without the worry of getting salt scrubbed into any tiny cuts or nicks the razor may leave.  

The mdm body polish also contains sunflower oil which is high in vitamin E.  It is easily absorbed by the skin but doesn't leave you feeling like a french fry.  Just a touchable, dewy glow.  Specially chosen essential oils elevate the entire experience making every shower like a trip to the spa.

For those of you who are DIY Beauties, here's a great recipe to try at home!

Simple Scrub Recipe

What you need:

1 container (even an old yogurt or sour cream container will do)

2 parts sugar (or salt)

1 part oil (any oil will do but keep the 'french fry' factor in mind)

a few drops essential oil (optional)

What you do:

Mix everything together.

When you're done your shower, turn off the water.

Using small amounts rub the mixture over your body, starting at the feet and moving towards the heart.

Turn the shower back on and rinse off.

Gently pat dry.

Glow like a Goddess!

Use this scrub every 2 to 3 days, a little less if you have sensitive skin.

Don't forget to scrub your hands with it while you're in the shower. You'd be amazed at how far this will go to keeping your hands looking great!

Have you tried this?  Have you tried mdm's body polish?  Let us know what you think.  Do you love mdm's body polish? Let us know why and how it worked for you.  Email your story to bonnie@mainsdemariposa dot com and as a thank you we'll enter you in the monthly draw for great mdm products!

Balms Away! - Bath bomb and lip balm workshop

The 2012 workshop series is ready to go!  The first workshop in the series will be Balms Away!  A fun workshop where we'll learn the basics of making balms and bombs!  Bath bombs that is!

We'll learn about making balms and salves.  These are the original moisturizers that humans have been making for centuries.  You can alter a balm or a salve for almost any purpose.  The Egyptians made a hard balm with spices and herbs.  They shaped it into a cone placed it on their heads.  As the hot day wore on, it would melt into their hair.  The original solid perfume!  Come and learn how to make your own balms and salves for all types of reasons.  To heal or protect the skin, to use for massage, for lips, furniture... all kinds of things.

We'll also learn the basics of bath bombs!  It's easier than you think!  Just in time for Valentine's day you'll learn how to make lovely treats to indulge your loved one, most of all you!

This workshop is offered Sunday February 5th or Saturday April 14, 2012 in the West end of Ottawa. 
12:30 to 4:30. (4hrs) and is run by Bonnie Mechefske, Certified Holistic Aromatherpist
$100/per person includes supplies and a resource book to take home as well as unlimited email support if you're making a mess or masterpiece at home.

Register before February 1st and receive $20 of your registration fee.
Check the website for more details on available discounts and to register! www.mainsdemariposa.com

All Natural Herbal Iced Tea

As part of Bootcamp, Babes are drinking more tea.  They're making the choice to drink more nutritious beverages.  Here is an easy recipe to help adjust to drinking tea and get you away from juice and pop.  It's also a great substitute for juice for the little ones.  Try making it with Red Rooibos  tea (see below for the benefits of Rooibos tea) for great anti-oxidants and no caffeine so everyone can drink it!  Slowly start to increase the amount of tea and decrease the amount of juice until your taste buds adjust.

Recipe

What you need:

4 tea bags of Red Rooibos (or other herbal) tea

teapot or pot

4 cups (1L) unsweetened apple juice

1 tablespoon grated/minced ginger root

4 cups boiling water
1/2  of a lemon, sliced

Large jug or pitcher

ice cubes (optional)

What to do:

Prepare your 4 teabags with the boiling water either in the teapot or regular pot with the lid on and let cool.

Meanwhile combine the other ingredients in the jug or pitcher.  

When the tea is cool, add it to the pitcher and stir.
Add the ice cubes if using.

Enjoy!

Notes: our family uses only 2 cups of apple juice now and replaces the other two with water.  As you get used to it you may find that 4 cups makes it too sweet.  Adjust to taste.


Have you tried this recipe?  Let us know what you think!

And don't forget!  If you have a success story of how mdm products worked for you, email your story to bonnie@mainsdemariposa dot com and as a thank you, we'll enter you into the monthly draw for a great mdm gift pack!

The Benefits of Rooibos Tea

It's no secret to my clients, customers or readers that I'm always reading labels and analyzing what goes in my body.  Recently I've been searching for nutritious teas.  Yes, water is important but if I'm going to drink, maybe there's a way to get even more out of that drink.  Part of being a babe and accomplishing, what appears to others as super human, is really just being organized and getting more done with less effort.  Rooibos tea helps us do that.

Green tea has exploded in popularity over the last few years because of it's health benefits.  But what if you want to (and I strongly suggest you do) avoid the stimulating affects?  More about that soon in another post.   A while back I suffered from adrenal exhaustion and now, anything stimulating, eventually just makes me very tired.  Herbal teas are fine but I like a tea with a bit of body, that's earthy, complex and, if I can help it, with no "flavours" added.

Enter red rooibos tea.

Rooibos is an Afrikaans word meaning 'red bush'.  Rooibos tea is not really a tea, in that it doesn't come from THE tea plant (Camellia sinensis).  It is however, made from leaves and stems of Aspalathus linearis.  The oxidization of these leaves gives it it's red colour.  In this case oxidization is not a bad thing.  In fact Rooibos tea is full of anti-oxidants!  Not quite as many as green tea, but close and remember, there are no stimulating effects what so ever! (Check out the Adrenal Fatigue post coming soon to learn why babes do not want to drink stimulants).

Okay so we have our flavonoids for anti-oxidants.  Great.  It's got a one up on water.  But studies have also shown that it is also anti-inflammatory and helps prevent DNA damage.  Wow.  Not bad for a little cup of tea.  For more scientific information on Red Rooibos benefits check The Inhuman Experiment blog.

Red Rooibos is a mild tasting tea and contains no tannins.  Tannins are the part of tea (Camellia sinensis) that makes it taste bitter if you let it steep too long.  I love Rooibos because you can leave it in while you drink and you don't have to worry about the steeping time!  One less thing to worry about is a bonus in my book!

Some people claim that it's very high in vitamin C and minerals but I haven't found enough evidence to believe this.  Let's stick to our green leafy vegetables for that shall we?

If you're just switching to tea and drinking less of other beverages I have a great all natural iced tea recipe for you.  Our family loves this so much that we actually don't make it too often.  When we do we just drink it until it's gone!  But it's a great way to start drinking tea.  Eventually changing the ratio to have more tea and less juice.

So, if you're going to drink something, why not drink something with heaps of flavonoids, no tannins and absolutely no caffeine?  Why not Red Rooibos?  Try is as part of the All Natural Iced Tea Recipe and let me know what you think.

Be well,

Bonnie

Two testimonials from a triplet mom!

We were so pleased to receive this lovely email from a beautiful mom in Ottawa, Ontario, we just had to share it.  Thanks S.B!  A great gift set from mdm is being prepared for you!

Hi Bonnie,

We met a few weeks ago at the Carp Garlic Festival (I'm the triplet mom!)

In any case, for the Light Facial Moisturizer, I'd like to share that I use this daily in the morning as a refreshing spritz that really gets me going! My sensitive skin feels soft and moisturized immediately. I use it again to set my make-up after application, which gives my skin a fresh, dewy look. Another spritz finishes my day - it absorbs so quickly, and I don't have to rub it in. Fast, effective and easy! Following a suggestion from Bonnie, I also use it to tame my frizzy hair on humid days. The moisturizer is not greasy and doesn't weight my hair down. Rather, it leaves a little bit of shimmer and excellent frizz control! I love the versatility of this product.

For the Healing Cream with Calendula, I'd like to share that I use this daily before bed as a soothing salve for my face and hands. It isn't heavy or greasy, and rubs into my skin within seconds, leaving a light, citrusy scent. When I was pregnant, I used it on my belly every night. It was part of a special ritual that I found relaxing and very helpful in relieving my dry, stretched skin. Once my babies were born, I've used it to control eczema and diaper rash. It really is my go-to cream for everything! After my post-partum doula saw how effective it was in managing eczema, she got some herself and recommended it to other friends and clients. I personally think there's no better testimonial than that!

And neither do we!  Thanks S,B.

Do you love mdm products too?  Let us know by emailing your story to bonnie@mainsdemariposa dot com and to thank you, you'll be entered into the monthly draw for a great mdm gift pack!

The Oil Cleansing Method

When I mention the Oil Cleansing Method or OCM as it's known, most people screw up their faces and say "What? Wash my face with oil?"  Most in disbelief, some in terror.  The OCM is one of the best ways to cleanse your face, save money and, in the end, save time, that I've ever found.

The way this works is this:  The dirt on your face is stuck there because of the oil in your skin.  It comes in contact with your face, sticks to the oil and accumulates (or we put it there on purpose in the form of make-up).  We don't want to strip the oil, we simply want to remove the excess that's trapped the dirt.  Oil, can do this.  Add clean oil, to old dirty oil and you dissolve the old oil washing away the dirt. 

I can see you still don't believe me.

I'm not here to convince you. You'll just have to trust me on this one.  But there are a few points to remember.  Your skin needs oil.  It is part of what makes it glow!  Pimples and blemishes are not by-products of oil in and of itself.  There are many factors that contribute to them.  Secondly, not all oils are created equal. 

Why it Works

The magic ingredient in the OCM is castor oil.

Castor oil is quite thick and sticky.  It has been used for ages to draw out impurities and it can be drying.  Don't believe me?  Try this method using only castor oil and you'll be amazed how tight and dry your face feels!  You can usually find castor oil at health food stores or at the pharmacy in the section with epson salts, glycerine, mineral oil and the like.

The second ingredient in the OCM is usually EVO  (Extra Virgin Olive oil).

This provides moisture and lubrication to dissolve the dirty oil.  You can use almost any oil you have on hand though in a pinch.

You can vary the amounts of the two oils to customize your blend.  Start with the recommended tsp of each.  If you find it leaves your face a little too oily, add more castor oil.  If it's a little too drying add a little more of the other oil you've chosen.  Just be sure as with all DIY formulas you create, to write it down so you can reproduce it!  Once you've found your magic match, you can make up a larger batch.

The final magic ingredient is hot water.  Not so hot you burn yourself.  Don't use the kettle or the microwave.  Just use hot/very warm tap water.  The heat from the water will help to open up the pores and dislodge the dirt as well.  I love the feeling of the warmth on my face.  It's like a mini facial, a mini getaway I can do every day.  Don't underestimate the power of these mini moments!

The Recipe

What you need:

Castor Oil

Other Oil - Extra Virgin Olive oil is recommended

Face cloth

Hot tap water

 What you do:

1-Mix together 1 tsp castor oil and 1 tsp Olive oil

2-Get the tap water hot.  Not boiling but as hot as is comfortable.Hotter is not necessarily better.

3-Put the face cloth in the water

4-Apply a generous amount of the oil mixture to your face and massage in well.  Massaging also helps increase circulation.  Increased circulation brings oxygen to the cells and helps your skin look (and function) better.

5-Wring out the water from the face cloth lay your head back and drape it over your face.

6-Relax for a few seconds until the cloth is cool.  For me this is anywhere from 5-15 seconds.

7-Repeat steps 5-6 as many times as you like (at least twice)

8-Use the face cloth to wipe away the oil (and dirt).

9-Glow!

Have you tried this?  Let us know what you think!

Don't forget to also stop by the website.  Let us know why you like mains de mariposa product, how they worked for you and why and you will be entered into our monthly draw for great mdm gifts! www.mainsdemariposa.com

2012 Workshop Series

Yes, it's time to start thinking about workshops again.  Every year mains de mariposa responds to client requests and offers a spring workshop series.  Come and learn how to make your own products or how to make better choices about your products.  This year we have 6 brand new workshops to offer.  Whether you're looking for a fun night out with the girls or are serious about skin care we can find what will work.

Workshops take place on a Saturday or Sunday from 12:30 to 4:30 in the West end of Ottawa, ON.

For more information about the workshops and dates visit the site www.mainsdemariposa.com.

Sign up early as spaces are limited.
Sign up before February 1st and get $20 off your registration!

See you there!

Exciting Times!

These are exciting times for mains de mariposa.  After a hiatus of almost a year, our transformation is almost complete.  This holiday season you'll begin to notice the changes.

New Packaging!
We've kept the same great recyclable tubes you love but reduced the packaging.
They contain the same amount but less over all packaging.
We've got spiffy new labels thanks to Sarah Marshall at marshall design.
We've even started adding bar codes!

New Website!
The same simple address www.mainsdemariposa.com but with a whole load of features to come.
Right now you can check out where we'll be at the craft shows and check out our 2012 workshop series.
Soon we'll be adding our on-line catalog and shopping cart!

New Products!
You've been asking for it and it's almost ready.  A great, new, luxurious night cream!
This holiday season we'll also debut our deep cleansing, detox facial mask!
We now also have lily of the valley bath hearts!
Watch for our line of bar soaps coming in 2012 as well!
We will also be offering collapsible metal tubes (such as ours) for wholesale to small businesses!

More Gifts!
We love making people happy!
Send us an email letting us know how much you love the products and why and your name will be entered in a draw for more great products!  There's a draw every month!
send your email to bonnie@mainsdemariposa dot com

Don't forget to stop by one of the great craft shows to stock up on products and presents!  See you there beautiful people!