Soap Making

I learnt to make soap 4 years ago. The soap making course was on the cold process and melt and pour soap methods. Following my newly acquired knowledge i ordered every book possible from Amazon for my journey.

I researched and formulated my perfect soap recipe. Cautiously I started safely the melt & pour way, after learning about the health and safety that applied to the cold process soap making method using lye also known as caustic soda.

Following this, i had a go at my first batch of proper soap.

Finally when i attempted my cold process Soap.. there were trials, error, twicks here and there to make sure i got it right. I wanted that perfect lather and the perfect recipe using the most natural based ingredients i could source. I made sure i did not leave anything out.

My cold process soap moment came.. After i used and realised the benefits and lasting priceless lather from cold process soap.

After all my trials, error, batches and batches of soap until people kept coming back.

From that moment on i knew i could make soap, and a damn good one. One that i am proud of, soaps with more benefits than commercial bought soaps. Soaps that will not stripe the skin off any nutrients...

Cold process soap making to me is like art.. it's like making fine wine.. its like cheese making... it takes time to see the final result, and when you finally arrive at this result.. it is absolutely priceless and worth all the effort.. its fantastic.

It wasn't until after i attended another follow up course 4 years latter that i managed to finally get it right.

The feeling you get when you pour your soap in a mould and have to wait 4-6 weeks for it to cure( mature) is priceless.

Once you've tried/used proper soap you will never go back to commercial soaps. One can not begin to compare the benefits, talk of the creamy lasting lather.

I make cold process soap, i enjoy making soap and i am glad i do. However, i intend to teach and share my knowledge with others by running my regular soap making courses.

I am happy to say i make soaps that are so creamy everyone loves it and keep coming back..

To find out more about our latest soap making course dates do visit our website www.wuchi.co.uk

COLD PROCESS SOAP MAKING WORKSHOPS

For more information and dates for WuChi Cold process Soap Making Workshop contact me on
info@wuchi.co.uk

Best Wishes

Face Care: Dry Dehydrated Skin

If you are concerned about dry dehydrated and possibly sensitive or mature skin, this ones for you. Help is finally here.

Dry skin can be as a result of not having enough moisture on the skin caused by insufficient production of sebum. While Dehydrated skin lacks water(moisture) in the skin lipids.

Dry and dehydrated skin often accompany each other, bear in mind that they are caused by different conditions.

The skin will need added moisture as a form of a moisturiser to protect and plenty of water to keep it hydrated from within.

I recommend you use the WuChi Rose Rejuvenating Day Cream, a major part of my daily routine from the WuChi luxury skincare range.

the ingredients were carefully and thoroughly researched and then selected to offer one thing in mind for all skin types; healthy radiant skin. Using certified organic ingredients. We have developed a truly natural face products that will offer radiant healthy looking skin naturally without the chemical overload.

We have used (Contains)

*Rosehip seed oil for its-ability to repair damaged skin, contains Omega 3 & 6, tissue regenerate

*Avocado Oil for - nourishment, vitamins, & powerful source of EFA's, Vit E, Magnesium & linoleic acid

*Rose Water for its- toning and regenerative properties

*Borage oils for its- rich source of GLA, for skin regeneration and scare treatment

*Aloe Vera for its- soothing, healing and moisturising properties

*Bulgarian Rose Otto- tonic ability to treat dry, sensitive, mature and inflamed skin conditions

*Vit E (natural source)-to protect against free radicals.

To get more hydration, i suggest you apply moisturiser to damp skin and massage in well to help lock in moisture; works a treat for me.

Results, Results, Results,

Just after 2 weeks of using the WuChi Rose Rejuvenating Day Cream

your skin will instantly look and feel plummier, softer, hydrated and radiant. You will experience an amazing healthy radiant skin, brighter and healthy looking.

The results are impressive, the texture and quality is amazing, it sinks right into your skin not leaving any greasy feel. it really does work.

I am saying this because across various skin types, it really does work and nature heals; combining the powerful benefits of pure plant based rosehip seed oil, Borge oil, Rose Otto, Rose Water, Aloe Vera, ingredients rich in Vit C, Vit E, Essential fatty Acids (EFA's) GLA, Omega 3& 6, what you get is a truly impressive face product (Rose Rejuvenating Day Cream) Hand made with you in mind.

Mini Face Kit

OUR LATEST ADDITION
Check out our Mini Face Kit*****

The perfect introduction to the WuChi Luxury Skincare range. This is a perfect way to introduce yourself, someone or a friend to our range of facial skincare products for younger looking healthy skin.
Contains:
15ml Rose rejuvenating day cream
15ml Nourishing night cream
15ml Almond face scrub- deep cleansing
10ml Rose face oil-anti-ageing
1 Organic muslin cloth
*Suitable for all skin types.

Our rejuvenating healthy skin solution in one handy mini bag.
Order yours online here

WuChi Pamper Evening

Our recently held pamper evening on the 26th June 08 was fantastic. We and everyone who came had a fabulous time. I must thank everyone who took the time to attend the launch of our new workshop called "The WuChi Black Box"

From Korin & Julia Nolan of sweetiedarling Organisers of fabulously fun events http://www.sweetiedarlingevents.com/ who are having an utterly gorgeous celebrity Pamper Party on the 16th September 08 in China White, look out for after party pictures in OK magazine. To find out more visit their website for more information.

To all the friends of St John's, our growing customers, our friends from HFI, our friends, our family, our neighbors, and especially the WuChi Team who made this event possible, our friends who helped out during the last minute rush to make sure everything was sparkly and ready.... it was fun and we enjoyed every bit of it.

I wish we made a video of how everyone and the workmen were on a last miniute mission to complete all the works just in time for the launch.. i rushed out last minute to buy fresh flowers ( White lilies & Roses), while the men rushed out to get more Marsh Mellows and Strawberries for the chocolate fountain.

The chocolate fountain( with fresh strawberries & Marsh-Mellows on skews) was one of the highlights of the pamper evening..i must say it went down really nicely with a glass of chilled Champagne

Very indulgent taste, a must try for any luxurious pamper event... (you herad it here first)

The other highlight of the pamper evening was having a masseuse for an indulgent Massage using our WuChi Oils and it was a ritual...

We had a hand & arm massage corner, there was eyebrow threading, there was also a face mask corner and then the mingling bit...

Who Made it possible?

Shin is the master planner,designer and master Architect that delivers under pressure any time... he painted the box himself, see some pictures above, he laid the lawn himself and shocked Halil and the rest of the workmen when they arrived in the morning to finish from where they stopped only to find out he's finished it.

Halil, our friend, our builder and his team... gosh.. i put you all under pressure without even saying a word.. i paced about calmly from my office upstairs with fingers crossed.

It was all about team effort, team believe and team support.. it was worthwhile.

A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE*****

What i wanted to achieve?

I did not want this to be just another event, i wanted this to be a way of saying thank you to our customers, friends and everyone, it was not going to be just about trying and buying products i wanted it to be the "Ultimate indulgent pamper evening"

" an evening to get pampered this is why we had therapist on hand to look after everyone and they sure had fun.

The date for the next Champagne & Mingle Pamper event is almost here... WATCH THIS SPACE...

10% proceeds of the night was in support of the "Friends of St Johns" and we did very nicely.


The not so good bits

*We were so busy no one took a single photo

*When the glass sliding door was delivered 2 days to the event, only to find out that there were broken/scratched bits, it had to be taken back immediately, "The Black Box" was launched with one door... But the show went on...

Caring for your lips

Did you know that your lips are very delicate?... and does not have the protective barrier that the rest of the face has.

Your lips lack protection from sun damage, they are not protected from environmental factors like heat, air conditions, wind and harsh weather.

This is why your lips loose moisture and is prone to dryness, chapping and dehydration.


To keep your lips plum, i recommend you care for it as we do other parts of our body by regular exfoliation and moisturising, to prevent dryness, chapping and sometimes cracking. Your lips need balms to seal in moisture which also act as barriers against environmental damage and the weather.

Most commercial addictive lip balms are made from petrochemical ingredients such as petroleum jelly or mineral oil;which clog pores & obstruct the skins ability to breath. It is advisable to go for lip balms that contain natural ingredients that will protect your lips and not cause dryness.

WuChi lip balms are created to do just one thing, to protect your lips, keep them moisturised, seal in moisture and keep them plum; they are made from only natural and organic ingredients like Beeswax, plant based cold pressed oils, Mango & Shea butter and scented with 100% essential oils for added benefits.

Adopt the following steps to keeping your lips protected...

Exfoliate your lips: just as you exfoliate your body, exfoliating your lips helps get rid of dry dead flaky skin; it helps prepare the lips for the absorption of your lip balms or gloss or lip stick. it will help keep your lips in good shape; remember to exfoliate gently and regularly..

How to exfoliate your lips:

1. Using a soft brush or damp muslin cloth exfoliate gently for 2 mins or
2. Apply honey to your lips and use as a base for exfoliating for 2 min and rinse + apply barrier cream or
3. Use 1 tbs brown sugar and 1/2 spoon lemon juice mix and use as a lip scrub, gently exfoliate for 2 min; rinse and apply lip balm to seal in moisture or
4. Apply honey to lips; use a muslin cloth as a lip exfoliator gently for 2 min; rinse and apply lip balm to seal in moisture.

Enjoy soft luscious lips this summer.... visit our website http://www.wuchi.co.uk/ to stock up on our yummilicious lipbalms ( Coco & Mango lip balms)

What Makes WuChi Different?

WuChi skincare products have been developed to suit all skin types.

1. Our formulations are rich in active plant extract and scented with 100% pure essential oils for aroma and the therapeutic benefits it provides. We use only cold pressed exotic carrier oils and pure un-refined natural butters. And use Organic ingredients where ever possible.

2. Our products are developed to solve a problem, provide benefits and prevent damage done to the skin by free radicals and environmental damage.

3. WuChi products provide hydration, nourishment, and are packed with Vitamins, Antioxidants and essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) to keep the skin supple, nourished, glowing and revitalised.

4. Our moisturisers are packed with natural anti-aging ingredients and Antioxidants which are blended to provide unique treatment benefits to keep the skin restored and ageless.

5. Our creams provide deep nourishment and are specially recommended for anyone with dry skin or dry patches on feet, elbows or knees.

*Research shows that the skin absorbs 60-70% of what you put on it, the average woman applies over 200 chemicals on her body from using everyday cosmetics and products; and some of these absorbed chemicals are potentially harmful to the body.

6. WuChi products give you healthy skin without the chemical overload.We prefer to use- plant oils for their nutrients and nourishing benefits instead of mineral oil.

7. We prefer to use food grade preservatives instead of Parabens that have been linked to controversies and hormonal imbalance.

8. Our products are unique because they are handmade by us to reach our customers as fresh as possible.

9. Our products are concentrated and richer than commercial products; all you need is just a bit because a little goes a long way; this is simply due to the active natural ingredients our formulas contain.

10. We believe nature heals; hence our products are free from toxic chemicals, cruelty free, do not contain harsh chemicals, mineral oils or Parabens.

Clay Face Mask: My Favourite Recipe

Before I share my favourite home- made face mask recipe with you, I will share a bit of why we all need a face mask and why we should all have one.... at least once a week.. depending on your skin type and why you really don't need to be in a spa environment to get one.
For thousands of years mask has been used to clarify the skin and get rid off any unwanted pores or problems . The benefits of clay was discovered by Egyptian slaves who noticed the benefits of how their skin felt each time they washed their clothes at the edge of the Nile River.

The benefit they noticed was softer feet.. and so decided to apply it to their face and hands and the rest they say is history. We have evolved to add different ingredients to suit our skin types as it applies to us with the discovery of new potent plant ingredients, essential oils , extract and botanicals.

Just to clarify when I say Mask I refer to the following,

Green clay( used for the treatment of various problems & suitable for normal or sensitive skin)
White clay( used for sensitive skin)
Pink clay (used for dry or sensitive skin)
Yellow clay (mostly for normal and or oily skin)

Personally I use green clay and and will refer to this as it applies to almost everyone and mostly used in the skincare and cosmetics industry.


Finally-My Recipe

Ingredients:
2-Tbs- Clay
2- Tbs-Rosewater

Directions:
*Combine the Clay and Rose water
*Mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until you get a smooth paste.
*Apply to your face and leave for 10-15min
*Rinse off with warm water or (use muslin cloth) and follow with a moisturiser.

Benefits: this mask is deep cleansing, it will help to tone and heal congested skin + make your skin supple, glowing and healthy the honey has antibacterial benefits.

What you need to know:
*Mask are best applied to a well- cleansed face
*for better results , steam your face for 5min before application or soak a muslin cloth in warm water wring and cover your face to steam for 5 min.
*The steam opens your pores to allow the mask sink in deeper.
*Frame your face with a hair band to create a canvas!


So there you go... What do you think? Let me know how your skin feels after words..
image from web.

Speak soon!

The WuChi Black Box Launch

To launch our new workshop (the Wu Chi Black Box) I am holding a champagne & mingle pampering event ... this event is scheduled to hold on the 26th June..

The Workshop is not complete but setting a date is just a way of setting my dearest a target for our much needed workshop to be ready... just in time

As well as an opportunity to sample my products there will be one of the the following 15 minute complementary treatments? to choose from

Eye brow threading by Bahar

Massage by Steve Fontaine
Honey and Clay Face Mask by Maks

A big thank you to our "Pampering Team" which includes Steve and Bahar for an indulgent night ahead... 'am really looking forward to it.. and so is Shin.. most especially cant wait to see finally "The WuChi black box"
Just to refresh your memory see my last post on the black box in March.

We have hired a skip to clear all the rubble.. trust me you dont want to see it yet!

Top 10 tips for leading a healthy, balanced life

Information Worth sharing!

1. Laughter!
It's true that laughter is the best medicine. It's free, readily available and the benefits are instantaneous. Laughter is so beneficial that you can actually join laughter workshops to trigger those 'happy hormones' (endorphins) and induce that warm glow of well-being.

2. Exercise
There are no shortcuts to a healthy lifestyle without exercise It strengthens the body and can help to clear the mind. Above all, it's enjoyable and entirely portable, so there's no reason not to get involved!

3. Eat fresh
Try replacing your daily caffeine fix with a freshly-squeezed juice occasionally; why not also try different combinations of fruit and/ or vegetable in your juices

4. Indulge yourself occasionally
Life should be joyful, not a guilt trip and the occasional indulgence is ok. Take the phone off the hook and soak in a deep bath, treat yourself to a massage or your favourite chocolate bikkies without getting the ‘guilts'. Organise a babysitter for the kids and enjoy a date with your spouse or partner without needing an occasion to celebrate.

5. Exercise calm
Life can't always slow its pace but you can. If your mind is constantly skipping ahead to anticipate or fret about that next phone call/deadline/relationship issue then try simple mental exercises to bring your awareness back into the present. Feel the weight of your body on the ground and turn your hearing out to listen to the sounds that are actually there (not the busy narrative in your head). This entire process can take three seconds or three minutes but it just may help you to feel refreshed and calmer afterwards.

6. Take time out
Stepping off the treadmill is essential to maintaining a healthy mind. It doesn't have to cost anything; it may simply be allowing yourself time to do whatever it is that recharges your batteries. Potter in the garden, read a book, listen to music or simply sit and think. Take a drive and immerse yourself in nature to pare back some of the slickness of city life and fall back into the slower rhythms of the natural world.

7. Check your priorities
Have you ever lifted your head up from the daily grind and wondered when living became surviving? Keep issues in context by examining them in relation to what you truly value, whether it's family, your social network or your own sense of integrity. Ask yourself where your priorities lie and whether your actions are in line with them.

8. Keep learning
Keep your mind sharp by engaging your interest; try learning a new language or take up a new hobby.

9. Give something back
Giving back could be a simple as listening to a friend who needs a sounding board or as involved as volunteering for a cause. Either way it's a valuable contribution and it also helps to shed some perspective on your own life.

10. Positive attitude
Attitude is everything. Thoughts are energy and your motivation propels them. If you maintain a positive attitude, chances are you'll attract positive, upbeat people, face challenges in good humour and keep your goals in sight.

Infomation provided from map my fitness
http://mapmyfitness.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=334784

WuChi is on Face Book too.......

Join the new WuChi by Maks group on face book and keep us posted on your feed backs and we will keep you posted about our regular WuChi champagne & mingle parties.

Click on the link below to join

http://www.facebook.com/pages/WuChi-by-Maks-Luxury-Natural-Skincare/20126170188




http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb

It's a Wrap

Just finished showcasing the WuChi by Maks range at these 2 exhibitions

Following the Vitality Show in London we were featured by the British Satellite Network News (BSN) and interviewed by them.
We say thank you to the team for recognising our efforts and the quality of our brand.

To Watch this interview clip:Click on the link below:

I was interviewed and our WuChi products were also on display

http://www.bsn.org.uk/index.php?action=search&search=vitality+show

TITLE:BRITISH PRODUCTS LEAD VITALITY SHOW LONDON 31 MARCH 2008:Our bit starts from 01:47sec or just about and continues.

I was a bit nervous !!!!

Facial Muslin Cloth

Quite a few people come up to me and ask what really is a muslin Cloth?
they want to know why the hype about Muslin cloths are about... what is does and where they can buy them...


So here it goes...
Before you read on .. just to let you know that you can buy Organic Facial Muslin Cloths from WuChi.. .it took a while to source from France.. to make sure we got the best! just for you.

Muslin Cloths..

What is it?
A gentle way to exfoliate your skin naturally for that salon at home experience using our 100% organic pure cotton muslin cleansing cloth. We call this the WuChi Miracle cloth. The 5 minutes facial for serious benefits

Contains: a pack of 3 organic cleansing cloths to gently exfoliate and deep cleanse your skin while boosting circulation at the same time. Use daily for effective and regular deep cleansing to boost circulation and slough away dead skin cells.
Sumptuously wrapped in tissue and Packed in our silk signature black box

Benefits
Kind to skin
Suitable for all skin types
Enhances daily cleansing
Sloughs away dead skin cells
Stimulates circulation
A must for your daily routine
Purifies & gently exfoliates
Machine washable

How to use:
Apply WuChi creamy cleanser or Almond face Scrub on face and neck and gently massage into the skin using your finger tips. Dip Cloth in warm water, wring and press into the face and hold for 5 seconds then gently massage the face through the cloth with your finger tips in a circular motion until all the traces of the product has been removed.

After use splash your face with cold water or toner to tighten pores. Follow with moisturiser from the WuChi skincare range suitable for your skin type.

We recommended:
Almond face Scrub, -creamy exfoliating scrub cleanser
Orange blossom cleanser
Rose water toner

Price:
Set of 3- £ 12.00
Offer: This item free postage and Packaging with Almond Face scrub

Where to buy
Online http://www.wuchi.co.uk/
Call 08704132685 to place your order
mail: info@wuchi.co.uk
Click here to buy now

Self promotion is not that bad ey!

This is purely self promotion! sometimes it helps to count your blessings.

And everything else will follow. Especially now that everything is happening at the same time.

Presently things are hotting up! apart from the WuChi black box under way- see previous post

We are preparing for 2 prestigious health & beauty exhibitions where our products will be show cased

(1) The vitality show 27th-30th March 2008

Olympia, Kensington London

Stand A267a http://www.thevitalityshow.co.uk/

(2) Natural & Organic products Europe

13th-14th April 2008

Olympia, Kensington, London

Stand 1143 http://www.naturalproducts.co.uk/

Same venue and only a week apart. If only after the first event things stay the same and we just stroll in a week after to continue from where we stopped. I hear you say "you wish" yeap absolutely.

I love challenges and besides events like this are a big learning curve for me to keep abreast with the Skincare and cosmetic industry. You have to know what is happing in the market otherwise take a hike.

Give you an example- Following the first ever exhibition at the Natural and organic products Europe exhibition in less than a year we re-branded about 13 of our products, We changed the packaging ASAP to conform with the luxurious, sophisticated, clean, stylish but simplicity of our image. It is not that the jars were not fantastic - it's just that We are WuChi

I say its been absolutely worth it and it is called Branding to the T ( Knowing what you want)

WuChi black box in the making

Hi everyone wishing you all a happy St Patrick's day and a happy birthday to baby who turned 5 today.

OK- I confess I know I have not kept up my blog lately please forgive me, I promise to fit it in with the children, the news letter, the office( at home of course), the school run, and the everything else mums have to do and then end up supper mums.

Close your eyes and imagine doing the cooking and sending an email and answering the phone and helping with the home work all at once.

I assure you its not that bad.

Hope I have not made a bad job about making you change your mind about working from home, running a business you are passionate about, juggling 2 children/family and being 4 people in one. And oh.... Not forgetting work life balance.

OK What u been up to? behind the scene at WuChi

You see above there,!
there what!
that picture above!
wow that's huge,
yep!
what is that then?
you guessed right that!

That is my NEW Workshop! We call it WuChi black box. Am so excited i am moving from my kitchen table to my Garden. A formal workspace/shed to keep creating all my luxurious skincare goodies. I am so excited i cant wait. if only you know how much this means to me. I confess for over a year i have had a picture of shed/workshops i pasted on the wall in the home office right in front of my computer that i look at everyday for inspiration, and here its finally what i always wanted.

I will keep you posted with more photos and progress! with The WuChi black box- OK

So What do you think?

Valentine goodies for the one you love! This 2008

What better way to celebrate this years upcoming romantic valentine season than, with an indulgent body massage. Using the WuChi by Maks Sensual body oil packed with nourishing, moisturising and aromatic essential oils with aphrodisiac properties. visit www.wuchi.co.uk for more details.

Start Planning now!

Happy New Year... 2008

Happy New year everyone and a prosperous and healthy 12 months ahead!

WuChi is one today! its our annivasary

Amazing how time flies. Its our anniversary, my skincare range is one today am so happy to be part of something so wonderful and fulfilling, to have touched peoples lives, made them happy and full of content for buying and using products that have made a difference and added benefits to their lives, hence a truly natural alternative to over hipped alternatives.

Thank you to everyone who' s been and is yet to be part of this wonderful journey and belief of mine. Thank you for all your support and fantastic feed backs of our range.

We are here to stay. A year ago today we celebrated the launch of the WuChi skincare range at a prestigious champagne and mingle event, since then we haven't stopped.

As Seen in the Natural Beauty Year Book 2008

WuChi by Maks- our Coco Passion Luxury Body Scrub was featured in the recently published - Natural Beauty year book 2008.

WuChi at the- Screen Nation Awards Oct 2007

WuChi by Maks will be at the indulge lounge of the screen Nation film & TV awards this year taking place on the 15th of October 2007 at the Hilton London Metrople W2.

Honouring Morgan Freeman and a whole lot of celebrities and Artist including Tandi Newton, Moira Stewart, Chiwetal Ejiofor, Naomie Harris, Sopie Okenedo.

For more information on the event visit http://www.screennation.co.uk/

I will keep you updated on the event and the celebrities we will be meeting on the day plus how the indulge lounge will function on the day.

I am really excited but also am not sure what to expect or how the event will turn out. To tell the truth i don't know some of the celebrities who will be there by name or face ( i don't watch East Enders, i don't watch Coronation street, or Emmerdale) i think there should be more to life than existing in one place, growing old and not seeing the world. The whole scenario of being in one square ( seems to apply to all of them) bores me to bit. There's more to life than the circle turning round too quickly.

But never the less, am sure they are all fantastic programmes of which i haven't got a hang of, having moved here not to long ago. Although, i have enjoyed some fab programmed on telly, like Tribe, Sir David Attenbrough's deep blue Ally Macbeal... ("American", i know) and host of others. 'Am really trilled to be part of this event and look forward to it.

Page Turner

I am currently reading this book, half of a yellow sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche....

An absolute page turner, written by a Nigerian. Got mine from borders because I couldn't wait to get my hands on it. ( was recommend by a dear friend) only to find out today it is going for half the price on Amazon.

This book is a must read for everyone and anyone who enjoys spectacular writing. Based on the true story of the Biafra war in Nigeria in the 70's where lots of lives were lost.
I was born 6 years after the war and have heard stories of the war from my parents and grand parents and uncles who were caught up in the war about the struggle and suffering of a just cause ,then Biafra.

I will talk more about my latest read as i progress. The humour is intelligent and nicely written and if you are Ibo and Nigerian like me, the use of Ibo words/language brings back memories of home, tradition and nostalgia of which you cant but smile, or laugh out loud as I did last week on the bendy bus to Liverpool street, the passengers should have thought I gone mad ( another one, mad people in suits).

Keep you posted! ....