Granny Goat’s Advice on How Swimming Will Get You Fit and Tan This Summer

Swimming is a great way to get in shape, enjoy the summer weather and get tan. Swimming is a full body workout and you can do it in just 30 minutes. Our summer intern, Taylor, sat down with Granny Goat and shared swimming tips and swimsuit advice for the summer. Taylor has been splashing around in a pool since she was little and now is playing competitive water polo at Santa Clara University.

If you are new to swimming or just need some guidance Granny Goat has a provided a swim workout for every level of swimmer.

Beginner:

• 4 x 25 freestyle warm up ( minute rest between each)
• 4 x 50 freestyle ( minute rest between each)
• 4 x 25 freestyle sprints (30 second rest between each)
• 1 x 100 freestyle cool down

Medium:

• 4 x 75 freestyle warm up ( minute rest between each)
• 4 x 100 freestyle ( 30 second rest between each)
• 4 x 50 freestyle ( 30 second rest between each)
• 6 x 25 freestyle sprints ( 30 seconds rest between each)
• 2 x 100 freestyle cool down ( minute rest between each)

Experienced:

• 4 x 100 freestyle warm up ( 30 second rest between each)
• 8 x 100 freestyle ( 30 second rest between each)
• 4 x 50 freestyle ( 30 second rest between each)
• 6 x 25 freestyle sprints ( 15 seconds rest between each)
• 4 x 100 freestyle cool down ( minute rest between each)

If this looks like a foreign language to you Granny Goat has provided a list of some of the key terms in swimming:

• 25 yards = 1 lap (usually the length of one side of the pool to the other)
• 50 yards = 2 laps
• 75 yards = 3 laps
• 100 yards = 4 laps
• Freestyle= the most basic swim stroke and is also referred to as “free” and “forward crawl”
• 3 x 100 = this means you swim 100 yards (4 laps each) 3 times taking a break between each 100 yards.

Concern #1: Tan Lines

You may be worried that you will get odd tan lines in a one-piece swimsuit but recently swimsuit companies like Nike, TYR and Speedo have designed swimsuits that address this concern. Gossip Goats favorite is Nike Swim Polyester Cut-Out Tank (above). It comes in a variety of colors and has thin straps and a very open back.

Concern #2: Dry Skin

Chlorine can dry out your skin so it is important to shower right after swimming. We recommend using our goat milk soap in the shower to keep your skin moisturized and fresh after a nice swim this summer. If the chlorine makes your face dry try our Fragrance Free Facial Creme (above) and for dry lips try our lip balms.

Gossip Goat Has Fallen in Love with Serena and Lily

Gossip Goat has fallen head-over-heels for Serena and Lily. Serena Dugan and Lily Kanter have created amazing collections of bedding, baby bedding, furniture, and fabric. Their eye for style and simplicity can turn a normal bedroom into a masterpiece. These two women have thought about everything…they even sell paint that coordinate with their bedding! Check out their amazing products at www.serenaandlily.com and get started on making any room in your house into a work of art. We also love that they offer organic baby bedding!

Before getting into bed with your new comfy sheets relax and enjoy a night time bath with Chivas  goat milk bath salts!

Gifting Goat Shares The Perfect Baby Shower Gift Idea

Whether it is a boy or girl, the Gifting Goat thinks that a Little Giraffe Blanket paired with a Chivas goat milk soap makes the perfect baby shower gift!

You may have heard about a company called Little Giraffe and their indescribably soft baby blankets. These high quality blankets are luxurious but also machine washable which will make any new mom smile. Celebrity moms such as Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Jessica Alba and Gwen Stefani have all fallen in love with these amazing blankets. Suri Cruise has been photographed around the world with her Little Giraffe blanket. The blanky size ( 14” x 14”) blanket tag has a poem that says…

“This blanky goes with me,

Everywhere you see.

It’s the perfect size,

Not to touch the ground,

Then it stays nice and clean,

To carry all around.

If mommy holds it close to her,

Then gives it back to me,

I will always smell her scent,

Feel her love,

And the warmth of her security.”

For a Boy: Pair a Little Giraffe’s Luxe Blanket in blue with the Original goat milk soap.

For a Girl: Pair a Little Giraffe’s Luxe Blanket in pink with the Lavender Oatmeal goat milk soap.

Gourmet Goat Shares Her Favorite Grilled Cheese Recipe

Summer Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese

The Gourmet Goat has created a recipe that will make regular grilled cheese sandwiches envious!

Ingredients:

Spread:

• 1/3 Cup Mayonnaise
• 1 ¼ Cup Baby Spinach
• 1 ¼ teaspoon Minced Garlic
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• ¼ teaspoon Pepper

Sandwich:

• 10 Slices Cracked Sourdough Bread
• 4 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 Cup Baby Spinach
• 6 oz Package of Garlic and Herb Goat Cheese
• 1 Avocado, halved and thinly sliced
• 1 Tomato, thinly sliced

Directions:

1)    Lay out 10 pieces of bread on wax paper. Brush olive oil on one side of each slice of bread and put the oiled side on the wax paper.

2)    Soften goat cheese in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For each sandwich, spread one piece of the bread with goat cheese.

3)    Combine the spread ingredients in a food processor and sauté. Coat the other piece of sandwich bread with the spread. (*Note: any extra spread can be used to dip the grilled sandwich in)

4)    On the goat cheese piece of bread add tomato slices, baby spinach and avocado. Place the piece of bread with spread on top of the other slice. (*Note: at this point the outside pieces of the sandwich should have olive oil on them)

5)    Using a grill pan or a large skillet, cook the sandwich over medium heat until golden brown, flip sandwich and grill other side till golden brown.

NOTE:  Make it a full meal by pairing these sandwiches with Tomato Soup and Caesar Salad.

Looking for other goat cheese recipes? Try Maggie Ford’s “Goat Cheese” cookbook.

Interested in the benefits of goat milk for your skin? Check out our goat milk soaps.

Granny Goat’s Advice On A Good Way To Relax

Had a long week? Exhausted from all those emails? Sick of having your phone glued to your ear? Granny Goat says, “Take a bath!”

Granny Goat knows just the right ingredients for a relaxing and rejuvenating bath…

Ingredients:

(an ingredient for each day of the week)

1… One Bag of Sweet Nothings Bath Salts

2… Two Towels

3… Three Deep breathes

4… Four Places you want to visit

5… Five People who have made a difference in your life

6… Six Reasons you love your life

7… Seven Things that make you happy

*Note: Stress and cell phones are not invited to this bath!

Reason Behind Each Ingredient:

Sweet Nothings Goat Milk Bath Salts- the sweet scent of these bath salts will turn a normal bath into a spa experience. These bath salts are made with Dead Sea Salts to detoxify, Goat Milk to nourish, blend of bath oils to moisturize, and pure essential oils and herbs to sooth the senses.   To try our bath salts, click here.

Towels- having two towels is decadent and wonderful. For an extra treat put them through the dryer for 10 minutes.

Take a deep breathe- deep breathing releases endorphins, helps clear the mind and can reduce stress. With the first breathe imagine a burst of endorphins. Take another deep breathe and clear your mind. Take one more breathe and let your stress go away.  (Granny wants to remind you to keep breathing!)

Places you want to visit- sometimes we get so busy with our day to day schedule it is hard to dream or even think about taking vacation time. So enjoy the fantasy and plan your ideal trip to the four locations of your choice.

People who made a difference- it is important to recognize people who have had a positive impact in your life. Take the time to recognize and appreciate all they have done for you.

Reasons you love your life- sometimes it is easier to focus on the negative things and complain… but that is not allowed in this bath! Think of at least six reasons why you love your life.

Happiness- it comes in many forms and is different for everyone. Great pumpkin pie, a new toothbrush, Christmas cards, red lipstick, a hand written letter, cold glass of ice tea and watching Singing in the Rain makes Granny Goat happy. Think of your list and then make a point to find a way to incorporate at least one of those into your busy week.

Enjoy. Relax. Love.

Photo Credit: “spa dreams” istockphoto

Green Goat’s Kid Asks, “What Does It Mean To Be Green?”

What does it really mean to be green? Rana DiOrio, author and owner of Little Pickle Press, answers this question in her colorful children’s picture book titled What Does It Mean To Be Green?. The adorable illustrations done by Chris Blair paired with a meaningful message about protecting the earth makes this book a must read for kids (and parents).

Check out Little Pickle Press website to learn more about the author, the mission behind the stories, and watch a video about the book.

If you want to learn more about what we do here at Chivas to be green, you can check out “Our Values” page.

… And if you have children of your own, remember that our goat milk soaps are great for children with sensitive, eczema-prone skin.

Photo Credit: Chris Blair

Meet Our New Gang Of Gabbing Goats

We have seven new goats who will be gabbing it up on our blog (AKA cutesy names for our different blog columns)

To get to know them better, we asked each of them, “Which Chivas soap best describes you?”

• Gourmet Goat: She is our in-house chef. She is fascinated with creating and trying new recipes with goat milk – from homemade cheese to raw milk shakes. “The best soap that describes me would have to be Herb Garden goat milk soap. When I am not in the kitchen, I’m in my garden picking fresh herbs for my next recipe.  This soap uses some of my favorite herbs – basil, rosemary & fennel.”

• Gifting Goat: Consider her your personal shopper. She will offer you gift advice for your family and friends for all occasions.  (And you might find a little something for yourself too!) “If you’re giving a gift, your best bet is the Starter Kit which let’s someone new to Chivas try a little of everything – a goat milk soap, facial creme, lip balm and bath salt! ”

• Green Goat: He is focused on making the world a better place. He will update you on green living tips, ways to give back in your community and how to reduce your carbon footprint. “All the soaps are eco-friendly but if I had to pick a favorite, I’d say the Lemongrass goat milk soap. I love the outdoors and the tea tree and citronella essential oils in this soap naturally deter insects to keep me bug- free!”

• Gossip Goat: She loves to talk… and talk… and talk. She will update you on the latest Chivas news from the farm, newest trends and any other goat gossip. “Since I’m always out talking with everyone, I have to look my best. I rely on the Clear Complexion goat milk facial soap to keep my skin blemish free and red carpet ready.”

• Granny Goat: Every family has their matriarch and Granny Goat is ours! She will provide that motherly advice and wisdom we all need in our lives.  “My favorite soap is Orange Spice goat milk soap. It is so rich with the cocoa butter and it smells so wonderful. It always reminds me of Thanksgiving and spending time with my family.”

• GTD Goat: He is obsessed with GTD – “getting things done” – and wants to share everything he’s read up about or tried himself to get more organized, productive and efficient.  “I’m a minimalist so I like that all Chivas soaps are three-in-one; they’re good for body, hands and face.  For example, the Lavender Oatmeal goat milk soap has oatmeal (which is a gentle exfoliant for the face), lavender essential oil (which is a natural anti-septic for the hands) and fair trade shea butter (which keeps your body silky smooth).”

• Guru Goat: She is our natural skin care guru.  She knows everything about natural ingredients, DIY skin care recipes and beauty tips.  “So many people ask me for advice about how to treat their sensitive skin and I always recommend the Fragrance Free goat milk soap because it is the most gentle and nourishing.”

Granny Goat’s Summer Skin Advice

Granny Goat Knows Best

Summer is here which means long days at the beach, hikes and BBQs! With all this extra time in the sun it is important to remember to protect your fragile skin. Granny knows best and these two quick and easy tricks will help protect your skin from looking like a lobster. This will only take you a minute and will have you looking radiant this summer without sun damage. 1)  After washing your face with our Clear Complexion Goat Milk Soap, put on Fragrance Free Goat Milk Facial Crème it will help keep your skin from getting dried out in the heat. 2)  Next, put on Sunforgettable Mineral Powder Sun Protection with 30 SPF. We have fallen in love with this mineral sun protection by Colorescience. Since it is a mineral powder you don’t have to worry about looking greasy, or smelling like sunscreen. The unique orb packaging makes it the perfect size for a beach bag and it is so easy you can apply it and reapply it all day. They even offer a small travel size orb! Colorescience products not only protect your precious skin… they make your skin look flawless. Even though we love this product it is not totally natural to learn more about this check out Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database.

“Country Living” writes about “The Johanson Family’s Farm-Fresh Skin Care”

We are so excited and honored to have been written about in the “Country Living” magazine!  It has been a great way to share our story and our products with people all across America – from Texas to Kansas to Georgia.  We are so thankful for everyone who made this possible!

To celebrate, we are offering 15% off our Starter Kit!   These are a great way to try each of our best sellers, especially if you’re new to Chivas (or if you love our soaps,  but haven’t tried our other products yet).  Offer good for the month of June only.  See more info below.

NOTE: The piece is on page 16 in the June 2010 edition under “Heart of the Country” / “Making a Country Living”.

Info about our Starter Kit (with 15% off this June):

The Starter Kit includes one Original goat milk soap, one Sweet Nothings facial creme, one Sweet Nothings bath salt sachet, and one Original vegan lip balm.  Valued at $44.00 when bought individually, but available for $34.00 with this special discount (save $10)!


Inspirations for our new pattern design

Maybe I’m not supposed to leach all the inner workings of our company, but I’m not very good at keeping secrets.  So, I can’t help but share the fact that we are developing a new line of goat milk soaps geared towards high-end gift boutiques.  We’ll keep our same great basic recipes (fresh goat milk, high-quality oils and butters, and all-natural essential oils) and our same great shape (ergonomically designed to fit the shape of your hand), but it will be fully wrapped in a really nice paper with a custom pattern.  And since we’ve had such fun working on the design and pattern, I want to share some of the inspirations we found from others on-line.  Once we’ve finalized our own pattern, I’ll be sure to post.

I’m so thrilled to have Alissa Pittenger on board as our designer and would highly recommend her to any in need of graphic design, brand development, web design, etc.

I also want to thank Amy Boe for helping us to pull these original pattern swatches, as she helped us to set the tone.

Also, please excuse the fact that I dont’ have proper photo credit above.  We had pulled them so long ago and hadn’t documented all the links.  I want to give credit where credit is due, so if you know the artists/links please tell me so that I can update this post.

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