Our last date to process orders in time for christmas delivery is Thursday 17 December. All orders received by that date will ship on Friday the 18th or Saturday 19th. Please don't leave it too late as we cannot be responsible for delays caused by our shipping carriers!
We would also like to let you know that our offices will be closed, in observance of Christmas, from December 24 to December 27. All orders received during this time will ship on December 29th. Thank you for your understanding. Happy Holidays!
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Web error message?
Thanks to Kendra Haskins Design, we have completely recoded our website. Why is that good news? Well, before you couldn't access Samantharoma on your mac or your mobile phone...but now you can! We are still making a few final adjustments but we are up and working on IE, Opera, Firefox and Safari browsers! If you have our homepage, or another page, bookmarked (saved as a shortcut), then you may need to refresh or reload to get the new page. If this still doesn't work, please check that the final suffix reads: ".html". The old pages end in ".htm", so just add the "L". Thanks!
Kendra offers print, media and website design solutions, and we thoroughly recommend her expertise!
Kendra offers print, media and website design solutions, and we thoroughly recommend her expertise!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!
If you're on our mailing list, check your email for a great FREE SHIPPING offer and a FREE GIFT with purchase!
Not on our email list? Shame on you! Join now, we'll email you the offer! Email us at admin@samantharoma.com
If you're using your coupon code, don't worry if your free gift doesn't appear in your cart...it will appear in your pacakge!!
If you're on our mailing list, check your email for a great FREE SHIPPING offer and a FREE GIFT with purchase!
Not on our email list? Shame on you! Join now, we'll email you the offer! Email us at admin@samantharoma.com
If you're using your coupon code, don't worry if your free gift doesn't appear in your cart...it will appear in your pacakge!!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Gifts for the holidays, $25 or less!
We know times are hard this Christmas...that's why we have come up with three great Gift sets, beautifully packaged and ready to go. Just put in a Gift Bag and you're all set! As we are working on our website...we might not have the new page up in time for your order but just drop us an email and we can do business!!
Butter Me Up - $25
Wash Me Down - $20
Scrub Me Clean - $25
Butter Me Up - $25
Full size Lavender and Rosemary Body Butter,Packaged in an elegant Lavender box with shred and cello.
Bamboo Washcloth
Peace Bath Salts (2.5oz foil pack)
Wash Me Down - $20
Balance Bath Salts (2.5oz foil pack)Packaged in a festive Holiday stripe Box with shred and cello
Citrus Soap
Genuine Pumice Stone
Scrub Me Clean - $25
Washing Grains (new), mineral clay scrub for face and bodyPackaged in a festive Holiday stripe Box with shred and cello
Bamboo Washcloth
Herbal Tea Bags (x3)
Mint Soap
Browser update
Just to let you know...we are currently working on fixing the browser issues. Most everything is up and running on : Firefox, Opera and Safari. There are a few glitches, mostly misaligned pages but please let us know if you come across something more serious. Thanks for your patience and enjoy your holiday shopping!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Bamboosaled?
Fellow South Carolinian business partner Bamboosa have been under scrutiny recently with regards to the labeling of their bamboo products. Bamboosa make an awesome line of clothing and accessories with bamboo fiber. I am a big fan and wearer of their bamboo clothing and Samantharoma sells their awesome washcloths. Since the beginning of our business relationship, I was pleased to be using a crop that is renewable and, in Bamboosa’s case, ethically produced and organic. Their bamboo is organically cultivated and harvested in China and made into bamboo “fiber.” According to Morris Saintsing (Mo), one of the owners of Bamboosa, this process involves the use of caustic soda (the same lye we use in our soaps) which acts as a catalyst that produces the yarn. Just like our soap, there is no remaining chemical left in the finished product – it burns off in the process.
The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has decided to take action against Bamboosa and three other small textile companies accusing them of “green washing.’ This is highly offensive to a company like Bamboosa who are actually taking a renewable resource and turning into a replacement for its synthetic counterparts. Not so, say the FTC. They mandate that Bamboosa must label their product “viscose made from bamboo”. If you have bought a washcloth in the last year, it will bear the new label. Not so terrible except it doesn’t end there. The FTC have also demanded that Bamboosa prove their “antibacterial” claim stating that although bamboo is naturally antibacterial, the chemical change caused in producing the yarn negates the antibacterial affect. Kind of like cooking all the good stuff out of fruit and veggies.
However…if you have ever worn bamboo socks or clothing you will be able to vouch for the fact that they help reduce body odor. They are very effective at wicking moisture and regulating temperature. Both of those help with body odor but we can no longer say that our washcloths are antibacterial. Bamboosa has conducted testing that shows that bacteria is less likely to grow on bamboo (sorry viscose MADE from bamboo) compared to cotton and synthetic counterparts but this was inconclusive as far as the FTC were concerned. Mo has assured me that they will continue to fight on but this where you can come in. If you have used our (Bamboosa’s washcloths) and would like to post a comment to the FTC, please follow this link: https://public.commentworks.com/ftc/D9340/
You can read the FTC press release here: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/bamboosa.shtm
You can also visit Bamboosa blog at: http://bamboosa.com/blog/
We will continue to sell our Bamboo Washcloths – without the claim that they are antibacterial even though bacteria cultures did not grow on them – and we’ll keep you posted on any updates!
-Samantha
The FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has decided to take action against Bamboosa and three other small textile companies accusing them of “green washing.’ This is highly offensive to a company like Bamboosa who are actually taking a renewable resource and turning into a replacement for its synthetic counterparts. Not so, say the FTC. They mandate that Bamboosa must label their product “viscose made from bamboo”. If you have bought a washcloth in the last year, it will bear the new label. Not so terrible except it doesn’t end there. The FTC have also demanded that Bamboosa prove their “antibacterial” claim stating that although bamboo is naturally antibacterial, the chemical change caused in producing the yarn negates the antibacterial affect. Kind of like cooking all the good stuff out of fruit and veggies.
However…if you have ever worn bamboo socks or clothing you will be able to vouch for the fact that they help reduce body odor. They are very effective at wicking moisture and regulating temperature. Both of those help with body odor but we can no longer say that our washcloths are antibacterial. Bamboosa has conducted testing that shows that bacteria is less likely to grow on bamboo (sorry viscose MADE from bamboo) compared to cotton and synthetic counterparts but this was inconclusive as far as the FTC were concerned. Mo has assured me that they will continue to fight on but this where you can come in. If you have used our (Bamboosa’s washcloths) and would like to post a comment to the FTC, please follow this link: https://public.commentworks.com/ftc/D9340/
You can read the FTC press release here: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2009/10/bamboosa.shtm
You can also visit Bamboosa blog at: http://bamboosa.com/blog/
We will continue to sell our Bamboo Washcloths – without the claim that they are antibacterial even though bacteria cultures did not grow on them – and we’ll keep you posted on any updates!
-Samantha
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Bug Spray 50% off!
Up North maybe the bugs have retreated but here in the hot, humid South - it's Mosquito Central! Keep the little buggers OFF with our Bug Spray and enjoy half off! Please remember, we do NOT recommend storing Bug Spray until next season so only order as much as you need.
Get one for you, get one for a friend!
Get one for you, get one for a friend!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Tampons – Aisle 9 – next to the bleach...what?
I was talking to a friend recently and was shocked to learn that she was unaware that tampons are routinely bleached. The manufacturers of such tampons and the FDA insist that it is not a cause for concern. But some doctor’s and other groups are concerned about the cumulative effect of toxins coming in to contact, month after month, with a very delicate part of our body. So who is right?
Bleached tampons contain two things with which we should be concerned:
1. Dioxin
According to the National Research Center for Women and Families, dioxin was found in several brands of tampons and at least one 100% cotton brand (see Organic vs. Non-organic, below).
The tampon industry is convinced that we, as women, need bleached white products - they seem to think that we view the product as pure and clean. Dioxins are a by-product of the bleaching and manufacturing process of tampons and other feminine hygiene products.
Dioxin has been identified as potentially carcinogenic (cancer-associated) and is toxic to the immune and reproductive systems. It has been linked to endometriosis in women and lower sperm counts in men. For both men and women, it breaks down the immune system.
In the mid-90’s, tampon manufacturers switched to chlorine-free bleaching in an effort to reduce the levels of dioxin in tampons. However, the FDA acknowledges that the alternative process can still generate dioxins at “extremely low levels.” The Environmental Protection Agency reports that there really is no "acceptable" level of exposure to dioxin. When you consider the average woman likely uses over 10,000 tampons in her lifetime, even small traces of dioxin may add up.
2. Rayon
Most tampons are made from cotton or a rayon-cotton blend. Rayon is a highly absorbent synthetic fiber that is made from wood pulp. The good news is that Rayon is great for absorbency but the not-so-good news is that when fibers from the tampons are left behind in the vagina (as usually occurs), it creates a breeding ground for the dioxin, and stays in a lot longer than it would with all cotton tampons (which do not shed). This can also lead to the occurrence of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome).
Still need convincing? Take one of your tampons and soak it in a glass of water overnight. Remove the tampon and observe the remaining fibers floating in the water.
So…WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE?
If you are freaked out by the thought of bleach and fibers in your uterus then you’ll want to switch to a safer tampon. The key words to look for are 100% cotton, organic and unbleached.
Unfortunately, there are only a few companies that make such tampons. I have been using Natracare organic tampons for a few years after reading that they help reduce cramping. They work just as well as regular tampons. They are a little more expensive and they are not likely to be available at your local discount warehouse, grocery or drug store. You can find them at most health stores and online.
Regardless of the law, the choice of which tampon you buy is still yours to make!
Please let us know what you think by completing the poll to the top right. Samantharoma is currently taking orders for Natracare tampons, please email for details.
The following sources were used in compiling this article:
http://forums.obgyn.net/womens-health/WHF.9810/0511.html
http://www.natural-living-for-women.com/organic-tampons.html
http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/tampons090704.cfm
Bleached tampons contain two things with which we should be concerned:
1. Dioxin
According to the National Research Center for Women and Families, dioxin was found in several brands of tampons and at least one 100% cotton brand (see Organic vs. Non-organic, below).
The tampon industry is convinced that we, as women, need bleached white products - they seem to think that we view the product as pure and clean. Dioxins are a by-product of the bleaching and manufacturing process of tampons and other feminine hygiene products.
Dioxin has been identified as potentially carcinogenic (cancer-associated) and is toxic to the immune and reproductive systems. It has been linked to endometriosis in women and lower sperm counts in men. For both men and women, it breaks down the immune system.
In the mid-90’s, tampon manufacturers switched to chlorine-free bleaching in an effort to reduce the levels of dioxin in tampons. However, the FDA acknowledges that the alternative process can still generate dioxins at “extremely low levels.” The Environmental Protection Agency reports that there really is no "acceptable" level of exposure to dioxin. When you consider the average woman likely uses over 10,000 tampons in her lifetime, even small traces of dioxin may add up.
2. Rayon
Most tampons are made from cotton or a rayon-cotton blend. Rayon is a highly absorbent synthetic fiber that is made from wood pulp. The good news is that Rayon is great for absorbency but the not-so-good news is that when fibers from the tampons are left behind in the vagina (as usually occurs), it creates a breeding ground for the dioxin, and stays in a lot longer than it would with all cotton tampons (which do not shed). This can also lead to the occurrence of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome).
Still need convincing? Take one of your tampons and soak it in a glass of water overnight. Remove the tampon and observe the remaining fibers floating in the water.
So…WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE?
If you are freaked out by the thought of bleach and fibers in your uterus then you’ll want to switch to a safer tampon. The key words to look for are 100% cotton, organic and unbleached.
Unfortunately, there are only a few companies that make such tampons. I have been using Natracare organic tampons for a few years after reading that they help reduce cramping. They work just as well as regular tampons. They are a little more expensive and they are not likely to be available at your local discount warehouse, grocery or drug store. You can find them at most health stores and online.
Countries all over the world (like Japan, Sweden, Germany and Britain) have demanded a switch to safer tampons, while the U.S. continues to endorse the use of bleached tampons. The FDA has not called for testing of potential dioxin levels in tampons, and currently does not require package warnings.ORGANIC vs. NON-ORGANIC
In the U.S., more than one billion tons of pesticides and herbicides are sprayed on cotton crops every year; and residues may taint tampons. Many of these pesticides can damage the nervous system, lead to cancer or function as hormone disruptors.
Much of the cotton crop in the U.S. is now also genetically engineered, a fact that has some health advocates worried over long-term effects. The London-based Institute for Science in Society has warned that genetically engineered cotton in tampons could give rise to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. So, definitely look for 100% organic cotton.
What about pads and personal wipes? Well they do contain dioxin as well but since they are not in direct contact with the vagina, the risk is lower. There are other reasons to switch but we will cover those in a future blog!
Regardless of the law, the choice of which tampon you buy is still yours to make!
Please let us know what you think by completing the poll to the top right. Samantharoma is currently taking orders for Natracare tampons, please email for details.
The following sources were used in compiling this article:
http://forums.obgyn.net/womens-health/WHF.9810/0511.html
http://www.natural-living-for-women.com/organic-tampons.html
http://www.organicconsumers.org/bodycare/tampons090704.cfm
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Browser Issues
Those of you who use Safari, Firefox and Opera at work or home, or use a mobile device to access the internet, will be pleased to know that we have launched a secondary, simpler site that is fully compatible with these browsers and is easier to look at on smaller screens. You can access it at https://id307.securedata.net/samantharoma.com/merchantmanager/. If you forget to bookmark the site, just go to www.samantharoma.com and follow the link. You should not have difficulty accessing the link even with the above browsers. Should you experience any problems with the site, please let us know webmaster@samantharoma.com.
The site carries most of the information available at samantharoma.com but if you have any questions, please drop us a line customerservice@samantharoma.com. The graphics are smaller and in a format more suited to mobile use. We appreciate your patience as we strive to keep up with ever-changing technology!
The site carries most of the information available at samantharoma.com but if you have any questions, please drop us a line customerservice@samantharoma.com. The graphics are smaller and in a format more suited to mobile use. We appreciate your patience as we strive to keep up with ever-changing technology!
Monday, April 27, 2009
Problem with Packing Peanuts
We recently received a message on our voicemail from a customer who had received Samantharoma as a gift. She was delighted with her products...but not so happy with the styrofoam peanuts her order was packed with.
Please be assured that Samantharoma does not BUY non-biodegradable packing material - however - we DO reuse such material. In fact sometimes we go out of our way to rescue it! So where do we get our packing material? Well, our first source is delivered to us by way of the raw materials that we order to produce and package our products. Most of these are shipped in large boxes just full of packing peanuts! Some are nasty little styrofoam ones and others are the more earth-friendly biodegradable kind. Either way, we save and reuse these peanuts in our packages to you. When we run out of those, we poll friends, neighbors and other local businesses for peanuts that we can recycle. Failing that we keep a watchful eye on freecycle.org for anyone wishing to get rid of packing material. That way we are saving those nasty styrofoam peanuts from the landfill!
So now you know where we get our peanuts, you may be wondering how you can recycle those that you receive. A really easy option is to join and post on your local Freecycle site. People who are moving often need peanuts and they are expensive to buy. You will probably want to save your peanuts until you have a worthwhile quantity before you post. You could also try local moving companies or shipping stores as many will happily recycle them for you!
In the light of recent Craigslist events, please exercise caution when posting items to be picked up from your residence ;-) Samantha
Please be assured that Samantharoma does not BUY non-biodegradable packing material - however - we DO reuse such material. In fact sometimes we go out of our way to rescue it! So where do we get our packing material? Well, our first source is delivered to us by way of the raw materials that we order to produce and package our products. Most of these are shipped in large boxes just full of packing peanuts! Some are nasty little styrofoam ones and others are the more earth-friendly biodegradable kind. Either way, we save and reuse these peanuts in our packages to you. When we run out of those, we poll friends, neighbors and other local businesses for peanuts that we can recycle. Failing that we keep a watchful eye on freecycle.org for anyone wishing to get rid of packing material. That way we are saving those nasty styrofoam peanuts from the landfill!
So now you know where we get our peanuts, you may be wondering how you can recycle those that you receive. A really easy option is to join and post on your local Freecycle site. People who are moving often need peanuts and they are expensive to buy. You will probably want to save your peanuts until you have a worthwhile quantity before you post. You could also try local moving companies or shipping stores as many will happily recycle them for you!
In the light of recent Craigslist events, please exercise caution when posting items to be picked up from your residence ;-) Samantha
Thursday, April 9, 2009
FIND US @ Kiawah's Greenival
If you’re in the Charleston area, come out to beautiful Kiawah Island for Earth Day. What a perfect setting and loads to do. We will be there along with fellow local green businesses like: DwellSmart, Bamboosa and BreatheSoy Candles. We are proud to be in such good company!
There are lots of activities all day long. Check out the link below for more details. Family friendly and free!
There is no admission charge but you are encouraged to bring donations to help support green initiatives. Items like canned goods, gently used books, magazines, or clothing are welcome. An E-waste collection site will also be available at the Park, where you can drop off any broken/unwanted electronics!
Where: Kiawah Island Golf Resort
When: Sunday 19 April, 10am-3pm
Cost: FREE
More info: Greenival at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
There are lots of activities all day long. Check out the link below for more details. Family friendly and free!
There is no admission charge but you are encouraged to bring donations to help support green initiatives. Items like canned goods, gently used books, magazines, or clothing are welcome. An E-waste collection site will also be available at the Park, where you can drop off any broken/unwanted electronics!
Where: Kiawah Island Golf Resort
When: Sunday 19 April, 10am-3pm
Cost: FREE
More info: Greenival at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
A nod to Earth Day (Sunday April 19)
Here at Samanatharoma we are constantly on and off the computer so it is impractical for us to turn it off inbetween uses. It may be the same at your house/place of work too. However, according a recent article pulished in Greenzine by GenGreen, there are many other small appliances around your home or work that you can unplug. Think: shredder, coffee maker, tea kettle, toaster, toaster oven. In fact any small appliances that are used maybe once or twice a day (or less). There are many benefits to unplugging including: aesthetic (anyone who has sold a house knows it’s better to get the clutter off the counter) and safety. Even if you can’t remove items from eyesight you can still unplug them. Greenzine says unplugging an electric shaver can save 135lb carbon a year. That’s better for the planet and for your electric bill!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Gifts Galore!
If you received a Samantharoma gift for Christmas, like our wonderful Beaded Cremes (right), you may be wondering where they are on our website! Several products were new for Christmas and will appear on the website soon. If you received a gift which you cannot find on the web, please email us for reorder information.
Speaking of the Beaded Cremes, they make wonderful gifts for girls of all ages. The gorgeous hand beaded tins contain delicately scented solid perfume. When the perfume is gone the insert drops out and the container can be used for jewelry, gifts or knick-knacks. $14, find them here>
If you're looking for other Valentine's gifts you might consider one of our Gift Sets, Bongers or Massage Oil. If you or your loved one loves our Body Butter, you'll be pleased to know that it's available for a limited time in our sensual "Love" blend. Perfect for massage.
Indulge. Enjoy. Be Kind.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Moisturizer use linked to skin cancer
A study conducted at Rutgers University discovered some alarming results when they applied four commercially available moisturizers to the skin of mice pre-exposed to large doses of UVB.
After several months of daily monitoring, the researchers found that the number of mice with tumors was not statistically different in the treated groups in comparison to the control groups (most likely due to the UVB exposure). However, there was a significant increase in the rate of tumor formation and the overall number of tumors. The scientists also prepared a custom blend moisturizer without certain ingredients and found that the melanoma rates were significantly lower.
One of the suspect ingredients was Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) which is found in many skin and body care ingredients as well as shampoo and toothpaste. You’ll be pleased to know that our facial moisturizer (becoming of Age Wrinkle Repair Complex) and our Body Butter do NOT contain harmful SLS. In fact NONE of our products do!
Of the four creams, Eucerin fared the best, however there was still a 24% increase in tumor rates. The other creams tested were Dermabase, Dermovan and Vanicream. Industry experts agree that further studies will be needed to conclude that the creams would have the same effect on humans exposed to regular sunlight.
Sources:
“Moisturizer use linked to skin cancer,” by Guy Montague-Jones, 18 Aug 2008
"Tumorigenic Effect of Some Commonly Used Moisturizing Creams when Applied Topically to UVB-Pretreated High-Risk Mice." Study by Yao-Ping Lu, You-Rong Lou, Jian-Guo Xie, Qingyun Peng, Weichung J. Shih, Yong Lin and Allan H. Conney. Published in Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2009 Vol. 129
After several months of daily monitoring, the researchers found that the number of mice with tumors was not statistically different in the treated groups in comparison to the control groups (most likely due to the UVB exposure). However, there was a significant increase in the rate of tumor formation and the overall number of tumors. The scientists also prepared a custom blend moisturizer without certain ingredients and found that the melanoma rates were significantly lower.
One of the suspect ingredients was Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) which is found in many skin and body care ingredients as well as shampoo and toothpaste. You’ll be pleased to know that our facial moisturizer (becoming of Age Wrinkle Repair Complex) and our Body Butter do NOT contain harmful SLS. In fact NONE of our products do!
Of the four creams, Eucerin fared the best, however there was still a 24% increase in tumor rates. The other creams tested were Dermabase, Dermovan and Vanicream. Industry experts agree that further studies will be needed to conclude that the creams would have the same effect on humans exposed to regular sunlight.
Sources:
“Moisturizer use linked to skin cancer,” by Guy Montague-Jones, 18 Aug 2008
"Tumorigenic Effect of Some Commonly Used Moisturizing Creams when Applied Topically to UVB-Pretreated High-Risk Mice." Study by Yao-Ping Lu, You-Rong Lou, Jian-Guo Xie, Qingyun Peng, Weichung J. Shih, Yong Lin and Allan H. Conney. Published in Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2009 Vol. 129
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