The problem is, have you looked at prices in Alexandria, VA?

To get the goal: his and her kitchens; we would have to move outside the beltway. (cue deathly music) THE SUBURBS. (dun dun dun)

First of all, when you tell people your requirement is his & her kitchens, they are a little shocked. Then they tell you that is actually against code. Good thing I don’t need a full kitchen – we are installing a permit-friendly wet bar so everything remains legal. It turns out, you get a lot more for your money in the ‘burbs. I know traffic drives people to drink, but wine bars are standard in owner’s suites! Had I known that, I would have been movin’ on Westward a long time ago!

And this bath tub. Wouldn’t it be a perfect spot to test our bath bombs in?

Fast forward a bit, it is May now and all the paperwork is done. The mortgage documents have been submitted. The offer has been accepted and the permit process has started!

 Wait, the PERMIT process you ask?

Yup – we are building a house/soap factory! And THIS is the new location of Old Town Suds, LLC

Isn’t she a beauty? Ok, imagine walls, shelving, a real floor, a sink, dishwasher, and well, I could keep going on and on and on. This Fall, we will be holding our first Cold Process soap making classes in our new space! We will have a combination of demonstration & hands-on style classes – JUST in time for you to make all of your holiday gifts! Make sure you are signed up for our newsletter to be the first to know about our classes. We will also have a few other surprises – beyond making soap – up our sleeve. You want to be on this list, trust me.

Here are a few ideas to help you remove toxins from your body:

#1 Drink water. Drinking plenty of fresh, natural water will help your body rid itself of built up toxins. Try to avoid drinking sodas and sugary juices which can make the problem worse and instead stick to water as your drink of choice. And remember coffee and tea can dehydrate the body and undo all the good work, so drink an additional glass of water for each caffeinated drink you consume.

#2 Exercise. Exercise is one of the best ways to remove toxins from the body. We all need to move and vigorous exercise will not only help you feel good but you’ll also build a healthy body and mind. In the process you’ll clean toxins out of your system through sweat.

#3 Use the sauna. Many believe that saunas have a similar effect in clearing toxins as exercise. It’s not for everyone but may be worth a shot. Don’t use the sauna for prolonged periods and ensure that it’s okay with your medical practitioner.

#4 Eat fiber. Eating plenty of whole natural grains and vegetables ensures that our bodies get enough fiber. The toxins in your system will bind to these toxins and be swept out of your body on a regular basis. Eating plenty of fiber is one of the best ways to rid yourself of toxins and create better all around health. This means healthier skin too.

#5 Eat fruits and vegetables. Both are high in fiber which is great for the body but also contain a high antioxidant count. Antioxidants help the body relieve itself of toxins. Eating a lot of fruit and veg will mean and healthier all around you.

#6 Avoid junk. Junk can be found in fast food, pre-packaged foods and microwavable meals. These types of foods contain added preservatives and chemicals which are harmful to our bodies and can make skin conditions worse. Avoid these junky foods and instead opt for whole, natural foods as much as possible.

Getting rid of toxins from the body is possible. The key is to get plenty of exercise, hydrate yourself often by making water your drink of choice and to eat as whole and natural foods as possible.

A simple way to cut your gas bill is by using less heat. While one degree may not seem like a lot, it can save you thousands of dollars through the year. Try using electric heaters or your fireplace instead of turning up the thermostat. You can also get a programmable thermostat or just remember to turn down the heat when you’re not in the house during the day.

Cutting your water bill is easy. While it might not seem that high, think of all the energy you’re using to heat the water you use. By cutting water, you’re slashing two bills at once.

Here are some quick tips for saving lots of water.

* Don’t water your lawn. If the plants and grasses you’re using in your yard are appropriate for the area you live, you should never have to water your lawn. Research native grasses and plants and slowly transition your yard as you can.

* Turn off faucets. Many of us know to turn off the faucet when we’re brushing our teeth, but you can also do this as you shower. It takes a little extra thought, but saves a lot of water.

* Collect running water. When you let your water run so it will get warm or cold, collect it. You can use this later to water your plants, do your dishes, or brush your teeth.

Saving money on your electric bill is probably the simplest step of all: turn things off!*

It’s simple and easy and most of us forget to do it several times a day. If something is not in use, turn it on.

What's even better than turning thing off? Unplugging them.

Most appliances use up power even if they’re not on. You can unplug them, or put them on a power strip and turn it off when youíre not using everything.

You can’t live without lights and appliances all the time, but you can switch to types that are more energy efficient. Energy star appliances may be an investment in the first place, but you’ll save in the long run. Even if you can’t afford the upgrade now, you can still make a dent in the electric bill by buying compact fluorescent light bulbs. They use less energy and last longer too.

A fantastic way to cut your energy is to cut how much you use by using alternative energy sources. It can take some investment of time and money to install solar panels or a device to harness wind, but when you see how much they save you, you’ll be happy you made the change.

*Please let me know if you find a way to teach this to husbands.

With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of the some of the best whole foods to help you create a healthy, glowing complexion:

#1 Whole Wheat  Changing your everyday white wheat products for their unrefined whole counterparts is the first step towards clear healthy skin. Opt for whole wheat bread, brown rice and other unrefined grains such as bulgar wheat or whole wheat couscous.

These whole grains will not only fill you up but also give your body plenty of vitamins and nutrients, which are necessary for healthy skin growth. Another added benefit is that they’re packed with fiber which means better all around digestive health which in turn will mean healthier skin.

#2 Beans and legumes Beans are packed with nutrients, vitamins and fiber. They are the optimum power food. Sprinkle beans in salads or opt for a vegetarian bean dish instead of meat at least a few times a week. Beans have been shown to provide many health benefits and are great for the body.

#3  Green vegetables  Green vegetables are a great source of antioxidants and rich minerals which are fantastic for the skin and body. Include plenty of fresh greens in your daily diet. For best results, lightly steam your greens. This will ensure they maintain a high antioxidant count.

#4  Apples The pectin found in apples is great for creating healthy skin. Apples are also very high in fiber which helps sweep toxins out of the body. And while it’s good to eat a wide variety of fruits, aim for at least one apple a day along with your other fruit choices. Pectin has the added benefit of helping you feel full which may in turn help you avoid junky foods. Don’t forget to wash your apples!

#5  Sea vegetables Sea vegetables, such as seaweed, have a high antioxidant and nutrient count. They are not only great for the body but contain a high level of zinc which can help promote healthy skin. You can find dry sea vegetable mixes in most health food stores. Simply sprinkle a little into your stews or over salads to achieve great health and radiant skin.

If you’re looking to clear your acne fast, then you really can’t go wrong with opting for whole natural foods which contain lots of vitamins and antioxidants – all necessary for optimum health.

But what about our Nation's Capital?

Well, Old Town Suds is making a change this year! The first Saturday of most months we will be in Logan Circle at MEETMarket. If you haven’t been to MEETMarket, you HAVE to go! It is a great mix of artists and fine foods in a fantastic  neighborhood. 

Over 40 vendors take over takeover the parking lot at 15th & P NW. Each month over on the blog, the market masters are super awesome at posting market maps that list which vendors will be there each month and where their booths will be located. Based on photos I have been stalking reviewing, you’ll be able to find fabric, pottery, jewelry, stationery, and of course, your favorite soap! Our friends over at Fluffed Up Desserts will also be at the market. We can’t wait to see everyone at the market! Be sure to check out our events page to see where we are every week.

So just how do you naturally cleanse the skin to get rid of acne?

Here are some of the best tried and tested methods:

#1 Think gentle. Avoid soaps or cleansers with added chemicals. These can be very hard on the skin and make the acne worse. Instead opt for natural cleansers without added chemicals or fragrances. Just remember that the more gentle the better.

And remember your skin is self cleansing in many ways. You really don’t need harsh chemicals to get a clean feeling. A simple natural cleanser such as the one above will help your skin heal itself and give your acne a much a needed break from chemicals. Opt for soap with activated charcoal or tea tree oil in it for a natural way to pull impurities out of the skin.

#2  Use natural oils. If you’re suffering from oily skin it may seem counterproductive to apply oil to the skin. But natural oils have been shown to actually heal acne and get rid of scars. Try natural vitamin E, which is naturally found in the skin. Gently cleanse your face at night and apply a light layer. Most users have seen improvement in their skin within weeks.

Coconut oil is another great source for the skin. It will hydrate your skin and provide antioxidants which may help calm the inflammation caused by acne. This is my personal favorite and what I use every day. I add a bit of doTERRA essential oils to my mix and it works beautifully!

#3  Use a natural astringent. If you’re suffering from really oily skin it’s still best to avoid any alcohol-based astringents. Instead opt for a natural cucumber and pineapple mixture. Both will help cool and alleviate the skin while getting rid of the oil.

Mix a few cucumber and pineapple slices in the blender and blend into liquid form. Then apply to the face using a cotton ball. Remember to keep this refrigerated so you don’t have to add any preservatives.

#4 Use natural and little makeup. Makeup can make acne worse. The best option is to use a 100% natural makeup that won’t clog your pores. Even then it’s best to remember that no makeup is better than natural makeup. If at all possible, avoid wearing foundation and blush which may make acne worse. Instead opt for a spot concealer. Eye and lip makeup is perfectly fine to use.

When it comes to getting rid of acne, avoiding chemical-laden cleansers is a good idea. Instead opt for natural alternatives. The best options are often found in natural foods which can be used to cleanse the skin as mentioned above.