GLI:N Weekend Round Up: Rotterdam & V I P GLI:N Workshop

This Sunday GLI:N had its first workshop in Rotterdam. 

GLI:N Workshop location in Rotterdam

I am always a bit more excited when I start at a new place. Not only the practical things, like do I find a good parking spot, did I check all the necessary equipment at the hosting place but also because the atmosphere of the place. 

I love to feel home where GLI:N takes place. Each time, it reflects me a bit, too. I could not find a better place than Alice in Cakeland in Rotterdam. It is girly, like me. They are selling the best cupcakes in town. I am not joking ! Come and try yourself. I promise you won't be disappointed. The owner is a sweet mother and has eyes for details. Every time when GLI:N is there, we can enjoy her sweet creations. I love it. This is the personal touch of a local business owner that makes the difference. 

GLI:N Natural Soap Making Workshop

I more and more experience that the Glinies who join the workshops are close to me. We think similarly about the importance of our family`s health, mentally, physically and emotionally as well. This gives a solid ground to develop their own personalized GLI:N natural products at the workshop. It is so nice to see that they listen to their instinct about choosing the right essential oils for them.

If I need to say only two words about how I feel on the GLI:N Workshop, I would probably tell: Green Spirit.

Green spirit which means, that we care about us, our family, our friends, our closest surroundings and also our global environment. 

I do believe we make something unique together for the future. For our future. For our children's future. That keeps me moving forward.

V I P GLI:N Workshop

On Monday, I had the next VIP GLI:N Workshop. 
This is Your unique GLI:N Workshop.
The VIP GLI:N Workshop is only for you. 
You and me together at your place. 
You will have all the attention, the unique time and the professional support on your side. You will define what we are going to make on the VIP GLI:N Workshop. 
This time, Anita wanted to try a new soap making method. 
The Hot CP Soap Making. You see we had great fun. :)

 Next Sunday, the GLI:N tour goes to Alkmaar. HAL72 will host the next GLI:N Workshops.
In the morning we will make organic , natural soap and in the afternoon we will make eco-friendly cleaning detergent. 
Do you want to join us? Click here.

Have a GLI:N Week
Rita

GLI:N Weekend Round up: video shooting and biological soap making workshop in Alkmaar

Hello Glinies, 

Back to basics, here is my last weekend's short overview.

I had a fantastic day on Sunday. It was special for several reasons.

push the red button in action

First of all, it was my first video shooting for GLI:N. wow...I decided to create a one minute long, short but talkative shot about GLI:N: GLI:N at a glance.

The preparation got me busy all week long. I planned certain things that were ready on time, and of course, I had things that I could not manage on time, just like nice, green aprons with the GLI:N logo on. Yes, it was my fault. I started to organize it too late. 

For 7, long  days, I had been breathing GLI:N in, and out. 

I practised my text in front of the mirror in the morning and in the evening. We spent our evenings with my husband on the couch together, as usual. But this time I was repeating my short text 10 times before I got my good night kiss. I even recorded on my phone to see how it would look and sound like...bad idea....after that I got nervous. 
-Have you ever watched yourself back? 
In the past, I gave speeches for small and bigger audience. I knew how it felt. I knew practice helps a lot. 
Still, this time it was for my OWN business. 
This time I was the one, who set the standard high. 
I wanted to do my ever best. 

HAL72

The day came. 
I was surrounded with really good people. 
While we were setting up the decoration, I got relaxed. They were all enthusiastic about GLI:N. So it was the right settings. 
And you know what, I got a warm smile from my friend who did the shooting. No matter , if I needed to start the same sentence again the third time, she stayed positive and said: it will be gorgeous Rita. 
I believed in her. 

The shooting hour was gone so fast that I had no time to realize that I was doing my next dutch workshop with 3 sweet ladies from Alkmaar. I just cannot describe how much I like to do this. 
Each time I feel so lucky that people open up and learn something new that makes them happy. 

We created beautiful biological soap combinations like:
* lemon- oat meal
* bergamon-oat meal
* ginger-wild orange

You know, what is even better? 
That the next day, I got nice mails from them, that they love their soaps, smells really nice and they cannot wait to start using them. 

For the next week, I will have a full weekend.
First, I will go to Rotterdam and the first time, I will meet green minded people there. 
I will do a short demo party where people can see how they can prepare the washing detergent. They can also try out the different GLI:N products, like natural soaps and creams.

But most of all, I will have the opportunity to listen to them. 
I will be there for them. 
Help them to find their own way of creating a green & clean lifestyle/ family style.

On Sunday , I am heading Almere where first we will make natural soaps and in the afternoon we will learn how to clean your clothing in a green way.

So let`s prepare these events now.

have a glin week
Rita

P.S.: 
more information about the upcoming workshops, click here.

GLI:N Workshops Planning Autumn 2014

Hello Glinies,

It was a long long summer holiday.
Oh, no, it was a short summer period here in the Netherlands.
So, in the last three weeks I felt already that the summer is over. Also the school starts earlier, like middle of August which also gave me the feeling: oh, it is Autumn already.

HELLO FALL

So let`s start this fall season with great news. :)
Here is the planning which includes 4 fix locations in the Netherlands right now.
( I can tell you, quickly we are gonna pick two more cities as well. )

EXTENDED GLI:N FALL AGENDA:
Yeah

Almere

In ONZE Volkstuinen Almere we work with close collaboration with Jacqui from doTERRA.

As you already know, in Uitgeest, GLI:N is available at by Mirjam:

Uitgeest

And you already heard about HAL72 in Alkmaar:

Alkmaar

Last but not least, in Rotterdam we work together with Vanessa from Alice in Cakeland:

Rotterdam

So, just a few more days, and GLI:N starts the roadshow around the Netherlands.

Find the closest GLI:N Wokrshop to you here.

The next upcoming Natural Soap Making Workshops will be:

14.09. Alkmaar

20..09. Rotterdam

21.09. Almere

Or join to the next GLI:N DEMO PARTY in Rotterdam by Alice in Cakeland on 20.09.

Do you want to contact me? click here.

See you soon

Rita

GLI:N Workshops in June

GLI:N VEGAN SOAP MAKING WORKSHOP 

08. June Sunday  between 2:30pm - 5:30pm

Show Map Studio 30a Bankastraat 30a, 1094 EE Amsterdam, Netherlands

During this 3-hour long workshop you will prepare your own, personalized scented appr. 1000gram VEGAN, NATURAL SOAP from scratch -using basic, high quality biological products- that you will take home with you. 

You will get a step by step tutorial with pictures, some great tips and will hear pros & cons about the different cosmetic products that you can find on the market and their impact on your and family members' health.

You will take home:
1000 gram of personalized vegan soap

+ and the possibility to network with your peers and personal expert support for the future.

Group of max. 6 persons, 49 Euro/person

Please transfer the 49 Euro/ person to the following bank account in order to reserve your spot:
NL46 INGB 0007 8536 70
more information:
info@glin.eu

Rita Thomassen
0621314694

************************************************************************************************************

GLI:N Eco Wash Workshop

Sunday, June 15 at 2:30pm - 5:00pm Next Week · 66°F / 54°F Partly Cloudy

Show Map Studio 30a Bankastraat 30a, 1094 EE Amsterdam, Netherlands

In this 2.5 hours long workshop you will learn how to wash your clothing in an eco friendly way.

You will get a step by step tutorial with pictures and some great tips as well. 

You will prepare the following products & take home :

2 liters of GLI:N Eco friendly washing detergent

0.5 liter of GLI:N Textile Softener

1 kg of GL:IN Washing Soap

+ and the possibility to network with your peers and personal expert support for the future.

Group of max. 6 persons, 49 Euro/person

Please transfer the 49 euro/ person to the following bank account in order to reserve your spot:
NL46 INGB 0007 8536 70

more information:
info@glin.eu

Rita Thomassen
0621314694******************************************************************************

GLI:N Weekend Round Up

This weekend was still for the family. We got finally the last work done in our home where we moved 9 months ago. It was time to paint the living room.

Oh my god, I cannot believe that we waited so long. At least now the summer lights are dancing on clean white walls in the mornings. I love it.

 It also gave me the opportunity to have a thorough cleaning there. I was so pleased with the power of the GLI:N all purpose cleaning detergent. I had an easy time with using this on every kind of surface: tiles, wood, glass and also against different sort of dirt: paint, grease, dirt, etc. 

On Saturday we visited a special event, ecodorp bergen not far from our home. It is an old airport which has a second, green life. Some people have decided to live there, (re)-use the ground and nature in a more conscious, green way. We enjoyed a theater play for children there. It was so much fun. 

On Sunday I could meet with some friends , chit-chat and make them happy with GLI:N products. I just love to see, when these clean, simple but efficient GLI:N products make people happy. I always give a little piece of me every time. 

Oh and finally, this week we will have the last soap making workshop before the holiday starts in Amsterdam.
So make sure that you do not miss it. You can reserve your spot here.

On 15th of June, you can attend on the Eco wash workshop. Check it out there.

After these events GLI:N goes on holiday. Yes. However I cannot wait to come back and reveal a bunch of new things.

Here you can find more tips for vegan CP soap making for beginners and for pro`s .

Here you can get easy homemade recipes, like: lip balm, sunscreen, bath bonbon, bath bomb,etc...

Happy GLI:N week everyone

Rita

Weekend Round up

 9 weeks ago, I went out with GLI:N in the first time. WE opened one door and got fresh air.I must say, the first step was big but after we did another one and another one. It feels, that we have already learnt to walk.

Just to assume in a nutshell what we did together:
2 beurs
1 open day
7 workshops
2 fixed locations dedicated for GLI:N workshops
1 big Easter Party in a school with more than 30 children attending on GLI:N children workshop
167 followers on facebook
1 werk video
1 monthly GLI:N Column (SOAP DUTCHESS) in an online magazine
1 exclusive GLI:N Network Group
opened & built a system with 5 media chanel
blog followers from 10 countries
and many more business connections

I am so happy.
I am grateful for all the support that I have received till now from all of you.

source:HAL72

And it looks like this beautiful journey has just started.
This week I met a really determined couple Wendy and Sebastiaan from HAL72 in Alkmaar. In the coming month we will make sure that soon, you , who live around Alkmaar, will be able to be part of this special GLI:N experience. HAL72 is focusing on Industrial Design Furniture. They have really cool and clean design items. In the coming weeks they are redesigning their shop in Alkmaar. GLI:N gives a spicy and healthy twist to their shop. In the weekends, one per month, you will be able to create your own vegan soap or cream and even cleaning detergents in this inspiring, cool interior. Such a great combination. HAL72 is also dedicated to use eco-friendly methods to redesign furniture or give a new function to old industrial machines or piece of equipment. I am so pleased to work together. They are dynamic, customer oriented and they follow their heart. I do believe, it is a wonderful combination GLI:N with HAL72  and HAL72 with GLI:N.

Yes, finally we got the sun at the weekend. Here is a photo report about our Saturday, when I had the pleasure to discover Rotterdam after 14 years again.
We did the Euromast, of course. What else would you visit if you happen to have a boy? :)

And after it, we went to the centrum to meet the lovely Vanessa from Alice in Cakeland. Oh yes, they have really tasty cupcakes.
Are you wondering how the soap comes together with cupcakes?
Eventually you can make cupcake soaps, but yes, GLI:N comes to Rotterdam too. :)

Should I tell or not?
....
Oh, ok...from now on, we work with doTerra Essential Oils. Best for the best.
I just feel, that my angels are with me, working hard in order to learn to run soon.
P.S.: Do not forget, the next GLI:N Vegan Soap Making Workshop will be on 8th of June in Amsterdam. You can sign up for this here.

Have a GLI:N week
Rita

GLI:N Weekend Round Up

Hello Glinies

My weekend started with an evening photo shoot session between the dunes near Zandvoort with the amazing Alex Chalkley Photography. I had a few weeks time to collect my ideas for the shoot. Due to the fact, that I am a romantic person, I started digging in the Pinterest for photos with the help of Alex (yes, I had professional support on the way). I pinned my dream board. I was sure that water as my "element" in life, should be there. ( I am a Pieces) so I was searching for ideas with the combination of water/sea and romantic settings.

 *Pinterest

 I imagined lovely spring flowers and blue sky, sun, and sea. Perfect. With soft colors on me.Yes , I know, it is not the best, because it makes you even bigger on photos, but I am just soft romantic, again.

*Pinterest

 

Soft pink, soft white. I imagined that. You know what is even better. It happened like that. On the day, we had full sun all day long. Except , when we were outside. A big spring storm was approaching to us. So the light blue sky was not there. But all the rest , from my dream came true. I had nice flower crown in soft pink and white. The photos were taken next to a little lake between the dunes. Perfect. I felt special. I cannot wait to see the photos. Next week I can share with you.

 

On Sunday,  I had a great workshop. I knew that after the Kingsday, having a program, could not attract too many people. It is a big national party happening here. But I was right. I got a beautiful lady, who is really considerate to use ecological cleaning products at home, and she was determined to change her washing habits. I am so blessed that I can share the knowledge with such a valuable person. Each time I am surprised about the openness and warmness of people with whom I have contact on this journey. First, we had a detailed discussion on how to use eco friendly washing, what kind of little, simple tricks to add to our daily habits. Or just make them more conscious and use them periodically.

After that, we measured and  melted the washing detergent. While this was still melting , we could make an efficient textile softener.. I do like to see, when people get enthusiastic about  seeing the product of their endeavour come true.  When we were ready we started making the washing soap from scratch. We worked with a lot of attention on details so as the next time, she will be able to produce her own washing soap based on the instructions of today. We have just finished on time. Quickly just list here , what you take home after this session:
   2 liters of GLI:N Eco friendly washing detergent
0.5 liter  of  GLI:N Textile Softener
   1 kg     of GL:IN Washing Soap
    1 copy of detailed presentation of the GLI:N Eco Washing Workshop
    and the possibility to network with your peers and personal expert support for the future

Did I mention, that all the participants of the GLI:N Workshops get access to an exclusive support group where they can ask/share/ learn from each other/ network even after the workshop?

 

We are facing a busy week. I cannot wait.  My first Dutch children workshop is coming up together with a dutch soap making workshop in Uitgeest by Mirjam.  You can sign up for the events here.

And even this would not be enough inspiring for this week, on Sunday we will have an open day together with Smart Tinker where you can try and taste our service and have fun between 12.00-15.00 on Sunday. And just right after I have the Vegan soap making workshop for adults. You can sign up for the event here.

have a GLI:N week
Rita

GLI:N Workshops in May 2014

I thought it would be handy to have an overview of the upcoming GLI:N Workshops for each month.

So , here is the first month overview.

You can join to the GLI:N Workshops in two location in the Netherlands:

STUDIO30A
(Amsterdam , Bankastraat 30A, 1944EE)


and

ByMirjam
(Uitgeest, Melis Stokelaan 2, 1911SL)

for more info, visit:

https://www.facebook.com/glinproducts/events

for reservation, use:

info@glin.eu

See you soon
Rita

GLI:N Weekend Round Up Easter Activities

 

This weekend was special not only because it was EASTER but also because I had two children workshops. I had such a pleasure. I think the children too :)

 

So as an international family , we had the luck to combine two different types of Easter customs. We had an Easter brunch, like Dutch do with the hole family. And of course the highlight of the brunch was Easter Egg hunting.

 

On Monday morning I got sprinkled by my men, not to get dried out for this season, as Hungarians do. Of course , as return, they got Choco Eggs.

I have also prepared different dishes from both culture: asperses soup with eggs and   
" Kalacs " ( sweet bread).

 

I just love the fact, that we can enjoy all these nice cultural elements in our family life. I do believe, that it makes our life richer, colourful and open to the world.

 

On Saturday I had the honour to join to a special school here in Utrecht for their special Easter Edition. It is a small, independent organization, runs by parents who have educational background. Their goal is to introduce, keep it alive the Hungarian culture, language for their bilingual children here in the Netherlands. They come together approximately 12 times per year and organize different activities for the different age groups.

For Easter, the children and parents could enjoy authentic Hungarian dancer, who danced a nice Easter story and after we all could practice Hungarian folklore dance.

 

  

And after, it was time for the different workshops.

 I was a guest who gave workshops with natural soap dough to play with. I had the pleasure to introduce soap dough playing for all age groups from babies till 12-13 years old children. In total, I had approximately 36 children on this day, who learned how to rasp soap clay  and after use their imagination to create every kind of piece of art what they imagined. It was recognizable the difference between man and woman approach. The boys went for balls or eggs shape and the girls went for detailed, colourful little animals as ducks, rabbits, or used cookie cutters to shape the soap dough.

It was miracle in the air on that day. Not only fun, but their proudness was touchable there.

On Monday I had another little scale children workshop where we used different techniques , next to soap dough to play with. This time , it was age group 5-6. They learned melt and pour technique with a special SLES, SLS and paraben free formula to make personalized soaps. They added their own colour and scent and after it they poured the soap in different shapes.

After we did soap felting. It was such fun to work with different materials, textures. Even at that age, they are able to succeed such a "job". Of course we could not miss the play dough activities.

This time the imagination went further than Easter Egg and Bunny, so we had "Easter Egg with Tornado on the top"  for instance. They made also their "Kinder Surprise" Egg, using their favourite toy , hidden in a soap egg. For closing the day, they could cut little presents out of soap.

 

I think it was a rich Easter Weekend.

Thank you all of you who was involved to those activities.

The next Children Workshop is planned for 10th of May in Amsterdam. Here , you can get registered.

With love
Rita

GLIN Vegan Soap Making Workshop in Amsterdam

I have the pleasure to report that we did our first vegan soap making workshop in Amsterdam in the last weekend.

 

 

I got there almost too late, due to an open bridge on the way. Yes, here in the Netherlands that is so common, that even on the highways , you need to give priority to the ships if they are passing the canals under the highway so for the next time, I will make sure, that I calculate this in my timing.

 

 

 

 

It turned out that we got a real international group ( USA, Romania, Hungary) on the workshop. I was pleased with the openness of the ladies and it was nice to hear all the different motivation to attend on such an event. Some of them came because they love to craft and of course there were people with skin problems who are searching for alternatives of the medicines against their health issues.

 

 

 

After a short introduction I shared the basic knowledge of the Cold Process Soap Making. We had enough time to get answers for all their questions. When everybody felt comfortable with the Soap Making Process , they were able to design their own scented soaps. Some of them made two different types of soap even with herbs and essential oils.

 

After the design phase of the soap was ready, we put all the knowledge that we learnt in practice. It was nice to see how they picked the information quickly up and acted cautiously with the lye solution and made their soaps.

At the end of the session everybody got their batches of soap and packed carefully to take home.

Now it is time to wait another 4 to 6 weeks before they can try their own handmade vegan soap.

And look, I got already a nice product pictures in my mailbox:

 

 

Thank you ladies. You all did a great job! I hope you won`t give up and continue on this beautiful discovery of vegan soaps.

The next date for Vegan Soap Making Workshop in Amsterdam will be:
04.05.2014.
Mark in your Agenda and be part of the fun.

With love
Rita

Basic ingredients for natural soaps & cosmetic products : coconut butter / oil

"Coconut oil can be used as a skin moisturizer, helping with dry skin and reduces protein loss when used in hair. Before the advent of electrical lighting, coconut oil was the primary oil used for illumination in India and was exported as cochin oil.

 

Coconut oil is an important base ingredient for the manufacture of soap. Soap made with coconut oil tends to be hard, although it retains more water than those made with other oils and therefore increases manufacturer yields. It is more soluble in hard water and salt water than other soaps allowing it to lather more easily. A basic coconut oil soap is clear when melted and a bright white when hardened."-  wikipedia

Coconut Oil Health Benefits

• Promotes weight loss and helps maintain healthy body weight
• Reduces the risk of heart disease
• Supports thyroid function
• Increases metabolism and energy
• Prevents bacterial, viral, and fungal infections
• Helps control diabetes and chronic fatigue
• Improves digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease and IBS
• Protects against alcohol damage to the liver
• Rejuvenates skin and prevents wrinkles

Lauric acid, known for its antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal functions, makes up about 50% of the fatty acid in coconut fat. In the body, it is converted to monolaurin, a powerful monoglyceride that destroys lipid-coated viruses (such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, and influenza) as well as pathogenic bacteria including helicobacter pylori and listeria monocytogenes.

 

 

 

Is there a difference between coconut oil and coconut butter?

Yes, there is definitely a difference between the two. Think peanut butter vs. peanut oil. One is thick and smooth, while the other is liquid (at room temperature). Coconut butter includes the meat of the coconut, while coconut oil does not.
What is Coconut Butter?
It is made from raw dried shredded coconut. When you puree the shredded coconut the coconut oil and coconut meat mix together and turn into a butter spread. You must use shredded coconut that has not been defatted.

More about the Cacao butter and the Karite butter here.

We will use coconut butter on the GLI:N Workshops for soap making and in other cosmetic products.

With love
Rita

 

Basic ingredients for natural soaps & cosmetic products: Karite butter

Karite butter, also called shea butter, is an oil extracted from the fruit of the karite tree. This oil is used as a skin moisturizer in many cosmetic products like lotion, soap, lip balm, and skin cream. Karite butter is rich in vitamins A and E, and it has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.

The karite tree is native to the savannahs of western and central Africa. Although the trees aren't cultivated, they are widely used for food and cosmetics by the native people of those regions. Most shea butter nuts are exported for processing, but some Fair Trade companies are working to keep the production of karite butter products in African villages to protect the local economies. In general, it is women who do the hard work of karite butter extraction and preparation.

Karite butter is traditionally made by hand. After the small nuts are picked from the trees, they are cracked open. The flesh is removed and the seed or nut is dried and roasted. The nut is pounded into a paste and mixed with water, then kneaded by hand. The coagulated oil is separated from the water then boiled to separate it from the nut residue. The resulting white or yellow oil is left to harden, then formed into balls for export. It takes around 20 hours to produce 2.2 pounds (1kg) of oil.

Shea oil is rich in stearic and oleic fatty acids. It doesn't saponify in the soap-making process, which leaves the oils free to moisturize and protect skin. For this reason, it is used in shampoos to repair damaged hair and reduce dandruff. It can also be used a cleanser for people sensitive skin, eczema, or other inflammations.

In addition to moisturizing, karite butter also protects and helps heal skin. The high fat content makes it an effective and soothing salve for minor cuts and burns, and it is very effective in treating chapped lips, feet, and hands. It also contains cinnamic acid, a chemical that blocks some ultraviolet rays from the sun. When the pure butter is applied to the hands or face, it takes awhile to soak in so it provides a barrier against irritation from wind, cold, and irritation from friction and harsh soaps and detergents.

Read more about the Coconut butter here and  Cacao butter here.

We on the GLI:N Workshops will use the Karite butter for soapmaking and in other cosmetic products.

 

 

with love

Rita

 

Hongarije Plaza , Harderwijk

Hello Glinies,

 

Yesterday I had a wonderful day at Harderwijk. It was a special day for me. You know, I am a Hungarian and this event was organized in the Netherlands in order to promote my home country.

 

I must say, it was a really nice event, showing different faces of Hungary about culture, tourism, cuisine, and handcrafts there.

More over, it was organized on a special day. 15th of March is our national revolution day.

I must say, I am really honoured with the visitors. They were not only interested in the Hungarian products, but also in the people behind the table and our stories. I had nice chats with the Hungarian and Dutch people as well.

 

Here is a little view about the GLI:N products that I had with me.

 

Of course, in the center of table I had the different "RINSE ME" natural soaps:

 

I had also a few felted soaps that gives you a nice little private massage under the shower.

I had "TOUCH ME" body butters in the form of cupcakes from cacao and shea butter:

 

Of course I had also the "KISS ME" lip sticks with me in fresh spring color.

And the little treasuries for a private relaxation in bath, the "DETOX ME" bath bonbons.

 

I had a favour for the babies. It is a nice cream against diaper rash.

In the collection , there were the "ROLL ME" deos, available with nice spring flowers and fresh scent.

And last but not least, the BEST SELLER of the day was the "TOUCH ME" shea butter fluffy cream with  nice , sweet spring smell. Customers came back several times to buy another bottle, after they have tried it on their hands the effect was so gorgeous that they did not want to believe their eyes.

As part of the GLI:N green household line I had washing powder with me.

Also cleaning detergents and dishwasher powder as well.

The top seller product from the green household line was the "DROP ME' toilet bomb.

It was an amazing busy day, with more than 1000 visitors but I got so many nice warm words, smiles and support that I am full of inspiration.

 

For the next time, 13th of April we can meet again in Heemskerk.

Till that time you can attend on different GLI:N Workshops in collaboration with Studio30a in April.

 

I have also a special EASTER EGG SOAP MAKING WORKSHOP for children and parents on 21th of April.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with love

rita