Today, let’s talk about FEAR. The Nature of Fear Fear is a natural part of being human. It alerts us to danger and prepares our bodies to respond. But not all fear is the same. Some fears come from real, physical threats, while others stem from the ego — our sense of self, identity, and pride. Physical Danger vs. Ego Danger Physical danger refers to real, immediate threats to your safety — like facing a wild animal, being caught in a storm, or standing near a cliff edge. Your fear in these situations is your body’s way of keeping you safe. It’s primal, protective, and necessary. Ego danger, on the other hand, is much more subtle. It involves fear of being judged, rejected, or seen as a failure. These fears often live in our imagination and stem from our desire to protect our self-image. Understanding the Ego’s Role The ego wants to maintain a sense of control and importance. When something threatens this — like a harsh comment, a mistake, or a risk of embarrassment — the ego flares up. You might feel anxious or avoid the situation altogether. The problem is, these reactions aren’t protecting you from harm — they’re protecting your pride. Real-Life Examples Fear of Failure: You might avoid trying something new because the thought of not doing it well bruises your ego. Fear of Rejection: You might hold back your opinions or true personality to avoid being disliked or left out. Fear of Criticism: You might resist feedback, even when it could help you grow, because it feels like a personal attack. These fears aren’t based on physical harm. They’re rooted in a deep desire to be seen in a certain way. Compare that to: Fear of Fire: Your body tenses and you step away to avoid being burned. Fear of Falling: You feel a jolt when standing too close to a ledge. Fear of Predators: You run or hide when facing a real threat. These are instinctive reactions meant to protect your body. How to Respond to Each Type of Fear When facing physical fear, it’s wise to listen to your instincts. If there’s a real risk to your safety, it’s okay to retreat, take precautions, or seek help. These reactions can save your life. When dealing with ego-driven fear, pause and ask yourself: Is this fear protecting my body, or just my pride? Often, the ego exaggerates the danger. A mistake won’t ruin your life. A judgment won’t define your worth. Rejection is part of being human. Once you recognize ego-driven fear for what it is, you can choose to act anyway. That’s where bravery begins. Building Inner Strength Bravery isn’t the absence of fear — it’s the willingness to act even while feeling afraid. Especially with ego-driven fears, the bravest thing you can do is show up as yourself. Speak honestly. Try new things. Let people see who you really are. Every time you do, you chip away at the illusion that you must be perfect or untouchable. And with each small act of courage, your sense of inner freedom grows. We all experience fear. Some of it protects our bodies; some of it protects our egos. The key is to know the difference. Physical fear calls for caution. Ego fear calls for compassion and courage. Next time fear arises, take a breath. Ask yourself what it’s really about. And if it’s just your ego speaking — thank it for trying to help. Then gently, bravely, step forward anyway.
Author Archives: Chloe
Apr
Unlike regular bar soaps, soap flowers are made from a special soap base that’s soft, moldable, and gentle on skin—perfect for creating those lifelike blossoms you love. At Tiny Patio, we love sharing not just our products, but also the story behind them. So today, we’re peeling back the petals (pun totally intended!) to show you exactly what goes into making our lovely vegan soap flowers (our lovely soap flower gift box is available right here). Whether you’re ingredient-curious, have sensitive skin, or just love knowing what you’re gifting—this one’s for you. First things first: how is soap made? Soap making is a mix of art and science. At its heart, soap is made by mixing oils or fats with an ingredient called lye (a strong alkaline substance). This process is called saponification, and it’s how we turn liquid oils into a cleansing, solid soap. But in the case of soap flowers, we’re not making your everyday bar soap. These pretty petals are made from a special type of soap base that allows us to shape and mold the soap into delicate flowers, while still keeping them safe for the skin and beautifully scented. Think of it like crafting soap clay—smooth, flexible, and easy to work with, yet totally usable in a bath. Now let’s dive into the actual ingredients used in our soap flowers. We’ll keep it simple and honest—no science degree needed! Ingredient Deep Dive: What’s in One of Our Soap Flowers? Here’s the ingredient list from one of our most popular soap flowers, and what each one does: Zea Mays (Cornstarch) What it is: Cornstarch is a soft, white powder made from—you guessed it—corn!What it does: It helps give the soap flower a silky, smooth feel. It also absorbs moisture and helps hold the flower’s shape without being heavy.Is it safe? Yes, it’s completely natural and commonly used in baby powder and even cooking.Alternative: Sometimes rice starch or arrowroot powder is used instead, but cornstarch is a gentle, widely trusted option. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) What it is: A cleansing agent (called a surfactant) that helps soap foam and lather.What it does: It’s what makes your soap bubble and gives you that squeaky clean feel.Is it bad? This ingredient gets a bit of a bad rep sometimes. On its own, SLS can be drying if used in large amounts, especially for sensitive skin. But in tiny, rinse-off amounts like in our soap flowers, it’s considered safe by health authorities.Alternative: If you’re looking for a gentler alternative, some natural soaps use things like Sodium Coco-Sulfate or Decyl Glucoside—milder surfactants derived from coconut or sugar. Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) What it is: A synthetic, water-soluble film-forming agent. It sounds super science-y, but it’s used in loads of everyday things—from contact lens solutions to face masks.What it does: Helps bind everything together so the soap holds its petal shape. It also makes the petals flexible and smooth.Is it safe? Yes, PVA is non-toxic and generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and skincare.Alternative: In solid soaps, this ingredient usually isn’t needed. But for shaped soaps like these, there’s currently no perfect natural substitute that does the same job as well. Glycerol (aka Glycerin) What it is: A clear, sweet, natural substance made from plant oils or as a by-product of soap making.What it does: Glycerin is a humectant, which means it helps draw moisture into the skin. That’s why it’s found in almost every skincare product out there—it’s super hydrating and gentle.Is it safe? Absolutely! Glycerin is one of the most skin-friendly ingredients out there.Alternative: No need—glycerin is already a great choice. Coconut Diethanol Amide What it is: A thickening and foaming agent derived from coconut oil.What it does: It helps the soap foam nicely and gives a rich, creamy texture when used in water. It also acts as a stabilizer to keep all ingredients working together smoothly.Is it safe? It’s generally considered safe in rinse-off products, though some people with very sensitive skin prefer to avoid certain coconut-derived chemicals.Alternative: Some gentler alternatives include coconut glucoside or oat-based foaming agents. White Mineral Oil (Petroleum-based) What it is: A highly refined, colorless oil made from petroleum.What it does: Helps keep the soap flower soft and smooth. It adds a light, silky texture and prevents the soap from drying out too quickly.Is it bad? This one’s a bit controversial. While cosmetic-grade mineral oil is purified and safe (used in baby oil and lotions), it’s still a petroleum product. If you prefer plant-based, some people look for alternatives like jojoba oil or almond oil.Alternative: Yes—plant-based oils can sometimes be used instead, though they may change the texture or shelf life of the soap. Parfum (Fragrance) What it is: This is where the beautiful scent comes from! “Parfum” is a term that covers a blend of fragrance ingredients—these can be synthetic or natural.What it does: Gives the soap flower its lovely, fresh, floral smell.Is it safe? In small amounts like this, it’s fine for most people. However, if you have a known fragrance allergy, you might want to patch test first or look for fragrance-free products.Alternative: Essential oils (like lavender or rose) are more natural, but they can still cause irritation in some people. It’s all about balance! Colorants (CI 16255, CI 16185, CI 16035, etc.) What they are: These are color additives, each with a specific number (CI stands for “Color Index”).What they do: They give the soap its beautiful pinks, purples, blues—basically the “flower” look.Are they safe? Yes, these are cosmetic-grade and approved for use in soaps and bath products. But if you prefer all-natural colorants, there are plant-based options like beetroot powder or spirulina—though the shades may be more muted.Alternative: Natural micas, clays, or food-grade dyes (though not as vibrant or long-lasting). A quick note on safety and skin-friendliness All the ingredients used in our soap flowers are approved for cosmetic use and are considered safe for most skin types. These products are meant to be enjoyed occasionally—either in a bath, […]
Apr
A short poem on gratitude—for the little things, the soft moments, the simple joys.
Feb
The Druids, the priestly class of ancient Celtic societies in Britain and Ireland, were known for their deep knowledge of nature, spirituality, and healing. While there are no direct historical records detailing specific massage techniques, the Druids were believed to use hands-on healing methods that may have resembled early forms of energy work, acupressure, and herbal-infused massage. Key Aspects of Druids’ Healing Touch: 1. Energy Healing & Spiritual Practices Druids were thought to channel the natural energy of the earth, trees, and sacred sites (like stone circles) to promote healing. They may have used hand placements on the body similar to Reiki or therapeutic touch to balance a person’s energy. 2. Herbal Oils & Salves for Massage Druids were skilled herbalists who made infused oils, poultices, and balms to treat wounds, muscle pain, and illnesses. Plants like meadowsweet (natural pain relief), comfrey (bone healing), and chamomile (calming effects) were commonly used. These could have been applied with gentle rubbing or kneading techniques, similar to early forms of massage. 3. Pressure Points & Reflexology The Celts had an advanced understanding of the body’s pressure points, using gentle pressure on specific areas to relieve pain and restore balance. This may have resembled early acupressure or reflexology techniques. 4. Healing Rituals & Sacred Water Therapy Druids often performed healing rituals at sacred springs, rivers, and wells, believing these waters held mystical healing properties. Bathing or water-based massage may have been part of these rituals, similar to modern hydrotherapy. 5. Use of Sound & Chanting for Healing Druids believed in the power of sound vibrations for healing. Some accounts suggest they used chanting, singing, or rhythmic tapping on the body to promote relaxation and energy flow. 6. Connection to Nature & Seasonal Healing The Druids’ healing touch was deeply tied to nature’s cycles. Healing sessions may have been performed during key Celtic festivals (e.g., Beltane, Samhain) to harness natural energies. Legacy of Druids’ Healing Touch Though the exact techniques have been lost over time, some modern alternative therapies—such as Celtic Reiki, energy healing, herbal massages, and reflexology—may be inspired by these ancient Druidic healing methods. Today, practitioners of neo-Druidism and holistic therapies sometimes incorporate these concepts into their practices. Product “Druidic Healing Touch Massage Wand” is based on this ancient massage technique. It can be use for Dissolving bruises and Wrinkle removal. Limited stock available—don’t miss out!
Feb
In this article, we’ll show you how to get an espresso from Tiny Patio portable espresso maker using ground coffee. For the best experience and to ensure safe use, please read the user guide/instruction manual that comes in the box. It contains important information on troubleshooting, safety precautions, and proper operation to help you get the most out of your portable espresso maker. If you need a digital instruction manual, feel free to send us a message. Essential Coffee Machine Parts for Brewing Espresso from Ground Coffee (you don’t need the small capsule holder) Step 1: Take off the lid of the ground coffee container. If possible, preheat the container. Step 2: Add two scoops of ground coffee (approximately 8g). The plastic scoop comes along with the coffee maker. Step 3: Wet the ground coffee, allowing it to “bloom”. If you don’t wet the grounds before the extraction, you probably get a weak cup of coffee. Put the lid back on. Step 4: Insert the ground coffee container into the large capsule holder Step 5: Screw the large capsule holder into position Step 6: Put back the mug Step 7: Add 30ml of cold/warm/hot water (using hot water will help save battery power). Press the power button once to check the battery level. The water container has a capacity of 60ml. If you’d like an Americano-style coffee, add 60ml of water. If you prefer a standard espresso shot, 30–40ml of water is recommended. Step 8/1 – If you use hot water, long press to extract coffee (green LED running). Step 8/2 – For cold/warm water, implement a double press to heat the water to 86°C/186.8°F (yellow-orange LED running); heating time depends on the initial temperature of water. In the below video, we use warm water, so the heating time is about 2 minutes 25 seconds. Coffee will be extracted automatically. Q&A: Do I need to press the button again to make the extraction stop or does it stop automatically? – The extraction lasts approximately 65 seconds. It will stop automatically; you can also press the button once if you want to stop the machine in the middle of the extraction. We used two simple methods of coffee brewing, and what we got are shown below. See the thin layer of foam? Using a filter, such as a Vietnamese phin filter, allows us to brew 2 or 3 cups of coffee at once, whereas the electric portable espresso maker produces one shot at a time. However, coffee made with the electric machine develops a nice crema and releases an amazing aroma during extraction. It’s worth giving it a go. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.
Jan
My husband and I both work from home, and every now and then, we pack up the car and head out on a road trip. We usually only have a vague itinerary as we like the idea of “going with the moment”. There is a sense of adventure and wonder about those unplanned stops along the way. Whenever we find a pretty spot, we can have a stop, pull a nice espresso shot, have a sip, and enjoy the view. We have a picopresso. We like its build quality, and it makes great shots. But on the road, we hate having to find boiling water. Then there’s the preheating, measuring out the grounds, pouring in the hot water, pulling the shot, cleaning it all up. It’s all too much when traveling. We still use the picopresso at home, but for traveling, we prefer a self-contained unit. That’s when we decided to have a self-heating espresso maker. There is a compromise on some quality, but the convenience of having a built-in heater is not to be underestimated. It takes both pods and grounds, and is so much easier to manage on the go. We’ve taken it everywhere: roadside stops, hiking trails, and even those business hotels with sad excuses for coffee. It’s compact, easy to clean, and comes with a built-in travel cup. The battery lasts long enough 3 brews if we’re using cold water, or up to twenty if we’ve got access to hot water beforehand. It’s not perfect, but it’s enough to make those little moments—a pause by a scenic lake or a quiet morning on the balcony—feel complete. So, is it worth it? For us, absolutely. In short, below are the pros and cons of this self-heating espresso maker in our opinion. Pros: + Very convenient. No need for kettle. This coffee machine also has a built-in travel cup, so you don’t need to bring your coffee mug. + Take both Nespresso pods and ground coffee. + Shot quality is more than acceptable. + Battery: If we use cold water, battery is good for 3 brews; if we use the room kettle or have access to hot water, we’ll get about 20 brews. + Compact design. Easy to carry. + Easy to clean. Cons: + Don’t expect that a portable coffee maker will produce the same results as a countertop machine. However when we are on the go, it does just fine. + Possible to produce only one shot at a time Interested in giving it a go? Check out this handheld coffee maker here, and we’d love to hear your thoughts.