Also - I'm in December's Out of the Box Sampler. Michelle has done a great job making me feel like a welcome addition. If you're in the market for a box of wonderful, handmade things to try out - give it a shot. I also have a 15% off coupon on my items that have been included to help stretch your gift giving dollar just a little bit farther! Remember - go Indie or go home!
Thanksgiving is typically a family day of feasting and celebration, a day to give thanks for what we have and to dream about what we will be thankful to be blessed with in the future.
... my face that is! I've been whinging and moaning all week about how my cheeks are dying without lotion. I ran out of the daily moisturizer I rely on during the winter months, and with the cool, dry wind blowing down here in Texas, my face yells at me every time I go outside.
I am in need of a great shaving cream. I'm so tired of forking out good money for that nasty stuff that dries my skin out so badly. Sooo what do I do? Make it myself!
Today's soap feature: Black & Tan Beer Soap - made with Guinness Draught
4 cups of flour
From time to time I get these creative flashes, I become super motivated to make something useful with my hands. I guess that's what prompted my soapmaking journey in the first place. Today's creative adventure was not exactly with soap, but with soap in mind.
Soap Bags! Yep, you read that right, soap bags. These little bags are made from velour (actually from some of my daughters' velour sweats that they'd not worn much and outgrown quickly if you want to know the complete truth). Its like a gift bag and washcloth together, more value for the money! The bags are like soap and washcloth all in one - a great way to hang onto that slippery bar, or combine all those annoying end pieces. Just put the soap inside and tie the bag, then wet it in the tub or shower and scrub! Once you're finished, squeeze it out and hang it to dry. Each bag will come with your choice of Old Fashioned Bar Soap as well, but don't forget to order extras for when your soap is gone.
This whole Christmas Spirit thing sure has taken hold of me. Today we went shopping, got first dibbs on wrapping paper and some gifts. Its hard to shop for the kids because they're normally with us, so I'm trying to take advantage of them being in school still. Usually I'm fairly bah humbug about the whole season but for some reason this year is different. I'm really loving it.
I think I should take out some stock in Wilton - I bought 6 of the large "comfort grip" cookie cutters today. Santa is going to love us! This isn't your typical 2 bite cookie at all.. its a whole snack. I think between the cookies and the cake decorating that I like to attempt from time to time, I could single handedly keep Wilton in business.
So I figured why bother with the bah-humbug, its time to get into the early holiday mood. Fa la la la la and all that jazz!
period of time. The FDA says that if the bar on the shelf is not a combination of oils and lye, then it is not truly soap. My Old Fashioned Bar Soap is made in my very own kitchen, where I can control which oils are added in order to give a great feeling to your skin. It bubbles on nicely and washes off cleanly - leaving a squeaky clean feel to your skin that is non-drying. While all of my bar soap is at least 97.6% natural, I have also developed several 100% natural bars for special skin needs - including those for people who have skin sensitivities and allergies. These soaps are great for all skin types and can even be used on toddlers and soft skin such as your face (just don't get it in your eyes!)
In these economically challenged times, it is increasingly important to remember our roots. Go on then, take the handmade challenge - buy handmade and support the "little guy" this holiday season. The quality and expertise you receive is well worth the monetary investment. Since I've started crafting my own products, I will never go back to the grocery store brand again. I've learned to read labels and I personally love being in charge of what goes on my skin, or what is good enough for my family. I pledge to never sell a product that is unsafe or not good enough for my own family. Can the big corporations promise that?
Relief! I have finally been able to get a design out of my head and into the soap mold the way I wanted it to look! This is the end of my soaping run as of late, all of my inspiration is now curing, waiting to be ready for your shower (or mine!). Today's soap still needs a name - its an earthy essential oil blend, and was created to be part of the 100% natural soap 3 pack. Right now the fragrance is hard to describe, though its said to be a blend of citrus, geranium, oakmoss and cedarwood. I smell the citrus, but mostly the geranium right now - as it cures it should be a pretty earthy and sexy scent. This particular soap is 100% natural - including the colorants. I have made it with oatmeal, goat's milk and shea butter to be extra kind to troubled skin and people with sensitivities. I just peeked at it and the colors are becoming more muted and earthy as it gels. Of course, a picture tomorrow once I've cut it - how could I not?
Soapmaking is all about art to me, its a release of the creativity that becomes pent up inside of me. My friends think I'm crazy because I tell them I dream my soaps. If it comes to me in a dream, I feel compelled to make it. I do it because its enjoyable, and I love knowing that the products I'm using are safe and good for my family. I'm in charge of what goes into it, and if it weren't good enough for my kids, I sure as heck wouldn't bother trying to get everyone else around me to use it.
...a freshly cut bar of soap. The 100% natural Lavender soap turned out beautifully. I couldn't be more thrilled with it. Now for the month of time to truck by so we can start using it and sharing it with the world!
I keep seeing people looking at the website - thank you for shopping with me! As a thank you to any of you who are actually reading - you can receive 15% off of your first order with me by using the coupon code NEWCUST08 at checkout.
