Beauty and the Book

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a avid book reader. None of the insane people in my house seem to understand that I'd rather read a good book than have their company (just kidding of course). Since I love books so much it's simple to figure out why I am a fan of Latherati Soap. Julie, the (I want to say "Librarian") owner of Latherati Soap combines the love of bath with the love of a good book. Every item she sells is inspired by a good book.



Since Latherati Soap is a fairly new shop, the line is still growing. Soaps dominate the selection but there are also lip balms as well as perfumes and sugar scrubs. I love the book connection, I think it's one of the cleverest ideas I've seen on Etsy in awhile (in the Bath & Body category). The labels remind me of those old book plates my parents used to use, you know the ones that announce that this book is part of the Library of.... If you have no idea what I'm talking about then you're too young, don't worry about it. Just understand that the packaging is cool ok.




I had gotten a soap called "Orchard", which (as it says on the site and label) is inspired by "Cider House Rules." There are other clever names like "Golden Ticket" and "Kimono" (if you don't know what books inspired these then you need to go to the library stat). It's obvious that alot of thought went into the creation of Latherati.





"Orchard" as you can see from the photo, reminds you of a fall apple orchard in its coloration. It smells like clean crisp apples but not overbearing and not perfumey like some can be. This is just straight good old apple. This soap lathers up quickly and very well. I've tried some soaps that don't seem to lather much as all but not Latherati soaps. It lathers well and rinses very clean. No sticky or dull residue on the skin. We like that in our soaps people. $5 per bar.









I also have one of the lip balms (called Lip Lusters here) called "Matchmaker", inspired by "Emma.". It's a strawberry flavor which is very true to what you expect in a strawberry. Not overly sweet but just right on the money. The balm holds up very well in either warm or cold temperatures. I like it when it doesn't get all melted in my pocket. And, I like it when it doesn't get all hard or gritty from being outside in the cold. All in all a very good lip balm. $3.50 per tube and comes in plenty of other flavors.


So, all in all, I like Latherati Soap. ! The prices are on par with most other beauty makers I've seen. I love the themes and hope to see much more in the future. Come on Julie, you need some stuff inspired by "Tales From Margaritaville" and "Interview with the Vampire." :-)

Avon to the Rescue

I am sooo sorry to have been so far behind on my posts. I've been trying to get alot of things wrapped up (passing on the PTO torch) that I kept forgetting. Plus, I've been working on Rare Bird Finds and here's the link to my picks: http://rarebirdfinds.typepad.com/rare_bird_finds/jennifers-picks/

Anyway....as alot of you know from past reviews, I have hyperpigmentation on my face. For those of you who don't know what that is, hyperpigmentation is the result of overproductive melanin producing skin cells. Basically dark spots. Mostly caused by sun damage and hormones during pregnancy. I've had mine for a long time and have tried a bunch of different products as well as a specific facial treatment monthly at my spa.

A couple of months ago my skin specialist as the spa mentioned that one of her co-workers, who also has some dark spots, tried this new Avon product and it worked for her. At this point, I'll try anything to get rid of these things.

The product is called Anew Alternative Photo Radiance Treatment. Just about every review on this product gave it 5 stars. So, of course I bought some. A 1 ounce tube will run you $25, but my friends, it is worth every penny. I've been using it for about a month (almost done with my first tube) and it has dramatically lightened up my spots. Now, the spots are not all the way gone but they are well on their way. I would say they are about 40-50% lightened and for me that is saying alot. Since I've had my spots for years, they will take longer to fade away. So, if you've had spots for years, do not expect fast results with any product, even this one. But after all these years and all those products, I finally found one that works and works well.

The instructions say to use it in the AM but I use it both in the morning and at night. It's simple to use and also has an SPF 15.

Avon has never disappointed me. Every product I've ever used has been great. I've praised their mascaras in the past (the best out there trust me) and I praise their Anew line now. I'm so happy that they came up with this product because it truly has been the only thing that has worked to lighten up my spots.

A Little More Salt Please

You all know that I can't deal with bubble bath and basically use bath salts exclusively. I found another great bath and body shop on Etsy and just love the bath salts she sells.

I've been buying all my bath salts lately from KimberQuinn on Etsy. Not only are they top quality, but the price is very nice too! There are many pleasing fragrances to choose from in her store and I favor the Pink Romance and the Amber, Vanilla Sandalwood scents. The salts themselves are all the good kinds you expect from a top quality products (like those expensive ones in Target) like Dead Sea Salts and Mineral Salts. Even though they are pretty chunky, the salts dissolve very quickly in the bath. There is coloring in these, but not enough to color your water which is just what I like.

Remember, bath salts help your body let loose some of those toxins and helps to relax your muscles. I thoroughly enjoy a good soak in a good warm bath with my bath salts. KimberQuinn's are some of the best I've come across, on Etsy or even in the retail stores. I don't know if she plans on continuing the sale, but right now , like today, you can get a 4 oz. bag for $2.95..regularly $4.95. I just bought 3 bags the other day..I think I've already used 2 lol. You know me, quality is number one and price is number 2. These salts are very good quality and I think you will agree.

Oh, if you are curious as to why I can handle bubble bath anymore, feel free to email me or comment here.