Baubles in my Bathroom

I love finding new etailers through my sampler boxes. It's even better when they give you an awesome coupon! Bauble Bath is one of those etailers. I got some samples in one of my samplers with an incredible 35% off coupon. Well, I didn't hesitate and bought some bath baubles and some Miss Mary Mint Body Scrub (not pictured but this is a picture of their Mango scrub).

I really like this body scrub. And, if you love Wrigeley's Spearmint gum, you will love the scent of this scrub. There's rosemary, spearmint and peppermint oils in this scrub so it feels all cool and minty. There's also the sugar, some salt and finely ground apricot seeds. It did not leave my tub all slippery and gooey. I didn't lose any to the shower floor either. It's thick yet easy to use and rinses off nice and clean. It comes in a nice wide mouth jar so it's easy to scoop out. With the shea and cocoa butter added, it also leaves the skin feeling smooth and refreshed.

Bauble Bath also had a fantastic Black Friday sale with a coupon for either 50% off or buy one get one free (essentially the same thing). So I bought like, 4 more scrubs...some more Miss Mary Mint, Candy Cane, Blushing Pink and Gingerbread. All of them smell fantastic!

The price for a 10 ounce jar of Bauble's body scrub is only $9.25. That is very reasonable. It's a very good scrub and a very good price. There is also a great selection of bath bombs (called Bath Baubles), melts, bubble bars and moisturizers. Start the New Year off right by taking good care of yourself!

Happy Holidays

From my family to yours, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!

Silk Duomo Earrings

Awhile back I was contacted by Carmela DiLeva who creates these beautiful Silk Duomo earrings. It's truly a unique jewelry that I personally have not see before.

Carmela creates these earrings by layering silk over hand hammered metals (first a hand-domed piece and later adds the hand-hammered sterling silver). Then she hand paints them using these brilliant French dyes. The hard part for her is to make sure that each piece matches it counterpart for a set of earrings..since she makes all of them by hand.

This set is called Four Square and the price is $48. I like these because they are so bright and colorful.

Here's a close up of the style that Carmela sent me. She was right on the money as I had just gotten in the mail, this beautiful red sweater I had ordered from Victoria's Secret. These earrings match perfectly. And even though they look like they're going to be heavy, they are light as a feather. Very easy on the earlobes and just very pretty to look at.

Here's a detail of how they look on the ear.

This red pair costs $40. In fact, other than the Four Square, the rest of Carmela's gems will run you $40.

Time is running out for that Christmas shopping. These earrings are that one of a kind gift so why don't you go and take a look at the rest of Carmela's designs at Silk Duomo Jewelry.

All Sugarelled Up

Recently I helped out a fellow Switchboarder and was rewarded with some sugar scrub and scrubby bar samples. Di, from Sugarelle, sent me 3 samples of her duo sugar scrubs and 2 of her scrubby bars.



Now, I have not been a fan of scrubby bars. They usually don't have enough exfoliant for me..sorry I am a scrub diva and I must have large amounts of the ruff stuff :-). But, the Sugarelle scrubby bars are more than what I've come across. These definitely have extra exfoliants in them. The scrubbed me well, didn't fall apart and really felt like a true "scrubby bar." I was very impressed. The full size version costs $7.


The duo whipped sugar scrubs were really cool. I've had whipped sugar scrubs before but they, again, didn't have enough exfoliant in them. Di sent me three samples..Crimson Queen & Licorice Dreams, Parlor Tricks & Cinnamon Sticks and last but not least..Vanilla Pearls & Tango Swirls. All very very nice scents..not too strong but not too weak either..just right I say. They are whipped together in a perfect swirl so you can see the two colors of the scrubs when you open the jar. The consistency is like whipped cream but I have to say even lighter than that. But, if you rub it between your fingers...you really can feel the nice gritty texture beneath the whip. A full 8 oz jar will run you about $17..but I think it's worth it.


I do have to say that just one little sample jar or sample scrubby bar was enough for a full body scrub. So the larger versions should last you fairly long time. Christmas is almost here...there's still time to shop..so check out the scrubs at Sugarelle.

Ice Wine without the Hangover

As many of you know, I am a TEA drinker. I get my caffeine the good old fashioned, Bristish way..with a good ole cuppa tea! And, it's not like I really needed more tea (my cabinet is full of many many different flavors) but I had a sample of a Blue Raven Tea in my last Lemming Central box and a pretty good coupon. The coupon gave me one free 1 ounce bag of any flavor with my order. So, I figured...I had some Secret Santa stuff to buy and of course I could always expand my horizons to another tea maker.

I perused the selection at Blue Raven and found a flavor that really intrigued me..Ice Wine. Now, I have had the real thing. Real Ice Wine is remarkable. It has such intense sweet flavor, it's just lovely. So, I wanted to try this tea. Here's the description and ingredients from the site:

"Add a pinch of sugar and have yourself a amazing joureny to the winter vineyards of Niagara. A delicious fresh white grape flavor with hints of exotic fruit that pleasantly lingers on the tongue. Ingredients: Premimum black tea, freeze-dried grapes, white tea, dried grapes, premium white tea, Ontario Ice Wine, natural flavors."

This is amazing tea. It smells and tastes just like Ice Wine. Now, I know there is some ice wine in the tea itself but it is amazing how much it tastes like the real thing. It didn't even feel like I was drinking tea (well with the exception that it's hot and not cold). And, the good thing is..no hangover!

Blue Raven has very reasonable prices and a very good and interesting selection of flavors. There is even a whole category of several English teas there. A one ounce bag is only $2.25, which is very reasonable. For me, a one ounce bag lasts me a long time..I'd say I get about 10 cups out of it. So, if there is a tea lover in your life...Xmas is only what 19 days away. Take a peek...I'm sure you'll find something unique at Blue Raven Tea.

A Body Wash With B-O-D-Y

I'm always perusing Etsy.com. I love that site and on Saturday nights there's always the "Saturday Night Specials." On one particular Saturday, I was perusing the SNS thread on the Etsy forums and found a really major impressive deal. Known as ZAJA Natural and also by the seller name aromaticbodyoils on Etsy was the Indie etailer with the deal. I was able to choose any 4 items (as long as they were all different..my first blonde error I picked like 3 of the same thing duh) that were $11 or less...for only $25!!!! I'm truly sorry you all missed out on the deal..she only does it for a very limited time (I think when I got mine it was only up for like 1/2 hour).

So I got some lotions, body butter and this Body Wash.

This body wash is kickin! Here's the ingredients: 100% natural made with saponified oils of canola, olive, coconut oil, and castor. I chose Pink Grapefruit and Sugar (sparkling citrus blend based on pink grapefruit with hints of sugary, sweet cotton candy; wild honey; touch of vanilla; and ending with a note of fresh, spring rain) as my fragrance and it is such a light, refreshing scent. The suds that this stuff makes is amazing. You only need a smidgen to wash up right. Make sure you have a puff or sponge and just love the suds. I'm always amazed at how much it makes. And, I feel really clean after rinsing.

The regular price for 8 ounces of body wash is $11. I was very happy to get the deal I got since I also have other products to try. But, a little goes a long long way on the puff sponge so that bottle will last you a pretty long time. And heck, there's no parabens in this one..and you pay what for like Philosophy stuff and they have parabens. Naah, you gotta try this body wash. I highly recommend it.

More Holiday Sales

Ok, so I've been away for awhile..it's the PTO stuff man it's killing me lol.

Anyway, here are some more Indie Etailer Holiday Sales..remember you can click through the links here on my blog for one stop shopping!! :-)



Foster's Creations has 25% off on anything on the site until 11:59pm Tomorrow (Friday the 30th). Shannon is also doing free gift wrap now till Christmas. And, from 12/1 through 12/12 she is having a 12 Days of Christmas special..where one item will be marked down each day.
I highly recommend Shannon's Warm Blessings fragrance, it is a really nice scent..perfect for Christmas too. Another one I like alot is her Pomegranate..it smells delicious..like some cocktail I have to have but can't because it's a fragrance.

Eye Candey is offering 10% off through 12/25 with the code HIF07. There's some really cool t-shirts here.

Not Soap Radio is offering 20% off now through 12/20 with the code HOLLY. I have tried the sugar scrub from my contest and it's really nice. There are some specially themed shower gels for Christmas and Hannaukah (sp)

One Little Monkey is offering 25% off of any order $40+ with the code holiday07..good till tomorrow the 30th.

Pink Taffy Designs will give you free shipping on $50+ with the code twinkle

Teacups and Tadpoles is offering 20% off on $25+ orders till 12.21 with the code switch20

At Sommer Designs you can get free shipping through 12/15. Lots of cool handbags and aprons here!

Spa Box is offering free shipping on $25+ orders with the code JOY. Good throught 12/12

Hollyrose Aromatherapy has the entire site 25% off. I love Holly's stuff!

Accessory Bug is offering 10% off with the code holiday.

There you go, Holiday shopping the easy way.

Happy Turkey Day

I just want to wish all my readers a very Happy Thanksgiving. And, good luck shopping tomorrow! :-)

PRODUCTS HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE

I thought I would do a post on the upcoming Indie Etailer Holiday Sales. I don't get every single newsletter and you probably don't either. So, I figured it would be much easier if I just posted some of the sales for you. You can do all of your shopping from Products of the Day :-)

Remember, when you goto the site, check all the fine print. Most sales will not apply to already discounted items such as clearance or monthly deals. READ first people!

Manor Hall Soap Company - 20% off with code GIVING20. Does not apply to already discounted items. Sale ends MIDNIGHT on Nov. 23rd.

SBS Teas - 20% off everything on the site for one day only, Nov. 23rd.

The Etsy {NewNew} York Street Team is having a 10% Off Holiday Sale on Black Friday. Check out the details on their blog: http://thenewnew.blogspot.com/2007/11/newnew-black-friday-10-off-sale.html

The Pear Project -- Artisan Goods for Everyday Life Grand Opening Sale through the end of the year, 10% off with code GRND.
http://www.thepearproject.com/

This promo code good on favors/card shop at Favors By The Season
Code SB1107 gets you 10% off (including plantable holiday cards, photo cards and all kinds of favors).

Acorn Studios is offering free shipping on orders over $20 till the end of November.

Sophie & Spice is offering ann extra $5 added to giftcards of $30 or more through December 5th. http://www.sophieandspice.com/giftcertificates.html

Kimono Mono is offering free shipping till Dec. 31st
http://www.kimonomomo.com/

Three Wheels Design is offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders placed by December 10th
http://www.threewheelsdesign.com/

Weekend Jewelry is offering free shipping . Use coupon code FREESHIP when you order to get free shipping - good till December 7!
http://www.weekend-jewelry.com/

Bella Lucce is offering 20% off our luxury bath and body treats from 12:01am-11:59pm EST on Friday, November 23rd. No code needed and we always ship FREE on orders of $75 or more.
http://www.bellalucce.com/

Holiday Sale in Honor of Black Friday! 20% off all jewelry with code HOLIDAY20 starting Wednesday, Nov 21-Wednesday Nov 28th. This is in addition to a number of items that will be marked down 10% for the same time frame! And as always, Free US Shipping and Free Gift Wrap!
http://www.georgiedesigns.com/

And Everything Nice is offering 10% off first orders using coupon code earlybird
http://www.and-everything-nice.biz/

10% off your purchase at Bitty Braille with coupon code: TSB10% til Jan. 08.
http://bittybraille.com/

A Mother’s Gift is your breastfeeding and natural parenting resource. At http://www.amothersgift.net/ you’ll find nursing covers, burp cloths, breastfeeding accessories, cloth diapers and diapering accessories, bath and body for mama and baby and organic baby apparel. This is a great one-stop shop for a new mom or mom-to be! • All nursing covers are 25% off (includes combo nursing cover/burp cloth set) • Cloth diapers are 10% off • Everything else in stock is 15% off • As always, orders over $75 receive FREE STANDARD SHIPPING!

Vintage Body Spa, LLC creates natural, luxurious and paraben-free spa products designed to help you ‘Indulge Your Body’ ™. Each item is handmade to order with the freshest of natural ingredients to bring the spa experience into your own home. No harmful parabens mean that you can feel safe about using these products– they’re gentle enough for even baby’s skin. Our products are never tested on animals, and some items are even vegan. With a multitude of scents available, you can find something perfect for the girls AND guys on your shopping list. Visit http://www.vintagebodyspa.com/ and take advantage of 20% off EVERYTHING in the store.

Kelly Meeker Designs is having a sale starting tomorrow for 20% off. The code is thanks. Sale ends on Tuesday, the 27th. My website is http://www.kellymeekerdesigns.com/

On a String Designs is having a sale thru 11-28 for 20% off anyting in the store with the code holiday20, plus always free shipping! http://www.onastringdesigns.com/

Blend Creations is having a 24-hour Black Friday sale (from midnight to 11:59:59 that day). Their washi pendants, washi necklaces, bamboo, zodiac and mah jong pendants will all be 20%+ off.

Lindsays Candles & Stuff is participating in the Little Black Box Black Friday Bonanza http://www.thelittleblackboxes.com/ It'll be up on Black Friday from 5am-10am. There's going to be amazing sales, many discounts as high as 50% off from what I hear!

A free pair of turquoise and hammered copper earrings is being added to everyone's order during the holiday season. Free stuff is good
Jeweled Elegance

Tiny Tales is doing a 24 hour sale for 24% off! Valid on Nov 23rd only. Code is BLACKFRIDAY.
http://www.tiny-tales.com/

Jewelry By Jennifer Casady is having a sale, 20% off storewide until 11/26 with coupon code JCStore20 Free shipping on orders over $50.
http://www.jennifercasady.com/

Bidwell Botanicals is having a 20% off member's only sale that runs through December 15th. All you have to do is sign up for our newsletter to get the discount.

That's all for now but if I find more I will post more!

A Special Thank You

As most of you know, I'm the PTO President at my son's school. We just had our first Bingo Night this past Friday. I had sent a letter out to local businesses here to see if they would donate a prize. Out of 20, only 3 did.

But, I had put the word out to my Indie friends via The Switchboards and other forums and they came through for me.

Lilie at A Planet 4 Creation sent me one of her Purse Charmies with a Bingo Card charm.

Jen at Weekend Jewelry and Paper Jewels took our school logo (seen on the left)
and transformed it into her famous Laquered Paper earrings (right). She made and sent me three pairs of earrings for our Bingo Night. Let me tell you, I thought there was going to be a fight over them.



And, last but not least, SBS Teas was kind enough to send me a gift pack of tea, cocoa and other goodies for a prize.

So, I would like to send out a very special and appreciative THANK YOU to all of them for helping me out. You guys are great and the PTO truly appreciates your generosity!!!!!

ZAP Those Zits

A couple of weeks ago, I was breaking out like a teenager. I swear, it was not nice. And, since I have to go to alot of meetings being the PTO Prez, I can't have that going on.

My good friend Susan over at Manor Hall Soap Company always has something I need. This time it's her Facial Cleansing Blemish Control. Made with tea tree oil, red cider vinegar and witch hazel..it's a nice natural alternative to what's on the store shelves.

Sometimes those harsher products like Benzol peroxide and the Salicylic Acid can make your acne worse rather than better. When you skin gets dried out by those formulas, it makes it more susceptible to stuff getting in your pores. Plus, irritated skin just gets more irritated. I find those formulas work good when you have one of those monster zits that won't come to a head. Put a gob on and let it sit and eventually that gunk will surface. But, I digress.

After using Susan's product, I noticed my skin started to get clearer in a couple of days. I would just dab it on where I needed it and let it sink in before I put any moisturizer on or anything. After a few days the teenager in me started to go away..which made me very happy. For those of you who do not like the smell of vinegar..well you're out of luck. There is vinegar in this product. It's not super potent but you do smell it..so I'm warning you in advance. I don't mind it but I know some people do. My husband hates the smell of vinegar, but he had a nasty zit pop up and he used this stuff.

A 10 ml bottle of this will cost you $5.35. Which isn't that bad..plus Susan always has freebies that go with your order and there's usually a coupon code on the site for those of you who are devoted seekers.

Bara Naos Sugar Scrub: Treat Your Body Like a "Temple"

Bara Naos. Translated, it means "created temple." How did I get so smart you might ask? Because I read stuff on the websites whose products I try.

Bara Naos is also a line of bath and body products at TC and Company. I was privileged enough to receive and use their Shea Butter and Soy Sugar Scrub. The "C" of TC and Company is Cassandra Stanley and she wanted me to try their scrub and review it. I love sugar scrubs, so of course I agreed.

She sent me a full size jar in Brown Sugared Figs fragrance, and it smells exactly like the Bath & Body Works version. Right on the money.

It's a thick, creamy scrub that is loaded with good stuff. In addition to the sugar you get aloe vera, soy oil, shea butter, olive oil, avacado oil, jojoba, primrose oil, seaweed, green tea and more. I always like it when my scrubs have unique, natural ingredients. The sugar is a very very fine grain and even though you hardly notice it, it exfoliates really well.

And, because it's got all that great stuff in addition to the sugar, soy and shea butter...you get a real jolt of moisturization. It's always nice when you don't have to take the time to slather on that lotion because your scrub did it for you.

For an 8 ounce jar, it'll cost you $12.99. The jar and packaging are really top notch and what's inside the jar is even better.

Lemming Central Holiday Box

What a wonderful day when large packages appear at my door. The Lemming Central Holiday Sampler arrived today and let me tell you, the etailers went all out this time. It is truly one of the best sampler boxes I've ever gotten. It was well worth the money. Plus, all those samples are in gifty bags and boxes so it's like opening 20 little Christmas presents. Here's my list of goodies and the wonderful etailers they came from:

SBS Teas
SBS Teas, always a favorite of mine, sponsored the box.
Chocolate Cinnamon Cocoa, Holiday Dreams Tea, Gingerbread Cream Tea and a White Chocolate coated Pretzel. Also go at 15% off coupon good till May of 2008

Blue Raven Tea
I got 2 samples of their Chocolate Covered Berries tea and a coupon for a free one ounce bag of tea with any purchase.

Hollyrose Aromatherapy
I got a Sweet Orange Lip Balm (I love lip balms!).

Morgan Street
I got a sample of Pink Sugar Bath Salts, a White Tea & Ginger Soap and a coupon for 15% off.

My Lip Stuff
I never tried their lip balms before and wanted to so bad. I'm so happy I got a sample! Winter Cake is the flavor I got.

Party Gals
Oh my...lol...a sample of Slick and Silly....it's in my husband's nightstand drawer if you know what I mean..nudge nudge wink wink...and a $10 gift certificate whoa.

Soapy Hollow
I got a Pumpkin Soap, a glycerin Honeysuckle Bear shaped soap, an essential oil spritzer of Babylonia and a 15% off coupon.

Things That Make Scents
I got three tarts: Sweet Potato Pie, Snowman Poop (it does not smell like poop) and Berry Noel. I also got a coupon for free shipping.

Scentsational De' Lights
I got a tart in Cinna-Bons scent and a 10% off coupon.

Cobalt Blends
I got two perfume vial samples of Lux Vixen and Discordia.

Bauble Bath
I got a Peppermint Tea Lip Balm (yay more lip balm), a Bath Bauble in Sweent Sandy and a Gingerbread scented scrub. There was also a coupon for 35% off!

Cottage North Collection Ltd.
Another etailer I have not tried yet. I got a vial of Zen Oil, a Tupelo Honey Soap and Carrot face cream.

Mandrake Apothecary
I got two perfume vial samples of Rosemary and Muse. I also got a coupon for 10% off any order of $25 or more.

Flower Peddler Bath & Beauty
I got a full size bar of Sugar Plum Fairy soap (looks and smells great) and a coupon for 20% off.

Rain Barrel Soap
A sample of their China Rain Soap

Joyful Girl Natural Products
I got a sample of their Pumpkin Souffle salt scrub and a Strawberry Cocoa lip balm.

Cheryl's Candles
I got a Cupid soap in Fizzy Pop. I also got a bunch of tarts: Gingerbread Village shaped like Gingerbread ment, Spice of the Forest, Mango Sorbet, Balsam Spruce Musk shaped like trees and a Frosted Snow Drops tart shaped like a mitten. I also got a coupon for 15% off of a $25 order.

As you can see, I got a lot of good stuff in my box! The next Lemming Central box doesn't come till January 2008.

My Thoughts on Artificial Colors

Why are there so many things with artificial colors in them? It drives me crazy. For example, the popcorn at Target...it has artificial colors in it..WHY? If you buy Nutrigrain Bars or Quaker fruit bars..unless you're buying the apple flavor watch out, the other varieties have a ton of food coloring in them. OH, and don't get me started on those colored Peppridge Farm Goldfish!

My oldest son has ADHD. I've done alot of research on it and found that there are studies that show there is a link between hyperactivity and artificial food coloring. One time last year he came home from school, neck to ankle in red, raised hives. I frantically called his teacher to see what he came in contact with at school..he ate colored goldfish for snack. Hmmmm..he's never had hives at all before let alone this bad. So I gave him Benedryl and the hives went away. The next day he came home with hives again. I asked him what he had for snack...he had more colored goldfish. Recently we've been having trouble with him at school. So, I did an experiment. All week he had absolutely nothing with food coloring in it. I separated all the Halloween candy that has coloring in it and only gave him chocolate. The next Saturday, after lunch, we let him have some Skittles. He was bouncing off the walls he was so hyper! Maybe it's the sugar some of you might be saying. I highly doubt it. He had sugary things all week and not once was he hyper. Now that we've removed it from his diet, his hyperactivity has dropped amazingly! Now it's just the attention deficit we need to work on.

Ok, I do make colored icing for my sugar cookies at Christmas. I only let him have food with artificial colors on Friday night and Saturday. That way it's out of his system by Monday.

Oh, and once I contacted the Quaker company to ask them why they put food coloring in their products. Their answer was that "we've done extensive testing on all our products and the coloring makes them more appealing." Yeah only if you don't read the ingredients. It makes them more appealing.....not to me.

This also goes for my bath and body products. Honestly, if it smells good and works well, I don't need no stinking colors in it. Don't bother coloring mine when I order please.

Juniper Tree Naturally: Bath Gelatos

In the September Little Black Box I had a coupon to Juniper Tree Naturally for BOGO on their Bath Gelatos. BOGO!...How could I resist that. You know me by now..always looking for a good deal.

I love Bath Bombs (which are what these are) because they just smell so darn good in the tub. Usually they're made of Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda to you all) that gives them the "fizz", citric acid, coloring and fragrance. Juniper Tree goes a little further by adding not only Shea Butter but also Coconut Oil to these Gelatos. I can attest to the fact that you will leave that tub and not even need any lotion. Your skin will be well taken care of.

The fragrance selection is really nice. There's 29 different fragrances to choose from. I got Pink Grapefruit & Sugar Cane, Night Cap, Strawberry Cotton Candy and a few others. This is a very large bath bomb and the cost is only $4. I've seen bath bombs of this size go for up to $6. Plus I had the BOGO coupon so I got a bunch. Very nice!

I had also gotten a sample of their lip balm in my LBB and let me tell you...it is really really good. Now, I have alot of lip balms on hand right now and this one (which is all gone now sniffle) just went on smoothly. I didn't have to reapply as often as I usually do. The flavor I got was Chocolate Butter Cream and it was fantastic. The Lip Balms at Juniper Tree sell for $2.75 which is about an average price from what I've seen for online lip balm.

I do highly recommend the Bath Gelatos. Make sure you have some of those magic erasers..they work wonders at getting the residue off your tub when you're done.

Stinky Whip Whips My Skin Into Shape

Recently, I did a Lab Rat test (via Lemming Central) for Cocoa Pink. Ilona sent me a few samples including a sample of her Stinky Whip. Ok, the name throws you off, I understand. However, this is medical grade shea butter. Grade A from what she tells me and she had to pay an arm and a leg to get it. She combines this Grade A shea butter (unrefined) with coconut oil, apricot kernel oil, kukui nut oil, meadowfoam oil, evening primrose oil, pomegranate seed oil and red raspberry seed oil. As you can see, it's full of good all natural stuff.

Even though it was just a sample size (A Flirt as it is called at Cocoa Pink), you really only need a little and it goes a long way. When I test a product for someone I test it. When I get a lotion or body butter to test I test is on my driest parts: my feet, knees and elbows. Now, I've tried alot of different "shea butter" products from different etailers..from refined to unrefined, but the Stinky Whip works the best. I applied the Stinky whip to my feet, my knees and my elbows right before bed. They were still soft and moisturized in the morning..that hasn't really happened to me before so I was really amazed. If something can keep my feet soft all night and into the morning after one application...I'm sold!

So, don't be fooled by the name...this stuff is awesome. 2.5 ounces will cost you $5.99 and if you want a 1/2 ounce flirt, it will set you back $1.99.

There is much more on the site besides Stinky Whip...there are soaps, hair products and a lot more. It's a new site and there is more products coming from what I read on Cocoa Pink. I have bookmarked the site and I'm planning on going back to see what other things I can find. You should too! At least try the Stinky Whip..there's Stinky Feet too.

CONSUMER ALERT: PARABENS WHERE YOU LEAST EXPECT IT

With all the information out there about how bad any of those paraben preservatives are, I was shocked recently to find parabens in a product that I did not expect it.

I had gotten a whole package of samples like Pepcid AC, Immonium etc. My older son had some stomach aches awhile back and I knew there was a small bottle of Mylanta in that sample pack. I was reading the dosage directions on the label when my eye wandered to the "inactive ingredients". Here's the ingredient list for the Regular Strength Mylanta:

Butylparaben, D&C Yellow #10, FD&C Green #3, FD&C Yellow #6, flavors, glycerin, hydroxyethyl cellulose, propylparaben, propylene glycol, purified water, sodium saccharin, sorbitol.
Uses

Besides the large amount of food coloring (why?), is there anything else that catches your eye??? How about the Butylparaben and the propylparaben? This is a product that goes in your stomach for crying out loud. I have only seen parabens in lotions and cosmetics but now in an OTC heartburn product?

I looked over the other Mylanta products and here are the other ones that contain parabens (Luckily not in the Children's products):

Maximum Strength Mylanta Liquid (all flavors)
Regular Strength Mylanta Liquid
Mylanta Ultimate Strength Liquid

I'm getting curious as to what else that we ingest has parabens in them. All I can say is when you are in the store..CHECK THE LABELS! Needless to say, I threw out that bottle of Mylanta.

BOBE Baby

First, I must apologize to my readers for being AWOL for the week. I have become a walking example of Murphy's Law and have suffered a sprained ankle, smashing my head into the car door and having a Thomas the Tank Engine wooden bridge dropped on my face (while I had ice on my forehead for the car door incident). So...I've been a bit occupied to say the least lol.

A few weeks ago, I was asked by Marlese of Bobe Bath Essentials if I would like to try out one of her new products. I'm such a lotion addict that I asked her if I could try her new Silken Cream. I couldn't decide between a few scents so I told her to go ahead and send me what she thought was her best.

I received my Silken Cream on the 1st and just finished up my jar yesterday. Marlese sent me her Mango Sherbert scent and let me tell you, it is a really really wonderful scent. It's not overly fruity (and I thought it might be from the description). It is just the perfect combination for a light, luscious fragrance. I also like the colors Marlese uses for her labels. Each product has its own color for its label and they are pretty and feminine...a nice touch.

The lotion itself is not a thick body butter. It's a soft and silky cream that is meant to glide over your skin. There's no need to over rub this into your skin, it absorbs immediately. It glides on easily and makes your skin feel smooth and soft right away.

Since I used it exclusively for the past couple of weeks (yes, I did not use any lotion on my body except Bobe) I got a good feel for how it affects my skin. My skin feels smooth and silky with no rough spots...even on my elbows and knees..and that says alot. A really nice cream altogether. Plus, no artificial colors to make it look pretty, there is never a need for artificial colors..as long as it smells great and works great. The cost for a 4 ounce jar is $8.19 US (since the dollar sucks right now....) and $8 Canadian.

There are plenty more products at Bobe Bath Essentials from lip balm to scrubs to perfumes. So check the site out and see what you can find.

Just a Couple of Things

I just wanted to note a couple of things happening this month.

The October "Think Pink" Crafty Cube is on sale right now. $2 of every purchase this month will go to the Local Breast and Cervical Early Detection Program. Contributors include SBS Teas, Foster's Creations, Vampyrz, Women For Hope and more.

The other event going on is thru Le Mod Boutique. Amber is once again selling raffle tickets for the Stephanie Fund. Stephanie is the daughter of one of Amber's loyal customers and she is suffering from a rare cancer caused by Asbestos exposure. Raffle tickets are just 50 cents and all proceeds go to Stephanie for travel and treament expenses. Indie Etailers who are donating prizes include Cleanse Your Soul, SBS Teas, Fosters Creations, Sweet Spice and more. Plus Amber says that there will be more etailers to come!

2 great causes and two great events. Go check them out and do something good today. Pay it forward!

Caress Me Karess

As you all may remember, I've got a soft spot for anything with Manoi de Tahiti oil in it. I love how it smells, I love how it feels and I love what it does for me. So of course when I saw Karess Krafters was selling a body butter combining Shea Butter and Manoi de Tahiti..how could I possibly pass that up?!?

Ok, so you're looking at this and checking out the site and you discover that this costs $6.50 for a one ounce jar of the Shea Manoi lotion. I was a bit wary when I got mine thinking it looked rather small for the price. However, the stuff inside the jar is what counts..how it feels and how well it works. Don't be fooled by size, size doesn't matter in this case.

The texture is liked whipped cream and it just melts on your skin. The scent of the Monoi is just lovely and I can never get enough. The site says a little goes a long way and I can tell you YES IT DOES. I used this primarily on my hands, elbows, knees and feet before I go to bed. My skin felt so soft and silky, even my feet..and trust me that is saying a heck of a lot (I hate my feet!). It really does what it says it will and does it well. I'm sad that I have none left and I'm cash poor for a while so I have to wait to get some more.

I had also purchased some of the Pure and Simple Body Butter and the fragrance was so light and beautiful. The lotion is very nice and kept my skin hydrated just about all day.

All in all, I'm very pleased with just the two products I purchased from Karess Krafters. There's alot more that I haven't tried but I must wait till I get some more of my own money.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and it holds special meaning for me. My mother (the photo on the right) passed away in 1994 after a 4 year battle with breast cancer and since then I've always spent this month in remembrance and hope. I wear my pink ribbon all month long, I make sure to make donations and buy products that will also donate funds to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

So, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month and for all those out there fighting this disease...I have asked Indie etailers to send me their BCA products so you can see what you can get to support this cause.

My good friend, Shannon Foster of Foster's Creations is herself a uterine cancer survivor. She spent her recovery time last year making jewelry which she now sells on her site. I have a pink ribbon cell phone charm and a pink ribbon beaded bookmark that I love! The bookmarks are $30 and the cell phone charms are $12. She also has Pink Ribbon key chains, bracelets and earrings. This month Shannon is donating 20% of her sales to her local Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and you get a free Pink Ribbon air freshener with your order in you choice of scent.

The Flower Peddler also has some Pink Ribbon items. For every Pink Ribbon soap ($5.50) sold, she will donate $1 to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. There are also Breast Cancer Awareness Candles ($12) with 20% of sales going to the Foundation and this beautiful Breast Cancer Care Package ($85) with 20% going to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

ZeVin Creations has made some really beautiful cards for BCA month. I especially love this trio called The Caring Woman. The purple one is for Leukemia, the Teal is for Uterine/Ovarian cancer and of course you know what the pink one is for. These cards are selling for $8 and ZeVin Creations is donating 50% of the sales of the pink and teal cards to Harriett B. Porter Cancer Education and Research Endowment .

A Planet 4 Creation has some nice pieces of Pink Ribbon jewelry. And, like me, they have had family members who have died from this disease. 20% of all sales in the month of October will be donated to the Komen Foundation of Southern Arizona. The earrings sell for $22 and the necklace for $32.

Women For Hope has lots of great products and several really nice Pink Ribbon jewelry pieces. 15% of the proceeds will be going to CancerCare. Earrings range from $12-$15 and the bracelets ranges from $20-$25. This beautiful pink Cat's eye beaded bracelet is only $20. And you're supporting a really great cause!

Another fabulous stationary artist, Anna Bella Stationary, is donating 50% of the sale of ANYTHING pink on her site to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. This stationary set called "Rosie" runs for $18.95 and is just so darn cute. So it doesn't just have to be something with a Pink Ribbon on it..it just has to have pink on it and the donation will be made.

So, whether you make a donation directly or buy one of these wonderful products, you are helping to find a cure for this horrible disease. Remember it does not discriminate..it takes Mothers from their Children, it take Wives from their Husbands, it takes Sisters from Brothers and so on. It doesn't care if you're white, black, asian or any other race. Breast Cancer is a killer and if we all did a little part, we can help to rid ourselves of it.

For more Indie Etailers who are selling awareness products visit The Women for Hope Blog here:

http://womenforhope.com/weblog/?p=9

Jewels By Jessica: From Vintage Comes Cool Jewels

I came across a new jewelry etailer through The Switchboards called Jewels by Jessica, and this stuff is really unique. Jessica, who is from Greece, takes Vintage items and turns them into jewelry box treasures. She uses such items as Vintage beads, plastic flowers, cameos, filigree and more. Each piece just looks so unique and cool. I've seen Vintage stuff before but this is chic and funky at the same time.

Take this bracelet..please before I buy it! She uses these Vintage plastic flowers and set them on a bronze bracelet. It's so bright and lighthearted and only $25.

These earrings play a bit more on the feminine side. You've got Vintage glass beads combined with these Vintage Celluloid flower clusters. And, you can even choose between pink or these turqoise beads. These run for $28.

Then there's her necklaces and pendants. I'm kind of a sucker for Cameos, probably because I don't own one. I always seem to want what I don't have....typical. She uses this Resin cameo with Vintage filligree and glass beads. Now, I don't want Flamingos on my lawn but I would not mind in the least having these Flamingos around my neck. This one costs $38.

The necklaces and pendants run from $18 on up to $68 depending on the Vintage items used. Bracelets from about $25 to $48. There are also earrings and rings as well as pins on her site.

Very unique and fascinating pieces. You'll find the feminine to the funky at Jewels by Jessica.

September Little Black Box

Today my mailman brought me my September Little Black Box. So this has been a week of sampler boxes.

Here's my take from the Little Black Box this time:

Frost Fish Cove Soaps
20% off coupon, orange ginger soap and a vegan Apricot Plum Lip Balm

Anne Lee's
Bulgarian Lavender Soap (full size)

Alchemille's Garden
Timeless Tea sample and 15% off $30 coupon

Cottage Hill Creations
Wildberry Zinger Hand Sanitizer and 15% off coupon

Four Seasons Fragrance
Sensual Autumn perfume sample and a half price special on a Perfume Sample Vial collection coupon.

Capella's Garden Soap Co.
Goats Milk Soap and 20% off coupon

The Serene Dream Shop
10% off coupon, a very cool pen and a Downey Water Lily & Jasmine Turtle shaped soap sample

Juniper Tree Naturally
Chocolate Butter Cream Lip Balm and a BOGO coupon for bath bombs

Karess Krafters
10% coupon and Body Butter sample in Lovely

Craftheart (etsy)
15% coupon and a mini crocheted face scrubbie

Bead Patterns 4 You
Chain drop earrings pattern

Texas Scentsations
25% coupon, Flat Rose Votive in Mango Papaya, a Texas shaped tart in Cantalope and Melon and a heart shaped guest soap in Peaches N Cream

Just Peachy Candles & Soaps
Iced Lemon Danish Soap

Chunky Butt Candles
Body frosting samples in Seven Layer Bars and Sugar Cookier and a 10% off coupon

Cheryl's Candles
15% coupon and a huge sampler pack of tarts in various shapes and scents.

Paradise Cosmetics
$5 off of $50, a tea light in Yuzu, Body Butter sample in Tahitian Vanilla and a flip flop sopa in Palm Island.

This was a really good take for a Little Black Box. I had samples that just couldn't fit in the black box and were in the main shipping box. Plus some of these coupons were really good. I try to keep an eye on the sampler box sites to see what etailers are going to be in them. I try hard to buy a box when there are several new to me etailers contributing and this box had several etailers that I hadn't tried yet. Looking forward to it!

Celebrating 3 Years

I just wanted to congratulate Lindsay of Lindsay's Candles & Stuff on her third anniversary! 3 years is quite a feat for an Indie etailer and if I could put in an applause soundbite in this post I would.

Lindsay was a contestant in my Best of Sugar Scrubs contest and, even though she didn't win, she was very interested in constructive insight on her scrub. I've only tried her scrub but there are a few things on her site I've set my eyes on..like her 10 Minute Facial Treatment and I can always handle some more Whipped Body Butter!!!

So, please join me in congratulating Lindsay on her 3 years of hard and rewarding work as an Indie Etailer. Visit her site, Lindsay's Candles & Stuff, and you can get 33% off by using the coupon 3years. 33% is quite a generous discount for an Indie Etailer so this is her gift to you!

The Mask

I love a good mask, the facial mask kind. It not only makes your skin feel good and your face look better, it scares the husband off so you can have some time to yourself.

Ok, seriously...I've tried many a mask from spas to walmart and they've all been ok. But again most of them have a bunch of chemicals in them. I like the ones like Burts Bees has where you have to mix it with water and then put it on your face. Those seem to work really well for my skin.

A while ago, Elementals began selling masks. I was of course interested as I always am when an Indie etailer sells something new and different. So, I bought her Anti Acne Willow & Tea Tree Peel Off Facial Mask. Even though I'm 35 (yes a woman honestly telling her age), I still get zits and blackheads. I know, it sucks but what are you going to do. Anyway, so I'm always looking for something to help my pores (some are large and I hate that too but genetics and years of abuse has cursed me to suffer). I really like this mask. It comes in a zippy bag so you can seal it up when you're done. It's a powder and you just add water and mix it around and then smooth it on your face. It's a grey color and that's good because it's not as intense as those green ones, yet it still scares the husband off lol. In about 10-15 minutes, it's all dry and ready for peeling! Don't go beyond that 15 minutes though or you will have a hard time peeling it off and will have to resort to warm water and a washcloth. It usually peels off in nice big chunks, I have yet to be able to get it off in one piece but so what. It's cool to see your skin imprint on the reverse side when you peel it off...I know ewwwww, you think I'm gross and that's ok. I can live with that.

After I peel as much as I can off then I basically rinse with warm water till it's all off (hint: avoid getting it in your eyebrows...it's not easy to get out of hair). My skin feels tightened and refreshed. It leaves no oily residue and yet it doesn't dry my face out either. The Willow leaves in the mask have a natural saliycilic acid, which is the most common ingredient in anit-acne medications now. It also has the tea tree oil which is great at getting rid of oily skin and is also anti-bacterial.

It costs about $5.50 for a 2 ounce pouch (I've gotten a few uses out of it and still have some more). There are several other types of masks for different skin issues. There's an anti-aging one, one for rosacea and even for feet and legs. Go on over to Elementals and take a look at the masks. I haven't seen any facial masks on any other Indie etailer site yet so it's worth a look.

The September Lemming Central Box

I meant to post on this yesterday..but I had a migraine all day and just couldn't do anything. I hate days like that.

Anyway, I got my Lemming Central September Sampler Box the other day and this one was fantastic. I got a lot of great samples from etailers I haven't yet tried and there were some really good coupons in there too.

Rain Barrel Soap
Oat Bran Soap Sample

Makeup Junky Cosmetics
Lip Gloss sample in Viva Natural and 2 mineral makeup samples
Plus a 25% off coupon!

Things That Make Scents
2 Tarts in Great Pumpkin and Witches Brew
Plus a 20% off coupon!

Hollyrose Aromatherapy
Lavender Salve adn a 15% off coupon.

D & K Candles and Gifts
A tea light candle in Birthday cake scent and a 20% off coupon.

Ablutions Spa
Red Raspberry See Eye and Face Treatment and Lemon Tamarind Microdermabrasion Facde Polish.

Youthful Essentials by Sun Country Naturals, Inc.
Skin healing gel and a 20% off coupon.

Blue Diamond Candle Co.
Sanitizer gel sample and 25% off of a $10 order.

Monkey Boy Products
A mini K.I.S.S. kit including Goat Milk Soap, Goat Milk Lotion a cool pen and a Jumpin Jojoba Sudsy Scrub.

Gramma Frans Fixins
A huge Raspberry Lemonade Tart

SBS Teas
3 Flowering Teas: 3 Flower Burst, Carnation Strong Stem and Ginsing Lily..plus a 15% off coupon.

Pure Indulgent
A Pomegranate Tart, Pomegranate Cocoa Butter Lotion, Triple Peppermint Scrub and a 15% off coupon.

Klean Bath & Body
Sample of Kama-L Krunch Sugar Scrub

Bauble Bath
Ginger Mint Bath Bauble, Bubble Bath in Huckleberry Dream, After Bath Oil in Lavender Lemon, a large Cocoa Butter Bath Melt in Candied Petal and a 35% off coupon (AWESOME)

That's everything I got. It was a really goooooodddd box!!!
Enjoy!

Soak in the Hemp

A couple of weeks ago I got an email from Christie at Bath Desserts. I took a look at her site and I got to tell you it intrigued me. All of her bath and body products contain Hemp seed oil. I've never used a product with Hemp seed oil before.

Here's what the site says about Hemp seed oil:

"Hemp seed oil is the most nutrient dense plant oil on Earth, made up of 80% essential fatty acids that naturally match the skin’s own lipid ratio. This property, unique to Hemp seed oil alone allows for a non-greasy, deep cellular hydration treatment, promoting a healthy and youthful appearance. ...Hemp seed oil has an ideal 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, perfectly mimicking the needs of the human body. The reason hemp is so effective is because of the essential fatty acids (EFAs) it contains. More than 75% of the EFAs in hemp seed oil are poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and are known for their excellent moisturizng properties. "

Interesting facts that I did not know at all. So I told Christie I'd love to try out some of her products.

What I received was really cool...she sent me a Pineapple Fizz Ball, Body Melt Truffles, Peppermint Lip Balm, Sugar Scrub and Body Butter.

I was really impressed with the Fizz Ball and the Body Melt Truffles. The Fizz Ball is just like a bath bomb but has the hemp seed oil in it. As soon as I stepped into the tub, the moisture of that hemp seed oil hit me immediately. The tub water was just infused with it and my skin felt silky soft right away. No other bath bomb type product I've used has ever done that..very impressive! There are 5 ounce Fizz Balls that cost $5 and 10 ounce (gosh that must be huge) for $10.

The Body Melt Truffles are incredible! First of all, they come in this box and it's set up just like a box of chocolates. Then when you open the box these little goodies look just like truffles from the chocolate shop. After a shower I took one of these truffles and smoothed it on my skin. One truffle is good for an entire body application. It went on smoothly and really felt good. I've had lotion bars before and some of them are hard to use and get going. These flowed easily over my skin and left it feeling silky soft. Really really incredible stuff. I'm hoarding the rest now because I like them so much lol. The Body Melt Truffles go for $15 for 6 of them and remember you only need one for your entire body (I guess if you're the same size as me though) and the moisture lasts a good long time.

Even the lip balm is fantastic. It's got really just a few simple ingredients. It's made with Hemp seed butter, mango butter, beeswax, vanilla and peppermint oil. You can really get that peppermint tingle on your lips. Plus a little goes a long way and it lasts a good long time. I found that this lip balm lasted longer than my other ones that I've bought from Indie Etailers. Now if Christie could put this is a tube form, I'd be in heaven! The lip balm costs $5, but like I said a little tiny bit goes a long way so this will last you alot longer than you think.

I'd like to thank Christie for letting me know about Bath Desserts. ( I always love finding out about etailers that I haven't found yet. ) So, go ahead and go soak in some hemp...seed oil that is.

Notes Notes Notes

Ok, yesterday was a rough and busy day. I am sorry that I neglected to post the perfume notes of the winners so I am rectifying my error.

So...here goes:

Blend #7 by Texas Charm Bath & Candle Co.
Top notes of island coconut, tart/juicy currants, raspeberries, jasmine, peach blossom and a hint of pomegranate. Heart notes are pure sugar, ocean waters and suntan oil. Ending notes are golden/sweet sandalwood, mahogany, cedarwood, patchouli, vanilla and soft musk.

Luv by Sharon Bolton Scents
Rare pink Gardenia, Hawaiian White Flowers, creamy vanilla and white musk.

Blue Moon Dreams by Heaven and Earth Essentials
Notes of Cedar Wood, Blue Musk, Blue Raspberry, Blue Sugar, Blue Hollyhock and Vanilla Absolute

Cafe Noir by DSH Perfumes
Top notes of Black pepper, cinnamon and pimento berry. Heart notes of Benzoin, Labdanum, Bulgarian Rose Otto and Jasmine absolutes. Base notes of Tolu Balsam, Coffee and Vanilla Absolutes.

Sienna by Callisto Bath & Body
Notes of Egyptian Musk, amber, vanilla and brown sugar.

Kuba Kuba by Modern Atelier
Juicy pineapple, cool mint and sweet spicy rum.

Exotic Spicy Fig by Bathing in Luxury
Top notes of orange. Heart notes of ginger, cinnamon, cloves, figs and caraway. Base notes of sandalwood, myrrh and vanilla.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE BEST ORIGINAL PERFUME CONTEST!

It's been a long hard month and a really tough contest. Plus, Sharla had her baby right in the middle of it..so thanks to all the entrants for being so patient. We had so many wonderful perfume blends sent to us and it really was a tough choice to pick winners from. Most lasted about 5-7 hours on the skin and some lasted longer. Orginality really stands out in the winners. So without further adieu, here are the winners (and there are ties) of the Best Original Perfume Contest!

FIRST PLACE
(we had a three way tie for first place.)

Texas Charm Candle & Bath Company's Blend #7
This was such a wonderful and complex fragrance. Neither one of us have ever come across something like it. It lasted a good long time and really had the essence of a great fragrance.

Sharon Bolton Scents' LUV
This is a truly feminine fragrance. Very soft and full of floral scents. A very original fragrance that is just right for any woman.

Heaven & Earth Essentials' Blue Moon Dream
Wow! This one was a real original. Notes of everything blue and yet not overpowering in any way. It has floral notes, fruit notes combined with vanilla absolute. And, a good unisex fragrance.

SECOND PLACE
(another tie)

DSH Perfumes' Cafe Noir
This was such an original, interesting and sexy fragrance. It arrived in this wonderful glass flask and the first sniff blew me away. To top it off, it lasted almost an entire day on me. There are so many notes in this perfume but they combine into one incredible scent.

Callisto Bath & Body's Sienna
This is a warm and sexy perfume. With notes of Vanilla, Egyptian musk, amber and brown sugar it was just a really good fragrance. You can really discern the notes but they joined together so well.

THIRD PLACE
(yet another tie)

Bathing In Luxury's Exotic Spicy Fig
I really like this perfume. To me it smells like Sexy Christmas. Very unisex with notes of cinnamon, clove and other spices. Very original and unisex.

Modern Atelier's Kuba Kuba
We both have never come across such a unique fragrance. It's a combination of pineapple, mint and rum. Very original!

Honorable Mentions go to...

Opus Oils's Absinthia
Tickled Pink Sensations' Visions of Violets
Wylde Ivy's Aerial

So congrats to our winners. I highly recommend any of these fragrances. So please stop by their stores and take a look for yourself.

A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words

Now there are alot of pieces of photo jewelry out there. They are all clever and unique. I recently came across a new jewelry artist who has created a new kind of photo jewelry.

This is a photo tile pendant made by Amber Fay of Amber Fay Designs (on Etsy). She's a new jewelry artist on Etsy and she's got this unique photo pendant that just stands out from her other pieces.
I thought this was really neat and I had emailed her and asked her how she creates these pieces. This is how she explained it to me:

"The process used to create each pendant is a transfer method in which the photo is re-sized, edited (I will do all necessary cropping myself) and then converted to black and white. The photo is then baked onto the clay tile at a low fire temp. It is then refined, sanded, coated with a triple coat glaze process and then re-fired to finish the process.

Each piece is created individually to suit each person’s taste. Whether they want a simple pendant on a chain, a pendant adorned with some gemstone dangles/beads/pearls, or a pendant incorporated into a full necklace design, the design possibilities are endless and can be customized. "

She only uses semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls or Swarovski crystals in these pieces and only makes them with .925 Sterling Silver.

I just thought it was so unique to see the photo on a tile instead of surrounded by a small frame or in a locket. And, the fact that she will customize it in the way you want it will also make it a one of a kind piece. It would be anyway with your photo choice but you get the idea.

I think she's found a really great idea and I can see this going far and hopefully for Amber, selling well! If you're interested, stop by Amber Fay Designs on Etsy and you can contact her from there.

Face to Face and Cheek to Cheek

For the last week or so, I've been washing my face with a butt. Not just any ordinary butt, but a very sculpted and beautiful butt. [SIGH] if only my butt looked like the one I'm washing my face with.

No, your favorite blogger is not going wacky on you. I've been using my new soap from Artizan Soap!

Since my last review on soap (which included soaps I wanted to try...including Artizan Soap), I received an email from Kateh at Artizan Soap wanting to know if I wanted to try one of her soaps. I was more than happy too, as the soaps on her site really intrique me....They are more or less adult themed soaps but in a very artistic sort of way. There are some "hands" and "feet" and even some dog soaps..but the rest are for the 18 and over crowd.

The soap Kateh sent me is one from her Signature Collection. It's the "Isis" soap which I have pictured here. This is a facial soap loaded with natural goodies like oatmeal (nice touch for some light exfoliation), olive oil, buttermilk, honey, wheat germ oil and lavender essential oil. It has a pleasant scent with the lavender that is not overwhelming. It doesn't have that "soap" like scent that store brands do. It's dotted with the oatmeal throughout and it has a pleasant ivory/honey color to it. And, believe it or not, it's a really great size and shape for washing your face. The curves of the "butt" (it is molded after a ancient sculpture of the goddess) hug the curves of your face. Plus it's flat on the back if you just wanna use that side on your flat parts (um, cheeks and forehead ring a bell!). Another plus is that the Isis soap did not leave my face feeling dry. This has always been a reason I have never used soap to wash my face. In the past (we're talking years now) I had used soap and it just made my face dry. The Artizan Soap did not! All in all a really good soap. I am most pleased with the Goddess!

Now when you goto Artizan Soap you'll see that there are many different styles. All of them come in their own particular scent. However, you can get your own soap custom made with shape, scent and additive (like oatmeal, pink clay, pumice, seaweed etc) for $16. The other soaps are around $12. You're paying for a really good soap and some fantastic sculpture to boot.

Definitely a conversation piece and not for the strict conservatives! What's really neat is that if you know someone getting married you can order some naughty soap for the Bachelor party or the Bachelorette party (there's even a soap that is all breast meat baby!). A very different take on the party favor.

So go ahead, you know you wanna look. Even if you're telling yourself...no I'm not looking at these soaps....you will, I know you will!!!!! Artizan Soap....go ahead and take a peek!

Urban Bloom Jewelry Special Coupon

Just a little FYI to my readers from Lauren at Urban Bloom. She passed on to me a code that is good for 10% off all this week.

The code is "laboroflove"

So go ahead and enjoy a little discount.

Inside Indie: Texas Charm Bath and Candle Co.

Sorry that this week's Inside Indie is late. I was at my son's school all day selling the PTO like crazy. I apologize to you my readers lol.

Anyway...this weeks Inside Indie interview is with Stacy Herrod who owns and operates Texas Charm Bath & Candle Co. I really love her body butter (especially in Petit Choux!) because it's thick, rich and is PARABEN FREE!!!!! Stacy has also entered one of her perfume blends in my Best Original Perfume contest (we're almost done) Here's my interview with Stacy....

Tell me a little about the mind behind Texas Charm Bath & Candle Co.

Ah ha! This is a scary trick question, LOL! The mind behind Texas Charm is obsessed - pleasantly obssessed with fragrance!! I am always thinking about candles, bath & body, and most importantly FRAGRANCE! I admit it: I am truly addicted to this! I have always loved perfumes, lotions, candles ... so this is the perfect solution for me - to create my own goodies! Since I was a wee little girl - give me a bottle of lotion to rub in - I was happy! It's stuck all these years later!

What made you decide to get into the bath, body and candle business?

Actually, my mom & husband suggested once upon a time that I should just make my own candles and save money. Ha! They didn't know what they started with that statement! I am hooked!

Do you remember the first product you made?

A candle - I remember being so nervous! I fretted for the longest (once I decided to try my hand with candles) over the wicks! How would it stick? How would it stand up in the jar? I was a total newbie! So, I tested FOREVER in baby food jars!

Ok, you're stuck on a desert island and you can only have one of your products with you..which one, which fragrance and why?

HANDS DOWN - My "Bye Bye Dry Lip Butter"! I am addicted to lip butter and MUST have a tube with me any and all times! It doesn't matter the flavor - it just feels SO good! This addiction is so bad, lol, that I pour up my lip butter for personal use in whopping 1 ounce lotion tube containes! Yea, it's crazy, but it's SO good!

What does the future hold for Texas Charm Bath & Candle Co?

Immediate future for Texas Charm is a website update! I have so many new fragrances that I need to list for you guys! Also, I will be adding in Bubble Bath Cupcakes, Bubble Bath Bars, and Bombs Away! Bath Bombs very soon! Very fun and very chic additions to Texas Charm!

What is your can't live without product that you don't make?

Handmade Soap! I cannot live without a good bar of handmade soap! My skin and facial complexion has improved so much over time since using only handmade soap! I am not picky - it can be all-vegetable based or it can include animal fats - I love both and use both! Ask my husband how many bars of soap are in our master bath? Ha! He will get this dazed look on his face and just shake his head that he won't answer that question!

So, please stop by Texas Charm Bath & Candle Co. There are some truly good products there. I really like what I've tried so far and look forward to trying more soon.

The Desert that Doesn't Dry You Out

A couple of weeks ago I bought, on a whim, some Facial Cleaning Pads at my local Trader Joe's. These pads are made by a company called Desert Essence and claim to contain Natural Tea Tree Oil.

They cost me about $4.99 and that's not too bad. I usually by like Noxema or Clean N Clear pads and they cost almost as much.

What impressed me is that these pads really really clean my face. I usually use them in the morning when I get up and the stuff these pads peel off my face is amazing. Considering I wash my face every night before bed, you'd think my face would be still clean in the morning. I'm telling you these pads are taking dirt and oil off my face and it's dark looking stuff. Gross man.

Anyway, not only do they work very well but they do not dry my face out like the other "acne" type cleansing pads. Sometimes is best not to use the harsher stuff because they tend to dry your skin out and cause more breakouts (I know go figure right?).

Looking over the ingredients..there's Witch Hazel, organic grain alcohol (not too bad I guess), tea tree oil, organic chamomile oil, organic lavender oil, organic lemongrass oil, golden seal extract, neem oil and other, surprisingly, natural ingredients.

So, it cleans up your skin really well..check. It does not dry out your skin...check. It contains more natural ingredients then I have ever seen in a facial cleansing pad...check. Needless to say, I will more than likely continue to use these pads. I visited their website, and you can too by clicking on this post's title, and they have tons of other personal care products. I did a store search and they are in all kinds of different stores including the Vitamin Shoppe. So I plan on checking it out and seeing what other products I might find.