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." :-)

Disquieting Designs

Recently, Megan from Disquieting Designs, got in touch with me about her bath and body products. Being that she is also from Pittsburgh, we consoled each other in the Steelers Loss and she sent me some samples of her wonderful products.

N0w, I've said before, that I love soaps that don't smell like soap. Even some of the best smelling soaps out there can still have that "soap" smell after you lather up. Not so with the Pink Grapefruit soap I received from Megan. It was a nice pink color and lathered up really well. The fragrance was citrusy with a smidgen of floral, very nice. And, that fragrance remained during lathering. That is always a plus for me. The soaps are $5 a slice.

Megan also sent me one of her solid lotion bars in Toasted Marshmallow. The fragrance was light but nice. Now, I am not partial to lotion bars myself. Some of the ones I've gotten in the past were either difficult to maneuver or hard to hold. This one, however, is in a tube! Maybe there are more stores out there that do this, but this is the first time I have seen a solid lotion in a tube. Much easier to use and much better at getting my skin moisturized. This was really useful on those knees and elbows. $6 for a tube of the Toasted Marshmallow and $8.50 for Lavender.

Lastly, the Lip Balm. Megan sent me one of her shea lip balms in Peppermint. Peppermint is always a good lip balm flavor and I love it. At first the lip balm was a little hard, but once it warms up it is as smooth as silk. I used it for a few weeks and I thought it was pretty good. I'm a lip balm addict so when I can apply one that lasts for a good while, I'm happy. And Disquieting Designs lip balm lasted. The lip balms come in 7 flavors and cost $3.50.

There's alot more to Disquieting Designs that I will probably have to try and post again. I'm always a sucker for bath and body products. Take a peek and see if you find something new.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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 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!

Welcome Texas Charm & Candle Co.

Today I would like to welcome Texas Charm Bath and Candle Company to Products of the Day. Texas Charm Bath & Candle is owned by Stacy Herrod and she makes some fine bath & body products as well as candles. Now, I haven't tried her candles but I have tried her paraben free body butter (see my review on it in the Petit Choux scent) and of course I've tried one of her perfumes as she is in my Best Original Perfume contest.

So go ahead and click on the Texas Charm logo in my Shop Shop Shop section, try her body butter..trust me it's good!

The August Crafty Cube Came Today

Today the UPS man graced my door with my August Crafty Cube. This time I didn't hide it all away and I actually took a picture of my goodies first. So here they are and I'm listing them below the photo.



Frost Fish Cove Soaps:
20% off coupon, Cranberry Pomegranite Lip Balm and Ginger Pear Soap sample.

Zen Momma:
Body Lotion, a little Rubber Duck and a coupon for 1 year of 50% off retail pricing.

Karen's Personalized Gifts/Goldie's Glory:
A Crafty Cube key chain

Manor Hall Soap Company:
A full sized soap of Me An' Eucalyptus and a 15% off coupon.

Peeptoad Hollow:
A 2.3 oz Shea Butter Lotion in Rice Flower, Groovy Green Tea & Patchouli soap and Lavender Tango Mango Soap.

Sublime Dragonfly:
A flower shaped (big too) Peanut Butter and Jelly Soap (smells like the real thing, it's neat) and a coupon for Buy 5 soaps get 1 free.

Mystic Orient:
Rootbeer Lip Balm, Cotton Candy Whipped Bath Soap (4 oz) and a White Shower Puff.

Iowa Naturals:
Hair Pair: Head to Toe (Hair, Face and Body Wash) and Conditioning Creme Rinse

Foster's Creations
Plum Air Freshener (aqua ribbon shape) and a 10% off coupon.

I thought this was a really good box this month. Plenty of full sized samples to keep me happy. I just checked the site and it says there are 6 boxes left..so if you hurry you can probably still get one.

Inside Indie: Foster's Creations

This weeks Inside Indie interview is with Shannon Foster of Foster's Creations. Shannon makes lovely bath and body products (her bath salts are fantastic) as well as air fresheners, jewelry and she also does CAKES. Here's my interview with Shannon.

Tell me about the mind behind Foster's Creations

I am incredibly blessed. I am able to work from home doing something I love. I am still amazed everytime I make a batch of foot cream and it goes from oils and water to cream. It is truly fascinating. I have a really great support system and I really enjoy hearing about how my customers feel about my products. I love them but I am a bit biased, so when I get a nice compliment from my customers I know I am doing the right thing. My business is my creative outlet.

What got you into the bath & body business?

My passion began shortly after Christmas 2001. I had wanted to make my family members something different for Christmas but I tried one of the kits from the craft store and needless to say my family got something different that year. I then began scouring the internet looking for any and all information on soapmaking.

Do you remember the first product you made?

My first product I made was a cream in an online class which resulted in the creation of my Fluffy Body Butter and my Peppermint Foot Cream.

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?

My MSM-Menthol cream and gallons of it as I suffer terribly from arthritis and don't go anywhere without it.

You also make jewelry and cakes..can you tell me a little bit about that?

I began making cakes in 1998 when I saw a cake that looked like a basket of pansies on the cover of a Wilton yearbook. I took some classes in 2000 and began making wedding cakes the next year. I go into this nice little zen place while decorating. While I don't always get to see the brides reaction I do love to see the look on their face when they see their cake for the first time. It makes me feel proud of what I do to make their day special. I took a year or two off to get the bath and body business off the ground and they actually compliment each other well as my craft show season is in the fall and most of my weddings are spring and summer. I began making jewelry in October 2006 while recovering from my cancer surgery. I had 8 weeks where I could not lift and had to do something to pass the time. I really enjoy all of the things I do as they are very relaxing for me. I love creating things.

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

My Crocs absolutely without a doubt. I have been without them for 2 weeks while waiting for a new rivet and let me tell you I almost broke down and bought another pair.

I highly recommend Foster's Creations. I've been using Shannon's products for almost a year now. Her MSM cream has done wonders for my chronic neck pain (diaper bag syndrome) and my headaches. I also love her air fresheners cause they last so long and you can get them in any of her fragrances. Her bath salts are fantastic too by the way. I'm sure you'll find something there that you'll love.

Don't Waste Your Money Alert: Bad Bad Scrub

As you all know I just got back from vacation. Well, right before I left I realized that I was out of sugar scrub (go figure). I had no time to order any from my fav etailers so I ran out to Target and figured they'd have some.

I picked up a sugar scrub called "Mediterranean: Mint melon and Sugar body scrub" by some company called Boots. It was $9.99 and I figured ok, well I need some so I bought it. What a huge huge waste of money. This is probably the absolute worst sugar scrub in existence. I truly mean it. I should have looked over all the ingredients first and threw it back on the shelf. Oh it's got sugar in it but the third ingredient is "petrolatum" and boy does this product feel just like gritty vasoline.

It does have a really pleasant fragrance..but that isn't the issue.

As soon as I scooped some of this out I knew it wasn't good. Like I said before, it's got the texture of gritty Vasoline. A really nasty feeling. And, as I tried to exfoliate with it..it wouldn't go on the skin smoothly and sometimes not much at all. There always seemed to be some clump of it stuck to my hand and clumps falling onto the shower floor. Gross.

At least the melon and mint fragrance was naturally occuring. But, why do these companies need to put Petrolatum into their products. It's gross, it's from Petroleum and it isn't good for anyone.

Well, at least I placed an order for some Sugar Scrubs from one of my favorite etailers and it should be getting here soon. I will never ever let myself run out of etailer scrubs again and I will never ever buy a scrub from a retail shelf again. Hopefully, I can stop someone else from wasting their money on this awful product.

Welcome Smell Goods 1998

Yes, I am back from my week long vacation. I spent half with my brother and family up in New Jersey and half with my inlaws in Bethany Beach Delaware. I'm exhausted and sick of being in the car with the kids.

But, I wanted to welcome my newest advertiser who came aboard right before I left. Smell Goods 1998 (also known as Smell Good Spa). Smell Goods 1998 is a purveyor of fine fragrances and perfumes (and is also in my Best Original Perfume contest). They also carry lots of scrubs, cleansers and lotions. You can also purchase samples of their products so you can find something you like before committing to a full size product.

So, scroll down to my Shop Shop Shop section and click on their banner. You'll find quite a selection there!

Inside Indie: In Kristine's Shower

This week's Inside Indie interview is with Jenny Hoehn of In Kristine's Shower. I absolutely love her sugar scrubs (body frostings) as well as her Shea Butter Sorbet. There are some really yummy fragrances there too like Blackberry Blast, Kiss Me All Over and Pink Cupcakes.

Tell me a little about the mind behind In Kristine's Shower and how did the name come about?

It is actually "Kristine's Shower" and I named it after my cousin Kristine. She was the inspiration for my first batch of soap. She was to be married in 2002 and I wanted to give her a one of a kind gift. Being a vegan and a typical "tree hugger type", she would most definitely love the handmade gift over some gift from the store. I was researching details about handmade soap, but never got the nerve to make any - Kristine getting married was the shove I needed to dive into my first batch! After that I was hooked!

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

The b&b business actually found me I think. I really had no desire to make any of these products because when I started, it wasn't a saturated market like it is now. I really only had tried handmade soap once (it was sent to me for free) and once I tried it, I was really impressed how well it treated my skin. Having a background in Cosmetology, I was always into skin and nails (not so much hair lol), so when I found all this information on how to make soap, I was mesmerized!

Do you remember the first product you made?

Yep - it was 100% olive oil soap

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?

Gotta be my soap - I would say Citrus Safari because that is a good scent (top seller for 5+ years!) The reason I would bring soap is that every good skin care regimen starts with a good foundation!

What does the future hold for Kristine's Shower?

You know, when I first started I was happy selling here and there - then I got some exposure that rocketed me way up beyond where I thought I would be. I am starting to get used to the big orders, but honestly I am happy where I am now. I have my sisters working for me and I get to have my son by my side at all times. Of course I would welcome new and bigger business, but it isn't something I am striving for.

What is your can't live without product?

My Body Frosting! I have to have to have to use it every time I shave so I don't have to shave every day!!

Take a look around In Kristine's Shower and see what you like. I recommend the Body Frosting...as Jenny calls me a "Frosting Addict."

Inside Indie: Bidwell Botanicals

Ok, I know it's not Thursday quite yet. But, I'm going to be out most of the day tomorrow so you're getting Inside Indie a bit early. This weeks Inside Indie interview is with Jill Jones of Bidwell Botanicals. If you remember, Bidwell Botanicals Spun Sugar Sugar Scrub tied for first place in my Best of Sugar Scrubs contest back in June. Jill makes and sells wonderful scrubs, lotions soaps and more. I highly recommend the Spun Sugar and her Chocolate fragrances!!!

Tell me a little about the mind behind Bidwell Botanicals.

I am a lucky woman, mom, wife with a great family that supports my crazy dreams and help to make them happen. I am totally into creativity in almost any aspect and have dabbled in every craft I could get my hands on, so owning a business like ours is awesome for me!

What made you decide to start a bath and body business?

Basically I love to cook and create and I love to pamper people, so this business seemed a perfect synergy for me. I'm a total bath junky myself and have made products for my family for a long time. When I really got into it about 6 years ago I just dove in head first and Bidwell Botanicals is going to have its 5th official birthday this October!!

Congrats on your 5th Year! So, since your Sugar Scrub came in first in the Best of Sugar Scrubs contest, has anything changed?

I'm so proud of that accomplishment! We worked very hard to make a product that people would love, and now we're adding several more types of sugar scrub to our line so they can indulge themselves even more! It has definitely given me incentive to move forward with this business when I know that people really like what we're doing.

You're stranded on a desert island and you can only have one of your products with you..what is it, what fragrance and why?

I would bring our Hydrating Body Milk in the Bali Spa fragrance so I could keep my skin from getting parched and the scent would help me pretend to be on a tropical vacation instead of being stranded.

What can we expect from Bidwell Botanicals in the future?

We plan to keep on growing and offering new and innovative products to our customers. Look for a new fruity line of products very soon! We will also be offering several new products for the upcoming Holiday season. I can't wait to bring them out!!

And, I can't wait for you to bring them out either! What is your absolutely can't live without it product that you do not make (it doesn't have to be bath and body)?

Tea! I have at least a cup of tea every morning and in the Winter I drink it all day. I drink anything from Earl Grey to Hibiscus herbal tea. I especially enjoy the fruit teas from Herb + Ginger. Yummo!

Jill, thank you so much for sharing yourself with me and my readers. I can't wait to see your new products so bring them out soon. And to my readers, go visit Bidwell Botanicals and see what wonderful products Jill creates just for you!

Inside Indie: Bathed & Infused

Welcome to my new weekly feature, Inside Indie. Every week I will bring you an interview with the owner(s) of Indie etailers..but only the ones whose products I have reviewed. My first interview is with Nicole of Bathed & Infused. Bathed & Infused is the very first bath and body etailer I ever bought from. I discovered them via samples in The Little Black Box sampler back in October of 2006 and have been loyal ever since.

Tell me a little bit about the minds behind the magic at Bathed & Infused.

Curtis is the full-time head of Bathed and Infused and he oversees all of our day-to-day operations as well as the production and technical stuff. He used to be an engineer, so this is really his area of expertise and he enjoys it. I take care of the creative side, which includes scents, products, and marketing. I still work a day job, but we're hoping to have me go full time soon. In the meantime, we have 4 awesome girls that work for us.

What made you decide to get into the bath & body business?

I am a total bath and body junkie, and about 3 years ago I used to buy from a place called the Underground Scent Plant. There was a lot of scandal when a lot of her orders didn't get sent out and she listed her scent recipes and remaining inventory on eBay. I was pretty mad because she owed me an order, so I told Curtis about her stuff on eBay. For some unknown reason he said, "Let's buy it!" And the rest is history. I think he might have thought that it would save us money on my bath and body habit, LOL!

What inspires you when you're creating a new scent?

I get inspiration in all different kinds of places. Sometimes I'll see a recipe for a amazing sounding dessert and instead of baking it, I'll mix it as a scent instead. I also get ideas out and about, like our neighbor's gardens or the mall. We also get great requests from our customers that I try to make as often as I can. I also get ideas randomly just from being around all 600-some of our fragrance oils. I just pull them out and see what I come up with. It's a lot of fun.

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

I'd say a Fluff in St. Lucia because the Fluff would keep my skin soft and soothe any sun burns from the hot sun and St. Lucia as a scent because it's so fresh and tropical.

What does the future hold for Bathed & Infused?

Now that our baby has arrived, we've got a lot of really great stuff planned for the Fall and the Holidays. We have some new products launching soon and a really fun contest that should debut this month, which we'll announce in our newsletter. More long-term, hopefully we'll continue to grow and spread our Bathed and Infused goodness all over the world

What's your absolutely favorite/gotta have product that you don't make? (does not have to be bath & body)

Curtis and I both love Wen Cleansing Conditioner--it's awesome for our super-curly hair!

Welcome Manor Hall Soap Company!

I would like to welcome Manor Hall Soap Company to Products of the Day. As you may have read from my recent review, Manor Hall Soap Company is a wonderful woman owned, all natural bath and body store. Susan Mann, who runs Manor Hall, makes everything with all natural ingredients. From soap, to body wash and facial cleansers..I'm sure you are going to find a number of products you will really really love to use.

I have tried out several of her products and really enjoyed each one. Plus it's great to know that all the ingredients are natural, something you don't find in every online store!

So, please, click on Susan's link in my Shop Shop Shop section and enjoy the trip.

More Ways to Be Nice To Your Feet

A long long time ago in a blog far far away (not really) I posted about the great soap over at Two Rivers Soaps. My husband loves and adores the soap there (and he's usually a Zest kind of guy) and I now have to buy him soap online instead of at Target.


Anyway, I have since tried some of Jennifer's other wares and have enjoyed them just as much as we've enjoyed her soaps. This time it was her Foot Care line which consists of her Pedicure in a Jar and her Foot Butter. Two very nice foot care products that when combined really helped my feet look and feel better (at least until I ran out lol).


The Pedicure in a Jar runs about $7 for a 5 ounce jar. This is a lovely peppermint scented scrub designed for your feet. I can't tell you how better my feet fell anytime I use something with peppermint oil in it. There is also Tea Tree oil in there which is a great antibacterial and also eucalyptus oil which helps to refresh your feet. Combined with the exfoliants (salt and pumice)..this makes for a nice refreshing scrub for the feet. It really feels great if you use it after a long walk when your piggies are screaming! Plus, since it's a jarred scrub rather than a solid one, it makes it a heck of alot easier to get the job done. Oh, since this is a salt scrub, warning..if you've got a cut on your feet ..don't use this until it's healed..otherwise it's gonna sting like the devil.


The other product is Jennifer's Foot Butter. It's nice thick moisturizer designed specially for your feet. You've got shea butter, you've got cocoa butter and aloe vera as well as avacado oil (like my run on sentence don't you). Plus you've got the peppermint oil, tea tree oil and menthol to help relax and relieve those tired tired dry piggies. It's really thick so be sure to rub it in good. I like to use it before bed and put some socks over my feet after (my husband calls them my "stay put" socks since after many nights of doing the lotion and socks thing, they kinda stand up on their own) I rub the butter in. The Foot Butter also runs you $7 for a 5 ounce jar.

If you're wise as to how much you use, both of these jars can last you probably about 2-3 weeks. If you're like me and you are generous with your applications then maybe 10-14 days. Either way, another way to do something nice for your feet.

Texas Charm Bath & Candle Co.: Body Butter in Petite Choux

Ok, the title is long but the body butter is awesome! I got a sample of Texas Charm's Body Butter in a sampler box (can't remember which one) months ago, we're talking late last year. The scent was Petite Choux (based on a French pastry of the same name) and smelled like the roses of angels to me. The lotion was really good too. Because I liked it so much, I hoarded that tiny little sample jar and actually just used it up finally..only because they had a sale and I finally bought a full size jar lol.

If you like the smell of roses then this scent is the most divine rose fragrance I've ever had. It can be a strong scent so if you can't take strong flowery scents then please bypass my post here on it. As I said, it's based on a French Pastry that uses Rose water in the creme of the pastry. So it's roses with cream... I guess that's the best way to put it. But don't be fooled, the rose scent does dominate. And, the scent lasts a really long time and that surprised me in a lotion. I could put this lotion on in the morning and the fragrance would last at least till late afternoon. No perfume needed for me on those days I decide to use Petite Choux.

The lotion, I'm happy to say, is now paraben free. It's great to see more and more etailers discarding the paraben preservatives. I know they have to use some sort of preservative for the most part but I'm glad to see that parabens are starting to disappear from the etailers ingredient lists. Texas Charm has also stated that they use no mineral oils or petroleum bases in this body butter, thank goodness for that. I hate stuff with petroleum bases in them (chapstick, Dove creamy oil bodywash etc). It's gross. But I digress...this body butter has over 50% shea butter. That's a pretty good amount (unless of course you go with something that is just 100% shea butter) to keep my skin happy. It's thick, rich and has the consistency of a good cream icing or even buttercream would be a good comparison. Don't be fooled by the thickness of it though, this stuff just flows on your skin like silk. It's wonderful. I really enjoy using this body butter and will probably hoard the full size jar as I did with my small sample.

4 ounces of Texas Charm's body butter will set you back about $14.95 plus shipping (I waited for a 25% off sale for my purchase). She's got plenty of other fragrances that you can try but I loved this Petite Choux the moment I opened my sample jar. I've actually tried other stores lotions in Petite Choux, but found that Texas Charm has the best one.