soap.
I have been on a pampering kick lately. I don't get out much now-a-days with the babies and all, and when I do, it seems to be only to the grocery store or the library, so I have been trying to do little things for myself that feel good, like buying new red lipstick and other small indulgences.
After looking on etsy at handmade soap (my god, there are so many listings) I decided on these 3 bars by Purusha and wow, oh wow. They are just lovely. The scents are amazing, the bars are the perfect size, they came quickly and wonderfully packaged, and I think I will pick up more for gifts. They are so minimal and wonderful. She provides a ton of info in her shop about how to store them, how they are packaged, and the process that goes into making them, it's a pleasure to read about it all. And now I don't have to contemplate making my own, which I was, until I came to my senses.
And speaking of great packaging-I am in love with this brilliant idea here over at A Little Hut.
That is so cool I'm totally doing that for gifts. It's perfect since I'm already a big fan/user of brown paper for packaging and now it will be really "tied up with string." Thanks!
Posted by: Grumpykitty | November 21, 2007 at 08:02 AM
Thanks for the link, it's nice to find soap that isn't full of chemicals and they just sound delicious!
Posted by: Annie | November 21, 2007 at 08:18 AM
Thank you for mentioning my little project. :)
Those bars of soap look amazing!
Posted by: patricia | November 21, 2007 at 08:18 AM
Thanks for sharing the link on this. I love handmade soaps and these look great!
Posted by: Katherine | November 21, 2007 at 08:39 AM
Where's Smell-O-Vision when you need it? Those look lovely- what a great idea for hostess gifts and stocking stuffers.
Posted by: hayley | November 21, 2007 at 09:08 AM
That popcicle idea is too cute!
I have a friend here in NH that makes her own soap and I LOVE IT!!! You really feel like your treating yourself with these soaps!!
Posted by: Lora | November 21, 2007 at 09:39 AM
Oh, thanks for the suggestion. When I wanted to buy soap from Etsy, there were just too many choices. Knowing how natural you are, I really appreciate the advice.
Posted by: Wendy | November 21, 2007 at 09:47 AM
yum. i am loving etsy. just bought some great prints - took them home to tentatively show my partner (we're meant to be saving) - and he loved them so much he asked me to buy more!!!!!
Posted by: em.s | November 21, 2007 at 12:17 PM
I have to plug my friend Rachel's soap: http://www.moondancesoaps.com/ My favorites are Tea Tree Wake-Up Bar and Chai. I know that Chai sounds a bit trendy, Bath and Bodyworks-ish -- but really, it's spicy and warm and becomes everyone's favorite. Rachel is an awesome, loving, homeschooling mom. Hope you have a marvelous Thanksgiving -- how can you miss with those beautiful pies waiting in the wings?
Posted by: Nancy | November 21, 2007 at 01:56 PM
Thanks a lot. Your post reminded me that I need some soaps and I spent the last 20 minutes shopping around before I returned to an old favorite, ChagrinValleySoapandCraft.com
So $40 later I came back to tell you that.
;)
Posted by: Mama K | November 21, 2007 at 02:58 PM
Thanks, what a great gift idea.
Posted by: Judy | November 21, 2007 at 05:10 PM
I must tell you that it's a lot of fun to make soap yourself. I love doing it. Thanks for the tip, though; I may be purchasing some myself at the rate my crafting time has been depleted lately.
Posted by: Liesl | November 21, 2007 at 08:34 PM
liesl-
I actually have made soap! but, as cool as it was--i just didn't love it.
I also made way too much. like waaaaaay too much. this was in college. i should try again.
Posted by: amy k. | November 21, 2007 at 08:44 PM
That soap looks just divine!!! What flavour is it?? I had a look at Purusha's etsy shop and boy-o-boy does she have some wonderful looking soaps on there. What a pity I live so far away and postage is SO expensive.
Posted by: Jodie | November 21, 2007 at 08:52 PM
Those soaps look luscious. Slab (slabsoap.com) is also really great local (Salem) soap, too. I love their patchouli but they are all really great!
Posted by: Jaime | November 21, 2007 at 08:58 PM
That soap looks lovely and thanks for the link. It looks great
Posted by: Lynne Nelson-Berg | November 22, 2007 at 01:06 AM
thoses soap seem marvellous, yes a good idea !
Posted by: Corinne | November 22, 2007 at 01:59 AM
Hello,
I just happened here, following links. I have ordered your book from Amazon and waiting for it!
Posted by: Irene | November 22, 2007 at 06:55 AM
I think you would really enjoy 'the handmade soap book' by Melinda Coss (ISBN1859740065) It is a beautiful book full of wonderful ideas. It starts with basic how to instructions. It has lots of lovely recipes & an excellent section all about packaging! So even if you don't get as far as making any it's a lovely book just to look at! Although thruth be told I couldn't read it with out having a go myself!
Posted by: Beth | November 23, 2007 at 06:51 AM
You should try Estrella soaps (www.estrellasoap.com). They have absolutely wonderful bars of soap that come in all kinds of delicious scents (I like cinnamon-clove). They're animal product free and use no artificial fragrances. They are definitely the best soaps I've ever used.
Posted by: S. | November 24, 2007 at 11:30 AM
I hear you about not getting out much with little ones. I don't either. So pampering is extra-important. A little computer break, a cup of tea, a few extra crafting minutes, special lotion, a long soak in a hot tub...All good stuff! The soap is beautiful!
Posted by: CharityGrace | November 24, 2007 at 06:21 PM