Soap Dish Tips

So, you've finally decided to stop using commercial detergent bars and you're giving handmade soap a try. Hurray! You are doing such a great service to your precious skin! Handmade soap is a bit pricier than super cheap detergent bars, but it will save you trips to the dermatologist and lots of money in lotion, since it keeps the healthy moisture of your body locked into your skin, where it belongs! Handmade soap also provides a luxurious experience. Think: Star Bucks vs. Folgers.

Now, how do you care for your handmade soap? Well, it's easier than you think. You see, if you leave handmade soap in a puddle of water, it's going to break down. Why? Because it has glycerin, which is a lovely byproduct of the soap. It's a key ingredient because it helps keep your skin oh-so-moist and healthy, but, unfortunately, commercial detergent bar producers strip it out during their soapmaking process and sell it off to other manufacturers for different purposes. This is why a cheap detergent bar can sit in water all day and maintain it's shape. Kind of like how a certain fast food company's fries can fall under your car seat and stay exactly the same forever. Makes you wonder, huh? Drainage is the key to maintaining the life of your handmade soap. And it can be achieved a number of ways.

 Do you have a nail brush? Just place your soap on top and you've got yourself a great soap dish!

You may already have one of these. The metal wires make this a dream for handmade soap. It holds all of your other shower goodies, too!

This is a soap saver. You can use this little guy as is or place it inside a fancy soap dish. It's available at most department stores for under 2 bucks.

There are lots of choices with wood, too. Soap decks are extremely popular and if you are into keeping things handmade, this is an excellent option for you. When selecting one with grooves rather than bars (like the one pictured), be sure that they are really deep and wide. The ones with shallow grooves won't do much in the way of drainage.

Pairing Up with Friends | Post 5

It's been a while since I've done a PUWF post, so here you go ...

Of the many things I have to be grateful to my boyfriend for, introducing me to Amber Alves was one of the best. He met her through one of his old proofreading jobs where Amber was working as a graphic designer. She is the genius behind Felt Like It, an amazing line of quirky, cute and artfully made plushes. Each piece is designed and hand sewn by Amber, as are all the sweet details. She is a gifted artist, a truly original person and a great friend and she will be sorely missed when she and her hubby move to Colorado in a couple of months :(  Don't go! Okay, okay, you can go. *Sniff*

The Mighty Powers of Lemongrass

When you think about stress relief, what natural remedy usually comes to mind? Lavender, right? Well, it is true that lavender is a super botanical for relieving tension,  lemongrass has many of the same benefits! It is often used as a sedative, and antidepressant, antiseptic and an astringent. It has also been known to help ease achy muscles and improve circulation.

Lemongrass is used in cooking, tea, countless cosmetics, candles and some people even apply it to help prevent bug bites!

We use it in our Lemongrass Salt Body Scrub, which has been a happy part of our line since we started our company.

Escape!

We are featuring not one - but two products - with our yummy fragrance of the month!

Both are now available in our shop!