June Soap of the Month from Petals Bath Boutique *GIVEAWAY WINNER*

Fresh citrus notes of sweet valencia orange and fuji apple slices with a hear of anjou pear and cassis on a base of guava nectar and mediterranean fig.

Hi Love Buds!

I can't stop sniffing this bar of soap!*  The June soap of the month from the Petals Bath Boutique soap of the month club is BUTTERFLY KISSES and it is just what I imagined kissing a butterfly would be like in my head.  It is a slightly tangy, fruity and sweet scent combination but it is not overpowering.  It's as if the scent was just lightly wafting through the air  ~ similar to the way a butterfly flies.  

The purple swirls and butterfly are gorgeous and since Kia and I share a love for both the butterflies and the color purple, this soap, which she created because her birthday is in June is just as near to my heart as it is here.

This bar is a whopping 6.7 ounces which is no small thing.  If you haven't already, you need to run to the Petals Bath Boutique website and purchase a three of six month Soap of the Month Club subscription.  The boxes ship the second week of the month, so you still have time to grab this one!

Petals Bath Boutique Soap of the Month Club shipments ship the second week of each month, so you still have time to receive June's amazing soap.  Click below to purchase yours now!  Shipping is included in the prices.  You can't beat the price, get each of these huge bars shipped directly to you (or a loved one) for as little as $7.50 each!

6 month subscription for $50                                             12 month subscription for $90

If you read my last post, you're highly aware that I am giving away the soap from the Petals May soap box.  And the winner is....

SHERRY PRIDDY!

Congratulations Sherry!  Please send an e-mail to 4theloveofbubbles@gmail.com with your shipping address so I can send out your prize.

I'll be taking a couple of weeks off for family events, my final paper and a couple of workforce readiness presentations I must prepare and conduct.  When I return, I'll give you a full update on my foray into cold process soap making.  I should entitle it "The Hard-Headed Soaper", LOL!

I hope you are enjoying your Memorial Day and until next time~

Peace, Love & Loads of butterfly kissed Bubbles!

Ayieta

P.S. Don't forget the Petals Summer Release on Thursday, June 9th at 8:30pm EST

Visit Petals Bath Boutique:

    On the web

    On Facebook

    On Instagram

*Soap reviewed in this post was provided to by Petals Bath Boutique in exchange for my honest feedback.
**Edited 5/30/16 7:25pm EST to include links to purchase Petals Bath Boutique Soap of the Month Club 

Feature Friday: Carrot Acai Round Soap

Happy Friday, Love Buds!

Today I'd like to feature a cool soap I saw being made on YouTube.

This amazing soap with a precise black mica line swirled through it was created by the awesome Teressa Mahoney of Nourishing Handmade Body Care, which is now Mahoney Limited.  This soap has such an interesting look and in this video, is created in less than six minutes!  Genius

Visit Mahoney Limited:

       

     On the web

     On Facebook

     On YouTube

     On Instagram

     

Until next time ~

Peace, Love of Lots of symmetrical bubbles!

Second Chances: Sunshine & Rain

Good Morning LoveBuds,

I know, I was gone for a few months, and now posts two days in a row.  Sadly, I might be gone for a few weeks before the next post, but I will share as often as I am able!  The love of bubbles runs strong with us...I just can't stay away, LOL.

Today I want to share something I found quite interesting...

Sunshine & Rain Spring 2015

The Petals Bath Boutique Spring 2015 release premiered the scent "Sunshine & Rain".   The description of the scent grabbed me "An intriguingly fresh and sweet scent with fresh Lime and Raw Sugarcane with a heart of Hawaiian Hibiscus, Kona Sugarloaf and Blood Orange on a base of Vanilla Orchid". I grabbed two bars of it along with a matching custard and body shot spray.

When I tried the soap for the first time, I wasn't quite feeling the scent.  I'm not sure why at the moment, but for some reason I was never really prompted to use the soap again.  Of course it was not the lather or the feel, those are a constant with Petals Bath Boutique soaps and I am always enamored with the way my skin feels when using these soaps.  It was just something about the fragrances that was slightly off putting.

Sunshine & Rain Spring 2016

Fast forward to Spring 2016.  Kia remakes this bar and it is just as cute as last year's bar.  I was compelled to purchase again, even though I had a bar from last year still in my stash.  Why?  Because I am an addict.  It was cute and it was calling my name.  

When my order arrived, I smelled the bar in the new Petals Bath Boutique boxes with the cut outs.  It smelled amazing fresh and sweet.  I smelled it again and the "meh" I felt about this scent last year turned into "I must use it now!".  Sometimes things happen with fragrance oil suppliers and scents change a bit - I wondered if that was it.  But when things like that happen, Kia is quick to let us know.  To ensure that it was not a change in the scent, I took my bar from last year out and used it last week.

First let me tell you that whenever you allow a handmade soap to sit and cure for about a year, the performance of the soap levels up by 1000.  You get crazy stupid bubbles and the conditioning affect on your skin is incredible.  I really try now to hold on to my bars for a couple of months after purchasing to use them.  The difference is shocking.

Now, back to Sunshine & Rain.  I was intoxicated.  This same bar that I could care less about last year, was now the most amazing shower experience.  I am in love with this scent now.  I just can't understand why I wasn't crazy about it last year.  Next I'm going to have to give Purple Rain another try because...Prince :(

Have you ever given a product a second chance after it let you down the first time?  I used to be a one and done junkie, but now, I think I'm going to give my stuff a second opportunity to wow me.

Until next time ~
Peace, Love & Lots of Second Chance to wow you Bubbles!

Visit Petals Bath Boutique's website
Visit Petals Bath Boutique on Facebook
Visit Petals Bath Boutique on Instagram

*all images appear courtesy of Petals Bath Boutique

#MashupMonday April Showers

I know I've been away for awhile, my master's degree coursework is taking up quite a bit more of my time than I thought it would, very different from undergrad.  But I am still appreciating the awesomeness of the bath and body world.  

So, I thought I'd share with you a small post I put on Facebook, which happened to be a bit of a #mashupmonday.  So enjoy, for those who did not see it on Facebook.  I've got a little something else for you today as well...  See the Facebook post here

This Saturday, April 9th was a dreary, rainy, cold day. IT'S APRIL, I need some sun or at least weather above 60 degrees ~ sheesh! So as I prepared to go out and be slapped in the face by mother nature's not at all funny joke of an April weekend, I decided to change up my shower game. Instead of something sweet or earthy, I decided to pull out this box of beautiful rustic soaps by Sunlit Soap. Jan really does make awesome works of art over there. Her soap is so beautiful, it is hard to use. But when you use it, it is hard not to want more!

So I pull out the Mint Tea Mud and commence to latherization (I don't care what that red underline says, it is a word!). First, let me say that these soaps are bigger in person and the shape fits comfortably in your hand as you use the flat bottom to lather. The lather is amazing and the minty goodness was just the tingle I needed to face the nasty day. (Beware, this minty tingle is not advised for your sensitive area).

 

I then paired it with the lavender citrus infused oil gelee** that I made myself. The thick oil, smoothed on easily and helped to lock moisture in all day and the light citrus lavender minty essence was an amazing combination!

So I guess I just wrote up a quick ‪#‎MashupMonday‬ post, lol. What can I say, I do it ‪#‎4theloveofbubbles‬

Visit Sunlit Soap on Etsy

Visit Sunlit Soap on Facebook

Visit Sunlit Soap on Instagram

*all images appear courtesy of Sunlit Soap  

**What is this oil gelee that I speak of?  It is a thickened body oil I made to use and a hair and body moisture sealant.  As requested by some in a group on Facebook, I made some available for purchase.  To learn more, look for the sale post in the Handmade Soap & Beauty Lovers Shop & Swap Facebook group (you must be a member to see the post).

Until next time, Lovebuds

Peace, Love & Loads of awesome bubbles!

Giveaway Winners!

Hey Love Buds!  It's time to announce the winners of the Petals Bath Boutique Winter Release Giveaway as well as my Feminine Cleansing challenge.

For the Feminine cleansing challenge, I will be changing up the gift selection based on the winners, but all posted gifts will be awarded.  And the winners:

1. DANI! Because of your sensitivities, I would like you to try the unscented apple cider vinegar soap from Artisan Bath & Body and the lotus flower water from Cream & Coco.

2. KARRI! You will receive the honeypot soap from Cream & Coco and the che bella from Petals Bath Boutique.

3. TRACEY! For sharing the funny story about your friend, I'd like you to try pink cookie from Cream & Coco and down there soap from Jakeala.

4. HENRIETTA!  My new fan, for you I have the che bella soap from Petals Bath Boutique.

Ladies, I can't wait to read your reviews of these items!

 And the winner of the Petals Bath Boutique Winter Release Giveaway:

Petals Bath Boutique Winter 2015 Release Giveaway    

Congratulations to all of our winners!  Please e-mail me at 4theloveofbubbles@gmail.com with your full name and address so that I can mail you your prize. 

Petals Bath Boutique Winter Release

KIA!!!!!

This summer I traveled to York, Pennsylvania to visit with my sister in suds, Kia, owner of Petals Bath Boutique.  We had such a good time, we had to do it again!  This time, Kia and I sat down and talked quite a bit, unfortunately, most of which was not caught on camera.  

As I entered the soaping area of Kia's lovely home, there was a delicious, lemony, sweet aroma wafting through the air.  I was later informed that it was the scent for a new batch of foaming butter scoops!  Kia went on to demonstrate how she creates these amazing scoops that her customers are raving about.  Oh, the scent was lemon squares and when they become available, during her winter launch on December 3rd THIS THURSDAY at 8:30 pm EST, you need to RUN and grab them immediately!  

BUTTER SCOOPS!

 This release will feature winter favorites Wonderland, Sleigh Ride, Mayan Gold, Sugared Almonds, Rock Candy, Sultana as well as Rock Star and some other super secret goodies Kia has up her sleeve plus BUTTER SCOOPS!!!!!!!

After her demonstration we sat down to talk about the direction Kia wanted to take Petals Bath Boutique in 2016.  

We have so much fun!

Kia plans to shake things up in the new year.  She is ready to play around with some new scents and will be making some changes to upcoming releases.

Also, "Petals is ready for another facelift", she said.  From my last visit with Kia, you know that the thing that she likes least about owning Petals Bath Boutique is the labels.  Kia wants to make some changes to the packaging to make it look more professional as well as reduce the amount of man hours it takes to wrap and label soap using the current process and materials.  This move to a more professional appearance will also help facilitate shopping her products to larger retail outlets.  But Kia is a perfectionist and she's not going to make that move until she has all of her ducks in a row with coordinating bow ties, LOL.

Going into 2016 Kia is exploring some new soaping processes and products, as well she will expand the offering of the foaming butter scoops.  "We've been having so much fun with the Butter Scoops, so look for a larger variety of flavors", Kia says with a wink and a smile.

What does Kia love best about Petals Bath Boutique?  Moonwater and her customers.  Kia exclaims her love of moonwater soap - it's fresh, aquatic slightly salty scent is her absolute favorite and the added dead sea clay leaves her skin smooth and silky.

When asked what she loves best about her customers, Kia smiles and says "Their encouragement".  You would not believe how touched Kia is by the awesome message, cards, letters of appreciation and gifts she receives from her customers.  It really keeps her motivated.  *HINT* Let's keep sending her positive vibes and warm wishes because that equals more Petals products for us to enjoy.  Its the circle of soappppppp!

Lastly I asked Kia what did she like least about dealing with her customers.  Her response was thoughtful and introspective.  Kia's biggest concern with her customers is the level of their expectations.  She is truly a one woman shop and does her best to make each customer feel special and provide each with personal attention.  However, with small companies customers can sometimes expect things that are illogical for a small business to handle or worse, expect to be apart of the personal life of the owner.  Maintaining a business life/personal life balance is extremely challenging, especially for the reclusive, Kia.

Winter Release soaps curing

We talked on and on for a few hours, but some things have to be kept between us soapy sisters.  Not to leave out Susan! Kia really appreciates all of Susan's hard work in helping to spread the word about Petals.  Even though I get to visit with Kia every once in awhile and grab my favorite goodies, Susan always gets the 411 on what's going on in the Petals universe - and usually before I do.  We love you Susan!  :)

OOOOOOO....Giveaway time!  So a new release, a new giveaway.  We're going to go into 2016 with a giveaway of 6 items in twos.  I'll have 2 soaps, 2 lip balms and 2 of the coveted butter scoops to giveaway this month!  The soaps will be my favorite fragrances for winter - Wonderland and Sultana.  The other item fragrances will be a surprise with a few extras thrown in as well.  How can you enter for a chance to win this prize package?  Check below.


Petals Bath Boutique Winter 2015 Release Giveaway
Until Next Time Love Buds,

Peace, Love & Lots of Buttery Bubbles!

A.

Is Your Puss being Properly Pampered?

 

 Is Your Puss Being Properly Pampered?

 Love Buds,

Being a woman isn't easy.  Seems like everyone wants to give you advice on how to breastfeed, how to do your hair, what not to wear, how to loss weight and of course how to care for your vag.

You will notice that I am not a person who writes or gives directives on how to do what you do.  I believe as adults we have earned the right to do with our bodies as we please.  So what I am sharing with you today is based on my own research and understanding and in no way should be taken as medical advice.  Please consult your physician with questions regarding your health, wellness and care.

What should be common knowledge is that everyone's body chemistry is different and all properly functioning vaginas can be likened to a self cleaning oven with its own unique characteristics just like each person is unique unto themselves.  Vaginas are not supposed to smell like a fresh summer's eve or chocolate covered cherries.  That is not NATURAL.  Please do not try to change the biochemistry of your vagina by douching it or dousing it in perfumes or body sprays.  

The vagina is a cave of wonderment! This warm, damp and sensual location is protected by loads of good bacteria and high acidity.  This dynamic duo are like crime stoppers in Gotham City ensuring that harmful bacteria don't get a chance to wreck havoc up in there.  When you douche or spray harmful disinfectants (yes, Lysol used to recommended for feminine hygiene.  Seriously, I can make this stuff up) up there, you remove these two factors, making you more susceptible to infection.


That's the basic science.  Now for my opinion - take with as you wish...

Many "experts" (and I use the term loosely, but I need to include actual experts too) say that all that you really need to clean your box is warm water.  Now first let me give a little clarity (ok, a little more science) - the vagina itself is an internal organ, so when I speak of your vagina I am speaking of the birth canal itself.  Outside of this are your labia minora and majora (lips) and then your pubic area is that area below the abdomen.  So to be clear, I do not recommend putting any cleansers, douches, sprays into the vaginal canal.  But for me, just warm water for my pubic area and labia is not enough to feel fresh.  I personally sweat just a bit too much in that area.

My choice is for external cleansing is a mild handmade soap.  Commercial soaps contain detergents and some even have propylene glycol, which is an irritant to my skin in general.  

As a handmade soap lover and advocate, I would be remiss in not stating here that there are many handmade and natural soaps made specifically for your personal space. These soap offer chemical free cleansing for your external areas.  Most of these include pH adjusters such as vinegar, yogurt or clays to help "maintain proper feminine pH" and absorb odors.  

Personally, I do not see much of a difference when washing with my favorite handmade soap versus one specifically designed for feminine cleansing. Proper pH is necessary for the vagina to maintain a healthy environment, but your external parts are skin and in my opinion, does not need the pH adjusted.  DO NOT SHOOT ME!  Many women swear by these specifically formulated soaps. If it works for you, then continue.  If you're not satisfied, don't be afraid to try something new.  That's all I'm saying.  Be Happy, just don't destroy your vagina in the process, LOL.

A couple of facts that I did find in my research:

1. If your partner is concerned about taste, try virgin coconut oil (coconut oil is great for everything!!!!), it has a sweet taste and coconutty aroma. 

2. Though many people wax or shave their pubic hair for a host of reasons, some experts say that it is not a good idea to go completely bald down there.  Pubic hair, through the process of evolution, is intended to protect that sensitive area from the elements.  It helps cushion that area from rubbing against your undergarments or jeans which can cause irritation.  Also, shaving or waxing can leave micro tears in the skin, making it more susceptible to infection.  You might be better off just keeping the hedges trimmed.
 
3. Just because something is labeled as a feminine hygiene product, does not mean it is good to use it.  Do your research and always check the ingredients!  I found some feminine cleansers on Amazon that include irritating and possibly harmful ingredients like tea tree oil (irritant) and triclosan (anti-bacterial ~ kills off the good bacteria).

I cannot stress enough, if you have concerns, please consult a physician. 

NOW for the challenge!  I throw down the gauntlet to some of you brave souls who are willing to share your experiences.  Comment Below with what you use, any personal tips or funny stories you have about feminine cleansing.  Please, no names other than your own. I would love to hear your thoughts on a couple of handmade feminine cleansing soaps.  I will choose 4 great stories and they will each receive one of the following feminine cleansing product sets to use and review:  

• Pink Cookie AND Honey Pot Soap from Cream & Coco
• Lotus Flower Water from Cream & Coco 
• Che Bella Soap from Petals Bath Boutique AND Apple Cider Vinegar Soap from Artisan Bath & Body
•  Che Bella Soap from Petals Bath Boutique AND Down There Soap by Jakeala.

YOU MUST COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER!  Winners will be selected on December 9, 2015.  You must be able to answer 4 questions regarding each product after using within 30 days of receipt.

Wait, but what about vaginal steaming??!?!?  That's a topic for another post...

Can't wait to hear your stories!

Until next time Love Buds ~

Peace, Love & Loads of Bubbles!

A.