More Great Handmade Soap for $5 or less

Hey LoveBuds!

A couple of weeks ago, I told you about a few great soapmakers who offered soap for $5 or less.  Today, I have a few more to add to that list.  So let's get right to it!

First up today is Emily's Soap.  Emily believes in pure, natural ingredients and the simple "pioneer" spirit of home soap making.   Her line is mostly naturally scented and colored soap, but Emily also offers scented creams and other items.  This soap is just darn good.  I receive a bar of her lavender soap and if you know me, lavender is one of my favorite fragrances.  It had a creamy lather and my just enough lavender to make my shower wonderfully refreshing experience.  All of her 4 oz bars sell for just $5 each.

Visit Emily's Soap 
     website
     facebook
     instagram

Next up is Ladybug Suds & Sundries. Astarie (I love her name!), sent me two soaps to try out Fairy Floss, which is a playfully sweet cotton candy scent and Independent (2015), a sparkly fruit scent reminiscent of fizzy fruit punch and and ode to the 4th of July. I personally tried Independent and loved the great lather, fresh clean feeling and effervescently fruity fragrance of it.  Fairy Floss will be gifted in a giveaway, not because I don't like it, but I don't want to be selfish and I love sharing the #bubblelove with my readers.  Ladybug (the owner's nickname) started making soap like many other momtrepreneurs, looking for a way to deal with her baby's sensitive skin.  Normally, bars from Ladybug Suds & Sundries run $6.00 each, but she is currently have a HUGE stock reduction sale and the soaps I listed as well as many others have been reduced to just $2.00 each!


Visit Ladybug Suds & Sundries
     website
     facebook
     instagram
     twitter
     YouTube

I've also posted some brand new soaps for sale.  All soaps are priced at $5 or less. Each of my small batch soaps are made with fresh, natural oils and ingredients.  I love trying new things, but I don't have room nor enough days in my life to use them all, so I'm offering them to you.  Free Shipping is now always available on all orders of $20 or more.  There are even some leftovers from my special birthday gifts at reduced prices.

Do you know of any other great soaps for less than $5?  Email me and I'll work to do another review of awesome soap for great prices!  I'm off to study for and finish up my midterms and get to cracking on the August Great Cakes Soap Challenge Club project.  What are you working on this weekend?

OH! Don't forget, there is still one more week to enter my Birthday Giveaway which includes a new KINDLE PAPERWHITE!

Until next time,

I bid you Peace, Love & Lots of amazing and affordable Bubbles!

A.

It's My Birthday! My Soap Dish and Awesome FREE GIFTS FOR YOU!

It's that time of year again....MY BIRTHDAY!  I officially 45 tomorrow.  Yup, the big four five.  Crazy, I have the spirit of a 30 year old, but definitely the knees of a 55 year old, so I guess that's about right, lol.

Usually, I do some introspection and give some insights on what I've learned or how I've changed or the world... but not this time.  This time, I want to just chillax both mentally and physically, I just want to take it easy.  One thing is that I absolutely love life and I am truly enjoying the journey.  I just feel that sometimes we spend too much time trying to document what's going on in our lives versus just living and being present in the moment.

So without further adieu, here it is ~ My current soapdish situation!

Yeah, don't judge me...

On to the my gifts to you.  Along with the free gifts I made to go with any purchase from my website, I will send an additional FREE full sized bar of soap (from some of my favorite artisans) and you can receive FREE SHIPPING!  Whichever free promo code you use (BIRTHDAYGRAINS, BIRTHDAY SOAP or BIRTHDAYGEL) will also apply the discount for the product and free shipping.  Valid THIS WEEKEND ONLY!  

SHOP NOW

Next, check out my giveaway where one winner will win a KINDLE PAPERWHITE and others will win bountiful prizes of soapy awesomness!


It's My Birthday Giveaway  

Thank you for sharing my birthday with me!  I will soon be preparing for a major surgical procedure at the end of August.  As such, I need to double up on my school work so I won't be as active on the blog, but I will still be posting soap loveliness on Instagram.  Once I'm back on my feet, I'll be back with more of my #soapchronicles.

Love to you all and until next time,

Peace, Love and loads of birthday cake scented Bubbles!

A.

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.

Social Media Fan Giveaway Bonanza WINNERS!

LOVE BUDS!!!!! We have winners!  First, I want to give a huge, heartfelt Thank You to each and every one of you who followed, liked and subscribed to my various social media outlets to win a chance at these prizes.  I reached my goal much sooner than expected!  

Now to announce the winners:

$100 Bath & Body Prize Pack goes to Cathy T.

Petals Bath Boutique Special Pack goes to Sherece B.

Petals Bath Boutique Favs from Fall Pack goes to Tara M.

Handmade Cartel October Box goes to Shari W.

Cream & Coco October Hot Coco Box (cookie edition) goes to Renee L.

CONGRATULATIONS again to the winners, your prizes will ship out tomorrow.  Don't forget to take pictures and share with me on Facebook and/or Instagram.  I want to hear how you like them.  Maybe, you can do a guest post of your review of something received.

Again, thanks to everyone who participated.  More giveaways and all around bubble love is on the way!

Love ya Loads!

A.

Social Media Fan Appreciation Bonanza!

Friday Feature: DIY Shaving Cream

Hey Love Buds!

Some of you have requested more recipes from me, so this one is for you!

I saw this simple little lovely by Top Knot on Facebook.  A simple, easy, shaving cream!

DIY All Natural Shaving Cream
Posted by Top Knot on Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Seems like it would be great with a bit of lavender essential oil combined with some citrus.  What do you think?  Let me know how this one works out for you and what fragrance (if any) you chose!

That's it for now Love Buds, but in the meantime, have you signed up for my social media fan appreciation giveaway?  Just a few more likes on the Facebook page and I'll be selecting the winners and then, I've got another giveaway line up right after that one...just for the ladies!

Peace, Love & Loads of Bubbles!

A.

Review: October Handmade Cartel Box

Hi LoveBuds!

Forgive me for missing posting a #mashupmonday post yesterday.  I am still learning some new technologies that will allow me to provide you with more content.  Meetings with clients and a friends' wedding Sunday took more time than I expected ~ no worries, you will definitely get a #mashupmonday post next week AND I've got something really cool for you today.

I received my Handmade Cartel box for October and in this video, I will share my initial thoughts on this box.  I was captivated with the September box, so much, that I decided to give an October box away as a part of my Social Media Fan Appreciation Giveaway!

Take a look at what one lucky winner will receive:

Have you tried Handmade Cartel?  Let me know your thoughts!  

Until Next Time Love Buds,

Peace, Love & Loads of Bubbles!

A.

8 Reasons You NEED to Shop the October Petals Bath Boutique Release!

 As the days shorten and the temperatures drop, my anticipation grows and I'm so excited that the Petals Bath Boutique autumn release will soon be upon us.

As I've made evident in previous blog posts and videos, Petals Bath Boutique is one on my favorite handmade soap companies and this is most evident during their Fall release.  Four, yes FOUR of my absolute all time favorite soaps are apart of the Petals' Fall release.  With my current collection of soap now topping more than 150 different bars of soap, for 4 of my top 10 to be from one company speaks to much I truly enjoy these particular soaps.  And actually 2 more of my top 10 are a part of the Petals Bath Boutique winter release.

The Petals Bath Boutique is a MUST shop release for anyone who loves artisan bath & body products or even someone looking to try a great brand for the first time.  Here are 8 reasons you CAN'T MISS THIS LAUNCH:

Reason #8: THE GREAT PUMPKIN ~ Now, I will say that I am not a huge fan of pumpkin scents, but this one is to die for!  It smells like candied yams - sweet and robust with an almost buttery finish.  Such an awesome salute to Autumn!

Reason #7: GUMBALL ~ OMG, when I first saw this one, I thought to myself "I don't want to smell like bubblegum", but then I tried it and I was soooo wrong.  This one smells exactly like it's name, like a big 'ol wad of Hubba Bubba and it is fantastic!  Perfect this time of year when we kinda start feeling like kids as we rummage through our kids trick or treat stash!

Reason #6: THE INGREDIENTS ~ Petals Bath Boutique soap bars are firm bubbly bars.  Made with heaping helpings of coconut oil, palm oil, olive oil and shea butter, this well rounded basic recipe is made creamy and rich with added goat milk.  Skin softening and nourishing additives of silk, sandalwood, colloidal oatmeal and avocado oil help skin to feel conditioned after use.  The kaolin clay creates incredible slip.  Combined, these ingredients create a bar of soap that is exactly what your skin needs!

Reason #5: HONEYBEE HARVEST ~  This scent is one that I include in my must have "neutrals".  It is a soft nectar scent with some bright bergamot and citrus notes sweetened with honey and toffee then grounded with a white musk.  The scent is unique and complex, yet light and simple.  A perfect companion for the cooler weather. (No. 6 on my top 10 favorites list)

Reason #4:  MASQUERADE ~ So beautiful, previously she dawned top hats and fans, but the soap remains amazing in it's fruity, floral combination featuring of notes of orange, pink grapefruit, strawberry, pear.  The scent to me has hints of grape and lilac even though they are not listed in the description.  This soap is daring and beautiful. (This one is number 4 favs list)

Reason #3: Hypnotic ~ Bright melon notes intermingle with sparkling mandarin, jasmine, orange blossom (neroli), violet and heliotrope.  Vanilla and amber round out the bottom notes of this intergalactic blend.  When I close my eyes, I imagine this is what flowers on Mars would smell like, lol. (my no.2 fav).

Reason #2: VENOM ~ This gorgeous, skull adorned, fizzy, cherry, citrus beauty is my all time favorite soap, of ALL TIME!  The smell is so addictive and intoxicating, if you have not tried this, trust me you haven't lived!

Reason #1: THEY WON'T LAST LONG!  Many of Kia's soaps sell out on the night of the release and then they could be gone until next year!  You don't want to miss out on any of these or the many other delightful items that will be available on OCTOBER 16th!

Make sure to follow +Petals Bath Boutique  on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to get teasers and updates and the time (usually in the evening) so that you can be first in line to try all this awesomeness!

DON'T FORGET, THE RELEASE IS THIS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16TH!

Oh, and Love Buds, just for you, as a part of SOCIAL MEDIA FAN APPRECIATION BONANZA giveaway, I have 2 Petals Bath Boutique Prize packs worth over $25 each.  One includes several soap released previously this year that are no longer available and the other features all of the lovelies I talked about above!

Subscribe to my YouTube channel and other social media outlets to gain chances to win of the amazing prizes then click on the link to the giveaway to enter!

Until next time,

Peace, Love & Loads of Bubbles!

A.

*UPDATE 10/14/15 RELEASE TIME CONFIRMED AT 6:30 PM EST!

Handmade Cartel and Hot Coco Box and...

It's all about subscription boxes today.  My first YouTube video in a couple of months, I know, I know, I have definitely got to step up my YouTubing.  I will, I will!

 I'm excited to share my new YouTube intro and outro with all of you, hope you like them!

I'll post a more in depth video of the October sub boxes I receive, but personally, I hate to see someone sitting trying to open the box, trying to read the labels and inserts, etc.  So yes, I will do more subscription box videos but no, I'm sorry, in the videos I will have already opened the boxes and will share my first opinions. If a YouTube video is over 15 minutes it should be considered a short movie!

 Enough about YouTube, you want to enter the giveaway, right?  Real simple, check below.


Social Media Fan Appreciation Bonanza!   Please share with others, the winners will be chosen as soon as I have 1000 Facebook Fans, 2500 Instagram Followers, 100 Twitter Followers and 100 YouTube Subscribers.  

Tomorrow, I'll give you the deets on the Petals Bath & Boutique Autumn release and some more good news!

Until next time Love Buds,

Peace, Love & Loads of Bubbles (and good luck!)

A.

Click Here for more of my YouTube videos and Friday Features 

My Sample Drawer Giveaway WINNER!!!!!

The winner of my sample drawer is:

CATINA ROGERS

Congratulations!  

More exciting news, reviews, giveaways, visits and more from 4 the love of bubbles coming soon! 

Loads of Samples: GIVEAWAY!

Hi Love Buds!

By now, you all know that I am a handmade soap addict.  I purchase tons and receive even more as gifts from loved ones who know I love it, as well as companies who want my opinion.  This year, I have received a crazy amount of sample items.  Look, here is my sample drawer and these are all from just this year!

Samples really pull me in, specific scents prompt me to go back and make additional purchases all the time, but usually, there is no need for me to use the sample.  I most likely received the sample along with other soaps, so I know pretty much how the soap will perform, I just want the new fragrance. 

So I'm going to give, yes I said GIVE, my WHOLE, ENTIRE sample drawer away to one lucky winner!  Samples included come from Petals Bath Boutique, Wyldewood Soaps, Willow & Honey, Handmade in Florida, Antoinette's Bath House, Sunlit Soap, The Soap District and MANY other product makers.  Also included in this prize will be a few FULL SIZED ITEMS.  But wait, not only are there soap samples in this drawer, but fragrance samples, bath bomb samples, body butters and other body treats!

Now here's the kicker, what hoops do you have to jump through to enter this drawing?  Just one (or two if you so choose).  All you have to do is subscribe to this very blog - yes, the one you are reading right now!  You can do that in one of two ways:

1. Through Google Friend Connect:

 

Just look on the left hand side of this page (It may be elsewhere if you're reading this on a mobile device) and under the "Followers" Tab, click the "Join this Site" button. Follow the steps to the end and Voilà! You should have a pic in my followers feed, you'll get first hand updates from my blog and most importantly, you'll be entered into the giveaway!

2. Through Bloglovin

Under my picture on the left hand side of this page (it may be elsewhere if you're reading this on a mobile device) In the "Bloglovin" tab, click the "follow me on bloglovin" button.  This will prompt you to set up a bloglovin account (if you don't already have one - if you do, it will be much easier to just add my blog) and Voilà! You'll get first hand updates from my blog and most importantly, you'll be entered into the giveaway!

Doing both doubles your chances of winning and if you'd like to quadruple that, please post a comment on any of my individual blog posts for 2 additional chances to win.

The winner will be randomly chosen on  September 9th, so don't delay!  Good Luck!!!

Peace, Love & Loads of Lather!

A.

Its My Birthday

It's My Birthday! 

Today is the best day... My birthday!  It's a day I take a little time out to reflect on what has happened in my life up to this point this year and to look toward where I want to be next year and how I need to get there.  I know this is something most people do at the beginning of the year, but to me, my birthday is the beginning of my year.

After over 40 times around the sun on this ever moving planet, I've done some great things and some not so great things.  Everything is a life lesson and I choose to learn from my mistakes.  Why am I saying all of this?  I don't know, getting a little introspective, I guess.

My loved ones go out of their way to make this day special for me and I truly appreciate it.  Not once on my birthday have I ever awaken without an immediate acknowledgement of my day.  In years previous, usually I was awaken by my mother and grandmother with a soulful renditions of "Happy Birthday" - even when across the miles that may have separated us.  More recently, I wake up to balloons and a cake - a mani/pedi and/or a hot stone massage and then of course dinner at my favorite restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory.  (Shrimp Scampi and Red Velvet Cheesecake, YAAAASSSSS!)

One ritual that I have come to enjoy all by myself is the restock of my bathroom soap rack.  I previously wrote a post about my soap dish.  In it, I detail the way that I store my soap.  As a lover of variety, I just can't use one bar of soap consecutively until it is finished.  My bathroom soap rack holds 40 or more bars of soap at any given moment.  To ensure room enough for those bars and to help preserve them, I cut most of my bars of soap in half, storing one half in a glassine bag in a plastic storage bin outside of the bathroom and the other half goes on the drying rack in my bathroom to be used.  However, after about six months of being in the often damp environment of my bathroom, the bars tend to deteriorate.  So twice a year or so, I go through and do an overhaul.  Most of the soap does not get thrown away, I transfer some viable bits to a soap saver sponge for use when I just can't make up my mind which soap to use.  

I completed this process yesterday, just in time for my birthday.  So I decided to share with you what my soap dish looks like now.  Of course, once I took the picture and started labeling it, I found a few more bars I wanted to add, so they are listed as "honorable mentions":  

What's on your soap dish?  I would love to see pictures, share it with me on Facebook and/or Instagram!  Oh, don't forget to enter the giveaway and check out my YouTube channel for my visit to Uncle Jon's Soap Shop!

Talk to you soon!

Peace, Love & Lots of Bubbly Birthdays!

A.

Giveaway: Social Media Fan Appreciation

OVER 1000 SOCIAL MEDIA FANS!

Thank you all for being a part of my love of bubbles journey!  Since starting a few months ago, over 1000 of you have decided to keep up with me and my adventures.  I truly appreciate all of your support.  

To celebrate this first 1000 social media fans and every thousand more, I will host a giveaway. For the first, I really need your help with growing the YouTube audience.  Currently, I am still fighting this horrible cold and my voice is awful, but I would like your support for the channel.

Prizes include a 10 bar soap bundle, an Amazon gift card and the choice of one bar of soap from any US soap maker! 

There are numerous ways to, but first you have to be a subscriber to my youtube channel.  For that you get 20 entries!

Please enter and share!

Social Media Fan Appreciation Giveaway

100 Facebook Likes Giveaway WINNERS!

100 Facebook Likes Giveaway

Giveaway: 100 Facebook Likes!

WE HAVE OVER 100 Likes on Facebook!

I want to thank you all for this #bubblelove by giving some back.

Enter to win one of THREE prize packs below.

Contest ends May 1st!

 

100 Facebook Likes Giveaway

Company Profile, Review & Giveaway!: Unearth Malee

Zen is the word that comes to mind when I think about Unearth Malee.  From the look of the website to the aroma that wafts out of my package when I receive it, it all feels like peace and serenity.

I was drawn to the Unearth Malee Etsy Shop by the unique simplicity of the product packaging. I am a strong believer in the power of packaging as advertising.  I believe in this, because it personally draws me in.  When I see a uniquely packaged bath and body product, I instantly want to know more about it.

Marie, the proprietor of Unearth Malee, grew up in a Thai-American household and through her experiences with Asian culture and cuisine at home, she developed this ethereal line of products including candles, soap, body moisturizers and lip balms.  Using a name her family passed down for generations, Malee - which in Thai is the name of a jasmine flower, Unearth Malee using natural organic and Eco-friendly ingredients to create it's delicate, aromatic offerings.

This principle of naturalness and earth-friendliness echos throughout the line.  Unearth Malee's soaps contain no palm oil because of the adverse impact increased palm harvesting has on the forests of Malaysia, especially the habitats of orangutans.  The packaging for their soap is made from seeded paper that can be planted to grow wildflower even the lip balms and deodorants are packaged in eco-friendly tubes.



 REVIEW
  

The soap arrived wrapped in paper and sealed with this cute sticker

A generous amount of samples is always good in my book

I received a set of 6 soaps (Thai Lime Rosemary & Japanese Citrus Chamomile will be awarded to readers in the giveaway.  I also received Dragon Fruit Green Tea, Bali Flowers, Lavender Lotus Blossom and Papaya Ginger Lemongrass, which I used to develop this review) along with the cocoa butter lip balm.  I was impressed with the care and packaging of the soap when I received it.  (Again, forgive my pictures).  


 

The whole set

Because of the lack of any artificial fragrances, I felt like Bali Flowers and Dragon Fruit Green Tea had a very subtle fragrance, however the ones containing Lavender Lotus Blossom and Papaya Ginger Lemongrass were nicely herbal in fragrance and exhilarating in the shower!

Of note, I did find these bars to not have the exuberant lather of other soaps I have used and they were on the soft side in relation to other cold process soaps.  I am sure this is due to the lack of palm oil and it is not a bad thing, especially if you want to incorporate all natural, vegan products in your routine and lessen your footprint in regards to palm oil consumption.  The soaps produced enough lather for me to feel clean after using them and I will happily add these into my rotation for times when I want to cleanse my soap palette.

Initially, I was concerned that the lip balm container being totally from paper, would not stand up to my daily routine of using it, dropping it in my purse, leaving it in the car, sticking in my pocket, etc., etc.  However, it did stand up to my routine and the lip balm itself was moisturizing. For those sweet addicts, this is not the balm for you as it does not have any flavor added, but it works well and is a great choice for a light lip moisturizer. 

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These profiles are compiled based on my personal experiences and research; and unless otherwise noted, do not express the views, opinions or positions of the owners, employees or representatives of this company.  I do my best to thoroughly research all information prior to publishing, however, any of the information contained in this profile may have changed.  All logos and product pictures posted, unless otherwise noted, are my legal property or I have obtained proper authorization for posting.  If not, proper credit has been assigned and photographs are posted to ensure no bandwidth stress to these company's websites. For further information on this company, its products and services, please contact them directly.