Why is there soap in my mailbox? Confessions of a soap-porn girl...

Well, if you follow this blog you know that I love handmade and I LOVE soap and lotion. Seriously, good smelling soap/lotion can change my entire mood. I think I'm a poster child for the success of aromatherapy. I like fruity scents... the tangy and more tart the better. I'm partial to lime, cranberry, pomegranate, and orange. I burn lime oil when I'm in a bad mood because it always seems to pick me back up. So, imagine how happy I was (and a little confused at first) when I opened by mailbox the other day and saw a package from Soap that Makes Scents. Confused because I haunt tons of soap shops on Etsy every day, [I like soap!porn, I guess] but I try like hell to refrain from buying. Why? Because of this...

This is my soap stash. And I can promise you that there's more than this; I've probably stashed it somewhere else. So back to the story...

I saw the package and my first thought was, "Oh #$^%, I went sleep-shopping again! Dang it!" assuming that I'd been surfing the soap at 2 a.m. when my resistance is low. When I opened the package, I got even more confused because this is what was in it:

Citrus Splash Handmade Body Souffle Whipped Soap, $5.75

I knew I'd been lusting after this soap about a week prior. And there was only one other person who knew I was lusting after it...my friend, Paula, of Picard Creative:

Yes, it's true, sometimes I don't surf the soap!porn circuit alone. I blame Skype for that. So the soap was a surprise gift from my friend and I'm really enjoying it. Not only does it make me smell fabulous; it made the whole bathroom smell fabulous for the rest of the day! I keep wanting to get back in the shower, lol.

So, thumbs up for this soap! (And for Paula, lol.)

~Lori

Nifty Gifties - A Handmade Holiday Night on the Town

I find some of the coolest things when I'm browsing, and I buy a lot of them, lol! Here are some that I've come across that would make a great holiday gift or stocking stuffer! First up is Deb Taylor's Secret Stash cuffs at Bluepie Designs at Etsy. These cuffs are brilliant. On the outside, they're a fashionable, trendy accessory. On the inside, they're a super-sekrit wallet of sorts. I bought 1 of these for 1 of my nieces and one for me. At $15, they're a GREAT gift. Just think--if you're going out to party on New Year's Eve, just stick your ID, your debit card, a little cash, a little protection (lol) [yes, she makes these for men, too], and your keys. Boy, will you look FAB-U-LOUS as you ring in 2010!

Now before you go out to tie one on, be sure to lather up with some Gin and Tonic Soap from Funktional Spa for $5! I personally don't drink, but now I can pretend I do in the shower. I keep falling down a lot, so maybe I should re-think that.

Now, if you get to the party and realize that they're serving Cristal champagne out of a keg and you forgot to bring your own funnel, never fear! Simply whip out this festive We Be Drinkin' painted glass from The Curious Crab for just $8 and keep the party going!

And if you're worried about the effect that the holidays are having on your waistline, never fear. Paula at Picard Creations has the answer for $4.95!

Okay, now you can't carry your phone in your Secret Stash cuff, but try this awesome ECO case set for glasses, ipods, cameras, phones... from EcoTropical Crush. Just $10! (I want those red glasses... are you listening Santa?)

Now, I know what you're thinking. You're swamped this time of year; you can barely keep track of your day time schedule , much less your evening! Well, the Java Girls have an answer for that with their Pink Pedicure Themed 2010 Pocket Planner for $6.40!


Now, if you're amazed that you even made in home in one piece, then test drive this Home Sweet Home sleep mask from BibBon for $12.

So now you have NO excuse for not being fully prepared to enjoy the holidays! Stock up and head out!

~Lori

See more nifty gifties in The Sequel!