I Am Better Off Now Than 4 Years Ago

This is normally where I share my new soapy stuff, and sometimes recipes. It hasn't been political here for years, but it is still my soapbox.

As the campaign season swings into high gear, many pundits are asking Reagan's old question, "Are you better off today than you were 4 years ago." A lot of political folk are having trouble saying yes to that question. I found this very surprising. The Great Recession began in December of 2007, and did not officially end until June of 2009. Four years ago, we were just coming off of a Summer when gas prices spiked at over $4.00/gallon, with crude oil prices hitting a record of $147/barrel. In September of 2008, we lost a quarter of a million jobs in this country, and we lost a total of 2.6 million jobs that year. In September 2008, Lehman Brothers went tits up, and the economy went into free fall. For the first time since 1928, we were actually in danger of a collapse of our banking system. Four years ago our economy, as a whole, was - to use a technical term, in the shitter.

So for the generic American, the question of "Are you better off?" has an obvious and emphatic answer - Yes. Of course. DUH.

I understand that the current progress of our economy is not like the artificial boom years that we experienced in the past, but only a complete moron would say that "slow progress" is worse than "financial meltdown and collapse". I am disgusted at the willful stupidity of people who say things are worse now than they were four years ago.

For this specific American, the question of being better off also has a simple answer, Hell YES! I was able to start my own business, and as the economy has recovered, my business has grown. I started selling my soaps and whatnot two years ago. The business has grown to the extent that I am not seeking another job. I made a job for myself. And, unlike all the small business people that the RNC brought out for their convention, I actually did it without any government loans. But I would never say that I did it without government help, and it would be the height of arrogance to say I did it all alone, to say "I built that." I depend heavily on the low shipping prices and excellent service that I get from the USPS. OUR postal service, not owned by any stockholders or individual. WE built that. I also depend upon our transportation infrastructure, which allows me to obtain quality supplies from around the globe. I'm also able to do this only because of the science degree that was paid for, in large part, with a Pell grant. And without the current growth in our economy, I wouldn't have anything. I sell a luxury product - a small luxury to be sure, but one that sells better with people who have a bit of extra cash for something special. Without a doubt, more people have that extra cash now than four years ago. I have a job that is secure, one that I can never have taken from me by a boss looking for a bonus, and one that pays more, every day.

The fact that the economy is better than it was in 2008 is obvious to me, but there are still many people who don't feel the recovery just yet. They're still drowning in debt that was piled up over the last decade of declining wages. They're still unemployed, or under employed. They still suffer. There will always be work to be done, always ways to improve our current situation. But the answer to those problems is not to return to the suck-fest that we were living in four years ago. I am better off than I was four years ago and the country is better off. I want every individual to be better off, and not just the ones who already have theirs. I want opportunity not just for people who start a business, but for people who work for a business, and people who work for all of us, as teachers, fire fighters, and even the bitches at the DMV. I look forward to another four years of progress.

Harvest is Coming!!

Today is Lugnasadh Eve, the festival of First Harvest! I have already been harvesting, many radishes, carrots, and lettuces, but my tomatoes are still on the vine. A quick shop update - this month is my second anniversary selling to folks online, and the official start of my business. So, in honor of the occasion, as well as harvest & my birthday (I am super duper old), everything in my shop is marked down 25% until 8/21. I'm also making new soaps daily, and rebatching things that have sold out. Also, the new whipped soaps will be ready in September. I've tweaked my formula yet again, I just love the lather that my shaving soaps make, so I've changed the whipped soap so it produces a more foamy lather, good for bathing or shaving.

Since it's First Harvest, I wanted to share a recipe as well! We've been enjoying some wonderful veggies from the garden and the market, and I've made up some new ways to make them quickly. Here's our favorite so far, which is pretty quick, hearty, and vegetarian!

Easy Lentil Stew (goes great with fresh crusty bread or biscuits)

1 lb. dried brown lentils, cooked and drained (reserve 1/2 for tacos later)
5 carrots, sliced
1 medium onion, medium dice
1 green bell pepper, diced
5 stalks celery, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced (or more, as desired)
6 fresh diced tomatoes, or two cans diced tomatoes, or one quart home canned tomatoes
1 quart water
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground turmeric
2 Knorr vegetable bouillon cubes
1 Knorr garlic bouillon cube
1 Knorr cilantro bouillon cube
and/or 3 Tbs. fresh minced cilantro
2 Tbs oil of choice (butter, olive oil, or coconut oil work great)
Any vegetables you desire can be added with the tomatoes - if you have kale, chard, chard stems, turnips, daikon, potatoes, or any other fab farmer's market find, just chop it and throw it in :)

In a medium stock pot, heat oil until it is melted and hot. Add ground cumin, stir to incorporate, until it smells awesome. Add carrots, bell pepper, and celery. Stir and fry on medium high heat until onions are translucent. Add garlic, stir & fry one more minute. Add 1/2 the cooked lentils, tomatoes, water, bouillon cubes, and turmeric. Bring to a boil, then turn down to low, cover, and simmer for 1-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add fresh cilantro if desired just before serving, serves 6.

New Things to Come

I love Spring, it's my most creative time of the year! I do actually get most of my new ideas in the Springtime, and save them up for the rest of the year. I've been fiddling about for something to replace my whipped body butters, as they can't ship in the Summer - too melty. So I made a thing for you. And for me too.
It's a new all purpose balm. Seriously, all purposes. Lips, hella yeah. Dry heels, yep. Need to grease a cake pan, okay then, but it's a little pricy. It's a rich balm with hemp seed oil, jojoba, cocoa butter & shea butter, with a blend of tea tree, lavender, rosemary, and chamomile essential oils - the scent is very mild, and mostly chamomile. Safe for use on babies, mommies, and cakes. It will probably still melt, but since it's not whippy, when it cools back down, it will be exactly the same as when I shipped it, so yay for no heat damage.
And - new soaps on the rack to be released this month (from left to right in the pic):

Sweet Pipe Tobacco - sweet and masculine, this is a scent exactly like my Dad's pipe tobacco (my Mom used to keep her sewing notions in his empty Borkum Riff cans, so to me, this soap smells like buttons) .

Honey Bear - made with 100% natural ingredients, including honey, natural honey fragrance, and just a bit 'o beeswax up top.

Babylon - a blend of honeyed figs, pomegranate, frankincense, myrrh, and just a bit of musk and patchouli. This scent will also be available as a perfume oil, body spray, and body cream. .

Poached Pear - sweet juicy pear with a little vanilla glaze.


The Sweet Pipe Tobacco and Honey Bear have been on the rack for a couple of weeks, so they'll be available by the 11th, and Babylon and Poached Pear will follow on the 18th. I'll also be introducing a limited group of Supernatural All Natural Lip Balms, in a slide tin, and a few more colors for the lip glosses. And there will be golden beets and dragon (red) carrots in my garden, Spring is AWESOME!!

The New Stuff

I have lots of new things planned for the shop this Summer. I have new Summer hats in my knitting shop, KnitHabit, made with acrylic or cotton yarns, your choice. The visor hats have a good shade, and are really lightweight. And a million times cuter than a trucker hat :)
And, in the soap shop, there's lots of new things coming, and here's some of the scheduled releases:
4/19 - All Natural Facial Scrub with ground walnut and apricot shells - made with tea tree oil and lavender essential oil, good for all skin types. A gentle exfoliator that won't dry you out or leave you greasy.
4/23 - Cherry Blossom Sea Salt Soap
5/5 - All Natural Citrus Soap and Fruit Loops Soap: Both of these are new cold process soaps, the citrus is all natural with pink grapefruit, sweet orange, and blood orange essential oils, and the Fruit Loops is a fun soap with bright colors, and the scent of MY FAVORITE BREAKFAST EVER.

I'm also working on a formula for a great vegan shaving soap, and hoping for success by June. And, I have a dozen vintage double edged razors that I'm still restoring to add to the shop for Father's Day. I'll have a couple of gift sets available, full of handmade and vintage goodies for Dad :)

I Stepped in a Big Pile of Sh..

SHAVING CREAM!! I always loved the shaving cream song. I also have to admit, that even though I don't shave (being a lady), I love shaving cream. I love coating the neighbor's car with the stuff, spraying it on strangers, and making Devil's Tower sculptures with the stuff, it's a miracle in a can. Several months ago, I had a customer ask if I knew about shaving soaps, and could I make some. And I had to tell him, I know nothing about shaving. Nothing. Most of the men in my family are too lazy to use anything but Norelco to defur their faces, if they even bother with that. I do have two sons of hair growing age, and since they have to do what I tell them, they've been my guinea pigs. I made them after all.
I started off with what I already had on hand - testing all of my soap formulas, cream soaps, and shampoo bars. My old cream soap formula did really well - I had abandoned it as a cream soap because most people want a more bubbly lather. Shavers like the creamy foam. Also a good performer, my shampoo bars, but the lather tended to dry quickly, so you have to add more water for 2nd or 3rd pass. A slick shave, but a lot of work - you basically have to build a new lather for each pass. And, it didn't do as well for making whiskers stand up, so I needed more backbone.
Then off to the research - there's a community online for every hobby, and shaving appears to be a big one. I think I read every post on a couple of the bigger forums, that was a lot of reading. I identified oils that weren't previously part of my starring lineup, but are must haves for super awesome shaving soap - stearic acid, tallow, and palm oil. I also had a chance to look at some antique soap making books, and I had to take a look at the ingredients being used in the most awesome shaving soaps. And then I figured out how to get all that stuff into one bar :)
The scents that I picked for the shaving soaps were either 1)requested by customers (pineapple & patchouli)2)super popular with lots of guys on the shaving forums (lavender & sandalwood) or 3)my favorite smell ever(caramel hazelnut).
My sons are happy with the results - they work better than canned shaving cream (duh), and seem to do a great job preventing nicks. Also, teenaged son is experiencing less acne, so yay!
I'll be selling these with a jar and also without. The jar makes a nice shaving bowl, safe in the shower, and has a metal lid so it's great for traveling. Happy shaving!

The Great Salt Bar Experiment

Since the day after Christmas, I've been involved in what I think of as "The Great Salt Bar Experiment". I don't know if you've ever heard of salt bars, or salt soap, but I've been intrigued by them for years. I started off with a pretty basic recipe, just coconut oil, sea salt, and lye. I did the first attempt with 15% superfat, and hot processed the soap with a full 40% water usage. I added the salt (equal to the weight of coconut oil) after cooking the soap. Interesting, and very nice results! I expected it to either be greasy from the extra oils, or drying, because coconut + salt. What a surprise for me! I unmolded & sliced that first batch after just an hour in the mold, when it was cool enough to handle. It was already very, very hard, and crumbled a bit. The lather wasn't the normal bubbles - more of a creamy foam. It left my skin very soft, but not greasy. After the first use, the bar was very smooth, and rock like. When I used it a second time, I was about to be disappointed, no lather! But then it suddenly burst into foam, yay! I tweaked my formula, adding castor oil, rice bran oil, and cocoa butter, and made several loaves, some hot process and some cold process, and a couple of CPOP. While the soap itself is the same regardless of the process, my favorites were the cold process soaps - they looked the prettiest, but did have to go through four weeks of cure time.
I also tried these out as a shampoo bar - with the high coconut content, I thought they might be a winner on hair. Too much coconut for my hair, which is really fine. After washing with one of the caramel bars, I could tell immediately it was a fail for me, a little oily. So, I lathered up with one of my normal shampoo bars (lemon rosemary), and rinsed. OMG - it felt like I had used a conditioner, even though I hadn't even spritzed with vinegar, very soft, no frizz :) Kind of a weird thing, to use conditioner before shampoo, but it works! I've made more of these since the initial experiments, so there will be more variety in the shop in the coming month(s), but the first ten varieties are ready and available now. On the curing rack, I have blueberry, mango and bay rum that will be ready after Valentine's, and will be adding new scents throughout the Spring.

Cool New Stuff

I'm always busy making new stuff, but I also bought a bunch of wonderful things this year, and I wanted to share the awesomeness of my loot!


DancingWithFairies - I love bath bombs, but I completely fail at making them. I purchased several this year, but this last one was my favorite! I bought the "Pocket Full of Sunshine" ball, and it made me completely happy. About the size of a tennis ball, this bath bomb was full of nice oils, and plenty of fizz. The bomb's scent was mild and fresh, and it didn't leave my tub greasy. It did leave my skin completely soft. I love the glitter too, I could see it in the bath, but it didn't adhere to my skin. She also included a beautiful tin of bath salts as a freebie, but I didn't get a chance to try them, my evil daughter ganked them. It was a nice smelling tin though, and very pretty.

ThePoisonedApples - I bought two things from this shop, a caramel apple for Halloween, and then some bars of pumpkin caramel. I am proud to say, I was able to hoard these all for myself, and I did not share with my heathen children. This caramel is just too good to share! So buttery, chewy, and delicious. I can't wait to shop there again!

theHouseAcrosstheBay - I bought several digital collage sheets from this shop, and I couldn't be happier. These are beautiful images that I've used in most of my new labels, ad the shop owner is so nice! I received my PDF's within just a couple of hours, and they've been really easy to work with. I was actually motivated to make new soaps just to go with the images, so really, I received more than just pics, she sells inspiration.

I love buying handmade of all kinds, if you have any suggestions I would love to hear about your favorite shops!

Recovering From the Holidays

I'm finally getting caught up after the holidays! All the decorations are put away, and I'm managed to reorder the supplies I was low on, as well as finally finish some projects I started back in October. I only have three knitting WIPs on my desk to haunt me, which is kind of an all time low for me :)
Before the big holiday rush, NPR did a segment on the ten greatest songs ever. I didn't agree with most of their choices, but one made my personal top ten, Kashmir by Led Zeppelin. I listened to that one again for the first time in many moons, and I wanted to make a fragrance that smelled like that. I am not a huge fan of patchouli, but this song really smells like patchouli. I added sandalwood, cannabis, and just a bit of smoke. There's a few other things I added over the following weeks, until it was perfect. Then it sat in the cupboard for months. I was able to make some whipped soap with it last month, yummy! I finally returned to it this week, and made a hot process soap. When I have a really awesome fragrance, I like to use it in hot process, so the fragrance doesn't burn off during the cure, or morph from the lye.
I'll be introducing several new shampoo fragrances this spring, as well as "The Ladies Who Dance" line of burlesque inspired fragrances. While the names are all reminiscent of strippers, only one smells like coconut! And now, for your viewing pleasure, Led Zeppelin:

Winning at Christmas - Homemade Moon Pies!

Yes, I am winning at Christmas. I've been making up a slew of holiday cheer - mostly in the form of marshmallows! I was asking my Mom, what kind do you think Dad would like? She listed a bunch of possible flavors, and then added, "he really only LOVES them in Moon Pies." This is kind of an effort, but you can make the cookies in advance, then assemble the pies when you make the marshmallow, and then dip at some other time. It is completely worth your time though, and makes a fancy gift!

The Cookies:

2/3 cup butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cream together the butter and the sugars. Add egg, milk, vanilla, and mix well with an electric mixer on medium, about 1-1/2 minutes. In a separate bowl, mix dry ingredients, and add gradually to wet ingredients until your mixer has had enough, then mix the rest of the flour in by hand. Measure 1/8 cup of dough for each cookie, roll into a ball, then flaten the ball on an ungreased cookie sheet. Cook for 8-1/2 minutes, until edges are just very lightly browned - you want these to be somewhat soft, not crunchy. Cool well on a rack. Makes 18 cookies.

The Marshmallows

2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 packets gelatin
1/2 cup ice water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract(or whatever flavor extract you like, or five drops of oil flavoring for candy)

You will need a good electric mixer for these, that can run on high for 10 minutes. A stand mixer is best, but a good handheld mixer will work just fine. Put the sugar, corn syrup, 1/2 cup water, and salt in a medium sauce pan on medium high heat. Stir just until combined and sugar is dissolved. Then, place the ice water in a big mixing bowl, and sprinkle the gelatin over the water. You should be watching your sugar mixture while you do this - when it comes to a full boil, turn the heat down to medium, and set your timer for 4 minutes. At the end of 4 minutes, turn the heat off, and with the mixer on low, slowly add the hot syrup to the gelatin, pouring at the side of the bowl to prevent spatter. When all the syrup is incorporated, turn the mixer on medium for two minutes, then up to high for eight minutes. Add the vanilla about one minute before you are done. If your marshmallow goo starts seriously crawling up your beaters, you should stop and consider it done. Spread a generous amount of goo on the bottom of a cookie, then put another cookie on top. Repeat with other cookies. Spread the remaining marshmallow goo in a butter and powdered sugar lined pan. You can cut those up and use as marshmallows later. Let all sit for at least 4 hours, or overnight.

The Chocolate Coating:

1 twelve ounce bag of semisweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons of vegetable shortening

Mix together in a microwave safe bowl, nuke and stir, one minute at a time, until its all melted and mixed together. To dip moon pies, hold with a thumb and a finger in the center, and spin the edge into the chocolate. With a knife, spread chocolate from the sides onto the centers (you're going to have chocolate all over your hands, how awful), then place on wax paper. You can dip a few plain marshmallows in the leftover chocolate too. Put the chocolate coated things in the freezer for 20 minutes to solidify, then wrap and serve. Remember, these don't have any preservatives, so you need to freeze them or eat them within three days. The plain chocolate coated marshmallows are good for a couple of weeks.

Merry (Insert Your Holiday Here)!!

The holiday season is a great time for retailers, and while I'd love to have everyone say to themselves "I'd just like to send everyone fancy soap for Giftmas this year", I have a great love for the handmade gifts. I just thought I'd post a few ideas, if you're looking for inspiration, and don't know what to make this year.

Gift Baskets: These only require assembly, but can be super impressive just the same. Think outside the basket when it comes to your packaging - brightly colored bowls, mini-coolers or lunch totes, or even decorated kraft gift bags are some options. You can take a nice towel, roll it lengthwise, and form it into a basket with safety pins to hold a bath & body collection. For kids, an activity set with crayons, markers, paints, art paper or coloring books, and modeling clay in a plain bag (for them to decorate) is fun. And for the dude in your life, a mini-cooler stuffed with snacks (nuts, jerky) and a couple of bottles of his favorite brew makes a gift he'll really appreciate on game day :) Your finished gift set can be wrapped with clear wrap, and finished off with some ribbons and a nice tag. Some of my favorite tags are from LuckyCees over on Etsy: www.luckyceescloset.etsy.com

Edibles: Made from scratch yummies are always loved! Handmade fudge, divinity, toffee, or marshmallows are super popular at the holidays. Biscotti and coffee make a great gift together, I have wonderful biscotti recipes that I bought from www.biscottiqueen.etsy.com, they're as easy as cookies and totally fancy! If you're not a superstar in the kitchen, there are some wonderful cookie mixes from Betty Crocker that you can use to make great cookie tins, or you can whip up a batch of haystack cookies - just melt chocolate chips and butterscotch chips together in the microwave, add a bag of chow mein noodles and a jar of peanuts, stir together, and shape into lumps on wax paper. Let them harden, package and win at gifting. And if you are really, really lost in the kitchen, you can still make a nice fruit basket :)

Hand Knits - or crochet, this is the best time of year. Even if you don't have advanced needle skills, simple garter stitch scarves and cowls are really impressive, and you can get a double crochet scarf done in just a couple of evenings. Chunky yarns are really hot this year! If you don't have access to a nice yarn shop, even Walmart is carrying Lion Brand Hometown USA, a super soft, super chunky yarn for quick projects. Other good gifting with yarns - washcloths, crochet coasters, and christmas ornaments - tiny stockings, sweaters, and bells are all pretty simple & quick too!

Let them make it themselves - sometimes the best handmade gift is one that you let them make themselves. Crafting kits, yarn, art supplies, and paper crafting supplies are all great for DIY types.

I hope everyone is having a great season, whatever holiday you're celebrating! It's nice that whatever your holiday, we all have giving on our minds at this time of year :)

Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales!

It is that time of year again, and I'm all about folding to peer pressure. So, there are sales in my shops. On the soap front, I'm offering 25% off with coupon code HOLIDAY11, and for this weekend only, if your purchase (not including shipping) is over $10.00, you will get a free stocking stuffer sampler. The sampler includes a lip balm, soap (2 ounce), and body cream (1/2 ounce). Offer is good in my Etsy shop, or in my BigCartel shop.
And in over at KnitHabit, I have free domestic shipping and $5.00 international shipping on everything, no coupon needed. All shipping is via USPS Priority mail, so even international shipments have a good chance of getting there in time for the big day.
And on to real stuff! We had Thanksgiving yesterday at my sister's house (thank you Karen, for not poisoning any of us!). It was DELICIOUS, all the foods were represented, and I also got some free modeling from my niece, score! A perfect break from working in the soap mines day and night :) We're both in holiday mode, but she is a great hostess, and had Christmas decorations already up. I tend to keep the spirit of Halloween alive in my home year round. My house - Addams family, her house - Martha Stewart. When I'm done vacationing for the weekend, I'll be whipping up new cream soaps, the batch is just about ready, but I won't have jars until Tuesday, happy times! The new stock will all be going exclusively to the BigCartel shop, with a few samples available over on Etsy. Happy holidays to everyone!

Woot, New Things In the Works!

Howdy y'all! I've been working on some new things, of course, soapy stuff and knits, but also... My very own website! It's not much more than a launch pad, but it's all mine, so I'm pretty excited to have a place where I'm not one of millions, I'm the one. My site is www.SweetsNThingsSoap.com. Blog is being difficult today about letting me post a link. The website links back to this blog, to my BigCartel shop, and also has a link to contact me directly. I'm really happy with all of it, and the new shop is super neat. If you're a repeat customer, your coupon code "REPEAT" is also good over there, forever, and my current sale for 25% off with coupon code HOLIDAY11 is also fully functional over there. I have set all the shipping for a flat rate, so no matter how much you order shipping is never more than $4.75 for domestic orders and $13.25 for international shipping, and I still refund any overage.
I have all the holiday limited edition soaps listed in both shops, as well as the lip balms and shampoos, and my top sellers. I will be making more body creams today, and sugar scrubs, and perhaps even lip balms, if my evil toddler will let me do some work :) He's demanding TORTILLAS!!!! So, I'm sharing my recipe, so we can all have tortillas!

All measurements are approximate, I make these by eyeball measurements.
4 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
4 Tbs vegetable shortening
1-1/4 cup warm water

Mix flour, salt, and baking powder well. With your hands, squish in the shortening until the mixture looks kind of like cornmeal. Pour the water in, and mix with a spoon until it is all absorbed, and the mixture forms a ball. Squish the ball a little to work in any crumbs or loose flour, then let it sit for 10 min.
Heat a cast iron skillet, or griddle, or other large flat pan over medium heat. Pull off a bit of dough about the size of a golf ball, and roll it with a heavy rolling pin until it is the thickness you like, anywhere from 1/32 to 1/8 of an inch is fine. Place the tortilla in the heated skillet, cook until it starts to puff and brown, flip, and cook the other side. Each side should take 1-2 minutes, if they're browning too quickly, or taking too long to cook, adjust your heat. This recipe makes a dozen 8-10" tortillas, or eighteen 6" tortillas.

This is Halloween!!

The big Halloween sale has begun!! Take 30% off your purchase in my soap shop, SweetsNThings with coupon code SPOOKY. The Halloween special edition soaps are up, and there will also be a couple of new creams in the shop tomorrow too! Have a Happy Halloween, blessings to all!

Sweets N Things Shop Updates and News 10/18/11

First, I regretfully will be discontinuing the silk shampoos (Strawberry Silk and Blackberry Silk), as my allergy to the silk protein has become too severe for me to continue using it as an ingredient. I will be restocking these scents, but without the silk.
Halloween, and a few other holidays are rapidly approaching, and I will be bringing a few special, limited edition soaps and fragrances into the shop to celebrate! I just listed the first fragrance oil, and matching body cream, Samhain, and there is also a soap curing as well! Here's the full list of the Halloween scents:

Samhain: Dark amber blended with vanilla and sandalwood, on a base of dark spices, incense, and a roaring bonfire in the distance.
Headless Horseman: a masculine blend of leather and woods, with a bit of dust from the road and demonic pursuit.
Hayride Cocoa: a fall hayride is nothing without a hot cup of cocoa! Rich chocolate, a bit of molten marshmallow, and a touch of coffee, for the grownups.
Candy Apple: Tart green apple, with a coat of buttery caramel, and a bit of spice and chocolate drizzle.

The full release will be on Friday, October 28th, in conjunction with my Halloween sale weekend. I will also continue to stock the pumpkin and pumpkin lavender soaps through the holidays, and perhaps even into spring, I'm really liking the way they make my house smell!

And in the works, scents for the winter. My winter holiday soaps will mostly be molded in rounds, and made available in gift packs. Already in the shop, Red Peppermint and Green Spearmint soap, and to follow after Halloween:

Three Kings: Frankincense and myrrh, with gold swirls set in a dark night. 100% natural, with activated charcoal, this soap is beautiful, but also a wonderful detox facial and body soap.
Brown Sugar and Fig: Ripe figs baked with brown sugar, a perfect fig tart with some vanilla and spice.
Bayberry Spice: Inspired by a memory from my own childhood, a bayberry candle in the form of Christmas carolers my mom carefully unwrapped each December, for nearly 30 years! A classic holiday scent, with plenty of cheery spice.
Cranberry Christmas: A tart cranberry scent blended with a bit of fir, a nostalgic memory of stringing fresh berries for garland on the tree.

I'm really excited about all the holidays this year, our witch costumes are ready (my little one is a green wizard, so cute!), and there's also a flurry of knitting with the cold as a great inspiration to keep the needles & hooks moving! I hope for a happy holidays for all of you, and much goodness in the new year.

Halloween Entertainment!

As a full time crafter, I watch a lot of Netflix. The knitting and soap making you know. I just participated in the Practical Magic Blog Party, and that movie continues to be a part of my fall feast of mystical movies. I have a few favorites that also make their way to the top of the queue this time of year, I'd love to share!

1. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
I'm not a giant fan of the movie, although I love Donald Sutherland. He's one of secret crushes, but not sexy enough in that one to do it for me. I prefer the bang fest that is the TV series. I am solidly on Team Spike, and many of the episodes in season 6 and 7 make me cry like a little girl, he's just so awesome.


2. Let Me In
I've watched both versions of this one, English & Swedish, and I just like ours better - I have to admit, I think the children are just cuter and creepier in the English version. I'm still torn up over this one, Abby is definitely evil, but perhaps not the worst best friend to have for life.


3. Silence of the Lambs
Not really for Halloween, but it's the time of year for ghastly things. After reading the books, and seeing the movies, I have to admit, Hannibal is kind of my hero. To ruthlessly be able to destroy and consume what offends you is compelling, and it's hard not to admire Hannibal at the same time as he freaks you out. And Anthony Hopkins - another secret crush.


I'd love to hear what you like to watch as Halloween approaches - creepy, romantic, or just quirky, I have a lot of knitting to do!

See the Prize!

Just a quick update to show off what LuLu will be getting! Thanks again to everyone!

Giveaway Winner!

It's time to pick a winner for the giveaway, Wheeeee! Thank you to all who entered, and here's the list:
1. Heather
2. Birgit
3. maddyrose
4. LuLu Kellogg
5. dogsmom
6. Krista
7. monkeycstars
8. Misty
9. Magaly
10. Airmid
11. Andreann
12. Kiki Howell
13. cauldronsandbroomsticks
14. B'ham
15. Willow
16. Pabkins
17. Celia
18. Spritrunner
19. Susan
20. Sandi
21. Lady Jess
22. Michele Seraphim
23. Dana Wright
24. Faerie Moon
25. victoriantailor
26. Kelli Bear
27. Melanie Statnick
28. Rinni's Playground
29. Moncha
30. Rachel Smith
31. Sylvia
32. Linda
33. WickedFaerie
34. Lisa
35. Rickie Jill Treleaven
36. aradia's cauldron

And, now going to Random.org to generate the number.....
The winner is....
NUMBER FOUR!!! LuLu Kellogg!! I will be e-mailing her immediately, and posting pics of the prize before I ship (tomorrow, hopefully, all is ready)! Thank you to everyone who entered, and to everyone who participated in this years' Practical Magic Blog Party, hope to see you all again!

Practical Magic Blog Party!

The party is on, how convivial!


This movie has meant so much to me, and the book as well, for so long. I come from an "Owens" style family, down to the pairs of fair and brunette sisters in every generation. And I have to confess, I'm the Gillian. But back in 2000, I was that pregnant witch stranded on an island, alone and in despair.


I probably watched this movie fifty times that year. And I think it saved me. I didn't curse myself, or my family, although the Denver Broncos will never play in the superbowl again while I live, maybe even longer. That is his favorite team, and now they SUCK. Anyhow, I have gone on to live and love again, finding and making magic in more useful pursuits.

Which brings me to the giveaway! For your witchy pleasure, I am giving away a hand crocheted witch hat, pumpkin soap, pumpkin hand & body cream, and pumpkin lip balm, all to one lucky witch! Made with great ingredients, and my best, happiest wishes. To enter, just leave a comment to this post, with your e-mail address. I will pick a winner tomorrow at noon, MST. ***UPDATE, I had the suggestion, and I'm taking it, to extend the giveaway a couple more days - I still haven't checked out everyone else's party posts yet, so it will go on, drawing will be at Noon, MST, Monday 9/26*** Everyone have a most blessed Equinox, and enjoy margaritas with me until then!

Fall Equinox Sale, Practical Magic Blog Party Giveaway!!

It's nearly time!! I am having a sale starting tomorrow at 8:00 am EST through Sunday at 9:00 pm to celebrate the Equinox, I am so excited for the official beginning of Fall! Everything in my soap shop, SweetsNThings will be marked down 15%, and you may also use your discount coupons for an additional 15% off! Repeat customers can find their coupon at the bottom of any of your previous orders from my shop in the "Notes from Shop" section.
The other big happening: The Practical Magic Blog Party! I'm super excited about this one too, Practical Magic is a favorite book and movie of mine. You can click the link on the right side of this page to see other blogs that will be participating. I will be posting a favorite bath tea recipe, my reflections on the movie, and on Saturday night, I will be selecting a winner for my giveaway! Included in this fabulous prize package will be a hand crocheted witch hat, great for winter, and a delightful pumpkin soap, pumpkin body cream, and pumpkin lip balm! To enter, post a comment to this post or the Practical Magic post coming the morning of the 23rd, and include your e-mail address. You have until Saturday morning at noon EST to enter, feel free to share this giveaway with all your friends!

Rave Review for Cahmille Soap!

Y'all may not know it, but I buy a bit of soap on Etsy myself. I just received my order from Cahmille, a new shop. I am super proud to be her first Etsy sale! She makes cold processed soaps with her own milk. Human milk is not just something you can run down to the store and buy, so it's pretty rare to find soap made with it. Her soap also contains vegetable oils, primarily olive oil, and it lathers like a very, very well cured castille soap, a creamy moisturizing treat for your skin. This soap is also completely suitable for use by vegans, as she makes the milk herself. A super treat, because no other milk soap can be used by vegans, and human milk is far superior than any other, at least for humans. There is only a limited supply, so you should get yours before it's gone, it's truly amazing.