So Simple, yet so Divive!

People often ask me what my favorite soap is. That is a really difficult question. I love so many of the scents that I use. Some favorites that come to mind are Lavender Green Tea, Teakwood and Cardomom, Fresh Snow, Chai Tea, Lemongrass....it's really a difficult question, but I think my all time favorite is the one I tried first: Oatmeal, Milk and Honey. It is such a comforting, soothing scent and makes me happy! I use Bramble Berry's version of this fragrance, although many soap supply companies offer various versions. This soap is so simple. It's easy for me to make....no real bells or whistles, but sometimes the best thing in life are the simple things.

In Love

My Beautiful New Soap Cutter (Angel's sing!)

My Primitive Cutter (YUCK!)

Lemongrass Lavender

Fruity Loops

I am in love. I need to clarify. My first loves are my husband and children and then extended family and friends, but close behind is my new soap cutter! I had been hearing the praises about a wonderful wood crafter named Bud Haffner, who sells soap cutters on Etsy. My wonderful husband Joe, who constantly observes how I struggle with my primitive cutter, offered to buy me a "Bud" cutter as a gift... it wasn't even my birthday. He is just that great.

The cutter came in the mail earlier this week and it is the BEST soap making investment I have ever made (although technically, it was Joe's investment). Not only are the bars all consistent in size, the cut of the soap is extremely clean.  Now, I only press down the handle over the loaf, and the cutting is done. What a time saver!!!

I also am posting a few photos of recent soaps. I am also in love with my Lemongrass Lavender soap. It smells so good! I have started making kid friendly soaps too because kids love handmade soap. This one smells just like Fruit Loops...in a very good way. I get a little crazy with the design because it is suppose to be FUN!

I also updated my Etsy shop. Check it out!
Lion and Rose Handmade Soap Etsy Shop 

On a personal note, My son Leo started Kindergarten this week. He also read The Cat in the Hat on his own and learned to ride his bike. What an amazing week for Leo...I am one proud Mommy!

And the Winner Is!!!!

The winner of the Soap Crafting Book Entry
and Calendula Cleansing Bar are:

1st place and Winner of Soap Crafting: Distracted Housewife
2nd place and Winner of a bar Calendula Cleansing Bar Soap: Jennifer Smith
3rd place and Winner of a bar Calendula Cleansing Bar Soap: Sonoran Scents

This little girl likes to read Soap Crafting too!

Lavender Green Tea

Head in the Clouds, Scented with Fresh Snow fragrance oil.

Fun with Soap Balls

My Cute Husband!

Fun in the Sun!

It's Fun to be a KID!

Picking Daddy's Hops!

Hop Picker!

Ready for Kindergarten!

My family is very important to me, so I like to interweave photos of them in my blog. They inspire me daily! 

I guess we are a real d.i.y. family. My husband is a homebrewer, who also grows hops! Today was harvest day, and the kids were super excited to help Daddy pick Hops. 

I continue to make soap daily, hoping that all the holiday bazaars I have signed up for pay off. It is so tricky trying to figure out how much to make!

The big news is that my first born, the boy that made me a Mommy, is starting kindergarten! I am so proud of him!

Once again, congrats to the winners, and all the others who participated in this contest. It has been a delight! Thanks to Bramble Berry, for allowing me to make this awesome soap and help promote the new book.