New All Natural Handmade Lemon Mint Shea Butter Soap

I've just added a brand new handmade shea butter soap to Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen - Natural Lemon Mint!

This cold process, shea butter soap is all natural and scented with only pure lemongrass and peppermint essential oils. It contains no artificial colors or fragrances. It's the perfect balance of lemongrass with just a hint of mint. This soap smells fresh and bright while the natural properties of the lemongrass and peppermint essential oils have also been known to keep biting insects at bay. My brother takes this soap with him every year on his camping trips. 

This yellow toned Lemon Mint Soap is suitable for normal to oily skin and produces a rich, creamy lather that's perfect for bathing and shaving. You can buy it now online exclusively from Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen.

I also wanted to take the time to share some great feedback I recently received on my solid sugar scrub cubes.

Here's feedback from two recent customers who both purchased my Natural Lavender Solid Shea Butter Sugar Cubes: 

"These are the most amazing bath item I have ever used. I am a macrame artist and have very rough hands. After a single use my hands felt like silk. AMAZING! I used them on my feet and legs and they are baby soft. HIGHLY RECOMMENDING THESE! I have sensitive skin and there is no negative reaction, which in my case is very rare. When I run out I'm ordering them again. THANK YOU!!!!"

"great lavender scent, I love how these are softer and squish easily in the shower. Thanks again!"

So, if you've been thinking of buying, what better recommendation can you get than that? You can find an assortment of five handmade solid sugar cube scrubs for sale now at Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen. Act fast because supplies are limited.

Also, don't forget you have until the end of the day April 30th, 2011 to enter to win five handmade shea butter soaps from Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen. Click here to enter for your chance to win and for special coupon to score 20% off your purchase.

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Handmade Home Decor Giveaway - Win a Gorgeous, Decorative Throw Pillow Case from Delinda Boutique!

Spring is just that special time of year. It makes you want to throw out the old and bring in the new. And in my case, I often like to tweak my home decor to something new and bright as well! If you're like me, then you're in luck! Delinda Boutique has graciously offered to give away a $35 gift certificate to her shop along with free shipping on the gift certificate purchase.

Delinda Boutique is an online store selling affordable handmade, decorative throw pillow cases which can be custom ordered. Each pillow case is individually handcrafted by Maria, a fine arts major located in Europe. Every pillow cover Maria makes is like a piece of art, mimicking the carefully considered combination of colors and materials she also uses in her paintings.  All of Maria's pillow covers are either one of a kind or limited edition ensuring you are able to make a statement in your home that no one else will be able to replicate in quite the same way. In addition to sewing, Maria also enjoys painting and interior design. 

If you can't wait to get started on your new home look, you can make a purchase now from Delinda Boutique and save 20%! Simply use the coupon code: SOAPDELI20 when you checkout. This coupon will expire when this contest ends.

For your chance to win this contest, you'll just need to visit Delinda Boutique and choose your favorite product from Maria's shop. Then leave a comment on this blog post with your favorite item. This contest will end on May 11, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. Limit one entry per person per entry method. This contest is open worldwide to those ages 18+. The winner will be chosen at random from among all eligible entries using random.org. Your information will not be shared or sold. The retail value of this prize is $35. Once the winner has been drawn and confirmed, the winner will be emailed an electronic gift certificate with a face value of $35 along with instructions on redemption.

The first method of entry is required to enter this contest. If you'd like additional entries into this contest, you may complete each of the following tasks for one additional entry each.

1. Fan Delinda Boutique on Facebook. Leave a comment with your Facebook name stating that you've become a fan.

2. Follow Delinda Boutique on Twitter. Leave a comment with your twitter username.

3. Follow Soap Deli New Blog. You can either follow by email or through google friend connect. Leave a comment stating that you're a follower.

4. Tweet this contest on Twitter. Include @soapdeli in your tweet so I know you've done so. Leave a comment stating that you've tweeted this contest.

5. Blog about this contest. Leave a comment with the link back to the blog post.

6. Add any product from Delinda Boutique to your wishlist on Kaboodle or Pin It on Pinterest. Leave a comment with the link to your public wishlist or board.

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DIY Summer parties.

Summer is the perfect time for a party. And after finding all sorts of amazing party themed eye candy recently, I figured I'd combine a few of the party ideas I found into a blog post to share with you! My birthday is in June, and if I was still brave enough to host my own garden party, these are a few of the things I'd enjoy at my get together. (By the way, I'll be turning 36 this year.)

Pictured above:

1.) Cupcake Gift Boxes - These cute diy gift boxes from sew.craft.create. would be perfect for favors for all of my darling friends.

2.) Instax Mini 7S Instant Camera - The new replacement for the Polaroid camera, this camera is sure to make every moment fun and memorable. Take pics as the party happens so your friends can create an instant scrapbook and take home a pictures of their pals. Available from Urban Outfitters.

3.) Old-Fashioned Birthday Cake - Sometimes the simplest things are best. I love this recipe from The Cilanthropist. And aqua blue icing with edible gold stars? Yum.

4.) Silk Poppies - All the girls should have one of these to match the summer blooms growing outside! These bright, beautiful poppies can be made in any color and are a lovely compliment to a summer dress. Find out how to make them at Martha Stewart Crafts.

5.) Button-Filled Flower Arrangement - Another craft project from Martha Stewart Crafts, this floral arrangement would make a stunning centerpiece for your outdoor table. Fill the bottom of the vase with buttons then add flowers from your garden!

I'm also quite fond of these mason jar drinking glasses featured on The Pleated Poppy. They're inexpensive to buy and a snap to personalize. I could see these filled with some deliciously spiked pink lemonade.

And what party is complete without a few Rainbow Cherry Jigglers. They're cute, they're fun, and they can be spiked! Find the recipe at Jelly Test Shot Kitchen along with a large collection of other Jello Shooter recipes that not only pack a punch, but are pretty to look at too.

What are some of your favorite party props, favors and treats?

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Last minute Mother's Day gifts.

With Easter and Mother's Day being so close together this year, you may not have realized time is almost up for getting mom a present that shows her how much you appreciate her bringing you into this world. May 8th is the big day which gives you just enough time to get your hands on something awesome. If you're lacking funds this year or want to create something special with the kids, you may want to consider crafting a gift.

I'm especially fond of these paper seed starters from Hello Spring! Blog. Not only is this diy craft project eco-friendly, but it's a snap to make. All you need is some recycled paper scraps, H2O, seeds, cookie cutters and some drying time. Kids and grown ups alike will not only have fun making these, but fun planting them too!

If you want something a little more sophisticated and have a knack for working with small objects, then you'll love this idea for Vacation Earrings. The step-by-step photo tutorial shows you exactly what you need to do to create a custom pair of earrings. Make them extra special by choosing colors and findings that you know mom will be extra fond of. I also like this  diy Tree-Stump Trivet for mom.

If you're not the crafty sort or simply lack the time, I understand. I often find myself in the same boat. So following are a few handmade product suggestions suitable for moms of all ages and temperaments.

Pictured (left to right):

1.) Earl Grey Antioxidant Tea Bath with Bergamot and Eucalyptus from Zodiaque

2.) Merry Marigold Cloth Napkins, Set of Four from Pony and Poppy

3.) Adjustable Journal Bandolier from Clever Hands

4.) Mom with Red Bird Hoop from Goose and Trisser

5.) Large Ivory Magnolia Bowl from Diana Fayt

6.) Organic Lip Balms, 3 Eco Tubes from Phoenix Botanicals

Not Pictured:

7.) Fresh Meadow Lavender Sachets from Gardenmis

8.) Mommy Calling Cards from Homegrown Creativity

9.) Tattooed Girl in Flames Purse from Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen

10.) Organic Ginger Shortbread Cookies from Scrumptulicious

11.) Four Floral Scented Soy Candles from T-Aromas

12.) Chamomile Neroli Solid Sugar Scrub Cubes from Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen

13.) Gym Wristlet from Little Sprout Baby

14.) Red and Pink Bud Vase from Cynthia Vardhan Ceramics

15.) Cream Earl Grey Black Tea from Tea for All Reasons

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Roanokers, Where am I?

I'm a Roanoker. Born and raised. And our own Jeff Maiden recently started a group on facebook for spotting locations in the city from not so obvious photos of landmarks and places around the city. The group is aptly called Roanokers, Where am I? And your goal as part of the city's population, is to look at a photograph posted by a member and try to figure out just where in the heck the photo was taken. I took a few shots myself this weekend to post to the group. If you're local, see if you can guess where I am. Feel free to leave your guesses in the comments.

Photo A - Where am I?

Photo B - Where am I?

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DIY Tattoos

Yes, you can make your own tattoos. And by this I mean something non-permanent but fabulous. Not one of those scary diy tattoo kits that costs £30 and leaves you permanently scarred along with a potential blood born disease. No darlings, these tattoos are clean and cool.

Oh the Lovely Things Blog provides a simple tutorial for creating your own black and white, limited time creation for those wanting to add some extra pizazz to their fashion style or just wanting to try out a specific design before getting the real thing. All you need is your favorite design, some printable temporary tattoo paper, a printer, scissors, a sponge and a hairdryer. Your new tat will last up to seven days, but can easily be removed at any time with a little baby oil. Read the entire diy tattoo tutorial here.

Speaking of tattoos, I got my first tattoo when I was eighteen. Having never considered getting a tattoo before, my best friend in high school, Michelle, was dead set on getting her first tattoo as soon as she turned legal age - and of course she wanted someone to do the deed with her. Thinking back I'm pretty sure her first tattoo was of a sea shell. She dragged me along so I could get one too, and at that age, I didn't really care either way. I ended up with a silly pink dolphin on my left back shoulder that I mostly forgot about expect for the random comments during summer when I wore halter tops.

A good twenty years later I finally decided to cover the darn thing up with something that said something about me. I went with a design based off a Threadless t-shirt - a girl taking a bath in wheelbarrow, spilling a martini down the side. Seeing as how I make soap and enjoy a flavored martini from time to time, it seemed perfect. I ended up covering up my tiny dolphin with a huge piece that stretched from shoulder to shoulder. I sat for five hours until it was done. Following are photos of that progress.

The drawing. Notice the dolphin on my upper left shoulder.

Getting started on the ink. Lining with black.

Filling in with color.

The finished tattoo. The dolphin now hiding smartly behind a blue flower.

I've gotten several other tattoos since. Flowers on the back of my neck, tank girl on my upper right arm, sugar skulls and flowers on my lower right arm, a butterfly right above my butt and a "bracelet" design around my right wrist.

So what about you? Do you have tattoos? And if so, what are your favorites?

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Off to the races! Because I needed a break.

Wednesday of this week didn't get off to a good start, and all plans for a productive week failed and died a miserable death. I found myself in urgent care for a series of never ending panic attacks brought on my stress around 2pm. Having an anxiety disorder and no insurance for meds is not the best combo. I did get hooked up with a life saving script in the end though - along with a prescription for $9 a month birth control, but I'm not entirely sure the 7 cents left in my checking account after the ordeal is going to do much to appease the stress over the long term. Plus I still have a balance due on my doctor visit. 

Leah (left) and me. Her brains are my constant companion.

The answer it seemed was to not worry. So I took to The Village Grill on Thursday night to hear my boyfriend, Scott, play in his band, Grass Monkey, and to enjoy the ever so lovely company of my friend Leah.

Leah and her new "captain."

Leah brought along her new playmate, James. They're both delivery drivers but for competing pizza companies. I'm thinking there has to be a law against that somewhere. He seems nice enough though and doesn't get crazy jealous over me stealing Leah away at every turn. I've  also heard he has other nice, uh,  "attributes" as well. Not that it's any of my business. Or yours. But if my ears had to burn so did someone else's.

Grass Monkey Band: Scott Minton, Spencer McKenna, Jeremy Rhodes, Bobby Moore

So Leah and I listened to some tunes - a bit of funky bluegrass by local Roanoke band, Grass Monkey. They play every Thursday through the summer at The Village Grill from 9pm - midnight.

Leah's juggling act.

And Leah and her "captain" shot a little pool. Well, after Leah got done playing with the balls. 

I'll be good, I promise!

And, just because, Leah reminded me oh so playfully that I've been a naughty, naughty girl. She can't say dirty, because, well, I make soap. We did have a lot of fun playing around though. And I discovered Pinnacle Bubble Vodka. Yum yum. I got a drink called a blow pop that tasted just like the real deal.

Hopefully by tomorrow I'll be back to my usual crafty self. So, how did your week end up fairing? And what do you do when you just can't do "the usual" anymore?

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Chocolate covered bacon and other bacon disasters - er, delicacies.

Bacon. Everyone seems to have the bacon bug lately especially if it's chocolate covered bacon. My ex-husband thought the stuff was the food of gods, so I figured I'd buy my new boyfriend some bacon truffles to try as a special, you rock my world treat. He has a super sweet tooth for all things fine chocolate. And he likes bacon. So how could I go wrong? Well, let's just say I did go wrong. Because not only was my sweetie utterly disgusted by these chocolate and bacon concoctions, but they made him feel quite queasy.

However, I know Denny's seems to be doing well cornering the market on a sundae filled with bacon, so there's gotta be more than just my ex-husband who enjoy the combination of salty meat and sweet dessert combined into one. And it's for you guys and gals - the ones that appreciate the mix of meat and sweet - I want to share this recipe for Bacon Toffee.

The full recipe and instructions for creating this dessert can be found over at Cherry Tea Cakes Blog. The recipe calls for a pound of thick cut bacon, unsalted butter, sugar, water, and chocolate chips. Correct preparation results in a dessert that looks incredibly tempting. Make this for Mother's Day and give it to your bacon lovin' momma. She'll appreciate you more and remember what you did for her when Christmas rolls around. Unless of course, she's like my boyfriend. Then, you're just screwed. Click here for the full bacon truffle recipe.

So, what are your thoughts on chocolate covered bacon? Tasty treat or disgusting combo?

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Handmade Artisan Goods Now For Sale in my Shop!

As many of you may know I used to be married. I know, I know. It's a common affliction. Unfortunately for me, things didn't work out. But I can say I gained nine years life experience living with someone I didn't communicate very well with. Whether good or bad, well, I like to pretend I have no regrets. That everything you live through makes you who you are today. So that's my story and I'm sticking to it. 

Anyway, I came out of this marriage with more than quite a few handmade, artisan goods from different sellers all over the US and few in London. My ex-husband started a tattoo shop in Daleville, VA where I was able to sell not only my handmade soaps and goat milk lotions, but also a variety of super cool goods from other handmade artists. When things went sour I pulled out and was left with a mass array of products I was unable to sell in my etsy shop. 

Recently I opened my own handmade shop - free of the constraints of a venue - and have been slowly adding these awesome goods to my storefront alongside my products. I will continue to add products as I am able though some require I seek out a model to do so. I ended up with a LOT of t-shirts and you can only give away so many shirts to friends and family before they get sick of you. You may have noticed a few of these items before from contests I've had on my blog. 

So, without further ado, I present the Handmade Artisan Section of the new Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen. Enjoy it while it lasts folks, because once these items sell out they are gone for good and not all of the artisans who created these products are selling the same items anymore. If you have a current coupon code from Etsy, you CAN use it in my new shop. I have transferred over all of the codes for your convenience. Have fun browsing! And I hope you'll share your favorites with your friends. My stomach will much appreciate the sales! Especially since the boy realized he had lost his swim trunks on his way to Disney today with my brother and I had to fork over my last $17 so he could get a new pair. Why are kids always losing things?

Also, don't forget to check back. I have purses, aprons, mugs, cuffs, t-shirts and jewelry to add over the next several days. As always, shipping is capped at $6 no matter how much you order. Shop now. Plus, don't forget there's still time to enter my handmade soap contest to win five bars of shea butter soap. Enter here through April 30, 2011.

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Oh pepper plants, why do you tease me so?

I was a wee bit disappointed today to find out from one of my favorite market vendors that I can't plant peppers for another three weeks. Apparently they are not hardy plants and won't bounce back if we get a late frost. However, I do have a few tomato plants in the ground - Better Boy, Beefsteak, and Cherokee Purple - and today I planted a small selection of herbs in my brand new herb garden. A little rosemary, lavender, oregano, sage and tarragon to start. Still, I really want those peppers!

Mom found a Kroger recipe from some magazine or newspaper insert with an amazing recipe for unstuffed pepper bake. I googled it and also found the recipe online as well. We had it other night and it was quite tasty. I even ate leftovers for two days afterwords and I am generally not a fan of anything on the second day. Next go round mom plans to add some drained corn and extra pepper.

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:
1 lb Kroger® Ground Beef
1/3 c Kroger® Frozen Diced Onion
10 oz pkg Kroger® Recipe Beginnings Chopped Green Peppers
2 Garlic Cloves, minced or ½ tsp Garlic Powder
½ tsp Kroger® salt
¼ tsp Kroger® Ground Black Pepper
14.5 oz can Kroger® Petite Diced Tomatoes, drained
1 cup Kroger® Instant White or Brown Rice
1 tsp Kroger® Worcestershire Sauce
1 tsp Kroger® Italian Seasoning
8 oz pkg Kroger® Finely Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided
15 oz can Kroger® Tomato Sauce

Instructions for preparation and baking can be found on the Kroger website. It's not a quick dinner - 20 minutes prep and 40 minutes to bake - but I think it's worth the wait.

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Shake it like a Polaroid picture.

Yesterday evening I was watching a sort of twisted romantic, indie comedy called Camille on Netflix instant queue. It was strange for more than one reason but the main ones being a.) I don't watch comedies, b.) Camille is pretty much dead through most of the love affair, and c.) she has a fascination with her Polaroid camera. 

Camille is a newly wed who takes photos of absolutely everything from the planning of her wedding - a photo of a magazine couple in their wedding garb with the faces replaced with cut outs of hers and her fiance's - to the day of the wedding when she carries the camera up the aisle with her - to the journey to Niagra Falls for the couple's honeymoon where she shoots the strangers she meets in a diner along the way.

Anyway, the movie made me miss Polaroid cameras. And it kills me that the neither the film nor the cameras are being produced any longer. I have hopes that in the next decade or so when all of the film has been extinguished from ebay, some sentimental company will pop up and take on the journey of reinventing the nostalgia of our "young adulthood" again. I mean, haven't they done that already with the many toys and movies of our childhood?

In the meantime, I discovered this diy project for creating Tiny Polaroid Magnets over at Ambrosia Girl Blog. While the final product isn't actually a Polaroid picture - the song "Hey Ya" is coursing through my brain now - it does offer the semblance of that once popular trend. The Polaroids are created in Photoshop, though Gimp is a free option that I use, and can be manipulated for any photograph you've uploaded to your computer. The author of this craft tutorial even offers a .zip file for download of a Polaroid frame you can use. You can find instructions for this entire project over at Ambrosia Girl Blog here.

In the meantime, I want to see more Polaroid shots! Should you know of a Polaroid craft or photo, please share a link! I'd love to see any craft projects, pictures, or products for sale that are related to or inspired by the long lost Polaroid!

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Rain rain go away, enjoy a flower inside today!

It's another rainy Saturday afternoon, but I suppose that's April for you. After all, we can't have May flowers without a few April showers. My dad planted the tomato plants I bought him yesterday so they'd get a good soaking today. They were already blooming and a good two and a half feet high. Still, while the rain helps all those gorgeous flowers and crops grow, it is quite dreary when you've just spent a week enjoying the sun and the slowly developing warmer weather. 

I have really enjoyed all of the new spring flowers popping up since early spring. Pictured above are some of my mom's tulips I photographed last week. I took the shot outside in the middle of the afternoon - note the sun glinting off the leaves and petals - but ended up with what I think looks more like a studio shot. I love how it turned out and I didn't use any Photoshop. I mean, really, isn't that sort of cheating? To me Photoshop separates the photographer from the digital artist. Both are fabulous and necessary but each have their own skill set. 

Anyhow, it's days like these that make me wish I'd thought to pick a bouquet before the rain started falling. Fortunately, I found this awesome diy project for crafting a bouquet that never dies. 

Hooray Blog has a beautiful tutorial for making these billy button flowers (pictured above.) You can create them yourself with a handful of dried flower balls from the craft store, some wire sticks, and floral tape. And the really fabulous part? Once you craft them they never die. Plus they look quite cheerful no matter the weather outside!

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A mossy situation. DIY terrariums and more.

So, I guess it's time to fess up I quit going to the gym. It's not that I couldn't cut it, but really, I prefer to do things quietly in the fortitude of my own home. Plus, if I had my significant other tell me how to breath properly one more time, it was going to bring our newly mended relationship to a crumbling halt. Okay, yeah. I breath wrong. I breath in during the hard part and out during the easy part. If I still hurt the next day, you can't tell me exercise doesn't work if I'm breathing wrong. Just saying. 

Anyhow, the day after I posted an article with a few gardening projects I stumbled across another I just wanted to share. It's an indoor project, but it's simple, sweet and can be made for yourself or even by the kids as a Mother's Day gift. It's suggested as a project for wedding favors, but I'm staying far away from those for a very long long time. Divorce tends to make weddings scary even if you didn't actually have a wedding your first go round.

So here's the super sweet DIY craft project for making your own Vertical Terrarium Wall Garden Favors from Ruffled Blog. These tiny terrariums require just a tin, a bit of gravel  and charcoal, and your favorite succulent, air plant, or cactus. The tins are already magnetic saving you extra glue and hassle. They run $4.99 a three pack from Ikea, but if you have a stock of heavy duty magnets and glue at home from your other crafty endeavors then just aim for a less expensive tin. If you like the idea of a terrarium, but want something a little more substantial, then check out my craft project here for making your own terrarium. It's the same basic idea with a lot more room for plant choice and personalization. 

I seem to have plenty of moss growing out back on my dad's old shed should you need a hand at finding some. Apparently moss loves old roofing shingles situated under shady trees. Who would have guessed?

Also, don't forget I have a new contest up for this spring for a chance to win five handmade soaps! The first four shea butter soaps up for grabs are my latest and greatest  - Unscented Banana Oatmeal Shea Butter Soap, Blue Mountain Rose Shea Butter Soap, Summer Honeysuckle Shea Butter Soap, Natural Lemon Mint Shea Butter Soap - but the fifth is entirely the winner's choice! You can enter that contest here through the end of April if you reside in the United States.

Additionally, if you've been looking to give some of my handmade shea butter soaps a try but only want to start with one or two, you can save on shipping by ordering from my main website here and just pay per bar shipped. If you're ordering more, shipping is capped at $6 so you never pay more regardless of your order size. That said, I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend. I plan to! Another Roadside Attraction will be playing at The Village Grill on Saturday night and they are always a crazy, shoe stompin' good time!

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Spring Renewal Soap Contest

Spring is a time of renewal, so in celebration I'm running a new contest to win five exciting new handmade soaps from Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen! One winner will receive the following: Unscented Banana Oatmeal Shea Butter Soap, Blue Mountain Rose Shea Butter Soap, Summer Honeysuckle Shea Butter Soap, Natural Lemon Mint Shea Butter Soap, and the fifth soap is winner's choice! The retail value of this prize is $25.

Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen is a handmade, indie biz nestled in the Roanoke Valley and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and run by a work at home mom. Rebecca's shop currently sells a line of handmade shea butter soaps and luxurious goat milk lotions. The product focus is always on creating the best cold process, handmade soaps. You'll find that Rebecca's handcrafted, divinely scented soaps contain skin loving ingredients like shea butter, rice bran, coconut, and olive oils. They create a wonderfully, rich lather that you can both shave with or use as a shampoo bar. All of Rebecca's soaps are made from scratch using the cold process soapmaking method, never a pre-existing base. You'll love the difference Rebecca's soaps make on your skin.

Can't wait to win? Simply shop Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen and enter coupon code WINNER at checkout to score 20% off your purchase.  In addition to offering handmade shea butter soaps, Rebecca also sells the most luxurious goat milk lotions and amazing solid sugar scrubs. Buy as much as you want within the USA and shipping remains a flat $6 no matter your order total saving you money!

For your chance to win this contest, you'll just need to visit Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen and choose the soap from from Rebecca's shop that you'd like to receive as winner's choice if you are drawn as the winner. Then leave a comment on this blog post with the handmade shea butter soap you've chosen. This contest will end on April 30, 2011 at 11:59pm EST. Limit one entry per person per entry method. Open within the United States of America to those ages 18+. The winner will be chosen at random from among all eligible entries using random.org. Your information will not be shared or sold.

The first method of entry is required to enter this contest. If you'd like additional entries into this contest, you may complete each of the following tasks for one additional entry each.

1. Fan Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen on Facebook. Leave a comment with your Facebook name stating that you've become a fan.

2. Follow Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen on Twitter. Leave a comment with your twitter username.

3. Follow Soap Deli New Blog. You can either follow by email or through google friend connect. Leave a comment stating that you're a follower.

4. Tweet this contest on Twitter. Include @soapdeli in your tweet so I know you've done so. Leave a comment stating that you've tweeted this contest.

5. Blog about this contest. Leave a comment with the link back to the blog post.

6. Add any product from Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen to your wishlist on Kaboodle. Leave a comment with the link to your public wishlist.

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DIY Gardening for a fresh spring look your way.

Spring is simply awesome. Well, except for the snotty nose and itchy eyes and the ongoing congestion from pollen allergies - it's friggin' awesome. The sun, the color, the opportunity to get outside and dig around in the dirt! And if you're the CEO of the company that produces Zyrtec, spring is probably awesome for you for a few additional monetary reasons. 

Regardless, if you're like me, then you're itching to get out in the weather and plant something amazing. Here are a few ideas I found to make your garden not just fabulous, but uber-fabulous.

Life on the Balcony Blog has a great idea for creating a garden from a pallet. Fit a ton of plants into a tiny space for visual interest you couldn't get any other way. - perfect for tight urban spaces! Just score a pallet from behind your local grocery, fix it up, then fill it up! You can get the full skinny on this craft project here. I also like the idea for creating a mobile garden from an old filing cabinet found over at Apartment Gardening.

Craft a garden sphere or three from concrete for visual interest in any flower bed. A little quick dry cement and cheap, thrift store light covers make it easy to decorate your blooming beds! Find the full diy tutorial over at Design*Sponge Blog.

Also from Design*Sponge I love this idea for a "kokedama" string garden. While the tutorial for this unique, hanging garden presents it as an indoor garden, it could easily be used to brighten up a small outside, balcony space located in the shade.

How do you brighten up your garden or what unusual methods do you employ to make your garden extra special? 

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Chew it, don't lose it.

I'm not quite sure how it happened, but it did. I woke up with chewing gum glued to my bare butt. Conundrum? You bet. First off I haven't chewed gum in days. Secondly, I'm not one to sleep naked. My guess is that the dog got in the trash and I'm just a crazy restless sleeper. If you have a better theory, or even one more entertaining, I'd love to hear it. In the meantime, make your own chewing gum. It's so simple even a kid can tackle this project and you can brag to all of your co-workers about your little diy dumpling at home. That project is here.

Not really a gum chewer? Then use it like modeling clay and create fantastic, edible sculptures. Easter's right around the corner. Try making a bunny maybe? Anyhoo, the above sculpture was fashioned by artist Maurizio Savini. (Source.) 

Which brings to mind, what is the wildest media you've ever used in crafting?

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DIY Tea Cups - For You Cardboard Recycling Geniuses.

I'll admit I'm not the best blogger in the world. Nor necessarily the best crafter even. I have a problem with craftsmanship. Basically mine sucks and everything I complete still seems just a tad unfinished. Which is why I make soap. No one knows the difference. What I do have a phenomenal knack for though is spotting the awesomeness in other crafters and artists. And to prove it, I present these flippin' awesome paper mache teacups. 

This beauty of a tea cup was crafted by the talented diy girl, Ann Wood, who provides a photo tutorial for this project on her blog, aptly named, Ann Wood. So grab yourself an empty cereal box - or toss the cereal from one that's still half full because you KNOW you want to jump on this project - find a little wallpaper paste, newspaper, tape, and glue and get started. If you finish by tonight you may just be able to paint your creation tomorrow and fill it with glittery goodness! Once you're done with that project, be sure to check out Ann's other crafty how to's. She seems to have a knack for recycling cardboard in the most intriguing ways.

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I'd rather be a librarian.

After round two at the gym today, I want nothing more than to plant my butt on the sofa and get lost in a compelling book where other women are doing the hard work and I'm just enjoying the story line. So right now anything to do with books, is looking pretty good to me. And crafty book projects? Well, all the better. Here are a few I found in the wee hours of the morning last night while waiting for the Advil to kick in.

This lovely diy mini book is for collecting stamps though you could always up size it a bit for stashing your favorite ACEOs, photos, or love notes. The possibilities for use are endless as is the paper you choose to create it with. Get the skinny on this perfect project at bloesem kids blog.

Have more than your share of damaged or somewhat useless vintage books laying around? Turn them into some rockin' home decor pieces to show off your favorite memories. Papernstitch blog has a new tutorial for creating diy picture frame books. So reuse, recycle, and redecorate with this exciting little craft project found here!

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Can't I just do yoga?

So, my boyfriend, who is determined to quit smoking, is convinced that exercising at the gym everyday is the way to get the job done. But, there's a catch. I mean he IS male after all. The catch is, I have to go with him. Doesn't seem so bad, right? I mean, I get a free gym membership for myself and my boy at an awesome new gym with a super fab pool and it doesn't cost me a cent. Well, it may be free, but really it's not. Apparently Scott not only wants someone to work out with, but he's all about being my personal trainer. And he thinks strength training is the holy grail. Except squats with a 45lb. bar is not my idea of fun on Day 1 - not to mention kind of painful - and I'm almost convinced he's insane. I did agree to give him a month of tossing orders at me though - but only in the gym. After that, if I hate it, I'm on my own and we can break off and do our own thing. Which means light cardio and swimming. My trump card? Well, I read a bunch of lists online today of things not to do in a gym. And yelling at your trainer is not on any of those lists. I'm thinking he might regret this deal before I do - especially once those nicotine fits start kicking in. 

 Skinny Yoga Mat Bag in Morning Glory, $34 from Crzy Bag Lady Designs

Anyway, I finally regained movement in my legs after an insanely long two hour nap, and managed to make some Red Velvet Cake Lotion tonight. I also dug up a yoga bag mat pattern for you crafty types who have way more dedication than I do and still manage to bike 20 miles a day. You can check out the DIY yoga mat bag tutorial here.

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New Scented Solid Sugar Scrub Cubes

I now have five new, natural, scented solid sugar scrub cubes for sale at Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen! Choose from natural lavender, chamomile neroli, cucumber, strawberry champagne, and pina colada!

These solid sugar scrub cubes offer convenience of a sugar scrub in a solid cube for less mess in the tub! These handmade solid shea butter sugar scrub cubes are all natural except for the fragrance except in the case of the lavender and the chamomile neroli which are completely natural and scented with only pure essential oils. They are made with extra moisturizing shea butter, fine sugar, fraction coconut oil, and an all natural glycerin, shea butter soap base to give you the perfect, exfoliating body scrub in the shower. Shop for these delightful cubes online.

Want a recipe for a simple sugar scrub? Then check out this blog post from last September for a simple how to on making an all natural moisturizing kitchen scrub. A little sugar, a little salt, some olive oil and lemon juice and you've got a jar full of an exfoliating hand scrub that will leave your hands soft and smooth. 

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Unscented Goat Milk Soap back in stock!

My Handmade Natural Unscented Goat Milk Soap made with shea and cocoa butters and colloidal oatmeal from Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen is back in stock. This handmade cold process soap is the perfect soap for anyone suffering from dry or sensitive skin. It is made with wholesome goat milk and contains no added fragrance or colors making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin sufferers. My customers tout this bar as one of their favorites for it's rich moisture and come back to buy time again making this unscented soap a best selling bar.

Made from a combination of olive and rice bran oils, shea butter and cocoa butters, palm and palm kernel oils, this bar is formulated especially for those with normal to dry skin. This natural tan colored soap bar offers a creamy, lotion like lather your skin will love. Colloidal oatmeal provides soothing relief from itching and irritation in combination with the emollient properties of the moisture rich soapmaking oils used that will help to prevent skin from becoming dry and itchy - a problem often cause by traditional, commercial soaps. This handmade soap makes the perfect body and facial soap bar.

Please note that while this soap is unscented, it does have a light, natural chocolate smell from the unrefined cocoa butter used to create each bar. It is not fragrance free, simply void of any added fragrances that may cause problems for those who may be allergic to scents.

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Customer Feedback on my Unscented Goat Milk Soap:
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This is the best soap I’ve ever used! I’ve used some really expensive soaps too! I bought the unscented Goat’s Milk Soap with shea and cocoa butter. It’s like washing with a bar of lotion it’s so moisturizing. I’m glad I stocked up - I’ll be back for more when I run out! Great price and fast shipping - all around 100% positive experience.

This unscented goats milk soap is the only soap I use now. It's so good to my dry skin. Please never stop making it!

the most gentle and moisturizing soap ever!!! my whole family loves it

I really love this soap. As an Afro-American woman I have extremely dry skin, especially my hands. After two days of using this soap, I can already see and feel smoother, more moist skin. I also love the natural clean, fresh smell. I'm a believer, thanks Rebecca.

Best soap I've ever used. Wouldn't switch. Luxuriously moisturizing.

This is the best soap I've ever used! I've used some really expensive soaps too! I bought the unscented Goat's Milk Soap with shea and cocoa butter. It's like washing with a bar of lotion it's so moisturizing. I'm glad I stocked up - I'll be back for more when I run out! Great price and fast shipping - all around 100% positive experience.

I've used this variety of soap now for some months and LOVE it. From the first use, it left my skin moisturized but not greasy or oily. My husband, who takes lots of medications for a medical issue, was experiencing exceedingly DRY skin particularly on his arms. He didn't want to have to apply lotion several times a day, so I suggested he try a bar of THIS soap in his regular shower. HE IS NOW A FAN. He was astonished that from his first use, his skin looked AND felt so much better. It is now his regular soap of choice!! Thank you for helping him out.

POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS, PLEASE NOTE: These bars are NOT like the ones you might find at fairs and festivals...that melt away long before they can provide any benefit beyond an interesting scent. REBECCA's soap is everything she describes and MORE...the bars hold up well in the shower or bath and are long-lasting. The scented bars are subtle but delightful. And bless Rebecca, I always find an intriguing sample or even an extra bar thrown in for good measure on occasion. Always a pleasant surprise. Thank you Rebecca.

THIS GOAT MILK SOAP is FANTASTIC!!! It is everything as described. My face feels smoother and softer, even my hands got to benefit. I would highly recommend for anyone who has sensitive skin or allergies to scents.

I started using this on my boys who have eczema and severely dry skin. It is so moisturizing and I have already noticed a difference in their skin. Thank you!

My daughter and I purchased your soap for dry skin & lotion at the Roanoke Farmer's Market while on vacation. My daughter and her children have soap allergies and have always had trouble problems with their skin & hands. After just two days of using your products, there was a wonderful improvement in their skin. We do not want to use anything but your products! I have ordered several soaps on line after returning from Roanoke.

This soap is amazing! I tried this on my children, who both have eczema, and I could feel the difference in their skin the minute they got out of the tub. I'm thrilled! They will be using the dry skin soap from now on! Thank you so much! 

You can shop for this soap online now from Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen.

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Wild Violets are in Bloom!

Ah, glorious spring! I have wild violets popping up all over my lawn today. I love these plants. They're so pretty. And while they are technically classified as weeds, the leaves have medicinal properties!

Check out this blog post from October 2010 for an amazing salve recipe that utilizes an infusion made from wild violet leaves and plantain. The finished product can be used for insect bites, minor itching and irritation, minor cuts, and also as a nipple cream.

Now that we're seeing violets, those honeysuckle blossoms can't be that far off! Don't wait to enjoy the fragrance though. While supplies last, I am mailing out a free sample of my new Handmade Summer Honeysuckle Shea Butter Soap with every order that does not already include a bar of this scent. 

 

This handmade cold process soap is the perfect uplifting scent for spring and summer. Both floral and feminine, this shea butter soap is an energetic and happy blend of morning glories, honeysuckle, and geranium; rounded out with notes of corn mint, cedarwood, eucalyptus, orange and patchouli. If you love fresh cut flowers and summertime gardens, then you're sure to appreciate the scent of this handmade soap.

Want more on the latest and greatest from Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen? Please check my company out on facebook and give me a like. You'll get photo shots of new soaps that are curing and other cool updates about the biz!

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For the love of books - free printable book plates!

I love to read and I have a ridiculously expanse library of unread books. However, there's always a number of series I'm following at one time, so buying new books is still a requirement. I mean how can I not keep up to date on the latest and greatest by my favorite authors? Money has been exceedingly tight since the divorce and the library apparently hates my taste in fiction, so books are now a luxury when before they were a necessity. I've always bought new books, read them, then passed them on for others to enjoy though so I figure it's karma that allowed me to find the funds to score a hardback recently. I am currently working my way through Pale Demon by Kim Harrison with much ensuing excitement. Remaining on my list are Bullet by Laurel K. Hamilton and River Marked by Patricia Briggs. Anyhow, I figured there are a million other fabulous, brilliant people out there who enjoy there books as much as I do, so I wanted to share some amazing free bookplates I found. 

There are three funky and fun designs to take advantage of and all are available for free download from Orange You Lucky Blog. They aren't laid out in any specific way and each file is individual but you could easily slap them into a program like OpenOffice, resize and set up a page to print a kaboodle of these suckers all at once. And on sticky paper nonetheless. I buy my sticker labels from OnlineLabels.com as I've found they have the best prices of anywhere.

While I know your library is probably in as much chaos as mine, remember that to keep your books and labels in order requires clean hands. And seeing as how this is a fantastic handmade soap blog, I'm going to recommend you check out my newly redesigned website, Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen. You can now order online right from website from someone who loves books as much as you. Check it out, and if you're so inclined, let me know what you think of the new look! I'd also love to hear about your favorite new books and whether your home library is for stashing and saving or reading and sharing!

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